I was a one-armed Siberian Shaman in a former life. No, really. I was. Serious.

The End of Evangelion
[pic3]

Starring a bunch of Japanese or American voice-over actors, depending on which dub you'd prefer to listen to.
Written by Hideaki Anno, Shinji Higuchi & Kazuya Tsurumaki
Directed by Hideaki Anno & Kazuya Tsurumaki
Genre: Sci-Fi/Animation
Released: 1997
Running time: 87 minutes.
Rat... continue reading

Arrested Development

Starring Jason Bateman, Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Alia Shawkat, Tony Hale, David Cross, Jeffrey Tambor and Jessica Walter.
Written by various.
Directed by various.
Created by Mitchell Hurwitz
Genre: Comedy.
Released: 2003-2013
Running time: 22 mins per episode. Plus a... continue reading

'The City of Lost Children' (or 'La Cité des Enfants Perdus', to use its French title) Starring Ron Perlman, Judith Vittet, Daniel Emilfork and Dominique Pinon.

Written by Gilles Adrien, Marc Caro, Jean-Pierre Jeunet.
Directed by Marc Caro & Jean-Pierre Jeunet
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Creepy Surrealist French film
R... continue reading

A lot of the songs that have been focused on in Masterpiece Mixtape up until now have been – for lack of a better way of putting it – white boy rock epics. I thought this week it might make for a nice change of pace to turn down the lights, scatter the bean bags, burn the incense, slow things down a little and make the... continue reading

I've never really been a fan of musicals. I think it's that I find the song writing in them, generally, to be too fanciful. But as much as I dislike musicals, I really, really dislike rock musicals. For the longest time, however, I couldn't work out why. Then I saw Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and I worked out what the p... continue reading

Picking just one song of Jeff Buckley's to represent his body of work is a tough choice. Everyone has their favourite. I think if you were to ask most people, they'd probably choose his cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, which is generally regarded as the definitive version of the song. It's easy to see why, with its... continue reading

Tom Waits is an interesting figure in the landscape of popular music. Rarely do we find artists who are so highly influential and yet so anonymous. Often, when I mention Tom Waits in conversation with people I'm met with only blank stares. Those unfamiliar with his music listen to it for the first time and always get t... continue reading

Chances are you've heard the music of Jon Crosby. Chances are you also have no idea who he is.
 
Crosby is the driving force behind the critically-lauded, popularly-ignored industrial rock band VAST. I call VAST an industrial rock group for lack of a better term. Quite simply, there's no other band that blends m... continue reading

If you've been following The Cheers for a while now, you might remember a column I did a while back called Masterpiece Cinema. A weekly exploration of under-appreciated films, Masterpiece Cinema would look at a single movie and discuss both its positives and its shortcomings, and why it might be worth a look.
 
... continue reading

Brazil
Starring Jonathan Pryce, Kim greist, Robert De Niro, Bob Hoskins, Ian Holm, Michael Palin.
Written by Terry Gilliam, Tom Stoppard, Charles McKeown.
Directed by Terry Gilliam
Genre: Drama / Comedy / Sci-Fi
Released: 1985
Running time: 131 mins
IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0088846/

... continue reading

Ong-Bak Starring Tony Jaa, Petchtai Wongkamlao. Written by Prachya Pinkaew, Panna Rittikrai, Suphachai Sithiamphan. Directed by Prachya Pinkaew Genre: Martial Arts Released: 2003 Running time: 101 mins. Rated: R (American rating for strong violence, language, some drug use and sexuality) IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/t... continue reading

25th Hour Starring Edward Norton, Rosario Dawson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper, Brian Cox, Anna Paquin. Written by David Benioff (Based on his book) Directed by Spike Lee Genre: Drama Released: 2002 Running time: 135 minutes. Rated: R (American rating for Strong Language and Violence). IMDb link: http://us.im... continue reading

The Truman Show Starring Jim Carrey, Laura Linney, Ed
Harris
Written by Andrew Niccol
Directed by Peter Weir
Genre: Drama / Comedy

Released: 1998Running time: 103 minsRated: PG (American rating thematic
elements and mild language)

IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0120382/

I remember walking out... continue reading

In This World Starring: Jamal Udin Torabi and Enayatullah.Written by: Tony GrisoniDirected by: Michael Winterbottom.Genre: Drama.Released: 2002.Running time: 88 mins.Rated: R (American rating for brief strong language).IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0310154/
Michael Winterbottom’s latest film, 9 Songs, has just... continue reading

