NEWS: Casting, Zombies, and Max Payne...PLUS, DVD Releases...

Here are the noteable headlines for this Monday, the 29th of September...

- Max Payne WILL be recieving the illustrious, PG-13 rating...
- In non news news, Zombie God, George A. Romero, will be featuring "aqua zombies" in his next film...
- Zach Snyder will lead the creative direction for three upcoming releases for EA Games...He will also own the rights to those releases, if he decides to adapt them to a feature film...
- Shakespeare lover, Kennith Branaugh, is rumored to be in the hunt for Marvel's next film release, Thor...
- Russel Crowe will be playing Robin Hood AND The Sheriff of Notingham, in the upcoming film, Notingham...
- Matt Lucas has been cast as Tweedledee AND Tweedledum in Tim Burton's new film, Alice in Wonderland...
- The people over at FirstShowing.net have reported that the people behind Green Lantern are looking at a Spring 2009 start date for the long awaited film adaptation...
- The co-writers behind the recent release, Eagle Eye, are currently working on a script for a sequel to Blade Runner...
- Pixar will NOT be "tinkering" with the release of Toy Story and it's sequel when they are released later next year...

So, I've had a hectic weekend, and never got around to doing my weekend post. Therefore, I have decided to bare it down to only the upcoming releases for DVD. Here are the films that you should buy, rent and burn...

BUY
- Iron Man -
The 318 Million dollar hit, that started the summer season off with a bang. Lead by a brilliant performance from it's star, Robert Downey Jr., this is one film every action film and comic book fan should own. Comes in a single disc, and two disc edition, along with a Best Buy Exclusive Box Set that includes a bust of the Iron Man helmet, along with a 100$ gift certificate to sideshowcollectables.com...

RENT
- Bigger, Faster, Stronger* -
Little seen documentary on steriods in sports, and the effects thereof. Crittically acclaimed, and much adored, this little documentary saw a very limited release, and is now available on DVD.
- Chapter 27 -
Film about Mark David Chapman, the man who took the life of Beatle, John Lennon. Starring Jared Leto, this film also saw a limited release, and was shown at my hometown film festival, The Waterfront Film Festival, to mixed reviews. Lindsay Lohan also stars.

BURN
- Forgetting Sarah Marshall -
Sure, it's much loved by critics, even ones I respect. However, I'm alone in my detest for most of Judd Apatow and crew's work. This one does have a little hope though. RUSSEL BRAND. The guy is a genius, and may save this film. I've not seen this one yet, but will be checking it out on Tuesday, so take this with a grain of salt. I may like it, but as of the trailers and crew behind it, I'm saying burn it..


That's all I've got for now...come back later for more news, notes, and a DVD review of Forgetting Sarah Marshall...

Go see something good!

TOP 10: Tim Burton Films...

Sometimes, you just have a love/hate relationship with people. That's how I feel about this polarizing film maker. I know many people adore him, and about as many completley hate him. However, I seem to fall somewhere in the middle. With every miss, the guy makes a surefire hit, and these are ten of those hits. Here are my ten favorite films helmed by emo legend himself, Tim Burton.

10. Frankenweenie (short film)
9. Mars Attacks!
8. Corpse Bride
7. Sleepy Hollow
6. Big Fish
5. Sweeny Todd
4. Pee Wee's Big Adventure
3. Batman
2. Batman Returns
1. Ed Wood

REVIEW: Eagle Eye...

Summer is now officially over. It all started in the last week of May, with the release of the 318 Million dollar hit, Iron Man. With intermittent releases such as The Incredible Hulk, The Dark Knight, and Sex And The City (which I actually sat through this weekend), and small films like The Strangers, this has been one of the most colorful and solid film summers I can remember. While there have been stinkers (think The Happening and Indy 4), the pure quality of films released, has been startling, and now that we are looking in the face of Oscar season, what would the last week of summer look like? With the release of the new Shia Lebouf vehicle, Eagle Eye, comes the death of the '08 summer season. Would Shia and crew live up to the expectations made by the rest of the summer slate?

Eagle Eye is the new political thriller from helmer D.J. Caruso, best known for last years Rear Window remake, Disturbia. It re-teams him with Disturbia star, Shia Lebouf, who plays Jerry Shaw, slacker brother of fallen U.S. Air Force soldier, Ethan Shaw, also played by LeBouf. Jerry Shaw is a troubled soul, who, as a child, could never live up to his brothers standards. He works at a copy shop, and has a really rocky relationship with his father, which culminates with an outburst after his brother's funeral. A few days later, he goes to a local A.T.M. to find out that he has a current balance of 751,000 dollars. Not only that, he has enough gun's, scope's and other various tools to start his own terrorist organization, which is exactly what the F.B.I. thinks he is doing. However, before the FBI busts in, he receives a phone call from a mysterious woman. Michelle Monaghan plays Rachel Holloman who is a single, divorced mother with a child, who has just let her son Sam, go on train with his school band, as they are set to play at the Kennedy Center, in D.C., for the President and his cohorts. However, she also receives a call, to meet Jerry, or else her son will die. This was all set up, allegedly, by a recent accident in which the U.S. government allowed a mission to take out innocent civilians, as they believed it was a terrorist, and his group. With the usual plot twists, turns, and car chases, this is a thriller straight out of conspiracy novels one would check out while taking a flight. Is that where this premise and film should have stayed?

D.J. Caruso is a very surprising young filmmaker. With roots in Television shows such as Dark Angel, he burst onto the film scene with The Salton Sea, a great little film. Then he made a shit stain that happens to be called Two For The Money, but the redeemed himself with the aforementioned Disturbia. Eagle Eye continues his solid streak, even if it happens to have some glaring flaws.

The number one thing that impressed me as I walked out of this movie were the action scenes. The car chases in particular, were perfectly paced, well shot, and genuinely intense. This film was overall an intense film. From the outset, you get great political aspects that really set up the plot of the film. Also,Shia continues to prove that he is an actor to be reckoned with. He is great in this role, and gives a lot of charm and heart to a character that normally wouldn't be given it. Michelle Monaghan is great as usual, and the supporting cast, especially Billy Bob Thornton really steal the show. The script is solid, the score works for the film, and the cinematography is also solid, and only heightens the tension. That said, the film is heavily flawed.

The past couple of weeks, the film releases have been solid, yet I've had a similar problem with a few of them, and this one is no different. It's extremely paint by numbers. From the outset, you know what will happen, and, while I don't want to give anything away, you will know about 1/3 of the way in, where the plot will take you. While the car chases and action scenes are solid, they are only stolen from other, better films, including the overall antagonist of the film, which is so blatantly stolen, that I let out an audible sigh. This is also a problem that plagued Caruso's last film, Disturbia. However, the blame for this doesn't lie with him, it's completely on the shoulders of the screenwriters.

The film as a whole is poorly plotted, with the second act really taking steam out of the pace of the film. The script is schlocky, and would be unbearable if it weren't for the great performances given to it. Finally, political allegories and satire is so heavy handed, that it left a sour taste in my mouth. It's like 2005's Crash, if Don Cheadle happened to be a terrorist. It was an action film, but that doesn't mean that action is the only thing that they had to do right. All of that aside, I did have some fun, and that counts for something. Just not a whole lot.

EAGLE EYE: 5/10

Poorly plotted and extremely paint by numbers, Eagle Eye is sub par in almost every category of critiquing, outside of the performances and the one point that makes or breaks a thriller, excitement. An exciting film it is, solid, it is not.

Tomorrow I will have the box office top 10, along with major DVD releases, and the Top 10 films from the Tim Burton catalog...

Go see something good!

NEWS: Sequels, Nazis, and a Sherlock Holmes...

Hey guys! I've been on a "vacation" the past couple of days, so there are quite a few things to get into...here are your headlines...

- As I put in a note a little bit ago, Paul Newman, star of classics like Cool Hand Luke, has passed away at the age of 83 from a long time fight with cancer...May this titan of a man and actor be remember for the legend he was...
- Disney is looking at and allegedly in talks with George Clooney to play the Lone Ranger in their upcoming film adaptation...
- Disney is in talks to add on to the hit "National Treasure" franchise...
- As of today, there will not be a Devil Wears Prada sequel...thanks to The Movie Blog for the info...

