VIDEO: Drunk Ewoks On NBC...

Happy Halloween!

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Go see something good!

NEWS: Sin City 2 To Shoot Second Half of 2010?

Talk about a problematic production.

When one thinks about Sin City 2, two things pop into mind. Anticipation, because
Sin City was a brilliant addition to the graphic novel based film genre (far better than Zack Snyder’s laughable machismo fest that was 300), and sadness, because for a couple of years now, one hears a new piece of information about it possibly going into production, only to find out that it is in development hell.

Recently, news has gotten worse. Robert Rodriguez, director of Sin City, may hop out of the director’s chair, as he has been busy with other projects, such as Machete, writing Spy Kids 4 (yeah, I know), and also producing the hotly anticipated Predator sequel/reboot, Predators.

However, some good news may have just made its way over the horizon.

Mania is now reporting that production on the sequel should begin sometime during the second half of 2010. While that does seem a bit unlikely, it’s not horribly doubtful, especially if Rodriguez, who loves to shoot quick and fast, is still at the helm. At least something is coming out of the Sin City camp.

The report also states that the sequel will be based on a new and original script produced by creator Frank Miller, instead of the rumored idea that the film would take from two or three other stories in the Sin City canon. Along with Sin City 2, Miller is also in the works on a film adaptation of Hard Boiled, which he will also be directing.

The only other question that still remains after all this is who will direct Sin City 2? Well, it appears that the duo of Rodriguez and Miller, who helmed the first one in a weird and symbiotic way (Miller didn’t seem to have too much directorial effect on the film, at least when looking at Miller’s solo effort, The Spirit). However, this may not be true, at least according to /Film.

But recent reports have suggested that the next priority for Rodriguez after Machete and Predators are done will actually be Spy Kids 4. Why? As Variety’s report on the Short Circuit remake recently said, franchises are a priority for Dimension right now and the studio has got a good hold on the director. The Weinsteins need cash flow and Spy Kids 4 is evidently seen as something that will generate it
Two things are taken away from this news, at least in the eyes of yours truly.

First, I’m ecstatic that this film is STILL being talked about. I love the original like a child, and it’s one of probably the 10 best films to be based on graphic novels/comic books. The look was just so fresh and visually breathtaking, that hopefully, they can do something similar in the second one, baring they also get the right cast.

This brings me to my second point. If this timetable is set in stone, I highly doubt that we will be seeing a dual director’s chair. I love Robert Rodriguez, unabashedly so, and I think I would lose all interest in this piece if we were to lose him in the director’s chair. That would leave on director left, and that would be Frank Miller. If you haven’t seen The Spirit, well don’t. The film, while having maybe a moment or two, and a fun lead performance, is easily one of the worst films from last year, and it really left a sour taste in my mouth after the Christmas dinner I had prior to my screening of it late last year. Now, I don’t doubt that Rodriguez will have some sort of role in the film’s production, and that is fine with me, however, the film loses some luster if it’s only Miller behind the camera.

That said, if I get a good Predator film and if Rodriguez is able to make Nervewrackers into an interesting film, then I guess the pain is less intense.

Go see something good!

NEWS: NPH To Host The Oscars...

Late last night, the geniuses over at /Film reported that last years Oscar host, Hugh Jackman, had declined the opportunity to come back for a second year. So, the web world was all a buzz with who people thought would be a good replacement. One name, at least in my head, kept popping up when I heard this news.

And it looks like he got the job.

Via We Are Movie Geeks, it appears as though Neil Patrick Harris will be hosting the 2010 Academy Awards. The ceremony will take place a week or two later than normal, on March 7th, 2010, and most famously, instead of 5 Best Picture Nominees, the Academy will choose 10 (which is something I can discuss in a later post, and probably will, because everyone needs a moment to vent, right?).

Here’s the schedule, leading up to the event. (Thanks to The Film Stage for pointing out this list)

Monday, December 28, 2009
Nominations ballots mailed

Saturday, January 23, 2010
Nominations polls close 5 p.m. PT

Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Nominations announced 5:30 a.m. PT, Samuel Goldwyn Theater

Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Final ballots mailed

Saturday, February 20, 2010
Scientific and Technical Achievement Awards presentation

Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Final polls close 5 p.m. PT

Sunday, March 7, 2010
82nd Annual Academy Awards presentation

Personally, there was a reason I wanted him to host this show. If you look at why Jackman did such a good job, besides just being some luscious and sexy eye-candy (man crush, I think yes, just see Australia), he knew how to truly work the room, due to his theatre experience. Harris not only has hosted events before, but also has this long theatre history, and would be a similar fit. He also is much funnier than Jackman, so instead of just song and dance, the monologue may make a comeback. I love this choice, but what do YOU think?

Go see something good!

SCRIPT REVIEW: Nightmare On Elm Street...

GENRE: Horror

PLOT: A group of suburban teenagers are being haunted in their dreams by a "horribly disfigured killer" known as Freddy Krueger

STARRING: Jackie Earle Haley, Rooney Mara

SCREENPLAY: Wesley Strick, based on A Nightmare on Elm Street by Wes Craven, with revisions by Eric Heisserer

DIRECTOR: Samuel Bayer

So Halloween has passed us by.

One of the films I try the hardest to see at least once a year during this season is the original Nightmare on Elm Street. Sure, some of the effects are dated, but nothing screams true horror like a murder who hunts his victims in their most vulnerable of states. While they are sleeping.

This brilliance, mind so perfectly in the legendary original then lead to exponentially worse sequels (even a very meta seventh film, called Wes Craven’s New Nightmare, which if you haven’t seen, should, just for how bizarre the entire film really is). However, in this world where nothing is sacred, and even classic pieces of cinema (really, Third Man, really?) are being remade. When news that Platinum Dunes, the same people behind the rather stellar remakes of Friday the 13th and Texas Chainsaw Massacre, got the rights to this franchise, one couldn’t help but groan at the thought. That said, when the cast began leaking out, and the discovery that Jackie Earl Haley would take the reigns as Freddy Krueger, one couldn’t help but be intrigued.

Then came the films trailer. That damn trailer.

The first trailer for Nightmare on Elm Street came out, and hit the webs like fire. Some didn’t go for it, but personally, I could not have liked it more. Hinting at an interesting backstory that wasn’t truly mined, at least in the original series as a whole, and giving the film, and Freddy in particular, a much darker and horrific tone really has me digging this project. Then, by sheer accident, I came across this script, so I couldn’t avoid it, right?

And I’m glad I didn’t.

This version of Nightmare takes place in the present day, and we follow a group of teens, who are similar to that of the original, just placed in the modern day. We meet Dean, who is Freddy’s very first kill, at least that we see. We also meet Kris, a girl next door type teen who is similar to the originals Tina, and Jesse, a member of the swim team and a similar version of the original’s Ron. The primary focus of the film is left on the shoulders of our other two leads, Quentin, who is reminiscent of the Johnny Depp role Glen, who also hosts a podcast, and of course, Nancy, our goth girl lead.

13 years after the death of Freddy Krueger, he is back for revenge on the group of children that once ratted him out for alleged abuse. Freddy, a good looking and kind man, got along more than great with the children, who were fond of the fedora wearing gardener. However, after being accused of child molestation and abuse, Freddy is accosted by parents, and forced to leave. Or is there something deeper that happened those 13 years ago? That is the main thrust of the story. The film is primarily a horror mystery, which follows Quentin and Nancy as they try to not only survive, but find out what truly happened to the former gardener.

