So, this normally a film only blog, but ever so often, I throw in my opinion as to not only what should be your film to go see this weekend, but what should be playing in your car during the drive. That is why I've decided to give you my 10 song playlist to throw in your car as you drive to the theatre. These are 10 tunes that I have been addicted to, and so should you. Enjoy!
1. Cage The Elephant - AIN'T NO REST FOR THE WICKED
2. Matt and Kim - LESSONS LEARNED
3. Miniature Tigers - CANNIBAL QUEEN
4. Bob Dylan - BEYOND HERE LIES NOTHING
5. Major Lazer - HOLD THE LINE
6. The Sounds - NO ONE SLEEPS WHEN I'M AWAKE
7. Grizzly Bear - TWO WEEKS
8. The Very Best - WARM HEART OF AFRICA (FEAT. EZRA KOENIG)
9. Bright Eyes - LOVER I DON'T HAVE TO LOVE
10. White Rabbits - PERCUSSION GUN
Go see something good!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
POSTERS: Entire Character Poster Set For 9...
Early this week, a special character poster for Shane Acker's upcoming animated feature, 9, was released, starring, you guessed it, the doll simply named 9. Well, after that hit the web running, it wouldn't take long for the studio to shell out the other 7 posters (2 characters share a poster), all of which are stunning works. All of these posters fit the style and feel of the film perfectly, and below you can see my personal favorite. Tell me you wouldn't want that hanging up in your room! The other's can be seen by clicking the link after the poster.
Click HERE to see the other 7 posters
9 takes place in a world parallel to our own, in which our very humanity is threatened. A group of rag dolls living a post-apocalyptic existence find one of their own, 9, who may be the key to their survival.
9 is both written and directed by visionary filmmaker Shane Acker, of two previous animated shorts The Hangnail and The Astounding Talents of Mr. Grenade. The screenplay was co-written by Acker and Pamela Pettler (Corpse Bride, Monster House). 9 was first an animated short that debuted in 2005 and received an Oscar nomination. Focus Features will be debuting 9 in theaters everywhere starting on September 9th.
Go see something good!
Click HERE to see the other 7 posters
9 takes place in a world parallel to our own, in which our very humanity is threatened. A group of rag dolls living a post-apocalyptic existence find one of their own, 9, who may be the key to their survival.
9 is both written and directed by visionary filmmaker Shane Acker, of two previous animated shorts The Hangnail and The Astounding Talents of Mr. Grenade. The screenplay was co-written by Acker and Pamela Pettler (Corpse Bride, Monster House). 9 was first an animated short that debuted in 2005 and received an Oscar nomination. Focus Features will be debuting 9 in theaters everywhere starting on September 9th.
Go see something good!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
NEWS: Watchmen Director's Cut To Get Theatrical Release...
A very limited one though.
So, if it weren't for the masterpiece that was Pixar's Up, my personal film of the year would have to be Zack Snyder's genius adaptation of the legendary comic series, Watchmen. It was both action packed and chock full of themes, subdued and overt alike. Brilliant acting, direction, style, and one hell of a score, make this easily one of the best films of the year, and one of, if not THE best comic book adaptation ever.
That said, I could ALWAYS go for some more, and it looks like we all may just get that opportunity. Well, if we live in one of the bigger cities in the states. Thanks to Live For Film for the news.
“I can verify that you will get to see the brutal murder of Hollis Mason by a bunch of top-knotted thugs. As with most of the violent scenes in WATCHMEN, Snyder has taken a dozen or so panels from the graphic novel and transformed them into breathtaking cinema. He’s also turned the sequence into a half-clever, half-heartbreaking homage to Raging Bull, with Hollis flashing back to his crime-fighting heyday as the “Intermezzo” from CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA briefly dominates the soundtrack. The music - and his punch-drunk reverie - ends abruptly when the gang’s ringleader busts open Hollis’s skull with his Nite Owl trophy. This is a brilliantly shot-and-edited sequence.”
This new cut will not only be on DVD on July 21st, but it will also play in LA, Dallas, Minneapolis, and New York City for one weekend (a week before San Diego Comic Con). So basically that sucks for people in the mighty mitten, but at least the studio has enough confidence in the film that they would use money to make more prints. That shows that WB really loves this film, which is always good for the inevitable DVD release.
Go see something good!
So, if it weren't for the masterpiece that was Pixar's Up, my personal film of the year would have to be Zack Snyder's genius adaptation of the legendary comic series, Watchmen. It was both action packed and chock full of themes, subdued and overt alike. Brilliant acting, direction, style, and one hell of a score, make this easily one of the best films of the year, and one of, if not THE best comic book adaptation ever.
That said, I could ALWAYS go for some more, and it looks like we all may just get that opportunity. Well, if we live in one of the bigger cities in the states. Thanks to Live For Film for the news.
“I can verify that you will get to see the brutal murder of Hollis Mason by a bunch of top-knotted thugs. As with most of the violent scenes in WATCHMEN, Snyder has taken a dozen or so panels from the graphic novel and transformed them into breathtaking cinema. He’s also turned the sequence into a half-clever, half-heartbreaking homage to Raging Bull, with Hollis flashing back to his crime-fighting heyday as the “Intermezzo” from CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA briefly dominates the soundtrack. The music - and his punch-drunk reverie - ends abruptly when the gang’s ringleader busts open Hollis’s skull with his Nite Owl trophy. This is a brilliantly shot-and-edited sequence.”
