Jack's back and it looks like Bruckheimer and friends figured out what really sells a Pirate movie...Jack Sparrow! With the ever disappointing trilogy behind us, this film seems to get back to basics and focuses on the comedic timing of the talented Johnny Depp. Backed up by old favorites like Barbosa, "Stranger Tides" will hopefully deliver an entertaining evening of swashbuckling, silly humor.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Friday, December 10, 2010
Playing Catch-Up: Part 2
Over the past few weeks I have been able to see a few more movies that I had missed. Here is the quick and dirty for a few more flicks:
21 - This was a fun little movie about Harvard students who are drafted by their professor for their abilities to count cards in order to take Vegas. The lead character was an unknown and did a great job. Kevin Spacey is great (as usual) as the professor/card coach and surprisingly Kate Bosworth is decent in her role as team member and eventual love interest of the main character. It's entertaining and much better than other "card" movies like Rounders. I suggest you catch this one if you can. "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!"
The Last Airbender - So I will admit, the only reason I watched this one is because Jackson Rathbone is in it. Some of the effects were neat, the the story was fractured, jumpy and the acting on whole was atrocious. I am sure fans of the original Avatar series (yes this was the original before Spielberg stole the name and got the jump in the theaters) were heartbroken. Really, don't bother, there are other Jackson Rathbone movies out there!
The Road - Based on the book, we find a man and his son struggling to survive after an unnamed cataclysmic event. Plant and animal life is destroyed and what humans are left are in survival mode, even to the point of cannibalism. It is a bleak, realistic and scary view of the human condition, though not all hope is lost. This movie is deep and disturbing on many levels, so be sure to be prepared. It is not to be missed and I HIGHLY recommend it.
Brothers - I was looking forward to this movie because I felt it would deal with many interesting issues, but it didn't deliver for me. Two brothers, one a married army officer sent to the middle east war and the other just out of jail and trying to regain his family's trust. A story of loss, redemption and forgiveness that fell short of really dealing with these issues in a meaningful way. This is an example of a wonderful idea left in the wrong hands. Oh, and the music was HORRENDOUS. It was completely detached from the emotion of the film, much like the script was from the important issues. So watch at your own peril, unless you just want to blankly stare at Jake Gyllenhal 'cause he was lookin' good!
The Blind Side - I knew this movie would make me cry. That's why I ignored it for so long. It was a powerful true story of a young man, who like many in his situation, would have been lost and fallen through the cracks is someone hadn't given him a chance. I cried and it was an amazing film. Uplifting, thought provoking and depressing to think of the thousands of youth who are wasting away because they have no way out. If you haven't seen it, please do. You'll cry, but it's so worth it!
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - Hey look! Another Jackson Rathbone movie! :) The first movie was OK. The second movie was so bad I decided that I didn't need to pay $10 to see the third installment in the theater. I wish I had seen it on the big screen now because the new director definitely impressed me. The story is convoluted and unrealistic, but he made it interesting by his use of color, cinematography and pacing. The CGI wolves were amazing, and of course Jasper (Jackson Rathbone) had a HUGE part in this film so I was very satisfied. I was glad to see that Edward and Bella had more charisma this time. If I were her I wouldn't want to choose either of them (the Manipulative Vampire or the Aggressive/Violent werewolf), but it was still entertaining and interesting. They should keep this director, though I know they always change it up. They won me back and I actually look forward to seeing what they do with the 2-part series finale.
21 - This was a fun little movie about Harvard students who are drafted by their professor for their abilities to count cards in order to take Vegas. The lead character was an unknown and did a great job. Kevin Spacey is great (as usual) as the professor/card coach and surprisingly Kate Bosworth is decent in her role as team member and eventual love interest of the main character. It's entertaining and much better than other "card" movies like Rounders. I suggest you catch this one if you can. "Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!"
The Last Airbender - So I will admit, the only reason I watched this one is because Jackson Rathbone is in it. Some of the effects were neat, the the story was fractured, jumpy and the acting on whole was atrocious. I am sure fans of the original Avatar series (yes this was the original before Spielberg stole the name and got the jump in the theaters) were heartbroken. Really, don't bother, there are other Jackson Rathbone movies out there!
The Road - Based on the book, we find a man and his son struggling to survive after an unnamed cataclysmic event. Plant and animal life is destroyed and what humans are left are in survival mode, even to the point of cannibalism. It is a bleak, realistic and scary view of the human condition, though not all hope is lost. This movie is deep and disturbing on many levels, so be sure to be prepared. It is not to be missed and I HIGHLY recommend it.
Brothers - I was looking forward to this movie because I felt it would deal with many interesting issues, but it didn't deliver for me. Two brothers, one a married army officer sent to the middle east war and the other just out of jail and trying to regain his family's trust. A story of loss, redemption and forgiveness that fell short of really dealing with these issues in a meaningful way. This is an example of a wonderful idea left in the wrong hands. Oh, and the music was HORRENDOUS. It was completely detached from the emotion of the film, much like the script was from the important issues. So watch at your own peril, unless you just want to blankly stare at Jake Gyllenhal 'cause he was lookin' good!
The Blind Side - I knew this movie would make me cry. That's why I ignored it for so long. It was a powerful true story of a young man, who like many in his situation, would have been lost and fallen through the cracks is someone hadn't given him a chance. I cried and it was an amazing film. Uplifting, thought provoking and depressing to think of the thousands of youth who are wasting away because they have no way out. If you haven't seen it, please do. You'll cry, but it's so worth it!
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse - Hey look! Another Jackson Rathbone movie! :) The first movie was OK. The second movie was so bad I decided that I didn't need to pay $10 to see the third installment in the theater. I wish I had seen it on the big screen now because the new director definitely impressed me. The story is convoluted and unrealistic, but he made it interesting by his use of color, cinematography and pacing. The CGI wolves were amazing, and of course Jasper (Jackson Rathbone) had a HUGE part in this film so I was very satisfied. I was glad to see that Edward and Bella had more charisma this time. If I were her I wouldn't want to choose either of them (the Manipulative Vampire or the Aggressive/Violent werewolf), but it was still entertaining and interesting. They should keep this director, though I know they always change it up. They won me back and I actually look forward to seeing what they do with the 2-part series finale.