The most shocking, and the most endearing thing about this script, and why I really don’t think Platinum Dunes even knows what kind of hit they have on their hands, is that all of the things that superficially make Freddy who he is, are gone. He’s not charismatic, he’s not witty, and most importantly, he has regained that edge and sheer brutality that makes the concept of who he is so inherently terrifying. Near the end of the franchise, instead of being horror movies, the films almost became horror/comedies, and there is not a single hint of that mixture in this piece. It’s a dark, brutal, and violent look at what it would be like if someone could kill while in their victim’s dreams. It’s inherently horrifying, and so is this screenplay. The kills in this film are both interesting in a cinematic kind of way, as well as being sheer violent and gory. I’m not normally a gore fan, but the premise that is encompassing the gore is so deeply interesting, and it’s done with such skill in this screenplay, which one can’t help but think that there is potential for something special here.

However, the previous films have not been forgotten. Throughout the script, there are many tiny look backs at the original, a couple of which can even be seen in the trailer. There is one sequence in particular, where Freddy’s clawed glove reaches up out of a bathtub while Nancy is taking a bath, that is a nice tip of the hat back to what once was in the Nightmare franchise. That’s one thing that I think Platinum Dunes does best. While I do think this group has a great sense of genre, I also personally believe that these guys have a great sense of what made each of the franchises that they have remade, truly them. In Texas Chainsaw Massacre, it was the gritty feel and attempt at realism. In Friday the 13th, it was camp, boobs, and inventive kills. In Nightmare, it’s a dark tone, violent kills, and one hell of an interesting premise. These guys, spearheaded by Michael Bay, have really stepped up their game for this film, and I think there is definite potential here, especially with Samuel Bayer, director of Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit video at the helm.

The final interesting thing that this script does is how Freddy’s back-story is explained. While in the original it was primarily done through discussion and exposition from Nancy’s mother, this film takes a new and more interesting spin on it. Using a fresh mix of flashback as well as including dream sequences to further the story, there really isn’t much of a dull moment here. Sure, the opening is a bit slow, and things don’t pick up until about 15-20 pages in, but at a brisk 110 pages, one can’t help but wish this was coming out now, instead of April of 2010.

All in all, the script is dark, compelling, and full of great moments. Yes, the opening is a bit slow, and the kills may not be on the scale of Saw, in terms of inventiveness, but as a fresh take on one the most beloved horror films, one can’t help but appreciate what is going on here. Great story, one hell of a premise, and a much needed breath of fresh air into this slowly dying franchise, the remake of Nightmare on Elm Street is set to be the next big horror blockbuster, and for very good reason.

8/10

Go see something good!

VIDEO: Grace Director Paul Solet Brings You The Jack Chop...

It's no shock to people that I'm a big horror guy.

One of the films that was released this year that has revitalized my faith in modern American horror, along with the likes of Drag Me To Hell, Orphan and Trick 'R Treat is the shocking hit, Grace. The dead-baby-who-is-really-alive tale is directed by Paul Solet, who premiered his film at Sundance, to much buzz. Now, he, along with Hatchet director Adam Green, have created this hilarious and bloody short film, an infomercial for the Jack Chop, a play on the Slap Chop. Enjoy!

Thanks to /Film for the heads up.



If you haven't seen Grace, don't read anything about it, but take the time that you would to run to IMDb, and instead run to your local video rental place, and pick up this really stellar piece of horror cinema.

Go see something good!

TRAILER: Avatar Trailer #2...

Talk about polarizing.

When the first full length Avatar trailer hit a couple months back, many people (including yours truly, to an extent), found it to be rather, underwhelming. However, that may not have totally been the stunning gorgeous trailers fault, as it may be hard to live up to expectations when those said expectations are that the film will be the greatest piece of cinema ever created. I don't think anything could live up to that set of expectations.

However, some of the hate was so visceral, that it really took me a back. Having seen the Avatar Day footage prior, I was beyond blown away by not only the 3D, but the CG as well, and even said that not since Jurassic Park have I felt such a strong sense of wonder and bewilderment. That said, I too had many problems, primarily with the human portions of the trailer/footage, and we also never truly got a glimpse of the human/Avatar interaction that this film will be thriving on come December.

What I am trying to say here is that no film could live up to such insane hype, and personally, I think the curbing of expectations is something we should all rejoice in. That said, this second, and significantly longer trailer, definitely has my hopes up much higher than they were about a week ago before I had seen this, prior to my most recent viewing of Paranormal Activity, this past weekend.

Clocking in at almost 3 minutes and 30 seconds, this foreign trailer has much more and superior dialouge, as well as some of the most stunning action scenes that I have seen in a long time. Sure, it's a standard hero/action film trailer, but honestly, the sheer technological feats that this film is going to pull off really will blow us all away, at least one can hope. I'm a big James Cameron fan, and have anxiously been anticipating this film since I first heard details about it probably 3 or 4 years ago.

Have YOUR thoughts been changed about this project, or is it still something you see as just a gross waste of 300 million bucks...



Avatar is set during the 22nd century on a small moon called Pandora, which orbits a gas giant, and is inhabited by the tribal Na'vi, ten foot blue humanoids that are peaceful unless attacked. Humans cannot breathe Pandoran air, so they genetically engineer human/Na'vi hybrids known as Avatars that can be controlled via a mental link. A paralyzed Marine named Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) volunteers to exist as an Avatar on Pandora, falling in love with a Na'vi princess and becoming caught up in the conflict between her people and the human military that is consuming their world.

Go see something good!

DELETED SCENE: Star Trek...Nero Interogated By Klingons...

Star Trek - DVD Bonus Footage

Go see something good!

TRAILER: Nowhere Boy...

So, it's no shock to anyone who has a television, that this country, and world for that matter, is in some sort of Beatles-palooza. Ranging from full on promotion whoring (if I see ONE MORE "All You Need Is Love" or "Come Together" commercial, someone will die. And I'm a man of my word), to video games, to full on films/remakes, people seem to love this band more and more as they age, and not in any sort of cute or interesting way. It's all name recognition. However, this film looks to do a bit more than just whore the bands story out.

Nowhere Boy is a new film, that has been playing around the British film festival circuit, and is a biopic that follows the early years of John Lennon. Yesterday, we saw a couple of trailers, yet I must say, this one looks to be about as interesting as those underwhelming pieces.

While I don't think the film itself looks all that interesting (just a basic teen coming of age tale blah blah blah), the subject matter is so inherently interesting, that one can't help but look at this with a bit of interest. The trailer is different too, in that there is no Lennon or Beatles music played over it, which is shockingly fresh in these days where "Come Together" is played over everything, even over loud speakers as the guy down the road walks to pick up his hooker.

Oh, disclaimer, I'm a monstrous Beatles fan. Best. Band. Ever. So all of this hate isn't from some sort of outside space. It's from a guy who wants to see his favorite band not shelled out by companies for gross profit. Hoping off my high horse now.

"Nowhere Boy" stars stars Aaron Johnson (Lennon), Thomas Sangster (Paul McCartney), Kristen Scott Thomas (Lennon's surrogate mother, his Aunt Mimi) David Morrissey, Anne-Marie Duff and it was written by Matt Greenhalgh, the screenwriter who penned the Ian Curtis/Joy Division biopic "Control."

