Life in the Box Office

Summer Movie Overview: July

2009-05-03T11:28:00.002-05:00

July 1

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Verdict: And of course it seems the squirrel will be the funniest part of the film, but its the historical inaccuracy that is causing me to not see it.

Public Enemies

Verdict: I'm making the call now, This will be the best movie of the summer.

July 10

Bruno
Click Here
Verdict: I'll make another call, Funniest movie of the summer.

I love you, Beth Cooper

Verdict: Yea Hayden is in it, but that won't make me see it.

July 15/17

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Verdict: Looks pretty good, see it.

(500) Days of Summer

Verdict: Looks cute, and who can't help but adore Zooey?

July 24

G-Force

Verdict: Stupid. But Zach Galifinakis is in it so it should be funny to watch him.

Orphan

Verdict: Looks stupid, and kind of like a rip off of The Omen.

The Ugly Truth

Verdict: It doesn't look terrible, but it doesn't look very good.

July 31

Funny People

Verdict: Its looks really good, besides the fact that the trailer basically gives away the whole movie.

They Came from Upstairs

Verdict: The aliens will be the best part, too bad it looks just plain bad.

Summer Movies Overview: June

2009-04-29T13:50:00.002-05:00

June 5

The Hangover

Verdict: Two things: Bradley Cooper and Zach Galifinakis. SEE THIS MOVIE.

Land of the Lost

Verdict: I'm not very happy about this movie, but that doesn't change the fact that a lot of people will probably go see it. I say Skip it.

My Life in Ruins

Verdict: Mothers and girlfriends will probably drag you too see it, but it doesn't look terrible.

June 12

Imagine That

Verdict: Yea its a kids movie, and it does look better than Meet Dave, but still doesn't look watchable.

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3

Verdict: Granted its a remake, but it looks pretty good. See it.

June 19

The Proposal

Verdict: Doesn't look terrible, I wouldn't pay money to see it though.

Year One

Verdict: It's funny that even though he's a caveman Michael Cera has managed to play THE EXACT SAME CHARACTER that he has been in every other movie he's in. This movie looks like trash, skip it at all cost.

June 24/26

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Verdict: It's probably going to be a stinker, but it'll be a stinker with giant fighting robots.

My Sister's Keeper

Verdict: Interesting that a sad movie like this is coming out in the summer, if it came out in December it would make more money. Doesn't look bad though.

Summer Movies Overview: May

2009-04-27T16:27:00.002-05:00

May 1st

Battle for Terra

Verdict: Doesn't look bad, see it.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past

Veridct: Skip it, unless you're forced to see it.

X-men Origins: Wolverine

VERDICT: Don't let this trailer fool you, fans of the comics will be highly disappointed in this movie. Skip it.

May 7/8

Star Trek

VERDICT: It doesn't look that bad to me. See it.

Next Day Air

Verdict: This actually looks really good to me, see it.

May 15

Angels & Demons

VERDICT: If its half as good as The Da Vinci Code, it'll at least be watchable. See it.

May 21/22

Terminator Salvation

Verdict: Though I am not happy about this movie, I will still see it.

Dance Flick

VERDICT: Never. Not in a million years.

Night at the Museum 2

Veridct: No thank you

May 29

The Brothers Bloom

Verdict: Doesn't look terrible, But I'd still wait til DVD.

Drag me to Hell

Verdict: See it! Even though I detest PG13 horror films, Sam Raimi can do no wrong in the genre.

UP

VERDICT: SEE IT

4/24 Releases

2009-04-23T18:44:00.002-05:00

This is a dull weekend for new releases.

Fighting - More fighting movies made for the teenage audience, throw in just a pinch of philosophy and the kids will be calling it the next Fight Club, like they did for the horrendous Never Back Down (in my home town kids did at least)
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Obsessed - I think basically every year there is an unofficial remake of Fatal Attraction, this year it's called Obsessed. Save yourself the trouble and just rent F.A., I can guarantee it will be a lot better.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

The Soloist - The fact that this movie continues to be pushed back in its release date tells me something, it probably isn't any good. While I wasn't impressed with the trailer when it said it was coming out in November, I REALLY wasn't impressed when I saw the same re-hashed trailer but with April at the end of it. Granted I like Jamie Foxx and RDJ, but this looks like a waste of time.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

I would suggest that if you really want something to do this weekend, I'd go see Crank 2 or rent The Wrestler.

