What's This? The Winter Comedy FIlm Series!

I don't know about you guys, but January's always been one of those "meh" months. What starts as a hangover (literally) sloshes into a malaise of returning Christmas gifts, dealing with holiday bills, beginning to worry about a looming tax season and contending with the cold and wet weather. Heck, if you're one of the lucky ones, you may even have to battle with a cold or... the flu. I say lucky because you then have an excuse to stay bedridden and sleep some of the month away. And when I finally make the time to buy a clearance-priced 2012 calendar, I always make sure it's about 30 days in, just so I can flip right past the first month.

Yes, I can get right ornery this time of year.

But wait... what's this I see?

My, my, my. Isn't this a pleasant surprise?

The Paramount Theatre is hosting a Comedy Film Series during the last week of January, and all of a sudden things look to be a little better. It's a little something to help lift us out of the doldrums, and will be very much appreciated. Comedic hijinks will flow due to the likes of Will Ferrell, Eddie Murphy, Woody Allen and Richard Pryor. There's something for everyone, as long as you're ready to get your laugh on.

The fun begins with a Will Ferrell double feature, who has come one heck of a long way from Night at the Roxbury (as an aside, remember when people thought Chris Kattan was going to be the successful one of that duo?). He's catapulted into one of the more prolific comedic actors working today. His unique brand of "everyman idiocy" combined with a boyish charm is evident in all of his performances, no matter how big or small his role is.

Everyone has their favorite Will Ferrell role, but I''m willing to bet that most can agree that his most iconic may well be the title role in 2004's film Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy. He was "like a god walking amongst mere mortals. He had a voice that could make a wolverine purr and suits so fine they made Sinatra look like a hobo." With a solid comedic cast including Christina Applegate, Fred Willard, Paul Rudd, David Koechner and Steve Carrell (and some truly great surprise cameos), it has over the years grown in stature as one the most quotable comedies in the past decade.

Step Brothers has Ferrell reunite with his Talledega Nights co-star John C. Reilly in this unlikely buddy movie. Farrell and Reilly star as two 40-something men who refuse to grow up. But when their single parents (Richard Jenkins and Mary Steenburgen) get married to each other, the two are forced to confront the fact they now each have a new step brother. And needless to say that, for these spoiled men, the news does not go over well.

Is Will a tad too silly for you? Is your sense of humor more of a sharp sword than a blunt hammer? Than surely you can appreciate the next double feature by legendary film director Woody Allen. I know some people have taken issue with the celebrity, but regardless what you think of the guy... it's never a bad thing to take in some of Allen's brand of humor. If all you know of Woody Allen is Annie Hall or this year's Midnight in Paris, this wouldn't be a bad place to start.

Bananas is a crazy story about Fielding Mellish (Allen), a neurotic average Joe who gets embroiled in a comic series of events to become the leader of a small Latin American country. Sure it sounds nutty, and when the plot involves Allen becoming the leader of a banana republic, you have to expect a bit of the Marx influence. No, I don't mean Karl. I'm thinking more of Groucho, Harpo, and Chico. Yep, it's that level of zaniness.

Love and Death is Allen's spin on Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky. Full of literary references and foreign film allusions, Allen also peppers the film with a self-aware attitude that is funny but never pretentious. In fact, although a historical comedy, Allen uses a clever awareness of anachronisms to make it a classic movie of absurdity.

Progressing from these early Woody Allen films of the 1970s, The Paramount shifts into the following decades with a double feature of modern classics. One is a genuine mega-hit blockbuster and the other is a cult classic.

In the comedic world, the undisputed champ of the 1980s was Eddie Murphy. His leap from standup to Saturday Night Live was but a precursor to a dominance at the theatrical box office. Ask around, and you may get differing views on which Murphy movie is a personal favorite, but from a purely financial point-of-view, none was bigger than Beverly Hills Cop. Although originally envisioned as a vehicle for Sylvester Stallone (?!?), it's hard to imagine anyone else in the role of Axel Foley, a Detroit cop who ventures to Beverly Hills to solve a friend's murder. Part action movie, part comedy, part fish-out-of-water story, it most importantly acts as a showcase for the charm of Eddie Murphy.