I do like the look of this film, but really, some of the stuff in here, is just so darn paint by numbers, that it makes me cringe at the sight. I'm still insanely interested in the film, just as a huge Lennon fan, but as a cinema fan, it's nothing that I think will shake up any sort of awards scene, if it even gets that kind of push. However, all of my fears could possibly be for naught, as TimeOutLondon recently gave the film four out of five stars, calling it a "pleasing, invigorating success that sidesteps the music and the future to explore a moving and instructive story about the making of a young man." Who knows.



Nowhere Boy is directed by English visual artist Sam Taylor-Wood, marking her feature directorial debut after directing the short film Love You More. The screenplay was written by Matt Greenhalgh, who also wrote the Joy Division biopic Control, and is based on the memoirs of John Lennon written by Julia Baird. This will premiere tomorrow night at the London Film Festival and open in the UK later this year. The Weinstein Company is distributing Nowhere Boy in the US, but hasn't set a release date yet.

Go see something good!

SCRIPT REVIEW: Green Lantern...

Genre: Action/Sci-Fi/Comic Book/

Plot: A man is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe

Starring: Ryan Reynolds

Screenplay: Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Michael Green

Director: Martin Campbell

It should come as no surprise to any person who reads this blog on a regular basis, that I’m a bit of a comic book geek, and that is just putting it lightly. So, when I get the chance to go through the first draft of a script for a hotly anticipated comic book film, let alone one for a legendary character, you better believe I pump through that as fast as I can.

That’s when Green Lantern landed in my lap. While I’m not the world’s largest Green Lantern fan, I have read a few of the runs of the character, and know of the Corp. and other iterations of Green Lantern, which is definitely something useful when going into this script. Not a necessity, but it is helpful.

So, throughout the past couple of days, whenever I’ve been given a little bit of time, I would pull this screenplay out of my messenger bag, and pick through it. And to kick off my review of this script, I’m going to say, that it was really, really good. Not solid, but darn near brilliant.

The most apt comparison that I could make to this script is that of Supermax, the Green Arrow film, in the fact that this is going to be a film that fanboys and girls are going to flip their respective shit over. It’s an engaging, and brisk screenplay (coming in at 104 pages for the first draft, and allegedly 109 pages for the second), which is always an added bonus, but it is also almost constant action. Similar in tone and style, at least script wise, to films like Iron Man, this is one hell of a fun time. Actually, Iron Man is a perfect comparison. As Warner Brothers first, big, post Marvel superhero film, one can seriously see the effects that that companies success has had on the big boys over at WB. It’s not a dark film (although the script is toned really weird, which I will get to in a minute), but it has almost a carbon copy of the humor seen in Iron Man, and with Ryan Reynolds in the lead, I must say, it’s pitch perfect.

Also, having just finished up the first half of my Story Making class here at Grand Valley, I must say, this screenplay is rather well written. Hal Jordan has an apparent conflict that he must overcome, a distinct personal character arc, as well as some interesting romantic plot points, as well as some of the most action packed fight scenes I’m sure any of us will ever see. The idea of a man with a ring that can create ANYTHING his or her heart desires not only means interesting story elements, of which there are many here, but it also means that this will be one of the most visually arresting superhero films that we will ever have a chance to see. The plot is a close equivalent to the Green Lantern origin, so fanboys will love it, and those who are not normally comic book fans, but love some heart pounding action, you will have more than your fill of that within this screenplay, and hopefully the final film.

The origin tale goes like this:

Abin Sur’s ship crashes in a desert on Earth also known as Gaia to those within the Green Lantern Corps., after his fight with a giant beast, known only as Legion. Legion haunts the Corps, and has recently killed three Lanterns, before taking the life of Sur. When Sur dies, his green ring answers Sur’s final request, and goes on the hunt for someone honest and brave. Passing Clark Kent and Guy Gardner, the ring bursts to the side of Hal Jordan. Hal sees Abin, who dies in his arms. By the end of the first act, Hal has taken the famous Lantern oath, and is set flying.

Meanwhile, we meet Hector Hammond, who, at the request of the government, performs an autopsy on Sur. During the act, a piece of Legion infects Hammond, and gives him insane powers like mind reading and the ability to control any object, even whole spaceships (which is proven late in the script), with the power of his mind. Hammond is the films second villain, and while not the biggest threat to Earth, one that Green Lantern needs to take care of. From this point forward, it’s basically non-stop Green Lantern action, and some of the most comically written (in just how ludicrous it all sounds), and budget pushing action scenes ever put to paper.

I’m really not lying. Imagine hundreds of green lanterns flying around in space, throwing giant weapons at a “Doomsday” sized beast. It’s almost comical how insanely over the top all of these action scenes are written, and I must say, it’s really refreashing. The trio behind this draft obviously have no shame with what they want this film to be, and it’s what I think every person who wants to see a Green Lantern film truly wants in the said film. It’s non-stop action for about the entirety of the 2nd and 3rd acts, and even the first act has a bit more action than one would expect.

However, the script does have a few flaws, particularly in its tone.

The screenplay wants to be this big budget, box office juggernaut, and yet the film has characters like BIG MOTHERFUCKING BOYFRIEND. While this doesn’t play into the rating of the character, and character only curses maybe once, it does make for a bit of a jarring read. Also, some of the violence, like a Senator getting riddled in the chest with bullets in almost a poetic piece of prose, or a man’s head ripping apart, makes for a weird tone for the film. It wants to be humorous and action packed, yet it has these hints of a darker side, that aren’t truly minded to any meaningful depths, making it just awkward. Also, the romantic angle, while sweet and a fitting zone for star Ryan Reynolds, is far to cliché to make it anything more than a typical love story. Nothing new, just paint by numbers romance. Finally, the first act is a bit slow, and the overall storyline isn’t anything that we haven’t seen before. It’s a standard hero’s tale, but it’s one that is going to stun viewers with just how visually arresting it has the potential to be.

All I know, from this script, is that if the studio allows the film maker, Martin Campbell, to do as he wishes, and gives full creative control of visual effects to the crew, Warner Brothers may have the next Dark Knight on their hands. Maybe not in tone or even quality per se, but this film has blockbuster hit written all over its green frame. Martin Campbell has proven himself to be a fantastic director, not only overall, but particularly in the realm of action (he has saved the Bond franchise twice now), and with a lead like Reynolds, who fits the role of Jordan like a glove, this has hit written all over its head.

Seriously, don’t tell me you don’t want to see THIS on the big screen!



Go see something good!

TRAILER: Invictus...

Warner Bros has released the first trailer for Clint Eastwood’s new film Invictus, which stars Matt Damon as Pienaar, the captain of the South African rugby team, and Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela, and tells the story of how the duo attempted to unite their torn country.

Directed by Clint Eastwood this is easily Warner Brothers big film that should receive an equally big Oscar push come it's release. Eastwood being the director only pumps the Oscar hype for this piece to record heights, and is so far one of about 5 sure fire Oscar locks at this point. Everything from the cast, featuring two superstars in Freeman and Damon who we saw earlier this afternoon in Greengrass' The Green Zone and it's first trailer, which while not being as highly buzzed, may be a bit more interesting of a film.

