Rise of the Planet of the Apes (8/5)
Who's in it: James Franco, Frieda Pinto, John Lithgow, Andy Serkis, Brian Cox; Directed by Rupert Wyatt
What's the gist: A scientist (Franco) is developing a cure for Alzheimer's and performs a test on a chimp named Caesar. The experiment results in Caesar gaining advanced intelligence and bringing about a war for supremacy between humans and apes.
Why I'd see it: I've only seen one other film within the series, so I'm not exactly a fan. That said, this trailer looks phenomenal. And the origin story is usually the most interesting, this one looks to be no exception. They lined up a great cast (hey look, it's John Lithgow!) and the effects are done by the spectacular Weta Workshop (masters behind The Lord of the Rings films among others). Lastly, I'm looking forward to watching Tom Felton (aka Draco Malfoy) get beat up by some apes.
The Whistleblower (8/5)
Who's in it: Rachel Weisz, David Strathairn, Monica Bellucci, Vanessa Redgrave; Directed by Larysa Kondracki.
What's the gist: Weisz portrays Kathryn Bolkovac, a cop out of Nebraska serving as a peacekeeper in post-war Bosnia. In the course of doing her job, she outs the U.N. for covering sex trafficking. This is a drama based on real events.
Why I'd see it: I'm a sucker for a talented cast. I also occasionally enjoy the not-so-happy ending that independent films usually offer and this one seems a ringer for that.
30 Minutes or Less (8/12)
Who's in it: Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari, Nick Swardson; Directed by Ruben Fleischer.
What's the gist: Two fledgling criminals (read: idiots) kidnap a pizza delivery guy strap a bomb to his chest and tell him he has mere hours to rob a bank for them or else... yep, that's comedy folks.
Why I'd see it: I like Aziz Ansari and Jesse Eisenberg. Sometimes, it doesn't take much to make it on my list.
Fright Night (8/19)
Who's in it: Anton Yelchin, Colin Farrell, David Tennant, Toni Collette, Christopher Mintz-Plasse; Directed by Craig Gillespie.
What's the gist: A teenager suspects that his new neighbor is really a vampire responsible for a string of deaths around town and takes it upon himself to stop the baddie.
Why I'd see it: Toni Collette and Anton Yelchin are excellent actors, but really, I'm just excited to see DAVID TENNANT!!!
One Day (8/19)
Who's in it: Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess, Patricia Clarkson, Romola Garai; Directed by Lone Scherfig.
What's the gist: After meeting at their college graduation and spending the night together,this romantic drama shows us Emma and Dexter on the same day (July 15) every year for two decades to reveal how they are fairing in life and love. Based on the novel by David Nicholls.
Why I'd see it: You all know of my Anne Hathaway girl-crush by now. Patricia Clarkson always plays interesting characters and is a great actress. I think the date-specific timing in the plot could be an interesting storytelling aspect. And, yes, there is that marshmallowy-centered, hopeless romantic part of me that just wants to see a chick flick.
Colombiana (8/26)
Who's in it: Zoe Saldana, Michael Vartan, Callum Blue (Dead Like Me); Directed by Olivier Megaton
What's the gist: As a girl Cataleya witnesses her parents' murder. She is raised by her uncle to be a top-tier assassin and then goes after the Colombian drug lord responsible for the execution of her parents.
Why I'd see it: This story comes to us from Luc Besson, writer behind Leon: The Professional, The Fifth Element and Taken, so the guy knows a thing or two about how to write a good action flick. The trailer already tells us what to expect here, so my interest is in how she will carry out her vengeance; it's always fun watching how the bad guys get their comeuppance. Lastly, Saldana is a great actress and pretty hot, so while this flick won't pass the Beckdel test, she's still bad-ass enough to earn my viewing.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Critical Review: Green Lantern & Bad Teacher
Green Lantern
Sooo... yeah. Ryan Reynolds is hot. Blake Lively is pretty easy on the eyes as well. The graphics were well done. And that's about it. I did spend about 15 minutes (spread throughout the viewing) trying to figure out from where I recognized the actor playing Sinestro (it's British actor Mark Strong, recently seen in Sherlock Holmes, and The Way Back). Oh, it did scored a bit point with me for **SPOILER** casting Tim Robbins as a complete douche-bag of a character and then killing him off. You usually don't see that, I'm just saying.
The film equivalent of, say, a Stephanie Meyer book (disregarding, of course, the actual film adaptions of her books). The fact is, I've had bowel movements more complex than that plot and the acting, as it typically does, suffered for it. It was alright - I've seen better hero movies (The Dark Knight) and worse (Hulk) - but in the end it's a super hero dick flick featuring a moderately popular superhero. A shiney, brainless popcorn movie. Not bad, but not good either.
Bad Teacher
Not surprisingly, this one gets a D+. I know what you're thinking! That's higher than I expected too!