Red Dwarf Starring Chris Barrie, Craig Charles, Danny John-Jules, Robert Llewellyn, Norman Lovett, et al. Written by Rob Grant, Doug Naylor, et al. Directed by Various Genre: Sci-Fi / Comedy Released: 1988 - Present Rated: Varies between episodes. IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0094535/ If you’re from England –... continue reading

Shock & Awe: The Tour       Starring Henry Rollins Written by Henry Rollins Genre: Comedy Released: 2004 Link: http://21361.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=2&Product_Code=2142&Category_Code=Videos Whenever I ask the question, “Have you he... continue reading

Starring Michael Moore, Roger Smith, many others (as themselves). Directed by Michael Moore. Genre: Documentary Released: 1989 Running time: 91 mins. Rated: R (American rating). IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0098213/ Long before he was making documentaries that raked in hundreds of millions of dollars - while a... continue reading

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith Starring Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Ian McDiarmid, Samuel L Jackson and Frank Oz as the voice of Yoda. Written & directed by George Lucas. Genre: Drama / Sci-Fi. Released: 2005. Running time: 140 mins. Rated: PG-13 (American rating for sci-fi vio... continue reading

The Transformers: The Movie Starring the voices of Judd Nelson, Leonard Nimoy, Robert Stack, Eric Idle, Orson Welles, Peter Cullen and Frank Welker, amongst many, many others. Written by Ron Friedman. Directed by Nelson Shin. Genre: Animated / Action / Sci-Fi. Released: 1986. Running time: 84 mins. Rated: PG (American... continue reading

Gods & Monsters Starring Ian McKellen, Brendan Fraser. Written & directed by Bill Condon (based on the novel by Christopher Bram). Genre: Drama / Biopic. Released: 1998. Running time: 105 mins. Rated: R (American rating for sexual material and language). In recent years I’ve become a really big fan of Ian McKel... continue reading

Last Night Starring Don McKellar, Sandra Oh, Sarah Polley, Trent McMullen. Written by Don McKellar Directed by Don McKellar Genre: Drama (There are so many ‘End of the World’ movies now that, like football movies and high school movies, they deserve their own section at Blockbuster) Released: 1998 Running time: 95 minu... continue reading

Coldblooded Starring Jason Priestley, Kimberley Williams, Peter Riegert, Robert Loggia. Written & directed by Wallace Wolodarsky. Genre: Black comedy. Released: 1995. Running time: 92 mins. Rated: R (American rating for some graphic violence, sexual dialogue and language). Released in 1995 just as Jason Priestley’s... continue reading

Manhunter Starring William L Petersen, Tom Noonan, Brian Cox, Kim Griest, Joan Allen, Dennis Farina. Written by Michael Mann (based on the book by Thomas Harris). Directed by Michael Mann. Genre: Thriller. Released: 1986 Running time: 119 mins. Rated: R (American rating) IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0091474/ S... continue reading

Okay, so before we start out this week, I’d just like to take a little time and relate something to you, my loyal readership. Last week, I mentioned how there had been a great deal more hits being made on the column, with a surprisingly large amount of people taking a look through the backlog of articles. As it turns o... continue reading

‘Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead’ Starring Tim Roth, Gary Oldman, Richard Dreyfuss. Written by Tom Stoppard Directed by Tom Stoppard Genre: Comedy/Drama (does ‘Shakespearean’ count as a genre? Yes, no?) Released: 1990 Running time: 112 minutes. Rated: PG. A strange thing has been happening lat... continue reading

Ah! My Goddess! The Movie Starring a bunch of Japanese or English voice-over actors, depending on which dub you’d prefer to listen to. Written by Michiko Yokote and Kôsuke Fujishima. Directed by Hiroaki Gôda. Genre: Sci-Fi/Animation Released: 2000 Running time: I don’t know. How slack of me. Rated... continue reading

Velvet Goldmine Starring Jonathan Rhys-Meyers, Ewan McGregor, Christian Bale, Toni Collette and Eddie Izzard. Written by James Lyons and Todd Haynes. Directed by Todd Haynes. Genre: Drama / Pseudo-biopic. Released: 1998 Running time: 124 mins. Rated: R (American rating for strong sexual content, nudity, language and dr... continue reading

‘Can’t Hardly Wait’ Starring Ethan Embry, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Lauren Ambrose, Seth Green...the list goes on and on. Written by Harry Elfont & Deborah Kaplan. Directed by Harry Elfont & Deborah Kaplan. Genre: Comedy / Drama / Teen film. Released: 1998 Running time: 100 mins. Rated: PG-13 (American rating... continue reading

