Getting AICNed
AICN and I have gone round and round over the years, but this is the first time that an event I was responsible for was subject to the slings & arrows of the outrageously anonymous. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think that Drew/Moriarty was looking for a negative review of the film or anything. But he got one and that one was bad… really bad.
I’m not 100% convinced that this person was actually at the screening… there are no details of the evening that suggest they were, neither about the specific screening or about the Q&A afterwards. Additionally, the post stinks quite specifically of arguments made by one specific long lead writer… which could well have been regurgitated by someone else who wanted to hurt the film.
I’m not saying that it’s not fair or possible to hate this film… or any film. A friend of mine hates Andrew Lloyd Webber and said of the film, “You can carve a piece of shit into a beautiful swan… but it’s still a piece of shit.” He also happened to agree with me that the Academy would lavish love on the film, whose artistry he appreciated. He just hated the music.
In any case, there are two reviews up on Oscarwatch.com. One of the writers was introduced to me last night, though I did not know her on-web moniker until reading her review.
A second review comes from an Oscarwatcher who found the comments on another unnamed board. The review is insanely detailed. And the details about the screening assure that this person was there. It is the fourth posting on this page about the review that AICN posted. (Added on Sunday morning… the link to the original post is here.)
It is terribly frustrating to see an on-web review… especially a single one… attacking a film like this… even more so when there are no identifying marks that assure that the person was really at the screening. There was a long standing ovation… there was applause for all of the actors and many of the creative team during credits… and the Q&A was long and energetic.
Like I wrote… there is no reason to think that there wasn’t a part of the audience that did not like the film at all. But it was a pretty damned happy screening. And I was there.
When will anyone important see ‘The Aviator’? That’s the one film I’m dying to hear a somewhat mature opinion on (AICN be damned!).
David, if it stinks to you, then they were not at
the screening. There are forces out there. Okay,
two people. Who are out to make Mori look like
the total asshole the guy truly is. Anyway to
embarass him. They will do their best to get it
done.
They got AICN again, but you were involved. Seeing
that they know of you and the way you treated SP.
They, whomever they are, probably decided this would
the best screening to go after. Since you would
prove their review to be either true or false.
I wish I could live without a moral code like Drew.
Maybe then I could write shit like Final War. Maybe.
It was a pleasure meeting you last night David. I always enjoy reading your posts on Oscarwatch, and the fact that you take time to expound on your views with us amateurs is greatly appreciated.
Your article on Phantom convinced me to take the long drive up from San Diego to see it, and I was glad I did. Loved the film, loved the Q&A. Thanks for a great evening.
C’mon, Poland. Don’t you think it might be true? Or are you just upset that AICN reviewed it? Those reviews didn’t read false, although they may very well be. You would have been just as upset if they were positive, admit it, because you’ve had a hard on against AICN for years anyway.
Review seems less plant(y) than usual for AICN, though it may simply be well done. It sounds like the type of review I was expecting for Phantom.
Hey David:
I’m looking forward to this movie. ‘Tis easier to look at the negative than positives unfortunantly.
What paranioa!!
(Note From DP: I have confirmed that this posting was done by someone other than the person who tags herself as DaisyClover at Oscarwatch.com)
Daisyclover is my screen name on Oscarwatch, so the person posting here as me is just being an ass. Pay them no mine.
Dave, It’s been pretty much proven several times that AICN will publish ANY pre-release review…even those that are completely fabricated from scratch. Just another industry-friendly move that helps to drag ALL online film critics down into the muck. And it just freaking infuriates me.
-Scott
I don’t think anyone takes that site seriously anymore. They never even have their own news or scoops anymore. It’s just links to others.
I didn’t say that the AICN review was neccesarily fake. But I can say that it had no identifying features of the evening and did misstate some things.
Now, it is possible that someone is dumb enough to think that Schumacher stole from “Chicago” in the direction, but I would need a single example. There are things to complain about, but that is not one of them. That is just one “for instance.”
I have, since I wrote this entry, found more people who HATE Phantom. But until they allow Academy voters to vote against a film, I will stand by my position. Phantom will not only be nominated, but is a very possible winner… more on Aviator’s chances to stop it tomorrow in the column.