Script reviews of this screenplay haven't been too insanely positive, with the Playlist calling it "soft-serve".

If industry voters are in a paint-by-numbers mood, Eastwood could easily nail a Best Director nom, but a Best Picture only feels like a lock if an old pro editor convinces Clint to show less, cut more, and linger longer in the good graces of Mandela and away from the team practice montages.

All in all, I feel as though that style of "paint-by-numbers" that is felt in the script, is felt here. Sure, it's heart-warming, sure it's epic, and sure it's visually stunning, but it's also rather underwhelming and rather bland. It's something I'm beyond interested in, as I love Eastwood and what the source material is, but it's also something that I know is a lob to the Academy for some sort of recognition.

Enjoy the trailer below, and come Oscar time, expect to hear more than your fair share about this film.

Check out the trailer that Apple has debuted online HERE.

Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa’s underdog rugby team as they make an unlikely run to the 1995 World Cup Championship match.

Go see something good!

POSTER/TRAILER: Cracks...

Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow...

Eva Green first bust onto the scene in the brilliant Casino Royale, and I think we all owe a great debt to Martin Campbell for not only creating what has become one of the best Bond films to date, but also introducing us to this stunning beauty, at least in a commercial sense. Sure, first thing I ever saw her in was The Dreamers, but Royale only cemented the fact that this is not only a beauty to be on the lookout for, but a great actress as well.

Now onto her new film, Cracks. It's a film that I hadn't even heard of yesterday, and now it's one that I can't wait to see. The film is directed by Jordan Scott, who is indeed the daughter of Ridley Scott, and it's a drama that takes a look at the lives and relationships among girls at a British boarding school, where Green's character teaches. This sort of all girl story is something we don't really see in the theatres very often, so who knows. This could be a film that come it's release, could be one worth seeing. At least in the meantime, this poster is one that is definitely worth seeing.



Also, the trailer is also online. It looks intense, and exactly the type of film that is hinted at every so poeticaly in the poster. It's a period film, and the film looks absolutely stunning visually, and you know, Green isn't to bad on the eyes either. The slow-motion is used great here, and the film stars Imogen Poots, from 28 Weeks Later, so expect a fantastic group of actresses to dig their teeth into this heavy material. Enjoy!



Set at an all-girls boarding school in 1934, Cracks sees the one-time Bond girl playing Miss G, an enigmatic-yet-alluring teacher who inspires fanatical loyalty within the small clique of girls in her diving team. However, when the arrival of a Spanish girl (María Valverde) as a new boarder throws their cosy world into flux, all manner of nastiness ensues and a new side of Miss G emerges."

(THANKS TO FIRSTSHOWING FOR THE HEADS UP)

Go see something good!

TRAILER: First Trailer For Paul Greengrass' Green Zone...

Talk about a long wait.

Today sees the release of the first trailer for Paul Greengrass' next film, "Green Zone", and I must say, it's about damn time. The film stars Matt Damon, and was bumped out of 2009 earlier this year, and pushed to a March 12, 2010 release date. Along with the bump, early response at special test screenings has been underwhelming.

However, it IS still Greengrass and Matt Damon, and while I try to avoid Iraq War thrillers, recently with The Hurt Locker and The Messengers, I have come to grow fond of these as the quality as exponentially grown. Being one of my most anticipated films of '09, this is definitely one of my top 10 most anticipated for '10, and this trailer only aids that. It features Greengrass' patented shaky cam, and while it sickens many, I'm one of his fans, and really, this style of film making is done best by Greengrass. Not many people get the benefit of the doubt like Mr. Greengrass. So, while I don't think the trailer is brilliant, it does at least show a bit of the film, which up to this point, we have seen nothing from. What do YOU think?

On March 12, 2010, Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass ("The Bourne Supremacy," "The Bourne Ultimatum," "United 93") re-team for the electrifying thriller Green Zone. In the film, Damon stars as Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller, a rogue U.S. Army officer who must hunt through covert and faulty intelligence hidden on foreign soil before war escalates in an unstable region.

Go see something good!

VIDEO: Like, Dude, The First Five Minutes To The Greatest Film Ever BRAHHHHHH...

So it's just a few days away. This Friday sees the release of not only a billion frat guy burps followed by cheap Tarantino quote rip-offs, followed by the sequel to the mentally handicapped Boondock Saints, cleverly titled Boondock Saints 2 (Genius!): All Saints Day. Soon to be the greatest film ever made for the 18+ with idiocy set, the film sees the original cast (minus the originals only saving grace, Willem Dafoe)coming back, and now Apparition has released the opening sequence, the first five minutes, of The Boondock Saints II: All Saint’s Day on IGN. The film and this opening looks like complete crap, so I really don't feel like talking about it. Here's what /Film had to say:

The sequence basically explains why the Saints must return from hiding. What else? A montage set to “badass music” featuring the Saints cutting off their hair/beards and taking showers (yes, I’m serious), an obvious black and white flashback to the original film (couldn’t they have re-filmed the scene from a security camera angle for the news cast instead?), and the introduction of Julie Benz (who many of you will know from Dexter) as Special Agent Eunice Bloom. Watch the 5 minute and 21 second opening sequence embedded after the jump, and leave your thoughts in the comments below.



I hope you can spell shit. Sesame Street here just told you straight up.

Go see something good.

NEWS: Matt Damon and Josh Brolin In Talks For True Grit...

Talk about one remake that I am ACTUALLY interested in.

For a while now, the brilliant duo known to us normal mortals as The Coen Brothers, have talked about a remake of the Henry Hathaway-directed, John Wayne-starring 1969 Western, "True Grit." Actually, they have discussed the possibilityn of this film for about two years now, and only recently with the allegedly casting of Jeff Bridges as the lead, which was the role Wayne performed, has this project truly made any headway. However, that has changed drastically after this afternoon.

It appears that Matt Damon and Josh Brolin, the latter was the star of No Country For Old Men, the Coen's classic from two years ago, are now in talks to take up two of the other primary performances.

Oh, and it's going to get started rather quickly, as Paramount is going to fast track this thing, putting it into production in March, hoping for a later 2010 release (Oscar anyone?). Here is how The Playlist breaks down the story:

And it's happening sooner than you think. Paramount is putting the project into production next March for late 2010 release. The film is basically your average Western revenge tale about a young girl whose father is double crossed and killed by a helping-hand/outlaw. She hires a drunken U.S. Marshal (Wayne/now Bridges), later joined by a Texas Ranger, to seek revenge.

Damon is in talks to play the lawman/Texas Ranger (Glen Campbell in the original) who teams with the drunken U.S. Marshal (Bridges) and a 14-year old girl to track her father’s killer into hostile Indian territory. Brolin is in discussions to play the killer. The young girl has yet to be cast, just don't make it one of the Fanning sisters, please.

I've never seen the original, but after seeing and loving No Country For Old Men, I have total faith in the idea of Coen directed Western. While that film isn't directly a Western, there are many Western elements, and the story seems to be one that the duo could hit out of the park, as they do with pretty much every film they decide to make. Hell, these two could film a midget reading the phonebook in spanish, and I'd watch it. Actually, that would be one hell of a David Lynch film. Tell me you wouldn't watch that thing?