I’m really, really proud of Fox’s decision not to pursue a sequel,” the 25-year-old actress said of the 2006 film that became an unexpected $100 million blockbuster. “When I did [the upcoming film] ‘Bride Wars’ with them I asked what happened, and they said we can’t make a story, and it’s not worth it to damage the original film.”


Thoughts? Is this a film you would like to see a sequel to?
- CASTING: Rachel McAdams has joined the cast of Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes and will play the love intrest to the literary icon...
- The first images from Tim Burton's upcoming film, Alice In Wonderland have been released...check it out!


I could not be more excited about this film...It's got Burton's feel and tone, and it should be right up his wheelhouse...What are your thoughts??
- CASTING: Billy Crystal is returning to live action in the new Disney film, The Tooth Fairy...
- Finally, a new poster for the Tom Cruise Nazi vehicle, Valkyrie has been released...


Could anyone care less about this film than I do right now? It's been pushed back a billion times, the buzz behind it is Disaster Movie bad, and the first trailer really didn't rock my junk. What do YOU think?

I'll have a review tomorrow, along with an extra long Weekend Wrap Up post...a few big trailers have been released, so I'll talk more about those tomorrow...

Go see something good!!

NEWS: Paul Newman Passes Away...

Screen legend Paul Newman has passed away at the age of 83 after a long bout with cancer. The ten time Oscar nominee starred in such classics as Cool Hand Luke, The Verdict and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid...May he be remembered as the true legend he was.

NEWS: Disney's upcoming slate of films...

So, at a convention this week, Disney studios has unvieled their plans, including their full slate, for the next few years. No timeline or release dates have been set for these films, but here are the films, and a very brief description of each...

- Tron 2 -
Sequel to the 1982 cult sci-fi classic. What was shown was basically a higher quality trailer than the one shown at Comicon...
- The Princess and The Frog -
Disney's return to hand drawn, 2D animation. The only new announcement was Oprah Winfrey's casting as the main character's mother...
- Cars 2 -
Sequel to Pixar's hit film, Cars...nothing news was mentioned outside of the moving of it's release date to Summer of 2011...
- A Christmas Carol -
This one is the most interesting to me. Jim Carrey will star in this Robert Zimeckis(Beowulf, Forrest Gump) directed film, and will, in total, play 7 characters, including Scruge, in this motion capture film.
- Pirates of The Carribean 4 -
Only news is that Johnny Depp has signed on to return as Captain Jack Sparrow...
- Lone Ranger -
Aladdin scribes, Ted Elliot and Terry Rossio will be penning this adaptation, with the afformentioned Depp taking the role of the Ranger's sidekick, Tonto...
- Hannah Montana: The Movie -
Whatever...
- Old Dogs -
Robin Williams and John Travolta are set to star in this film about two friends who happen to, due to some sort of problem, get placed under the care of two 7 year old twins...
- The Proposal -
Sandra Bullock vehicle, in which she is forced to marry her controling boss to avoid deportation to Canada...
- Race To Witch Mountain -
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars in this film about a UFO expert who tries to take care of two kids with paranormal powers before the government can use them for their own purposes...
- Wild Hogs 2 -
Sequel to the 2007 hit film...

Disney plans on releasing 5 3-D films next year...no word yet on what those films will be, but as soon as it is released, I will get that news out...

What are your thoughts on these films? The only one I'm anticipating is The Princess and The Frog, and one that I really want to see something from is A Christmas Carol. What about you??

NEWS: Captain Jack, Tonto, and a new Poster...

Hey guys! I've got some pretty sweet stuff to let you know about, so here are your headlines...

- It looks like Mr. Johnny Depp plans on keeping himself busy over the next couple of years. He has recently signed on for Pirates of The Carribean 4, The Lone Ranger (he will be Tonto), and he's still on to be The Mad Hatter in the upcoming Alice In Wonderland film helmed by Tim Burton.
- Cars 2 will now be released in summer 2011 instead of the holiday 2012 release...
- Oprah has just signed on to be a voice actor in the upcoming 2-D animated release from Disney, The Princess and The Frog...
- The rumor of an I Am Legend prequel seems to be real, as WB says put the production wheels in motion...
- Here is the final trailer for the soon to be released Oliver Stone film, W...

'W' Theatrical Trailer @ Yahoo! Video

Thoughts? I think this is the best thing I've seen from the movie since it's first poster. The script has been getting shit reviews, but I'm still really excited to check this out. Brolin looks amazing...What do you guys think?
- Finally, here are two new posters for Syencdoche, New York, and Changeling...


Thoughts?

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

Go see something good!

NEWS: Shamhammer, Moby Dick, and Slackers...

Hey guys. Here are the days big headlines...

- Looks like M. Night Shamylan is thinking about a possible Unbreakable sequel...thanks to MTV for the info...

“I tell you I get asked about it all the time, so it’s not [an idea] I ever forget,” Shyamalan told MTV News. “I genuinely just asked this question the other day — should I make ‘Unbreakable 2’?”

“Every time I see [Shyamalan], he says, ‘I’ve written this thing for you,’ so I say, ‘why are you always doing these movies I’m not in?’” said Jackson.

According to both Shyamalan and Jackson, “Unbreakable” was originally intended to be a trilogy, but a series of bad reviews as well as fan and film critic misconception of Shyamalan’s work quickly tabled the idea of a possible franchise. As Jackson put it, “He was a victim of what Quentin [Tarrantino] was a victim of. ‘Jackie Brown’ is a great movie, but it’s not ‘Pulp Fiction 2.’ ‘Unbreakable’ is a great movie, but it’s not ‘I see f**king dead people.’”


Thoughts? Unbreakable was a solid film, and probably my favorite of his today. It's got a great story, and it's a superhero flick, so sequels can work...what do you think?
- Slacker Uprising, Michael Moore's new film, can be downloaded for free at this website...
- John Waters is indeed working on a Hairspray sequel...
- Timur Beckmambatov, helmer of action hits Nightwatch and this years Wanted, is set to get behind the camera for a new feature film adaptation of Moby Dick. However, it's going to be a "reimagining" with none other than the writing duo of the cinematic opus that was the Olsen Twin's New York Minute. They are changing Ahab's dialouge, and getting away with the Ishmal narration so that the whale "can fuck up way more shit". Thoughts?
- Finally, in sacred cow killing news, the lines, "Bond, James Bond", and "Shaken, not stirred", will not be uttered in the upcoming Bond film, Quantum of Solace. What do you guys think about this? Does it even matter?

Come back for more news and notes!

Slacker Uprising...

Michael Moore's newest film, Slacker Uprising, has just been released, for free, online...it's here for your enjoyment...it's basically a concert film type documentary, but it is interesting...Enjoy!



Thoughts?

TRAILER: Notorious...

Today, the new teaser for the Notorious B.I.G. biopic, Notorious, was released by Fox Searchlight...check it out...



Thanks to /Film for the following...

Official Plot Synopsis: Notorious tells the story of the life of rapper Christopher Wallace a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G. The film stars multiple award winner Angela Bassett as Christopher’s mother Voletta Wallace, Derek Luke as Sean Combs, Anthony Mackie as Tupac Shakur and introducing Jamal Woolard as The Notorious B.I.G. After the overwhelming response to a year long aggressive and active worldwide search, Jamal Woolard, a Brooklyn native, was selected to portray the infamous rapper. Notorious is directed by George Tillman Jr.

In just a few short years, The Notorious B.I.G. rose from the streets of Brooklyn to become one of the most influential hip hop artists of all time. B.I.G. was a gifted storyteller; his narratives about violent life on the streets were told with a gritty, objective realism that won him enormous respect and credibility. His stories were universal and gave a voice to his generation.


Wow...I don't think the film will be good at all, but I must say, the guy's life is insanley interesting. I like the actor they got to play him, and Anthony Mackie as Tupac is an inspired choice. The story is interesting, it looks and feels solid, but the trailer was what could be expected...fast editing, Biggie's music, some short shots of him and the people in his life. The guy is one of, if not the greatest rapper ever, and the story is just waiting to be told. Not one I'm anticipating, but one that's at least on my radar.

What are your thoughts???

REVIEW: Sex Drive...

