Episode 29 May 26th 2012

Hello and welcome to another episode of Highbrow! Lowbrow? Every two weeks or so we look at the Best Picture Academy Award Winner and top box office earner of the same year to see who was right: the critics or the masses. For this week, we go back to the height of the 80's with two classic films from 1984, the musical biography, Amadeus (Highbrow), and the gritty action comedy, Beverly Hills Cop (Lowbrow).

Amadeus, directed by Milos Forman, is the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart seen through the eyes of Antonio Salieri who lays tortured at the mocking genius of Mozart. Milos Forman yet again shows his mastery of film-making as this film is a fantastic blend of story and style. The way that Mozart's music is described unfolds to the viewer, while Salieri's jealousey and admiration grow, has each note given purpose and beauty. Salieri's desperate way of trying to quell his fears of inadequacy is a story many artist and people in general can relate to, as someone much better comes along and proves your worst fears true. The cinematography and art direction were really strong illustrating both the pomp and squalor of 19th century Vienna. Tom Hulce's Mozart plays a perfect foil to F. Murray Abraham's Salieri with Mozart obnoxiously laughing while also passionately composing against Salieri who remains dedicated but unrewarded. Though not a perfect film, Amadeus brings a great story together executing each element with style and mastery,

Beverly Hills Cop, directed by Martin Brest, stars wise-cracking Eddie Murphy as tough Detroit cop Axel Foley who investigates the murder of his best friend in the posh Beverly Hills.  Despite the fond memories and the box office acclaim, time has not been kind to this film, as it felt stale and boring and somewhat bereft of the humor that it was known for. Neither is the action strong enough to sell the film, Murphy doesn't bring an exciting action hero for us to get us invested. The story is somewhat lackluster as flimsy plot point to flimsy plot point moves Foley from place to place with little direction. Depending on if you are interested in the nostalgic feel of the 80's, this movie would be best suited for those who want to revisit the past rather than view an exciting film.

So which film did we end up choosing? The wise-cracking antics of Foley or the desperate jealousy of Salieri? Check out the next Highbrow! Lowbrow? to find out.

Episode 28 April 8th, 2012

Welcome back to another episode of Highbrow! Lowbrow? the podcast that compares and contrast the Best Picture Academy Award Winner and top box office earner of the same year. We take a look back at yet another set of films from the 1970's, specifically 1970 itself with the two films: the war biography, Patton (Highbrow) and the tragic romance, Love Story (Lowbrow).

Patton, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner,  stars George C. Scott as infamous WWII general George S. Patton Jr. as he faces off against the Germans and the bureaucrats during the 1940's, getting in trouble for his hard hitting and take no prisoners approach to the war. The film feels more like a documentary than a film with Jesse enjoying it more than Shaun as a result. Patton is a really unique persona bringing such ferocity and life to the screen. However the battle scenes left a little to be desired early on, there is almost a cold detachment, which is probably intentional, but made it less engaging. There are some nice moments with George C. Scott as he recites Patton's poetry and peculiar world views, juxtaposing the words with the bizarre military world that vaguely resembles royalty. Patton is an interesting film with strong imagery and words, but lacking a little heart to really engage some viewers.

Love Story, directed by Arthur Hiller, is the story of lovers Jennifer and Oliver who from different backgrounds seek to try and make life work despite their past. Ali Mcgraw and Ryan O'Neal have a strong chemistry as O'Neal plays the straight man to  McGraw's smart alec Jennifer. The melodrama runs rampant in this film, but it's not necessarily a bad thing, as the relationship stays fresh via McGraw and O'Neal's back and forth. This film had some refreshing cinematography to it, really capturing the picturesque landscape in Harvard. The story suffers from some unbelievable plot points with Oliver's dislike of his father not being established and Jennifer's problems arising out of nothing. This film's strength lies in the brief but strong relationship between Jennifer and Oliver as they grow to love each other with their realistic banter and warm romance.

What film did the Highbrow! Lowbrow? duo end up choosing? The melodramatic romance Love Story or the war biography Patton? Listen to the next Highbrow! Lowbrow? to find out.

Episode 27 March 25th, 2012

Hello and welcome to another episode of Highbrow! Lowbrow? Jesse and Shaun get together every two weeks or so to compare and contrast the Best Picture Academy Award Winner and top box office earner of the same year to see who was right: the critics or the masses. Be sure to listen below with the link provided and let us know what you think in the comments. On this episode, we're going to review two movies from 1958: the parisian gala, Gigi (Highbrow) and the wartime musical, South Pacific (Lowbrow).