This movie had no real plot arch or character development. At the end, we really don't feel that Cameron Diaz's titular teacher has learned anything and certainly hasn't turned over a new leaf, she's simply made different (are we supposed to think better?) choices about what to do with her particularly vulgar and harsh skill set. Oh, and she got a man; not the sugar daddy she originally went for, mind you, but one more fitted to her personality.
The comic points were awarded for the everchanging reason for Diaz's failed engagement at the beginning of the flick (the best involved peanut butter), for Justin Timberlake's O-face during the dry-hump scene (not something I needed/wanted to see, but funny), and lastly to Jason Segel being his-awesome-self. Which brings about another point; they had Jason fucking Segel, why in the name of FSM didn't they use him?! He just sort of popped in at moments and was rather downplayed. Disappointing. In the end however, I didn't expect to laugh as much as I did, so it got better than an F from this watcher.
Sooo... yeah. Ryan Reynolds is hot. Blake Lively is pretty easy on the eyes as well. The graphics were well done. And that's about it. I did spend about 15 minutes (spread throughout the viewing) trying to figure out from where I recognized the actor playing Sinestro (it's British actor Mark Strong, recently seen in Sherlock Holmes, and The Way Back). Oh, it did scored a bit point with me for **SPOILER** casting Tim Robbins as a complete douche-bag of a character and then killing him off. You usually don't see that, I'm just saying.
The film equivalent of, say, a Stephanie Meyer book (disregarding, of course, the actual film adaptions of her books). The fact is, I've had bowel movements more complex than that plot and the acting, as it typically does, suffered for it. It was alright - I've seen better hero movies (The Dark Knight) and worse (Hulk) - but in the end it's a super hero dick flick featuring a moderately popular superhero. A shiney, brainless popcorn movie. Not bad, but not good either.
Bad Teacher
Not surprisingly, this one gets a D+. I know what you're thinking! That's higher than I expected too!
This movie had no real plot arch or character development. At the end, we really don't feel that Cameron Diaz's titular teacher has learned anything and certainly hasn't turned over a new leaf, she's simply made different (are we supposed to think better?) choices about what to do with her particularly vulgar and harsh skill set. Oh, and she got a man; not the sugar daddy she originally went for, mind you, but one more fitted to her personality.
The comic points were awarded for the everchanging reason for Diaz's failed engagement at the beginning of the flick (the best involved peanut butter), for Justin Timberlake's O-face during the dry-hump scene (not something I needed/wanted to see, but funny), and lastly to Jason Segel being his-awesome-self. Which brings about another point; they had Jason fucking Segel, why in the name of FSM didn't they use him?! He just sort of popped in at moments and was rather downplayed. Disappointing. In the end however, I didn't expect to laugh as much as I did, so it got better than an F from this watcher.
What?! Lol!
Just flipped on the tele and the ending of The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement was on and I recognized someone among the cast. Long before he was the new Captain Kirk, Chris Pine was Anne Hathaway's unexpected love interest in this Disney tween flick... and he had silly hair. I love making random discoveries like this.
And now I'm changing the channel because some retched Hugh Grant romantic comedy is beginning. Oh look! Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; perfect for a day of homework and blogging!
And now I'm changing the channel because some retched Hugh Grant romantic comedy is beginning. Oh look! Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; perfect for a day of homework and blogging!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Coming Attractions: June & July
So life got in the way of the last few posts and, really, there wasn't much to highlight during April and May anyway; not many interesting flicks came out and I didn't get to see much of anything other than work, school and the occasional tele episode on my Netflix instant streaming. And yes, I'm aware June has come and gone as well, but there was some stuff worth highlighting. Now, without further ado...
X-Men: First Class (6/3)*
Who's in it: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Lawrence, Rose Byrne; Directed by Matthew Vaughn.
What's the gist: In the beginning - before Halle Berry's bad wigs (to match her acting?), Kelsey Grammar's blue fur and that abysmal Origins movie - Professor X and Magneto used to be mutant mates, fought a bad guy or two together, and sought to help other young rapscallions like themselves.
Why I'd see it: Though it irks me that this telling of the beginnings of the X-Men cannon only vaguely follows that set out in the comic books, it looked pretty decent in the preview. With a well chosen cast for the main characters (love those Brits) and set during an intriguing period of U.S. history, I figure this flick, at it's worst, will still be better than X-Men Origins:Wolverine. Seriously, even the preview graphics are better than that entire movie's were. I have seen this one, so check back for my review in a bit.
Green Lantern (6/17)*
Who's in it: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Tim Robbins; Directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale).
What's the gist: If you haven't figured it out yet, every DC or Marvel comic hero must have a movie now. This one is the latest; Hal Jordan is a fearless pilot who gets chosen by a dying alien and his magic ring to become one of the Green Lantern Corp - an intergalactic league o' protectors - and he has to save Earth from the space embodiment of fear, who has possessed his childhood acquaintance Hector (read: uber awkward nerd). Oh and, of course, Blake Lively plays the gorgeous, sassy leading lady.
Why I'd see it: Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are hot. And there is some decent acting talent here, even though I know it will likely not be put to decent, let alone good, use.