Friday, September 17, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Untitled Batman Project and IMDB: Rumor or Conspiracy?
A few weeks back, IMDB listed Dick Grayson as a rumored character. Then Joseph Gordon-Levitt was listed as the Riddler/Edward Nigma. NOW IMDB lists Johnny Depp AND James Franco as separate but both rumored for the Riddler role. Is IMDB really that unsure of the casting or are they messing with fans that are hungry for any scraps of information on this highly anticipated movie? Either way...
Once this project gets rolling I think the viral marketing will have to be off the charts. Domain names rumored to be purchased like www.wheresbrucewayne.com and IMDB's ever-changing roster of great actors to play a villain (that might not even be the real villain) will keep fan's heads swirling with possibilities.
The only thing we know right now is that Nolan said he will not recast The Joker, as it should be. However, I wouldn't mind a brief nod in Ledger's direction. I can see a scene at Arkham where you can hear a distinct laugh echoing eerily down the corridor. This audio would be taken from Ledger's actual performance in Dark Knight of course. Something like that would be the cherry on top for me anyway.
Nolan and camp will spill information only as they see fit, and I like that. I don't want to know too much, but a little taste here and there keeps my appetite up. Filming won't start until Spring 2011, whether it is in Chicago again or if they will try their luck in NOLA. Perhaps a combo would be nice for continuity and giving New Orleans a piece of the pie. Until then, I look forward to whatever scraps are offered.
Once this project gets rolling I think the viral marketing will have to be off the charts. Domain names rumored to be purchased like www.wheresbrucewayne.com and IMDB's ever-changing roster of great actors to play a villain (that might not even be the real villain) will keep fan's heads swirling with possibilities.
The only thing we know right now is that Nolan said he will not recast The Joker, as it should be. However, I wouldn't mind a brief nod in Ledger's direction. I can see a scene at Arkham where you can hear a distinct laugh echoing eerily down the corridor. This audio would be taken from Ledger's actual performance in Dark Knight of course. Something like that would be the cherry on top for me anyway.
Nolan and camp will spill information only as they see fit, and I like that. I don't want to know too much, but a little taste here and there keeps my appetite up. Filming won't start until Spring 2011, whether it is in Chicago again or if they will try their luck in NOLA. Perhaps a combo would be nice for continuity and giving New Orleans a piece of the pie. Until then, I look forward to whatever scraps are offered.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Playing Catch-Up
Over the summer I have been catching up on some movies that I have not yet seen. Perhaps admitting this is to my doom as a self-proclaimed movie lover, or perhaps not. You decide.
The following will give the movie name, the year, why I had never seen it and what I think now that I have. Thanks to friends who have insisted I watch certain films and to Lamby for letting me borrow some titles as well as the local video store (yes, we still have one in my hometown) for stocking good flicks.
"Return of the Jedi", 1983: Never really thought about it, but enjoyed the series finally being resolved. Chewie and Han are still my favorites!
"Juno", 2007: Didn't care about the subject matter, but really enjoyed it. It was quirky and thoughtful. Jason Bateman was terrific.
"No Country For old Men", 2007: Had been wanting to see this, just never was in the right mood. This movie was incredible. It was beautifully shot, interesting and terrifying. I was speechless after watching this movie. Top notch performances by ALL.
"Avatar", 2009: Wasn't interested because I didn't like the idea of mostly green screen and animation and all the hype seemed suspect. It was creative in spots, a let down in a majority and completely predictable throughout. I admit I watched the 1st hour and skimmed the last 2 hours. It was WAY too long, not as "amazing" as everyone made it out to be, not to mention, the acting was elementary, the storyline was old hat and I was bored.
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High", 1982: Another movie that never really crossed my mind. It was entertaining in that 80's movie kind of way, but what I loved about it was the seriousness of the Jennifer Jason-Leigh plot. Fun yet surprisingly deep and enjoyable.
"Back to the Future part 2", 1989: As a fan of the first, I never wanted to taint the love I had with a sequel. I thought it was clever in how they melded the first in with the second, but thought it was a little overboard. It was fun, but nothing I would want to watch again and again like the original.
"Back to the Future part 3", 1990: Again, didn't want to ruin the first by watching sequels so I never saw this one either. The old west was a good time period, but I thought the cleverness was lacking and they could have done so many other things. Destroying the Delorean time machine was painful at the end and the train time machine was ridiculous. Not the closure I was hoping for. Wished I had trusted my gut and stuck with the 1985 original.
"The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou", 2004: I assumed because it was Bill Murray that I would be annoyed so I never saw this little gem. I realized how much I dig a Wes Anderson film and that Bill Murray is actually enjoyable to watch (Zombieland helped secure that opinion of him I think). It was beautiful and witty, well casted and crazy. I fell in love with this movie.
"The Transporter", 2002: I usually don't shy away from dude movies, but how exciting could a guy driving a BMW with presumable illegal cargo be? Well, I was wrong. It can be pretty freakin' awesome. I really enjoyed this movie as I am beginning to appreciate Jason Statham and his athletic abilities ever since "The Expendables". The fight scenes were completely amazing, so much so that I actually watched the DVD extras of the extended fight scenes WITH commentary. Incredible stunts all around with driving and fighting. Fun flick!
"Crank", 2006: The premise of this never interested me, and I should have trusted my gut. Regardless of my new found appreciation of Jason Statham, this movie was the most ridiculous I have seen in a while. The filming style seemed forced and contrived and the script was uninspired. This movie left me feeling like I wasted 87 minutes of my life. Yea...it was THAT bad.
"Serenity", 2005: As a fan of Joss Whedon as well as the Firefly series, it's strange I missed this. A great concept that should have been recognized by a wider audience and continued as a TV show. Space cowboys rock!