This new cut will not only be on DVD on July 21st, but it will also play in LA, Dallas, Minneapolis, and New York City for one weekend (a week before San Diego Comic Con). So basically that sucks for people in the mighty mitten, but at least the studio has enough confidence in the film that they would use money to make more prints. That shows that WB really loves this film, which is always good for the inevitable DVD release.
Go see something good!
Friday, June 26, 2009
NEWS: Michael Jackson Jokes Out Of Bruno?
Last night was the official premiere of Sacha Baron Cohen's newest film, Bruno, out in LA, and with that came news out of the Risky Biz Blog, stating that a Michael Jackson-related scene was cut for the screening, showing Universal’s sensitivity to the news of Jackson’s passing.
Uni removed a scene in which Bruno, the flamboyant Austrian journalist played by Sacha Baron Cohen, interviews an unsuspecting LaToya Jackson about a number of topics, including her brother.
Among the gags is a joke about the King of Pop's high-pitched voice, as well as a reference to his trademark white glove, all done in Baron Cohen's characteristically absurdist tone.
It looks like Universal decided to pull the scene after having a few meetings, from which they decided to cut the scene, which had been previously in place for press screenings. The reason behind it, as director Larry Charles said, "We decided to take it out for tonight and we’ll reassess before the release whether to keep it out." So actually, the scene could very well be in the final cut. That said, sources have said, particularly The Guardian, that the scene won't be put in the final release, but probably on the DVD instead. I don't know really what to make of this news, as it does seem as a responsible play by Universal for PR reasons, but the price that they will be forced to pay to trim all of probably 2500 film reels is going to be pretty large. Also, reports are conflicting, so it looks like we will all have to wait until opening night to see what happens.
As /Film points out, the most famous example of a studio pulling something for a film happens to be the much talked about teaser for the first Spiderman film, which sees Spiderman hand a group of bank robbers between the two towers of the World Trade Center. Check out that trailer below, and let me know what you think of this news?
Go see something good!
Uni removed a scene in which Bruno, the flamboyant Austrian journalist played by Sacha Baron Cohen, interviews an unsuspecting LaToya Jackson about a number of topics, including her brother.
Among the gags is a joke about the King of Pop's high-pitched voice, as well as a reference to his trademark white glove, all done in Baron Cohen's characteristically absurdist tone.
It looks like Universal decided to pull the scene after having a few meetings, from which they decided to cut the scene, which had been previously in place for press screenings. The reason behind it, as director Larry Charles said, "We decided to take it out for tonight and we’ll reassess before the release whether to keep it out." So actually, the scene could very well be in the final cut. That said, sources have said, particularly The Guardian, that the scene won't be put in the final release, but probably on the DVD instead. I don't know really what to make of this news, as it does seem as a responsible play by Universal for PR reasons, but the price that they will be forced to pay to trim all of probably 2500 film reels is going to be pretty large. Also, reports are conflicting, so it looks like we will all have to wait until opening night to see what happens.
As /Film points out, the most famous example of a studio pulling something for a film happens to be the much talked about teaser for the first Spiderman film, which sees Spiderman hand a group of bank robbers between the two towers of the World Trade Center. Check out that trailer below, and let me know what you think of this news?
Go see something good!
TRAILER: Amelia...
Not to be outdone, Fox Searchlight, one to always try and get their mid major name in Oscar's golden cap, they have decided to, a day after the Academy announced they were upping the Best Picture nominee count to ten, have released the first trailer for their upcoming Mira Nair directed film, Amelia.
While Amelia Earhart has already been played on screen this year already, I think Swank, like Amy Adams, is a phenomenal actress, so she should do quite stellar in this role. Don't get me wrong, I love Adams and those brown pants she wore in Night at The Museum 2, but I think this is going to be a much more serious look at the historical figure. Joining her are Ewan McGregor, Richard Gere, Virginia Madsen, Joe Anderson, Christopher Eccleston, and Mia Wasikowska. The film looks, at least in this trailer, gorgeous, if albeit a little bit of "Oscar bait." However, I love Mira Nair, and this cast is hard to argue with. What do YOU think? Let me know after you check out the trailer below!
Amelia is directed by Indian filmmaker Mira Nair, of Monsoon Wedding, Vanity Fair, and The Namesake previously. The screenplay was written by Oscar winning writer Ronald Bass, of a great amount of films including Rain Man, When a Man Loves a Woman, Dangerous Minds, Waiting to Exhale, My Best Friend's Wedding, What Dreams May Come, Entrapment, and Mozart and the Whale most recently. This is based on numerous biographies of Amelia Earhart written by authors Susan Butler, Mary Lovell, and Elgen Long. Fox Searchlight will finally be bringing Amelia to limited theaters starting on October 23rd this fall
Go see something good!
While Amelia Earhart has already been played on screen this year already, I think Swank, like Amy Adams, is a phenomenal actress, so she should do quite stellar in this role. Don't get me wrong, I love Adams and those brown pants she wore in Night at The Museum 2, but I think this is going to be a much more serious look at the historical figure. Joining her are Ewan McGregor, Richard Gere, Virginia Madsen, Joe Anderson, Christopher Eccleston, and Mia Wasikowska. The film looks, at least in this trailer, gorgeous, if albeit a little bit of "Oscar bait." However, I love Mira Nair, and this cast is hard to argue with. What do YOU think? Let me know after you check out the trailer below!
