I recommend too: Welcome to Smodcast. . .

Kevin Smith, like him or loath him there's no denying the guy has had an impact on filmmaking as sizable as the gut he's always quick to draw attention to. From Clerks to the up-coming Cop Out, the indie director has had a career of varied success. Over the years, he may have lost favor with some critics, but despite all his up's and down's he has managed to hold on to a diehard troupe of fans who are all eager for anything Smith-related.

Flocking to his numerous Evening With performances and snapping up as many signed View Askew products as they can get their hands on, the fans have become his rock. Never one to shy away from publicity or the opportunities presented by the internet, when Kevin Smith announced that he was to start producing a podcast with producer and long time friend Scott Mosier, he took one more step forward in interacting with his fans.

Released weekly, (with a few exceptions) Smodcast, a mish-mash of Smith, Mosier and . . . well you're not that stupid, began in February 2007 and is still going strong today. Discussing everything from his personal life to his experiences with some of Hollywood's biggest stars, Smodcast does something interesting and unique.

It breaks down the barrier between fan and director, giving you a glimpse behind the scenes of not only his day-to-day life but the movie industry of which he is a part of. The processes, the decisions from big business suits - Smith's frank explanations of the various situations he's found himself in over the years are delivered in the foul mouthed conversational style which fans of his movies have come to love.

Smith has never been the type to shy away from talking about himself, and at times Smodcast feels like Smith's weekly therapy session, however Scott Mosier forms the perfect co-host grounding the director with his low key witticisms. Mosier is the brains of Smodcast - the cultured traveler to Smith's self-confessed New Jersey-ite. Just don't ask them anything about Helen Keller.

As with any Smith production there's a fair amount of crude jokes and detailed descriptions of all manner of hypothetical scenarios that always tend to lean towards the sexually explicit and are always hilarious. Nothing is sacred and Smith rarely holds back.

It has inspired Smod-art - hilarious paintings based on various episodes and is one of the top rated free podcasts currently available. Whether you're a fan of Kevin Smith's work or not, Smodcast is an interesting look at the man and the business he's in. With equally hilarious co-hosts making the occasional visit and with it being free, you really have no excuse. So go shoot the shit with Scott and Mosier.

Subscribe to Smodcast here: www.smodcast.com

Or listen to Scott and Kevin read live exerts from the Smodcast book, reciting each others lines talking about an unusual form of heroism.

Documentary: The Devil and Daniel Johnston.

Many of you may already be familiar with the bittersweet documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston, but if you're yet to experience it, now is as good a time as any.

Released in 2006 and filmed by indie documentary filmmaker Jeff Feuerzeig, it's the story of haunted genius. Growing up, the California born Daniel Johnston was full of artistic talent but plagued by a series of mental health problems.

From the brief highs of his professional career to the profound lows of his personal life, we see Johnston as a tortured soul. Musician and artist, in his prime he was revered by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam and yet oblivious. Fuelled by an unrequited love, when he released his creative energy he in turn cleansed his demons and the young man full of promise could be glimpsed once more. However the calm was not always long lasting.

By combining home movie footage (of which there was plenty) with candid interviews of friends and family, Feuerzeig chronicles Johnston's unusual life.

The result is a tale of a man at war with himself and his own mind, touching, heartbreaking and at times funny, it's guaranteed to stay with you.

Thankfully, since the documentaries release in 2006, Daniel's mental health has improved and he continues to play music and tour. In fact he'll be in the UK later this year.

Up In The Air - Reviewed

Ryan Bingham lives in the air. Travelling from company to company, hired to let employees of other companies know they're fired, he has no home or time for commitments. Ryan is married to his job and in case you were wondering, Ryan Bingham loves his life.

Jason Reitman's follow up to 2007's Juno sees the director aim slightly higher than teenage indie comedy. With Up In The Air he proves he can handle adults just as well as sassy knocked up teens whilst keeping his alternative rom-com charm.

George Clooney may have been no stranger to the big screen in 2009, starring in no less than three films during late November and early December, but no performance is as intimate or compelling as Ryan Bingham.

Makes you wonder if Clooney, a self confessed ladies man with no intention of settling down anytime soon can see the comparison, but maybe that's what makes him so interesting to watch.

Giving self help talks on the dangers of life commitments, Ryan asks audiences to pack their lives into a backpack; their possessions, even their relationships - all to re-enforce his simple life philosophy. As he eloquently puts it "the slower we move the faster we die" and as such Ryan has an inability to stay in one place for too long.

When Natalie, a young professional with her eyes on the prize but her heart on her sleeve suggests firing people via webcam, thus making travelling unnecessary Ryan's cushy existence is thrown, well, up in the air.