WARNING: THIS REVIEW TALKS A LITTLE BIT ABOUT PLOT, SO IF YOU REALLY DON'T WANT TO HEAR ANYTHING ABOUT THIS FILM BEFORE IT COMES OUT...DO NOT CONTINUE...I will be trying to keep this as basic as possible, but I'm just going to give you a heads up now...


I really do love college. Friends, no real rules outside of the written law, rent, free cable, all great things. Also, one thing that really works for me, the free advanced screenings local companies and our paper have. Great stuff. However, this week was a tough choice. Two possibilities for yours truly. First, Eagle Eye, the new film coming out this weekend starring Shia LeCarCrash, um, LeBouf(just messing around, I really think the kid is a great actor). Second, Sex Drive, a teen comedy. Now, I figured I can check out EE this weekend, which I will, so I chose the October release, Sex Drive. Right choice?

Sex Drive is a new film in the vein of American Pie, Superbad, and all of the like. It's a teen comedy about a guy, 18 year old virgin Ian Laferty, who has recently been sparking up a conversation with a girl online, by the handle of Ms. Tasty. As the days go by, the conversations get hotter, and hotter, and ultimately, after taking advice about how to be "an ass" from his best friend, Lance, he gets an offer he can't refuse. However, to get to his sexual Nirvana, he must drive to Knoxville, Tennessee, and meet her at a local Big Boy parking lot. So, to the dismay of his brother, Rex, he and Lance, along with Ian's longtime friend, Tiffany, they steal Rex's car, The Judge, and set on the road. The group encounter hillbillies, hitchhikers, and a sarcastic Amish guy, Ezekiel along the way, with the ultimate goal of Ian losing his virginity.

First, let me get this off my chest. I hate teen comedies. I personally think the teen or high school comedy died with the '80's. That said, this film wasn't all that bad. The biggest thing going for this film is the continually underrated James Mardsen. This man is one of the best at what he does, and that is comedy. He was the best part of 27 Dresses, he was solid in Hairspray, and he is by far the best part of this film. Mardsen plays the macho big brother so well, and his interchanges with Ian, left me in stitches. Really macho stitches. The chemistry between the group of friends was really solid, especially between the two real leads, Ian, played by Josh Zuckerman, and Felicia, played perfectly by gorgeous Amanda Crew. They just had something that had been missing from a lot of teen comedies lately, heart. Also, as I have said before, with comedies, all you can ask for is laughs, and this film did have a few solid laughs. Nothing Tropic Thunder size, but there were a few laugh out loud moments. However, as with most comedy films today, the film was heavily flawed.

This film is nothing but cliche. From the characters to the plot, the film plays out to be really paint by numbers, especially in the character of Lance. It's Johna Hill from Superbad, if he actually could get laid. He's vulgar, chauvinistic, and sure he's funny, but it just comes off as stale. It's shot pretty poorly, with no real cinematic value either. When there are visual "flourishes", they are also basic comedy fair, even down to the slow mo car jump and cat fight. Now, I know that this is a comedy, but when other comedy's that you have to go up against are Pineapple Express, Burn After Reading, and Tropic Thunder, then you need to have something more than a guy calling his younger brother names. Those three films I've named have brought something more to the comedy genre, especially Pineapple Express. You CAN make a comedy look pretty, and they just chose not to. The film was poorly plotted, the second act dragged on, and while there where laughs, the bits ran hollow after the first few jokes. However, the film did make me laugh, and the chemistry between the main crew was really solid. It's a comedy, so I'm going to say see it, because comedies depend on taste, and I know that this will hit with many of you. It just didn't really work for me.

Sex Drive: 5/10

Had it's moments, but in a loaded summer for comedies, this one doesn't make a mark. Still, comedies depend on personal taste, so if the trailer makes you laugh, check it out.



Hopefully I didn't give anything away...Check it out when it comes to theatres October 17th...

NEWS: Green Hornet, Cage is a Knight, and a Potter news...

Hey faithful readers. I know this is a late post, but there hasn't been much to write about, so I've been waiting for some bigger notes...but, here are your headlines...

- Stephen Chow, helmer of the great Shaolin Soccer, has been locked in to direct and costar along Seth Rogen in the upcoming film adaptation of The Green Hornet. Chow will play The Hornet's faithful sidekick, Kano...
- Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince will feature 25 Minutes of IMAX 3-D footage, spred between the opening and closing moments of the film...
- Looks like Speilberg's in trouble. Funding for his upcoming project, Tin Tin, is possibly coming to an end, leaving the great film maker without a project. Maybe Lincoln??? The film is still set to be made, however, it would have to come from Paramount, which Spielberg has had a well publicized spat with. What are your thoughts?
- Ben Stiller's next film is set to be about a covert CIA group in South America, and is slated to be a comedy...
- Nick Cage is reteaming with Dominic Sena, director of Gone In 60 Seconds, in a film called Season of The Witch. Cage will play a "14th century knight transporting a girl suspected of being the witch behind the Black Plague"...
- Looks like they are actually working on a Sims film...thanks to Cinematical for the heads up....


I forgot there was going to be a movie based on The Sims. If you have remembered and scanned the Internet desperately for a bit of news on it, you're in luck. Collider talked to producer John Davis about what their plans were for it -- it's kind of Weird Science and Twilight Zone. "[In] our movie, a young man, a 16 year old kid, a 14 year old kid and his friend get their hands on this thing called the Sims Infinity Pack, right, which kind of this very strange video game store which was there just for that moment, and seemingly wasn't all that. But what they realize is that they can scan their world in, because this is the most life like, real Sims game ever. And as they are playing this they are all of a sudden realizing is what they are playing on the game is having an effect on the real world. So in effect, through the game, they are able to control their world. It's wish fulfillment, and obviously it turns against them." Hmm. I think my Sims game, where my sister and I lived next door to Ewan McGregor, the Colorado Avalanche, Rufus Wainwright, and U2 would be a better movie. My Sim was all set to marry Bono until I found him flirting with everyone else. See? Drama!


Thoughts?

- Finally, Julie Taymor is set to bring the world of Spiderman to the stage in a Broadway musical, with the music scored by none other than Bono and Edge from U2...

That's all I've got for today. Tomorrow I will hopefully have a full, early review of Sex Drive, a new comedy staring James Marsden. It looks pretty funny, and here's the trailer...



Looks pretty funny, and anytime MGMT gets a song in, it's a good day...unless it's the opening of 21...It goes wide October 17

Go see something good!

TOP 10: Sports Films...

This Tuesday sees the release of, among other things, the DVD release of the underrated sports comedy, Leatherheads, starring and directed by George Clooney. Now, this category of film, the sports film, is something, while it's not my favorite at all, it's close to my heart because I was an athlete during highschool, and I am still an avid sports fan. So, in honor of this solid little football flick, here are the ten best sports films, ever made...

Guilty Pleasure Pick: Bloodsport...bloody awesome...

10. Bull Durham
9. The Hustler
8. Caddyshack
7. Brian's Song
6. The Pride of The Yankees (And I'm a BoSox fan!)
5. Ali
4. Rocky
3. When We Were Kings
2. Hoop Dreams
1. Raging Bull

What are your favorite sports based films??

TRAILER: Revolutionary Road...

Hey guys. The summer movie season will officially be over this weekend, and it's prime time for Oscar bait films to start getting on the promotion circuit, and in Revolutionary Road, there is one of the most hyped actor/actress pairings you will see all season. The film is directed by Sam Mendes, helmer of Jarhead and American Beauty, and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, in their first film together since Titanic. Check out the trailer...



While the story looks to be pretty basic, the cast and crew for this film have me excessivley hyped. DiCaprio and Winslet are both underrated actors, Mendes is a solid director, and the biggest draw for me is the gorgeous cinematography from the master of the craft, Roger Deakins. The period looks sold, the story looks compelling, and while the script has been getting hits, I think the performances given to the script will be stellar. Look for this one to get buzz right around Oscar season.

What are your thoughts?

Weekend Wrap Up...

Hey guys, I've got a lot to share with you all, so here is the box office top 10...

1.Lakeview Terrace
2.Burn After Reading
3.My Best Friend's Girl
4.Igor
5.Righteous Kill
6.Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys
7.The Women
8.Ghost Town
9.The Dark Knight
10.The House Bunny

Lakeview Terrace grossed roughly 15.6 million bucks...not a great opening, but it is solid for a film that's basically going on buzz because of Samuel L. Jackson. Burn After Reading is still going strong and has recieved very mixed reviews. If you've seen the film, please, post your thoughts in the comments below...