Amelia is directed by Indian filmmaker Mira Nair, of Monsoon Wedding, Vanity Fair, and The Namesake previously. The screenplay was written by Oscar winning writer Ronald Bass, of a great amount of films including Rain Man, When a Man Loves a Woman, Dangerous Minds, Waiting to Exhale, My Best Friend's Wedding, What Dreams May Come, Entrapment, and Mozart and the Whale most recently. This is based on numerous biographies of Amelia Earhart written by authors Susan Butler, Mary Lovell, and Elgen Long. Fox Searchlight will finally be bringing Amelia to limited theaters starting on October 23rd this fall
Go see something good!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
REVIEW: Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen...
So, it's here. Finally, Michael Bay's wet dream has landed it's robotic feet in theatres around the US. Based on the legendary series of toy/cartoon series, Transformers first hit the big screen in 2007, and was one of not only the biggest box office monsters, but one of the most divisive amongst the film crowd. There were fans of the film, who defended it as not the deepest films, but a cinematic stepping stone into the future of computer graphics. Then there were the haters, of which I place myself in (the smart group), who saw it as Bay's stepping stone into complete 'splosion masturbation. Would the sequel, one of the most anticipated films of the summer, even by yours truly, see the same controversy? Or would it increase in quality from the crap pile that was Transformers?
T:RotF sees the return of the hated Decepticons to Earth, on a mission to take Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf)prisoner, after our hero learns of the ancient origins of the robotic beings inhabiting the Earth, the Transformers. In the hopes of bringing the final Prime back to life, Megatron returns to bring The Fallen back to his planet, in hopes of taking the last source of power, for his kind, on Earth. To stop them, Optimus Prime and the other Autobots must join forces with international armies for a final battle. Oh, and to make a mediocre film.
The true, and only, stars of this film are the special effects. This film will go down in history as one of the most influential films in the realm of special effects. The Transformers look stunning, and finally, their transformations seem to be seamless. While there are a few hiccups, particularly in the first couple of transformations, the following two hours feature some of the most flawless effects of any action film ever. It's really stunning to look at, and saved this movie from being thrown on the trash heap.
Also, the action scenes between the transformers were well done. Sure, they were confusing, at least in telling which robot was which, but viscerally, they worked, at least for me. The use of slo-mo in these scenes really added a bit as well. These scenes were not only of a higher visual quality, but they were often quite brutal, even when talking about robots. Seeing as how these characters, the Autobots, are the ONLY characters in the film that you have any sort of emotional interest in, seeing them get impaled by a blade, and then blown up by a gun behind the blade, really added a bit, if any, emotional response to the film. On the opposite end, seeing Optimus rip the spine out of Rampage had me pumping my fist in enjoyment.
However, the scenes in between, and everything about them, left me wanting more. Actually, it left me wanting SOMETHING at all.
This film will not only go down as one of the most important for visual effects, along with it's prequel, but it will also go down as one of the most down right bizarre and just awful films of '09.
First, let me go into the obvious point that has had the Internet a buzz. This film is not only bad, but quite racist as well.
This complaint comes in the form of two tiny little Autobots, who join Sam on his final journey, to save a fallen comrade. Their names are Mudflap and Skids, and are some of the most awkwardly written and horrible racial stereotypes on film this year. They talk in hip-hop/jive style lingo, they can't read, and they even have gold teeth. But honestly, it felt like it was just something that THIS film would do.
You know you are in really bad hands when, during a high paced action scene between these robots, is inter cut with two dogs having sex. Yes, Michael Bay, you cut a Transformer action scene with puppy coitus. Happy?
While the action scenes are very impressive, the human scenes, just like in the first film, absolutely killed this film. First, there is the awful script. Written by the awesome duo of Alex Kurtzman and Robert Orci, who also wrote Star Trek and the stellar TV show, Fringe, this film not only gives us Transformers using precious beat down time delving into the world of pointless exposition, but gives us two Jar-Jar Binks like abortions, and also gives us one of the most haplessly written romances I've seen in a long time. Basing a whole romantic arc on saying "I love you", they give us minute after minute of this nearly three hour long film retelling us that we shouldn't really care about what happens between these two, because we aren't going to anyways.
Oh, and the performances don't raise this big budget roll of toilet paper much. Sure, Shia is a great actor, and possibly the only shinning star in this black hole of acting ability, but he completely loses any speed when actually holding a discussion with another living being. Megan Fox is just that, Megan Fox, which is great to look at, but nothing to listen to, and they are joined on their journey by a little sidekick, who throws this film into complete disarray.
Honestly, my post-war tweet really summed up my thoughts:
So, T:RotF sucked, but it was a bit better than the first, but that's kind of like saying I had better sex with a midget than a lawn gnome. More action
Yes, the film is better than the first one. The action is of a superior quality, the score isn't nearly as oppressive, and Shia is really great here. Oh, and the army group that drug the first film into the proverbial mud are rarely used here. However, the film commits more than seven deadly sins. Horrible acting, awful direction, and a brutal screenplay. Oh, and the film is racist too. However, the deadliest sin is this. The film is slow. It's boring in many parts, and just downright bizarre.
Transformers: RotF is an awful film, with little to no emotional relevance, but if only for the action scenes and robot special effects, this film should either be skipped, or seen in theatres. Saved by a final action scene that is brilliantly done (but shit on by a rushed ending, full of Bay's patented exposition), this film is a bad movie, with some stellar effects. Skip, or see it in theatres. Don't wait for DVD for this robotic-splosion-gasm.
TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN 3/10
Go see something good!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
NEWS: Academy To Allow 10 Best Picture...
So, outside of a trailer for Cat Ladies, it looks like Hollywood is taking the day off to see Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen. Well, most of Hollywood anyways. All but the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
In a shocking piece of news, the Academy has announced that they will now be allowing 10 films to be nominated for it's Best Picture award.
President of the Academy, Sid Ganis, had this to say:
Having 10 Best Picture nominees is going allow Academy voters to recognize and include some of the fantastic movies that often show up in the other Oscar categories, but have been squeezed out of the race for the top prize. I can’t wait to see what that list of ten looks like when the nominees are announced in February.
This, while an interesting decision, comes as a complete ploy to not only sell more films, but sell more views of the awards show, as this will no doubt allow more box office kings to sit on the throne of being a Best Picture nominee. The change will take place with the upcoming Oscars, and is not only a weird and rather random announcement, but in my eyes, quite the unnecessary number. 5 seemed, at least to me, as though it was the perfect number, and sure, some films that were critically acclaimed don't get nominated, but it was always an interesting mix. I hate this news on all levels, UNLESS, the soon announce that Best Animated Feature will be done away with. THAT can redeem this announcement.
What do YOU think about this news?
Go see something good!
In a shocking piece of news, the Academy has announced that they will now be allowing 10 films to be nominated for it's Best Picture award.
President of the Academy, Sid Ganis, had this to say:
Having 10 Best Picture nominees is going allow Academy voters to recognize and include some of the fantastic movies that often show up in the other Oscar categories, but have been squeezed out of the race for the top prize. I can’t wait to see what that list of ten looks like when the nominees are announced in February.
This, while an interesting decision, comes as a complete ploy to not only sell more films, but sell more views of the awards show, as this will no doubt allow more box office kings to sit on the throne of being a Best Picture nominee. The change will take place with the upcoming Oscars, and is not only a weird and rather random announcement, but in my eyes, quite the unnecessary number. 5 seemed, at least to me, as though it was the perfect number, and sure, some films that were critically acclaimed don't get nominated, but it was always an interesting mix. I hate this news on all levels, UNLESS, the soon announce that Best Animated Feature will be done away with. THAT can redeem this announcement.
What do YOU think about this news?
Go see something good!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
NEWS/WTF: Fincher To Direct Facebook Film?
So, about a year ago, world renowned screenwriter Aaron Sorkin announced that he was currently working on a screenplay that would be based around Facebook. Well, now the film has a title, and possibly a phenomenal director to take the helm.
Variety is now reporting that Fight Club/Benjamin Button/Panic Room/Zodiac/Se7en (his best film imho)/The Game director David Fincher is now circling, or in their words, in "advanced talks" to add The Social Network to his canon.
Columbia Pictures is in advanced talks with David Fincher to direct "The Social Network," the Aaron Sorkin-scripted film for Columbia Pictures about the formation of Facebook.
The film will focus on the evolution of Facebook from its 2004 creation on the Harvard campus by sophomore Mark Zuckerberg to a juggernaut with more than 200 million members.
For those interested, the creation that they are talking about goes something like this:
The advent of Facebook came about as a spin-off of a Harvard University version of Hot or Not called Facemash. Mark Zuckerberg, while attending Harvard as a sophomore, concocted Facemash on October 28, 2003. Zuckerberg was blogging about a girl and trying to think of something to do to get her off his mind. According to The Harvard Crimson, Facemash “used photos compiled from the online facebooks of nine Houses, placing two next to each other at a time and asking users to choose the ‘hotter’ person.” To accomplish this, Zuckerberg hacked into the protected areas of Harvard’s computer network and copied the house’s private dormitory ID images. “Perhaps Harvard will squelch it for legal reasons without realizing its value as a venture that could possibly be expanded to other schools (maybe even ones with good-looking people … ),” Zuckerberg wrote in his personal blog. “But one thing is certain, and it’s that I’m a jerk for making this site. Oh well. Someone had to do it eventually … ” The site was quickly forwarded to several campus group list-servers but was shut down a few days later by the Harvard administration. Zuckerberg was charged by the administration with breach of security, violating copyrights and violating individual privacy and faced expulsion, but ultimately the charges were dropped.
After that, he went on to create "thefacebook.com" and from there on, it's all very publicized history.
This news, while interesting, is a bit weird. Personally, I don't see much in the way of cinematic value that would draw Fincher in, and it really doesn't fit his style, at all. He's been known as a darker film maker, as can be seen by his filmography. Even a tale of love that Benjamin Button can be seen as, is, by the directors own admission, a film about death. This also doesn't feature much of a period or style that can feed Fincher's need-to-be-perfect drive. It's really only been about 5 years since the rise of social networking, so it really doesn't fit anything that follows Fincher's style, nor does it warrant this type of super crew that they have, with Sorkin, Fincher, and mega producer Scott Rudin.
Here's my perfect director. Take Steven Soderbergh off of Moneyball, and give him this. Give him a 1-5 million dollar, if even that, budget, and let him go as experimental as the guy wants. THAT is what this film should be like. I'm not saying that Fincher will do a bad job, as I think the film will be amazing, hopefully, with this guys phenomenal direction, but it just seems a bit weird to me.
What about YOU?
Go see something good!