Gigi, directed by Vincente Minelli, focuses on young Gigi (played by Leslie Caron) being taught the ways of womanhood and courtship as her relationship with playboy Gaston (played by Louis Jourdan) grows more complex and confusing. Mixed feelings abounded this movie as Jesse enjoyed it as a light hearted romp, but Shaun grew tired of it's flighty premise and shallow ended message. There are some pretty fun songs, but they are ultimately forgettable. The set design and resultant atmosphere really crafted the world of old gay Paris. Gigi and Gaston do have some nice chemistry as they have fun together without the trappings of a relationship, but it grows dreary as they begin to realize their feelings are growing. Maurice Chevalier is occasionally charming as Gaston's lecherous uncle, and her aunt is a classically cruel character. Overall, Gigi is a light hearted film that celebrates the gaiety of Paris and romance it fosters but is held back by somewhat of a tired plot.

South Pacific, directed by Joshua Logan, is about an army unit in the South Pacific as they deal with the confusing romantic entanglements they face during wartime in a foreign land. Nellie, an army nurse, courts Emile, a french businessman with ties to the enemy, as she tries to navigate his mysterious past. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Joseph Cable has an island romance with Liat who he is afraid to commit to during wartime. This is a vibrant film especially due to the severe color tinting done in certain scenes. Jesse enjoyed it as a unique and artistic choice, while Shaun felt it wasn't utilized well enough to implement it into the story. There are a ton of several fun songs throughout this film, from the exciting "I'm In Love With a Wonderful Guy", to the catchy "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair." The relationships of both couples (Nellie and Emile, Joseph and Liat) are both rather flimsy, with Nellie having issues with Emile for the wrong reasons and Joseph having a somewhat shady and possibly offensive relationship with Liat. While they may fit for the 1950's, it's hard nowadays to believe great romances that are built off of ignorance. There are a couple of great cameos in the film from Tom Laughlin (the infamous Billy Jack) and Ray Walston (character actor) that add to the fun of the film. Overall, this film has a lot of excitement and fun that make it worth watching despite it's poor story.

So what film did Jesse and Shaun end up picking this week? The light-hearted romance of Gigi or the epic musical that is South Pacfic? Be sure to listen to the latest Highbrow! Lowbrow? to  find out.

Episode 26, March 8th, 2012

Another episode of Highbrow! Lowbrow? is ready for your listening pleasure. Every two weeks or so, Jesse and Shaun review the Best Picture Academy Award Winner and top box office earner of the same year. We're getting in touch with our 80's children selves with the year 1982 and the films Gandhi (Highbrow) and ET The Extra Terrestrial (Lowbrow).

Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough, stars Ben Kingsley as he transforms into Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi the leader of a nonviolent movement to free India from British Rule. The film is fairly long passing the 3 hour mark which is somewhat justified for a man of Gandhi's cultural and societal importance. Ben Kingsley is really exemplary as Gandhi, taking on the role in every facet, from the way he looks as Gandhi becomes more frail and weak in his years, and the way he acts shows Gandhi's unique sense of humor and happy way of approaching life. The story of Gandhi is quite beautiful in how he defied insurmountable odds with peace and nonviolent resistance, showing that peace and decency has a strength of its own. The film feels so grand and epic in scope from the scenic views of India to the massive throngs of people utilized to show the resistance Gandhi inspired. Gandhi is an important movie to see due to Gandhi's effect on the world, but at times the execution of the film can be trying to watch in its entirety.

E.T. The Extraterrestrial, directed by Steven Spielburg, tells the tale of young Elliot as he discovers the mysterious alien, ET, who he tries to help find his way home. This film is a crowd pleaser overall, but it does have some scary elements like when ET grows sick and the authorities invade Elliot's home in such an ominous manner. The film is shot very mysteriously with man's face being hidden from view and most of the movie being veiled in fog and night. As the film ramps to it's finale, it's very exciting as ET and Elliot evade the authorities with help of his brother, Michael. There's a unique sense of realism in how the characters interact, displaying an honest portrayal of family life in the 80's, something that Spielburg tends to execute well in his films. Henry Thomas is a strong child actor in the film really bringing home the final scenes that Elliot and ET share, bringing restraint and sincerity to a very quiet moment. The new effects and CGI brought in the special edition are fairly jarring, because they don't feel organic to the film, leaving us wondering if it may have been better retaining the effects they originally had. ET is a magical, fun yet scary film that still manages to charm us with its mystery, excitement and innocent sense of adventure.