So, this week doesn't have the greatest selection for DVD's, but there are a few...
- Deception -
Sex Thriller starring Ewan McGregor, Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams. The trailers made it look interesting, but a little paint by numbers, but I think it may be worth a rent. I have not heard a single thing about it, so give it a shot...
- The Foot Fist Way -
Danny McBride stars...three words that should make you get your ass in line right now. He plays a karate instructor, and this has been getting great buzz. With his roles in Hot Rod and this years hits Pineapple Express(which he was the best part in), and a smaller role in Tropic Thunder, this guy is looking like he will be a big time player in the comedy world.
- Leatherheads -
A solid little sports film with great, noir like, dialouge that is given great performances by Renee Zellwegger and George Clooney. Clooney also directs this film, and while it's not the funniest film of the year, it's one of the more underrated, and worth a rent. I gave it a 7, so take that for what it is...
- Run Fatboy Run -
A comedy that really doesn't make you laugh...skip it...
- Sex and The City -
Skip it, BUT this is coming from a guy who wasn't the biggest fan of the show, so if you are a fan of the show, give it a shot.

PICK OF THE WEEK
- Pathology -
I've not heard one single critical thing about this film, but it only saw a limited release, and stars Milo Ventimiglia as a doctor who just finished school, and graduated top of his class. I don't know much about this, so here is the official synopsis...

When med school student Ted Gray (Milo Ventimiglia) graduates top of his class he joins one of the nation’s most prestigious Pathology programs. With talent and determination Ted is quickly noticed by the program’s privileged and elite band of pathology interns who invite him into their crowd. Intrigued by his new friends he begins to uncover secrets he never expected and finds that he has unknowingly become a pawn in their dangerous and secret after-hours game at the morgue of who can commit the perfect undetectable murder. As Ted becomes seduced into their wild extracurricular activities the danger becomes real and he must stay one step ahead of the game before he is the next victim.

Now, I'm not a real big fan of horror or films that have to do with doctors, but there is one thing that I am a fan of. Crank. The film is written by Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, two really funny and smart guys who also happened to be the people behind the suprise hit that was Crank, and the upcoming sequel. So, anything they have something to do with, will be getting a thumbs up from me. Expect a review of this on Tuesday...

ALSO, this week sees the release of one of the most anticipated things, at least for me, of the year. TV ON THE RADIO's NEW ALBUM, DEAR SCIENCE!!! I don't know how many of you know about this little band, but they are my favorite band out today, and they are the single reason I still have hope for modern music. They aren't for everyone, but check out this video for their song, "Wolf Like Me".



Okay, so I will be out of the U.S. this weekend, so I probably will not be seeing any movies. However, there are a couple of films that I will be seeing the second I get back. First, and probably the biggest release is Eagle Eye. It stars Shia LeBouf and is the latest film from DJ Caruso, director of Disturbia, and the horribly underrated, Salton Sea. It looks like a solid thriller, and the premise, at least to me, is extremely interesting. Then there is Miracle at St. Anna, the newest film from Spike Lee, about a group of African American Soldiers who come upon a statue head with magical powers, which has been getting lukewarm buzz. Still, Lee is a great director, and this film is one I'm really interested in checking out. Finally, there are the two book adaptations, Choke and Nights in Rodanthe. Nights is a Nicholas Sparks adaptation, so you can expect a lot of mundane and basic romantic moments encompassed by a paint by numbers story, and Choke is the new Chuck Palahniuk adaptation that looks a little iffy. I really like Palahniuk, but the way it is shown in the trailers seems like it will be a lot of drek. Granted, that's what people said about Fight Club, however, Clark Gregg, the director, is no David Fincher, so I have only a little anticipation for this. I will probably see Choke and Eagle Eye over the weekend, so sometime next week, you can expect a review of those.

What are you checking out this weekend??

REVIEW: Lakeview Terrace...

Some directors love to make you squirm. Lakeview Terrace is the new race relations/cop thriller from director Neil Labute, most famous for In The Company Of Men, and the 2006 remake of The Wicker Man. Directors such as Mr. Labute and others like David Fincher and David Lynch, have become famous for among other things, making the audience watching their films, extremely uncomfortable, and Lakeview Terrace is no different. While I did not like Niel Labute's last film, The Wicker Man, In The Company of Men is a great film, and I have a lot of respect for him. Not only that, but the film features a great cast, including Kerry Washington, Patrick Wilson, and Samuel L. Jackson, so I went into this flick with a lot of anticipation. However, was this anticipation met?

Lakeview Terrace is a film that looks at something that many films, such as the heavy handed Crash, have been looking at, race relations. It is a story about Chris and Lisa Mattson, a mixed race couple, who have recently purchased a new house right in Lakeview Terrace. Abel Turner (Jackson), a widower, is a father of two and a 28 year veteran of the LAPD. He's also the couple's next door neighbor. Abel is a wound up man and a stern father, who has taken the saftey of his neighborhood on his shoulder. He goes on nightly, neighborhood patrols, and while many people around the area thank Mr. Turner for this inconvinence, the couple begins to feel harrassed by the man. As the intrusions in their lives increase, the couple feels threatened, and fight back. However, as the trailer says, Abel has the color card on his side, with that color being blue.

The performances in this film are top notch. Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington are great as the madly in love newlyweds, and Samuel L. Jackson proves that while he's a great character, his acting chops can really back up his charisma and charm. However, this is not your typical Samuel L. Jackson. Not the comical, charismatic hitman. Not the comical, charismatic snake fighter. Not the Jedi Master. This is a different type of character Jackson is portraying. He's portrays this off the handle widower with such conviction and passion, that you really feel that there is nothing that can turn this man off of his beliefs. The interchanges between Wilson and Jackson are some of the most tense scenes I've had a chance to see all year. The couple have problems, but they will not break their love for one another just because of one mans outside presence. The two have their own life goals, and they are not afraid to send the fight right back at him.

Also, I have a little personal beef to pick with some critics. There has been much a complaining about the editing of this film. During most of this flick, the camera is set in a discussion, and when the said discussion ends, often very awkwardly and dark, the camera continues to run for two or three beats. I am not one to notice editing in a film, when montoges are not in the discussion, but this is some of the most interesting editing I've seen. Many people feel as though it's sloppy and therefore it takes the quality of the film down, but I have to completely disagree. The fact that the film continues to run for a few beats after the event occurs, really adds to the overall mood of this film. This is a dark film, especially for a PG-13 rating, although it's dark in it's subject matter, not it's tone. There is not much violence, not much cursing, but the themes in this film are a little more heavy than people may think this film is. Is the fact that the newlyweds are blatant about their love to eachother that makes him angry at the two? Is it the fact that the two had sex in their pool? Or could it be that the two are a mixed race couple that has turned him as a provocateur to the loving couple? Couple this neighborhood "fire" with a real life fire threatening the entire local area, and you have the makings for a really solid thriller. However, the film does have a few flaws.

The film, while having a really interesting and heavier premise, feels like it fell right out of the clouds of cliche, at least the last 20 minutes. Right when the film was really getting at something, it settled for a basic thriller ending. This is a pretty paint by numbers thriller, that feels like a mix of Crash and Disturbia, minus a few storylines. It's not as heavy handed as Crash was, but the way it deals with race is very similar, and it's shot like Disturbia in a glossy sort of way, with a dark pallet, and bright colors that pop right off the screen. The score is pretty minimal, with one real piece that plays in the typical moments that you would expect.

That said, this is still a really interesting and solid film. It's "neighbor from hell" premise is something that is normally seen in comedy, and the way LaBute takes this tried and true story idea and flips in into a heavy and wiggle in your seat thriller, is something interesting to watch. The editing may make you uncomfortable, but that's the point. The script is a little heavy handed, but the performances given to it are solid, especially from the two male leads, Wilson and Jackson. The film may be paint by numbers, but the design that it makes when your done is something worth waiting for.

LAKEVIEW TERRACE: 7.5/10

Great performances, solid story, and interesting filmmaking make this precedural thriller something worth hunting down, at least in your local rental shop. It's better than most of the drek out today, so if you haven't seen Burn After Reading and Vicki Christina Barcelona, please, give this flick a shot.