‘Pink Floyd The Wall’ Starring Bob Geldof. Written by Roger Waters. Directed by Alan Parker. Genre: Drama / Music / Once again, another head trip of a movie. Released: 1982 Running time: 95 mins. Rated: IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0084503/
I find it hard to believe that it’s taken me over forty instalments o... continue reading

Open Hearts Starring Mads Mikkelsen, Sonja Richter, Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Paprika Steen. Written by Susanne Bier & Anders Thomas Jensen. Directed by Susanne Bier. Genre: Drama Released: 2002 Running time: 113 mins. Rated: R (American rating for language and sexuality). IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0315543/
Yo... continue reading

‘Cannibal! The Musical’ Starring Trey Parker (as Juan Schwarz), Matt Stone, Jason McHugh, Robert Muratore, Dian Bachar. Written by Trey Parker & Matt Stone (uncredited). Directed by Trey Parker. Genre: Comedy / Musical Released: 1996 Running time: 95 mins. Rated: R (American rating for comic gore, violence and some... continue reading

Donnie Darko: The Director’s Cut Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Holmes Osborne, Mary McDonnell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Patrick Swayze, Drew Barrymore, Noah Wyle. Written & Directed by Richard Kelly. Genre: Drama / Thriller / Sci-Fi / Comedy. Released: 2001 Re-Released: 2004 Running time: 133 min. Rated: R (American rating ... continue reading

Mon Oncle Starring Jacques Tati. Written & Directed by Jacques Tati. Genre: Comedy Released: 1958 Running time: 110 min. Rated: G IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0050706/
Remember, way back in the very first installment of this here column,
how I said I wouldn’t be discussing pretentious Frenc... continue reading

‘Bad Taste’ Starring Terry Potter, Pete O’Herne, Craig Smith, Mike Minett, Peter Jackson. Written & Directed by Peter Jackson. Genre: Comedy / Horror / Sci-Fi Released: 1987 Running time: 91 mins. Rated: R (American rating for comic gore, violence and some language). IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0092610/... continue reading

Hi, everyone. Hope you had a merry Christmas because if you didn't, I'm kinda screwed... ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Starring Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara. (Voices) Written by Tim Burton (Story) & Michael McDowell (Adaptation) and Caroline Thompson (Screenplay). Directed by Henry Selick. Genr... continue reading

‘The Dark Crystal’ Starring . Written by Jim Henson & David Odell. Directed by Jim Henson & Frank Oz. Genre: Fantasy Released: 1982 Running time: 93 mins. Rated: PG (American rating). IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0083791/
For some reason, the 1980s was a great time for fantasy films…or at
least, it ... continue reading

Buffy the Vampire Slayer Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, Nicholas Brendan, Anthony Stewart Head, James Marsters and many others. Written & Directed by various. Created by Joss Whedon. Genre: Drama / Horror / Action / Comedy / Fantasy / Sci-Fi / Lotsa things Released: 1997-2003 Running time: General... continue reading

"Igby Goes Down"Starring Kieran Culkin, Claire Danes, Jeff Goldblum, Amanda Peet, Ryan Phillippe, Susan Sarandon and Bill Pullman. Written & Directed by Burr Steers. Genre: Drama / Comedy Released: 2002 Running time: 97 mins. Rated: R (American rating for language, sexuality and drug content).IMDb link:... continue reading

Death Race 2000 Starring David Carradine, Sylvester Stallone. Written by Ib Melchior (story), Robert Thom, Charles B. Griffith. Directed by Paul Bartel. Genre: Sci-Fi / Action / Comedy Released: 1975 Running time: 79 mins. Rated: R (American rating) IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0072856/
For years, Id been hea... continue reading

Dark City Starring Rufus Sewell, William Hurt, Kiefer Sutherland, Jennifer Connelly. Written by Alex Proyas, Lem Dobbs, David S. Goyer. Directed by Alex Proyas.Genre: Thriller/ Drama / Action / Noir / Sci-Fi Released: 1998 Running time: 100 mins. Rated: R (American rating) IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0118929/... continue reading

Atlantis: The Lost Empire Starring Michael J. Fox, Cree Summer, James Garner, Leonard Nimoy, Claudia Christian, John Mahoney. Written by Tab Murphy, et al. Directed by Gary Trousdale & Kirk Wise. Genre: Animated / Action-Adventure Released: 2001 Running time: 95 mins. Rated: PG for animated violence (the first Disn... continue reading

Trainspotting Starring Ewan McGregor, Johnny Lee Miller, Ewen Bremner, Robert Carlyle. Written by John Hodge (based on the book by Irvine Welsh). Directed by Danny Boyle. Genre: Drama / Comedy Released: 1996 Running time: 94 mins.
Rated: R (American rating for for graphic heroin use and resulting
depravity, strong la... continue reading

