Reefer Madness! Take your bong, Michael Phelps...

After an announcement that John Conyers (House Judiciary Committee) would be investigating the DEA in respect to recent Paramilitary-style raids on local pot dispensaries - the country's top Drug Czar released a notice to the public warning that the habitual use of marijuana could heighten depression - and ultimately - result in an ongoing development of mental and emotional problems.

If you're in the dark about the veracity of those statements - you may want to take in a screening of "REEFER MADNESS" - when it next screens at a local theatre near you.

After all, "Reefer Madness" is a wicked hilarious twist on the whole controversial subject.

The cult classic was originally conceived as a propaganda tool to quell desire for the evil drug among troubled rebellious youth - with the ultimate aim - of curbing any bold-faced effort to legalize the leafy substance for use in polite social circles.

In fact, the 1936 exploitation film revolves around the fictional tragic events that ensue when a handful of naive high school students are lured by dreaded pushers to smoke "marijuana".

For instance, the filmmakers focus on a hit and run accident, manslaughter, suicide, rape, and - in at least one instance - a descent into madness.

The film was directed by Louis Gasnier and starred a cast of mostly unknown actors.

"Reefer Madness" was originally financed by a church group and crowned with the inspiring title, "Tell Your Children".

The film was intended as a morality tale and - likewise - cleverly crafted to warn teenagers about the alleged pitfalls of using illicit drugs such as cannabis.

As fate would have it, soon after the film was shot, a visionary producer - Dwain Esper - bought the unreleased project and re-cut the raw footage for distribution on the exploitation film circuit.

Early on, the film never garnered much attention, though.

But, in the 1970's, it was rediscovered and gained a persona of its own as a piece of unintentional comedy among cannabis smokers.

Today, it is in the public domain in the United State, and is considered a cult film which has inspired a musical satire (playing off-Broadway in 2001) and a Showtime feature film titled - "Reefer Madness" - based on the musical.

Don't forget to take along your "Volcano" when you screen it, Michael Phelps!

http://www.julianayrs.com/

Insomniac Cinema...screens Ed Wood's "Plan 9 from Outer Space". Cheesy cult classic!

To the delight of many, Insomniac Cinema screened - "Plan 9 from Outer Space" - recently at the Regency Theatre in the Fairfax district.

"Plan 9 from Outer Space" was written, produced, and directed by eccentric Hollywood filmmaker - Ed Wood - in 1958 (released in 1959).

The film stars Maila "Vampira" Nurmi, Gregory Walcott, and Tom Mason.

In an odd-ball scenario, Wood claimed that "Plane 9" also posthumously starred horror film star - Bela Lugosi - through use of archive footage and a brief scene of the actor shot by Wood just before Lugosi's death in 1956.

However, it is important to note that Lugosi's character was primarily portrayed by chiropractor, Tom Mason.

In a nutshell, the hilarious cult piece is about a race of extraterrestrials who seek to stop humans from creating a doomsday weapon that may destroy the universe.

In the course of doing so, the aliens implement a surefire - "Plan 9" - scheme to resurrect Earth's dead as zombies to get the planet's attention, which ends up causing chaos.

Johnny Depp fans may recall that the popular screen actor portrayed the eccentric director in a Hollywood-style film version of his life, "Ed Wood".

In conjunction with the "new" "improved" "colorized version" of "Plan 9", the Regency screened an offbeat collection of home videos which took a rare hilarious glimpse into Wood's real-life character and upside-down personal life.

Clips showed jaw-dropping scenes of Wood waltzing about the house in drag, feeding his dog birthday cake, you name it!

Of course, "Plan 9" was the piece de resistance.

Ed Wood was in top "worst" directing form at the helm here.

The god-awful writing, cheesy special effects, and numerous glaring production errors, herald the myriad reasons why "Plan 9 from Outer Space" is often regarded as a leading candidate for the title of "worst movie ever made".

In fact, the revival-house classic earned Edward D. Wood, Jr. a posthumous "Golden Turkey Award" for worst director ever.

Catch a future screening if you can.

 It's a hoot!

http://www.julianayrs.com

Digital Video and High Definition Festival...Independent film, surges forward in industry!

Ed & Vern's Rock store...award-winner to screen!


Fortunately, I was strolling past the Regency Theatre on Beverly Boulevard last night, when I noticed the large poster advertising the innovative "Digital Video and High Definition Festival", underway now through the end of the month in the Fairfax District.

Over the next few days, film enthusiasts will have the opportunity to take in screenings of over 120 videos and short films, at the 5th Annual event, gratis.

This afternoon (March 27th, 2008) there will be thought-provoking screenings of independent projects such as "All Along", "LA LLAMADA", "Gone Too Far".

Other award-winning projects - such as "Sympathetic Details" - will be presented amid a lot of fanfare, no doubt, on Saturday, March 29th, 2008.

In addition to the screenings, a number of seminars have been scheduled to assist directors and producers, in the realm of short film and video.

Last night, I caught the tail end of an informative session that focused on a new camera specifically developed with the independent filmmaker in mind - the "Red".