Variety is now reporting that Fight Club/Benjamin Button/Panic Room/Zodiac/Se7en (his best film imho)/The Game director David Fincher is now circling, or in their words, in "advanced talks" to add The Social Network to his canon.
Columbia Pictures is in advanced talks with David Fincher to direct "The Social Network," the Aaron Sorkin-scripted film for Columbia Pictures about the formation of Facebook.
The film will focus on the evolution of Facebook from its 2004 creation on the Harvard campus by sophomore Mark Zuckerberg to a juggernaut with more than 200 million members.
For those interested, the creation that they are talking about goes something like this:
The advent of Facebook came about as a spin-off of a Harvard University version of Hot or Not called Facemash. Mark Zuckerberg, while attending Harvard as a sophomore, concocted Facemash on October 28, 2003. Zuckerberg was blogging about a girl and trying to think of something to do to get her off his mind. According to The Harvard Crimson, Facemash “used photos compiled from the online facebooks of nine Houses, placing two next to each other at a time and asking users to choose the ‘hotter’ person.” To accomplish this, Zuckerberg hacked into the protected areas of Harvard’s computer network and copied the house’s private dormitory ID images. “Perhaps Harvard will squelch it for legal reasons without realizing its value as a venture that could possibly be expanded to other schools (maybe even ones with good-looking people … ),” Zuckerberg wrote in his personal blog. “But one thing is certain, and it’s that I’m a jerk for making this site. Oh well. Someone had to do it eventually … ” The site was quickly forwarded to several campus group list-servers but was shut down a few days later by the Harvard administration. Zuckerberg was charged by the administration with breach of security, violating copyrights and violating individual privacy and faced expulsion, but ultimately the charges were dropped.
After that, he went on to create "thefacebook.com" and from there on, it's all very publicized history.
This news, while interesting, is a bit weird. Personally, I don't see much in the way of cinematic value that would draw Fincher in, and it really doesn't fit his style, at all. He's been known as a darker film maker, as can be seen by his filmography. Even a tale of love that Benjamin Button can be seen as, is, by the directors own admission, a film about death. This also doesn't feature much of a period or style that can feed Fincher's need-to-be-perfect drive. It's really only been about 5 years since the rise of social networking, so it really doesn't fit anything that follows Fincher's style, nor does it warrant this type of super crew that they have, with Sorkin, Fincher, and mega producer Scott Rudin.
Here's my perfect director. Take Steven Soderbergh off of Moneyball, and give him this. Give him a 1-5 million dollar, if even that, budget, and let him go as experimental as the guy wants. THAT is what this film should be like. I'm not saying that Fincher will do a bad job, as I think the film will be amazing, hopefully, with this guys phenomenal direction, but it just seems a bit weird to me.
What about YOU?
Go see something good!
TRAILER: Ponyo...
Is there a better animation director than Hayao Miyazaki?
After the brilliant film that was Spirited Away, Miazaki is back with what has been hyped as "his next masterpiece." The film is called Ponyo, and it looks beyond amazing. It is completely Miyazaki's distinct style, and it looks like he has again hit it out of the ballpark with a phenominal voice cast, as usual. This trailer will be seen before My Sister's Keeper this weekend, and hopefully this will be a big hit. I know it's one that I won't be missing.
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale The Little Mermaid, the film tells the story of a baby goldfish named Ponyo (voiced by Noah Cyrus) who desires to be a human, and gets her wish. She runs away from her home in the sea and befriends a five-year-old human boy named Sosuke (Frankie Jonas). Other cast members include Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Tina Fey, Cloris Leachman, Liam Neeson, Lily Tomlin and Betty White.
Go see something good!
After the brilliant film that was Spirited Away, Miazaki is back with what has been hyped as "his next masterpiece." The film is called Ponyo, and it looks beyond amazing. It is completely Miyazaki's distinct style, and it looks like he has again hit it out of the ballpark with a phenominal voice cast, as usual. This trailer will be seen before My Sister's Keeper this weekend, and hopefully this will be a big hit. I know it's one that I won't be missing.
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale The Little Mermaid, the film tells the story of a baby goldfish named Ponyo (voiced by Noah Cyrus) who desires to be a human, and gets her wish. She runs away from her home in the sea and befriends a five-year-old human boy named Sosuke (Frankie Jonas). Other cast members include Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Tina Fey, Cloris Leachman, Liam Neeson, Lily Tomlin and Betty White.
Go see something good!
Monday, June 22, 2009
TRAILER: The Last Airbender Teaser...
So, there may be no bigger fall from grace in modern cinema than that of the career of M. Night Shamalamadingdong. Kicking off a career with The Sixth Sense, THEN adding Unbreakable to that canon, makes his last four films all the more depressingly bad, with the proverbial kick to the crotch that was The Happening. Now we have his adaptation of the HUGELY popular Avatar: The Last Aibender animated series on Nickelodeon, and it looks like all of his eggs are in this bald little basket.
That said, it looks like he may be back, at least based on this short teaser trailer. I personally really enjoy the look of the film, and it looks like there is a lot of mythology behind the story, which is always a plus when talking about a film based around martial arts and ancient/future worlds. The scope looks to be much bigger than anything Shammer has ever done, and hopefully he will step up his game with the step up in scope. All in all, this is an awesome trailer, for what I hope will be an awesome movie. What do YOU think?
Based on the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated TV series, the live-action feature film is set in a world where human civilization is divided into four nations: Water, Earth, Air and Fire.