Ahhh… what a surprise. TheLifeAndDeathBrigade trots out the Scorched Planet guys as ethical heroes, and takes shots at my screenwriting. Color me shocked. Your heroes have now committed federal crimes in their attempts to damage me professionally. Let’s hear it for a “moral code.” And I’ve noticed that 99% of the crybabies who want to make cracks like yours are losers who have been banned from either the chat room or the TalkBack for being completely unable to carry on a conversation about film like a rational adult.
But by all means… it’s all about me, isn’t it?
dave, u really expect them to post good reviews for a schumacher film??? they’re all about agendas on there and you’re not too well liked by them.
I have no idea what kind of screenwriter Drew is. I’m sure we’ll all find out someday. But I find it laughable when AICN (pathetically) attempts to defend itself as fair and balanced. It’s just like when Fox tries to do the same. Everyone with a brain knows full well what the real deal is. That’s not to say AICN is worthless. I enjoy the site and visit on a regular basis. But I am perfectly aware of their biases and simply can’t take it seriously. The reviews are pretty meaningless, and I was sick of Harry a long time ago. I don’t bother reading anything he writes anymore and I don’t feel like I’m missing anything. I’m not a loser or a hater either, so hopefully Drew won’t bring out his big insults on me. Are you that obtuse Drew? Is everyone who dislikes AICN automatically a loser?
Why does Fox always get battered? Because conservatives run this country now? They have a Liberal viewpoint on every program on there. Hannity and Colmes is half and half. Brit Hume always has a balanced panel with Juan Williams and other assorted libs. Greta is a law show. And O’Reilly is as fair as you can get. He has equal numbers of guests from both sides.
If you want unfair turn on CNN which is Democrat central and maybe why there ratings are in the dump.
Fox News is a joke. O’Reilly is as unbalanced and unfair as you can get. Same for the entire network. There’s never any debate. It’s just the host yelling at people. The network is good for laughs, and that’s about it. But I didn’t mean for this to turn into a political debate, so we should probably stick to the topic at hand. Sorry for the sidetrack.
So people hate PHANTOM. Big deal. Most major Oscar winners have a sizable number of detractors, especially in recent years: CHICAGO, A BEAUTIFUL MIND, GLADIATOR, SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE, TITANIC, ENGLISH PATIENT, FORREST GUMP, et al, were all essentially love-it-or-hate-it movies. If PHANTOM wins, it’ll merely continue the trend.
And since everyone’s getting into the Brotherhood spirit, Mike2 is jumping on the bandwagon as well.
Drew, the guys I trotted out have nothing to do
with SP, but did post there on occassion. You are
being duped all the time on your website, and you
response the same ridiculous way. Claiming Jimmy
Hatcher has committed federal crimes. Demonstrates
that you might be getting billed to high by your
attorneys, because no judge or arbitraitor would
rule in your favour. Sorry, he commited no crimes,
but you are the guy who likes to take the position
that you can review any script that you want.
You are a very mixed up man Mr. McWeeny. You will
defend yourself to such an extent to totally ignores
you backside. The side you left totally exposed to
SP and anyone else who wants to confront you on the
startling contradictions of your internet persona.
One last thing about the chatroom; I do believe the
blog or what blog? based around it. Sums it up
very well. And if you want to cast aspersions at
me, then may I point out more contradictions you
bring up because you totally ignore your own reckless
behaviour in that very same chat.
Again, you might be a swell guy, but you have too
many contradictions to go on the act as much as
you do.
how bad a last name is mcweeny? and too be chubby and ugly? he must have gotten it bad as a kid. i would feel for him if i had a heart
I really hope David gets some early screnings of any Weeny movie or Harry movie.
Unlikely, since Mortal Kombat 3 and Ghost Town will probably be those movies that arent screened for critics.
i can’t wait til someone lifts a print of that jerks movie and reviews it before its done
think he’ll sue and write a 1,000 word article on “respecting the film”????
Excellent point bob. Imagine how awful Mortal Kombat 3 will be. I’m sure it’ll be one of those movies they don’t screen for critics. But if someone does see it early, will AICN even post the review? Probably only if it’s positive.
I think the Weenster already has lawyers ready to sue websites that review his UNPUBLISHED and UNPRODUCED script. The shoe on the other foot….