Mr. Popper's Penguins (6/17)*
Who's in it: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury, Olivia Lovibond; Directed by Mark Waters (Spiderwick Chronicles).
What's the gist: Tom Popper inherits 6, count 'em SIX, penguins from his dearly departed dad, let the hilarity and chaos ensue as he manuvers caring for the little, flippery dudes between spending time with his kids, staving off a malicious zoo keeper and trying a nail an important deal for the ol' job.
Why I'd see it: Penguins are cute and cool (literally and figuratively). Jim Carrey's not too bad either.
Bad Teacher (6/24)*
Who's in it: Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel, Justin Timberlake, Phyllis Smith (The Office); Directed by Jake Kasdan (Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story).
What's the gist: Diaz plays a foul-mouthed, under-achieving teacher who pursues a fellow teacher (Timberlake) after being dumped by her sugar-daddy.
Why I'd see it: I don't usually like Diaz, but I love Jason Segel. I also know a couple teachers, so the slight relation is vaguely appealing. Honestly I don't exactly have high expectations other than being a bit entertaining.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (7/1)
Who's in it: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, John Turturro, Patrick Dempsey,Tyrese Gibson; Directed by (who the fuck else?) Michael Bay.
What's the gist: Our government lied to the Autobots (shocker) about a Cybertronian spacecraft that was discovered on the moon and now they won't help us as the Decpticons battle earth to reach the secrets of it's technology.
Why I'd see it: Explosions... and that big robot worm thing crushing buildings... yep, that's about it. Like most of you, I saw the teaser trailer and thought, "That looked so awesome!" and then Michael Bay's name popped up and I went "Dammit!".
Ironclad (7/8)
Who's in it: James Purefoy, Paul Giamatti, Kate Mara, Brian Cox, Jason Flemyng, Derek Jacobi; Directed by Jonathan English.
What's the gist: Here is what IMDb told me, "In 13th-century England, a small group of Knights Templar fight to defend Rochester Castle against the tyrannical King John." Well, John was a huge dick (and not the good kind of dick mind you).
Why I'd see it: It's a bunch of good actors clanging swords in an alternative history movie... why not?!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part II (7/15)
Who's in it: If you don't know who is in this by now, why are you reading this blog?
What's the gist: "IT ALL ENDS." The big finale of what has spanned 14 years, 7 books, and soon to be 8 movies. Harry and Voldemort finally throw down bitches!
Why I'd see it: We all knew this time would co- ***We interrupt our normally scheduled commentary for a moment of geek girl squeeing/ fan-gasm*** EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! ***We now return you to our programming already in progress*** - good ol' cast of excellent UK actors will dole out their final performances in roles that have either been huge additions to their already stunning resumes or defined their very acting careers. You bet your wizards robes I'm going to see this multiple times and cry at least two of them at the deaths that occur.
Winnie the Pooh (7/15)
Who's in it: The voice talents of Jim Cummings, John Cleese, and Craig Ferguson; Directed by Stephen J. Anderson and Don Hall.
What's the gist: According to an IMDb contributor, "During an ordinary day in Hundred Acre Wood, Winnie the Pooh sets out to find some honey. Misinterpreting a note from Christopher Robin, Pooh convinces Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo, and Eeyore that their young friend has been captured by a creature named "Backson" and they set out to save him." Seriously, it's Pooh Bear, we're not expecting fucking Inception here now are we kids?
Why I'd see it: Reason #1: Disney is finally getting back to good ol' school animation. #2 Nostalgia; I loved the original Winnie the Pooh movies and then the tele series of the 90's. #3 That trailer to the Keene song is fantastic. #4 Last, but not least, Craig Fucking Ferguson! Love that man.
Captain America: The First Avenger (7/22)
Who's in it: Chris Evans (Scott Pilgrim vs the World), Hugo Weaving, Natalie Dormer (The Tudors), Stanley Tucci, Tommy Lee Jones; Directed by Joe Johnston (The Wolfman, October Sky).
What's the gist: Steve Rogers is a wee wimpy dude, but with patriotic dedication coming out the wazoo. Thus, after being deemed unfit for the military, he signs up for a top secret experiment that turns him into the super hero Captain America to fight bad dudes and uphold American ideals.
Why I'd see it: I'm a nerd and it's another comic book-based movie that will lead to a full on Avengers movie; whether or not it'll be good, I have to see it.
Cowboys vs Aliens (7/29)
Who's in it: Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano; Directed by Jon Favreau.
What's the gist: Seriously? With a title like that you have to ask? Psh, OK, so it's 18-something-or-other, during the Wild West period of American history and Jake Lonergan wakes up without much of a clue as what's happened to him, but with a high-tech bracelet on his arm. Aliens descend to take over the Earth and a posse of cowboys fight 'em off.
Why I'd see it: Because it looks craptacular! C'mon, with a title like that, how can one resist?! I also appreciate Favreau as a director and Daniel Craig as a hot, British actor.
The Guard (7/29)
Who's in it: Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle and Mark Strong; Directed by John Michael McDonagh.
