NEWS: We Have A Director For Captain America...

Hey guys! At this late hour, I have the great honor of bringing you the new news today surrounding the hiring of a director for Marvel's upcoming Captain America film...

Thanks to /film for the info...

Marvel Studios has just signed Joe Johnston to direct The First Avenger: Captain America. Like many, I was impressed with Johnson’s early art/effects work, loved October Sky, but was pretty disappointed with everything he has done since (::cough:: Jurassic Park III ::cough::). However, the footage I saw from The Wolf Man at Comic Con was very impressive. Johnston seems like an odd choice for this Marvel franchise, especially considering his background in visual effects, which would have made him more valuable in a project with a more visually dynamic superhero (like The Incredible Hulk).

Johnston started his career as an artist at Lucasfilm, having famously provided the final designs for Star Wars characters Yoda and Boba Fett. He won an academy award for his visual effects work on Raiders of the Lost Ark. Supposedly Johnston and George Lucas got close, and Joe was invited to cit in during George’s editing sessions. Later when Joe announced that he would be leaving the company to travel the world with the money he had saved up, Lucas convinced him to attend his alma mater USC film School, and even paid his tuition.

Johnston was a second unit director on *batteries not included, and made his directorial debut with Honey I Shrunk the Kids. In the 1990’s, Johnson directed The Rocketeer, the live action sequences of The Pagemaster, Jumanji, and crescendoed with October Sky. Steven Spielberg handed Johnston the Jurassic Park series with Jurassic Park III. His remake of The Wolf Man for Universal will hit theaters in April 2009. Interestingly, Johnson was also at one point in line to direct Hulk, but for one reason or another decided to drop out.

The First Avenger: Captain America is set to hit theaters on May 6th 2011, just two months before Marvel’s superhero team-up film The Avengers (July 15th 2011). Considering the films will be interconnected, this means Johnson will need to cast his Steve Rogers / Captain America very soon. Also, no screenwriters have been hired for the project, but Marvel has supposedly been heading pitches and hopes to hire someone soon.

What are your thoughts on this news? I'm glad that they've got a person to helm it, although I'm skeptical on wither or not it's the right choice. How about you guys?

Go see something good!!

DVD REVIEW: Inside Man...

I love me a good heist. Whether it be The Ocean's Series, or the classic Rififi, there is nothing that interests me more than a solid heist film. There's just something about robbing a bank and the power struggle that goes on between cops and robbers that works so well for me. Inside Man is no different. This was the last film from the controversial auteur Spike Lee, before his release this year, Miracle At St. Anna, and I got the great chance to check this one out today on television actually. And it was definitely time well spent.

Inside Man stars Denzel Washington as the troubled and tough nosed Detective Frazier. Mr. Frazier must try to match wits with a clever bank robber (Clive Owen). As the dangerous cat-and-mouse game unfolds, a wild card, sent by the bank's president who has something to protect in a safe deposit box emerges: Madaline(Jodie Foster), a power broker with a hidden agenda, who injects even more instability into an already volatile situation. With an army of police surrounding the bank, the thief, the cop, and the plutocrat's fixer enter high-stakes negotiations as 50 hostages and their lives are on the lines. The film asks it's viewer, and the character's for that matter, a lot of questions. Why are the robbers asking for a plane when they know they won't get one. Why aren't they in more of a hurry? If the job's perfect, why is the thieves' leader in a cell?

When talking about Inside Man, the first thing that I have to discuss of course, is Spike Lee, the film's great director. He's a much controversial, much beloved helmer of such films like Malcolm X and Crooklyn, shockers like Bamboozled, and classics like the brilliant Do The Right Thing. While Inside Man isn't up to Do The Right Things level, Inside Man is one hell of a good time. It's a complete Spike Lee film whether it be the brief discussions of race (such as a brilliant scene between the two main detectives and an Arab man in a diner), and the gorgeous shots of New York City. There are also visual, Spike Lee, staples most noticeably in his patented neo-snory cam shot, in which the main character seems as though he or she is standing on a conveyor belt as they move forward.

