Films I saw in theaters in 2006

BLACK ORPHEUS (1959) (6 June) -- It wasn't until the sixth month of the year I returned to the cinema and it was to see two old classics shown at the Seattle International Film Festival. This colorful, energetic film that transplants the Orpheus and Eurydice legend to 1950s Brazil during carnival times played to a packed house at the Neptune Theater. It's a lot of fun seeing one of your favorites with an enthusiastic crowd.

HELLO DOLLY (1969) (12 June) -- I enjoyed watching this movie musical as well, but it was not the film but a projected DVD of it. I am unhappy about that trend at film fests. The evening began across the street from the Harvard Exit movie house with a soiree. Plates of hors d'ouerves and glasses of champagne were handed around as members of a current stage production of "Hello Dolly" sang the title song for the gathered. Then it was off to the film which was introduced by local restaurant owner whiz Tom Douglas who had chosen the musical personally as part of a four part series of local celebrities presenting classic films.

PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN 2: DEAD MAN'S CHEST (8 July) -- My friend Poul and I went to this great summer popcorn movie. Good, goofy fun with some rollicking set pieces. Fantastic score by Hans Zimmer -- although orchestral, it makes the hardest rock music seem feeble by comparison.

XANADU (1980) (14 July) -- Certainly one of the strangest and most unique movie nights I've ever had. I love this harshly criticized film which I think is the only movie musical to capture the old MGM flavor since the 1950s. So I was delighted to be able to see it with a crowd. Again a projected DVD, but this was understandable as it was being shown outdoors in a park near the Space Needle! Happily, it was a warm, dry evening. Before the movie was run there was a trivia contest. I raised my hand during the third question ("Which classic movie also quotes Coleridge's 'Xanadu' poem? Answer: "Citizen Kane") and won the grand prize. I received bags full of many items including a watch, coffee, a DVD game and a free reservation at a new hotel. See, I knew liking this movie would eventually pay off for me! LOL

LADY IN THE WATER (28 July) -- I'm a big fan of M. Night Shyamalan and LITW is another wonderful speculative fantasy from him. I suppose because of Bob Balaban's character of a film critic, who is gently ribbed in the story, the real film critics proved what useless idiots they are by criticizing this film with incredible venom. I very much hope that as the internet grows, the professional film critic will become extinct. Think about it, what do we need them for these days of instant information access? Anyway, Paul Giamatti stars in this nifty fable that takes place solely at an apartment complex.

MIAMI VICE (12 August) -- Somewhat disappointing. I like Michael Mann's "Collateral" and I enjoyed seeing the mid-1980s episodes of the show on DVD last summer, but this film version is just so-so -- lacking the resonance of both the old series and "Collateral."

THE BLACK DAHLIA (21 September) -- My guilty pleasure director, Brian DePalma, back with another stylish, handsome, although lurid thriller (based on a James Ellroy novel.) William Finley has a role in this movie which delights a DePalma freak like me but means nothing to anyone else. (Finley acted in many of his 1960s-70s movies) I'm glad I saw this in a theater --DePalma knows how to use the wide frame -- but I also detected a lot of missing material. I was hoping that the DVD would have a longer cut, but not so. And, oh yes, Hilary Swank is terrible. lol. Good melodramatic score from Mark Isham.

THE ILLUSIONIST (28 September) -- The first of two turn of the century magician films I saw this fall ("The Prestige" being the other.) Paul Giamatti, with Edward Norton as the suave title role. I enjoyed this a lot. A burnished look to the visuals, a typically swirling Philip Glass score, a great love story and a clever ending.

THE DEPARTED (10 October) -- A gritty, violent, exciting cops and robbers movie. I have some problems with director Martin Scorsese, but I'll admit this is one of his most pulled-together films with some plot twists that had the audience literally gasping. Mark Wahlberg steals all the scenes he's in with his perpetually profane and hard-edged cop role.

THE MUSIC LOVERS (1971) (22 October) -- I first saw this Ken Russell deconstruction of Tchaikovsky's romanticism in 1986 at the Neptune. It changed my view of movies. I became a fan of wide-screen films, and Russell's manipulation of narrative was heavily influential on my own writings. I had longed to see this again in a theater. I was very excited to get the chance again. The question was -- would it be the film or a projected DVD? Fortunately is was the film, a beautiful print. And I was thrilled and my soul and heart were stirred once again by this incredible movie. I have the VHS of it...but this NEEDS to be seen in a cinema.

THE PRESTIGE (30 October) -- The OTHER magician film. This one stars Hugh Jackman and Christian Bale as rival illusionists. David Bowie appears too as Nikola Tesla, the electronic genius. The main twist in this film is not a surprise, but I enjoyed this a whole experience of entering the world of the story.

THE QUEEN (5 November) -- Quite interesting seeing a historical film about England's royalty....that takes place in 1997. In the aftermath of Princess Diana's death, Queen Elizabeth and Tony Blair attempt to handle the touchy situation. Perfectly acted, written, photographed and scored.

A GOOD YEAR (19 November) -- Pure ambrosia. I'm really sorry this movie failed at the box office. Russell Crowe is at his charming and rakish best as an aggressive London businessman who inherits a fading chateau and vineyard in Provence. A very playful, bawdy, lovely film. I want to live in Provence now! lol

CASINO ROYALE (24 November) -- I have been a James Bond fan for 30 years. I gave up after the last film, "Die Another Day" which was the nadir. This new film is one of the best ever, I'm happy to say. The last moment of the movie is a triumphant announcement of Bond's movie comeback. The audience in the theater cheered.

THE BIG SLEEP (1946) (28 November) -- Another old classic of mine - my favorite 1940s private eye movie, dripping with atmosphere and humor. I saw this at funky ol' Grand Illusion Theatre. It must have been the projectionist's first day on the job -- he or she messed up every reel change. lol. Like I said, a funky movie house!

THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (17 December) -- Will Smith at his best. Based on the experiences of Chris Gardner (whose book I read soon after), it's an amazing story of stamina and determination in the face of losing everything.

APOCALYPTO (19 December) -- Fast-paced adventure with the ancient Mayans. One thing Mel Gibson can't be faulted for is his ability to stimulate real thrills from an audience.