What's the gist: A confrontational and unorthodox Irish police officer is teamed with an uptight FBI agent to investigate an international drug ring.
Why I'd see it: OK, that description sounds like a snooze,but just watch the trailer! I bust I gut laughing and Gleeson's line about his thought on drug dealers.
Smurfs (7/29)
Who's in it: Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria, Jayma Mayes, with the voice talents of Jonathan Winters, Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, Fred Armison and Paul Reubens; Directed by Raja Gosnell.
What's the gist: Based on the characters of the classic 80's cartoon, the little, magic, blue dudes and dudette are chased by evil wizard Gargamel out of their village causing them transport out of their magic world and into our reality, smack in the middle of NYC no less.
Why I'd see it: I have accepted the inevitability that all of my beloved childhood cartoons are being remade into bastardized live-action + CG movies of their former greatness for the younger generations; the Scooby Doo, Chipmunks and Garfield flicks all looked like absolute crap of the not-even-worth-seeing-to-mock variety. That said, there is usually an exception to the norm and with the phenomenal talent of this cast, I'm tentatively hoping this will be that exception.
*In an odd twist, I've seen the first four movies on here in as many weeks after months without hitting a theater. Check back for my reviews of them soon.
X-Men: First Class (6/3)*
Who's in it: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Kevin Bacon, Jennifer Lawrence, Rose Byrne; Directed by Matthew Vaughn.
What's the gist: In the beginning - before Halle Berry's bad wigs (to match her acting?), Kelsey Grammar's blue fur and that abysmal Origins movie - Professor X and Magneto used to be mutant mates, fought a bad guy or two together, and sought to help other young rapscallions like themselves.
Why I'd see it: Though it irks me that this telling of the beginnings of the X-Men cannon only vaguely follows that set out in the comic books, it looked pretty decent in the preview. With a well chosen cast for the main characters (love those Brits) and set during an intriguing period of U.S. history, I figure this flick, at it's worst, will still be better than X-Men Origins:Wolverine. Seriously, even the preview graphics are better than that entire movie's were. I have seen this one, so check back for my review in a bit.
Green Lantern (6/17)*
Who's in it: Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong, Tim Robbins; Directed by Martin Campbell (Casino Royale).
What's the gist: If you haven't figured it out yet, every DC or Marvel comic hero must have a movie now. This one is the latest; Hal Jordan is a fearless pilot who gets chosen by a dying alien and his magic ring to become one of the Green Lantern Corp - an intergalactic league o' protectors - and he has to save Earth from the space embodiment of fear, who has possessed his childhood acquaintance Hector (read: uber awkward nerd). Oh and, of course, Blake Lively plays the gorgeous, sassy leading lady.
Why I'd see it: Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively are hot. And there is some decent acting talent here, even though I know it will likely not be put to decent, let alone good, use.
Mr. Popper's Penguins (6/17)*
Who's in it: Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino, Angela Lansbury, Olivia Lovibond; Directed by Mark Waters (Spiderwick Chronicles).
What's the gist: Tom Popper inherits 6, count 'em SIX, penguins from his dearly departed dad, let the hilarity and chaos ensue as he manuvers caring for the little, flippery dudes between spending time with his kids, staving off a malicious zoo keeper and trying a nail an important deal for the ol' job.
Why I'd see it: Penguins are cute and cool (literally and figuratively). Jim Carrey's not too bad either.
Bad Teacher (6/24)*
Who's in it: Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel, Justin Timberlake, Phyllis Smith (The Office); Directed by Jake Kasdan (Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story).
What's the gist: Diaz plays a foul-mouthed, under-achieving teacher who pursues a fellow teacher (Timberlake) after being dumped by her sugar-daddy.
Why I'd see it: I don't usually like Diaz, but I love Jason Segel. I also know a couple teachers, so the slight relation is vaguely appealing. Honestly I don't exactly have high expectations other than being a bit entertaining.
Transformers: Dark of the Moon (7/1)
Who's in it: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, John Turturro, Patrick Dempsey,Tyrese Gibson; Directed by (who the fuck else?) Michael Bay.
What's the gist: Our government lied to the Autobots (shocker) about a Cybertronian spacecraft that was discovered on the moon and now they won't help us as the Decpticons battle earth to reach the secrets of it's technology.
Why I'd see it: Explosions... and that big robot worm thing crushing buildings... yep, that's about it. Like most of you, I saw the teaser trailer and thought, "That looked so awesome!" and then Michael Bay's name popped up and I went "Dammit!".
Ironclad (7/8)
Who's in it: James Purefoy, Paul Giamatti, Kate Mara, Brian Cox, Jason Flemyng, Derek Jacobi; Directed by Jonathan English.
What's the gist: Here is what IMDb told me, "In 13th-century England, a small group of Knights Templar fight to defend Rochester Castle against the tyrannical King John." Well, John was a huge dick (and not the good kind of dick mind you).
Why I'd see it: It's a bunch of good actors clanging swords in an alternative history movie... why not?!
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, part II (7/15)
Who's in it: If you don't know who is in this by now, why are you reading this blog?