4/21 DVDs

2009-04-20T14:27:00.002-05:00

It seems that as the month has gone on, it started strong with DVDs got very weak there in the middle and has picked itself back up here in the last stretch (though I'll warn you next week isn't looking so hot).

Frost/Nixon - A very good movie, phenomenal performances from the cast. If you haven't seen this movie its definitely worth the rental, and if you have seen it buy it to show your friends.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Notorious - I didn't see the film, but frankly I wanted to. I hope to get to see it soon, and if you already know you won't like it then don't bother talking about it.
VERDICT: RENT IT

The Wrestler - Buy This. Its awesome. It was my #3 pick for 2008, and that should hold some ground if you've been following this far.
VERDICT: BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT

4/17 Releases

2009-04-17T13:28:00.002-05:00

17 Again - While I made the call several weeks ago that soon Zach Effron would make the leap into action films (and he will with the recently announced Johnny Quest movie), hopefully this will be the last of these types of movies we see him in.
VERDICT: SKIP IT ANYWAY.

CRANK High Voltage - Fans of the first shouldn't be disappointed with this installment, just go into the theater leaving your thoughts of reality at the door.
VERDICT: SEE IT, if you're a fan

State of Play - This is my pick of the week. If you can only see one movie this weekend, let it be this. Russel Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams, and Jason Bateman star. Say what you want about Affleck but I like him.
VERDICT: SEE IT!

4/10 Theatrical Releases

2009-04-09T11:58:00.003-05:00

We finally have what looks like a winner coming out in theaters, along with two more stinkers we can add to the list of "2009 isn't going so well".

Dragonball Evolution - We all (those of us that watched the show as children) got a little bit excited when we heard about this movie. Then we saw the trailer, and we got very upset. Then the movie leaked on the internet and anyone that wanted to see it saw it. This movie is going to tank hard at the box office, and it deserves it.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Hannah Montana The Movie : Never.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Observe and Report - Did Paul Blart look too family oriented for you? Not enough Seth Rogen in it? Fret not! This is the movie you've been looking for. Now we can see the darker side of the mall cop movie, with a humor style that will appeal more to our college sensabilites.
VERDICT: SEE IT

4/7 DVDs

2009-04-06T18:18:00.002-05:00

Bedtime Stories - Russell Brand AND Adam Sandler? NO THANK YOU.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

The Day the Earth Stood Still - Not as terrible as I thought it would be, though it still has nothing on the original, and its probably not worth a purchase at this stage at least.
VERDICT: RENT IT

The Tale of Despereaux - Though I have not seen the movie it looks to be the most promising of the releases this week. A B list cast but an animated movie can overcome that.
VERDICT: RENT IT

Yes Man - I like Jim Carrey but this looks awful.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

4/3 Theatrical Releases

2009-04-02T15:18:00.003-05:00

Two movies this week, again I ask though: Are they worth your time?

Fast and Furious - Do we SERIOUSLY need another one of these movies? Terrible movie looks terrible. You are a fool if you pay money to see this.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Adventureland - Though it seems Greg Mottola has a knack for making the same movie again, it appears this one may be a winner. After making Superbad you'd think Mottola would want to make a movie that was about as far away from a Coming-of-age-Teen comedy as he could, but he made another one anyway. Seems like he knows what he's doing though.
VERDICT: SEE IT.

3/31 DVD Releases

2009-03-30T15:19:00.002-05:00

Three releases tomorrow, but are any worth your time?

