The Local Haps: May 13rd-May 19th

Here's this week's picks of local Dallas film events. You can find ticket information in the links.

Check them out after the break!

Netflix Instant, Crackle, Hulu Plus: Movie & TV Picks - MOTHEREFFINGGODZILLA EDITION, YALL

Given that next week is the release of what will probably be the best movie of 2014, GODZILLA, I reckon that it'd be cool for y'all to be able to watch some of the original movies before you see this remake. This will be a HUGE post, as I will be trying to get all of the movies from all over the interwebs by streaming services.

NETFLIX:

GODZILLA: KING OF MONSTERS

This is the inexplicably butchered Americanized version of GOJIRA starring Raymond Burr. It's pretty interesting as a rather impressive editing exercise. Review

GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN

This movie truly kicks off the Showa era featuring the Godzilla monster, a total different one from the first movie, that we would follow for the remainder of the series. It feature foe-turned-future-ally Anguirus fighting Godzilla. Much more destructive and violent than the first movie, it's a great early entry into the series. Review

GODZILLA VS. MOTHRA

This movie introduced a kaiju as iconic as a Godzilla himself, Mothra. Much more light in terms of tone. It's kind of quirky with Mothra's tiny twins and it's environmental message. Review

GODZILLA'S REVENGE

While one of my favorite writers, Evan Saathoff, loves the movie, I can't stand it. It's a terrible clip show stitching together some of the weakest movies in the franchise. Review

GHIDORAH: THE THREE HEADED MONSTER

The movie that introduced my favorite kaiju, Ghidorah. It has Godzilla and the giant pteradon Rodan teaming up to defeat this powerful dragon. Review

TERROR OF MECHAGODZILLA

A direct sequel to GODZILLA VS MECHAGODZILLA, it has Godzilla fighting a re-built and more powerful robot and it's one of the few movies where you really feel for Godzilla as a vulnerable and mortal character. Review

HULU:

GODZILLA VS. HEDORAH

Hedorah is one of the most terrifying enemies that Godzilla has faced. Once again, bringing the original movie's environmental issues to the forefront, Hedorah is a toxic monster that shoots acid. The movie is also notable for being strangely trippy in the vein of the Beatles' Yellow Submarine with its musical and animated interludes.  Review

EBIRAH, HORROR OF THE DEEP 

Part of what has been called the Island trilogy, it features Godzilla away from Japan fighting a giant crab monster. Not great, not terrible, it's a very OK entry in the series. Review

GODZILLA VS. GIGAN

Gigan is a cybernetic chicken kaiju with a saw blade for a stomach. Needless to say he'd be a total badass if it wasn't for his cowardly nature. This particular movie has a fun four-way final battle. Review

INVASION OF THE ASTRO-MONSTER

In what might be one of the best of the early Ghidorah movies, this movie has the inhabitants of Planet X  taking Godzilla and Rodan to fight "Monster X." Review

CRACKLE:

GODZILLA VS. MEGAGUIRUS

This is one of the Millenium era movies, of which I'm not too fond of to be honest. This one involves an energy sucking prehistoric fly. It's very ok. Review

That's it for me, folks! I hope you enjoy the picks. Later on in the week, I'll be posting more stuff about Godzilla including a look back at my 2013 project. 

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Trailer Is Not Monkeying Around

DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES is one of the most highly anticipated sequels to a reboot/remake of the year. Joking aside, I really loved RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES back in 2011 and given this trailer, it seems DAWN will be a pleasant surprise during the summer blockbuster season. Check out the trailer, upload by the DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES YouTube page after the break.

Trippy Movie COHERENCE Has Trippy New Trailer

Yes, this is another COHERENCE post, but I'm a huge fan of the movie and I will not rest until more of you agree to see it. Previously we had my Fantastic Fest 2013 review, and then a clip from the movie. Now, thanks to the Oscilloscope YouTube channel, we have a full trailer. Check it out after the break.

The Local Haps: May 6th - May 12th

In this and all future editions of the Local Haps, we take a look at a couple of rad movie events going on in Dallas this week. Check them out after the break.

Netflix Instant: TV and Movie Picks

The weather is slowly creeping up to summer temperatures, but there is still a couple glorious days left before it becomes miserable outside. But if you find yourself stuck indoors finishing up some spring cleaning this weekend, here are a couple suggestions for you to watch to help the time pass.

THE CROODS
Poor Dreamworks. I'm not sure who runs their marketing department, but it seems that there's always no interest in their films based solely on the trailers/commercials. However, once these films are released, the word-of-mouth helps give the film credibility. I remember not wanting to see HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON because it looked silly, but it ended up being one of my favorite movies. I had the same reaction when I first heard about THE CROODS, and then, after its release, there's almost nothing but positive praise for this film.

MORTIFIED NATION

The awkwardness of childhood is something we all share. There's that one picture, drawing, or diary entry that's so mortifying, we would cringe if anyone ever came across it. This documentary shows how a group put together a performance piece where people come and share that childhood awkwardness with an audience and the connection people feel to know that they're not alone.

THE FIFTH ELEMENT
I always find myself watching this film whenever it comes on TV. It always draws me in. Maybe it's the fun costumes, Bruce Willis's sass, Gary Oldman being almost unrecognizable, or Chris Tucker's performance, but I've seriously grown to love this film over the years. 

Tweet

WHITEWASH Review - Javi's Take

WHITEWASH

Directed by: Emanuel Hoss - Desmarais

Written by: Emanuel Hoss - Desmarais and Marc Tulin

Starring: Thomas Haden Church and Marc Labreche

Synopsis: After killing a man with his snow plow, a man must escape to the Canadian wilderness to avoid capture.