The following will give the movie name, the year, why I had never seen it and what I think now that I have. Thanks to friends who have insisted I watch certain films and to Lamby for letting me borrow some titles as well as the local video store (yes, we still have one in my hometown) for stocking good flicks.
"Return of the Jedi", 1983: Never really thought about it, but enjoyed the series finally being resolved. Chewie and Han are still my favorites!
"Juno", 2007: Didn't care about the subject matter, but really enjoyed it. It was quirky and thoughtful. Jason Bateman was terrific.
"No Country For old Men", 2007: Had been wanting to see this, just never was in the right mood. This movie was incredible. It was beautifully shot, interesting and terrifying. I was speechless after watching this movie. Top notch performances by ALL.
"Avatar", 2009: Wasn't interested because I didn't like the idea of mostly green screen and animation and all the hype seemed suspect. It was creative in spots, a let down in a majority and completely predictable throughout. I admit I watched the 1st hour and skimmed the last 2 hours. It was WAY too long, not as "amazing" as everyone made it out to be, not to mention, the acting was elementary, the storyline was old hat and I was bored.
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High", 1982: Another movie that never really crossed my mind. It was entertaining in that 80's movie kind of way, but what I loved about it was the seriousness of the Jennifer Jason-Leigh plot. Fun yet surprisingly deep and enjoyable.
"Back to the Future part 2", 1989: As a fan of the first, I never wanted to taint the love I had with a sequel. I thought it was clever in how they melded the first in with the second, but thought it was a little overboard. It was fun, but nothing I would want to watch again and again like the original.
"Back to the Future part 3", 1990: Again, didn't want to ruin the first by watching sequels so I never saw this one either. The old west was a good time period, but I thought the cleverness was lacking and they could have done so many other things. Destroying the Delorean time machine was painful at the end and the train time machine was ridiculous. Not the closure I was hoping for. Wished I had trusted my gut and stuck with the 1985 original.
"The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou", 2004: I assumed because it was Bill Murray that I would be annoyed so I never saw this little gem. I realized how much I dig a Wes Anderson film and that Bill Murray is actually enjoyable to watch (Zombieland helped secure that opinion of him I think). It was beautiful and witty, well casted and crazy. I fell in love with this movie.
"The Transporter", 2002: I usually don't shy away from dude movies, but how exciting could a guy driving a BMW with presumable illegal cargo be? Well, I was wrong. It can be pretty freakin' awesome. I really enjoyed this movie as I am beginning to appreciate Jason Statham and his athletic abilities ever since "The Expendables". The fight scenes were completely amazing, so much so that I actually watched the DVD extras of the extended fight scenes WITH commentary. Incredible stunts all around with driving and fighting. Fun flick!
"Crank", 2006: The premise of this never interested me, and I should have trusted my gut. Regardless of my new found appreciation of Jason Statham, this movie was the most ridiculous I have seen in a while. The filming style seemed forced and contrived and the script was uninspired. This movie left me feeling like I wasted 87 minutes of my life. Yea...it was THAT bad.
"Serenity", 2005: As a fan of Joss Whedon as well as the Firefly series, it's strange I missed this. A great concept that should have been recognized by a wider audience and continued as a TV show. Space cowboys rock!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Batman 3 Rumors
The anticipation is literally killing me. As a long-time Batman fanatic, I am so psyched for the next (and apparently last) installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman franchise. Every-so-often I find myself checking out sites for little tidbits and what I have found so far has been interesting and a little scary.
A few weeks ago I saw that IMDB was listing the character of Dick Grayson under "Untitled Batman Project". That was a bit scary, since Robin is not of any interest to me when it comes to the Batman universe. I assumed IMDB was messing with us.
Today I notice that that the character of Dick Grayson is no longer listed, but Joseph Gordon-Levitt is...as The Riddler/Edward Nigma. While I am not too thrilled that The Riddler is following so closely on the heels of The Joker, I have been talking up Joseph Gordon Levitt as one to watch for a while. Strangely, I am willing to leave this decision in the ever-competent hands of Mr. Nolan, but then again, I really have no choice.
I anxiously await another killer viral marketing campaign and more rumors to mull over. In the meantime, if you happen to stumble upon anything interesting, report back to me here at moviemegaphone!
A few weeks ago I saw that IMDB was listing the character of Dick Grayson under "Untitled Batman Project". That was a bit scary, since Robin is not of any interest to me when it comes to the Batman universe. I assumed IMDB was messing with us.
Today I notice that that the character of Dick Grayson is no longer listed, but Joseph Gordon-Levitt is...as The Riddler/Edward Nigma. While I am not too thrilled that The Riddler is following so closely on the heels of The Joker, I have been talking up Joseph Gordon Levitt as one to watch for a while. Strangely, I am willing to leave this decision in the ever-competent hands of Mr. Nolan, but then again, I really have no choice.
I anxiously await another killer viral marketing campaign and more rumors to mull over. In the meantime, if you happen to stumble upon anything interesting, report back to me here at moviemegaphone!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Summer Movie Review: The Expendables
If you are looking for a fun "Dude Movie", The Expendables is it. Chock full of action heroes from the past and present this movie delivers a violent and explosive serving of pure man movie.
The testosterone is palpable as bones crack and guns rip through bad guy flesh. The fight scenes were CRAZY and amazingly choreographed. There were some great laughs and some good performances. Mickey Rourke was perfect, Statham played well with Stallone, Dolph Lundgren was perfectly creepy and Terry Crews' quips were downright hysterical.
Stallone is definitely the product of pushing the limits of the human body (and plastic surgery), but somehow he still has that presence on screen that is respectable. He pulled together an amazing cast of kick-ass dudes and made a movie that male audiences really reacted to. Guys in the theater were actually jumping out of their seats at times. Sly's machine obviously knows what dudes want, and with sold out shows, they delivered.
