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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
