It's been a huge news day, yet, this may be the biggest piece yet. It's the much anticipated full length trailer for the upcoming Michael Bay film, Transformers: Revenge of The Fallen, and it looks pretty, no, INSANELY badass. Sure, the opening bit falls flat on it's robotic grill, but the rest, including the reveal that yes, Megatron IS back, just hightens my already skyrocketing anticipation for this film. What about you?
Go see something good!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
NEWS: The Coen's Blood Simple To Be Remade?
Well, possibly.
Variety is reporting that Chinese director, Zhang Yimou, who directed not only Jet Li's Hero and Curse Of The Golden Flower, but also created the stunning Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Bejing Olympics, is working on a new film, entitled Amazing Tales - Three Guns.
However, that may not be the interesting piece of news. Slashfilm, in all of their investigative brilliance, is stating that it may very well be a veiled remake of the classic Coen Brother's film, their debut, Blood Simple. Here's what they had to say.
The Monkey Peaches report makes it sound like the new project has taken the Blood Simple plot and relocated it in both space and time. It seems that they’re hoping for some martial arts in there too, which the Coens certainly didn’t include. The site appears to have contacted Zhang Welping, the film’s producer, but he wouldn’t commit to either a full denial or confirmation. Instead, the best Monkey Peaches could attribute to him is that it was “possible” that the film was based upon “a Hollywood movie
First off, let me get into just how great Blood Simple, the Coen's best film in my eyes, really is. Here's the plot synopsis:
A rich but jealous man hires a private investigator to kill his cheating wife and her new man. But, when blood is involved, nothing is simple.
There are double crosses, affairs, and some brilliant film noir tropes, that make this easily one of the, if not the best, modern film noir piece to come out. It's just a really great film, and one I hold close to my heart.
That said, there is nothing truly sacred. All, or at least the majority, of films can be redone, and with better results, if in the right hands. That last part seems to never happen, but with this, it may work. We will just have to wait and see.
What do you think?
Go see something good!
TRAILER: G.I. Joe...
Wow, just really wow. One of those films that not many people are talking about, due mainly to lack of stuff released, happens to be G.I. Joe. Sure, there is the BRILLIANT G.I. Joe: Resolute animated film shown on Adult Swim, but really, minus the Superbowl spot, not much has been shown for this film.
However, the first trailer has just been released and it looks absolutely ridiculous. Cheesy writing, and silly action effects run rampant in this trailer, but still, I'm awkwardly interested. Maybe it's the cast. Check the trailer below!
http://www.allocine.fr/video/player_gen_cmedia=18886097.html
I will embed a copy when it becomes available in HQ.
From the Egyptian desert to deep below the polar ice caps, the elite G.I. JOE team uses the latest in next-generation spy and military equipment to fight the corrupt arms dealer Destro and the growing threat of the mysterious Cobra organization to prevent them from plunging the world into chaos. “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” is directed by Stephen Sommers (“The Mummy,” “The Mummy Returns”).
GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra hits theaters on August 7th 2009.
Go see something good!
However, the first trailer has just been released and it looks absolutely ridiculous. Cheesy writing, and silly action effects run rampant in this trailer, but still, I'm awkwardly interested. Maybe it's the cast. Check the trailer below!
http://www.allocine.fr/video/player_gen_cmedia=18886097.html
I will embed a copy when it becomes available in HQ.
From the Egyptian desert to deep below the polar ice caps, the elite G.I. JOE team uses the latest in next-generation spy and military equipment to fight the corrupt arms dealer Destro and the growing threat of the mysterious Cobra organization to prevent them from plunging the world into chaos. “G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra” is directed by Stephen Sommers (“The Mummy,” “The Mummy Returns”).
GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra hits theaters on August 7th 2009.
Go see something good!
PLAYLIST: Summer Just Began...
So, this normally a film only blog, but ever so often, I throw in my opinion as to not only what should be your film to go see this weekend, but what should be playing in your car during the drive. That is why, with the kicking off of the summer film season, I've decided to give you my 10 song playlist to kick off the summer season as a whole. Click on the title (if there is a link), to head over to a place to download the song, and enjoy!!!
1. THE PRAGMATIC - Do You Blame Me?
2. PETER BJORN AND JOHN - Nothing To Worry About
3. NINA SKY - On Some Bulls***
4. THE SOUNDS - Dorchester Hotel
5. IZZA KIZZA - I'm The Izza Kizza
6. KINGS OF LEON - Use Somebody (RAC REMIX)
7. N.A.S.A - Money (Video done by Sheppard Fairey)
8. FABOLOUS - Throw It In The Bag (Feat. The Dream)
9. GLISS - Gimmie The Hit
10. NOAH AND THE WHALE - 5 Years Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8YCSJpF4g4
Come back for more news and notes!
Go see something good!
1. THE PRAGMATIC - Do You Blame Me?
2. PETER BJORN AND JOHN - Nothing To Worry About
3. NINA SKY - On Some Bulls***
4. THE SOUNDS - Dorchester Hotel
5. IZZA KIZZA - I'm The Izza Kizza
6. KINGS OF LEON - Use Somebody (RAC REMIX)
7. N.A.S.A - Money (Video done by Sheppard Fairey)
8. FABOLOUS - Throw It In The Bag (Feat. The Dream)
9. GLISS - Gimmie The Hit
10. NOAH AND THE WHALE - 5 Years Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8YCSJpF4g4
Come back for more news and notes!
Go see something good!
FORUM: Ferris Bueller is Fight Club??
One of the movies that I just really don't like, happens to be Ferris Bueller's Day Off. However, after reading this little piece over at Metatalk, I think that it can be seen as a film that is a lot more interesting. Here's the idea.
My favorite thought-piece about Ferris Bueller is the “Fight Club” theory, in which Ferris Bueller, the person, is just a figment of Cameron’s imagination, like Tyler Durden, and Sloane is the girl Cameron secretly loves.
One day while he’s lying sick in bed, Cameron lets “Ferris” steal his father’s car and take the day off, and as Cameron wanders around the city, all of his interactions with Ferris and Sloane, and all the impossible hijinks, are all just played out in his head. This is part of the reason why the “three” characters can see so much of Chicago in less than one day — Cameron is alone, just imagining it all.
It isn’t until he destroys the front of the car in a fugue state does he finally get a grip and decide to confront his father, after which he imagines a final, impossible escape for Ferris and a storybook happy ending for Sloane (”He’s gonna marry me!”), the girl that Cameron knows he can never have.
The turning point from the film, or at least the one that I believe that they are talking about, is the scene in which Cameron attempts to drown in the pool. This is similar in style to the car crash scene in Fight Club, where you sort of get the idea that maybe something bigger is going on. While I personally don't know if this is what is going on here, it can DEFINITLEY be read into as a film of that style. Just take the three main characters for example. First, there is Cameron, the nerdy guy who doesn't try to do anything that may break his normal routine, a character similar to The Narrator from Fight Club. Then there is Ferris, the outgoing, ballsy, guy who doesn't care about anything, and who does everything Cameron DREAMS he could do, similar to Tyler Durden. Finally, you have Sloane, the woman that the nerd secretly wants to be with, and who he dreams his alter ego ends up with, similar to how The Narrator wishes to get with Marla Singer. What about you?
What do YOU think?
Go see something good!
My favorite thought-piece about Ferris Bueller is the “Fight Club” theory, in which Ferris Bueller, the person, is just a figment of Cameron’s imagination, like Tyler Durden, and Sloane is the girl Cameron secretly loves.
One day while he’s lying sick in bed, Cameron lets “Ferris” steal his father’s car and take the day off, and as Cameron wanders around the city, all of his interactions with Ferris and Sloane, and all the impossible hijinks, are all just played out in his head. This is part of the reason why the “three” characters can see so much of Chicago in less than one day — Cameron is alone, just imagining it all.
It isn’t until he destroys the front of the car in a fugue state does he finally get a grip and decide to confront his father, after which he imagines a final, impossible escape for Ferris and a storybook happy ending for Sloane (”He’s gonna marry me!”), the girl that Cameron knows he can never have.
The turning point from the film, or at least the one that I believe that they are talking about, is the scene in which Cameron attempts to drown in the pool. This is similar in style to the car crash scene in Fight Club, where you sort of get the idea that maybe something bigger is going on. While I personally don't know if this is what is going on here, it can DEFINITLEY be read into as a film of that style. Just take the three main characters for example. First, there is Cameron, the nerdy guy who doesn't try to do anything that may break his normal routine, a character similar to The Narrator from Fight Club. Then there is Ferris, the outgoing, ballsy, guy who doesn't care about anything, and who does everything Cameron DREAMS he could do, similar to Tyler Durden. Finally, you have Sloane, the woman that the nerd secretly wants to be with, and who he dreams his alter ego ends up with, similar to how The Narrator wishes to get with Marla Singer. What about you?
What do YOU think?
Go see something good!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
TRAILER: Julie and Julia...
There are a few things in this world that get me excited for a film. One of those things happens to be a great cast, and this film has nothing short of that.
Starring Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, and Stanley Tucci, Julie and Julia is based on two true stories about the lives of two women who, though separated by time and space, are both at loose ends…until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible. It comes to us from director Norah Ephron, best known for Sleepless In Seattle, the first trailer for the film has been released, and it looks pretty standard, but a bit interesting, and hopefully a lot of fun. Check it out below!
Go see something good!
Starring Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, and Stanley Tucci, Julie and Julia is based on two true stories about the lives of two women who, though separated by time and space, are both at loose ends…until they discover that with the right combination of passion, fearlessness and butter, anything is possible. It comes to us from director Norah Ephron, best known for Sleepless In Seattle, the first trailer for the film has been released, and it looks pretty standard, but a bit interesting, and hopefully a lot of fun. Check it out below!
Go see something good!
NEWS: Hollywood Sequelpalooza '09...
One of those things that Hollywood has been looking at making a norm, is creating sequels/prequels to franchises that, albeit interesting, dead. Well, not to be outdone, they have come out with some really interesting and mindblowingly ridiculous projects. Here's the list and some breif details.
- Gremlins 3
Third film in the Gremlins series, which if created, will not be directed by series helmer, Joe Dante.
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit 2
This one is the most interesting. Recently, WFRR director Robert Zimeckis, said that “digital tools and performance capture” has him “starting to think about” doing another Roger Rabbit.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Mirage Studios is working on a live action adaptation of the classic comic book series
- Drop Dead Fred
Russell Brand is set to star in this remake
- Clueless sequel
Amy Heckerling may, or may not, be currently working on a sequel to the hit '90's film.
- Aliens
Ridley Scott has been considering creating a prequel to Alien
- Predators
Robert Rodriguez is set to produce a prequel/reboot of the Arnold Schwartzenagger film, Predator.
- Wall Street 2
Oliver Stone has just announced that he will be coming back to make a sequel to Wall Street, with Michael Douglas also returning, alongside Shia Lebouf.
What projects interest you?
Go see something good!
- Gremlins 3
Third film in the Gremlins series, which if created, will not be directed by series helmer, Joe Dante.
- Who Framed Roger Rabbit 2
This one is the most interesting. Recently, WFRR director Robert Zimeckis, said that “digital tools and performance capture” has him “starting to think about” doing another Roger Rabbit.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Mirage Studios is working on a live action adaptation of the classic comic book series
- Drop Dead Fred
Russell Brand is set to star in this remake
- Clueless sequel
Amy Heckerling may, or may not, be currently working on a sequel to the hit '90's film.
- Aliens
Ridley Scott has been considering creating a prequel to Alien
- Predators
Robert Rodriguez is set to produce a prequel/reboot of the Arnold Schwartzenagger film, Predator.
- Wall Street 2
Oliver Stone has just announced that he will be coming back to make a sequel to Wall Street, with Michael Douglas also returning, alongside Shia Lebouf.
What projects interest you?
Go see something good!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
NEWS: Bale To Be Batman; No Matter Who Directs?
Recently, Total Film was able to get to Mr. Wayne himself, Christian Bale, about what exaclty the chances are of a Dark Knight sequel.
Ever since the release of The Dark Knight, Bale has insisted, to many a film website or publication, that not only does the story have to be quality, but that he can't imagine doing the sequel without the series director, Chris Nolan. Well, it looks as though he may have to. Here's a snippet from the Total Film interview.