Marley & Me - The Owen Wilson-Dog comedy comes out tomorrow, and though i didn't see it nothing about the trailers makes me want to.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Seven Pounds - Will Smith is a great actor, I also haven't seen this one, but it doesn't look terrible. Plus none of my friends that saw it had anything bad to say.
VERDICT: RENT IT

Slumdog Millionaire - Though I don't think the movie was quite as good as everyone else does, it is still worth watching at least once.
VERDICT: RENT IT

3/27 Theatrical Releases

2009-03-26T14:40:00.002-05:00

Three movies this weekend, and only one looks to be a winner.

12 Rounds - I was impressed by the previous works of the director/producer of this movie when they first showed them at the beginning of the trailer (Die Hard 2 and Speed). But then I saw the trailer. Man does this look bad. Like 88 Minutes meets Untraceable to me.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

The Haunting in Connecticut - If this wasn't rated PG-13 it could be about 6 kinds of awesome. But it is, so it wont be.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Monsters vs Aliens - Dreamworks has a good track record on their movies, so there is no way that this will be bad. The only problem is YES its a kids movie, so if I end up seeing it it wont be til a late show.
VERDICT: WATCH IT

Where the Wild Things Are Trailer

2009-03-25T20:13:00.001-05:00

http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/wherethewildthingsare/

WATCH and be AMAZED

3/24 DVDs

2009-03-23T18:36:00.002-05:00

While Twilight came out on Saturday, and we can all guess what my verdict would have been on that. Only 2 new releases come out tomorrow.

Bolt - I didn't see the movie, but it honestly can't be terrible.
VERDICT: RENT IT

Quantum of Solace - Though I will not be buying it, and was marginally disappointed in it. There are a lot of you out there that will buy it because you're Craig fans (which I'm not).
VERDICT: SKIP IT

3/13 Release Dates

2009-03-12T13:49:00.002-05:00

This is a big weekend man. Spring Break starts and THREE new movies come out into theaters.

They are:

Last House on The Left - The Remake train continues and it's finally stopped at something that NEEDED remaking. While I enjoy the original Last House, man does it have problems. If I was going to watch any of the three that come out this weekend it would be this one.

Miss March - I LOVE Whitest Kids You Know. So when I found out that two of them were making a movie, I was very excited. Then I saw the trailer, and I cried a little bit inside. This movie looks like six different kinds of terrible. Skip it at all costs.

Race to Witch Mountain - The Remake train is pulling overtime this weekend, but this remake didn't need to be made. Skip.

We can officially dub this weekend, "If you Haven't seen Watchmen at least once, then don't see any new releases" weekend.

3/10 DVD releases

2009-03-09T13:33:00.002-05:00

Lots of good titles are coming out tomorrow, i hope you saved up.

Cadillac Records- Though I never saw the movie, and don't intend to, a lot of people I know that saw it did like it. So if you want to see it:
VERDICT: RENT IT

Happy-Go-Lucky - Again, I never saw it, but it did get a lot of noms durign the award season so it should be worth a viewing.
VERDICT: RENT IT

Let the Right One In - One of my favorite films of 2008 is being released, and it gets designated as my Pick of the Week, ONLY because it wasn't in near as many theaters as Milk was.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Milk - My favorite of 2008, and a must see for all people. I don't care if you hate homosexuals, you still need to watch the movie.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Rachel Getting Married - Another movie I didn't see that got a lot of noms during award season.
VERDICT: RENT IT

Role Models - I never saw it and it looked a little entertaining, definitely not worth spending $20 on though.
VERDICT: RENT IT

Synedoche, New York - Charlie Kaufman + Phillip Seymour Hoffman, is an equation you cannot go wrong with. I plan on watching this very soon.
VERDICT: RENT IT

Transporter 3 -Being a fan of Luc Besson and the first Transporter film I am obligated to watch this in the future, though if you're not a fan you won't like this.
VERDICT: RENT IT

It's finally here

2009-03-05T13:24:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow is a day I've been looking forward to for about four years. GASP! Someone that read Watchmen BEFORE they saw the trailer with The Dark Knight!? Like I said, about 4 years before The Dark Knight even came out.

I'm very excited about the film, even though I am well aware of all the changes made. Though I'm not happy about a lot of them, I'll deal with it because ITS STILL WATCHMEN.