What's the gist: "IT ALL ENDS." The big finale of what has spanned 14 years, 7 books, and soon to be 8 movies. Harry and Voldemort finally throw down bitches!
Why I'd see it: We all knew this time would co- ***We interrupt our normally scheduled commentary for a moment of geek girl squeeing/ fan-gasm*** EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!! ***We now return you to our programming already in progress*** - good ol' cast of excellent UK actors will dole out their final performances in roles that have either been huge additions to their already stunning resumes or defined their very acting careers. You bet your wizards robes I'm going to see this multiple times and cry at least two of them at the deaths that occur.
Winnie the Pooh (7/15)
Who's in it: The voice talents of Jim Cummings, John Cleese, and Craig Ferguson; Directed by Stephen J. Anderson and Don Hall.
What's the gist: According to an IMDb contributor, "During an ordinary day in Hundred Acre Wood, Winnie the Pooh sets out to find some honey. Misinterpreting a note from Christopher Robin, Pooh convinces Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo, and Eeyore that their young friend has been captured by a creature named "Backson" and they set out to save him." Seriously, it's Pooh Bear, we're not expecting fucking Inception here now are we kids?
Why I'd see it: Reason #1: Disney is finally getting back to good ol' school animation. #2 Nostalgia; I loved the original Winnie the Pooh movies and then the tele series of the 90's. #3 That trailer to the Keene song is fantastic. #4 Last, but not least, Craig Fucking Ferguson! Love that man.
Captain America: The First Avenger (7/22)
Who's in it: Chris Evans (Scott Pilgrim vs the World), Hugo Weaving, Natalie Dormer (The Tudors), Stanley Tucci, Tommy Lee Jones; Directed by Joe Johnston (The Wolfman, October Sky).
What's the gist: Steve Rogers is a wee wimpy dude, but with patriotic dedication coming out the wazoo. Thus, after being deemed unfit for the military, he signs up for a top secret experiment that turns him into the super hero Captain America to fight bad dudes and uphold American ideals.
Why I'd see it: I'm a nerd and it's another comic book-based movie that will lead to a full on Avengers movie; whether or not it'll be good, I have to see it.
Cowboys vs Aliens (7/29)
Who's in it: Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano; Directed by Jon Favreau.
What's the gist: Seriously? With a title like that you have to ask? Psh, OK, so it's 18-something-or-other, during the Wild West period of American history and Jake Lonergan wakes up without much of a clue as what's happened to him, but with a high-tech bracelet on his arm. Aliens descend to take over the Earth and a posse of cowboys fight 'em off.
Why I'd see it: Because it looks craptacular! C'mon, with a title like that, how can one resist?! I also appreciate Favreau as a director and Daniel Craig as a hot, British actor.
The Guard (7/29)
Who's in it: Brendan Gleeson, Don Cheadle and Mark Strong; Directed by John Michael McDonagh.
What's the gist: A confrontational and unorthodox Irish police officer is teamed with an uptight FBI agent to investigate an international drug ring.
Why I'd see it: OK, that description sounds like a snooze,but just watch the trailer! I bust I gut laughing and Gleeson's line about his thought on drug dealers.
Smurfs (7/29)
Who's in it: Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria, Jayma Mayes, with the voice talents of Jonathan Winters, Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, Fred Armison and Paul Reubens; Directed by Raja Gosnell.
What's the gist: Based on the characters of the classic 80's cartoon, the little, magic, blue dudes and dudette are chased by evil wizard Gargamel out of their village causing them transport out of their magic world and into our reality, smack in the middle of NYC no less.
Why I'd see it: I have accepted the inevitability that all of my beloved childhood cartoons are being remade into bastardized live-action + CG movies of their former greatness for the younger generations; the Scooby Doo, Chipmunks and Garfield flicks all looked like absolute crap of the not-even-worth-seeing-to-mock variety. That said, there is usually an exception to the norm and with the phenomenal talent of this cast, I'm tentatively hoping this will be that exception.
*In an odd twist, I've seen the first four movies on here in as many weeks after months without hitting a theater. Check back for my reviews of them soon.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Coming Attractions: March Edition
Hello movie-goers! There are loads more films coming out this month compared to last - the Oscars always kinda kill releases for the month I think. Many sci-fi/fantasy films (prepping us for summer "blockbusters"?) that look promising. While all of the films I've listed here look good to one degree or another, I must say I'm eagerly looking forward to Sucker Punch the most; I'll likely see this one more than one if it's as good as I'm hoping it will be. *fingers crossed*
Read on, judge, comment, drop me a line if you want to catch one (or more) with me. :)
The Adjustment Bureau (3/4)
Read on, judge, comment, drop me a line if you want to catch one (or more) with me. :)
The Adjustment Bureau (3/4)
The Plot: A rising politician falls for a dancer, but mysterious forces aim to keep the couple apart.Based on the short story "Adjustment Team" by Philip K. Dick.
The Players: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt. Directed by George Nolfi.