Battling his corner, he attempts to prove to Natalie that the face-to-face approach is crucial by inviting her on a firing spree. All the while aiming for ten million frequent flyer miles, an achievement only seven other people have accomplished. These are the things that Ryan finds important, and he's confident that he knows what he wants.

At least he thinks he does. Along the journey, it becomes clear that Ryan is more confused than he lets on. Achieving his goals only to question whether they're what he really wanted, and with young Natalie fighting the corner of love and companionship, soon he beings questioning his philosophy on life.

At its core, Up In The Air is a study of relationships, how they define you, how they consume you and how they can save your life, even if they do tend to ground you in one place.

Reitman proves once again that he's one of today's best indie filmmakers, Jason Bateman puts on a serious face and you can no doubt expect to see more of Anna Kendrick in the future. Famous faces including Zack Galifianakis, J.K. Simmons and Danny McBride appear briefly, cleverly mixed with what appear to be real life testimonials from recently unemployed members of the public, however they all carry the same message: everybody needs a co-pilot.

Up In The Air is at cinemas 15th January.

2010

All of this years big releases may have already hit cinemas, with Jim Cameron's Avatar living up to all the hype and Sherlock Holmes cracking the case of the Christmas opening day, so it's time to see what we can expect from 2010.

Archers Bows and Rabbit Holes gave you a taster of two films on offer in the coming year and here are two more. Both are sure to be huge hits but one may be more flashy than the other...

Iron Man 2

Ireviewtoo provided the lowdown on shellheads return to the big screen back in June (whip it up) but the first official trailer which was released yesterday sheds more light on the explosive sequel.

Whiplash whips, Tony Stark smooches and Pepper Potts pouts - mix these with Sam Jackson's Nick Fury, the newly recast Don Cheadle as War Machine, Sam Rockwell's Justin Hammer and Scarlett Johansson in a leather jump suit and what's not to like?

Check it out below.

Iron Man 2 jets into cinemas May 7th 2010.

Hot Tub Time Machine.

Yeah, it may be pretty much self explanatory, but this could be the comedy film of 2010. When four friends find themselves in a bit of a rut, they decide to return to the ski resort which was once their party pad.

After a night of heavy drinking they find themselves transported back to 1986 via their time traveling hot tub. It's just random enough to be funny.

John Cusack, Craig Robinson, Rob Corddry and the awesome Clark Duke (if you haven't discovered Clark and Michael yet, what are you doing? Go get discovering!) are the foursome from the future, they'll be joined by comedy legend Chevy Chase in an extended cameo and Crispin Glover AKA George McFly.

There's a red band trailer floating about for those who enjoy swear words, but the green band trailer is funnier. Check it out below!

Hop in the Hot Tub Time Machine on 19th March 2010.

Archers bows and rabbit holes.

The art of movie trailers. Even if the final product turns out to be worse than Pearl Harbor, you can guarantee that the two minute, perfectly edited trailer will get you raring to go. Showing you just enough to leave you wanting more, in some cases the trailers end up being more satisfying than the actual film.

The same might be true for these two up coming movies, only time will tell, but for now enjoy their newly released trailers. After all, they may be the best bit.

Alice in Wonderland.

News regarding Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland has made a couple of appearances on Ireviewtoo (Follow the White Rabbit for more information) so i wont go into too much detail plot wise.

Released today, the new trailer gives us a glimpse of Alice on the verge of marriage and in need of an escape. Alice runs into the past to avoid her future and returns to a world she thought she had forgotten. Check it out below.

Alice in Wonderland is released on 5th March 2010.

Robin Hood.


Ridley Scott once again teams up with hot headed Aussie Russell Crowe to bring us Robin Hood, the man behind the myth.

Scott's take on the outlaw's familiar tale is grounded very much in reality, and historically accurate, so if you were expecting green tights, sorry to disappoint. The action-packed trailer conjures up images of Gladiator, suggesting that this could be similar tale of one mans struggles against higher powers.

Co starring Cate Blanchett as Maid Marian, William Hurt as Sir William Marshall (he actually existed in Robin Hood-y times don't ya know) and the soon to be nemesis of Sherlock Holmes Mark Strong as Sir Godfrey, Robin Hood will no doubt be stealing box office gold come May 14th 2010.

The Deathly Hallows.

Some cool footage from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 has found its way onto the internet. Appearing on copies of The Half Blood Prince DVD's, it will no doubt form the teaser trailer for the first of the two part finale.

Showing Harry interrogating Ollivander about the Deathly Hallows, our first look at Griphook and some shots of the trio on the run in London; sets the tone well. UPDATE - The footage has now been officially released, check it out below!