For those of you that have never read the book, and still don't know what its about, here's a very brief summary:

There were superheroes in America for many years, then in 1977 heroes were outlawed. Now in 1985 one of the former heroes is killed, and the other former heroes want to find out why (well one of them at least).

Keep in mind the movie takes place in 1985 and it is an ALTERNATE timeline, IE: Richard Nixon is still President and he's in his 5th term in office.

I'm looking forward to the movie, and I suggest you see it too.

Getting DVDs for Cheap Part 2

2009-03-04T20:21:00.002-06:00

Continuing my series on getting DVDs for cheap I bring you another place to get them at good prices (sometimes).

Book Stores

If you can find a book store, like the Barnes and Noble here in Tuscaloosa, they have some good deals from time to time.

I say time to time because 90% of their DVDs are more overpriced than UA Tuition.

But like now they have two GIANT sections of DVDs for either $4.99 and $9.99. With a LOT of good titles. Like I was in there the other day and got Barton Fink, Miller's Crossing, The Devil's Backbone and Vanishing Point for $10 each.

You've got to keep an open eye though for some of their deals. Like I managed to get the entire series of Firefly on sale for I think $30, though it was regularly priced at $45 or $50.

Don't be afraid to look in the movie section of the book store the next time you're in there, you might find something worth buying.

If you're going to write a movie review....

2009-03-03T12:59:00.002-06:00

...for something like a newspaper or a website that gets read by a lot of people, even if it's not read by a lot of people.

And what you're reviewing is based on another source (a book, a comic, an older movie), you should NOT mention the source material.

You're not writing a compare and contrast of the source and the adaptation.

You're not reviewing the source material.

You ARE reviewing the adaptation.

Though its okay for you personally to not like something because it isn't like the source material, its not okay to be "Reviewing" the adaptation and say it isn't good/or you were disappointed because its nothing like the source.

Like the Thomas Harris novel Hannibal and the film Hannibal. While the movie is very close to the book, there are still A LOT of differences. But if I was writing a review for it I wouldn't mention the book (except for maybe how it is in fact based on a book), nor (in my personal opinion) it's superiority. I would talk about the movie, what worked, what didn't work, and how much I enjoyed it, because I do.

Or The H.G. Well's novel The War of the Worlds, and the Steven Spielberg movie War of the Worlds. I LOVE The War of the Worlds novel, and despise the Spielberg movie (my hatred for Spielberg aside). If I was going to write a review for the Spielberg movie I wouldn't even have to mention the differences from it and the novel to talk about how much I think its awful/hate/loathe/have disdain for it.

3/3 DVD Releases

2009-03-02T13:26:00.002-06:00

Ace Ventura Jr: Pet Detective - Seriously?
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Australia - I never saw this movie, and don't know anyone that did. Though I don't think it looks that appealing, to you it might.
VERDICT: RENT IT, if you're interested

Beverly Hills Chihuahua - Trust me, you don't want to see this.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Kind of a lame week for releases if you ask me.

How to get DVDs for cheap

2009-02-26T16:04:00.002-06:00

I'm going to take a break from my usual Thursday blog to start the first of many in a series on buying DVDs for cheap.

Ever wanted to start a great DVD collection? Or already have a good collection and want to make it bigger and better? Then look no further than this How to guide. Each week I'll be going through one to two places that you can look to buy DVDs.

Things to consider first while shopping:

*Do NOT be ashsamed to buy "Previously Viewed" or Used DVDs from stores. Its better to pay 1/3 the price and have a 100% store gurantee that it works than pay the full price.

*If it's a TV series you're looking for don't be afraid to buy different seasons at different stores. (Thats how I was able to get the entire series of Buffy the Vampire Slayer for $60, a $180 dollar value)

*Get the club card. Places like FYE and Suncoast have member cards that run from $20 to $25 and get you 10% off.

WAL-MART

While it pains me to actually tell people to buy formthing from wal-mart, it is still a good place to find a great deal on movies.