So which film did we end up choosing? The world event that is Gandhi or the magical mystery of ET? Tune in to the next Highbrow! Lowbrow? to find out.

Episode 25, February 26th 2012

Coming to you recorded from the HBLB Studios, Jesse and Shaun bring you a new episode of Highbrow! Lowbrow? As devoted listeners know and new listeners don't, each week we review the Best Picture Academy Award Winner and top box office earner of the same year to see who was right: the critics or the masses. However, we've come across another movie that has received both acclaims, The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (Highbrow and Lowbrow) from the year 2003.

The Lord Of The Ring: The Return Of The King, directed by Peter Jackson, is the third installment of the The Lord Of The Rings franchise, in where Frodo (Elijah Wood) completes the final leg of his journey to destroy the evil ring of power, and Aragorn (Viggo Mortensen) unites the men of Middle Earth against Sauron. This movie can feel pretty long due to it's arduous running time of 201 minutes ( 3 hours 21 minutes). But that's a part of the magic of the films because it adds to the overall epic feeling, a feeling that really emphasizes the scope and sense of journey Jackson is taking you on. The characters all have their own identities and roles from the comedic and odd couple Gimli, the dwarf, and Legolas, the elf, to the corrupt steward, Denethor. The real breakout star of this film is Sean Astin as Samwise Gangee, the simple hobbit, who goes at great lengths to try and make sure Frodo is taken care of and his quest complete. Another really great aspect of the direction in this film is the way the film illustrates the multiple layers that Tolkien implied in the book; on the surface there is a great battle being waged for a gold ring but also conversely we know that we fight battles against the greed in our own hearts. Technically, this movie is a marvel, from the art direction to the cinematography to the titanic army battles , everything is executed impeccably, each element is a part of the majestic world Peter Jackson created. No doubt you've already seen this movie, but if you're up for the journey again, go ahead and give it another watch and embrace the world of hobbits and brave men.

Hear our full takes on this Highbrow and Lowbrow film by listening to the podcast below or on Itunes. So check it out and let us know what you think.

Bonus Episode: Oscars 2012

Continuing the tradition, Highbrow! Lowbrow? is bringing you a special bonus episode on the 2012 Oscars. Just to reiterate for new listeners, Highrbow! Lowbrow? is a podcast where Jesse and Shaun review the top box office earner and Best Picture Academy Award Winner of the same year to see who was right: the critics or the masses. However, since this is Oscar time, we take a look at the nine Oscar nominees for Best Picture to determine who we think should get the Oscar and who will.

The Artist, directed by Michel Hazanavicius, stars Jean Dujardin as a popular silent film star who begins to see his livelihood threatened by the coming of the talkies. This film succeeds on multiple levels using the silent film formula at its best with its fantastic physicality and its heart warming story. This film was a joy to watch and a unique movie going experience that few films have equaled this year.

The Descendants, directed by Alexander Payne, stars George Clooney as Matt King, a land baron whose wife has recently fallen into a coma, trying to keep himself and his daughters together. This movie has a very serene and earthy tone being set in Hawaii and the story is very layered mixing sadness and love in a very touching way. With a strong performance by Clooney and thoughtful direction from Payne, this movie is a frontrunner for the Oscars and deservedly so.

Extremely Loud And Incredibly Close, directed by Stephen Daldry, tells the story of young Oskar Schell, played by Thomas Horn, as he goes on a quest through New York trying to find the meaning behind a key his father left. This film really depends on the strength of Thomas Horn and his character, some found him cloying but Shaun thought his mixture of preciousness and autistic sensibility made him relatable and fun to watch. Though this film received fairly poor reviews overall and has a small likelihood of winning the top prize, consider giving it a watch, it's better than it is credited.

The Help, directed by Tate Taylor, stars Emma Stone as a reporter who is trying to get the real story on how the black maids and servants of the south are really treated. This is a heart warming and female empowering movie with strong performances by Emma stone and Viola Davis as the leading black maid. Although this film feels a little bit like filler on the Oscar nominee list, it's a decently strong tale of fighting racism and taking back your dignity.