The Fire Nation is waging a ruthless, oppressive war against the other three nations. The film’s hero, the reluctant young Aang (Noah Ringer), is the “Last Airbender” — the Avatar who, according to prophecy, has the ability to manipulate all of the elements and bring all the nations together.
Aided by a protective teenage Waterbender named Katara (Nicola Peltz) and her bull-headed brother Sokka, Aang proceeds on a perilous journey to restore balance to their war-torn world. Dev Patel plays the Fire Nation’s evil prince Zuko. Exiled from the Fire Nation by his father, Zuko is sent to capture the Avatar in order to restore his honor and right to the throne.
The Last Airbender is being targeted for a July 2nd 2010 release.
Go see something good!
That said, it looks like he may be back, at least based on this short teaser trailer. I personally really enjoy the look of the film, and it looks like there is a lot of mythology behind the story, which is always a plus when talking about a film based around martial arts and ancient/future worlds. The scope looks to be much bigger than anything Shammer has ever done, and hopefully he will step up his game with the step up in scope. All in all, this is an awesome trailer, for what I hope will be an awesome movie. What do YOU think?
Based on the hugely successful Nickelodeon animated TV series, the live-action feature film is set in a world where human civilization is divided into four nations: Water, Earth, Air and Fire.
The Fire Nation is waging a ruthless, oppressive war against the other three nations. The film’s hero, the reluctant young Aang (Noah Ringer), is the “Last Airbender” — the Avatar who, according to prophecy, has the ability to manipulate all of the elements and bring all the nations together.
Aided by a protective teenage Waterbender named Katara (Nicola Peltz) and her bull-headed brother Sokka, Aang proceeds on a perilous journey to restore balance to their war-torn world. Dev Patel plays the Fire Nation’s evil prince Zuko. Exiled from the Fire Nation by his father, Zuko is sent to capture the Avatar in order to restore his honor and right to the throne.
The Last Airbender is being targeted for a July 2nd 2010 release.
Go see something good!
FIRST LOOK: Depp, Bonham Carter, Hathaway, and Lucas in Alice in Wonderland...
Over the weekend, Walt Disney Pictures released the first promotional photos from Tim Burton’s 3D re-imagining of Alice in Wonderland. The photos below are the first official photos of Johnny Depp as a freakish-looking Mad Hatter, Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen, and Anne Hathaway as The White Queen, looking very pale. Finally, you have the newest photo released, which hit the web today, of Matt Lucas as -shaped Tweedledee and Tweedledum (Matt Lucas) and more. Enjoy, and let me know what you think!!!
Also released, was some of the much anticipated concept art for the film, which can be seen HERE.
Honestly, I'm not nearly the biggest fan of Tim Burton, or at least his repetitive style, but for Alice In Wonderland, it fits perfectly. I had previously announced my love for this project, in not only the cast, but having Burton take the helm, and while I wish he would stick to original material, but THIS is what Burton was born to do. This and get emo kids to procreate.
What do YOU think?
Go see something good!
Also released, was some of the much anticipated concept art for the film, which can be seen HERE.
Honestly, I'm not nearly the biggest fan of Tim Burton, or at least his repetitive style, but for Alice In Wonderland, it fits perfectly. I had previously announced my love for this project, in not only the cast, but having Burton take the helm, and while I wish he would stick to original material, but THIS is what Burton was born to do. This and get emo kids to procreate.
What do YOU think?
Go see something good!
TV: True Blood Episode 1 & 2 Review/Wrap Up...
Ahhh, vampires. How you have a horrible cinematic history.
Actually, only recently has the cinematic outings involving the toothy beings have been popular, and the quality has been quite a mixed bag. For every brilliant piece of celluloid like Let The Right One In, we the people get simply mediocre pieces of lard like Twilight. That said, TV really hasn't had an upstanding vampire television show since Buffy: The Vampire Slayer. Well, starting its second season, True Blood looks to add something to the blood sucking canon. And what an addition it is, and will be.
Here's what you need to know.
Based off of the best selling series of novels written by Charlaine Harris, True Blood follows the lives of Sookie Stackhouse (Rogue...uh...Anna Paquin), a mind reading waitress in a small Louisiana town, Bon Temps, who falls for Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer), a 173 year old Vampire who happens to have an eye for Sookie as well. In the first season, along with following these two lovers and their tumultuous relationship, there has also been a rash of murders involving women who have had relations with vampires. This is the main mystery, and it all stems back to women who not only have relations with vampires, but also have had relations with Sookies six packed brother Jason (Ryan Kwanten). Near the end of the season, it is revealed that Rene, a friend of Jason's, is actually a guy named Drew Marshall, who simply had a fake Cajun accent.
Along with the overall plot of season one, they also hint at plots that will play out in the current season, the second of three planned as of this date. Bill, to save Sookie, was forced to turn a young girl, Jessica, into a vampire, and in turn has to have her live with him, as shes "too annoying", for fellow vampire Eric, to care for. Also, while sitting in prison, Jason decides that he should join an anti-vampire movement, the Fellowship of the Sun. Also, for Merlotte's owner Sam, a shape shifter, has a past "friend" return, named Maryanne, whose powers don't become known until this new season.