Right from the outset, we get thrust into the story of a man in a cell describing how he has committed the perfect robbery. We then are put right at the beginning of the robbery, and interspersed are interviews with the hostages that are taken by the group of robbers, whom call each other variations of the name "Steve". The group is helmed by Clive Owen's character, Dalton Russel, and he is the best part of this film, in the performance department. There is just something about his delivery and charisma that make you root for not only the "good guys", but the robber's themselves. Owen also holds his own in the one major scene between him and the master of cinematic charisma Denzel Washington, who is also really great here.

The true star of this film is the script. It was written by Russell Gewirtz, who shockingly has also written the deplorable script to the deplorable Righteous Kill. It's a solid script, and the performances given to it are also great, as I mentioned earlier. There really is no plot set up, it's simply a movie about a bank robbery and the power struggle between the two, or in this case, three parties. That's the real meaning behind this film. No matter who is in the conversation, someone is always in power. Take the scene where the women is asked to translate something for the police. She walks in, and before doing anything, says that she needs some parking tickets to get taken care of. Then she sparks up a cigarette, and after the great Chiwetel Ejiotofer asks her to put it out, she gives him a stare, and he steps back. The film is all about power and the struggle to get it.

Finally, the last thing I would like to talk about is the twist. I'm not going to say anything, other than it really made this film that much better. It was a great turn, and really worked for me. That all said, the ending did have to make up for a few problems in the means section of the film.

The main problem I had with this film is the character of Madeline, played by Jodie Foster. She wasn't in the film enough to really warrant her role, and if you get her out of the picture, you can still go forward with the diamond subplot, in that the man she is working for is the President of the bank. Her character is like a line drawn off a perfect circle. She had no necessary connection with in the film. Say she was working for a man that wasn't so strongly connected to the bank, like the mayor or a random broker, she would have had more importance. Foster was fine in it, and her character was interesting, she just didn't seem to have a point. A few of the interchanges felt a little heavy handed, and the last thing may come off as a lame point, and it didn't bother me really at all, I just wish that there were a few more visual flourishes during the film. The film does get a little visually tired, and then comes a breathtaking shot of a still Denzel Washington "floating" towards the bank being robbed. It didn't effect my final outcome, it's just something I would have liked to have seen.

Negatives aside, this is a really solid heist film, and if you are like me, and a fan of the sub-genre, give it a shot if you haven't already.

INSIDE MAN: 8/10

I am in the search of a good top 10...Got any ideas??

Go see something good!

WEEKEND WRAP UP...

Hey guys! This is another interesting if lackluster weekend, so here's the box office top 10...

1.Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
2.Role Models
3.High School Musical 3: Senior Year
4.Changeling
5.Zack and Miri Make a Porno
6.Soul Men
7.Saw V
8.The Haunting of Molly Hartley
9.The Secret Life of Bees
10.Eagle Eye

Eagle Eye is STILL in the top 10? Madagascar 2 grossed roughly $64 Million this weekend, and DESTROYED Role Models which only brought in about $20 Million...What did you guys see this weekend?

So, just like last week, this upcoming Tuesday's DVD releases are pretty sparse. However, there are a few worth noting...

- Star Wars: The Clone Wars -
New all animated Star Wars film that received pretty damning reviews. I never saw it, and after Episode 3: Revenge of The Sith, my love for this franchise is pretty much dead. Rent, no BUY, the original trilogy instead...
- Bottle Rocket -
The premier film from Royal Tenenbaums director Wes Anderson is now coming out in a new Criterion 2 Disc Edition in both DVD and Blu-Ray. It's a fantastic film, and to me, it is Mr. Birdman's best film to date. Featuring two great performances from previously unknown actors Luke and Owen (who also co-wrote the film with Anderson) Wilson. It's a hefty purchase at $35, but it's a brilliant version and far superior to the single disc that I own...

--PICK OF THE WEEK--
Hellboy 2: Curse of the Golden Army
While I believe the first film is superior, the reason this is my pick of the week and a mandatory buy for fans, is the insane creativity, if a little self indulgent, that is in the creature and world design. Del Toro knows mood and is possibly the most creative director working today when it comes to creatures. Also, the 2-Disc Collector's Edition features a 3 Hour documentary on the making of the film, and Guillermo Del Toro always does insanely interesting commentaries. Worth a rental at least...