Hugo, directed by Martin Scorsese, is the tale of Hugo Cabret as he tries to find the meaning behind his father's last finding, a robot that harkens a forgotten past. There's a lot of heart and warmth to the story, that Martin Scorsese really tells in a grand cinematic scale. This film has some momentum behind it, but doesn't have that extra something to really make it a Best Picture film.

Midnight In Paris, directed by Woody Allen, stars Owen Wilson as a screenwriter trying to find inspiration in Paris but ends up finding magic and more. This film was a really magical experience that introduced some fantastic characters that were brought to life by Woody Allen's direction. This film may not be the Best Picture, but it's a magnificent piece that showcases Woody Allen direction in a fresh yet familiar way.

Moneyball, directed by Bennett Miller, is the story of Billy Beane, played by Brad Pitt, as he tries to make reinvigorate the Oakland A's team despite it's fledgling budget. For fans of the game, the wheeling and dealing of Billy and Peter Brand (played by Jonah Hill) does show an exciting bit of underdog spirit, but some could argue that the film lacked an emotional core. The first of two Brad Pitt films in the nominees, this film has a lot of fans, but it remains to be seen how this will fair with the other contenders.

The Tree Of Life, directed by Terence Malick, is a spiritual and ambigious film that examines life through the eyes of a 1950's midwestern family and the roles of father and mother in one's life. This film is expansive and sprawling maybe almost to a fault, addressing issues of existence and morality in a uniquely artistic manner and with strong religious overtones. This is the indie/artsy hit that fills a role in the Oscar nominees, but with winning the Palm d'Or at Cannes, this could take home the top prize.

War Horse, directed by Steven Spielberg, is the story of a boy and his horse as they endure the tumultuous landscape of England in the First World War. Though this film is shot beautifully and the story is heartwarming, it tends to try one's disbelief as to the length of what people will do to help the horse. It may not seem like this is a frontrunner in the Oscar race, this could be a treat for someone looking for a sincere and hopeful story.

So what Oscar nominee did Jesse and Shaun ultimately pick as their favorite and what movie do they think will win? Check out the latest Highbrow! Lowbrow? to find out.

Episode 24 February 2nd, 2012

Highbrow! Lowbrow? is back with a fresh new episode. Every two weeks or so, Jesse and Shaun review the top box office earner and Best Picture Academy Award Winner of the same year to see who was right: the critics or the masses. For this episode, we take a look at two fairly similar films from the year 1964: My Fair Lady (Highbrow) and Mary Poppins (Lowbrow).

My Fair Lady, directed by George Cukor, stars Audrey Hepburn as Eliza Doolittle, a common peasant girl, who is taken on by Henry Higgins, a linguistic professor, to be taught correct english and proper manners. Both Jesse and Shaun found this movie disappointing due to its dull atmosphere and unyielding length. Although Hepburn is a strong actress in most rights, this movie doesn't suit her because of her lack of singing ability and her grating cockney accent. While her singing is remedied by the dubbed vocals of Marnie Nixon, the cockney accent which may reflect the intentions of the filmmakers is trying to get through. The general stuffiness and drudgery that surrounds the story (high English society) while being poked at is hard to relate to. The songs lack a certain magic or excitement that really brings someone into the musical atmosphere, maybe too much stage performance and not enough movie magic. The final message of the film isn't really tolerance or growth but rather a begrudging acceptance of each other. This film was too far from our spectrum to really enjoy and the musical elements weren't strong enough to bring us in.

Mary Poppins, directed by Robert Stevenson, stars Julie Andrews as the titular Mary Poppins, a magical nanny who takes care of two impish kids who are being ignored by their workaholic father. They go on a variety of adventures learning about love, life and music with good ole Burt, played by Dick Van Dyke. There is magic abound in this movie from the way Mary Poppins floats in and out of life, to the cartoon lands they visit with penguins and horse races. The songs are certainly catchy although they can be a little overlong and many of the tunes stick with you a while after the film is done. Every character is memorable, even the minor characters from the Naval Captain neighbor to the laughing and giggling Uncle Albert who can't stop floating. Similar to the mixing of live action and animation in Song Of The South, the effect is carried through in Mary Poppins and comes off exceedingly well along with half a dozen other special effects that really create the magic of this movie. Mary Poppins is a childhood classic that stands the test of time, and although not a perfect movie, it still remains fun to watch.

So which film did the Highbrow! Lowbrow? duo end up choosing? The "greatest musical of all time" My Fair Lady or the Disney classic Mary Poppins? Be sure and check out the latest Highbrow! Lowbrow? to find out.