Filmmakers rave about it,

"The Red camera is extraordinary. The Redvolution marks the tipping point of the democratization of filmmaking," notes producer Dean Devlin (Independence Day, Godzilla, The Patriot and Flyboys).

And, Steven Soderbergh gushes,

"Shooting with RED is like hearing The Beatles for the first time. RED sees the way I see. Someday I hope to find out exactly how Jim and his team (manufacturers) made something so technologically advanced seem so organic, so beautifully attuned to that most natural of phenomena, light. But for now I'm just glad I've got my hands on the damn thing, because it's actually making the film(s) better..."

There have also been in-depth discussions for individuals in front of the camera as well; such as performing artists, actors, and the like.

For example, Kevin Major Howard (a successful local photographer) was on hand last night to discuss the in's and out's of shooting publicity stills and the effective use of promotional tools. The event was quite informative and worth attending.

On Saturday night, March 30th, 2008, there will be an Awards Ceremony, celebrating excellence in the field of Digital Video and High Definition.

Info: www.DigitalVideoFestival.com

RED...innovative new tool for Independent Filmmakers on the fly!

Matt Damon...Posh Spice. Quips and trivia at Regency Theatre!

In the Fairfax district, the Regency Theatre is probably one of the oldest boutique Art Film houses in Los Angeles.

Tickets are at discount rates daily and films range from older classics (specially-screened) to recent releases featuring current popular actors racking in the big salaries.

The theatre-going experience is generally quite pleasureable and a little more personable than elsewhere in town.

For instance - arrive early - and the staff usher you into one of three theaters where a wave of musical hits are sure to put you and your best buds in a magical mood before the silver screen sparks to life.

In fact, the riffs are far from those innocuous elevator-style offerings you'll encounter at the competition around the Los Angeles area.

The pre-show entertainment has been carefully formatted, too.

Before the previews start up, a number of artistically designed placards fill the screen as a round of movie trivia tests your knowledge of the biz, in-between quotes from a handful of celebrities who glitter in the bright firmament.

A previous post featuring some real zingers earlier this year was so popular at the old blog site - that I was thrilled to encounter a raft of new musings recently at the Theatre to share with you once again.

First up, a memorable quote from "Hairspray" teen idol Zac Efron.

"Never been waxed," the up-and-coming star allegedly sniped to a Celebrity News Magazine Show.

Weaned - well - maybe.

Of course, the remark was in reference to his trademark thin eyebrows highlightin' his pretty brow.

Personally, I prefer a pair of eyebrows that wander a little on their own - and on the fluffy side - with an occasional wispy strand fluttering here and there nonchalantly.

In response to his meterioric rise in the business, Shia LaBoef made an intriguing comment.

"Right now, I'm living in the WOW," he exclaimed excitedly.

I guess that's his Hollywood "take" on a Buddhist's spiritual teachings about being in the "NOW".

In essence, the message is crystal clear. Savor the moments from which all events flow.

You never know when they'll come back to bite you in the a**.

Congrats to Shia for exhibiting such wisdom at such a tender age.

Shakespeare put it succinctly when he once penned,

"I've never seen such a young body with such an old head."

One trivia question dared the audience to name the only "Oscar" to win the prized Academy Award.

No, not Oscar Meyer.

Although, the Regency does sell a scrumptious hot dog at the bargain basement price of one buck.

When no takers excitedly yelled at the screen, the answer crawled up for everyone to read on their own.

Oscar Hammerstein II.

Now that William Shatner is known for his priceline.com TV ADS - where consumers bid for cut-rates at Nationwide Hotels, he's in the spotlight once again.

He laughingly notes on screen: I'm "into the slasher genre" now.

Ba-dump!

I learned an interesting bit of trivia about William Shatner this past week that was never revealed before, by the way.

The Canadian Actor has never watched one episode of Star Trek!

The reason?

"Too self-conscious," he lamented to a probing interviewer.

He's afraid to catch a glimpse of his Greek form in that spandex uniform, I guess.

Matt Damon philosophized that if you wanted a job done right, you had to do it yourself.

To what was he referring? Diaper duty.

And he managed that nugget of wisdom without one flush in his face.

Right man for the job, for sure.

After all, he cleaned up at the box office with the last hit sequel, "Bourne Ultimatum".

Posh Spice (the soccer stud's wife) labeled herself a "girly girl".

Since Schwarzenegger has dibs on "girly man", I expect Beckham will have to settle for girly girl's man?

From celebrity polls, Beckam is actually a "man's man", I gather.

By the way, one trivia clip touted the fact that Liza Minnelli was the only child to have two parents (Judy Garland and Vincent Minnelli) win Oscars.

I suppose, it's all in the jeans - er - genes, eh? Just ask Calvin!

And, of course, I'd be remiss if I failed to note the staff at the Regency are pretty on-the-ball, too.

The attentive young ushers not only appear to actually be "interested" in the film industry, but bend over backwards to make sure your night of entertainment, is a memorable one.

One of the wildest spirited nights on the town?

Why, it happens to be "Insomniac Cinema" at Fridays @ 12 midnight.

See 'ya there!