John Hughes, 1950-2009

News of the death of an actor or director can trigger that effect where images, scenes, memories and feelings, previously stored in some unconsciously categorised recess of the mind, rush forward to flood your thoughts in an instant. It happened last year on hearing the sad news of the death of Paul Newman, and again this morning on hearing John Hughes had passed.

The film that first raced to the front of my mind was, of course, FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF. The film of a generation perhaps, but I say the film of any generation. On the surface for some a popcorn flick with a glut of quotable one-liners to see you through summer, but for me it was much more and on so many different subtle levels. Evidenced by the fact that an indirect reference to it now brings so many emotions flooding back.

This is a nice piece over at The Auteurs Daily, particularly where Alison Willmore talks about the “FightClub theory”, something I’d never heard associated with Ferris.

He may have been paraphrasing but I liked Ferris’ philosophical take on things and still refer to it today….

“Life moves pretty fast. You don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

CS

New Trailer For Nick Love’s Firm Remake

I wouldn’t say that I am the biggest fan of Nick Love’s output so far. I thought The Business was good, Football Factory was ok and Outlaw was initially a great idea, but a weak story and below-par performances made this into a Grade A stinker.

This remake of the late ’80s TV film The Firm attracted me for the same reason as The Business – it looks jam packed with quality trainers and tracksuits. The original was a gritty drama that was mainly carried by the legendary Gary Oldman’s performance, I’m not sure that this one’s going to be able to say the same. If his past films are anything to go by it’s going to be lots of sex,drugs, fighting and cockney wide-boys but very little substance.

I’ll be there in the queue just to get another glimpse of people with wedge haircuts wearing Tacchini tracksuit tops and Diadora Borg Elite trainers, but I suspect the rest of it will be dissappointing.

Oh Dae Suh Is Back (Kind Of)

As you’ve probably realised by now, we are obsessed with all things Oldboy. I found this on my daily work-avoidance web trawl and thought I’d put it up in case we’re being followed by any other hammer-fight obsessed geeks.

Please click on the link HERE , thanks to our friends over at Ain’t It Cool

Enjoy.