Also, last week I didn't do all the research necessary, and neglected to let you all know that two newly released John Cassavetes films were released, and they are Woman Under the Influence, and the one I'm most interested in checking out, The Killing of A Chinese Bookie. I'm not fluent in Mr. Cassavette, so these two are definitely on my list to check out, and if you have Netflix, they should be on your list as well.

Well, this week has one release theatrically, and that is Quantum of Solace, the newest film in the James Bond franchise based on the famous Ian Flemming novels. Now, this one picks up right where the GREAT Casino Royale left off, and features Daniel Craig returning as the suave super-spy himself. The presales for tickets have been solid (although Twilight is killing it), and yours truly has the opportunity to check it out on Thursday night, so you can expect a review of this come late Thursday night. The title may be a little weird (but if you take a look at what Flemming meant by it, it's actually quite brilliant), but the huge pile of scenes that have been released and are currently available on this very blog, I'm really excited.

Are you guys going to get out and see Quantum of Solace or are you going to check something else out? What have you guys seen lately?

Go see something good!

POSTER: A New Kick Ass Watchmen Poster...

Hey guys! I have the great pleasure of bringing you all a brand new, kick ass poster from my most anticipated film of next year, Watchmen. After reading two chapters in the graphic novel, I now realize, for the most why it's so beloved and reviered by comic fans and buffs and I can't wait to finish the book and watch the film...check out the poster!

Is anyone as excited for this as me? Is this one that you guys are looking forward to? Or is it not even on your radar?

Go see something good!

VIDEO: Pixar's UP...

Hey guys! So, I was online tonight, and came across this really cool little trailer...It's the newest teaser for Pixar's upcoming film, UP...



Here's a plot overview from /film...

From the Academy Award®-nominated team of director Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.”) and co-director Bob Peterson comes UP, a comedic adventure taking off (and lifting spirits) in summer 2009.

Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. UP takes audiences on a thrilling journey where the unlikely pair encounter wild terrain, unexpected villains and jungle creatures. When seeking adventure next summer—look UP.

Pixar’s Up hits theaters on May 29th 2009.

Pixar has yet to fail me, minus a lackluster outing in Cars, and are probably the best studio, live action or animation, working today. I can't wait for this film, and any film Pixar has coming up the pipe. What about you?

Go see something good!

NEWS: Oldboy Remake...

Okay, so I've had a long night. I've got papers to write, housing fees to pay, and now this crap bomb has been released...

It looks as though Steven Speilberg and Will Smith are set to direct and star in a new remake of cult hit and personal favorite of mine, Oldboy. Thanks to /film for this interesting information...

Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are in talks to collaborate on a remake of Chan Wook-Park’s Oldboy. Spielberg has been looking for an opportunity to work with Smith for a few years now, and this just might be the project. DreamWorks is in the process of securing the remake rights, and Spielberg is on the search for a screenwriter to develop the project. The project was originally set up with Fast and Furious director Justin Lin.

In the 2003 South Korean film, a man named Dae-Su is locked in a hotel room for 15 years without knowing why or who is holding him captive. He is suddenly released, given money, clothes and a cellphone and is sent on journey for revenge. The film won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival and was highly praised by Jury President Quentin Tarantino. Roger Ebert called Oldboy a “powerful film not because of what it depicts, but because of the depths of the human heart which it strips bare” … “We are so accustomed to ‘thrillers’ that exist only as machines for creating diversion that it’s a shock to find a movie in which the action, however violent, makes a statement and has a purpose.” It definitely has one of the best side-scrolling action scenes I’ve ever seen (included below).

This may be one of the greatest and most viscerally intense and exhausting films I've ever seen, and I personally don't think Speilberg and Smith are good fits, especially Smith. This is an INSANELY dark and intense film, and it doesn't seem like his kind of film. Speilberg is a similar story. It's a visually stunning film, but not necisarrily in Speilbergs sort of way. Now, this remake is going to get made no matter what, so this isn't the worst case, but I think it should go to a more visually oriented director. Someone like a Darron Aronofsky or maybe, here's a novel thought...LEAVE IT THE HELL ALONE...