A few things were disappointing considering all the other over the top stuff in the film. The CGI was sloppy and obviously not a priority. The love-interest stories were lame and insignificant. There really was no need for Charisma Carpenter, as she is only watchable when she played Cordelia Chase on Buffy. You could argue that it helped character development, but the audience just wants to see these guys blow stuff up and bash some heads. Jet Li, though funny, seemed difficult to understand at times.
I predicted that the boys will win this weekend's box office fight against the girls with "Eat, Pray, Love" and the early estimates look like I am correct. The Expendables was a crazy ride and dudes everywhere will really dig it.
MM Rating: 2 Megaphones
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Summer Movie Review: SALT
I love surprises. Actually, I REALLY love surprises, and Salt was one of those little summer movie gems that catches you off guard. I wanted to see this movie because I love Angelina Jolie and her movies of late always have over-the-top stunts and fight scenes. Little did I know that there would be an interesting plot as well.
Between awesome stunts and Angelina's signature kick-ass face (see below), there was a twisty plot-line that kept you interested. Who is Evelyn Salt? Is she a spy? Who's side is she on?
In an effort to not get too spoiler-ish, I will make this review short and sweet. The plot was interesting, Angelina was intense, the music was fitting (composed by James Newton Howard) and the visuals were as exciting and fast-paced as the story. It was a fun ride and I highly recommend you go see it.
MM Rating: 4 Megaphones
Monday, August 9, 2010
Pirates 4 Teaser: Epic Fail for Bruckheimer Machine
I had heard that there was a teaser trailer of sorts at Comic Con for the 4th installment of the Pirates franchise. My niece had also told me that it was among the previews for Toy Story 3 this summer, so I went foraging around the web and found it. What's on even stranger tides, I am not able to share it by embedding the video here. You Tube had a message that "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Jerry Bruckheimer Films." Why make it so difficult?
Talk about missing a possible viral opportunity. I am not sure I understand why Disney wouldn't want the "Jack Sparrow Recruitment Clip" out there circulating easily and creating buzz for the film. Considering it's going to be Jack-centric without the annoyances of Elizabeth and Will, it will be highly anticipated anyway, but some silly clips like this one would be smart marketing.
This link will set you on course with the teaser and behind he scenes videos of the shoot in Hawaii. Pirates 4 Teaser Etc.
Up this week: another summer movie review: "Salt".
Talk about missing a possible viral opportunity. I am not sure I understand why Disney wouldn't want the "Jack Sparrow Recruitment Clip" out there circulating easily and creating buzz for the film. Considering it's going to be Jack-centric without the annoyances of Elizabeth and Will, it will be highly anticipated anyway, but some silly clips like this one would be smart marketing.
This link will set you on course with the teaser and behind he scenes videos of the shoot in Hawaii. Pirates 4 Teaser Etc.
Up this week: another summer movie review: "Salt".
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Summer Movie Review: Inception
I suppose it's about time I got my ass in gear and wrote a review about one of the most anticipated movies of the summer: Inception. Usually within a day of seeing a movie I am ready to share my opinion, but this one took a few days for the spirit to move me.
Leonardo DiCaprio plays Tom Cobb, an "extractor" of ideas from a target's dream state. The dream state is simply achieved by injecting the target and the extraction team with a substance that immediately places them inside a dream. The dream is constructed by an "architect" and the extractors work within the dream world to keep the target unaware that they are actually stealing secrets from their mind. It's basically corporate espionage wrapped in a lucid dream. Once completed, one requires a "kick" from the administrator (one who is awake to oversee the dreaming participants). The kick usually involves the sensation of falling, to awake from the dream and adds a bit of silly to the plot.
Our leading man finds himself in a predicament: Should he take one last extremely dangerous job? Requiring the use of Inception, a rare and untested form of espionage where an idea is planted in a mind instead of stolen, he will then be free to finally return home to his children. Obviously, he chooses the Inception gig and puts together a crack team to accomplish the multi level dream scape needed to succeed. In a race to complete his assignment and discern dream from reality, Cobb's adventure doesn't seem to run as long as 148 minutes...most of the time.
There are some amazing effects, such as the exploding dream world and the manipulation of the world as the city folds over onto itself. A rotating hallway, anti-gravity and lots of uber-slow motion were used as well, sometimes ad nauseam, but I think Nolan figured he had the budget, so why not?
The cast was good, and gave me a chuckle each time a Nolan Batman alum came on the screen (Cillian Murphy, Micheal Caine, and Ken Wantanabe). Leo was typical for his characters of late and I was pleasantly surprised by Ellen Page and especially Joseph Gordon Levitt. Marion Cotillard was unsettling and haunting in her role as Mal.
The music, by Hans Zimmer, seemed like a rerun at times from his Dark Knight Score, which I was disappointed with. I understand that Hans has grown into a certain style, but the similarities were a bit distracting and made me want to come home and watch Dark Knight.
I anticipated coming out of the theater with my jaw on the ground because of how affected I was by the trailers. I felt a bit let down not to mention confounded by the buzz the movie generated. I disagree with most in the fact that it wasn't as mind-blowing as reviews have said or that I had hoped for, but it was interesting. Many have commented that it is confusing or hard to follow, and that is not the case. The dialog is important, and yes there is lots of pretty pictures to distract you, but if you pay attention you will be fine. I promise!
Inception is definitely a movie to see on a big screen as the effects will most certainly loose their luster on a small screen at home.
MM Rating: 3 Megaphones
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
HBO's True Blood: Marketing With Bite
Maybe I was a little too hard on HBO's production of the True Blood series in my last post. They may not be filming on location in Louisiana much, but there are a ton of other things they are doing better than anyone else.
From Book to TV Series: As books are made into movies or TV series, much is lost in the translation. This is not the case with True Blood. The writers have successfully packaged the main plot from the books and have added story lines that fit seamlessly. Characters like Sam, Lafayette, Jason and Tara are pivotal in the series but made very short or only sporadic appearances in the books. True Blood has definitely made these characters much more interesting than they were in print and added others who are entertaining additions to the core of Sookie, Bill and Eric. HBO has successfully taken the Charlain Harris series and improved upon it while still keeping true to the original story lines.
