Access Atlanta > Movies > Blog > Archives > 2007 > December > 21
Friday, December 21, 2007
Get your jingle bells on with an electric guitar
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Ah, Christmas. It’s almost here so let’s pick up the pace. Time for some rockin’ Christmas on electric guitar. “CHRISTMAS SONGS REMIX!!!!” is from a teen who identifies himself at MattRach. He’s from France.
Enjoy.
Permalink | | Categories: Mr. Smithee's Megaplex
See more of his movies before you dis Denzel
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Dear Mr. Smithee,
With award season building, I’d like your help in understanding why so many film experts consider Denzel Washington to be a great actor. Admittedly, I haven’t seen all his films, but in the ones I have, he basically plays each character the same way, whether he’s a football coach, a gangster or a cop. Among African-American actors capable of playing a wide range of different roles, he doesn’t hold a candle to Will Smith, Cuba Gooding Jr. or the great Samuel L. Jackson.
Since you are the only movie genius I know (and at least the only one who gives away T-shirts), please explain why this limited actor is so often considered Oscar material.
DAVID SATTERFIELD, Canton
Dear Shortsighted,
Denzel Washington is considered a great actor for one simple reason: He has proven he’s a great actor.
Apparently, Dave, you are a few films short of being able to make a definitive statement. Go see Mr. Washington in “Cry Freedom,” “Glory,” “Mississippi Masala,” “Malcolm X,” “Philadelphia,” “Devil in a Blue Dress” and “The Hurricane,” and then maybe you and I can talk.
I remember Tom Hanks saying to me, during the filming of “Philadelphia,” how unbelievably prepared Washington was every day on set. And then Hanks looked me in the eye and allowed as how he stole from Washington’s performance every day to make his own better. Hanks, as I am sure you are aware, won the Oscar for that movie.
What you really need to be asking me, Dave, is why doesn’t Washington act anymore.
You see, there are very few certainties in this world, but one of them is that, in Hollywood, there are actors and then there are movie stars.
For some odd reason it seems Mr. Washington decided a few years ago to become a movie star. He’s certainly not the first. Al Pacino’s been doing it for years. Watch “The Bucket List” when it gets dumped into movie theaters in the coming weeks and tell me you aren’t beginning to tire of Jack Nicholson playing Jack Nicholson.
I once asked a well-known director why Washington, since “The Hurricane,” seemed to be embracing the idea of celestial adorement as opposed to concentrating on performance. This director wouldn’t speak until the tape recorder was turned off, and when it was, readily offered up the same bewilderment.
Mr. Washington has the goods. But as you have noticed, Dave, he’s been coasting for the past few years.
I say give him some time. It’s not easy wearing the mantle of Sidney Poitier.
One good sign: I think Washington is better in “American Gangster” than he’s been in some time.
ALAN
P.S. You get “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” sunglasses and an “Ask Alan Smithee” T-shirt.
Dear Mr. Smithee,
During the last few years, there has been an increase in musicals (e.g., “Hairspray,” “Sweeney Todd”). What do you think caused this?
DANIEL ROSS, Fayetteville
Dear The Song Remains the Same,
“Chicago.”
Hollywood copies whatever hits. And “Chicago” hit.
ALAN
P.S. You get a “Perfect Holiday” ornament and an “Ask Alan Smithee” T-shirt.
Dear Readers,
You know how I get mail. So many who love me. So few who despise me.
Here’s one from the few:
Dear Mr. “Smithee,”
Yes, here’s another expected reply from an irate (and one-time) reader regarding your column about classics you can’t stand.
I don’t care who you are or what your particular movie tastes might be, but any person who doesn’t like a true classic like “Gone With the Wind” (which will be viewed long after you and your blip of a column turn to dust) must be a bit off and certainly not someone whose tastes and opinions should be taken seriously. You try too hard.
And since you don’t use your real name, neither will I.
FORREST GUMP, Minneapolis
Dear Intolerant,
Fiddle-dee-dee … I get so bored I could scream.
ALAN
HAVE A QUESTION FOR MR. SMITHEE?
E-mail him at alansmithee@ajc.com or go to accessatlanta.com and click on Movies. Please include your name, city and daytime phone number. Mr. Smithee can’t reply to every request, but inquiries chosen for publication will receive movie-related prizes.
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