For those unfamiliar with the novel, flying solo this time around, Harry, Ron and Hermione must locate the remaining horecruxs and destroy them. At the same time they must learn as much as they can about the deathly hallows - three magical objects that when combined make the owner master of death. Oh, and Voldermort and his evil cronies are after them non stop.

Expect all the back catalogue of British talent to return, along with Rhys Ifans as Xenophilius Lovegood, Luna's father, New Moon star Jamie Campbell Bower as a young Grindlewald - Dumbledore's friend turned foe and Bill Nighy as the ruthless minister for magic Rufus Scrimgeour (totally called it).

Expect a better quality version soon, but in the mean time check out the clip and a pic that will no doubt be familiar to fans of the book!

(It's Harry, Ron and Hermione in disguise about to break into Gringotts)

Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1 is released on the 19th November 2010.

Fantastic Mr Fox - Reviewed

Say what you want about floppy haired filmmaker Wes Anderson. Whether you think he's obsessed with his own in jokes, or he's an amazing auteur, there's no denying the guy has talent.

With his latest release Fantastic Mr Fox, Anderson takes his obsessive-compulsive brand of movie making into the painstaking realm of stop motion animation.

Stepping into territory usually reserved for the likes of Tim Burton or Henry Selick, it's a risky transition for any director to make, and for the most part he pulls it off.

An adaptation of the beloved Roald Dahl tale, it's a cussing adult film wrapped in the colourful trappings of a kid's film, complete with all the fractured personalities you will have come to expect from the director.

Mr Fox wants what's best for his family - a better, safer home, but by acquiring it he puts his entire furry community at risk from three ruthless and bitter farmers, Boggins, Bunce and Bean.

Of course Anderson inflects his own spin on the story. This results in a frayed relationship between Mr Fox and his young son Ash coupled with some competitive rivalry from fox cousin Kristofferson.

All the Anderson regulars are present; Jason Schwartzman is perfect as Mr Fox' s moody son, Bill Murray goes wild as Badger, the unlikely demolitions expert and Michael Gambon provides a suitably evil foe as farmer Bean. However, a little more of Owen Wilson's Coach Skip wouldn't have gone amiss.

New comers George Clooney as a Fox going through a mid life crisis and Meryl Streep as his wife and pillar of support gel seamlessly with the directors style, let's hope they become familiar faces in the Anderson universe.

One of the biggest criticisms of Fantastic Mr Fox has been that it's too quirky, as if critics want to tone Wes Anderson down or make him more mainstream.

Thankfully, Fantastic Mr Fox isn't your run of the mill animation, it's different, and in the words of Mrs Fox, "there's something kind of fantastic about being different."

Moon - Reviewed

It's ironic that the first feature film from the son of "The man who fell to earth" heads back up towards the stars. Duncan Jones or Zowie Bowie (son of David) as he was previously known, provides not only a strong film making debut, but an impressive homage to all the low-key sci-fi films of the 70's and 80's.

Moon's gripping story is matched only by its aesthetically pleasing set pieces, full of retro space suits and sterile white space stations.

Borrowing from films such as 2001: A Space Odyssey and THX1388, Moon references the paranoia fiction that came before it. The final product is an authentic feeling genre pick and mix that avoids feeling like a cheap rip off or copy.

For the past three years company man Sam Bell has been living on a lunar base mining Helium-3, an energy source which the earth has become dependent on. His only contact with home is through pre-recorded video messages and his sole companion is the ship's computer GERTY superbly voiced by Kevin Spacey.



He's down to the final two weeks of his gruelling shift and...well you wouldn't be reading this if he got home without a hitch. After making a chilling discovery, he's forced to question his sanity and humanity, all the while desperately longing to return home to his wife and young daughter.

Of course, the make or break aspect of Moon is Sam Rockwell's performance which reminds us all of his severely underrated talent.

Bouncing off the walls of his claustrophobic ship, Rockwell is great. Whether you're watching him talk to his plants or emotionally breaking down, there's not one moment where you feel the film would benefit from the presence of another actor.

Having said that, Kevin Spacey's vocal contribution is equally exceptional. Displaying emotions via various smiley faces; does GERTY actually have Sam's best interests in his digital mind? You're never quite sure.

By going back to basics, Duncan Jones has fired himself onto the list of directors worth paying attention to. Proving that less is definitely more, Moon is the most compelling sci-fi film of recent years.

Christmas In Disguise.

Well, it's that time of year again. The presents have all been opened, the family's full of turkey and you've plonked yourself in front of the TV in an attempt to sift through all the cheesy holiday specials and re-runs of E.T for something worthwhile to watch.