The Perspective: It's seems like Dark City but less, well, dark and lacking as much sci-fi factor that film did. Life seems totally normal until you realize there's a whole Orwellian group manufacturing the course of everything. Yes, I'm definitely wanting to see this.
Beastly (3/4)
The Plot: A modern spin on the classic Beauty & The Beast story. Based on the young adult novel by Alex Flinn.
The Plot: A modern spin on the classic Beauty & The Beast story. Based on the young adult novel by Alex Flinn.
The Players: Alex Pettyfer, Vanessa Hudgens, Mary-Kate Olsen, Neil Patrick Harris, Peter Krause. Directed by Daniel Barnz.
The Perspective: It's a classic and well-known story, so my concern here is to see how it's presented. Pettyfer is quite the up-and-comer in teen films (and many rumor he'll be in the film adaptation of the Hunger Games series). Having NPH and Krause tagged onto the project make it even more appealing. Seriously, who doesn't love either of those gents?
Happythankyoumoreplease (3/4) [limited]
The Plot: A struggling writer in New York City takes in a boy who becomes separated from his family on the subway, altering his life with his close group of friends.
The Players: Josh Radnor (How I Met Your Mother), Kate Mara (127 Hours), Zoe Kazan, Malin Akerman, Tony Hale. Directed by Josh Radnor.
The Perspective: It received the Audience Award under the Drama category at Sundance. I get a vibe from this that makes be think/hope it's Away We Go for singles, which could be pretty cool.
Rango (3/4)
The Plot: A chameleon with an identity crisis gets caught up in the wild west.
The Plot: A chameleon with an identity crisis gets caught up in the wild west.
The Players: (voice talents of) Johnny Depp, Isla Fischer, Timothy Olyphant, Bill Nighy, Stephen Root. Directed by Gore Verbinski.
The Perspective: The director behind Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean movies directs Captain Jack -er, Johnny Depp as an animated lizard? Oh yeah, my curiosity is piqued.
The Perspective: The director behind Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean movies directs Captain Jack -er, Johnny Depp as an animated lizard? Oh yeah, my curiosity is piqued.
Battlefield: Los Angeles (3/11)
The Plot: ALIENS! Full-scale invasion of Earth for our resources, naturally. Focuses on LA and a veteran Marine staff sergeant and his troop.
The Players: Aaron Eckhardt, Michelle Rodriguez, Bridget Moynahan, Noel Fisher. Directed by Jonathan Liebesman.
The Perspective: Explosions and aliens are fun!
Black Death (3/11)
The Plot: Set in 1348, during the time of the first outbreak of bubonic plague in England (mid 14th century), a young monk, knight and group of mercenaries are tasked by the church with learning the truth about reports of a small village seemingly spared by the plague (i.e. surely there must be witchcraft afoot!).
The Players: Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne. Directed by Christopher Smith.
The Players: Sean Bean, Eddie Redmayne. Directed by Christopher Smith.
The Perspective: Who doesn't enjoy a good period flick about the plague and black arts? Personally, I just like watching Sean Bean swing a sword about and be all dramatic.
Jane Eyre (3/11)
The Plot: Based on the classic novel by Bronte, a plane-looking governess softens the heart of her cold and abrupt employer, but soon discovers that he's hiding a terrible secret.
The Players: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Dame Judi Dench. Directed by Cary Fukunaga.
The Players: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Dame Judi Dench. Directed by Cary Fukunaga.
The Perspective: While I (now) know the gist of it, I've never actually read the book or seen any interpretation of this tale so I'm pretty interested to see this film, especially with such a stellar cast. Besides, I'm a chic, it's practically encoded in my DNA to want to see this, right?
Kill The Irishman (3/11) [limited]
The Plot: In 1976 Cleveland, Irish mobster Danny Greene creates mayhem for the Italian mafia when he wages a campaign to assert his own power. Based on a true story.
The Players: Ray Stevenson, Christopher Walken, Vincent D'Onofrio, Vinnie Jones, Val Kilmer. Directed by Jonathan Hensleigh.
The Perspective: A good cast of actors and the Irish mob connection is what I find appealing here. Stevenson is a favorite from his days on the series Rome.
The Plot: In 1976 Cleveland, Irish mobster Danny Greene creates mayhem for the Italian mafia when he wages a campaign to assert his own power. Based on a true story.
The Players: Ray Stevenson, Christopher Walken, Vincent D'Onofrio, Vinnie Jones, Val Kilmer. Directed by Jonathan Hensleigh.
The Perspective: A good cast of actors and the Irish mob connection is what I find appealing here. Stevenson is a favorite from his days on the series Rome.
Red Riding Hood (3/11)
The Plot: Another classic fairy/folk tale brought to film; in a medieval town that is prey to a werewolf, a young girl falls for an orphaned woodcutter.
The Players: Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas, Gary Oldman. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke.
The Players: Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas, Gary Oldman. Directed by Catherine Hardwicke.