Fan fact about Beverly Hills Cop: It remained the highest grossest R-rated comedy of all time for 25 years. Years later, it still stands as a comedy classic. I don't mind if you forget about the sequels. In fact, I pretend the third one doesn't exist at all. Oh, and in case you were wondering, the movie that unseated this as the number one R-rated comedy was The Hangover in 2009. Coincidently, that also has a sequel I pretend doesn't exist.

Now from a box office giant to a movie that took time to find it's audience...

Office Space made a very minor splash when it was originally released in theaters in 1999. I guess more people were interested in seeing Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and that's a shame. Fortunately, as more people discovered it on home video, it become a cult classic. The depictions of frustrations in a work environment are pitch perfect, and it's satirical views has the light touch of genius that can only be found in creator Mike Judge ("Beavis and Butthead," "King of the Hill," Idiocracy). You know, they say you laugh at comedy either because it's funny or because it's true. Alas, if you've ever had an office job... this is one of those situations where both apply.

The trailer looks silly, but don't jump to conclusions... it's gold. I've never looked at fax machines the same ever since. Not to mention, I've also developed an affinity for red Swingline staplers.

The Winter Comedy Film Series winds down with a look at one of the true masters of the genre. Richard Pryor was a trailblazer in the realm of standup comedy, and is revered by nearly every comedian working today. Pryor often had a profane tone, but possessed a vulnerability that is unmatched to this day. There was often a palpable sense of sadness in his performances, and he often danced on the line of comedy and drama.

The double feature is of his standup film Live at the Sunset Strip, often considered the finest standup comedy film ever made. The second is a more personal story, and the only film Pryor directed himself. Jo Jo Dancer: Your Life is Calling is a semi-autobiographical tale about a comedian who has overcome long odds to experience success... as well as self-destruction.

Take in the double feature and see why so many hold Richard Pryor in such high esteem. Heck, when a man's this good, I can forgive him for the likes of Superman III.

Man, is it going to be a good week. It's just what the doctor ordered for those who are (like yours truly) suffering through this first month of the year. Heck, I may go buy a calendar earlier this year just so I can circle the dates. Then I can look at the red circled dates and bring to mind two things that can lift us from being down in the dump: Comedies and The Paramount Theatre? YAY!!

Showtimes for the films:

Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy
Sunday, Jan 22nd
2:00
6:00
Monday, Jan 23rd
9:10

Step Brothers
Sunday, Jan 22nd
4:00
Monday, Jan 23rd
7:00

Bananas
Tuesday, Jan 24th
7:00
Wednesday, Jan 25th
8:55

Love and Death
Tuesday, Jan 24th

8:55
Wednesday, Jan 25th
7:00

Office Space
Thursday, Jan 26th
7:00

Beverly Hills Cop
Thursday, Jan 26th
9:00
Sunday, Jan 29th

2:00

Richard Pryor: Live at the Sunset Strip
Friday, Jan 27th
7:00
Sunday, Jan 28th
6:05

Jo Jo Dancer: Your Life Is Calling
Friday, Jan 27th
8:55
Sunday, Jan 28th
4:05

Bastrop Fire Relief Screening of BERNIE

If you live in the Texas, I need not remind you that the past few weeks have yielded a literal inferno of emotions.

For those of you who aren't local and may not be aware, wildfires ravaged Central Texas the past couple of weeks, some of which are still ablaze days later. Firefighters were stretched to the limits as fires rapidly spread across the area, and thousands of people have been displaced. Ongoing coverage of the events can be found here.

Suffering the worst of the damage was the community of Bastrop, Texas. The wildfires have devastated the town, consuming over 1500 homes. It's been a terrible ordeal for everyone in the area, and everyone seems to know at least one person who was directly effected. It's a true natural diaster, and the sheer magnitude of the fire can be glimpsed in this terrifying photo.

While our courageous firefighters diligently continue to battle the blaze, efforts are underway to help relieve those displaced by the wildfire. The whole community is doing all they can with donations and fundraisers, and now one of Austin's favorite cinematic sons is doing his part as well.

Director Richard Linklater is an Austin icon who personifies independent film in a way few film makers can. His films all have a distinct charm, and are a departure from the normal Hollywood products that flood the multiplexes. Best known for Slacker, Dazed & Confused and Before Sunrise, he also created two unique (and somewhat trippy) animated features in Waking Life and A Scanner Darkly.