"I would like it if people say, 'You'll never make a good third movie.' I say, 'OK, let's make a third movie in that case, let's prove them wrong. But that's just me. The fact is, I have to! I've signed up! Chris doesn't. So I'm in a bit of a fix if he says he doesn't want to!"
It looks like Bale will be suiting up again, no matter who will be directing him, as Chris Nolan still hasn't signed up, and will be working on Inception for a while.
I whole heartedly believe that Nolan WILL return for a third film, and along with the production and release of Watchmen, the patience that Warner Brothers is showing is proof that their may not be a better and more artist friendly major studio on this planet. I will be shocked if Nolan doesn't return, so really, it's just a matter of time. Most likely, he will finish Inception, take a tiny break, and then get to work on the new Batman film, if some things haven't already been going on behind the scenes over in the Nolanverse.
However, it's fun to think about who would be an interesting director for the third film. Who do you think should take the helm if Nolan can't?
Go see something good!
Ever since the release of The Dark Knight, Bale has insisted, to many a film website or publication, that not only does the story have to be quality, but that he can't imagine doing the sequel without the series director, Chris Nolan. Well, it looks as though he may have to. Here's a snippet from the Total Film interview.
"I would like it if people say, 'You'll never make a good third movie.' I say, 'OK, let's make a third movie in that case, let's prove them wrong. But that's just me. The fact is, I have to! I've signed up! Chris doesn't. So I'm in a bit of a fix if he says he doesn't want to!"
It looks like Bale will be suiting up again, no matter who will be directing him, as Chris Nolan still hasn't signed up, and will be working on Inception for a while.
I whole heartedly believe that Nolan WILL return for a third film, and along with the production and release of Watchmen, the patience that Warner Brothers is showing is proof that their may not be a better and more artist friendly major studio on this planet. I will be shocked if Nolan doesn't return, so really, it's just a matter of time. Most likely, he will finish Inception, take a tiny break, and then get to work on the new Batman film, if some things haven't already been going on behind the scenes over in the Nolanverse.
However, it's fun to think about who would be an interesting director for the third film. Who do you think should take the helm if Nolan can't?
Go see something good!
NEWS: Gambit Will NOT Be In X-Men: First Class...
Hollywood often has a brain fart. Well, over the past couple of years, it seems like Hollywood has become that guy on the bus on your way to class who continually lets one loose, and continues his day. One of these mental lapses comes to us in the form of X-Men: First Class.
For those out of comic circles, X-Men: First Class tells the story of the X-Men, but before they began running Professor X's school. The story takes us through the life of the X-Men as they were taking classes and learning how to control their powers. It has long been thought of as a possible film project, and now it looks to be coming to us, by O.C. creator Josh Schwartz, but it will also be a prequel to the successful X-Men film franchise.
That said, one thing that kind of gives me solice, is the following bit of news.
In X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Wolverine meets more than a fair share of young mutants. However, he also meets Sabretooth, which is a direct timeline breaker for the actually X-Men franchise, as he did not meet Sabretooth until X1. Also, in Wolverine, the titular character meets Gambit, and it has been announced that Gambit will NOT be in First Class. Hopefully this is to be a prequel to the full franchise, instead of a sequel/spin off to Wolverine.
Come back later for more news and notes.
Go see something good!
For those out of comic circles, X-Men: First Class tells the story of the X-Men, but before they began running Professor X's school. The story takes us through the life of the X-Men as they were taking classes and learning how to control their powers. It has long been thought of as a possible film project, and now it looks to be coming to us, by O.C. creator Josh Schwartz, but it will also be a prequel to the successful X-Men film franchise.
That said, one thing that kind of gives me solice, is the following bit of news.
In X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Wolverine meets more than a fair share of young mutants. However, he also meets Sabretooth, which is a direct timeline breaker for the actually X-Men franchise, as he did not meet Sabretooth until X1. Also, in Wolverine, the titular character meets Gambit, and it has been announced that Gambit will NOT be in First Class. Hopefully this is to be a prequel to the full franchise, instead of a sequel/spin off to Wolverine.
Come back later for more news and notes.
Go see something good!
NEWS: 12 Projects Chosen For Sundance Lab...
This is a pretty random post to those out of the know, but there is a distinct reason why everyone needs to care about this piece of information.
Out of the Sundance Director and Screenwriter Labs have come many a great film. Tarantino's Resivior Dogs, P.T.A's Hard Eight, Ryan Fleck's Half Nelson, Darren Aronofsky's Requiem For A Dream, and John Cameron Mitchell's Hedwig and The Angry Inch. Well, it looks as though the people behid the Lab have released the 12 projects to be made out of it. Thanks to /Film for the heads up!
The projects and participants selected for the Directors Lab from June 2-20 are:
• All Fall Down/Jonathan Wysocki (writer/director), U.S.A.
• Beasts of the Southern Wild/Benh Zeitlin (co-writer/director) and Lucy Alibar (co-writer), U.S.A.
• Goodnight Moon/Elgin James (writer/director), U.S.A.
• My Brother the Devil/Sally El Hosaini (writer/director), U.K./Egypt
• Porfirio/Alejandro Landes (writer/director), Brazil/Ecuador
• The Narrow Frame of Midnight/Tala Hadid (writer/director), Morocco/U.S.A.
• On the Ice/Andrew Okpeaha MacLean (writer/director), U.S.A.
• The Story of Ram/Ritesh Batra (writer/director), U.S.A./India
These Fellows will be joined at the Screenwriters Lab from June 21-26 by the following projects and participants:
• The American People/Keith Davis (writer/director), U.S.A.
• Hello, I Must Be Going/Sarah Koskoff (writer) and Todd Louiso (director), U.S.A.
• Land/Jan-Willem van Ewijk (co-writer/director) and Abdelhadi Samih (co-writer),
Netherlands/Morocco
• Little Wings/Emily Tang (co-writer/director) and Chow Keung (co-writer), China
During the Lab, the "Fellows" work with a group of advisors in bringing key scenes of their scripts to life. For more info on the films and the people behind them, along with what the Lab is all about, check out /Film.
Out of the Sundance Director and Screenwriter Labs have come many a great film. Tarantino's Resivior Dogs, P.T.A's Hard Eight, Ryan Fleck's Half Nelson, Darren Aronofsky's Requiem For A Dream, and John Cameron Mitchell's Hedwig and The Angry Inch. Well, it looks as though the people behid the Lab have released the 12 projects to be made out of it. Thanks to /Film for the heads up!
The projects and participants selected for the Directors Lab from June 2-20 are:
• All Fall Down/Jonathan Wysocki (writer/director), U.S.A.
• Beasts of the Southern Wild/Benh Zeitlin (co-writer/director) and Lucy Alibar (co-writer), U.S.A.
• Goodnight Moon/Elgin James (writer/director), U.S.A.
• My Brother the Devil/Sally El Hosaini (writer/director), U.K./Egypt
• Porfirio/Alejandro Landes (writer/director), Brazil/Ecuador
• The Narrow Frame of Midnight/Tala Hadid (writer/director), Morocco/U.S.A.
• On the Ice/Andrew Okpeaha MacLean (writer/director), U.S.A.
• The Story of Ram/Ritesh Batra (writer/director), U.S.A./India
These Fellows will be joined at the Screenwriters Lab from June 21-26 by the following projects and participants:
• The American People/Keith Davis (writer/director), U.S.A.
• Hello, I Must Be Going/Sarah Koskoff (writer) and Todd Louiso (director), U.S.A.
• Land/Jan-Willem van Ewijk (co-writer/director) and Abdelhadi Samih (co-writer),
Netherlands/Morocco
• Little Wings/Emily Tang (co-writer/director) and Chow Keung (co-writer), China
During the Lab, the "Fellows" work with a group of advisors in bringing key scenes of their scripts to life. For more info on the films and the people behind them, along with what the Lab is all about, check out /Film.
Monday, April 27, 2009
NEWS: Pierre Morel Gets A New Project...
One of those surprise films of this year was Taken. With it's great mix of action and visually superb direction, it's right at the end of my top 10 so far of this year. Well, the director of the film, Pierre Morel, has just let us in on what exactly his next project will be, and it's a mixed bag of info.
Variety is reporting that Morel has aquired a yet to be titled thriller, set in Tokyo, that follows a CIA operative, stationed in Japan but on the verge of retirement, who is ordered to carry out a final mission. He finds himself caught in the middle of an international conspiracy.
Now, what really is interesting, is who is creating the project. It is being written by Frank Baldwin, and Alli Shearmur will produce. This kind of bums me out. Sure, what makes Taken such a great film is the direction, but what also made the film so much fun, is the pacing in which not only the direction gave the film, but also from the really well written script, which was penned by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen, who won't have any part of this project.
What do you all think about this?
Go see somehting good!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
NEWS: Stuff I Missed...
So, I need a vacation every so often in my life, and this weekend saw me take a much needed break from the world that I like to call me regular life. However, one downfall, I don't get to bring you all the film news that I know you all desperately need, or should, to sound awesome when talking to your friends. That said, I have compiled the stories that have broke over the weekend, into this nice little group.
- Matthew McFayden, Mr. Darcy from Joe Wright's adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, will portray the Sheriff of Notingham in Ridley Scott's Robin Hood...
- The reboot of Predator, entitled Predators, is getting the reboot treatment, and is set for a July 2010 release date...
- Also in Predators news, long attached director Robert Rodriguez will NOT be helming this reboot, but is getting a producer credit for the piece...
- Michael Caine has joined the cast of Chris Nolan's Inception...
- Variety is reporting that, seemingly due to budget problems, some crew for the upcoming, or allegedly upcoming, adaptation of the video game, Bioshock, have been let go. Universal has officially put the breaks on this much discussed project, set to be helmed by Gore Verbinski.
- To bring some business to the film, Fox is set to release X-Men Origins: Wolverine with several separate, Easter Egg Endings, which will run after the credits...
- IO9 Has posted the 6 graphic novels you all need to read before seeing Wolverine this Friday
- Robert De Niro and Ed Norton will star in Stone, the new film from director John Curran, who has previously helmed We Don't Live Here Anymore, and The Painted Veil.
- Kevin Macdonald, whose film, State Of Play, is brilliant by the way, will develop and direct a big screen adaptation of the 1955 Isaac Asimov novel The End of Eternity.
- Olivia Munn, co-host of Attack of The Show, has been cast in the Tina Fey film, Date Night...
- In WTF news, Alexandre Desplat, composer for The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, will be scoring Twilight: New Moon...
- Finally, here is the first trailer for the upcoming sequel, H2, or Halloween 2, directed by Rob Zombie. The weird thing, I am kinda liking this first trailer. It looks a lot better than what I expected, and while that's not really saying much, after such a turd fest that the first film was, any boost in confidence is a bonus. What do you think???
Come back later this week for more news, notes, a hopefully a review of The Soloist, Wolverine, and Fighting.
Go see something good!
- Matthew McFayden, Mr. Darcy from Joe Wright's adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, will portray the Sheriff of Notingham in Ridley Scott's Robin Hood...
- The reboot of Predator, entitled Predators, is getting the reboot treatment, and is set for a July 2010 release date...
- Also in Predators news, long attached director Robert Rodriguez will NOT be helming this reboot, but is getting a producer credit for the piece...
- Michael Caine has joined the cast of Chris Nolan's Inception...
- Variety is reporting that, seemingly due to budget problems, some crew for the upcoming, or allegedly upcoming, adaptation of the video game, Bioshock, have been let go. Universal has officially put the breaks on this much discussed project, set to be helmed by Gore Verbinski.
- To bring some business to the film, Fox is set to release X-Men Origins: Wolverine with several separate, Easter Egg Endings, which will run after the credits...
- IO9 Has posted the 6 graphic novels you all need to read before seeing Wolverine this Friday
- Robert De Niro and Ed Norton will star in Stone, the new film from director John Curran, who has previously helmed We Don't Live Here Anymore, and The Painted Veil.
- Kevin Macdonald, whose film, State Of Play, is brilliant by the way, will develop and direct a big screen adaptation of the 1955 Isaac Asimov novel The End of Eternity.
- Olivia Munn, co-host of Attack of The Show, has been cast in the Tina Fey film, Date Night...
- In WTF news, Alexandre Desplat, composer for The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button, will be scoring Twilight: New Moon...