For those few of you who have seen it, what do you think about this news? If you haven't had the chance to check this film out, please, do yourself a favor, rent this right away.

Go see something good!

REVIEW: Role Models...

Sometimes, expectations really help the overall film experience. Last year, as some of you may or may not know, I got the chance to see the rather dreadful film, The Ten. It starred Paul Rudd and the film was helmed by a personal favorite of mine, David Wain. Well, the two are back together, and this time they brought a long Sean William Scott and have brought us the new film, Role Models. I was not to enthused about checking this film out, not only for the lame trailers that were released, but The Ten nuked the fridge so much for me, that I wasn't ready to forgive Mr. Wain quite yet. Well, all my friends, has be forgiven.

Role Models stars Sean William Scott and Paul Rudd as two energy drink salesmen, Wheeler and Danny. Danny hates his job, and one day, he is dumped by his long time girlfriend. This sends him over the deep end, and after his company monster truck gets towed, he decides to take matters into his own hands, and drives the truck off of the tow truck, and onto a statue of a bull. After their arrest, the court gives them a choice: do hard time or spend 150 hours with a mentor ship program. After one day with the kids, however, jail doesn't look half bad. Once the center's director (Jane Lynch) gives them an ultimatum, Danny and Wheeler are forced to tailor their brand of immature wisdom to their charges, Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) and Ronnie (Bobb'e J. Thompson).

This has been a year chock full of solid comedies. Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder, Zack and Miri, and Burn After Reading, so I'm going to sound like a broken record, but when discussing comedies, one thing matters. The laughs. This film had me grinning and at many moments, all out laughing for most of the film. It is a lot of juvenile humor, comparable to that of a toned down Step Brothers, but this has something that film didn't, heart.

The plot centers around a break up between Paul Rudd's character, Danny, and the gorgeous and gifted Elizabeth Banks' character, Beth, and their chemistry and interchanges were really well done. Paul Rudd shows once again just how gifted of a comedic actor he is. Every line that comes out of his mouth is perfectly delivered and he really holds this film. He also helped co write the script with director David Wain, and the two really know how to do vulgar comedy, and still have some heart.

All of that said, the films true star is the perfect pairing of Sean William Scott and Paul Rudd. The two are cast perfectly, and give the film a little more depth than most other "stupid" comedies. Sean William Scott has made a living off of the oblivious frat boy-esque "Stiffler" style of guy who doesn't want a job, but would love a beer and a broad. Then you have the conservative, hilariously deadpan Danny played by Paul Rudd, who is so hard on himself that it ultimately ends his seven year relationship with Beth. The script really lets the two play off of each other, and I would love to see these two stay as a team, and take the place of Will Ferrel and John C. Reily. I had more fun watching these two.

The supporting cast is also rather well cast and give solid performances, particularly Christopher Mintz Plasse, McLovin to most of you, but he is really great, and I can't wait to see him in the upcoming film, Kick Ass. He's a geeky kid, he's got an unsupportive home, and in such a ridiculous film, especially in his counterpart, Wheeler's small Ronnie played by Bobb'e J. Thompson, he gives much more heart and his love story adds some needed "cuteness" to the flick. Thompson was funny, but a bit boisterous, and the smaller characters had their moments. That all said, as with most films, it does have some flaws.

Can we get some artistry in our comedies, or is that to much to ask? Seriously, point and shoot comedies are fun, and it's fine to let the laughs work on their own, but it's also a kiss of death, and this film fell for it. The film hits a lot more than it misses, but with a story this thin and a film this over the top, when the jokes missed, it left me near snores. There is a little love story between Augie and another "LAIRE" player, but there isn't enough meat to it, and some jokes just didn't hit, and without the visual flares of say Pineapple Express or Tropic Thunder, or even Burn After Reading, it just left me hanging. The second act really lagged as well, and the true jump the shark moment was a ridiculously forced "bonding" montage, that just didn't work.