Linklater likes to keep things local when it comes to his brand of cinema, and for his newest project, Bernie, he filmed it predominately in the greater Austin area: Georgetown, Austin, Lockhart and Bastrop. Although the film itself is not yet scheduled for release, Linklater is taking the opportunity to give back and screen an advance sneak preview to help benefit the town hit so hard by the destruction.

As for the film itself being screened...

Bernie sounds like fun in a morbid sort of way, yet thankfully does not involve these guys:

No Andrew McCarthy, Jonathan Silverman or Terry Kiser, thank you very much.

So what is Bernie, anyway?

Based on a true story, it's a comedic take on a small town mortician (Jack Black) who befriends a rich widow (Shirley MacLaine). After he kills her for the money, he goes through great lengths to indicate that she's alive. No one is the wiser, that is, until a local district attorney (Matthew McConaughey) begins to investigate.

It's kind of a Linklater all-star matchup, as McConaughey and Black both have had some of their more memorable (and quotable) roles in Richard's films. Matthew was at his hazy best in Dazed and Confused, while Jack Black's performance in School of Rock, well... rocks.

So the thought of these two in a bizarre game of cat and mouse has a weird appeal that I feel has to be seen to be believed.

The laughs will be welcomed during these final hot throes of summer, and most importantly the screening is for a number of great causes. 100% of the proceeds will benefit the following organizations: Friends of the Lost Pines State Parks, Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry, and the Heart of the Pines Volunteer Fire Department.

The gesture to Bastrop is more of that Texas spirit to help one another, and Linklater himself explains:
"Since the film has been finished for a few months and isn't coming out until next year, we had scheduled a cast and crew screening for the 18th of September. After the catastrophic fires of the last week, we quickly jumped on the idea of opening it up to the public as an opportunity for Austinites and members of our artistic community to help our neighbors in Bastrop that have been so devastated. It seems like an appropriate movie for the cause - not only was it filmed largely in the Bastrop area, but it's a PG-13 comedy about small town Texas life. It's the least we can do for this wonderful community that opened its doors to us during production. It feels great that because of the generosity of the Paramount Theater, 100% of all ticket sales and donations with pass through to these important local non-profits that are doing so much to restore and maintain their community."

Oh, and one last thing. Linklater and Jack Black themselves will be in attendance. It promises to be a fun event for a great cause. A little laughter can go a long way, and what better way to help your neighbor than this screening for their benefit?

Now this, my friends, is a Bernie I could spend a weekend with.

Showtime for the Benefit Screening:

Bernie
Sunday, Sept 18th
4:00

Sponsorship packages are available through the Austin Film Society that include 6 tickets and a pre-show reception with the cast and crew.

Preview: The Grand Finale

And so we've come to the end of the road.

Boyz II Men allusions aside, it's a happy and somber moment for fans of the Summer Classic Film Series. Sad because it this film marks the finale of another summer of classic film. Yet, it is a cause of celebration because it sees the return of Gone with The Wind. Arguably the most famous movie of all time, this gloriously epic motion picture returns to The Paramount to end the summer with a bang (and Atlanta ablaze).

Do I really need to describe this film? Even if you've never seen it, you know what it's about. The story of Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh) and her journey before and after The Civil War. Her loves, her home, her life and her pride take hits over the period, and monumental decisions present cascade upon her.

Adjusting for inflation, Gone with The Wind remains still the highest grossest film of all time. And to think, it accomplished this without Celine Dion soundtracks or wookiees. Or most importantly, without 3-D gimmicks to hike the ticket price. Yeah. Suck it, Avatar.

As long time readers may know, this film is my white whale. It remains the biggest title on my personal list of "classic movies I've should have seen already." Last year's attempt to see it was a tragic comedy of errors. This year, nothing shy of flash floods will keep me from the theatre to see it. And judging by the temperatures this summer, that isn't bloddy likely.

So here ya go, folks. Another season of classic films is almost in the can. Some 80 films have been screened this summer. No matter how many you made it to, I'm sure it was a whole new experience seeing these long-time favorites on the big screen. But no ne to cry, in nine short months we get to do it again.

Or maybe even sooner, depending on what surprises The Paramount Theatre might have in store for us throughout the next several months...