The Perspective: I'm much more interested in this one than Beastly (out earlier this month). For starters we have the possibility of an actual creature (yay!). Second, we have the wonderful and talented Gary Oldman. Third, from what I see in the trailer, I dig the costuming, or at least the red cape.
Limitless (3/18)
The Plot: A copywriter discovers a top-secret drug that enhances intellect and other abilities. As his usage begins to change his life, he begins to consider the drug's shadowy origins while a group of killers are on to his every move.
The Players: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish, Anna Friel, Johnny Whitworth. Directed by Neil Burger.
The Prospective: Sci-fi concept, "big brother is watching" theme and a hot leading man. Also, anybody recognize the friend that gives him the drug in that trailer? That's Johnny Whitworth, aka AJ from Empire Records - "I don't feel I have to explain my art to you Warren" - oh sweet little hints of nostalgia!
Paul (3/18)
The Plot: Another alien flick! Two British comic-book geeks traveling across the U.S. encounter an alien outside Area 51. Their unexpected new companion joins them aboard their RV and they soon find themselves chased by federal agents.
The Plot: Another alien flick! Two British comic-book geeks traveling across the U.S. encounter an alien outside Area 51. Their unexpected new companion joins them aboard their RV and they soon find themselves chased by federal agents.
The Players: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Seth Rogen, Jeffrey Tambor, Jason Bateman, Bill Hader, Jane Lynch. Directed by Greg Mottola (Adventureland, Undeclared series).
The Prospective: I typically enjoy Pegg and Frost's work together and this one has some great supporting cast mates.
Sucker Punch (3/25)!!!
The Plot: A young girl is institutionalized by her wicked stepfather. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her and her friends escape from the facility.
The Players: Emily Browning, Jena Malone, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish, Jamie Chung, Carla Gugino, Jon Hamm. Directed by Zach Snyder.
The Prospective: FUCK YES! Seriously, I've been jonesing for this movies since I saw the first promo posters. Chicks kickin' ass and taken names in a bad-ass looking fantasy world. Gorgeous looking effects. Plus those wicked costumes taking inspiration from various uniforms of battle throughout history. Awesome. Note to self: find that font and the song form this trailer. :)
The Prospective: FUCK YES! Seriously, I've been jonesing for this movies since I saw the first promo posters. Chicks kickin' ass and taken names in a bad-ass looking fantasy world. Gorgeous looking effects. Plus those wicked costumes taking inspiration from various uniforms of battle throughout history. Awesome. Note to self: find that font and the song form this trailer. :)
March is looking like a good month for movies...
Friday, February 25, 2011
Awesome Bat-Gossip!
I have a great friend that is 10x more into Batman than I am (that's a LOT) and he always seems to have great ins on the news and goings-on in the Bat-verse, especially with the recent films. The other day I got a message from him with some fan-fucking-tastic bits of fact and rumor that demand to be shared. Here they are, C&Ped directly from his message.
1. Tom Hardy was on a European TV show talking about Bane. He says do NOT imagine Bane as he was seen in 1997s Batman & Robin. He did say he's been asked to "bulk up to 14 stone" (aka 190-200 pounds) and that it has to be all muscle. Says he is due to begin filming in May.
2. Michael Caine says Nolan has said "the script is not done. But It'll be done in two weeks." Seems the script was waaaaaaay long and Nolan is tightening things up a bit.
3. Marion Cotillard, who was recently seen in Inception playing Mal, has been reported in French news outlets to have signed on for a role in the film. Hints are being dropped that she will, in fact, play Talia.
4. Principal photography will begin in India and scenes will be filmed at the New York Stock Exchange in October. Pittsburgh was also written in as a location but has since been dropped because they have frozen their tax break for filmmakers.
5. There is a quiet but fairly reliable rumor in the murky depths that Joseph Gordon Levitt (also seen in Inception, as Arthur) has been cast as Harold Quinn. One source is saying it makes perfect sense as there will be no more Joker on screen what with Ledger's death, the romantic connection between Jokes and Harley is irrelevant. Harold, on the other hand, will play Joker's psychiatrist at Arkham, who begins to believe the spewings of the Joker aaaaaand.....if the source who has the inside source is to be trusted.....HE will become the next Joker in later films. I can't verify the accuracy of the rumor but it's better than the "Levitt is gonna play Joker's brother" rumors. What brother? You tools.
6. Paul Franklin, who will again be handling the F/X duties, confirms that neither Bane nor Catwoman will be digitally enhanced.
7. Wally Pfister has said that "as much is actually possible" will be filmed in IMAX. He's read the screenplay and says the opening sequence will surpass the bank heist of The Dark Knight, AND, as if there was ever going to be any doubt, he says Anne Hathaway looks "phenomenal in wardrobe."
I haven't seen much of Hardy besides Inception, but if Nolan has picked him, there's a good chance he's worth it; I'm looking forward to seeing what he and Nolan do with Bane.