Overall, the film worked, but outside of the laughs, the film didn't have much meat. It's like disposable cameras. Fun for the time you have it, but afterwards, you just discard it and move on. Worth a shot if you want some good laughs, and hell, go see it with some friends and have a good time...

ROLE MODELS: 7.5/10

That's all I've got for now, so come back later for more news and notes...

Go see something good!!

NEWS: Greatest. Action Film. Ever...and WATCHMEN!!!

Hey guys! Today is a pretty big day news wise, and yours truly is here to give you the information for you all to sound that much cooler when hanging out with friends...

- It looks as though the Gods of this universe have finally maned up and will give us what we have all wanted. Stallone, Statham and Jet Li in an action film in which they play a team of mercenaries...Thanks to Yahoo for the info...

Sylvester Stallone and Jason Statham have become expendable. The pair will join Jet Li, who’s in final negotiations, as a team of mercenaries in “The Expendables,” an action film that Stallone wrote and will direct.

The main characters are sent to infiltrate a South American country and overthrow its ruthless dictator to liberate the population. Their team is “expendable,” hired to do jobs that no one else can or will. Principal photography will begin in February in Costa Rica and Louisiana.

Honestly, is there anyone that DOESN'T want to see this movie right now. I would give anything to see this damn film, and it's actually in the works. This is what Inglorious Bastards was going to be when Tarantino thought it up, and it's what it should be. This may be my second most anticipated film now, right behind...

- WATCHMEN!!! So, your humble blogger here has finally picked up a copy of this hallowed piece of geek scripture, and today I have a new video to show you. It's called Girls Kick Ass and talks about Silk Spectre and Silk Spectre II and their roles in the comic. It also gives us some sweet shots of the beautiful Malin Akerman and her fight scenes...

Watchmen Exclusive: Girls Kick Ass


This is easily my most anticipated film, and I can't wait to delve into the world that is Watchmen...

- Jack Black is set to star in a new adaptation of the classic, Gulliver's Travels...

- Finally, there is a new trailer for the much anticipated and much problematic television show from the mediums genius geek monster, Joss Whedon, Dollhouse...


I'm starting to get into a lot of television shows, especially Fringe this year, and this one is one that I can't wait to check out. It's had its problems, but I'm really looking forward to it...How about you?

That's all I've got for now, so come back later for more news, and hopefully a review of Role Models...Gotta love free screenings!

Go see something good!

NEWS: Australia, 3 Stooges, and Some Ballot Measures...

Hey guys! It's a great day outside, we have Obama as our President Elect, and I only have one class today...Today could not be better...Here are your headlines...

- First off, in non movie news, I would like to let you all in on some huge Ballot Measures that have been passed in a ton of states...

ARIZONA
-Ban on Gay Marriage PASSED
ARKANSAS
-Ban on Gay Couples Adopting PASSED
CALIFORNIA
-Ban on Gay Marriage PASSED
FLORIDA
-Ban on Gay Marriage PASSED
WASHINGTON
-ALLOW DOCTOR ASSISTED SUICIDE PASSED

Everyone, Obama's election may be one of the greatest moments in this nations history, but we still have a little ways to go...

DOCTOR ASSISTED SUICIDE??!?!?! Really!??!!?

On to the movie news...

- It looks as though the Farrelly Brothers are set to remake or reboot the Three Stooges...

- A new sex comedy starring Jason Sudekis and Don Johnson is getting a green light, called A Good Old Fashion Orgy...

- Finally, I have the pleasure of bringing you a new poster for the new film, Australia...

What do you think about it? I personally can't wait...

That's all I've got for today...come back later for more movie news and notes...

Go see something good!

I'm Proud...

Barack Obama is the President Elect of the United States of America...

I’m 19, and this is the first true time I’ve been proud to be an American. This is one moment that I will never forget. I was a Political Science Major for my first year in college, and he is the main inspiration for that. I have been a fan of this man for about 4 years now, and this is something that, no matter what ignorant people say on their facebook status, can’t be taken away from us as a country. This is a great moment, and I’m proud to live in this country.

VIDEO: It's a Dance Off...

The true way elections should be settled...

Go see something good!

VIDEO: Just watch this...

NEWS: Reason Why Terrance Howard is Out of Iron Man...

