Comments on: This is a recommended film?

By: Annie

Annie — Wed, 11 Jul 2007 04:27:36 +0000

Clearly. That’s what editing angry will do to you.

By: Thomas

Thomas — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 22:34:53 +0000

(It’s “readers WERE”.)

By: Clint

Clint — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 07:58:10 +0000

All I can say is that there aren’t many people who are so passionate about movie reviews that they would show up on a random blog on a beautful Friday afternoon to defend their opinion. I love you Annie Wagner. (Just for the record, I am not sucking up… I just spent my beautiful Friday afternoon with some beers… But I DO love you… And I may regret this posting tomorrow..)

By: Annie Wagner

Annie Wagner — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:46:38 +0000

Eric: Sorry, but Josh Feit did indeed go to see Tommy. I don’t know where you got that information. And if you’re going to write “you’re,” at least spell it right.

Further, readers was made thoroughly aware that Police Beat was written by a Stranger staffer. We may have “backed” it, but it was only with that conflict of interest exposed front and center. We didn’t even review Zoo for that very reason.

Back to Cthulhu. Look, I don’t think it’s a great or even a very good film. But it was definitely worth seeing at SIFF. My writeup made it clear that the film was flawed; the “recommended” star told people they ought to see it anyway. (Yes, because it’s local and there’s always something interesting to look at, but also because it’s entertaining in an innocent camp kind of way.) Where is the problem? Can’t you guys handle ambiguity?

By: Eric Thomas

Eric Thomas — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 15:55:12 +0000

Interesting, personally I feel the Stranger had lost all credibility to review films the moment they backed Police Beat.
And the Theater Review of Village Theater’s production of ‘Tommy’ where the reviewer did not even go to the show. then claimed it was all Tongue in Cheek. If your going to write snarky satire, do not put it on the Theater Review page.

By: John

John — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 04:22:03 +0000

Ok, first: I liked the movie.
Second, I’m not related to anyone who worked on the movie, nor was I involved in it.

That said, sheesh! You’ve never recommended a movie that other people didn’t like?

And *that* said… “I have yet to see the film, however, so of course I can’t comment on it specifically. But, folks, please…”

Y’know, I haven’t seen any movie you’ve ever made, but, please, they all suck. If you can’t comment on it specifically, then what on god’s green earth made you write “Here’s how I would rewrite this review:”?

By: Dom

Dom — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 22:27:47 +0000

But at SIFF? And given a recommendation at that? From the replies over at the SLOG that I’m reading it would appear this film doesn’t merit the praise that’s been heaped on it. Too bad, as I know many people worked very hard on it. Them’s the brakes. I’m not discrediting Annie’s review, she has every right to her opinion. If a film is bad but for some pretty pictures, well, to me that’s just bad filmmaking – be it the fault of the producer, the director, the writer or whomever. Everyone is going to view success differently of course. But personally I feel like the recommendation and the SIFF acceptance leads audiences to believe that this is the best Seattle can do… that this is the cream of the crop. The capsule review does not lead me to believe this film merits a recommendation. All I’m saying.

By: Dave Hanagan

Dave Hanagan — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 19:48:52 +0000

Annie does us a service by reviewing a local film critically. There are plenty of flawed films that deserve to be seen. I’ve seen Cthulhu and would definitely put it in that category.

By: j

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 20:58:12 +0000

*Ahem*.. Being the biggest local film aside, Cthulhu is TERRIBLE. By even marginally endorsing it (Annie) you’re just encouraging the filmmakers (who i’m sure are nice people).

I guess the locations are okay? Assuming you’re from the Northwest, we’ve all seen misty, overcast beaches and trees. Kirby’s other work has been pretty good, but there is nothing special about Cthulhu.

Oh yeah, except that Tori Spelling rapes a dude. That lasts approx. 10 seconds.

Sorry I’m a hater.. We just deserve better!

By: Dom

Dom — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 19:17:09 +0000

I plan on seeing it Sunday, barring Father’s Day plans. I hear ya but would argue that most audiences will take a “recommended” film, especially from The Stranger, as a “must see” endorsement, whether it’s intended that way or not. Again, since I haven’t seen the film and can’t comment on its content I can’t really say it’s worth seeing or not. But as a whole I think it’s sad that the biggest film out of Seattle is notable only for art direction (granted by very talented artisans like Sean Kirby) and a crazy Tori Spelling.