- Finally, here is the first trailer for the upcoming sequel, H2, or Halloween 2, directed by Rob Zombie. The weird thing, I am kinda liking this first trailer. It looks a lot better than what I expected, and while that's not really saying much, after such a turd fest that the first film was, any boost in confidence is a bonus. What do you think???
Come back later this week for more news, notes, a hopefully a review of The Soloist, Wolverine, and Fighting.
Go see something good!
Friday, April 24, 2009
NEWS: Joseph Gordon-Levitt Joins Inception...
Yesturday, I mentioned new details on Rian Johnson's next film, Looper. While I mentioned that film, I also discussed the fact that he is one of mayb 5 or 10 directors that, no matter the project, I give the benefit of the doubt to. Well, another one of those directors is Christopher Nolan.
Weither it's his first film, Following, or his last, The Dark Knight, this film maker has not only made a set of phenominal films, but has a few classics in that canon. His next film, Inception, sounds like it will be no different, and it's already solid cast, just got a lot stronger.
THR is reporting that 500 Days of Summer star Joseph Gordon-Levitt has joined the cast of Nolan's Inception in a role that has been vacated by James Franco, who was forced to leave due to scheduling conflicts. His role will be as an associate to the lead, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, in what has been described as a sci-fi film set within “the architecture of the mind.
The cast will also feature Hard Candy/Juno/Tracey Fragments star, Ellen Page.
Go see something good!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
NEWS: Exactly How Different Is The Wolverine Workprint?
Not at all says AICN.
“Well, having seen the finished film, the mystery is solved: the workprint version IS in fact identical to the release print, sans effect and some audio work. It's obvious that FOX is trying their darndest to keep this news from getting out, because it will eliminate most of the motivation for people who have seen the workprint to pay for a ticket.
Some scenes from the trailer are not in the finished version, either.
The finished effects are lackluster, to say the least - some really bad CGI work made me groan numerous times (especially, but not restricted to, Patrick Stewart's cameo). The scene with Stewart looks so much better in the workprint - trying to digitally de-age him did NOT work this time around..."
Here's a bit of backstory as to why this is newsworthy.
About a month ago, after a copy of the Wolverine workprint was leaked onto the web, the head of Fox, Tom Rothman, told Entertainment Weekly that the print was 10 minutes shorter than the theatrical version and was lacking a few key scenes. Well, it appears that that was a complete lie, and one that gets me to my overarching point.
For some really weird reason, Fox has no faith when it comes to this film. Since the film got into production, Fox has used words such as disaster and failure when discussing this flick. All seemingly was lost until the first few trailers were released, and while the film doesn't look great, it does look like it will be more than a blast. This spin from Rothman makes it obvious that the heads at Fox have no faith. If the film was good, at least in their eyes, they would have seen no reason to say anything on the subject. If the film was good, people would still go out to see it, at least those who have any interest in the film in the first place.
Just to let you all know.
Go see something good!
NEWS: Cannes Line-Up Announced...
There are many film festival's I want to go to. Toronto, Sundance, Venice, Berlin, but none are at the top of my list. The festival that gets that conveted spot is Cannes, and now, the 2009 Cannes Film Festival's Line-Up has been announced, and it is full of must see films, and ones that I hope get to be released over here. Here's the list:
Opening Night Film:
Up, US., Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
In Competition:
Bright Star, Australia-UK.-France, Jane Campion
Spring Fever, China-France, Lou Ye
Antichrist, Denmark-Sweden-France-Italy, Lars von Trier
Enter the Void, France, Gaspar Noe
Face, France-Taiwan-Netherlands-Belgium, Tsai Ming-liang
Les Herbes Folles, France-Italy, Alain Resnais In the Beginning, France, Xavier Giannoli
A Prophet, France, Jacques Audiard
The White Ribbon, Germany-Austria-France, Michael Haneke
Vengeance, Hong Kong-France-US., Johnnie To
The Time That Remains, Israel-France-Belgium-Italy, Elia Suleiman
Vincere, Italy-France, Marco Bellocchio
Kinatay, Philippines, Brillante Mendoza
Thirst, South Korea-US., Park Chan-wook
Broken Embraces, Spain, Pedro Almodovar
Map of the Sounds of Tokyo, Spain, Isabel Coixet
Fish Tank, UK.-Netherlands, Andrea Arnold
Looking for Eric, UK.-France-Belgium-Italy, Ken Loach
Inglourious Basterds, US., Quentin Tarantino
Taking Woodstock, US., Ang Lee
A Certain Regard:
Mother - Bong Joon Ho
Irene - Alain Cavalier
Precious - Lee Daniels
Demain Des L’Aube - Denis Dercourt
Adrift - Heitor Dhalia
Nobody Knows About the Persian Cats - Bahman Ghobadi
The Wind Journeys - Ciro Guerra
Le Pere De Mes Enfants - Mia Hansen-Love
Tales From the Golden Age - Hanno Hofer, Razvan Marculescu, Cristian Mungiu, Constantin Propescu and Ioanna Uricaru
Tale in the Darkness - Nikolay Khomeriki
Dogtooth - Yorgos Lanthimos
Tzar - Pavel Lounguine
Independencia - Raya Martin
Police, Adjective - Corneliu Porumboiu
Nymph - Pen-Ek Ratanaruang
To Die Like a Man - Joao Pedro Rodrigues
Eyes Wide Open - Haim Tabakman
Samson & Deliah - Warwick Thornton
The Silent Army - Jean Van De Velde
Air Doll - Hirokazu Kore-Eda
Out of Competition:
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Canada-France, Terry Gilliam
The Army of Crime, France, Robert Guediguian
Agora, Spain, Alejandro Amenabar
Midnight Screenings:
A Town Called Panic, Belgium, Stephane Aubier, Vincent Patar
Ne te Retourne Pas, France-Belgium-Luxembourg-Italy, Marina de Van
Drag Me to Hell, US, Sam Raimi
Special Screenings:
Petition, China, Zhao Liang
L’epine dans le Coeur, France, Michel Gondry
Min Ye, France-Mali, Souleyumane Cisse
Jaffa, Israel-France-Germany, Keren Yedaya
Manila, Philippines, Adolfo Alix Jr., Raya Martin
My Neighbor, My Killer, US., Anne Aghion
Closing Night Film:
Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, France, Jan Kounen
So, there is a lot to talk about here, but the big news is that Heath Ledgers true final performance, The Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus will debut at the festival, albeit out of competition. There really are no huge surprises, but here are my top 10 films that, if I were at the festival, I would not miss.
10. Anticrhist
9. Enter The Void
8. Mother
7. The Map Of The Sounds Of Tokyo
6. L’epine dans le Coeur
5. Broken Embraces
4. The White Ribbon
3. Thirst
2. The Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus
1. Inglourious Basterds
What films would you circle in your program as must sees? What films are you going to be hunting down when or if they get a release?
Go see something good!
Opening Night Film:
Up, US., Pete Docter, Bob Peterson
In Competition:
Bright Star, Australia-UK.-France, Jane Campion
Spring Fever, China-France, Lou Ye
Antichrist, Denmark-Sweden-France-Italy, Lars von Trier
Enter the Void, France, Gaspar Noe
Face, France-Taiwan-Netherlands-Belgium, Tsai Ming-liang
Les Herbes Folles, France-Italy, Alain Resnais In the Beginning, France, Xavier Giannoli
A Prophet, France, Jacques Audiard
The White Ribbon, Germany-Austria-France, Michael Haneke
Vengeance, Hong Kong-France-US., Johnnie To
The Time That Remains, Israel-France-Belgium-Italy, Elia Suleiman
Vincere, Italy-France, Marco Bellocchio
Kinatay, Philippines, Brillante Mendoza
Thirst, South Korea-US., Park Chan-wook
Broken Embraces, Spain, Pedro Almodovar
Map of the Sounds of Tokyo, Spain, Isabel Coixet
Fish Tank, UK.-Netherlands, Andrea Arnold
Looking for Eric, UK.-France-Belgium-Italy, Ken Loach
Inglourious Basterds, US., Quentin Tarantino
Taking Woodstock, US., Ang Lee
A Certain Regard:
Mother - Bong Joon Ho
Irene - Alain Cavalier
Precious - Lee Daniels
Demain Des L’Aube - Denis Dercourt
Adrift - Heitor Dhalia
Nobody Knows About the Persian Cats - Bahman Ghobadi
The Wind Journeys - Ciro Guerra
Le Pere De Mes Enfants - Mia Hansen-Love
Tales From the Golden Age - Hanno Hofer, Razvan Marculescu, Cristian Mungiu, Constantin Propescu and Ioanna Uricaru
Tale in the Darkness - Nikolay Khomeriki
Dogtooth - Yorgos Lanthimos
Tzar - Pavel Lounguine
Independencia - Raya Martin
Police, Adjective - Corneliu Porumboiu
Nymph - Pen-Ek Ratanaruang
To Die Like a Man - Joao Pedro Rodrigues
Eyes Wide Open - Haim Tabakman
Samson & Deliah - Warwick Thornton
The Silent Army - Jean Van De Velde
Air Doll - Hirokazu Kore-Eda
Out of Competition:
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Canada-France, Terry Gilliam
The Army of Crime, France, Robert Guediguian
Agora, Spain, Alejandro Amenabar
Midnight Screenings:
A Town Called Panic, Belgium, Stephane Aubier, Vincent Patar
Ne te Retourne Pas, France-Belgium-Luxembourg-Italy, Marina de Van
Drag Me to Hell, US, Sam Raimi
Special Screenings:
Petition, China, Zhao Liang
L’epine dans le Coeur, France, Michel Gondry
Min Ye, France-Mali, Souleyumane Cisse
Jaffa, Israel-France-Germany, Keren Yedaya
Manila, Philippines, Adolfo Alix Jr., Raya Martin
My Neighbor, My Killer, US., Anne Aghion
Closing Night Film:
Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky, France, Jan Kounen
So, there is a lot to talk about here, but the big news is that Heath Ledgers true final performance, The Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus will debut at the festival, albeit out of competition. There really are no huge surprises, but here are my top 10 films that, if I were at the festival, I would not miss.
10. Anticrhist
9. Enter The Void
8. Mother
7. The Map Of The Sounds Of Tokyo
6. L’epine dans le Coeur
5. Broken Embraces
4. The White Ribbon
3. Thirst
2. The Imaginarium Of Dr. Parnassus
1. Inglourious Basterds
What films would you circle in your program as must sees? What films are you going to be hunting down when or if they get a release?
Go see something good!
NEWS: More Details On Rian Johnson's LOOPER Released...
One of the most underappreciated films of the last 5 years is a little indie flick called Brick. Single handedly revitalizing the film noir genre, Brick was Rian Johnson's look at what would happen if a film like the Third Man was set in highschool.
Well, he's back with his much anticipated and much delayed second film, the con man picture, The Brothers Bloom. Starring Adrian Brody and Mark Ruffalo, this film looks at two brothers who try to pull one last heist.
Then there is his upcoming film, Looper. Another genre film, not much has been written about this film. He has been working on this since the production on Brick ended, at least in some shape and form, and when he discussed it on an episode of Filmspotting, I couldn't wait to hear more. Then, over the last two or three years, not much has really been released about this film, outside of a one line plot summary on IMDb. Until now.
In a recent interview with the good guys over at /Film, Johnson enlightened us all as to what his next film will entail. Here are some highlights:
- The film will be set roughly thirty years in the future
- The film will depict a dystopian society that has gone to “hell.”
- A disruptive element will have traveled back in time from even further in the future
- The time travel element is part of the setup, much like in The Terminator, but not an active ongoing part of the story
- Looper will be “very dark, very violent. It’s the exact opposite of Bloom.”
- Looper is a story set in a present day (30 years ahead) society in which a group of hitmen are sent their victims from the future.
I can not stress how excited this news makes me. Johnson is easily one of if not the most interesting up and coming director working today, and is one of probably 5 directors I trust no matter what. He has a really great style, and is one hell of a great writer. It's also really impressive to see a director jump genres like he has, and with Brothers Bloom being released soon to amazing reviews, making the jump successfully, is just shocking. Keep your eye out for this one.
Go see something good!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
NEWS: David Slade To Direct Twilight's Eclipse...
UPDATE: Summit Entertainment has confirmed that David Slade will be helming the third film in the Twilight Series, Eclipse. Here is the story that broke early this morning.
Well, he's at least in the running.