Keeping fans engaged: As I have said many times before, fans want to be immersed into the world of their favorite movies and TV shows. They want to be active participants, and HBO is definitely inviting us into the fictional world of Sookie and her beloved Bon Temps. Usage of social media sites like Twitter and a blog for "Baby Vamp" Jessica Hamby is keeping fans interested in engaged between episodes. Users of Twitter can subscribe to accounts for Eric Northman, Sookie, Pam, Lafayette, Tara and Jessica and interact with the characters concerning the episodes. Responses from Eric and company are written in character of course, making it more entertaining. (now that's a job I would love!) You can also view behind the scenes interviews and extras each week online at HBO.com
Merchandising: Another area HBO has done well in is merchandising. From Soundtracks to t-shirts, shot glasses to True Blood Drinks, True Blood fans can feel like they own a little piece of the fantasy world Charlaine Harris created. I personally giggle to myself when I wear my white Merlotte's Bar and Grill T-shirt (like the waitresses wear in the show) in public. It's so subtle that people's reactions are really funny. Granted, she wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but a girl who knew the HBO series asked me if it was a real place and if I actually worked there. I gave her a big smile, twitched my pony tail and told her I had just gotten of work. Later on, an entire row of concert goers yelled to me "Nice Shirt!" and toasted their beers to me as I made my way to my seat.
Perhaps I am biased because I am a fan, but it's obvious that HBO is backing the amazing writers of True Blood with well-planned marketing and merchandising. Sounds like a killer combination to me.
From Book to TV Series: As books are made into movies or TV series, much is lost in the translation. This is not the case with True Blood. The writers have successfully packaged the main plot from the books and have added story lines that fit seamlessly. Characters like Sam, Lafayette, Jason and Tara are pivotal in the series but made very short or only sporadic appearances in the books. True Blood has definitely made these characters much more interesting than they were in print and added others who are entertaining additions to the core of Sookie, Bill and Eric. HBO has successfully taken the Charlain Harris series and improved upon it while still keeping true to the original story lines.
Keeping fans engaged: As I have said many times before, fans want to be immersed into the world of their favorite movies and TV shows. They want to be active participants, and HBO is definitely inviting us into the fictional world of Sookie and her beloved Bon Temps. Usage of social media sites like Twitter and a blog for "Baby Vamp" Jessica Hamby is keeping fans interested in engaged between episodes. Users of Twitter can subscribe to accounts for Eric Northman, Sookie, Pam, Lafayette, Tara and Jessica and interact with the characters concerning the episodes. Responses from Eric and company are written in character of course, making it more entertaining. (now that's a job I would love!) You can also view behind the scenes interviews and extras each week online at HBO.com
Merchandising: Another area HBO has done well in is merchandising. From Soundtracks to t-shirts, shot glasses to True Blood Drinks, True Blood fans can feel like they own a little piece of the fantasy world Charlaine Harris created. I personally giggle to myself when I wear my white Merlotte's Bar and Grill T-shirt (like the waitresses wear in the show) in public. It's so subtle that people's reactions are really funny. Granted, she wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, but a girl who knew the HBO series asked me if it was a real place and if I actually worked there. I gave her a big smile, twitched my pony tail and told her I had just gotten of work. Later on, an entire row of concert goers yelled to me "Nice Shirt!" and toasted their beers to me as I made my way to my seat.
Perhaps I am biased because I am a fan, but it's obvious that HBO is backing the amazing writers of True Blood with well-planned marketing and merchandising. Sounds like a killer combination to me.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Emerging Trends? Movie Anniversary Celebrations & Visiting Filming Locations
I have always been a fan of visiting movie locations. Now that my generation is old enough to indulge their film fantasies, I have noticed anniversary celebrations popping up to relive the glory of a nostalgic film in it's purest form: where it was filmed.
These events bring in much needed revenue for the areas and should be capitalized on. Being a proponent of location shoots instead of green screens, I think it would be wise for the film industry to focus on filming (whenever possible) in actual locales. Not only will the locations benefit from the exposure, but merchandising opportunities and sales would thrive. Fans want to immerse themselves into their favorite films and TV shows and they are willing to spend some green for the experience.
The Twilight Saga is a perfect example of how successful this can be, whether it was the studio's intent or not. Even thought the no filming too place in Forks, WA, among other real life settings in the books, is overrun with Twilight fans spending money on mushroom ravioli and in souvenir shops. Can you imagine how much more authentic the experience if they had actually filmed in Forks?
The True Blood HBO series, based on the novels of Charlene Harris, has missed the mark since most of their principle filming is on sets in California instead of in real Louisiana towns like Shreveport. Spending the extra on location shoots would pay off, especially with a show as popular as True Blood. Helping the struggling Louisiana economy after Katrina and the recent oil spill would be a good investment for future filming.
Most recently, the 25th anniversary of "The Goonies" was held in Astoria, Oregon June 4th- 6th. Tours of the movie locations around town were given and even some of the actors participated in the festivities. All hotel rooms were booked and all of the tour bus excursions were as well. Not bad for a 25 year old movie about misfit kids on a treasure hunt, huh? This article features a run-down of the movie locations and the Washington Post has an article and a slide show of the weekend's excitement. Being a Goonie myself, I have visited Haystack Rock on the coast, which is featured in the beginning sequence of the movie. Unfortunately I have not yet visited Astoria and wished I could have made it to the anniversary celebration last weekend.
In 2007, the 20th Anniversary of "The Lost Boys" was commemorated with a showing of the movie on the beach in Santa Cruz. With members of the cast the scene was set at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park where a large portion of the movie was filmed. Having visited the boardwalk, it is still mostly the same as it was in the movie and true fans will love visiting for the authenticity of the atmosphere. This summer, the boardwalk will show the film again on June 30th with special guest Corey Feldman.