The last shot of season one involved a dead body, with simply a few painted toenails showing, and Sookie and Tara (Sookies bff, played by Rutina Wesley) screaming. Many people simply thought that was Tara's cousin, Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis), who was also openly gay. However, season 2 picks up at that very second, and to all of our surprise, it was not Lafayette. It was Miss Jeanette, who had performed an "exorcism" for Tara and her mother. Lafayette in turn has been kidnapped by the aforementioned Eric, and in the second episode, is for all accounts and purposes, being turned into a vampire.
Not much has really taken up yet in the season, but what is really nice about the first two episodes, is actually two fold. First, it's really heartening to see that, so far, the writers all seem to really understand where they want this season to go. Then, compared to the lackluster opening to the first season, to see the second season kick off with such a bang really has my hopes high.
A few things HAVE happened in the opening however, particularly in Bill and Sookie's relationship, and Jason and the G.O.D's relationship.
In the opening episode, Sookie discovers that Bill has been living, and will be living with another woman, who is not only younger, but quite the hot piece of ass Jessica. This throws Sookie off the deep end. However, she ends up taking him back, and in the following episode, begins to grow to really enjoy her company. That said, the end of the second episode leaves everything out in the open. Sookie brings Jessica to her families house, who have been on the hunt for her ever since her disappearance/turning. The episode ends with Bill telling Sookie to get the hell out of there, and both Bill and Jessica looking at confronting Jessica's father, who has been revealed to be quite abusive.
The other major storyline gets picked up primarily in the second episode. Jason is in full Jesus kick, and is now attending the Light of Day leadership camp, where he becomes the star pupil. Tara gets a lot more screen time, at least in comparison to the opening of season 1, as she is beginning to have some sort of romantic relationship with fellow "rehab" mate Eggs, and Maryanne has finally come out and shown us what her powers truly are. She "charms" people at Merlotte's Bar, and even charms Sam into turning into his shape shifting form, a Dog, all of which he is unable to control. That is the primary points that all should know, and for more information on the series, if you are interested, you can go to HBO, and actually watch the thing on Sunday nights at 9 pm.
To me, the best thing about this show, and the primary difference between this and its closest relative, Twilight, is both the female lead, and her relationship to the male lead. In Twilight, the female is completely mindless, and no matter the amount of shit she is given, she will still fawn for the guy who would kill her if he had the chance. However, in True Blood, Sookie has a mind of her own, and Bill does as well. Both have a deep love for each other, and they go through fights, just like any couple. If Bella saw Edward living with a sexy piece of ass, she would be all like, I'm down with that, if you would still have me Edward, all in a wide eyed puppy dog face. But instead, Sookie flips her lid, and tells Bill just what she thinks. It's a much easier role and performance to get attached to, and that, in turn, allows for the viewer to get much deeper into the twos relationship as a whole. Moyer is also stellar as the southern gentleman Bill, and really brings a lot of heart into a show that otherwise could play itself out, at least play as some sort of high class smut that HBO has pumped out like Entourage. Without these good performances, the show would be of the same quality of Entourage, just with deeper themes.
Those themes also really add a lot to the show. The biggest theme that the show deals with is gay rights. Vampirism is a play for gay rights, and in the show, it really works, particularly with the new addition of the new Jason storyline, bringing religion into the equation. It may be a bit up front and in your face, but in the second season, it seems to be played pretty straight, and rather subdued. It's most easily comparable to what Bryan Singer did with X-Men and X-2 as to what Brett Ratner did with the drek fest that was X-3. It lets the story breathe, while still playing with these themes, instead of forcing these themes upon the story, as Hackner did in X-3, with the addition of Angel, and other things.
However, to me, the true star of this in the setting. The show takes place in a small town in the deep south, which not only has more than its fair share of religious background and history, but the area also breathes style albeit particularly Gothic. It's a grungy little town with a bunch of distinct characters, and for these people to live in such a stylistically Gothic and rural area, is something much more fresh than the urban landscapes that rule television.
Finally, the opening credits. Can we just have a moment here to mention just how awesome these credits are. In the midst of just a minute and a half, you get an, albeit brief discussion of redemption, all wrapped in this stylish opening, to the tune of Bad Things by Jace Everett. The song oozes sexuality and really matches the shows grungy feeling. It's a raw, twangy tune that is a pitch perfect match for the show. Watch the opening titles below.
All in all, the show may not be the biggest intellectual boost, but it's not just mindless smut like many people have said. It deals with many issues that, while sometimes standard fodder for television, have rarely been done with such an entertaining and raw style, that this show is really a must see. It's a message filled tale of love, wrapped in a Gothic shell, and I personally love every second of it. So will you.
I will be posting my thoughts on True Blood after two new episodes have aired, and they will feature my thoughts on only those new episodes, and season two as a whole. For my thoughts on season one, come back to this post, or check out my previous True Blood discussions by clicking on the True Blood tag below.
Go see something good!
NEWS/WTF: Sony Drops Moneyball...
So, 3 days before production for Moneyball was going to kick off production, Columbia Pictures has taken the option to drop it.
Here's the story. Friday, Sony stated that the project was put into some sort of "limited turnaround", meaning that the they have given Soderbergh, the director, a chance to set it up with another studio, most likely Warner Brothers or Paramount.
As FirstShowing stated, the sudden change came after Sony Co-Chair Amy Pascal received a final draft from Steven Zaillian last week, that was vastly different from the earlier scripts that Pascal had gotten behind. She was uncomfortable in how the director's vision had gone in such a different direction from the former drafts, which led her to her brash decision.