Nikki Finke is reporting that Summit Entertainment, the studio bringing us this bastion of tween angst (I've seen Twilight now, so I can bash it a little bit), is in talks with David Slade to take over the series' third film.
Most of you may be like, "WTF?". Well, David Slade is the director of two really great films. He made his feature debut with the Ellen Page/Patrick Wilson indie thriller, Hard Candy. Featuring two brilliant performances, really the only two performances of the film, this was a compelling take on the thriller. Then, he did the film adaptation of the graphic novel series, 30 Days Of Night. This is easily one of the best modern vampire films, and is a really solid film in general. Visually stunning, this flick proves that Slade does have a ton of talent besides crafting a really solid thriller.
That said, the Twilight series is a weird thing. Not the most well written book series (this is coming from people who have actually read them, I have not), and really only appealing to females within the age range of 12-21 and those kids mothers, yet the series is getting talented actors and directors to bring these things to screen.
Yesturday, I had a really interesting discussion with a few friends of mine. We discussed the difference between people like Zac Efron and Robert Pattinson. The reason I think Pattinson will hopefully be a solid actor is not what he did in Twilight, but what he is striving to do outside of the tween system, with films like Little Ashes, the Dali biopic. He was great in the Harry Potter series, and for a book series that thrives on the relationships between the two, I think the first film got that, as awkward and schlocky as it was.
However, I think that had more to do with the director, Catherine Hardwicke, than the cast. While I do love Kristen Stewart, she wasn't good, yet Hardwicke is able to get that awkwardness of a first love and moving to a new town. It's something she showed in her previous films, like 13, and now while the directors mentioned to take over the series, none have films that show that dichotomy. Until Slade.
Twilight and it's subsequent sequels feature two main things. A strong yet vulnerable lead, and Vampires. Both of these themes have been main parts of Slade's two previous films. With Hard Candy, the performance of Ellen Page (along with Patrick Wilson) really held that film together, keeping a two person story extremely interesting for the full length of the film (NOTE: If you haven't seen Hard Candy, stop reading, and watch it. It's phenominal), and obviously, he can craft a visually stunning vampire film, as he did with 30 Days of Night. So I think this is a far better fit than the previous people mentioned to take the helm, Drew Barrymore, Juan Antonio Bayona and Chris Weitz.
That's a lot of rambling, but I know a lot of you like the series, so it's all for you.
What do YOU think?
Go see something good!
NEWS: Eli Roth To Do A Cloverfield Scale Film?
Yes, but that's not what I'm excited about.
First, the main bit of information.
About a week ago, Eli Roth had an interview with MTV. During this interview, he let a few hints as to what his next project may be.
It’s going to be something that is really fun with lots of mass destruction. I wanted to do something along the lines of Transformers or Cloverfield that was a little more science fiction-based, and with lots of chaos and mass destruction.
Yes, that sounds kind of interesting, but a tad bit lame. I do like Roth, quite a bit, at least I liked two of his films, Cabin Fever and Hostel (Hostel isn't great, but it tries to say a few things, and it's more interesting than plain torture porn). However, it really hasn't been proven that he can take on a huge film of a Transformers size scale. While it does sound interesting, the next thing he talked about was the much discussed feature length version of his Grindhouse trailer, Thanksgiving.
The sickest, bloodiest, most violent slasher movie. I want to make the highest body count slasher film I can
THIS is what is getting me excited. Along with his big film, Roth will package in Thanksgiving for a mere 5 million dollars, making it a bloody 5 million dollar horror film, to be shot on 8mm. SHOT ON 8MM. This is a really interesting concept, and if there is any horror director to make this and make it worth your 8-15 dollars, it's Roth.
What do YOU think? What project are you more interested in?
Go see something good!
NEWS: David Slade To Direct Twilight's Eclipse?
Well, he's at least in the running.
Nikki Finke is reporting that Summit Entertainment, the studio bringing us this bastion of tween angst (I've seen Twilight now, so I can bash it a little bit), is in talks with David Slade to take over the series' third film.
Most of you may be like, "WTF?". Well, David Slade is the director of two really great films. He made his feature debut with the Ellen Page/Patrick Wilson indie thriller, Hard Candy. Featuring two brilliant performances, really the only two performances of the film, this was a compelling take on the thriller. Then, he did the film adaptation of the graphic novel series, 30 Days Of Night. This is easily one of the best modern vampire films, and is a really solid film in general. Visually stunning, this flick proves that Slade does have a ton of talent besides crafting a really solid thriller.
That said, the Twilight series is a weird thing. Not the most well written book series (this is coming from people who have actually read them, I have not), and really only appealing to females within the age range of 12-21 and those kids mothers, yet the series is getting talented actors and directors to bring these things to screen.
Yesturday, I had a really interesting discussion with a few friends of mine. We discussed the difference between people like Zac Efron and Robert Pattinson. The reason I think Pattinson will hopefully be a solid actor is not what he did in Twilight, but what he is striving to do outside of the tween system, with films like Little Ashes, the Dali biopic. He was great in the Harry Potter series, and for a book series that thrives on the relationships between the two, I think the first film got that, as awkward and schlocky as it was.
However, I think that had more to do with the director, Catherine Hardwicke, than the cast. While I do love Kristen Stewart, she wasn't good, yet Hardwicke is able to get that awkwardness of a first love and moving to a new town. It's something she showed in her previous films, like 13, and now while the directors mentioned to take over the series, none have films that show that dichotomy. Until Slade.
Twilight and it's subsequent sequels feature two main things. A strong yet vulnerable lead, and Vampires. Both of these themes have been main parts of Slade's two previous films. With Hard Candy, the performance of Ellen Page (along with Patrick Wilson) really held that film together, keeping a two person story extremely interesting for the full length of the film (NOTE: If you haven't seen Hard Candy, stop reading, and watch it. It's phenominal), and obviously, he can craft a visually stunning vampire film, as he did with 30 Days of Night. So I think this is a far better fit than the previous people mentioned to take the helm, Drew Barrymore, Juan Antonio Bayona and Chris Weitz.
That's a lot of rambling, but I know a lot of you like the series, so it's all for you.
What do YOU think?
Go see something good!
Nikki Finke is reporting that Summit Entertainment, the studio bringing us this bastion of tween angst (I've seen Twilight now, so I can bash it a little bit), is in talks with David Slade to take over the series' third film.
Most of you may be like, "WTF?". Well, David Slade is the director of two really great films. He made his feature debut with the Ellen Page/Patrick Wilson indie thriller, Hard Candy. Featuring two brilliant performances, really the only two performances of the film, this was a compelling take on the thriller. Then, he did the film adaptation of the graphic novel series, 30 Days Of Night. This is easily one of the best modern vampire films, and is a really solid film in general. Visually stunning, this flick proves that Slade does have a ton of talent besides crafting a really solid thriller.
That said, the Twilight series is a weird thing. Not the most well written book series (this is coming from people who have actually read them, I have not), and really only appealing to females within the age range of 12-21 and those kids mothers, yet the series is getting talented actors and directors to bring these things to screen.
Yesturday, I had a really interesting discussion with a few friends of mine. We discussed the difference between people like Zac Efron and Robert Pattinson. The reason I think Pattinson will hopefully be a solid actor is not what he did in Twilight, but what he is striving to do outside of the tween system, with films like Little Ashes, the Dali biopic. He was great in the Harry Potter series, and for a book series that thrives on the relationships between the two, I think the first film got that, as awkward and schlocky as it was.
However, I think that had more to do with the director, Catherine Hardwicke, than the cast. While I do love Kristen Stewart, she wasn't good, yet Hardwicke is able to get that awkwardness of a first love and moving to a new town. It's something she showed in her previous films, like 13, and now while the directors mentioned to take over the series, none have films that show that dichotomy. Until Slade.
Twilight and it's subsequent sequels feature two main things. A strong yet vulnerable lead, and Vampires. Both of these themes have been main parts of Slade's two previous films. With Hard Candy, the performance of Ellen Page (along with Patrick Wilson) really held that film together, keeping a two person story extremely interesting for the full length of the film (NOTE: If you haven't seen Hard Candy, stop reading, and watch it. It's phenominal), and obviously, he can craft a visually stunning vampire film, as he did with 30 Days of Night. So I think this is a far better fit than the previous people mentioned to take the helm, Drew Barrymore, Juan Antonio Bayona and Chris Weitz.
That's a lot of rambling, but I know a lot of you like the series, so it's all for you.
What do YOU think?
Go see something good!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
NEWS: Demetri Martin Continues His Roll...
One of the most influential pieces of sports writing happens to be making it's way to the big screen.
Money ball is a book which tells the story of ballplayer-turned-Oakland Athletics general manager Billy Beane, who tried to create a competitive baseball team on a budget payroll. Creator of the term and philosophy of Moneyball, Beane has changed the state of modern baseball, as is proven with the rise of small market, no budget, winning teams like the Tampa Bay Rays and the Florida Marlins.
Now, with the help of Steven Soderbergh, the book is set to make it's way to the silver screen with a cast including Brad Pitt as the lead, Beane. Another cast member has also been added to the film, as Demetri Martin will be picking up the role of a Harvard graduate named Paul De Podesta, who turned down jobs on Wall Street to use his statistical skills, a system known as “Earned Run Value,” to change baseball scouting tactics.
This is a project that I'm really looking forward to. Two great actors, lead by a favorite director of mine, Soderbergh, and while the story may not be to deep, but it may make for a really interesting watch.
What do YOU think??
Go see something good!
SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW: August/September...
So, over at /Film, they have decided to put together a few video blogs about this upcoming summer movie season. While I haven't had the luck of gaining video capabilities (no camera over here), I have the time to put together a post in a similar fashion. However, I do want to hear your opinions on these films. These are the 5 films I am most looking forward to, being released this upcoming August and September...
5. The Time Traveler's Wife
(NO TRAILER HAS BEEN RELEASED AS OF THIS POST. PHOTOS HAVE BEEN RELEASED HOWEVER)
Based on the famous novel of the same name, The Time Traveler's Wife is the much troubled adaptation starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams. The plot is interesting, as the film will follow a librarian with a specific gene that allows him to invouluntarily time travel. Instead of simply looking at the effect the time travel has on time itself, like most films, it takes a look at the complications that it brings in the librarians marriage. The interesting concept and star studded cast have this film firmly planted in at number 5.
4. The Boat That Rocked
This is another film that is made by it's monsterous cast. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kenneth Branagh, Rhys Ifrans and the stunning Gemma Arterton, this is the new film from Love Actually director Richard Curtis. It tells the story of 8 DJs who create an illegal pirate radio station in the North Sea during the '60's. It looks very light and airy, and I'm always in for a period comedy with a great cast.
3.Taking Woodstock
Now, this is an interesting film. It tells the backstory of the setup of the historic Woodstock festival, and is a really tough project to get a grip on. About two months ago, the first trailer was released, to less than stellar response, especially from yours truly. It is the new film from Brokeback Mountain director Ang Lee, and stars Demetri Martin. The trailer premiered on Martin's show, Important Things, and isn't one that I'm to excited about. It's a mixed bag of comedy, and while I LOVE Lee and his minimilast style of drama/comedy, it just didn't seem to hit on all the points. That said, it was only one trailer, and with a film maker like Lee, I have to give him the benefit of the doubt.
2. 9
This is the only September release on this list. Produced by Timur Bekmambatov (director of Wanted) and Tim Burton, this is the new film from first time feature director Shane Acker. It is a remake/rehash/adaptation/redo of his short, of the same name, telling the story of a post apocalyptic future where all of humanity is threatened. While the story is pretty standard fare in the general term, it is the characters and the style of animation that has me interested. Featuring a star studded cast with Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly, it feautres 9 dolls who go out into the world to save the world from complete destruction. THAT is what makes this film my number two.
1. Inglorious Basterds
Really, this is a no brainer. Tarantino's long awaited WWII epic not only features a really interesting cast and crew, but is one of the best scripts I've read in the last few years. Here is why this film is number 1, in simple math.
Cool of Resivior Dogs + Violence of Kill Bill + Tarantino's Style + WWII + Really Interesting Cast + BRILLIANT script = Why Inglorious Basterds will blow us all away come August.
What are YOU looking forward to?
Go see something good!