Come back later for more news and notes...

Go see something good!

TRAILER: Synecdoche, New York...

Hey guys! Today I have the pleasure of bringing you all the first trailer for the highly anticipated directorial debut from Adaptation scribe, Charlie Kaufman, called Synecdoche, New York...heres the trailer...



Synecdoche, New York stars Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Katherine Keener, Hope Davis, Emily Watson, and Jennifer Jason Leigh and as I said before, is the directorail debut of Charlie Kaufman. Kaufman is the Oscar nominated writer for Adaptation, Being John Malkovich, and also wrote Confessions of A Dangerous Mind, and Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind. Here is the plot synopsis from /film...

Synecdoche, New York explores nightmares that are all too realistic and human. Its hero, Caden Cotard (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is a 40-year-old local theater director in Schenectady whose life is collapsing around him. His marriage to his artist wife Adele (Catherine Keener) is on its last legs while at the same time he is stricken with a series of increasingly catastrophic illnesses. He is afraid he will die any moment having never accomplished anything important in his life. When he receives a MacArthur Grant, he decides to use the windfall to stage a massive theater piece in NYC, determined to create The Great Piece of Art and leave something as true, honest and heartbreaking as life itself. It’s one of those rare films that deals with death, excruciating illness, gross bodily fluids, despair, heartbreak and bad sex but can still bring a twinkle to the eye.


What do you guys think of this trailer? I personally really like it. It looks like it will be a dark dark flick, and since it's a Kufman written film, it will also require multiple viewings. I've heard really great things about this coming out of Toronto, and I like this trailer a lot...what about you guys???

FIRST LOOK: W's Cabinet...

Hey guys! So with the upcoming release of Oliver Stone's W, Vanity Fair in all of their brilliant wisdom, decided to drum up some publicity by releasing these hilarious photos of the full 2003 Cabinet that will be seen in the afformentioned W...check them out...



From L to R...
Jeffrey Wright is General Colin Powell, Toby Jones is Karl Rove, Dennis Boutsikaris is Paul Wolfowitz, Richard Dreyfuss is Dick Cheney, Josh Brolin is George W. Bush



From L to R...
Thandie Newton is Condoleezza Rice, Rob Corddry is Ari Fleischer, Bruce McGill is George Tenet, Scott Glenn is Donald Rumsfeld


What genius. The awesome guys at /Film put it best...

There’s a good overall likeness, sure, but I dig the quirky soap opera-esque caricature Stone seems to be shooting for. What better way to portray the walking jokes and greedy, delusional scumbugs that raped my early 20s?

What are your thoughts on these pics? Is this a film you are looking forward too, or is it not even on your radar?

TRAILER: Fear[s] Of The Dark...

Hey guys! Now, today has been an otherwise uneventful day, but a new trailer for a pretty interesting film has been released today. This is the first trailer for Sundance hit, French animated film, Fear[s]Of The Dark. Check it out!



Now, not much has come out about this film, outside of the fact that it comes to us from "6 of the most respected graphic novel artists on the planet", and it's a French film. It was an audience selection at Sundance and Fantastic Fest, and looks to be one of the most interesting releases in the coming months. It's six short films that examine our humanistic fear of the dark. No release date has been set yet for this film, at least here in the states, but as soon as news is made about this film, you will definitely see it here. What are your thoughts on the trailer? I personally love the animation styles, the fact that it's in black and white, and the study of our fear of the dark is something that is potentially terryfiying. It looks and feels sort of like a darker Paprika, in that it is much more experimental and seems sort of like an animated film from the depths of the mind of David Lynch. What do you think about it?

NEWS: Rian Johnson's Next Project...

So, with the release of his newest film, The Brothers Bloom, Rian Johnson has set his sights on a long "dead" genre of film. Time Travel...Thanks to Coming Soon for the info...


The Brothers Bloom writer/director Rian Johnson has set a new project, a time-travel thriller titled Looper that again will see the filmmaker seek to reinvent a familiar genre.

The project will team Johnson with producer Ram Bergman, who produced Johnson's previous two films, with the pair eyeing a 2009 start date. Johnson again will direct from his own script.

Looper is set in a present-day world in which a group of hitmen are sent their victims from the future.


Outside of the brilliant film, Primer, the Time Travel Thriller genre has been pretty much dead. Sure, there was Donnie Darko which picked up with the emo set, but that cult is way over my head, as the film did nothing for me, however, with Rian Johnson comes one of the most interesting and best young directors we've got. Brick was his first feature, and reinvented the film noir, by tossing the hard boiled world in an every day highschool, and it was the best film of 2005, in my humble opinion. We have the Brothers Bloom coming out in a month or two, and again, he goes to another genre, the con flick, and it looks like it's going to be another winner. So, to hear he wants to go into time travel, has me really interested in seeing what he will do.

What about you? What do you think of Johnson and his previous works? What about Time Travel movies? What are some of your favorites?

NEWS: Spidy, Hulk and Billy Idol...

Here are the big headlines for today, Tuesday the 16th of September...

- MTV reports the following on an interesting possible casting choice for Terminator 2...

“They were thinking of Lance Henriksen for the Terminator, and they wanted Arnold for the Michael Biehn part of Kyle Reese,” revealed “Terminator” stunt coordinator Joel Kramer. “And Robert Patrick wasn’t James Cameron’s first pick – Billy Idol was.”

Back when Cameron was figuring out what he wanted for the first “Terminator” sequel, Kramer walked into his office to look at the storyboards. “I was like, ‘Jim, these storyboards look just like Billy Idol!’” Kramer recalled. “And he was like, ‘Yeah, he was my first pick.’ But Billy had gotten into a motorcycle accident and broke his leg, so it didn’t work out, because he would have to be in lean running shape.”


What are your thoughts? Had the accident not happened, do you think Idol would have been a good choice?

- Tobey McGuire has reportedly recieved a salary of 50 MILLION DOLLARS to reprise his role of Peter Parker in the upcoming Spiderman 4 and 5...
- Edward Norton doesn't feel so confident about the possiblities of or the possibilites of him being the lead in a Hulk sequel OR the upcoming Avengers film...Thanks to The Movie Blog for the info...

The Incredible Hulk star Edward Norton tells MTV he is uncertain about the green fella’s future. “The minds of Marvel are sometimes opaque,” Norton said. “I won’t say [they’re] obtuse, but I don’t have any idea what they want to do.” “They’ve got this notion of collecting the Marvel characters,” Norton said. “Who knows where they’ll go?”

What are your initial thoughts? I'll have more on this as it comes up...I'll post a full post on this in the coming days...

- Ray Winstone is being courted to cover Robert DeNiro's ass in the upcoming Mel Gibson vehicle, Edge of Darkness...
- Finally, Ben Affleck is set to write, direct, and star in a new film called The Town...

Come back for more news and notes...

Go see something good!

TRAILER: 7 Minutes of The Day The Earth Stood Still...

Hey guys! Alright, so last night, before an encore presentation of the AWESOME show Fringe, Fox decided to air this little diddy of a "trailer" for the upcoming thriller/remake, The Day The Earth Stood Still...check it out!



I can now say I'm really looking forward to this flick. Sure, it's a remake of a film that was saved in the library of Congress, but this looks amazing. The effects look great, Keeanu plays a wooden alien like it's his true life (could it be??), and Jennifer Connelly looks gorgeous, as she always does. Sure, they changed the theme, but in the original, the had a timely theme, and now that it's about enviornmentalism, it does too. I really like this 7 minutes, and it did for this movie, like a similar release before Ratatouille did for that flick. Before this trailer, I was not excited at all, but now this film is one of my most anticipated for the year. The tagline is awesome too. "If the Earth dies, you die. If you die, the Earth lives." Haunting...

What are your thoughts?

NEWS: Wasp, Noah, and XXX

Hey guys! Today is Monday, the 15th of September, and as most Mondays are in the film world, it has been a slow news day. However, some big news was made over the weekend, so here are your headlines...