Want to find your movie Meccas? IMDB has filming locations listed on the left menu on each movie main page and I recently stumbled upon a great site for anyone who wants to incorporate visiting filming locations from their favorite movies called Worldwide Guide to Movie Locations
These events bring in much needed revenue for the areas and should be capitalized on. Being a proponent of location shoots instead of green screens, I think it would be wise for the film industry to focus on filming (whenever possible) in actual locales. Not only will the locations benefit from the exposure, but merchandising opportunities and sales would thrive. Fans want to immerse themselves into their favorite films and TV shows and they are willing to spend some green for the experience.
The Twilight Saga is a perfect example of how successful this can be, whether it was the studio's intent or not. Even thought the no filming too place in Forks, WA, among other real life settings in the books, is overrun with Twilight fans spending money on mushroom ravioli and in souvenir shops. Can you imagine how much more authentic the experience if they had actually filmed in Forks?
The True Blood HBO series, based on the novels of Charlene Harris, has missed the mark since most of their principle filming is on sets in California instead of in real Louisiana towns like Shreveport. Spending the extra on location shoots would pay off, especially with a show as popular as True Blood. Helping the struggling Louisiana economy after Katrina and the recent oil spill would be a good investment for future filming.
Most recently, the 25th anniversary of "The Goonies" was held in Astoria, Oregon June 4th- 6th. Tours of the movie locations around town were given and even some of the actors participated in the festivities. All hotel rooms were booked and all of the tour bus excursions were as well. Not bad for a 25 year old movie about misfit kids on a treasure hunt, huh? This article features a run-down of the movie locations and the Washington Post has an article and a slide show of the weekend's excitement. Being a Goonie myself, I have visited Haystack Rock on the coast, which is featured in the beginning sequence of the movie. Unfortunately I have not yet visited Astoria and wished I could have made it to the anniversary celebration last weekend.
In 2007, the 20th Anniversary of "The Lost Boys" was commemorated with a showing of the movie on the beach in Santa Cruz. With members of the cast the scene was set at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park where a large portion of the movie was filmed. Having visited the boardwalk, it is still mostly the same as it was in the movie and true fans will love visiting for the authenticity of the atmosphere. This summer, the boardwalk will show the film again on June 30th with special guest Corey Feldman.
Want to find your movie Meccas? IMDB has filming locations listed on the left menu on each movie main page and I recently stumbled upon a great site for anyone who wants to incorporate visiting filming locations from their favorite movies called Worldwide Guide to Movie Locations
Friday, May 28, 2010
Summer Movie Trailers
The summer is looking up. Here are a few films that I am looking forward to, and after you see the trailers, you will be too!
Inception
Release Date: July 16th
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Caine
Get Low
Release Date: July 30th
Director: Aaron Schneider
Starring: Bill Murray, Robert Ducall, Sissy Spacek
Eat Pray Love
Release Date: August 13th
Director: Ryan Murphy
Starring: Julia Roberts, James Franco, Billy Crudup
The Adjustment Bureau
Release Date: September 17
Director: George Nolfi
Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt
A barrage of the mysterious (including a chick flick which is unusual for me) makes this summer's viewing pool a little deeper than originally thought. Thanks to FirstShowing.net for the trailers.
Inception
Release Date: July 16th
Director: Christopher Nolan
Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Michael Caine
Get Low
Release Date: July 30th
Director: Aaron Schneider
Starring: Bill Murray, Robert Ducall, Sissy Spacek
Eat Pray Love
Release Date: August 13th
Director: Ryan Murphy
Starring: Julia Roberts, James Franco, Billy Crudup
The Adjustment Bureau
Release Date: September 17
Director: George Nolfi
Starring: Matt Damon, Emily Blunt
A barrage of the mysterious (including a chick flick which is unusual for me) makes this summer's viewing pool a little deeper than originally thought. Thanks to FirstShowing.net for the trailers.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The Perfect Movie Soundtrack: A Life's Persuit
At an early age I was obsessed with movie music, be it the score (orchestral) or soundtrack (rock/contemporary music). My first album was a soundtrack and I was always on the lookout for soundtracks in the local music stores. It was disappointing to find out that quintessential films from my youth (like Ferris Bueller's Day Off) didn't have a soundtrack. I was even more disappointed to find that some did have soundtracks but somehow left all the good tracks out.
Studios continue to miss the boat with soundtracks today, although there are more out there than there were in the early 80's. Music is important to the flow and emotion of a film as I have stated before, and it is also a great merchandising opportunity. Not only can you enjoy old favorites but you can learn of new talent through soundtracks and they can help keep your library fresh and varied.
Common mistakes made with soundtracks:
Studios continue to miss the boat with soundtracks today, although there are more out there than there were in the early 80's. Music is important to the flow and emotion of a film as I have stated before, and it is also a great merchandising opportunity. Not only can you enjoy old favorites but you can learn of new talent through soundtracks and they can help keep your library fresh and varied.
Common mistakes made with soundtracks:
- No one wants to hear songs "inspired by" the movie. If they weren't good enough to put in the movie, they aren't good enough to be on the soundtrack.
- A soundtrack composed of one band's work (such as AC/DC: Iron Man 2) is ridiculous unless it is a movie about the band.
- Just because the band is "hot" with the demographic, it doesn't mean their music fits the film.
- Soundtracks should reflect the film as a whole and should include all songs used whenever possible.
- If a song is a remake, it better be a good one because most people prefer the original.
Of course I understand that politics and money play a part in song selections for films, especially the mainstream big budget ones, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. Today you can find tons of websites dedicated to finding and naming songs used in movies and TV. I end up purchasing music and making my own soundtracks based on my movie experience. This a la carte strategy ends up serving my soundtrack needs and conveniently cuts out the middleman who don't seem to get it anyway.
Soundtracks I own that were practically perfect: The Lost Boys, Top Gun, Rain Man, The Crow, The Saint, The Wedding Singer, Sliding Doors, A Knight's Tale and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
Are there any soundtracks you own that you feel are practically perfect?