5. The Time Traveler's Wife
(NO TRAILER HAS BEEN RELEASED AS OF THIS POST. PHOTOS HAVE BEEN RELEASED HOWEVER)
Based on the famous novel of the same name, The Time Traveler's Wife is the much troubled adaptation starring Eric Bana and Rachel McAdams. The plot is interesting, as the film will follow a librarian with a specific gene that allows him to invouluntarily time travel. Instead of simply looking at the effect the time travel has on time itself, like most films, it takes a look at the complications that it brings in the librarians marriage. The interesting concept and star studded cast have this film firmly planted in at number 5.
4. The Boat That Rocked
This is another film that is made by it's monsterous cast. Starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, Kenneth Branagh, Rhys Ifrans and the stunning Gemma Arterton, this is the new film from Love Actually director Richard Curtis. It tells the story of 8 DJs who create an illegal pirate radio station in the North Sea during the '60's. It looks very light and airy, and I'm always in for a period comedy with a great cast.
3.Taking Woodstock
Now, this is an interesting film. It tells the backstory of the setup of the historic Woodstock festival, and is a really tough project to get a grip on. About two months ago, the first trailer was released, to less than stellar response, especially from yours truly. It is the new film from Brokeback Mountain director Ang Lee, and stars Demetri Martin. The trailer premiered on Martin's show, Important Things, and isn't one that I'm to excited about. It's a mixed bag of comedy, and while I LOVE Lee and his minimilast style of drama/comedy, it just didn't seem to hit on all the points. That said, it was only one trailer, and with a film maker like Lee, I have to give him the benefit of the doubt.
2. 9
This is the only September release on this list. Produced by Timur Bekmambatov (director of Wanted) and Tim Burton, this is the new film from first time feature director Shane Acker. It is a remake/rehash/adaptation/redo of his short, of the same name, telling the story of a post apocalyptic future where all of humanity is threatened. While the story is pretty standard fare in the general term, it is the characters and the style of animation that has me interested. Featuring a star studded cast with Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly, it feautres 9 dolls who go out into the world to save the world from complete destruction. THAT is what makes this film my number two.
1. Inglorious Basterds
Really, this is a no brainer. Tarantino's long awaited WWII epic not only features a really interesting cast and crew, but is one of the best scripts I've read in the last few years. Here is why this film is number 1, in simple math.
Cool of Resivior Dogs + Violence of Kill Bill + Tarantino's Style + WWII + Really Interesting Cast + BRILLIANT script = Why Inglorious Basterds will blow us all away come August.
What are YOU looking forward to?
Go see something good!
NEWS: Bale To Become a Fighter
So, it looks as though some big news has come through late tonight.
Via Variety it looks like Chrisitan Bale has joined the cast of the upcoming film, The Fighter.
Starring Mark Whalberg, The Fighter tells the story of Mickey Ward (Whalberg), and how he went on to gain the lightweight championship, with the help of Bale's character, Dicky Eklund. Eklund ended up forfeiting his elustrious career to drugs and crime, but was able to redeem himself by helping Ward through his title run.
However, it's not the news of who was put INTO the film, but rather, who has LEFT the project.
Originally set to be Darren Aronofsky's next film, it looks as though I Heart Huckabees/Three Kings director, David O. Russell has jumped into the directors chair.
Maybe the project is far to similar to The Wrestler, but this does not bode well for this project. Sure, the film will feature two great leads, but with a less than stellar director leading them, the outcome may not be all that great.
Who the hell knows though. All I know, is that Aronofsky is one of the three best film makers working today, and I sure as hell hope that this means that his RoboCop adaptation is getting a go ahead, or maybe this could be a open space to be filled by his much talked about Noah's Ark project, which is something I am far more interested than maybe any project out there in what is the cinematic equivalent of no mans land.
What are YOUR thoughts?
Go see something good.
Via Variety it looks like Chrisitan Bale has joined the cast of the upcoming film, The Fighter.
Starring Mark Whalberg, The Fighter tells the story of Mickey Ward (Whalberg), and how he went on to gain the lightweight championship, with the help of Bale's character, Dicky Eklund. Eklund ended up forfeiting his elustrious career to drugs and crime, but was able to redeem himself by helping Ward through his title run.
However, it's not the news of who was put INTO the film, but rather, who has LEFT the project.
Originally set to be Darren Aronofsky's next film, it looks as though I Heart Huckabees/Three Kings director, David O. Russell has jumped into the directors chair.
Maybe the project is far to similar to The Wrestler, but this does not bode well for this project. Sure, the film will feature two great leads, but with a less than stellar director leading them, the outcome may not be all that great.
Who the hell knows though. All I know, is that Aronofsky is one of the three best film makers working today, and I sure as hell hope that this means that his RoboCop adaptation is getting a go ahead, or maybe this could be a open space to be filled by his much talked about Noah's Ark project, which is something I am far more interested than maybe any project out there in what is the cinematic equivalent of no mans land.
What are YOUR thoughts?
Go see something good.
Monday, April 20, 2009
OPINION/FORUM: The Themes of Doubt (SPOILERS INCLUDED)...
I don't have a chance to see EVERY film released in a given year, as many of you may be unable to believe. In a given year, I miss a good 10-15 films that I have an interest in due to lack of release, lack of time, or lack of money. One of those films from last year happened to be Doubt.
Doubt is the film adaptation of the stage play of the same name from John Patrick Shanley who also wrote the screenplay as well as the play itself, and tells the story of a nun who confronts a priest after suspecting him of abusing a young black student. The priest denies the charges, yet the nun stays steadfast in her beliefs. The play features quick dialogue and discusses the themes of religion, of course, as well as morality, sexism in the church, and to me, the idea of blind faith in personal beliefs.
I have a lot to say on this film, but I will simply set up a discussion by getting into two things:
1) The overarching crime allegedly committed in this film
2) The thematic fallout from the outcome of the end of this conflict
First off, there is the ambiguity in the crime that has been allegedly committed. The nun, Sister Aloysius (Meryl Streep), believes that Phillip Seymour Hoffman's character, Father Flynn, has been having an inappropriate, possibly sexual, relationship, with a young, black student, Donald Miller. At the end of this film, after a confrontation between the two, Father Flynn leaves the parish, only to join another one, and is basically promoted when entering.
First, what exactly was the relationship between the two? Well, for me, it felt as though the two, Donald and Father Flynn, did not have a sexual relationship. It felt as though both characters were gay, and it was an emotional relationship, as Father Flynn simply took Donald under his wing, to keep him safe in the school. Donald's father beat him while at home (not something ever completely touched on, but possibly due to Donald being gay), and while the relationship was inappropriate, it wasn't sexual.
There is one minor scene that maybe gives more insight into this view.
There is a long scene, about 2 or 3 minutes, of Father Flynn showing his nails off to a group of students after basketball practice. His nails are long, but he says that they are clean, so it's not necisarrily a big deal. This played as a metaphor for his relationship with Donald. The relationship was inappropriate, but it was clean on the surface, yet could get him in trouble if it were outed. It even plays into he and the nun's final argument, as before she leaves, she tells him to cut his nails. It's a bit of a stretch, but due to the length of what should be a short scene otherwise, I think there is something to discuss.
That is not saying that Father Flynn did not have a sexual relationship with one of the students. One that gets little to no screen time, yet has a particular moment during Flynn's send off, is Jimmy Hurley. There is a quick shot of him smiling as he is saying his goodbyes to the congregation, and this leads me to believe that his relationship with Flynn was sexual.
Flynn's promotion at the new parish leads me to the last real thing I want to get into. First, a bit of background.
Father Brendan Flynn: You haven't the slightest proof of anything!
Sister Aloysius Beauvier: But I have my certainty! And armed with that, I will go to your last parish, and the one before that if necessary. I'll find a parent.
During the film, Aloysius stands stedfast in her belief and faith that Flynn's relationship with Donald was sexual. She stands with this belief, without any concrete evidence, and even needs to make up a lie to get Flynn to start showing a bit of fright as to what she may or may not know. However, things change at the end.
At the end of the film, Flynn leaves the parish, only to join another one and get what looks to be a promotion. This leaves shock leaves Aloysius to not only question what she had done, but her faith as a whole.
Sister Aloysius Beauvier: I have so many doubts.
When Father Flynn gets his new promotion, it shocks Aloysius. She was so certain with her belief, that when it is basically proven wrong, she doesn't know how to take it. However, it doesn't just effect her belief on that. Earlier in the film, she asks Father Flynn, "Why are you in the priesthood?" Well, the same question is being asked by her to herself at the end of the film. She is questioning not only her belief of Flynn's crime, while also beginning to question what looks to be her blind faith in the church. The line is so intense, that it may not even be about Flynn. To me, when she utters the above line, she is only speaking about her faith.
Doubt can be a bond as powerful and sustaining as certainty. When you are lost, you are not alone.
The overall theme of this film, to me, is that, to question ones faith, simply makes that person either realize that he or she doesn't believe it, or makes the bond between person and faith, that much stronger. It's a sign of intelligence and competence to question ones faith, instead of sticking by the beliefs without any doubt.
This film is not a condemnation of faith as a whole, but it takes a look and is an allegory about what happens when a person believes blindly. Blind faith leads to false accusations or other falsities. This film is not only a great cinematic achievement, but it is a great allegory on blind faith. This is easily one of the 10 best films of last year, and with a brilliant cast, great film making, one hell of a script, and all of these themes, should be seen by everyone.
What do you think?
Go see something good!
REVIEWS: My Thoughts On Yes Man and State of Play...
So, this weekend has been filled with lots of studying, yet I did get a chance to see a couple films, outside of Crank: High Voltage. Here are my breif thoughts on Yes Man and State of Play...
YES MAN:
Here's the synopsis - Carl Allen is at a standstill. Until the day he enrolls into a personal development program based on a very simple idea: say yes to everything! Carl discovers with amazement the magical power of "Yes", and sees his professional and romantic life turned upside down overnight: an unexpected promotion and a new girlfriend. But he'll soon discover that better can be good's enemy, and that all opportunities shouldn't be taken.
Coming to us all from the guy who did The Break-Up, Peyton Reed, this Jim Carrey vehicle features an interesting premise, that doesn't really hit. Yes, there are a few moments where the cast shines, particularly Zooey Deschanel who brings a sense of reality to a rather quirky character (it also helps that she sings during the film). Carrey is fine, and has some scenes where he really hits, and so does the rest of the supporting cast, but the film as a whole misses. It's just cliche after cliche after cliche, and had the people I watched it with perfectly predicting the films ending half way in. That said, I watched it while studying, and it was a pleasent watch. Nothing I will ever watch again, but it wasn't time wasted.
Yes Man - 5/10
STATE OF PLAY:
Here's the synopsis - A petty thief is gunned down in an alley and a Congressman's assistant falls in front of a subway - two seemingly unrelated deaths. But not to wisecracking, brash newspaper reporter Cal McAffrey who spies a conspiracy waiting to be uncovered. With a turbulent past connected to the Congressman and the aid of ambitious young rookie writer Della Frye, Cal begins uprooting clues that lead him to a corporate cover-up full of insiders, informants, and assassins. But as he draws closer to the truth, the relentless journalist must decide if it's worth risking his life and selling his soul to get the ultimate story.
Now this film, is one that I want to see many, many more times. It stars Helen Miren, Russel Crowe, and Rachel McAdams, and is the newest film from Last King of Scotland director, Kevin Macdonald, and is probably the best thriller I have seen all year. It takes a dying thing, newspapers, and gives a burst of life into it. It's got it's cliche moments, as it's kind of a paint by numbers thriller, but with the combination of performances, even a great one from the underrated Ben Affleck, film making, and the brilliant script penned by Tony Gilroy and Billy Ray, is just a masters class in great thrills garnered from an equally great story. Please, give the theatre some money, and check out this film.
State of Play - 8.5/10
Thats all for now, but come back tomorrow for more news and notes, and my thoughts evaluating the themes in the amazing film, Doubt.
Go see something good!
YES MAN:
Here's the synopsis - Carl Allen is at a standstill. Until the day he enrolls into a personal development program based on a very simple idea: say yes to everything! Carl discovers with amazement the magical power of "Yes", and sees his professional and romantic life turned upside down overnight: an unexpected promotion and a new girlfriend. But he'll soon discover that better can be good's enemy, and that all opportunities shouldn't be taken.