- Eva Longoria was seen exiting the Marvel Studios on Saturday, with a large stack of Avengers comics in her hands. Rumor has it she is being looked at to play the role of Wasp in the upcoming Ant Man film, along with reprising the role in the slated Avengers film....
- Vin Diesel has signed on to star in XXX 3...
- DJ Caruso, director of the upcoming Eagle Eye, is set to film his comic book adaptation of Y: The Last Man starting next year...
- Mario Van Peebles, most famous for being Malcom X in the Will Smith vehicle Ali, is set to direct Kerosene Cowboys, a story about a group of fighter pilots...
- Darren Aronofsky has finished the script for his long hyped Noah's Ark film...
- A short film/sequel to Kung Fu Panda will be released in a special edition DVD of the acclaimed animated film...
- Finally, a behind the scenes featurette of the upcoming Heath Ledger film, The Imaganirum of Dr. Parnassuss has been released...


What are your thoughts on today's news???

TOP 10: Box Office Bombs...

Sometimes, money doesn't make quality. Speed Racer came out earlier this year, grossed about 40 million bucks, and cost just under 150 mil to make. However, I still thurolly enjoyed this flick. It comes out on DVD this Tuesday, so in honor of this release, I have come up with my ten favorite films that bombed at the box office. Now, what qualifies as a bomb? Well, simply put, it's a movie that made less than 60% of the gross budget for the film. Thats the only critique I used, so here's the list...

10.American History X
9. Grindhouse
8. Ed Wood
7. Ali
6. Miller's Crossing/Hudsucker Proxy
5. The Iron Giant
4. Zodiac
3. The Fountain
2. Fight Club
1. Bottle Rocket

There's a lot of bombs, but not many good ones, but if you have your own list, go ahead and post it here. Here's the list I took my movies from...

Go see something good!

Weekend Wrap Up...

Hey guys! You know how this works, so here is the Box Office top 10...

1.Burn After Reading
2.Tyler Perry's The Family That Preys
3.Righteous Kill
4.The House Bunny
5.Tropic Thunder
6.The Dark Knight
7.Bangkok Dangerous
8.Traitor
9.Death Race
10.Babylon A.D.

Burn After Reading opened with about 19 million bucks, as it should! Please, if you haven't gone out, go and check out BAR. Righteous Kill was critically destroyed but still made about 16.5 million bucks...

Here are the noteable DVD releases for this Tuesday, the 16th of September...
- 88 Minutes
Thriller starring Al Pacino and directed by Jon Avnet, the same guy behind this past weeks release, Righteous Kill. Skip it...
- The Love Guru
Austin Powers 4: Arabian Nights is a better title...skip this drek...
- Made of Honor
Patrick Dempsey romantic comedy...another skipable film...
- Speed Racer
20 bucks worth of cinematic acid. If you want to sit down and want to feel like to have a skittles enduced seizure, rent this flick. It's a cotton candy colored blast, with cool visuals, and campy performances. Rent worthy
- Young @ Heart
This is a film I have been pretty interested in for a while, and so should you. It's a film about a group of elderly people, Young @ Heart, who go around the country and rock out. They cover pop and rock hits, from The White Stripes to The Ramones. It's a documentary, and it looks like it's a sweet little film about an interesting group of people with a heart warming story. Rent this one right away.

~ PICK OF THE WEEK ~
- Snow Angels
This film stars Kate Beckinsale and Sam Rockwell, and is directed by Pineapple Express helmer David Gordon Green. It brings together the lives of a teenager, his babysitter, her estranged husband, and their daughter. I haven't heard any buzz behind it, but it's from David Gordon Green, one of the best directors we've got today, so I'm definitley interested. Expect a review of this one on Tuesday.

So this is a busy week for new releases, but most look like drek. First, there are the comedies. Ghost Town stars Ricky Gervais as a man who is kind of a jerk, who suddenly suffers from a heart attack, and is pronounced dead for about 7 minutes. This event has caused him to be able to see people who have died, and would like to say or do one more thing before they rest for eternity. I'm not the biggest Gervais fan, and this doesn't look like it will change that. The other comedy we have is My Best Friends Girl, and it stars Dane Cook who...moving on....

Then there is the duo of films for the family/tween set. Igor is an animated film about an evil scientists assistant who enters a science fair. It stars John Cusak, and looks to be a decent little flick. I like the visual style, and the story is interesting, so if you are looking for something to take some syblings to, have it be this one. Otherwise, there is the highschool documentary that has been getting insane buzz, American Teen. It's been out for a while, but is finally hitting Michigan, so if you like docs and you happen to be in highschool, this may fit your taste. Outside of those two, we have the thrillers, Lakeview Terrace starring Samuel L. Jackson, and Tell No One, a French film that has been getting insane buzz around the internet and in film circles. This is the route I'm going, so you can expect a review of either of these films, probably Tell No One, on Friday or Saturday.

That's all I've got for now, so come back later for some news, notes, and a top 10...

REVIEW: Burn After Reading...

Today I had a religious experience. To me, not many directors today do what the Coen Brothers do. There last film, No Country For Old Men, won them a few much deserved Oscars, but their entire canon has been filled with masterworks. I think they are the best duo of filmmakers out there, and possibly the best directors we've got on this planet. They started off with what I consider their best film, Blood Simple, a small little film noir classic, and have since created one of the most formidable set of films to date. Sure there have been a few stinkers, really only their comedy, Intolerable Cruelty, but this weekend sees the release of their latest comedy, Burn After Reading. From Raising Arizona to the Big Lebowski, they have created many exceptional comedic films, but does this one fit that mold.

The film features an outstanding cast. It stars John Malkovich as Osbourne Cox, a CIA Agent who has quit his job, and can not accept that he has a big time drinking problem. His wife, Katie Cox (Tilda Swinton), is cheating on him with the horny womanizer, Treasury Agent, Harry Pfarrer (George Clooney), and she is in the midst of finalizing a divorce from Ozzy. This is where the story begins. Katie gives a disc of financial info, along with the beginnings of a memoir Ozzy was working on, to a law firm secretary, who misplaces it over at Hardbodies Gym. This disc is found by a janitor, Manolo, who then gives the disc over to the bumbling dork, Chad Feldheimer (Brad Pitt), who decides that this disc is full of "the raw intelligence". He and Linda Litzke (Frances McDormand) attempt to blackmail Ozbourne Cox, and the plot unravels from there. However, the two main characters are plagued by the same problem. Vanity.

Ozbourne Cox is a former Princeton grad, who can not take that he has a drinking problem. He is an arrogant guy, who thinks everyone else is a bumbling idiot, when it is he himself who has a few problems. He is intellectually vain. Then there is the physically vain Linda, who only wants to blackmail Mr. Cox to pay for four separate cosmetic surgeries, so she can finally find someone who will love her. In the midst of these two stubborn heads, is a story steeped in lying, cheating, deceit, and a lot of hilarious idiocy. Brad Pitt is great as a trainer who is just looking to be a "good Samaritan", Clooney gives a great performance as a womanizer who loves a good run, and small performances from J K Simmons and Richard Jenkins really add some depth to this already strong cast.

Another star is the tone of this film. As the film begins, it's a really airy and light film. There are a ton of laughs and the opening of this film may be some of the funniest five minutes of this entire year. However, there is a moment near the middle of the film that really takes the film in a different direction. It's still light and airy, but it's much more of a dark comedy. The film is not visually stunning, but it's the Coen's style of squared off frames, but when there are little visual flashes, such as the following of feet through a hallway, it adds a lot to the film. It's also really interesting in that they switched D.P.'s with Emmanuel Lubedski from the great Roger Deakins who they had used since Miller's Crossing. The shot style, the hues, and the feel to this film are exactly what you would expect from the Coens.

This film is the epitome of what a good comedy is, at least to me. This is the opposite of a film like Step Brothers. In Step Brothers, the comedy is much more joke based. Take the use of vulgarity for example. John Malkovich curses up a storm in this film, however, it's who his character is. He's a drunk intelecutal with people problems, not some guy stuck in an adolecent state. George Clooney creates a sort of pleasure machine, but it's all the funnier, because you could see his character making the said machine. The humor in Burn After Reading is story based humor, which makes it all the better. The film is airy and full of laughs, but filled with much darker themes, and that adds to the quality of this film. However, with every comedy, the tell all sign of quality is the amount of laughs, and in this case, it's one of the best films of the year. I can not say this enough, but Pitt steals every scene he is in. From him describing what is on the disc, to him simply helping a customer stretch, there is not a lame scene when the guy is on screen. Clooney seems to be having the time of his life, hamming up the womanizing image of himself, and even Frances McDormand gets a lot of good moments. The film was a blast for the people making it, and it was one for me to watch.