Hey guys! Now, throughout the day, I check out various websites to see what is going on in the world of news, and report my findings to you all, so you may know what the hell is going down within the world of film. So, one of my first reads is a great website called The Movie Blog, and an interesting article was talked about today. It appears that Entertainment Weekly has discovered some new and damning information as to why Terrance Howard has been replaced in Iron Man 2, 3, and The Avengers by the great actor Don Cheadle. The Movie Blog was nice enough to sum the article up into the two main points...

1 - He was the highest paid actor on the movie
Yes, according to Entertainment Weekly, Terrance Howard was signed for MORE than Robert Downey Jr and everyone else on the movie. This isn’t too surprising because the studio wasn’t sure how the public would react to Downy at the time and Howard was, quite frankly, the bigger name. Still… a minor character getting more than the leads?

#2 - Howard was difficult on set and bad in the film
It’s being reported now that the studio, and director Jon Favreau himself did not like the performance Terrance Howard gave nor liked working with him that much. According to the story, Favreau spent a lot of time cutting and re-editing Howard’s scenes to make them work. It was so bad, that even though the original plan was to have a BIGGER role for Howard in the second film, Favreau had been working to make Howard’s role SMALLER. This was the final straw that made the studio pull the trigger and make the change change. If the director isn’t happy with the actor and he’s making him a smaller part but still be the highest paid??? You’d make the change too.

So, he was a supporting actor getting the leading amount in pay, and he was a bastard on set. So what does the studio do? Replace's Howard's overpaid ass with one of the best actors working in Hollywood today. This is why Marvel is doing EVERYTHING, well, minus the next Punisher film, right...

What are your thoughts?

Go see something good!

VIDEO: Preview of Swayze's The Beast...

It's Patrick Swayze's first role since being diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer, a cancer that has a %5 survival rate. He looks amazing, and this is one show that I can not wait to check out! What are your thoughts?

Go see something good!

NEWS: Halloween Sequel, Tin Tin, and Phoenix...

Hey guys! So, it's the eve of the '08 Election, and surprisingly, there is quite a bit of movie news. Here are your headlines!

- It looks like Joaquin Phoenix wasn't lying after all. Thanks to Yahoo! for this information...

The words “Good Bye” were penned on the actor’s knuckles at a premiere Saturday night for his latest film, “Two Lovers,” and Phoenix confirmed a surprise announcement he made last week: He’s giving up movies.

“I think it’s just moving on. It’s rediscovering something else,” said Phoenix, 34, said in an interview with Associated Press Television News before Saturday’s American Film Institute festival, which also premiered “Che,” starring Benicio Del Toro. “Two Lovers” is his last film, he said. His publicist had disclosed Friday that the actor intended to focus on music.

What do you guys think? I'm sad to see him leave film, but the guy does have some musical chops, so who knows, it may work out. Best of wishes...

- Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen has wrapped principal photography...

- The upcoming sequel to Rob Zombies Halloween reboot is getting a theatrical release. The film will not have Rob Zombie at the helm, and actually, Zombie will have nothing to do with this sequel.

- Steven Speilberg and Peter Jackson have obtained financing for TWO Tin Tin Films, instead of the projected three...

- Heroes co writers/producers Jesse Alexander and Jeph Lobe have been fired by NBC...

- Here's an update from a story I wrote about at the end of last week. It looks as though Universal has won the alleged biding war over the EA Games video-game, that has yet to even be announced, tentatively called Dante's Inferno.

- Fox Studios is CONSIDERING rebooting the now dead franchise, Planet of The Apes...

- Finally, Max Allan Collins has been signed on to write two new sequels for the Sam Mendes directed, critic favorite, Road to Perdition. The man behind the original Road to Perdition comics will pen the scripts for the upcoming Road To Purgatory and Road to Paradise...

I lied yesterday when I said I would be seeing Rachel Getting Married, and while that may still happen, it looks like I'll get the pleasure to review Role Models for you all. Now, I said it would never get this money, and it won't, because at Grand Valley State University, they like to give away free tickets for advanced screenings. Expect a review on Thursday night...

Go see something good!