Wal-mart has 2 for $10 bins, that typically have decent to great titles in them ( at the expense of the special features but you're still getting the actualy feature). Wal-mart also carries a lot of NEW DVDs for in between $10 and $15. They also have new releases for about $10 sometimes too(typically just indies though).

Target

Target has great prices on DVDs, especially TV seasons.

I was in Target recently and they have a lot of TV shows with the first two seasons bundled to gether for $20 a piece.

The DVDs are also very moderatley priced, this store should always be considered if you're on a movie shopping spree.

By using all of these tips that I've learned over the years I've had the money to buy all the movies I wanted and still have enough left over to do other things.

This Friday.

2009-02-25T22:53:00.002-06:00

The only new release coming out this Friday is the Street Fighter movie, and I don't know anyone (even street fighter fans) that want to see it.

HOWEVER

The Wrestler is opening at the Cobb here in Tuscaloosa, and I encourage all of you to go and see it.

2/24 DVD Releases

2009-02-23T14:56:00.002-06:00

The shortest list for this month easily.

The Haunting of Molly Hartley - Words cannot express how terrible this movie is.
VERDICT: SKIP IT, destroy it if your friend buys it

Sex Drive - I never saw the movie, but it does look pretty funny.
VERDICT: RENT IT

And I do think it goes without saying how displeased I was that Slumdog swept the Oscars.

Appatow's Funny People

2009-02-20T16:41:00.003-06:00

Now I think Judd Appatow has delivered some of the better comedy movies of recent years to the screen, and I think he'll do it again this summer.

You can view the trailer here.

My ONLY complaint is that like a lot of trailers it seems to give away far too much.

But this movie gets good props because:

It's not Sandler's typical role (by that I mean stupid)
It uses a song by The Postal Service in the trailer
I like Seth Rogan/Appatow

2/20 Theatrical Releases

2009-02-19T13:07:00.002-06:00

Only two new movies this week, to some people it means no trip to the theater at all (at least not to see a new movie).

Fired Up - There are really only so many ways that you can change the plot to the "Teenage Boys want to have Sex" genre, though this one is trying its hardest. This movie will be garbage.

Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail - Having never seen a Tyler Perry movie or play before, though not new to the idea of what they are, this movie looks promising. Coming from a town very densely populated with Tyler Perry's typical demographic, I'm quite certain I could understand all the jokes.

If you want my pick for a new movie to see, I'd go with Madea, but if you haven't seen Friday the 13th, I'd go with that first.

Haiku Review warrants Haiku reply

2009-02-18T12:55:00.004-06:00

In case you haven't read the Crimson White's Friday the 13th Haiku review, here it is.

Crimson White reviews
Summarize the plots too much
Even in poems

Slasher movies rule
Nudity is required
Jason did "rape" them

The deaths were awesome
Did we see the same movie?
Flaming sleeping bag

The crowd applauded
When I saw it at midnight
That includes me too

I love horror films
Don't review what you won't like
It throws people off

Oscar Predictions

2009-02-17T14:03:00.003-06:00

With the Academy Awards Sunday I thought I'd go ahead and make a few predictions.

If a title appears in BOLD it is what I would like to see win.

If a title appears in ITALICS it is what I think is going to win.

BEST MOTION PICTURE OF THE YEAR
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
(Paramount and Warner Bros.) A Kennedy/Marshall Production; Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
"Frost/Nixon"
(Universal) A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment
and Working Title Production; Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
"Milk"
(Focus Features) A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production; Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
"The Reader"
(The Weinstein Company) A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production; Nominees to be determined
"Slumdog Millionaire"
(Fox Searchlight) A Celador Films Production; Christian Colson, Producer

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE
Richard Jenkins in "The Visitor" (Overture Films)
Frank Langella in "Frost/Nixon" (Universal)
Sean Penn in "Milk" (Focus Features)
Brad Pitt in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Mickey Rourke in "The Wrestler" (Fox Searchlight)