That all said, there were a few flaws in this film. While he was fine, Richard Jenkins began to wear on me near the end. He plays a nervous gym owner, and while it was a fine performance, it slowly began to be a little annoying. Actually, that's about it. This film is funny, subversive, dark, and chock full of great performances. Please, come one, come all, join me in the cult of Coen.

Here's the trailer...


BURN AFTER READING - 8.5/10
After the great No Country For Old Men, the Coen's return with a subversive, dark comedy, featuring A-class performances, great Coen visuals, and most importantly, and endless amount of laughs.

Thank you guys for reading my review of Burn After Reading. I would love to hear what you guys have to say about this flick!

TRAILER: Frost/Nixon...

So, I go into the theatre today to check out the Coen Brother's new film, Burn After Reading. I have my large pop and my large tub of sludge butter popcorn, and the trailers begin to roll. The first one that pops up is for Milk, which looks amazing on the big screen. Second, is The International, which also looks amazing, and then comes the newest Body of Lies trailer. However, I had seen all of those, and while they all looked great, this one was a surprise to me. I knew it had been released, but it was never of interest to me, until now. It's the newest film from Ron Howard and stars Frank Langella as Richard Nixon. The film is called Frost/Nixon, and tells the story of the now famous interview between reporter David Frost, and the aforementioned Nixon. Here is the trailer...



So, what do you guys think? I personally think this film looks really great, especially with the ending line. It looks like it could have a little humor in it, while getting to some really important points, like the power of media. I've never been a real fan of Howard or his films, but this one does really look solid. Also, I think Frank Langella is absolutely perfect in this role. That could just be me though...

What are your thoughts?

I'll have my actual review of Burn After Reading tomorrow around noon.

TRAILER: The International...

Hey guys! So, it has been a busy couple of days for trailers, with the Soloist and Changeling releasing their respective trailers. Well, now it's time for Tom Tykwer and Clive Owen to get into the mix. Mr. Owen stars in the Run, Lola, Run helmer's newest film, The International, a flick about an Interpol agent (Owen), who tries to expose a big time financial group's involvement in an arms dealing ring. He is joined by Naomi Watts and Armin Mueller Stahl. The film is directed by the aformentioned Tykwer whose latest film, Perfume, met great critical buzz, but not much outside of that. He's always been known for his use of the senses, but this film looks to be something a little different...here's the trailer...



I personally really like this trailer. It looks interesting, and as I said in my post on Changeling, I'm always into a thriller, especially when Government's and their coverups are involved. Owen's always really interested me, even though we last saw him in the stinker of an action film, Shoot 'Em Up, and whatever Watts does, I'm there. Also, I'm really interested in seeing what Tykwer does with a straight thriller. I hope his style comes through, but it looks like his signature use of the senses may not play into this flick. I'm really interested though...

What are your thoughts on this film?

TRAILER: Chageling...

So, we've seen the release of the trailer for Oscar bait film, The Soloist, so to follow, te people over at Universal have released the first trailer for the hotly anticipated film, Changeling. The film stars Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich and Jeffery Donovan who most may know as the guy who kidnapped Alex in CSI: Miami, or as the main character in the grossly underrated show, Burn Notice. It tells the story of a mother, Christine Collins, whose son is kidnapped, and later found. However, suspicions that the child that was found may not be her true son arise. The film is directed by legendary film maker/actor Clint Eastwood and looks like it will be one hell of a good film. Here's the trailer...



What are your thoughts? To me, the period looks completly sold, the cast is great, Eastwood is a master film maker, and the story looks to be really compelling. It has a little darker of a tone, at least in the feel and composition of the shots that we've seen, and is a great contrast to the Soloist trailer that I thought was a bit glossy. This film is really pretty to look at, but it's got darker feel, and the story should play right into that. I'm always a sucker for a good and compelling thriller.

What are your thoughts?

NEWS: Iron Man 2, Soderbergh, and a Clock Tower film?

Hey guys! I know it's a little late, but here are today's headlines...

- The guys over at the great site, CHUD, had an interview with director John Favreu, and in between talks of the upcoming Iron Man DVD, he had mentioned the following points. Thanks to The Movie Blog for breaking these down...


1) He, Justin Theroux and Robert Downey Jr. are working hard already on the script

2) War Machine will be in Iron Man 2

3) Happy Hogan will get more screen time (CONFESSION: I don’t know who that is)

4) It’s going to be a trilogy

5) The Mandarin will be the main arching villain of the trilogy

6) Regarding The Avengers, Favreau sees how Captain America and Hulk fit into Iron Man’s universe, but not Thor (I agree)

7) Doesn’t want to go The Dark Knight route. He wants to keep it simple and fun

8) Says the action and battles will be much better than the first movie… he’s learning action


Okay, so there's nothing really shocking in here, but what is interesting is number 6 and 7. I have to sort of agree with Mr. Favreu that Thor really doesn't fit in the Universe. I mean, set the film in Asgard for a while, and have the final battle in the Thor film on Earth, and then set up the Avengers in the same way as in Hulk and Iron Man, but it doesn't really fit. Of all of Marvel's slated films, this could be the weak link. Also, with number 7, I couldn't me more happy. With all of the hype over the Dark Knight, there has been a huge shift in how superhero films are going to be created, and in a few of the instances, this shouldn't be the case. Summer films are meant to be fun and while Iron Man deals with substance abuse, depression and a lot of mental problems, they can deal with it and still make the film ultimately fun. I don't necessarily agree with them doing that, but I haven't seen anything, and until Favreu messes this franchise up, he gets the benefit of the doubt, at least from me. Also, Mandarin being the main villain should be no surprise to anyone...

He also wants to shoot some scenes in IMAX, and there have actually been talks to put the film in 3-D...

What are your thoughts on this news???

I've seen a couple of things from the DVD and it really looks great. I have to see this flick again. I've been checking out some photos from the film, and I forgot just how great it looked. It comes out on September 30th...

- Steven Soderbergh is set to helm a biopic based on the life of Liberace, with Michael Douglas set to star...
- Brittany Snow has signed on to play the lead in the upcoming adaptation of Clock Tower...
- Piranha's 3-D has been moved back to 2009...
- Finally, The Dark Knight will be getting an Oscar boost as it will be re released in IMAX sometime in January...

That's all I've got for now, so come back tomorrow for more news, notes, and hopefully a review of Burn After Reading. I will be seeing it sometime tomorrow afternoon, and should have a review up late that night or Saturday afternoon...

Go see something good!

TRAILER: The Soloist...

So, today brings a new trailer from Dreamworks for the upcoming Robert Downey Jr. film, The Soloist. The Soloist is a film based on a 2005 Article from the LA Times reporter, Steve Lopez(you can read the original article here). The film is about a schizophrenic man, Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), who was a former prodigy with a violin and cello. He is now homeless, and his dreams of once playing at the Walt Disney Theatre have all but passed him. However, one day, he has a chance meeting with writer Steve Lopez (the aforementioned RDJ), and the two spark up a friendship. The Soloist is directed by Joe Wright, director of Pride and Prejudice and last years Atonement and is written by Susannah Grant who wrote Erin Brokovich. Here is the trailer...



For Oscar bait, it's a wee bit clean cut and, as the people at /film put it, glossy, especially with some other films coming out later this year, such as the Wrestler, but for Joe Wright, that can be expected. I think Downey Jr. is the best actor who is working today, outside of Daniel Day Lewis, and Jamie Foxx is also an underrated actor. Katherine Keener is in the film, so my excitement and anticipation is pretty much maxed out. What about you guys??

The Soloist is set to release on November 21st, 2008...

Some news and notes...

Hey guys! Thanks for checking out my blog, and I've got some news to get through, so here are your headlines...

- Looks like Wes Anderson's next project will be a remake. Variety has reported that the Birdman is signed on to write and is looking to also direct a remake of the French flick, Mon Meilleur Ami or My Best Friend. /Film has more...


The original movie chronicled the adventures of François, an arrogant and unpleasant antique dealer who was challenged by his business partner, Catherine, to produce his best friend (not believing that he had one). If he succeeds, he will be able to retain possession of a valuable Greek vase he purchased using company money. François sets out to look for a best friend and finds Bruno, a gregarious cabbie, who will hopefully help him win the bet.