Coming to us all from the guy who did The Break-Up, Peyton Reed, this Jim Carrey vehicle features an interesting premise, that doesn't really hit. Yes, there are a few moments where the cast shines, particularly Zooey Deschanel who brings a sense of reality to a rather quirky character (it also helps that she sings during the film). Carrey is fine, and has some scenes where he really hits, and so does the rest of the supporting cast, but the film as a whole misses. It's just cliche after cliche after cliche, and had the people I watched it with perfectly predicting the films ending half way in. That said, I watched it while studying, and it was a pleasent watch. Nothing I will ever watch again, but it wasn't time wasted.
Yes Man - 5/10
STATE OF PLAY:
Here's the synopsis - A petty thief is gunned down in an alley and a Congressman's assistant falls in front of a subway - two seemingly unrelated deaths. But not to wisecracking, brash newspaper reporter Cal McAffrey who spies a conspiracy waiting to be uncovered. With a turbulent past connected to the Congressman and the aid of ambitious young rookie writer Della Frye, Cal begins uprooting clues that lead him to a corporate cover-up full of insiders, informants, and assassins. But as he draws closer to the truth, the relentless journalist must decide if it's worth risking his life and selling his soul to get the ultimate story.
Now this film, is one that I want to see many, many more times. It stars Helen Miren, Russel Crowe, and Rachel McAdams, and is the newest film from Last King of Scotland director, Kevin Macdonald, and is probably the best thriller I have seen all year. It takes a dying thing, newspapers, and gives a burst of life into it. It's got it's cliche moments, as it's kind of a paint by numbers thriller, but with the combination of performances, even a great one from the underrated Ben Affleck, film making, and the brilliant script penned by Tony Gilroy and Billy Ray, is just a masters class in great thrills garnered from an equally great story. Please, give the theatre some money, and check out this film.
State of Play - 8.5/10
Thats all for now, but come back tomorrow for more news and notes, and my thoughts evaluating the themes in the amazing film, Doubt.
Go see something good!
Saturday, April 18, 2009
VIDEO: Transformers 2 ShoWest Footage...
This is a mixed bag to me. The following footage opens up with a discussion between Shia's character, and Bumble Bee, which looks to probably be in the opening of the film, but it's just really lame to me. Now, when it goes from that, into the action, I'm in for it 100%. What do you think?
Go see something good!
Go see something good!
Friday, April 17, 2009
REVIEW: Crank: High Voltage...
As many of you faithful readers may know, I'm not a fan of over the top, brainless action films. However, I do make a certain exception, when it comes to Crank and it's subsequent sequel, Crank: High Voltage.
That cause for exception, is due to the film makers behind the piece of adrenaline pumping cinema. Like other directors with a distinct style, they make each piece inherently interesting to watch, and for a style of film that calls for you to turn the thing your head called a brain to the off position, it can make the experience a whole lot more fun and interesting.
The film makers I speak of are the duo of Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor. Their first full length feature, Crank, was a stunning surprise for me. It's shocking sense of kinetic energy in both the action of the film and in the direction/film making, made it a perfect action film for my taste. Then, after writing the cult horror flick, Pathology, they decided to head back to the story of Chev Chelios, with Crank: High Voltage, which may actually do something that most sequels can't, be better than the first.
I'm getting into the plot here, so if you haven't seen Crank, it's fine, but spoilers may be ahead. I'm not going into that films story, but I do have to touch on a couple of things. You have been warned.
Crank: High Voltage isn't a heavy story. It picks up where Crank left off (the exact second that film left off, actually), and has us following our hero, Chev Chelios, once again. This time, Chelios faces a Chinese mobster who has stolen his nearly indestructible heart and replaced it with a battery-powered ticker that requires regular jolts of electricity to keep working. From there, it's a balls-out actioner full of blood, guns, bullets, and octane, that pulls no punches. It is an action film and doesn't apologize for a single second.
As I stated above, the main reason, besides the first film, that I was interested in Crank: HV, was the people behind it. I do not know of a single director or set of directors with a more interesting or fun style. They allow the action on screen to be complemented with their very kinetic and close quarters film making. They put the cameras right in the middle of the action, yet don't keep the viewers disoriented in ways that films like The Bourne series do. It may be helped by the cameras that they are using too.
Crank: High Voltage is the first narrative film to be released in a wide release, shot entirely on consumer grade cameras. What exactly does that mean? Well, instead of taking a 35mm camera and shooting their action film with those clunky machines, the directors, Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, have decided to strap on their 3000$ Canon XH-A1 HD pro-sumer cameras that simply use a mini-dv tape to record. It's not nearly as fluid or liquid as film, but it doesn't need to be. It's hyper real look fits the hyper reality of what is going on, perfectly.
Another thing that this film has going for it is it's lead, Jason Statham. When casting for the role, Statham called up Neveldine/Taylor and said that he didn't think he could pull of the comedy in the role. He could not have been more wrong. He is the epitome of Chev Chelios. Badass, driven, and featuring perfect comedic timing, Staham is pitch perfect for this role, and is a real pleasure to watch.
The supporting cast, while not great, fit. Amy Smart plays the oblivious blond girlfriend role, to a t, and country musician Dwight Yokum reprises his role as Chev's trusted doctor. That said, the true scene stealer, for the whole 3 seconds he's on screen is Bill himself, David Carradine, as the main baddie, Poon Dong. Yes, Poon Dong.
I would have something to say that is bad about the film, but honestly, it wouldn't be a real critique. The thing about films of this like is that they don't take themselves seriously. If CHV was to give this story, but in a serious way, that a film like Wanted did, then I could get into a few things. The script is a bit weak, some of the acting in this is awful, particularly Efren Ramirez as Venus, and some of the set pieces don't completely work. However, this film isn't trying to be anything else other than a pure action film. It is a kick ass film that doesn't have any underlying message except that it will kick you in the throat, punch you in the jaw, and then just laugh as it does it again for 85 minutes. And I loved every single second of it.
The last thing I want to touch on, is a warning more than anything. This film is not for everyone, yet, I think everyone could enjoy it. What I mean by that is that if you are a fan of films like Wanted or have seen Crank and enjoyed it, then you won't find anything to dislike in this film. However, if you dislike films that ooze machismo and flash a giant middle finger to the viewers, than stay clear.
CRANK: HIGH VOLTAGE - 8/10
The film does have a few flaws, but most can be forgiven as I haven't had this much fun watching a film in a long, long time. Here's to Crank 3!
Go see something good!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
NEWS: Cannes To Feature All Star Lineup...
I have a very tiny list of things I want to do before I die, that don't have to do with family/love/career. Amongst the list, there are a couple of film festivals I want to attain, three actually. Along side the Toronto Film Festival and SXSW, comes the Cannes Film Festival.
Most of you may ask why? Well besides the gorgeous area where it is held, South France, but it's lineups like the following that have me excited. Variety has the story...
The upcoming Cannes Film Festival will be swimming in top international filmmakers, as directors including Ang Lee, Jane Campion, Michael Haneke, Quentin Tarantino, Ken Loach, Pedro Almodovar, Bong Joon-ho, Marco Bellocchio, Lars von Trier and Johnnie To expect to square off for the Palme d'Or come May 13.
With one week to go before the April 23 announcement of the Official Selection, fest director Thierry Fremaux and his selection committee still have numerous films to watch, so this weekend will tell the tale as far as several titles are concerned. Unlike his predecessor Gilles Jacob, who tended to accept or reject films as he saw them over a period of months, Fremaux prefers to keep his options open to a certain extent until he's seen everything, leaving anxious filmmakers, distribs and sales companies in the dark until the final bell.
Wow, so here is what we know for sure. First off, Pete Docters new Pixar film, UP, is opening the festival in Digital 3-D. Also, it was confirmed a few weeks ago that Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds will be In Competition, something that, about 4 months ago, was deemend impossible.
Now onto the rumors. The big one is that Francis Ford Coppola's next film, Tetro, will be premiering at the festival. The most interesting thing about that film, aside from the story and cast (featuring Vincent Gallo), is that it will be released in Black and White, which as most of you do or should know, I'm a monster fan of.
Also in the Variety story, is the hint at the possibility of Werner Herzog's newest film, the Nic Cage fueled remake/reboot/sequel, Bad Lieutenant, will premiere in a special midnight slot. This may be one to hunt down reviews for, as it's sounding like a mixed bag of possibilities. Nic Cage in a remake directed by Herzog. Interesting? Yes. Possible mess? For sure.
What films are YOU looking forward to?
Go see something good!
Most of you may ask why? Well besides the gorgeous area where it is held, South France, but it's lineups like the following that have me excited. Variety has the story...
The upcoming Cannes Film Festival will be swimming in top international filmmakers, as directors including Ang Lee, Jane Campion, Michael Haneke, Quentin Tarantino, Ken Loach, Pedro Almodovar, Bong Joon-ho, Marco Bellocchio, Lars von Trier and Johnnie To expect to square off for the Palme d'Or come May 13.
With one week to go before the April 23 announcement of the Official Selection, fest director Thierry Fremaux and his selection committee still have numerous films to watch, so this weekend will tell the tale as far as several titles are concerned. Unlike his predecessor Gilles Jacob, who tended to accept or reject films as he saw them over a period of months, Fremaux prefers to keep his options open to a certain extent until he's seen everything, leaving anxious filmmakers, distribs and sales companies in the dark until the final bell.
Wow, so here is what we know for sure. First off, Pete Docters new Pixar film, UP, is opening the festival in Digital 3-D. Also, it was confirmed a few weeks ago that Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds will be In Competition, something that, about 4 months ago, was deemend impossible.
Now onto the rumors. The big one is that Francis Ford Coppola's next film, Tetro, will be premiering at the festival. The most interesting thing about that film, aside from the story and cast (featuring Vincent Gallo), is that it will be released in Black and White, which as most of you do or should know, I'm a monster fan of.
Also in the Variety story, is the hint at the possibility of Werner Herzog's newest film, the Nic Cage fueled remake/reboot/sequel, Bad Lieutenant, will premiere in a special midnight slot. This may be one to hunt down reviews for, as it's sounding like a mixed bag of possibilities. Nic Cage in a remake directed by Herzog. Interesting? Yes. Possible mess? For sure.
What films are YOU looking forward to?
Go see something good!
VIDEO: The Fabric of Zooey...
Just because she's awesome and one of my favorite actresses/singers. New commercial for Cotton starring the always stunningly beautiful Zooey Deschanel, who also gives a vocal performance in this commercial. Enjoy!
Go see something good!
Go see something good!
TRAILER: My Sister's Keeper...
New Line has released the first trailer for Nick Cassavettes new drama, My Sisters Keeper. Starring Cameron Diaz, Jason Patric, Abigail Breslin, Evan Ellingson, Sofia Vassilieva, and Alec Baldwin, this is Nick Cassavettes, son of the actor John Cassavettes, take on the hit book by Jodi Picoult. After his previous works including The Notebook, I have 0 expectations for this movies. However, this trailer is a nice little surprise, as I actually kinda like it. What do you all think? Check it out below!
My Sister's Keeper is directed by Nick Cassavetes, director of She's So Lovely, John Q, The Notebook, and Alpha Dog previously. The screenplay was co-written by Nick Cassavetes and Jeremy Leven, of Playing for Keeps, The Legend of Bagger Vance, Alex & Emma, and The Notebook previously. This is based on Jodi Picoult's novel of the same name that was first published in 2004. New Line Cinema will be bringing My Sister's Keeper to theaters everywhere on June 26th.
Go see something good!
My Sister's Keeper is directed by Nick Cassavetes, director of She's So Lovely, John Q, The Notebook, and Alpha Dog previously. The screenplay was co-written by Nick Cassavetes and Jeremy Leven, of Playing for Keeps, The Legend of Bagger Vance, Alex & Emma, and The Notebook previously. This is based on Jodi Picoult's novel of the same name that was first published in 2004. New Line Cinema will be bringing My Sister's Keeper to theaters everywhere on June 26th.
Go see something good!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
OPINION: Why Crank 2 Is More Than Just An Action Film...
It's a balls-to-the-wall game changer.
First, let me get this off my chest. I am unabashidly in love with Crank. Simply put, it's one of the best action films of the past 10 years. The story was interesting, it was visually fun, and most importantly, was more kinetic than a SpikeTV high speed chase. It is easily one of my favorite all-time action films, and is one of the biggest guilty pleasures in the DVD collection of yours truly. However, Crank: High Voltage looks to make much more of a statement, not in message, but in medium.