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Josh Brolin in "Milk" (Focus Features)
Robert Downey Jr. in "Tropic Thunder" (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
Philip Seymour Hoffman in "Doubt" (Miramax)
Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight" (Warner Bros.)
Michael Shannon in "Revolutionary Road" (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Anne Hathaway in "Rachel Getting Married" (Sony Pictures Classics)
Angelina Jolie in "Changeling" (Universal)
Melissa Leo in "Frozen River" (Sony Pictures Classics)
Meryl Streep in "Doubt" (Miramax)
Kate Winslet in "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company)

PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
Amy Adams in "Doubt" (Miramax)
Penélope Cruz in "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (The Weinstein Company)
Viola Davis in "Doubt" (Miramax)
Taraji P. Henson in "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Marisa Tomei in "The Wrestler" (Fox Searchlight)

ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTING
Danny Boyle for "Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight)
Stephen Daldry for "The Reader" (The Weinstein Company)
David Fincher for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Ron Howard for "Frost/Nixon" (Universal)
Gus Van Sant for "Milk" (Focus Features)

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
(Paramount and Warner Bros.) Screenplay by Eric Roth; Screen story by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord
"Doubt" (Miramax) Written by John Patrick Shanley
"Frost/Nixon" (Universal) Screenplay by Peter Morgan
"The Reader" (The Weinstein Company) Screenplay by David Hare
"Slumdog Millionaire" (Fox Searchlight) Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
"Frozen River" (Sony Pictures Classics); Written by Courtney Hunt
"Happy-Go-Lucky" (Miramax); Written by Mike Leigh
"In Bruges" (Focus Features); Written by Martin McDonagh
"Milk" (Focus Features); Written by Dustin Lance Black
"WALL-E" (Walt Disney); Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon; Original story by Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE FILM OF THE YEAR
"Bolt" (Walt Disney) Chris Williams and Byron Howard
"Kung Fu Panda" (DreamWorks Animation, Distributed by Paramount) John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
"WALL-E" (Walt Disney) Andrew Stanton

2/16 DVD Releases

2009-02-16T11:20:00.003-06:00

Body of Lies - I hate to say it, but Ridley Scott has lost his touch. After the boringboringboringboring looooooooooong American Gangster, which could have been really amazing, then this. It's easily confirmed.
VERDICT: RENT IT, if you must

Changeling - Though I have no interest in seeing the movie, a lot of people really seemed to like it. So it should go on your rent list if anything.
VERDICT: RENT IT.

Flash of Genius - No thanks.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

High School Musical 3: Senior Year - If you buy this, and you're a UA student, we need to talk.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People - Simon Pegg is one of the best comic actors we have around now a days, and though I missed this one in the theater I would still like to see it.
VERDICT: RENT IT

The Midnight Meat Train - [Insert your own dirty joke here]. This Clive Barker horror movie was seen by very few, because it was treated like garabge by Lion's Gate, but this is definetly on my buy list.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Quarantine - I didn't like [REC] (the original movie), so I didn't see this since its essentially a shot for shot remake but in english. Like Slumdog Millionaire, I don't think its nearly as good as so many people claim it is.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Religulous - If you recall this was number 15 on my top 15 of 2008. Its a must see.
VERDICT: BUY IT

It's official, Joaquin Phoenix is compeltely insane.

2009-02-12T16:34:00.002-06:00

The rumors are: A. He's under the influence.

B. It's all a facade.

He says he's going to be a hip-hop artist, and the murmurs across the internet are that its all fake, and that this currently in production documentary about him is supposed to be a mocumentary in the style of Borat.

Who cares, I'm still smiling at the thought of this interview.

2/13 Theatrical Releases

2009-02-11T23:51:00.002-06:00

It will be a merry weekend at the multiplex this weekend, bodies and shopping and violence!

Confessions of a Shopaholic - Though the movie doesn't appear to be much different from your conventional RomCom, the leading lady Isla Fisher is a favorite of mine. The movie will surely attract the couples, but will probably not be memorable at all.

The International - Clive Owen is also a favorite of mine, though the movie does seem to take itself too seriously and may end up chocking itself because of it. It could be an enjoyable ride.