The interesting aspect of this news is that Damon is involved, and is set to have a MONSTER freaking '10. He's in "Liberace", Eastwoods "Hereafter", all hoping for a release in that big year. This guy is set to have a huge year, and is really setting himself up to be the next true Hollywood style movie star. And I must say, this is one guy I will definitely support in that role.

What do YOU think?

Go see sometihng good!

MUSIC: First Listen To Where The Wild Things Are Version Of 'Wake Up'...

Where The Wild Things Are is easily my number one film so far this year.

It may also have my favorite trailer of this year, and not just because it nearly made me cry.

Being a huge fan of not only the trailer, but the song used in it, which was "Wake Up" by one of my favorite bands, The Arcade Fire, is a personal favorite of mine. What made it even better, was that it was a completely new and fresh version of this bombastic and powerful tune, one that was previously unavailable. Until now, at least sort of.

Previousy unavailable, even on the official soundtrack for WTWTA, We Love You So, the official arts and cultures blog of director Spike Jonze, along with the World's Best Ever, have released a special WTWTA inspired, single mp3, style mixtape. The 1 minute, 39 second long track is included on the single, 40 minute long mp3, and is heard roughly 2:20 in. It IS the exact song heard in the trailer, and is even the same length. Imagine the trailer, just on your iPod, and you have your eyes closed.

Thanks to The Playlist for the heads up! Check out part of the track below and click on the link above to download the entire mixtape.

Wake Up (Where The Wild Things Are version) - Arcade Fire

Go see something good!

UPDATE: Polanski Victim Files to Dismiss Charges...

Talk about a weird case of irony.

Alright, so today brings wind that Samantha Geimer, the victim in Roman Polanski's statutory rape case from 1977, has not only already stated publicly that she wishes that the courts dismiss the case involving her and the aforementioned film maker. However, now her personal problems are becoming even greater, and she has officially filed documents, via her lawyer, asking the California appeals court to throw out the case.

Here's the scoop from The Playlist:

Evidently she's also been harassed by the media and it's causing her all kinds of mental suffering. Geimer lives in Hawaii and the six-page filing actually says she's being "stalked" by journalists there.

"The pursuit has caused her to have health-related issues," the document said. "The pursuit has caused her performance at her job to be interfered with and has caused the understandable displeasure of her employer and the real possibility that Samantha could lose her job."

The file which urges a Superior Court judge to rule on a previous motion to dismiss the case ends with, "Leave her alone."

There isn't much commentary to make out of this, but as more and new details arise, come back here for more information!

Go see something good!

VIDEO: First 8-Minutes of ABC's V...

ABC has released the first 8 minutes of their upcoming remake of the cult classic '80's television series, V, which premieres on Tuesday, November 3rd at 8:00pm ET/PT. Here's the show's synopsis:

Simultaneously appearing over every major city in the world, the Visitors (or V’s) promote a message of peace. Through their generous offer to share advanced technology, the V’s build a following that may actually hide a more malevolent agenda, one that twists a very deep component of human nature — devotion. While the world quickly becomes fascinated with the V’s and their link to wonders just beyond the reach of human understanding, FBI Counter Terrorist Agent Erica Evans (Elizabeth Mitchell) discovers a secret hidden beneath the skin of every V - a secret that may threaten the lives of everyone close to her. Yet for her teenage son, Tyler (Logan Huffman), the V’s are his ticket to something big and hopeful-a new chance for mankind to unite in common goals. To Chad Decker (Scott Wolf), a career-hungry news anchor, his exclusive interview with Anna (Morena Baccarin), the leader of the V’s, is crucial to his dominating the airwaves. Also unsure about the Visitors is Father Jack (Joel Gretsch), a priest questioning his faith in the wake of the Visitors’ arrival. Seeking answers outside the church, Father Jack discovers there are other dissidents who believe the Visitors are not who they say they are, including Ryan Nichols (Morris Chestnut), who is faced with his own life-altering decision when the V’s show up. Never has there been more at stake — it truly is the dawning of a new day. “V” also stars Lourdes Benedicto as Ryan’s fianc’e, Valerie, and Laura Vandervoort as Lisa, an alluring Visitor who sets her sights on Tyler.

I normally hate these little previews, but for this show, I'm beyond excited. I'm not making judgements yet, so neither should you. Just enjoy the awesomeness. You are very welcome.



Go see something good!

PHOTO: THE A-Team...

Can you say contrast?

About two weeks ago we got our first kind of legit look at the full lead group of the upcoming Joe Carnahan directed film version of The A-Team. Now, this isn't really a film I'm looking to forward too, outside of the great cast that they have assembled. Well, now we have our first true look at the full group, in all their contrast heavy glory. The biggest surprise here is that Rampage Jackson doesn't look like garbage, as he did in a leaked photo from a week or two ago. From how this photo looks, the cast looks perfect, particularly Liam Neeson as Col. John "Hannibal" Smith, who will hopefully have a chance to chew up as much of the scenery as he does his cigars. I love the photo, and it also at least puts this film on my radar. What do YOU think?



This Joe Carnahan (Smokin' Aces, Pride and Glory) directed and Michael Brandt / Derek Haas (Wanted) written adaptation of the 1980's TV show is about a group of ex-Army Special Forces who work as soldiers while being on the run from the military for a crime they didn't commit. Starring as the elite A-Team are: Sharlto Copley as Capt. "Howling Mad" Murdock, Bradley Cooper as Lt. Templeton "Faceman" Peck, Liam Neeson as Col. John "Hannibal" Smith, and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson as Sgt. Bosco "B.A." Baracus. 20th Century Fox has already set a June 11th, 2010 release date next year.

Go see something good!

NEWS: The Crow Reboot Still Slitting It's Wrists...

So, for right about a year, that Stephen Norrington, who did the greatest film of all time, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (can you taste the sarcasm, because it's flowing out of me like blood out of the tear ducts of Hawthorne Heights fan) had his grubby hands on the remake/reboot of the cult-emo-goth-classic, The Crow (a film I actually like a bit). Now, while I do like that film quite a bit, and I like it's director Alex Proyas even more, there is little to no interest from me or really anyone I have talked to about this project, in regards to this said project.

Well, that lack of interest is falling on deaf ears. Reports have it that not only has Norrington sent in the newly printed script to Relativity Media, but it has also been allegedly "well received". Here's the news straight from /Film:

The source also says that the movie, yet another adaptation of James O’Barr comic book character, is moving forward to the casting stage. What a relief says an unidentified, easily persuaded Crow loyalist. If anything, the tidbit places the project back on our radar, and makes me ponder who should land the role of the undead, murdered rock musician (discussed below). Norrington has avoided the scorn of the franchise’s followers, some of whom rival Juggalos in 24/7 Halloween silliness, by declaring his script a revamp and not a remake; i.e. The Crow won’t be “Eric Draven,” the one associated with Brandon Lee, the late actor who died on the set in Wilmington, North Carolina from a shootout scene gone awry.

So, now that they are moving into the casting stages, and the news is pretty much just straight forward, and also rather depressing, I would like to hear from you all. Who should play the titular character? It was played by Brandon Lee before his horrible and sad passing while on set. Who would you cast?

Go see something good!

TRAILER: The Wolfman...

So, I'm currently enrolled in a Film Cultures class, out here at Grand Valley State University.