While the first film had a distinct style, as the trailers have shown, the style is amped up to 11, and how you all may be asking? Well, with equipment that you all can run out to your local Best Buy and pick up.
Crank: High Voltage will be the first narrative film to be released in a wide release, shot entirely on consumer grade cameras. What exactly does that mean? Well, instead of taking a 35mm camera and shooting their action film with those clunky machines, the directors, Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, have decided to strap on their 3000$ Canon XH-A1 HD pro-sumer cameras that simply use a mini-dv tape to record.
Now sure, while some of you may be asking, why should I care to see a film shot on something I could go buy? Well, this picture should answer your silly question.
(Thanks to The Movie Blog for the photo)
Well, all I'm really attempting to get across with this post is that this may be something huge. Not box office wise, not at this very moment, but along with film makers like Steven Soderbergh and David Lynch (two very different directors from Neveldine/Taylor), Neveldine/Taylor are attempting to push the medium forward. Some try to make more low key, character based dramas with their digital cameras, bringing out the truth and reality in the frame, while some simply want to get as close as they can to a guy getting punched in the throat. I'm not saying this film will be the greatest thing ever made, but this is a sign. Things will change, and this may be the first step.
So, please, this weekend, if it is for Jason Statham, for a brainless action film, or for the directors of the film, give Crank: High Voltage a shot. You may not have more fun in the theatre.
Go see something good!
First, let me get this off my chest. I am unabashidly in love with Crank. Simply put, it's one of the best action films of the past 10 years. The story was interesting, it was visually fun, and most importantly, was more kinetic than a SpikeTV high speed chase. It is easily one of my favorite all-time action films, and is one of the biggest guilty pleasures in the DVD collection of yours truly. However, Crank: High Voltage looks to make much more of a statement, not in message, but in medium.
While the first film had a distinct style, as the trailers have shown, the style is amped up to 11, and how you all may be asking? Well, with equipment that you all can run out to your local Best Buy and pick up.
Crank: High Voltage will be the first narrative film to be released in a wide release, shot entirely on consumer grade cameras. What exactly does that mean? Well, instead of taking a 35mm camera and shooting their action film with those clunky machines, the directors, Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor, have decided to strap on their 3000$ Canon XH-A1 HD pro-sumer cameras that simply use a mini-dv tape to record.
Now sure, while some of you may be asking, why should I care to see a film shot on something I could go buy? Well, this picture should answer your silly question.
(Thanks to The Movie Blog for the photo)
Well, all I'm really attempting to get across with this post is that this may be something huge. Not box office wise, not at this very moment, but along with film makers like Steven Soderbergh and David Lynch (two very different directors from Neveldine/Taylor), Neveldine/Taylor are attempting to push the medium forward. Some try to make more low key, character based dramas with their digital cameras, bringing out the truth and reality in the frame, while some simply want to get as close as they can to a guy getting punched in the throat. I'm not saying this film will be the greatest thing ever made, but this is a sign. Things will change, and this may be the first step.
So, please, this weekend, if it is for Jason Statham, for a brainless action film, or for the directors of the film, give Crank: High Voltage a shot. You may not have more fun in the theatre.
Go see something good!
TRAILER: Soderbergh's The Girlfriend Experience...
A while back, I wrote a review about Observe and Report, and mentioned that sometimes, there is a certain member of the cast or crew of a film that get's my butt into my seat. Well, one of those people, happens to be Steven Soderbergh, whose newest film, The Girlfriend Experience, was just outside of my top 5 most anticipated films of May. However, it may have been in the top two if I had seen this amazing trailer. Thanks to HULU, and check it out below!
Here is the plot synopsis for this little known film...
Set in the weeks leading up to the 2008 presidential election, the film tells the story of five days in the life of Chelsea (adult film star Sasha Grey in her mainstream film debut), an ultra high-end Manhattan call girl who offers more than sex to her clients, but companionship and conversation – “the girlfriend experience.” Chelsea thinks she has her life totally under control—she feels her future is secure because she runs her own business her own way, makes $2000 an hour, and has a devoted boyfriend (Chris Santos) who accepts her lifestyle. But when you’re in the business of meeting people, you never know who you’re going to meet…
I love Soderbergh, for many a reason, the top of which is his diversity. From his big budget flicks like the Ocean's series, to his no budget flicks, like Bubble, of which this film is most closely related. He can go from huge cast of long standing actors, to randomly picking people out of his Facebook top Friends, and going that route. This film fits the latter, and I can't wait. What do you guys think?
Go see something good!
Here is the plot synopsis for this little known film...
Set in the weeks leading up to the 2008 presidential election, the film tells the story of five days in the life of Chelsea (adult film star Sasha Grey in her mainstream film debut), an ultra high-end Manhattan call girl who offers more than sex to her clients, but companionship and conversation – “the girlfriend experience.” Chelsea thinks she has her life totally under control—she feels her future is secure because she runs her own business her own way, makes $2000 an hour, and has a devoted boyfriend (Chris Santos) who accepts her lifestyle. But when you’re in the business of meeting people, you never know who you’re going to meet…
I love Soderbergh, for many a reason, the top of which is his diversity. From his big budget flicks like the Ocean's series, to his no budget flicks, like Bubble, of which this film is most closely related. He can go from huge cast of long standing actors, to randomly picking people out of his Facebook top Friends, and going that route. This film fits the latter, and I can't wait. What do you guys think?
Go see something good!
TRAILER: The Hurt Locker...
One of the underlooked films from this upcoming summer, at least in the mainstream movie goers eyes is Katheryn Bigelow's The Hurt Locker. The number 2 film from my Summer Movie Preview for the month of June, this is the newest film from Bigelow, whose previous works include the cult hit, Point Break, and is the newest addition to the Iraq War film canon. However, unlike it's War counterparts, this one looks like it has a ton of promise, and with a film maker like Bigelow at the helm, this is one I can't wait to check out. This newest trailer simply adds to my anticipation.
The Hurt Locker depicts the bomb-defusing adventures of Staff Sergeant William James (Jeremy Renner, in what may be a career-making role) in Iraq, and the psychological toll that his job takes on him and the men around him. The film has already screened at the SXSW film festival to some great reviews. It will go into limited release on June 26, 2009, and expand wide on July 17.
Go see something good!
The Hurt Locker depicts the bomb-defusing adventures of Staff Sergeant William James (Jeremy Renner, in what may be a career-making role) in Iraq, and the psychological toll that his job takes on him and the men around him. The film has already screened at the SXSW film festival to some great reviews. It will go into limited release on June 26, 2009, and expand wide on July 17.
Go see something good!
VIDEO: American Idol's Basterds Footage...
Yeah, I watched American Idol last night. However, it was for good reason. First, the contestants were doing songs from the movies. Hell, one of them even did personal favorite of mine, Falling Slowly, from the film, Once. Second, and most interesting, the mentor for the episode was a cinematic God of mine, Quentin Tarantino. Now, while the show sucked, they did show some interesting footage from Inglourious Basterds, and First Showing has the to-hot-for-tv version of that footage. Check it out HERE. I'll embed a copy when one is available, that actually fits here.
(UPDATE: I changed the blog layout, so here is the footage!)
During World War II, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as "the Basterds" are chosen to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. The Basterds soon cross paths with a French-Jewish teenage girl who runs a movie theater in Paris that is targeted by soldiers.
Inglourious Basterds is both written and directed by the infamous Quentin Tarantino, of everything from Reservoir Dogs to Pulp Fiction to Kill Bill to Death Proof previously. The Weinstein Company and Universal have partnered to bring us Tarantino's WWII masterpiece in all of its brilliant glory. Inglourious Basterds will officially hit theaters worldwide on August 21st later this year after its world premiere at Cannes.
Go see something good!
(UPDATE: I changed the blog layout, so here is the footage!)
During World War II, a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as "the Basterds" are chosen to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. The Basterds soon cross paths with a French-Jewish teenage girl who runs a movie theater in Paris that is targeted by soldiers.
Inglourious Basterds is both written and directed by the infamous Quentin Tarantino, of everything from Reservoir Dogs to Pulp Fiction to Kill Bill to Death Proof previously. The Weinstein Company and Universal have partnered to bring us Tarantino's WWII masterpiece in all of its brilliant glory. Inglourious Basterds will officially hit theaters worldwide on August 21st later this year after its world premiere at Cannes.
Go see something good!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
NEWS: Duncan Jones Feels Like Doing Blade Runner...
Not EXACTLY Blade Runner, but a Blade Runner-esque Sci-Fi Mystery story is in the cards for Mr. Jones' next project. Here is what he had to say in a recent Popular Mechanics interview.
"It looks like I'm going to be doing another science-fiction film next. I love Blade Runner, it's one of my favorite films, and I've always been really… depressed that there was never—not a sequel, because I don't think it's right to make a sequel about Blade Runner, but no one's really tried to make a film which was set in the same kind of world or had that same kind of feel. So that's what I'm doing, a big-city mystery story that takes place in a future Berlin."
All I know is that early reviews out of Sundance for Moon have been more than good for his new film, Moon, and knowing that he can handle a sci-fi film of that style, makes me think that he can pretty much do no wrong. I love me some good science fiction, so if someone can give that genre a big reboot (ever since Battlestar Galactica went off the air), it's pefect news in my eyes.
What do you think?
Go see something good!
"It looks like I'm going to be doing another science-fiction film next. I love Blade Runner, it's one of my favorite films, and I've always been really… depressed that there was never—not a sequel, because I don't think it's right to make a sequel about Blade Runner, but no one's really tried to make a film which was set in the same kind of world or had that same kind of feel. So that's what I'm doing, a big-city mystery story that takes place in a future Berlin."
All I know is that early reviews out of Sundance for Moon have been more than good for his new film, Moon, and knowing that he can handle a sci-fi film of that style, makes me think that he can pretty much do no wrong. I love me some good science fiction, so if someone can give that genre a big reboot (ever since Battlestar Galactica went off the air), it's pefect news in my eyes.
What do you think?
Go see something good!
SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW: July...
So, over at /Film, they have decided to put together a few video blogs about this upcoming summer movie season. While I haven't had the luck of gaining video capabilities (no camera over here), I have the time to put together a post in a similar fashion. However, I do want to hear your opinions on these films. These are the 5 films I am most looking forward to, being released this upcoming July...
5. Harry Potter and The Half-blood Prince
I've seen two Harry Potter films, the third and the fifth respectively, and I must say, I'm a fan. They are kind of like the Pirates series, where you won't be seeing me walk around telling people that I'm a fan, but, I am. The Potter films are interesting visually, at least the third one, and seem to be getting darker with each instalment, not to be outdone by the recent one. Sure, there have been delays, but with the release of the first trailer, it launched into my "what to look for" list. Not my most anticipated film ever, but in a really weak month, it's one I'm looking forward to.
4. Funny People
Now, this one is a little weird for me to put up here. I'm not a big fan of Judd Apatow. I thought both 40 Year-Old-Virgin and Knocked Up were very flawed, and fell flat on their crude faces after the first 30 minutes of sex jokes and pop culture references. However, this has a ton going for it. Adam Sandler returning to stand up, a great cast including Jason Schwartzman, and a very interesting plot. Comedian is diagnosed with something, given a short time to live, beats it, and has a new outlook on life, and tries to get back the love he lost. Throw in some bromance and stand-up from everyone and their mother, and you have a must see comedy.
3. Bruno
Another one where I had no expectations going in, Bruno falls in at my number 3 spot. Borat, as a film, sucked. It was unfunny on a second viewing, over quoted, and made me want to punch my classmates in the mouth when discussed. Sure, it caused one hell of a McDonald's fueled conversation, but so has 1000 other films. Yet, after this insane Gaybi filled Red Band trailer for Bruno, I can't help but look forward to it. I'm sorry, it's just to funny.
2. Public Enemies
This one is a simple math problem.
Johnny Depp + Christian Bale + Michael Mann + Mann's digital film making + crime + Marion Cotillard in a hot hot hot dress = Public f***ing Enemies, and my number 2 most anticipated film of July.
1. 500 Days of Summer
This is this months must see film. Hitting wide on the 17th, this Sundance smash features a great cast headed by the secret celebrity crush, Zooey Deschanel, and Joseph Gordon Levitt in a film about love. As the tag line says, it's not a love story, but a story about love, and from the looks of the trailer, it's a story that will change the world of romance films, forever. Or at least it should.