The GameStarring Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, Deborah Unger. Written by John D. Brancato & Michael Ferris. Directed by David Fincher. Genre: Thriller Released: 1997 Running time: 128 mins. Rated: R (American rating for language and some violence and sexual themes) IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0119174/
Many... continue reading

Oz Starring Harold Perrineau Jr., Lee Tergesen, JK Simmons, Christopher Meloni, and many others. Written & Directed by various. Created by Tom Fontana. Genre: Drama Released: 1997-2003 Running time: Generally 50 mins, give or take. Rated: About as hard a rating you could get, really. IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/t... continue reading

'Mallrats Starring Jason Lee, Jeremy London, Shannen Doherty, Claire Forlani, Ben Affleck, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith. Written & Directed by Kevin Smith. Genre: Comedy Released: 1995 Running time: 94 mins. Rated: R (US rating) IMDb link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113749/When
critics discuss Kevin Smiths films, th... continue reading

Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy Starring Kevin McDonald, Bruce McCulloch, David Foley, Scott Thompson, Mark McKinney.
Written by Kevin McDonald, Bruce McCulloch, David Foley, Scott
Thompson, Mark McKinney & Norm Hiscock (is that name for real?). Directed by Kelly Makin.Genre: ComedyReleased: 1996Running time: 89 mi... continue reading

This week - Vieuphoria Starring Billy Corgan, James Iha, DArcy Wretzky, Jimmy Chamberlain (as themselves). Genre: Documentary / Music Released: 1994 Running time: 90 mins. Rated: No idea, but there is a Parental Advisory for Explicit Lyrics. IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0156171/In
1996, I discovered a band by... continue reading

Hi, everyone. Due to some technical problems I've been experiencing
with my internet connection, this weeks installment might be a bit more
brief than others. Hope you don't mind!Series 7: The Contenders Starring Brooke Smith, Glenn Fitzgerald, Michael Kaycheck, Marylouise Burke. Written & Directed by Daniel Min... continue reading

Welcome back, everybody. How are you all? This week, I think were going to take a look at this columns first documentary. "Capturing the Friedmans" Starring Arnold Friedman, Elaine Friedman, David Friedman, Seth Friedman, Jesse Friedman (as themselves). Directed by Andrew Jarecki.Genre: DocumentaryReleased: 20... continue reading

28 Days Later Starring Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Brendan Gleeson, Megan Burns, Christopher Eccleston. Written by Alex Garland.Directed by Danny Boyle.Genre: Action / HorrorReleased: 2002Running time: 113 min.Rated: R (American rating for strong violence and gore, language and nudity).IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/... continue reading

Bound Starring Gina Gershon, Jennifer Tilly, Joe Pantoliano. Written & Directed by the Wachowski brothers.Genre: ThrillerReleased: 1996Running time: 108 mins/109 mins (Uncut USA version)Rated: R (American rating for strong sexuality, violence and language).IMDb link: http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0115736/ You
may ha... continue reading

Hi, everyone. In addition to the review this week, we also have a special addendum piece. Hope you enjoy! "From Dusk 'Till Dawn" Starring George Clooney, Harvey Keitel, Quentin, Juliette Lewis. Written by Quentin. Directed by Robert Rodriguez.Genre: Action / Horror / ComedyReleased: 1996Running time: 108 min. Rated... continue reading

Okay, so nobody got back to me about the most acceptable term for a
person of exceptionally short stature. Thanks a lot, guys, now I'm
screwed.The Station Agent Starring Peter Dinklage, Bobby Cannavale, Patricia Clarkson, Michelle Williams. Written & Directed by Thomas McCarthy.Genre: Drama / ComedyReleased: 2003... continue reading

Has it been a week already? With "Spider-Man 2" opening soon, I thought
it might be interesting to take a look at some of the earlier work of
one Tobey Maguire, doing a great job in a film that never got as much
attention as it deserved This week- Wonder Boys Starring Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, Fran... continue reading

'Hot Pursuit'? Masterpiece? Not so much...Hi everyone, and
welcome back. In addition to serving as your humble
guy-who-recommends-movies-to-you, I am also a university student. We've
just hit the assessment period this week, so of course I have a million
things all due NOW. This is my way of saying that this week a... continue reading

This week, Masterpiece Cinema casts its dread eye over 'Confessions of
a Dangerous Mind.' Hola. You all had a nice week? Thats good to hear. On with the show. This week Confessions of a Dangerous Mind Starring Sam Rockwell, Drew Barrymore, George... continue reading