Sometimes you can be overloaded by the warm fuzzy feeling Christmas movies like It's a Wonderful Life or The Muppet Christmas Carol provide. Sometimes all you need is a little of that dark Scrooge sentiment to counter balance the abundance of good will.

You know what they say, the best things can be found in the most unlikely of places. Here are five seasonal spectaculars that have a little more to them than a fat bearded man and some dodgy child acting.

Gremlins - Joe Dante - 1984

Most people remember this Joe Dante B-movie for its little green monsters - and that's fine, but it's also important to remember it as a silly seasonal scare.

Billy Peltzer has a Christmas-crisis on his hands after receiving an unusual present from his father. We all know the rules: don't get them wet, don't feed them after midnight, no direct sunlight, but we didn't tune in to see a yawn inducing Yule-tide movie.

Pretty soon Billy finds his small town overrun with mini mischief makers. Smoking, drinking, terrorising residents - a silent night, it's not.

A Christmas film with bite. Perfect for all those who enjoy dark comedies or just want to scare the kids.


Die Hard - John Mctiernan - 1988

Who said exchanging presents and terrorism can't be mutually exclusive? One of the best action films ever made is also one of the most unlikely Christmas films.

When you think of memorable quotes from Die Hard you probably think of "Yippie Kay Ay mother-fucker" but what about the gem "Now I have a machine gun, ho ho ho"?

That's right, surrounding this gun-totting blockbuster are all the trimmings of a holiday special.

Officer John McClane must saves hostages from Hans Gruber, the slick German thief who's intent on ruining Christmas for all inhabitants of the Nakatomi Plaza Building.

So don't settle for the usual quiet BOxing Day watching Wallace and Gromit, lock and load with Bruce Willis instead.



Batman Returns - Tim Burton - 1992

With Batman Returns, macabre director Tim Burton chose the season of good will to accompany Bruce Wayne back onto the screen. There's something special about Burton's representation of Christmas; his expressive use of black and white contrasted against the garish candy colours creates a spectacular experience.

As Christopher Walken's hardnosed mogul Max Shreck prepares to switch on the holiday lights, Gotham gets one Christmas present it could do without - a reject circus act terrorising the city, courtesy of The Penguin. Cue the Dark Knight.

With so many outlandish characters and extravagant set pieces, it's easy to forget the Christmassy qualities of Batman Returns, but make no mistake, it's a holiday must.




Trading Places - John Landis - 1983

When thinking of Trading Places in the Christmas category, most people will only remember Jamie Lee Curtis exposing her baubles, but think a little harder and the image of a disheveled gun wielding Santa should spring to mind too.

This often overlooked seasonal tale sees Dan Aykroyd as a snob and Eddie Murphy as a petty criminal forced to swap roles due to a bet between two wealthy businessmen.

There's no better way to show the full extent of Louis Winthorpe III's fall from grace than seeing his deprived, dirty Santa Claus desperately trying to regain the life he once had.

Although Christmas is not integral to the plot, its presence in background adds weight to this rags to riches story starring two comedy greats in their prime.



The Star Wars Holiday Special - Steve Binder/David Acomba - 1978

Okay, so there's no hiding the fact that this is a holiday special - it's in the title after all - but it's also one installment the Star Wars franchise could do without.

George Lucas used everything short of The Force to pull all copies of The Star Wars Holiday Special from the shelves due to its cringe-worthy poor quality.

Based around Lifeday, a Wookie holiday suspiciously simulating Jesus' birthday, Han Solo has the job of accompanying Chewbacca home to the planet of Kashyyyk so he can celebrate with his hairy family.

Surprisingly the entire cast make an appearance, alongside some bizarre segments including dodgy musical numbers, bad comedy skits and even circus acts.

It may not be in disguise, but you can guarantee cast and crew wish it was.

Up In The Air

From voicing a fantastic fox to staring at goats, cinema has had a brief Clooney overload, however he may have saved the best for last with Up In The Air.

Ryan Bingham's job is to tell other people they're out of a job. Travelling from company to company, building up his frequent flyer miles and occasionally giving self help speeches about how to simplify your life - he's happy.

However, behind the fast paced lifestyle lies a hollow man with no real connection to anyone.

When Ryan's cushy existence is threatened by Alex, (Vera Farminga) a career-driven rookie who suggests that the travelling aspect of his job could be cut out, he is forced to take her on the road and prove to her that it's necessary.

With a impressive supporting cast consisting of Jason Bateman, Danny McBride, Zack Galifianakis and J.K Simmons, Juno director Jason Reitman once again proves to be a film maker worth paying attention to.



Up In The Air is released on 15th January 2010.