Come back on Friday for the last instalment, August.
Go see something good!
5. Harry Potter and The Half-blood Prince
I've seen two Harry Potter films, the third and the fifth respectively, and I must say, I'm a fan. They are kind of like the Pirates series, where you won't be seeing me walk around telling people that I'm a fan, but, I am. The Potter films are interesting visually, at least the third one, and seem to be getting darker with each instalment, not to be outdone by the recent one. Sure, there have been delays, but with the release of the first trailer, it launched into my "what to look for" list. Not my most anticipated film ever, but in a really weak month, it's one I'm looking forward to.
4. Funny People
Now, this one is a little weird for me to put up here. I'm not a big fan of Judd Apatow. I thought both 40 Year-Old-Virgin and Knocked Up were very flawed, and fell flat on their crude faces after the first 30 minutes of sex jokes and pop culture references. However, this has a ton going for it. Adam Sandler returning to stand up, a great cast including Jason Schwartzman, and a very interesting plot. Comedian is diagnosed with something, given a short time to live, beats it, and has a new outlook on life, and tries to get back the love he lost. Throw in some bromance and stand-up from everyone and their mother, and you have a must see comedy.
3. Bruno
Another one where I had no expectations going in, Bruno falls in at my number 3 spot. Borat, as a film, sucked. It was unfunny on a second viewing, over quoted, and made me want to punch my classmates in the mouth when discussed. Sure, it caused one hell of a McDonald's fueled conversation, but so has 1000 other films. Yet, after this insane Gaybi filled Red Band trailer for Bruno, I can't help but look forward to it. I'm sorry, it's just to funny.
2. Public Enemies
This one is a simple math problem.
Johnny Depp + Christian Bale + Michael Mann + Mann's digital film making + crime + Marion Cotillard in a hot hot hot dress = Public f***ing Enemies, and my number 2 most anticipated film of July.
1. 500 Days of Summer
This is this months must see film. Hitting wide on the 17th, this Sundance smash features a great cast headed by the secret celebrity crush, Zooey Deschanel, and Joseph Gordon Levitt in a film about love. As the tag line says, it's not a love story, but a story about love, and from the looks of the trailer, it's a story that will change the world of romance films, forever. Or at least it should.
Come back on Friday for the last instalment, August.
Go see something good!
FORUM: TCM's List of The 15 Most Influential Classic Films...
So, as is normal, every website and their mother come out with list, it seems, on a daily basis. However, while I personally don't care about the 25 Best Films Involving a Female Lead who also Happens to be a Python, I do love me some classics lists. Whether it be AFI's 100 Best Films list, or this one, there is something interesting about comparing your beliefs to that of other sites. So here it is, TCM's list of the 15 Most Influential Classic Films.
1. The Birth of a Nation (1915)
2. Battleship Potemkin (1925)
3. Metropolis (1927)
4. 42nd Street (1933)
5. It Happened One Night (1934)
6. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
7. Gone with the Wind (1939)
8. Stagecoach (1939)
9. Citizen Kane (1941)
10. The Bicycle Thief (1947)
11. Rashomon (1950)
12. The Searchers (1956)
13. Breathless (1959)
14. Psycho (1960)
15. Star Wars (1977)
I, being the geek I am, have seen all but one (42nd Street), and must say, these are all films that are in my top 100 list, and they definitely have had an influence on me, and on film as a whole.
That said, this is a forum post, which calls for a little reader participation. Two things; first, what films on list list have you seen, or what films do you think SHOULD be on this list? The films need to have been released before 1980. Second, what modern films do you think will be on this list 100 years from now?
Come back later for more news and notes...
Go see something good!
1. The Birth of a Nation (1915)
2. Battleship Potemkin (1925)
3. Metropolis (1927)
4. 42nd Street (1933)
5. It Happened One Night (1934)
6. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937)
7. Gone with the Wind (1939)
8. Stagecoach (1939)
9. Citizen Kane (1941)
10. The Bicycle Thief (1947)
11. Rashomon (1950)
12. The Searchers (1956)
13. Breathless (1959)
14. Psycho (1960)
15. Star Wars (1977)
I, being the geek I am, have seen all but one (42nd Street), and must say, these are all films that are in my top 100 list, and they definitely have had an influence on me, and on film as a whole.
That said, this is a forum post, which calls for a little reader participation. Two things; first, what films on list list have you seen, or what films do you think SHOULD be on this list? The films need to have been released before 1980. Second, what modern films do you think will be on this list 100 years from now?
Come back later for more news and notes...
Go see something good!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
REVIEW: The Inglorious Basterds Script...SPOILER FREE...
This one will be a tip toe walk through a mine field.
I've never written up a script review before, but when you get your hands on a Quentin Tarantino script, you do everything in your power to let that be known. ESPECIALLY when it is as amazing as this piece of writing is.
Inglorious Basterds is the long awaited World War II epic from the modern legend that is Quentin Tarantino. Over 15 years in the making, this was a film that originally looked to bring together an epic action cast, pretty much a carbon copy of what the current Expendables cast looks like. However, a major overhaul happened (no clue as to why), and now we have a cast featuring Brad Pitt and Eli Roth. A different feel? I may have to say yes.
All of that said, I'm here to enlighten you on what exactly the film is about, without giving anything away, and that is what I will do.
During World War II a group of Jewish-American soldiers known as "The Basterds" are chosen specifically to spread fear throughout the Third Reich by scalping and brutally killing Nazis. The Basterds soon cross paths with a French-Jewish teenage girl who runs a movie theater in Paris which is targeted by the soldiers.
That is where things get interesting. The first trailer has been released, and while it's toned exactly how the film will be, the real lead of this film is Melanie Laurent as the orphan girl, Shoshanna.
The film opens on a really well written scene of verbal cat and mouse, in which her family is given up by a farmer, who is holding them below his house to save them from being massacred by the Nazi party and it's soldiers. She is able to escape without being harmed, and from there, we jump to the next chapter (the film is set up in five chapters; Chapter One: Once Upon a Time … Nazi Occupied France, Chapter Two: Inglorious Basterds, Chapter Three: German Night in Paris, Chapter Four: Operation Kino, Chapter Five: Revenge of the Giant Face), where we finally meet a group of Jewish soilders, affectionally called, the Basterds. Led by Lt. Aldo Raine, a.k.a. Aldo the Apache, the group is on the trail trying to bring down the hated Third Reich.
Thats really as far as I can or will go with plot, so onto some critisicm.
Wow, this was a great read. Really well written, brilliantly stylized, and it is really just a great piece of writing from Tarantino. I think Latino Review put it best in their script review about a year ago.
If you took the bad guy swagger of RESERVOIR DOGS, the uber coolness and structure of PULP FICTION, throw in the revenge angle of KILL BILL, set it in World War II – you get INGLORIOUS BASTERDS.
Also, what's great about reading Tarantino scripts, the directors notes are within the writing, so one is able to sort of visualize the film in his or her head. There is one chapter, chapter 3 I believe, which is set to be shot in a "French New Wave Black and White," which I think will be the showstopper of the film. It comes in after the introduction to the Basterds, where some of the major plot mechanics set up shop.
Finally, the actors cast in the film seem to be perfect for the role, particularly that of Eli Roth. He plays the most interesting Basterd, Donny Donowitz, the Bear Jew. He takes a baseball bat (the one shown in the poster above) to soldier's skulls, and enjoys every bloody second of it. There is also a sort of neo-mythology behind his character, in that based in German legend, The Bear Jew is a Golem, an avenging Jew angel of sorts.
Everything about this piece worked. The villain, Hans Landa, was viscious and just fun to read, the leads were strong, and the story, in all of it's stylized glory, was phenominal. This may be one film that we won't be able to forget when it hits in August.
Go see something good!
Saturday, April 11, 2009
REVIEW: Observe and Report...
Some film makers can make or break a project. No matter what the story may be about, the cast that may be assembled, or how the first trailers look (I'm talking to you, Ang Lee, and your mediocre Taking Woodstock trailer), I will be excited for that directors project. One of those up and coming directors that may fall in that category is Jody Hill, whose first feature, The Foot Fist Way, was easily one of the 5 best comedies of last year. However, his newest film, Observe and Report, stars Seth Rogen, of who I'm not the biggest fan, so my thoughts were mixed going in. That said, after sitting through this short little flick, both Hill and Rogen are now up in that must see pantheon.
Observe and Report tells the story of bi-polar mall security guard Ronnie Barnhardt. When a flasher turns up, Ronnie is called into action to stop him from turning this mall into his own peep show. However, when the culprit gets the best of him, police detective Harrison is called in to close the case. The two struggle for power, control, and the affection of a sexed up perfume saleswoman, Brandi, played by Anna Farris, as Ronnie attempts to follow his dreams of getting with her, becoming a true cop, and bringing the flasher to justice.
I've never been a big fan of Seth Rogen. whether it be the good but flawed Knocked Up, the also good but flawed Pineapple Express, there is something about his performances that always leave me wanting more from them. However, he is beyond stellar in this film. He plays the bi-polar Ronnie, with big dreams, and a penchant for fowl language and guns, and does a brilliant job. Honestly, this is a performance that has never been done by him before, as it's almost a mix of his character in Pineapple Express, and Travis Bickle. He's a sociopath, and throughout the film, it stands on the thin wire between mean spirited drama and dark comedy, and so does this performance. You will see him discuss his sociopath fantasies to a shrink, and then five minutes later, you will see him in a sweet discussion with a coffee barista. It's a weirdly toned performance, but it hits on every turn.
The film itself is also weirdly toned. In the opening few scenes, you get thrust in to this hyper reality of mall security guards with illusions of grandeur, who go around the mall snorting coke, shooting up heroine, and physically assaulting teen skateboarders. Yet it doesn't come off as mean spirited, in a way that a film like Last House On The Left does. Last House was directed and shot in a way that it felt as though it really kind of hated its audience, in that it just showed you everything, without remorse. However, in O and R, you get these really dark scenes of things like drug use, physical abuse, and maybe even a controversial sex scene, yet paired with Ronnie taking care of his drunken mother or the copious amounts of hilarious lines. This film is dark as night, but not in a mean way. It simply sticks itself in the realm of dark hyper-reality, and doesn't apologize for it, and should be comended for that. I know I loved every damn second of it.
That all said, Seth Rogen got a lot of help from the supporting cast. Anna Farris plays the sexed up Brandi, and is pitch perfect. She plays the dumb blonde role so well, and it also helps that she's not to hard on the eyes. However, she's not nearly as good as Danny McBride, even though she has 300 times the amount of scenes as he. McBride gets one scene, in which he tries to save his son from being arrested for coke dealing, and steals the show. I'm not going to say anything more, but you will know exactly what I mean when you check this film out. Ray Liotta is fine, not great, but fun, and Michael Pena may have the best role in the film, as the drugged up right hand man to Ronnie, Dennis. As I said above, the tone of this film teeters on the edge of what is funny, and these performances are the ropes pulling it off the cliff.
However, all of these performances get a boost from Jody Hill's direction. His camera work brings a lot to this film. Most comedies simply try to go about using a point and shoot technique, but this attempts to do a little more. While it's not a visually arresting film, it does have it's moments, particularly when there is action, especially the final action scene. The film is violent, and it doesn't steer away from the violence. Also, the use of music in this film is brilliant. The characters are so disturbed, that combined with the coolness of the music, it's comparable to films by Quentin Tarantino. There is one scene in particular that is almost an exact replica to the title scene from Reservoir Dogs. That's the style of film this is. Set Taxi Driver or Res Dogs in a mall, and you have something resembling O and R, and it works for all 86 minutes.
The last thing I will really get into about this film, is the style of comedy that it uses. This is a perfect example of what to do right in a comedy. The jokes are all plot and character based, in that these characters don't have silly little quirks, in that they don't have a penchant for drawing male reproductive organs or stutter when put in social places (yeah, I'm calling out you Superbad and I Love You, Man!). The jokes, while not light and airy, seem to come off organically, and compared with the superb acting and directing, you can't go wrong with Observe and Report.
Sure, not all the jokes hit, but please, do yourself a favor, and see Observe and Report!
OBSERVE AND REPORT - 8.5/10
Come back later for more news and notes!!
Go see something good!
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