Whilst the class itself is rather boring and light on content (at least for a kid like me), I do get a chance to re-visit a bunch of classic horror films. One of those happens to be the classic Wolfman. I'm not the biggest fan of the film, but it is indeed a classic with a ton of merits, but of any horror film that should be remade, or has some sort of merit for a remake, it's The Wolfman.

Well, with the help of Joe Johnston, who is working on the upcoming Captain America film, it looks as though not only has the film been remade, but been remade to a really high quality.

Below, the second trailer has been embeded, and I must say, it works on all accounts. The best aspect of this film is the distinct sense of mystery, an aspect of the story that I don't think truly worked in the first take of the film. It came out of Universal along with Dracula and Frankenstein, and I think those two films, particularly the latter, works far better. However, not only do the effects look great, but the cast looks amazing, particularly Benicio Del Toro as the lead. I love the original trailer, I just love this one even more.

Also, am I the only one who finds this to not only be a great vote of confidence for The Wolfman, but also a perfect vote of confidence for Captain America? Johnston looks to have a great sense of era and mood, and along with effects that we all know Marvel can pump out, I think we have a huge hit on our hands. Could just be me though.

What do YOU think?

Enjoy!



Lawrence Talbot, a haunted nobleman, is lured back to his family estate after his brother vanishes. Upon his return and after being reunited with his estranged father, Talbot is bitten and cursed by a werewolf.

The Wolfman is directed by visual effects Oscar winner Joe Johnston, of Honey I Shrunk the Kids, The Rocketeer, Jumanji, October Sky, Jurassic Park III, and Hidalgo previously. The screenplay was co-written by Andrew Kevin Walker (Se7en, 8MM, Sleepy Hollow) and David Self (The Haunting, Thirteen Days, Road to Perdition). Universal will be bringing The Wolfman to theaters on February 12th, 2010 early next year.

Go see something good!

TRAILER: The Wrestler (Grindhouse Style)

Thanks to /Film for the heads up about this fantastic fan made, Grindhouse style take on The Wrestler. Enjoy!



Go see something good!

TRAILER: True Legend...

So, I am one to watch a bit of Kung Fu if I get a chance.

However, that chance doesn't come very often.

That said, when one comes around, I am also very timid in my anticipation, because for every good kung fu flick we get, we get a crappy one. That really isn't the problem with True Legend however. Coming out of China, Su Qi-Er aka True Legend is a new epic from Yuen Woo-Ping, who choreographed the Matrix triliogy as well as Kill Bill. It stars Man Cheuk Chi and Jay Chou who will be Kato in the upcoming Green Hornet film, and is about a man who loses everything, only to become a "true legend". Some of the fight scenes look a bit less than stellar, particularly from a Chinese film maker (just a few too many close ups for my liking), but there are so many single shots in this trailer that have peaked my interest. Not something I'm going to strongly anticipate, but it IS a Focus Feature, so I will definitely hunt this one down when it finally get released.



Su Qi-Er (Man Cheuk Chiu) is a wealthy man living during the Qing Dynasty who loses his fortune and reputation as a result of a conspiracy against him. After being forced out onto the streets, Su dedicates his life to martial arts and reemerges as a patriotic hero known as the "King of Beggars." Sounds pretty good?

True Legend is directed by Chinese filmmaker and legendary martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-Ping, who has directed numerous films including Iron Monkey, Fist of the Red Dragon, and The Red Wolf. The screenplay was written by To Chi-Long, of Blood Brothers, Jet Li's Fearless, and Murderer previously. This does not have a US release date yet, although it was produced by Focus Features, so stay tuned for updates!

VIA FIRSTSHOWING

Go see something good!

TRAILER: That Evening Sun...

I love when a film comes along, and punches you right in the nuts, both with the story of the film and the trailer, and the sheer surprise of having a film you have never heard of, be this amazing.

That Evening Sun is that type of film.

I haven't had much in the way of information about this film, hell, I haven't even heard of the thing 5 minutes ago. However, after watching the trailer a few times, that has definitely changed.

The film is written and directed by Scott Teems, who penned the screenplay based off of a 2002 short story called I Hate To See That Evening Sun Go Down. It stars Hal Hollbrock who, coming off of his Oscar nominated turn in Into The Wild (which yeah, is a few years old, but still a brilliant performace), as to men who are in a feud over land. Gothic style drama at it's best.

I haven't seen the film, but Russ Fischer from /Film has, and hearing him go over the moon for the film, only adds fuel to this fire. Here is his write up on it, and a little bit of Southern Gothic Drama, this will fit perfectly for that.

Here's the trailer!



Go see something good!

POSTER: Just, The Greatest Poster Ever Made...

If you see this movie, then there will be a special place in Hell built only for you.



For further reasons as to why thisis going to be an epic f****** fail, heres the trailer...



Yeah, ummmm, awesome...

Go see something good...

VIDEO: Spike Jonze Directed Short; "We Were Once a Fairytale", Starring Kanye West...

So THIS was the short film Jonze created with the help, or at least starring, the much maligned, white girl hating, Kanye West. However, in a post VMA '09 world, one can understand why this wasn't the biggest buzzing release ever. Originally set to premier on iTunes on September 8th, it is just now making it's way online, and was first talked about officially over at The Playlist. However, the film is below for your enjoyment, and while it's pretty straight forward for most of the short, wait until West gets to the bathroom. Then s*** gets weird.



Go see something good!

FORUM/DISCUSSION/TOP 10: Favorite Horror Films...

So we are under two weeks away from Halloween. That means, among other things, it's time for each of us to pull out our most cherished horror films, to once again scare the hell out of us. However, what happens when the films you early bust out have become a tad bit stale? Well, that is what I'm here for.

I have come to find the horror genre to be one of my favorite, and one of the more interesting ones in the world of cinema. With a yearly turnout of handfulls of pure drek the likes of Last House on The Left and Dead Clowns (not this year, but yeah, shit), it takes not only a lot of skill, but a keen eye for the genre to wittle out the crap from the gold. That said, below you will find not only a link to my list of the 10 best horror films, ever made, but also a list of 10 horror films, that you haven't heard of, but really should have, and should watch come Halloween.

10. Wolf Creek
9. Play Misty For Me
8. Suspiria
7. The Haunting
6. Zombie (seriously, Zombie vs. Shark...watch it)
5. Freaks
4. Last House on The Left (Original)
3. Peeping Tom
2. Repulsion
1. Audition

This leads me to my discussion part. What are horror films that YOU love? Do you think modern horror can live up to classic frights? When is your favorite era of horror films? What scares you?


Go see something good!

TOP 10: Current Top 10 of '09...

So far this year, with two and a half months left, I have finally gotten my number of viewed films up to my goal of 80. Ranging from mid level indies, to shoe string budget character studies, to huge blockbusters, '09 has been a great year of film, and with the Fall Movie season hitting its stride, here's to hoping that we finish strong. Here are the 10 best films that I have seen through the first 10 months of 2009.

10. Up
9. Brothers Bloom
8. Drag Me To Hell
7. District 9
6. Fish Tank
5. Watchmen
4. 500 Days of Summer
3. The Hurt Locker
2. Inglourious Basterds
1. Where The Wild Things Are

What is YOUR favorite films of 2009?

Go see something good!

REVIEW: Fish Tank...

I love me some "Gus Van Sant" style drama.