Monday, May 17, 2010
Viral Marketing and the Film Industry
Viral Marketing is a phenomenon that facilitates and encourages people to pass along a message and get involved in the marketing of a product. Although this tactic is not always a success, what Social Media Marketing strategy ever is? Social media is new and unpredictable, but can be a powerful tool if used wisely. Here are a few examples of viral marketing used in movie campaigns:
Effective Viral, Great Box Office, Annoyed Customers:
The Blair Witch Project cost about $35,000 to make and went on to gross nearly $250 million worldwide thanks to their viral marketing campaign. The website that started it all lead viewers to believe that the story of missing filmmakers was indeed a true tale. Word spread like wildfire and the movie did better than it had a right to. While this viral marketing scheme worked to make money for those invested, the film left much to be desired. Leaving the audience annoyed that they wasted time and money, word of mouth messages spread again but not in favor of the film. Obviously this letdown would not secure brand loyalty in the future.
Big Hype, No Box Office:
Snakes on a Plane was another viral marketing success in ways, but not at the box office. People got on board with the viral which included entering your phone number on the website so that Samuel L Jackson (prerecorded) would call your phone and leave a message. While funny, this didn't make me (or many other people apparently) want to go see the film. It has apparently become a popular cult-type rental in recent years as a really bad movie to laugh at with your friends, so maybe it's not a total loss.
Big Hype, HUGE Box Office, Brand Loyalty and Beyond:
The Dark Knight. Not only did the rabid fans of the Batman Universe sink their teeth into the ARG (Alternate Reality Game) elements but the public rallies for Harvey Dent's election got the attention of non-fans who bought tickets as well. The buzz for fans was off the chart and their excitement for a mainstream comic book hero delivered huge returns. Here is a good article that runs through the Dark Knight Viral Campaign elements:The Dark Knight Viral Campaign
The film industry could benefit from well-thought-out and planned viral marketing strategies. Here are a few reasons that I believe the Dark Knight was a success:
- People like to be part of the action. For fans, interacting in their favorite movie universe is the ultimate. The ARG (Alternate Reality Game) element helped further the fan experience.
- It mixed up the mediums: from online websites to real time contests and gatherings.
- Emails and phone calls from movie characters were sent out to participants which kept the momentum going and the anticipation building.
- The campaign was unlike anything anyone had ever seen before and the excitement crossed into the main stream creating strong interest and buzz in non-fan communities.
Sure, Batman was one of the most anticipated cinematic revamping of a comic book hero in recent history so it was ahead of the curve already. The trick is to make the viral marketing experience enjoyable for all fans as well as generate interest in the general public and not alienate them. The right combination and amount of viral is crucial and of course, not all movies will benefit from a viral campaign. Choosing to use or not to use comes from the basic principle of knowing your audience.
I am a firm believer that the studios would benefit from real movie lovers to consult on their marketing strategies since a thorough understanding of the product and audience is our forte. With the ever growing popularity of social media networks, viral marketing will become more important and understanding your audience's motivations and expectations is paramount. Movies are an experience for the viewer, and a well placed viral marketing strategy can place them in the middle of all the action leaving them wanting more.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Anatomy of a Movie
A movie is a living breathing organism that is born of creativity. Just as a human, there are distinct processes that make it work. This is my take on the 4 main systems of the movie, what elements must come together to make a movie good and in some cases great.
Every movie starts with an idea, a story that needs to be told. Talented writers are the backbone of any script, and a good idea can quickly become a flop is the creatives are not up to snuff. The dialog needs to engage and entertain as well as continue the story arcs.
Location, set design and costumes are the skeleton anchored to the backbone. They provide the framework for the story, the context and contribute to the mood. With the current hi-def generation, quality is of the highest importance in set dressings, location shoots and costuming. If these 3 elements fuse together without being too distracting, the foundation is set for great cinema.
Adding to this framework is the beating heart of cinematography, lighting and soundtrack. These elements can elevate a mediocre film to new heights, and conversely, can sink a movie into a forgettable abyss no matter what talent is headlining. Visual and audio cues contribute even more to the context and mood because they are the emotional keys, and can make or break a film. Finding the right balance and the right combination of visual and audio elements can bring a sense of harmony and extend a storyline subtly into the psyche of the viewer.
Finally, casting. Of course great actors are needed for a great film, but I believe the framework and heart of the movie can make even the most basic of actors look good. The actor who can pull from the elements on set can elevate their performance and sew their character into the fabric of the story seamlessly. Actors are the skin that holds the rest together. The audience is able to relate to the movie and give it a face, building buzz and selling tickets.
If you are lucky enough to have all 4 elements come together, you may have a masterpiece on your hands. If not, I would focus on the "skeleton" and "heart" be the most important features, since a weak script and mediocre actors can be made to look good by the other elements.
What films do you think used all 4 elements well? What movies may have fallen short? Get on your Movie Megaphone and let me know what you think!
Every movie starts with an idea, a story that needs to be told. Talented writers are the backbone of any script, and a good idea can quickly become a flop is the creatives are not up to snuff. The dialog needs to engage and entertain as well as continue the story arcs.
Location, set design and costumes are the skeleton anchored to the backbone. They provide the framework for the story, the context and contribute to the mood. With the current hi-def generation, quality is of the highest importance in set dressings, location shoots and costuming. If these 3 elements fuse together without being too distracting, the foundation is set for great cinema.
Adding to this framework is the beating heart of cinematography, lighting and soundtrack. These elements can elevate a mediocre film to new heights, and conversely, can sink a movie into a forgettable abyss no matter what talent is headlining. Visual and audio cues contribute even more to the context and mood because they are the emotional keys, and can make or break a film. Finding the right balance and the right combination of visual and audio elements can bring a sense of harmony and extend a storyline subtly into the psyche of the viewer.
Finally, casting. Of course great actors are needed for a great film, but I believe the framework and heart of the movie can make even the most basic of actors look good. The actor who can pull from the elements on set can elevate their performance and sew their character into the fabric of the story seamlessly. Actors are the skin that holds the rest together. The audience is able to relate to the movie and give it a face, building buzz and selling tickets.