In regards to tidbit #3, I have mixed feelings; Cotillard is an award-winning actress but I don't think she looks, well, exotic enough. Her eyes are very innocent - rounded and with prominent under-eye lids - her nasolabial folds also make her face appear rounder, and her nose turns up at the end... she reminds me of an older Mila Kunis. I'm not saying she's not pretty, she definitely is, but I just don't see her fitting the appearance of this role very well. I liked the earlier rumors of Eva Green taking the role, but I haven't heard her name tossed around as much.
I rather like the rumor of tidbit #5. I can understand some people's hesitance with this one - it's definitely screwing with the base mythos of the Joker character - but it's an interesting twist on it and one I think Nolan could pull off (he's got the story-telling chops). Also, I agree with my friend on the "brother" thing; that would just be lame and is a tool's way to write around problems.
#s 6 & 7 excite me A LOT! The previous films were great to watch in IMAX (it's also such a relief that Nolan, as last I heard, has talked WB out of trying to make this in 3D). The whisper that The Dark Knight's bank heist will be topped gets my film-geekgirl heart all a-twitter with anticipation! I'm also pleased that there won't be digital enhancing of Bane or Catwoman - it wouldn't fit with the Gotham that Nolan has created, it's much too realistic and gritty to accept a guy that looks like The Thing from the Fantastic Four movies (ugh). Last, but certainly not least, tidbit #6 outright says Hathaway will portray "Catwoman"! The original press release from WB notably only said "Selena Kyle", which left me wondering if they'd play it as they did with Harvey Dent by not having the alter-ego come out until much later in the film. Of course Hathaway looks phenomenal in wardrobe! That woman could rock a paper bag and I'd still switch teams to tap that.Please please please comment with thought, musing and whatever because I love talking this kind of gossip out of my system. Many thanks to H for the awesome gossip!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Coming Attractions: February Edition
Ah February, month of Groundhogs, Presidents and Valentines! Not too many movies this month, though there are still leftovers from last month's releases I'd like to see, so it balances out.
The Other Woman (2/4) [LA/NYC]
The Plot: A look at a woman dealing with being a new wife to her former boss, stepmother to his son and expectant mother. When tragedy strikes, she must maneuver the dynamics of her new life while dealing with a grief she has never known.
The Player: Natalie Portman, Scott Cohen, Lisa Kudrow, Lauren Ambrose, Charlie Tahan, Anthony Rapp. Directed by Don Roos
The Prospective: I'm definitely intrigued by the relationship dynamics in this movie. The kid has a quirky quality that I dig. Plus, any Gilmore Girls fans reading this, Scott Cohen played Max Medina in the first season, so it's cool to see him again.
The Eagle (2/11)
The Other Woman (2/4) [LA/NYC]
The Plot: A look at a woman dealing with being a new wife to her former boss, stepmother to his son and expectant mother. When tragedy strikes, she must maneuver the dynamics of her new life while dealing with a grief she has never known.
The Player: Natalie Portman, Scott Cohen, Lisa Kudrow, Lauren Ambrose, Charlie Tahan, Anthony Rapp. Directed by Don Roos
The Prospective: I'm definitely intrigued by the relationship dynamics in this movie. The kid has a quirky quality that I dig. Plus, any Gilmore Girls fans reading this, Scott Cohen played Max Medina in the first season, so it's cool to see him again.
The Eagle (2/11)
The Plot: "In 140 AD, Roman soldier Marcus Aquila embarks on a quest to restore the reputation of his father, the one-time commander of Rome's Ninth Legion, who disappeared in the mountains of Scotland twenty years earlier.
The Players: Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland, Mark Strong. Directed by Kevin Macdonald.
The Prospective: I do love period pieces, even battle filled Roman ones. Tatum isn't much of a draw for me, but Bell, Strong and Sutherland are.
The Players: Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland, Mark Strong. Directed by Kevin Macdonald.
The Prospective: I do love period pieces, even battle filled Roman ones. Tatum isn't much of a draw for me, but Bell, Strong and Sutherland are.
Vanishing on 7th Street (2/18) [NYC]
The Plot: A massive power blackout causes a city's population to vanish, a handful of survivors band together in an effort to survive as darkness approaches.
The Players: Hayden Christensen, Thandie Newton, John Lequizamo. Directed by Brad Anderson.
The Prospective: Not too big of a Christensen fan, but the other talent is pretty good. The story is all suspenseful and creepy. Plus, Anderson was the director of The Machinist, which I loved!
Gnomeo & Juliet - OK, so this looks super cheesy and like a lame take on a Shakespearean play. But it has some great actors providing voice talent (Emily Blunt, Maggie Smith, James McAvoy), so while not I won't see it in theaters, I will see this at some point.
I Am Number Four - Yes, I kinda want to see it. However, since it's trying to pick up on the Twilight crowd, I'm not expecting much and will probably wait for Netflix.
Drive Angry 3D - Ha ha ha! This one looks like Ghostrider meets Gone in 60 Seconds.A second Nic Cage cheese-fest in as many months and it's in 3D!
*Note: Some of the dates I get (from imdb.com) are on limited releases, meaning we may not get them in the neck of the woods at the same time as other places, if at all. If I can get updates for these, I will re-post them,
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