Thoughts? It looks like Anderson isn't going to the well with his next two projects. Between the Fantastic Mr. Fox and this, it looks like Wes is changing it up, and just in time, at least to me. Hopefully he can just throw his style into these two. Can't wait to see more. What about you guys?

- Lets put a rumor to bed...Phillip Seymour Hoffman is NOT going to be the Penguin in Batman 3...

“No one has talked to me about it ever — never,” replied Hoffman. “It happened, like, five years ago, too. It was a rumor back then and it’s still a rumor. [laughs] It’s just in the press. It’s funny.”

Thanks to the Movie Blog for the quote, and I hope this puts all Batman 3 rumors to bed.

- There's a new Quantum of Solace trailer out, and it kicks a ton of ass...


Thoughts?

- Finally, and this isn't news, but I saw this poster over at the Movie Blog, and I thought it was so bad ass and really funny, that I thought I would share it with you guys...Enjoy the brilliance...



Come back later for more news and notes!!!

Go see something good!

Survivors...a short by Errol Morris

So as many of you may have seen, a few weeks ago, there was an event where a large group of celebrities were on television trying to raise money for a cancer awareness benefit, called Stand Up To Cancer. Well, not only did celebrities come out, but one of the best documentarians alive, Errol Morris, made this 8 minute short film, about cancer survivors, and their friends and loved ones.

If you like the film, you can download it on iTunes, and you can go to their website and donate to this very important cause.

DVD REVIEW: The Fall

Style doesn't always have to equal substance. The Fall is the latest film from visual auteur Tarsem, who, while his films (or film, having The Cell being his only other film, more on that in a minute) may not be great, they certainly have their own, definite style. The Fall is no different. It's epic, lushly decorated, and has all the similar flares that The Cell and even his famous R.E.M. music video for Loosing My Religion have made this guy famous for.

The Fall stars Lee Pace, probably most famous for being the lead in the ABC series, Pushing Daisies, as an ailing stuntman in '20's Hollywood. While being a stunt double for a "flicker", he botched a jump, and proceeded to break his legs, but the man has much more broken, mainly his heart. While on the same film, Roy Walker fell in love with a co star, who went on to fall in love with the films star, and thus breaking this already broken mans heart. All of that brings him to a local ward where he meets the wonderfully sweet, five year old girl, Alexandria. She had a similar "fall" which lead to her being placed in the ward with a broken arm. Her parents were peasants,who had their home burned to the ground. The two souls strike up a friendship. To make the days go by faster, he tells the girl an epic tale of love, loss, violence, and romance.

It's the tale of five people's journey to take out the oppressive Governor Odious. A slave, who after the death of his brother, decided to seek revenge. An explosions expert, who after being banished, did just the same. Charles Darwin, who after being sent a dead butterfly, decided to join up the hunt, and a mystic, who joined the group after the four men were saved by an elephant, swimming to shore. Our main hero in Oz is the Blue Bandit, who wants Odious dead after he kidnapped and killed his brother, the masked Bandit. However, the story begins to blur the line between reality and fiction,and then the people involved really see what exactly is on the line. This makes for one of my most anticipated films from this year, and it is finally out on DVD. Was it really worth my purchase?


This is really the elephant in the room, so let me get this out of the way. This may be one of the most gorgeous films I've seen in a long time, and it should be no surprise. Not only did Tarsem direct this true piece of art, but it was presented by fellow visionary filmmakers Spike Jonze, and David Fincher. This is one of the most luscious films, set decoration wise, that it really blew my mind. It's like if Guillermo del Toro took all of his time and put it into developing sets, other than characters. That said, the characters in this film, are also really solid. I'm stealing this analogy from the guys over at Filmspotting, but it is so perfect. When the film goes to Oz, it's really stunning. The colors pop off of the screen with Colin Watkinson's cinematography, and the choreography of the first few fight scenes are well done. I haven't seen scenes this year that made better use of all of the aspects of film making since Hellboy 2. Set decoration, costume design, acting, score, direction, cinematography, and choreography really work. However, unlike the Cell, that's not the best part of the film.

Back in the ward, the two performances are stellar. Lee Pace is really solid as a troubled actor who is broken in more than a physical way, and the real star of this film is the 7 year old girl, Catinca Untaru as Alexandria. She shows what true, natural acting is. It's so natural, it seems as though she's not acting. She is so sweet and innocent, and gave a real emotional depth to a story that is not so put together. She is fighting to hear the story, and she will do anything to hear it. She is falling in love with this man who can't love her back, and when this film gets near the end, there is a scene that made my living room get a little dusty. For such a visually stunning film, to get me to be emotionally attached to these characters, proves that this is a truly solid film.

All of that said, the film had some flaws that really took me out of the film, particularly in the story world. When we get back into the story in the story, it really falls apart narratively. They inter cut between the worlds with overlapping dialogue, and while I can see that it could have worked, it wasn't well done in the film. I can see that it sort of played into the worlds blurring, but instead of doing it with spoken word, it would have fit the film much more to do it with overlapping visuals. Also, the characters in the story world aren't compelling, or at least compelling enough. I always caught myself thinking about the visuals instead of what was truly being said or trying to be said in the film. Finally, the film does lag a little bit and the pacing is a little weird. That said,the ending proves that these criticisms are all moot, and if you see the film, you will understand why. It's really a tribute film, maybe an over the top tribute film, but one nonetheless.

Granted, the film may be flawed, but it's flawed in a similar way that the Dark Knight was flawed. Due to it's ambition. The visuals are so stunning, and the story back in the ward is so compelling, that I can forgive it for it's minute flaws in the mystic world. Please, if you get a chance, rent this flick.

If you do, drop me a comment or go leave a post on my wall over on facebook!

Here's the trailer...




THE FALL - 8/10
Visually stunning and compelling for most of the film. Lacks substance when the style weighs heavy, but when it gets back home, it's one of the 10 best films of the year. As of now at least.

Alright guys, come back later for more news and notes!

Some News And Notes...

Hey guys! I just thought I would drop in this fine day, to let you all in on some rumblings I've been reading while skowering the thing we like to call the Internet...

- While a live action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film is not in the works, a Live action/CG Hybrid film, ala Alvin and The Chipmunks, is indeed on its way...
- When asked who he would like to see in the role of Bruce Wayne/Batman if an adaptation of his legendary comic book, The Dark Knight Returns (one of the few graphic novels I've actually read, and for any person looking to get into Batman, THE quitensential piece of work), Frank Miller said the following...thanks to /film for the info...


“Just that mouth of his, the scowl and the way it would look in a mask. I loved Rocky Balboa. This wounded warrior, that’s what Batman is in Dark Knight Returns. “


STALLONE!?!?!? First, before I say anything, I would love to hear what you guys have to think about this...I mean, don't get me wrong, anyone who has read the book knows that Bruce Wayne in TDKR is not the same Brucy we all know and love. He's brooding, vicious, old, and battered down after the death of Jason Todd, aka the second Robin, and NO ONE does brooding and beaten better than Rocky himself. However, you also have to cast for Bruce Wayne, and I just couldn't buy it. Thats the thing thats different between heroes like Batman and Spiderman. With Spidy, you cast for only Peter Parker, but with the Bat, you have to cast for both Wayne and The Dark Knight, and Stallone doesn't fit, at least to me...what do you think? This IS NOT HAPPENING. It's complete talk, but it would be fun to see who you all would cast...

- Looks like Spielberg and Dreamworks are heading to court...thanks to Yahoo! for the info...

According to the lawsuit, filed by the Sheldon Abend Revocable Trust, the basis for Hitchcock’s 1954 film was “Murder from a Fixed Viewpoint,” a short story by Cornell Woolrich. Hitchcock and actor James Stewart obtained the motion picture rights to the story in 1953. The lawsuit argues that Dreamworks should have done the same.

“In the Disturbia film the defendants purposefully employed immaterial variations or transparent rephrasing to produce essentially the same story as the Rear Window story,” the lawsuit said. In reviewing “Disturbia,” the New York Times called it “a kind of adolescent ‘Rear Window.”‘ The Toronto Star newspaper called it “a rip off with wit.”


What are your thoughts?


That's all I've got for now...I just started The Fall, so I should have a review of that up in a couple of hours...

Go see something good!!