If you are lucky enough to have all 4 elements come together, you may have a masterpiece on your hands. If not, I would focus on the "skeleton" and "heart" be the most important features, since a weak script and mediocre actors can be made to look good by the other elements.
What films do you think used all 4 elements well? What movies may have fallen short? Get on your Movie Megaphone and let me know what you think!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The Doors: When You're Strange
The Doors documentary was surprisingly aired on PBS last night. It's not available for purchase on DVD until late June.
The Doors have been a staple in my music collection, and this documentary was worth the viewing just for the film of the band behind the scenes, recording and at photo shoots. The footage of Jim Morrison from a movie he filmed in 1969 was surreal and the audio edited in at times made it even more eerie. The editing of all this footage was brilliantly done. The downside is the documentary didn't need to be 90 minutes and the audio balance of Johnny Depp's narration and the music was a bit off.
I am sure everyone was looking forward to this film exposing something more than previous films had, but maybe there is nothing more to tell. Maybe Jim's talent will forever be overshadowed by his erratic, drug induced fits. Maybe there wasn't anything mysterious about the story of "Mr. Mojo Risin". Maybe the rest of the band is content to leave things as they are and move on.
You don't need a documentary to tell you these guys were all talented, and if you listen to thir music, you can hear their story and their genius. "And when the music's over, turn out the light"
MM Rating: 2 megaphones
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
"Iron Man 2" Review
Not being a comic enthusiast, I can only comment from a novice Iron Man point of view. That said, I was excited to see this film because the first one was so entertaining.
The Plot (imbd.com): With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) faces pressure from the government, the press, and the public to share his technology with the military.
The Cast: I was a bit disappointed at what I call the clutter factor. There were too many characters, the cast cohesiveness suffered and it ran a bit long. Robert Downey Jr., however, carried the movie on charm and enthusiasm. He delivered a quick witted, laugh-too-long-and-you-will-miss-the-next-joke demeanor. Narcissistic billionaire Tony Stark is likable because the audience is allowed to see glimpses of his humanity when the masks are off.
The Music: The soundtrack was a forgettable mash of driving guitars and strings, which didn't ruin anything but didn't make anything memorable either. Not that I was expecting a wonderful score, but there wasn't anything exciting about the rock tracks either. AC/DC music all runs the same after a few songs.
The Verdict:In many ways this was a typical summer blockbuster with exciting explosions and fight scenes, and while the "clutter factor" was distracting, there ware a few underlying bright spots. It was fun and a worthwhile matinee, as some scenes were worth seeing on the big screen. Robert Downey Jr. delivers as usual.
The Heavy: Herein lies the story of a man wrestling with not only his identity but his immortality as well.
MM Rating: 3 of 5 Megaphones:
The Plot (imbd.com): With the world now aware of his dual life as the armored superhero Iron Man, billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) faces pressure from the government, the press, and the public to share his technology with the military.
The Cast: I was a bit disappointed at what I call the clutter factor. There were too many characters, the cast cohesiveness suffered and it ran a bit long. Robert Downey Jr., however, carried the movie on charm and enthusiasm. He delivered a quick witted, laugh-too-long-and-you-will-miss-the-next-joke demeanor. Narcissistic billionaire Tony Stark is likable because the audience is allowed to see glimpses of his humanity when the masks are off.
The supporting cast was not used wisely, most of the time:
- Gwyneth as Pepper Potts was the nagging girlfriend
- Don Cheadle is too good of an actor to play Jim Rhodes.
- Scarlett Johansson looked amazing but her part was far too short-lived for all the hype
- Mickey Rourke was OK, and I am afraid to say anything else...
The Music: The soundtrack was a forgettable mash of driving guitars and strings, which didn't ruin anything but didn't make anything memorable either. Not that I was expecting a wonderful score, but there wasn't anything exciting about the rock tracks either. AC/DC music all runs the same after a few songs.
The Verdict:In many ways this was a typical summer blockbuster with exciting explosions and fight scenes, and while the "clutter factor" was distracting, there ware a few underlying bright spots. It was fun and a worthwhile matinee, as some scenes were worth seeing on the big screen. Robert Downey Jr. delivers as usual.
The Heavy: Herein lies the story of a man wrestling with not only his identity but his immortality as well.
MM Rating: 3 of 5 Megaphones:
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Lights, Camera, ACTION!
Movie Megaphone is a fusion of my love of cinema and writing. What you will find here will go beyond movie reviews to bring some life and interesting discussions to the the age old art of movie watching.
I am passionate about movie soundtracks. I am passionate about set design, cinematography and location choices. I am also passionate about how movie studios choose to market their films, from trailers to merchandising and beyond.
Some topics that will be blogged here in the first weeks will be "The Anatomy of a Movie", and "Viral Marketing and the Film Industry". Movie reviews will pop up from time to time as you will see in this week's post on "Iron Man 2" and since I can't resist a movie poll, the first is up and awaiting your vote. (located on the sidebar--->)
I hope you will check back often and join the discussion here at Movie Megaphone.
I am an equal opportunity blogger and will write about mainstream or indie films regardless of genre or budget. In welcoming both praise and the occasional constructive criticism, I am merely expressing my opinion and therefore encourage thoughtful comments from my readers. ~CC
I am passionate about movie soundtracks. I am passionate about set design, cinematography and location choices. I am also passionate about how movie studios choose to market their films, from trailers to merchandising and beyond.
Some topics that will be blogged here in the first weeks will be "The Anatomy of a Movie", and "Viral Marketing and the Film Industry". Movie reviews will pop up from time to time as you will see in this week's post on "Iron Man 2" and since I can't resist a movie poll, the first is up and awaiting your vote. (located on the sidebar--->)
I hope you will check back often and join the discussion here at Movie Megaphone.
I am an equal opportunity blogger and will write about mainstream or indie films regardless of genre or budget. In welcoming both praise and the occasional constructive criticism, I am merely expressing my opinion and therefore encourage thoughtful comments from my readers. ~CC
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