Fish Tank, the newest film from Red Road director Andrea Arnold, plays like Look Back In Anger, done by Gus Van Sant during his Elephant days. It's got the same style of raw and realistic film making, just minus the poetic/dream like direction. And you know what, it works brilliantly in this fantastic British drama.

Fish Tank follows 15-year-old Mia, who begins to fall for the considerably older Connor. As soon as he takes a gander at her hips during a hip hop dance, and she has a chance to see him in all his glory while getting some tea, it becomes clear that their worlds will collide in some way or another. However, Connor also happens to be with her mother, making this story all the more conflicted. He moves into their flat, and so goes the film, which in all accounts is one of the most comedic, poignant, and at moments horrifying, films I've seen in a long time.

Sure, this plot isn't anything to write home about. However, what makes this film the special piece of cinema that I think it is is the two lead roles. Particularly, the role of Mia, played by Kate Jarvis, is beyond superb. She has the British sense of badassery, and yet, still has this stark sense of innocence that makes her all the more compelling, and all the more interesting to watch on screen. It's a boisterous performance at times, with her dropping the c-word like they are bad habits, yet, also has this look of sweetness in here eyes during some scenes, that it's truly a powerful and raw performance. She takes the strong and difficult dialogue, and is able to put such strength into it, with a similar sense of sobriety, that it's a performance not to be missed.

Alongside her is Michael Fassbender, who, coming off of a small, yet brilliant turn as the film critic in Quentin Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds, this is a vastly different role. It's not that he doesn't love Mia's mum, it's just that he has a thing for this girl, who happens to be her daughter. When they do the deed, it is a harsh scene, but it's not shot in any sort of vicious manner that a film maker with a less steady hand would turn it into. It's not erotic in any sort of way, but it's also not mean spirited as other films would have turned it into. Fassbender is able to take this easily hated character, at least when he turns near the end, and add so much heart to him, that when everything begins to fall, you honestly still somehow have fondness for this man.

That is the major thing that makes this film different from others. Heart. There is one scene in particular, near the end of the film, that is simply a dance scene involving the mother and her two daughters, that is so poignant and uplifting, that you can't help but feel for these characters. You get immersed in this world, with the fantastic acting, brilliant dialog, and a really stand out, hip-hop filled soundtrack, that it makes the ending all the more powerful.

However, all of this would be for naught if there wasn't a steady hand behind the camera. As with her previous work, Red Road, Andrea Arnold creates not only a raw and unflinching story, but she paints that canvas with an equally raw frame. The film is full of intense emotions, many of which our characters would rather not have unleashed, however there are also many emotional moments that rely just on moments of silence and the actions of the characters to say what words truly can't. It's not a big budget thriller, it's just a raw look at this teens life as she strives to find love, and a place in this world, all the while trying to bust out of this fish tank that she has found herself in. Arnold is able to not only make the story work for the most part, but also, the interesting skill she has is that she is able to, along with music, make a setting become alive. Most of the time, in these kinds of films, the characters simply act in front of a background, however, with Fish Tank, this setting becomes truly alive.

That said, the film does have a few flaws.

The film isn't the most original piece of cinema ever. Basically Lolita from the other side, or any Ken Loach film, Fish Tank is based on a premise that has been done many times before, and will be done many times afterward. What can be described as a "young angry man", kitchen sink drama, but made by an angry British gal, this does work a lot, but it does fall flat in a few spots. The film itself also has a rather useless and standard "urban fairytale" style plot, involving an urban boy and his horse, which doesn't work really at all.

Also, when the film begins to slow a bit, the lack of a sense of visual style doesn't leave much for the viewer to chew on. It's not that the film isn't interesting, because it is, especially visually, but when the story begins to slow, there isn't much to visually chew on. Also, the film is not for everyone. This isn't the next big block buster. This is a poignant little look into a character's life, and one that no one SHOULD miss, but one that I know many, if not all of you will. It's also not one people will be smiling about after seeing. It's a grim and depressing picture, but it's one all should see, and one I will be talking about for the remainder of the year, as this is easily one of the best films of the year.

FISH TANK - 9/10

Go see something good!

REVIEW: Paranormal Activity...

So, it's almost Halloween.

That means, amongst other things, a rush of horrible and uninteresting "horror" films (I have a hard time classifying Saw as a horror franchise). Ranging from the simply boring like the Halloween series, which the latest installment H2 is getting a much uncalled for rerelease, to the unfrightening like Saw. Instead of true scares, we get constant shots of labotomies and boobs, which not a good horror film make.

That said, this year has also seen its fair share of legitamate horror. Sure, it's on a much smaller scale, but then again, isn't that what we all want? Along with the VOD only (right now) House of The Devil, a take on true '80's horror (a film I am working on seeing) to the twitter friendly Paranormal Activity, '09 is looking as being a solid step in the right way for horror.

Now, about that Paranormal Activity. Sure, the Twitter-sphere was a buzz with this 11,000$ horror flick, but was all this buzz completely worth it? To an extent, yes.

Paranormal Activity is not a film with the deepest of plots. PA follows a young, middle class couple, who after moving into what seems like a typical suburban 'starter' tract house, they become increasingly disturbed by a presence that may or may not be somehow demonic but is certainly most active in the middle of the night. Especially when they sleep. Or try to. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. And for the most part, it works.

The biggest triumph of this film is in it's horror. It's not based on gore or any superficial thing like that, it's just a slow, slow burn of a horror film. The films nearest kin is The Blair Witch Project, and while I think that film is more fulfilling at the end, this one works far better as a true horror film. There are several shots, actually, all of the scare shots in the films first 80 minutes, that will be embedded in my brain as I go to sleep for a long time.

The film is done through a first person style perspective, or at least through the couples own personal camcorder, so the film quality isn't to great. A true Hollywood horror film this is not, yet, I must stand up and applaud director Oren Pelli for this fact. It's a slow burn, and the visuals fit that perfectly. Ranging from foot prints pointed out by baby powder, or a ouija board bursting into flames, the film maker is able to truly create a legitamate world, which, when something strays from the norm of this world, becomes something truly creepy. From the first 10 minutes on, from the first shot of a door slightly moving, this film had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. It starts ominous, with things that could be explained as say, the wind blowing, then the scares start ramping up, until the climax.

That god damn climax however. The first 80 minutes of this 90 minute film, are some of the most frightening I have seen all year, if not the past 5 years. Not since the Decent have I been this terrifyed. That said, there may not be an ending this year that has left a more sour taste in my mouth while walking out. The film works so hard at setting this tone, that, while never coming out and saying this is a true story, it works so hard to set the tone that this could be a true story, even ending with statements about the whereabouts of the two leads after what happens. However, the final 10 minutes feel so inorganic and so very "Hollywood", particularly the very last jump scare, that it just capsized the boat that was full of what the film worked so hard to collect. Tension. Sure, I jumped, but it was so manipulative and just truly out of place, that it bugged the hell out of me.

However, the film would not have worked in the slightest if the two leads did not havev some sort of chemistry. Katie Featherston and Micah Sloat are rookie actors, and if these two were not actors, I would have totally believed that these two were truly in a relationship together. Sure, they don't leave the house when that would be the easiest solution to their problem (although the film is sly about hinting that it may not truly be the best way to solve said problem), and Micah is a tad bit annoying and obnoxious, but when things get hectic, the two are completely fleshed out, making the terror all the more powerful.