So, it appears that, as no new financier has appeared today, at least to my knowledge, the project has been delayed, at the very least. Variety reports that, if a new financier does not emerge today, Columbia will take a look at all options, which not only includes delaying the film, but possibly replacing Soderbergh, or even dropping the project as a whole.
According to various sources, Pascal was concerned on the marketability over seas, as not only is baseball a fairly unpopular sport overseas (which is a horrible concern, as it's not true), and the film has ONLY a $50 million budget, which includes Brad Pitt's salary. Oh, and Soderbergh was going experimental once again.
This is really awful news. I CAN understand it, as a studio has to make some sort of monetary gain, but to shelve a film for such a silly reason like, "oh, we hired Soderbergh, the guy behind Bubble, to do this baseball movie, we totally expected an Ocean's 11". I love Soderbergh as a film maker, and this is one film that has not only an interesting director, but cast, AND source material, that I really hope this film gets picked up by someone. Here's to hoping!
Go see something good!
Here's the story. Friday, Sony stated that the project was put into some sort of "limited turnaround", meaning that the they have given Soderbergh, the director, a chance to set it up with another studio, most likely Warner Brothers or Paramount.
As FirstShowing stated, the sudden change came after Sony Co-Chair Amy Pascal received a final draft from Steven Zaillian last week, that was vastly different from the earlier scripts that Pascal had gotten behind. She was uncomfortable in how the director's vision had gone in such a different direction from the former drafts, which led her to her brash decision.
So, it appears that, as no new financier has appeared today, at least to my knowledge, the project has been delayed, at the very least. Variety reports that, if a new financier does not emerge today, Columbia will take a look at all options, which not only includes delaying the film, but possibly replacing Soderbergh, or even dropping the project as a whole.
According to various sources, Pascal was concerned on the marketability over seas, as not only is baseball a fairly unpopular sport overseas (which is a horrible concern, as it's not true), and the film has ONLY a $50 million budget, which includes Brad Pitt's salary. Oh, and Soderbergh was going experimental once again.
This is really awful news. I CAN understand it, as a studio has to make some sort of monetary gain, but to shelve a film for such a silly reason like, "oh, we hired Soderbergh, the guy behind Bubble, to do this baseball movie, we totally expected an Ocean's 11". I love Soderbergh as a film maker, and this is one film that has not only an interesting director, but cast, AND source material, that I really hope this film gets picked up by someone. Here's to hoping!
Go see something good!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
TRAILER: World's Greatest Dad...
FINALLY, it's here. With Father's Day being today (happy Father's Day to all dads!), Magnolia has released the first trailer for the much talked about Sundance hit, World's Greatest Dad (actually, it was released on Friday, but I never really got around to writing about it). The one film from the Waterfront Film Festival that I was truly sad to miss, World's Greatest Dad is quite a dark, dark film.
Robin Williams stars as Lance Clayton, a man who has learned to settle. He dreamed of being a rich and famous writer, but has only managed to make it as a high school poetry teacher. His only son Kyle (Daryl Sabara) is an insufferable jackass who won’t give his father the time of day. He is dating Claire (Alexie Gilmore), the school’s adorable art teacher, but she doesn’t want to get serious — or even acknowledge publicly that they are dating.
Then, in the wake of a freak accident, Lance suffers the worst tragedy and greatest opportunity of his life. He is suddenly faced with the possibility of all the fame, fortune and popularity he ever dreamed of, if he can only live with the knowledge of how he got there.
The film is directed by writer/director Bobcat Goldthwait, the world famous comedian. His second film, after the '06 "girl who gave a dog a blowjob" comedy, Sleeping Dogs Lie, World's Greatest Dad stars Robin Williams. I think this could be a huge return for Robin Williams, similar to the way he came back with One Hour Photo. That is a phenomenal film, and he is a revelation in that role. The film looks great, and is one of my ten most anticipated from the rest of the summer.
The film hits theatres on August 21st, 2009.
Go see something good!
Robin Williams stars as Lance Clayton, a man who has learned to settle. He dreamed of being a rich and famous writer, but has only managed to make it as a high school poetry teacher. His only son Kyle (Daryl Sabara) is an insufferable jackass who won’t give his father the time of day. He is dating Claire (Alexie Gilmore), the school’s adorable art teacher, but she doesn’t want to get serious — or even acknowledge publicly that they are dating.
Then, in the wake of a freak accident, Lance suffers the worst tragedy and greatest opportunity of his life. He is suddenly faced with the possibility of all the fame, fortune and popularity he ever dreamed of, if he can only live with the knowledge of how he got there.
The film is directed by writer/director Bobcat Goldthwait, the world famous comedian. His second film, after the '06 "girl who gave a dog a blowjob" comedy, Sleeping Dogs Lie, World's Greatest Dad stars Robin Williams. I think this could be a huge return for Robin Williams, similar to the way he came back with One Hour Photo. That is a phenomenal film, and he is a revelation in that role. The film looks great, and is one of my ten most anticipated from the rest of the summer.
The film hits theatres on August 21st, 2009.
Go see something good!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
PHOTO: Inception Begins Shooting...
This news is a bit straightforward, so all there really is to know is that Christopher Nolan's new film, Inception, has begun filming, and this photograph is proof (Taking Back Sunday reference anyone? No, whatever, moving on). It features (from left to right) Leonardo DiCaprio, Nolan, and Ken Watanabe.
Go see something good!!
Go see something good!!
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