This week's Masterpiece Cinema takes a look at "Donnie Darko" in preparation for its director's cut re-release.
Hello again, me mateys, and welcome to yet another week of yet another
installment of "Masterpiece Cinema." Well, its taken me a while, but
Ive finally come to it. This week: "Donnie Darko" Starring: Jake... continue reading

Howdy,As I'm writing this, I'm just coming out of the worst
part of a particularly nasty virus that I picked up somewhere around
the place. Because of this, I might get a little incoherent at times,
and efhou huoh;zgo ;wsbgf Sorry. Bad joke. Anyway, that is just
my way of telling you this weeks article will probabl... continue reading

Hi, everyone. Well, it seems that with The Cheers being down
for a week that two of my columns got posted at the same time when it
rebooted, so I'm writing this column a day before its due, and after
having only seen one of the two films that Ill be recommending in this
edition. Dang. There goes my comfortable buff... continue reading

Hi, everyone. I want to relate a short story to you before we get
started this week it's such a short story, in fact, I think its
officially a piece of micro fiction. Anyway - - - I was in the
video store last week, and as I was searching for something to watch, I
came across a little Spanish movie by the name of "... continue reading

Hi, and welcome back. How's it going? At the time of this writing, I'm
looking forward to a preview screening of Kill Bill Vol. II that I have
tickets for, so look for a review of the Kill Bill saga soon. But for
now, let me take you on a trip to a mystical land that I like to
call1985.Legend Starring Tom Cruise... continue reading

Hi, everyone. After last weeks deviation into the world of comics, I'm
happy to say that were back on target. This week, an often over-looked
modern day animation classic: 'The Iron Giant' Starring the
voice talents of Eli Marienthal, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Conick Jr.,
Vin Diesel, and John Mahoney.

Written by ... continue reading

Hello everybody, This week were going to be doing something a little
bit different - we're going to be taking a look at a comic book. How
does this relate to the topic of Masterpiece Cinema? Put your trust in
me, dear reader, and I'll form a connection between the two that will
astound and satisfy you!Watchmen writ... continue reading

You know, the more reviews I write, the harder it becomes to come up
with vaguely witty things to say before getting started. Seeing as this
weeks edition is extra-long, how about we call it quits and just begin?
Cool? Cool. Vanilla Sky Starring Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Jason Lee, Kurt Russel and Cameron Diaz.Writ... continue reading

Greetings and salutations. Wait. Did I just say that? God, I'm a nerd. This week;25th Hour Starring Edward Norton, Rosario Dawson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Barry Pepper, Brian Cox, Anna Paquin.Written by David Benioff (Based on his book)Directed by Spike LeeGenre: Drama Released: 2002Running time: 135 minutes.R... continue reading

Hello, hello, hello. Miss me? No? I knew you didn't. Nobody loves me. Anyway, welcome to another edition of Masterpiece Cinema. Last
week you were promised an exploration of the earlier work of the guy
that brought you the hit French film Amlie. Well, that's precisely what
you're going to get. The City of Lost Child... continue reading

Welcome back! Kick off your shoes and enjoy a review, why dontcha? This week: a gem of Japanese animation. The End of Evangelion Starring a bunch of Japanese or English voice-over actors, depending on which dub youd prefer to listen to.Written by Hideaki Anno, Shinji Higuchi & Kazuya TsurumakiDirected by Hidea... continue reading

Hey, folks.So here we are for a second week and a
second column. Were working with the title of Masterpiece Cinema for
the moment, but I'm not really overly happy with that, so if you have a
better idea for a name, email it to me. That pretty much takes care of the housekeeping duties, so how about we get to th... continue reading

I recently watched the documentary Beyond the Mat, a middle-aged fan's insight into the world of professional wrestling and the private lives of the sports superstars. It was an engrossing film to watch, mostly because I've always had a curious fascination with the sport (as I also have an interest in the lives ... continue reading

Welcome to the first edition of the column "Masterpiece Cinema". Every
week, I'll be using this space to discuss a great film. It's sort of
like a film review, only I don't bother with the crappy, mediocre
movies. Instead, I'll be discussing movies that I think are worth your
time and effort, and why they're worth ... continue reading

I'm not ashamed to admit it I am a Star Wars fan. Well, maybe I'm a little ashamed to admit it. OK - I'm really ashamed to admit it. Thats probably why I slink around, offering everyone I pass an apologetic look.I am proud to say, however, that despite being a Star Wars fan - and, yes, even a Star Wars geek - I am not ... continue reading