Whatever lies in store, you can bet I'll be there and covering it whenever I can. Why? Because when it comes to The Paramount... frankly my dear, I do give a damn.

Showtimes for the film:

Gone with The Wind
Saturday, Sept 3rd
6:30

Sunday, Sept 4th
2:00 7:00

Final Note about the screening

Parking:
"Hassle-free downtown parking available for $6 at the One American Center for all summer films! Since you’re also supporting the theatre when you buy parking, they're giving you a free small soda each time you park there for a film. Buy online with your film tix and print out your confirmation e-mail or buy directly from the garage attendant (cash only). Attendant will have your soda ticket as well."

Review: Day of The Bat

It was a scorcher that Saturday afternoon, but not even the triple-digit heat could keep the Bat Fans away. The masses huddled to The Paramount Theatre to celebrate Austin's Day of The Bat, and to view the camp classic Batman (1966).

But while the fans were eager to get inside the theatre and cool off, there was one irresistible draw outside in the blazing sun. A diabolical plan to make us oooh and aaaah, and melt, perhaps? Behold, it was The Batmobile! Everyone was crowded around it, and I mean everyone. There it was, parked in the middle of Congress Avenue, which had been blocked off between 7th and 8th Street. Why the barricade, you ask? Alas, The Bat-Copter was actually due to make an appearance that day, but had to cancel due to Hurricane Irene. Bah! Curse that storm!

Before long, my inner thermometer told me to get indoors. As I entered the building and my eyes adjusted to the absence of sunlight, I found people were excitedly milling about and glancing at the booths, tables, and refreshment bars. There was merchandise galore inside the lobby. Comic book vendors were there offering toys, models, t-shirts, and comics. At a table of Paramount swag, I saw a limited edition poster print made for the day's screening, and it was beautiful. Oh, and how about this for a purrrfect touch? A costumed Batman was making the rounds and posing for photos. Even the bar was getting in on the action by offering a special drink, a "bat-tini." Holy cocktail buzz, it was tasty!

Upstairs was a private event where Gold and Platinum Film Fans had a personal meet-and-greet with the original caped crusader, Mr. Adam West himself. Last year, I got so caught up in the festivities that I missed my chance to meet West. Well, riddle me this! Who wasn't going to miss meeting Batman again this year? That's right. Yours truly.

I made my way up the stairs with a mix of excitement and heat exhaustion. Was I delirious? Was I really about to meet Gotham's hero? As I got in line, I was transported back to memories of taking pictures of Santa Claus as a child. Good Lord, don't let Adam jokingly ask me what I want for Christmas; I'd probably crack up into maniacal giggles like The Joker. I felt crazy from the heat already, the last thing I need is an episode that will get me a one-way ticket to the nut house (or Arkham Asylum).

Finally I calmed down and approached Adam West, cool as a cucumber. We greeted, talked for a moment, and then posed for Annie Ray to take our picture. At the last second, I photobombed my own picture and flashed my best batusi at the camera. Although needlessly silly, we all had a chuckle at that.

"Oh, nice one," West told me as I shook hands goodbye and made way for someone else. Although he's likely been subjected to that pose a billion times before, it was still nice of him to say that to me.

Making my way into the auditorium, I relaxed as showtime approached. The buzz in the auditorium, however, was feverish. By the time our hosts came out on stage, the crowd was ready to explode. Film programmer Jesse Trussell came out first to thank everyone for the turnout, and when he introduced Adam West the audience went bat**** crazy for the pop culture icon. West quipped and played the masses like a seasoned veteran. Charming, self-effacing, and endlessly funny, he shared stories and then fielded questions from the auditorium.

Some of the questions inquired about his thoughts on the recent Christopher Nolan movies (oh, and he confirmed that he is NOT going to cameo in nest year's The Dark Knight Rises). He expressed great admiration for those "expensive films," but reiterated that his take on the Caped Crusader was from a much different time. In contrast to the current Dark Knight, Adam finished by proclaiming himself as Gotham's Bright Knight.

And with that, he exited the stage, the light dimmed, and everyone got to partake in some 1960s campy goodness. That afternoon, all of us were children again. It was too warm for Santa Claus to show up, but we still had something to cherish. That afternoon, we all believed... in Batman.

Even if we didn't get a visit from Mr. Freeze that day, it was still one Bat-tastic time.