I'm leaving the review there as it is really not a film that you want to ruin by reading a review. Hell, you shouldn't even see a trailer. The film is 80 minutes of brilliance, and 10-15 of Hollywood drek, so the film gets a deserving score. Honestly, just go see the damn thing already. Well, AFTER you see Where The Wild Things Are.

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY - 8/10

Go see something good!

REVIEW: Where The Wild Things Are...

I'm a 20 year old college student.

I just thought you all should know, because during my midnight screening of Where The Wild Things Are, I spent much of it sitting in my seat, giddy as hell, thinking as though I'm an 8 year old kid. And I must say, I haven't had a better experience in the theatre this entire year.

Based on the classic Maurice Sendak novel, Where The Wild Things Are is a new take on the legendary child's tale. Wild Things follow the adventure of Max (the amazing Max Records), who, after a fight with his mother (Catherine Keener), runs away. Max's imagination is free to roam, and it soon transports him to a thriving forest bordering a vast sea. Delighted, he sets sail for the land of the Wild Things, where mischief reigns and Max rules. In bringing this imaginative fantasy to life, Spike Jonze leads a team of filmmakers incorporating the most dynamic elements of voice performance, live-action puppetry and computer animation.

When talking about WTWTA, one must start and end the conversation with the man behind the camera, Spike Jonze. This film is not only a brilliant piece of cinema, but it's also one of the most visually arresting films I have had the chance of seeing all year. The computer animated faces on the Wild Things not only perfectly work for the mix of puppetry and CG, but when there is a need for them to deeply emote, it is so moving and well done that it not only worked, but I must say, it got a little dusty in my theatre.

Also, the film as a whole is stunning. The film follows a little child's dream/imagination, and with that, the film is beyond imaginative. There is so much heart and truth behind the film making, that it's just a joy to watch. Jonze is not only able to get plot and emotion moved through dialogue, but the pauses in dialogue are often times the most poignant, particularly the emotional ending.

The world of the Wild Things is also completely sold. Max meets a group of creatures called The Wild Things, and is appointed their king. They build giant fortresses, and have dirt clod fights, all while making a stunning allegory for Max's current state of affairs back home. With voice acting from James Gandolfini and Forrest Whitaker, all of the characters are fully fleshed out, and while there are a few glitches either in the CG or the actual film itself, there was never a moment that I felt that these were not true beings. That may be the true genius of the film. It weaves a tale and a set of visuals so striking in its realism, that one can't help but be totally immersed in this magical world.

As gorgeous as the film truly is, the true star of this film is Max Records, who plays the nine-year old Max. Jonze's Max, which is the lead of this film that was co-written by Dave Eggars, is completely unprecocious. He's smart, brave, and insanely imaginative, and yet also like most nine-year olds, he is adorable, amusing, rambling, and often times nervous. I have a hard time truly finding in cinema, at least this year, a character, let alone a child, who is more real. Therefore, due to this reality of the character, you feel every emotion the kid does. When he cries out after fighting with his mother, you feel that pain. When he goes off with KW, you feel his happiness. The emotional depth that this film mines is rarely seen in cinema as a whole, let alone a children's film.

However, the film isn't only an up beat child's tale about how all of us have a deep urge to just stomp around, throw a tantrum, or run away from life, but it's also a deeply sad film, a film utterly drenched in melancholy. While there are many moments of joy; a dirt clod fight ending in a truly heartwarming dog pile, the construction of a fortress, there really isn't much in the way of happiness here. It's not a truly sad film, but one that is just a melancholy tale of a child whose imagination runs wild, and just wants to find somewhere in the world, and has a hard time finding it. Picked on by his sister and her friends, ignored to an extent by his mother, and without a father, Max just wants to find somewhere to fit in, and this is his adventure in a new land. While I think kids can get really behind this, as I think modern kids are more mature than one would like to say, especially when it comes to cinema, and it's one that I think kids should see. It's a very mature film, with mature themes, and is a great take on an idea and concept that is deep within each and every one of us.

Also, the music in this film is beyond words. Karen O and Carter Burwell (primarily Karen O and The Kids) is just as imaginative as the film. It's kinetic, static, and just as rambunctious as our hero, and truly adds a Wild Thing size weight to all of the emotional moments the film trys to mine. It's soft, moving, and just a pitch perfect score for a pitch perfect film. Many find this film to be mopey and poorly plotted, withdrawn and cold, but it's not that. Not that at all. It's emotionally moving, kinetic, and full of imagination.

That said, the film has a few flaws. The main flaw that I had with this joyous piece of cinema is that I wish it had been longer. That may be cliche, as I unabashedly loved this film, but there is good reason to add to this film, as the time spent with Max and his mother isn't truly fleshed out. The scenes between Max and his family are so beautiful and poetic, that I wish this would have been a 90 hour epic. It didn't take anything away from the film, but it did leave me wanting more, which I guess is a positive more than a negative.

I'm not only in love with this film, but truly glad we have a chance to see it. As many of you know, Warner Brothers wanted to completely re shoot the whole entirety of the film, as the studio felt as though it might have been a scotch too dark. However, in their better judgement, they left the film in Jonze's hands, and we are a better world for having the chance to travel into the world of the Wild Things.

All in all, this is a film that makes me wish I had a kid, so that I can show them this truly fantastic and beyond moving piece of magic. It's a radical and unusual children's movie, but I think children deserve to see this. It's a melancholy take on the brilliant book, and it's one that adults should see too. I was wholly unaware of the emotional weight that I would be bombarded with, and for a film to have me full of joy, and then shedding tears, all in a stunning visual package, I must give this the highest honor I can. One of, if not the best film I have seen all year.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE - 9.5/10

Go see something good!

NEWS: Gus Van Sant and Bret Easton Ellis To Pen True Tale, The Golden Suicides...

On an evening where we also got wind of news that Ridley Scott would be remaking the Channel 4 produced, UK based trilogy, Red Riding, we also got wind of a much more interesting and compelling project.

Variety is reporting that Gus Van Sant and Bret Easton Ellis are set to team up and pen the script for a film based on an article written in Vanity Fair called, The Golden Suicides. The article tells the story of the double suicide of artists Theresa Duncan and Jeremy Blake. A completely fascinating and compelling read, the story discusses many things, and reasons why the did what they did, which includes the idea that they thought the government and Scientologists were out to get them.

Here's how Geek Tyrant put their story:

Duncan and Blake formed a popular couple on the downtown New York and Venice, Calif., art scenes. She was one of the first videogame designers for girls, and his “digital paintings” — kaleidoscopic images shown on plasma screens — established him as a rising star on the circuit.

The couple descended into a paranoid spiral when the artists developed a consuming belief that government and Scientologists were conspiring against them. She killed herself in 2007. Blake found her body on the floor of their bedroom, and walked into the Atlantic Ocean a week later, ending his life.

Currently, Van Sant is simply attatched as a writer, with no plans to direct, but hopefully he will indeed decide to get into the director's chair, because if anyone knows anything about the famous director, this seems to be right up his alley. Actually, this would fit perfectly alongside films like Gerry, and particularly Last Days, which is a really underrated, neo-biopic, in the vein of say, I'm Not There, where it IS about Kurt Cobain, but not directly, like INT is about Bob Dylan, but not directly. This seems like a completely perfect fit for the film maker, who is a personal favorite of yours truly.

Go see something good!