Now what I will be seeing this weekend

Friday the 13th - Say whatever you want about the series or what you think about the movies, but I am a horror movie fan and I love to see teenagers get hacked up by masked men. That's not as creepy as it sounds. Friday the 13th will hopefully be as fun as some of the remakes of recent have been and I'm hoping to have a lot of fun while watching it.

Trailer's and posters galore

2009-02-11T14:58:00.003-06:00

Just a look into the trailers that have been released recently, and posters for the even further out films, and my thoughts.

Inglorious Basterds

I want to congratulate Tarantino on what looks to be possibly his most mature work to date (because honestly how many pop culture references can you put in a WW2 movie?). Basterds looks to be one of the most entertaining war films in a long time, and it doesn't hurt that its got a great cast.

Angels & Demons

Man this looks like quite the movie. Though I haven't read the books I did find the film The Da Vinci Code to be very entertaining, and the sequel/prequel looks to have upped the ante.

The Lase House on the Left

Trailer

Being a fan of the original I can't help but feel contempt for this movie. They seem to have dumbed down the movie for the poster, and they practically give away the entire film in the trailer. I'll go see it, but there will be no promises of enjoying it.

Tarantino's Inglourious Basterds trailer tonight

2009-02-10T13:09:00.002-06:00

Those of us that love QT will be happy to know that the trailer for his new Movie Inglorious Basterds will premiere tonight on Entertainment Tonight, and will probably be online within ten minutes.

LUCKILY: You can see a sneek peek at it online right now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KDH6DOLpJ0&fmt=22

For those of you that don't like QT, yes you're entitled to your own opinion, just don't share it with me.

2/10 DVD Releases

2009-02-09T15:05:00.002-06:00

It seems as 2009 continues the length of the DVD releases lists keeps getting longer.

Back to the Future (Parts 1-3) Special Edition - While I'm not fully aware if they will be bundled together in some way, but yes the Back to the Future series is being re-released on dvd in the "Special Edition" format. What is so special about it I don't know, but if you already own them I'd stick with what you got.
VERDICT: SKIP IT, if you already own it.

Blindness - While I haven't seen the movie, and don't really plan on it. It could be worth a viewing.
VERDICT: RENT IT, maybe.

Miracle at St. Anna - There was so much buzz about this movie before it came out, and then when it did no one talked about. I really have no idea what to think. So it's definitely a renter.
VERDICT: RENT IT

My Name is Bruce - Being an Evil Dead/Bruce Campbell fan, this is a must see for me.
VERDICT: RENT IT, if you're a fan.

Nights in Rodanthe - We've all seen this movie before. Sorry Richard.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Soul Men - If you've been following my blogs since the beginning you'll know that I didn't recommend seeing this in theater, and I don't plan on seeing it on video.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

W. - A very good film about our recent ex-president. Conservatives should know that the movie doesn't go out of its way to make fun of Bush, it really makes you feel bad for him in the long run. This is a movie that can be enjoyed by people of any political affiliation.
VERDICT: BUY IT

What Just Happened - I haven't seen this movie, but Robert De Niro playing a producer and Bruce Willis playing a bearded and overweight Bruce Willis seems to be a product for good laughs.
VERDICT: RENT IT

2/5 Theatrical Releases

2009-02-05T14:39:00.002-06:00

Four new releases this week an surprisingly three of them don't look THAT bad.

Coraline - This is my pick of the week. Coraline is brought to us from the mastermind behind Nightmare Before Christmas, and it looks to be just as good. The story could be better than Nightmare, but that's because I put Neil Gaiman's writing ability above Tim Burtons (by a large margin). Plus the movie is in 3-d, and if that holds up, it could prove to be a very entertaining movie.

He's Just not that into You - The movie doesn't look that bad. Granted I'm curious how they're going to be able to weave all of these A-listers stories together. I'll watch almost anything with Ben Affleck and Scarlett Johansson, so this movie shows promise.

Push - I don't think the movie looks quite as aqful as everyone says "X-men ripoff" is what I keep hearing, but honestly how can you make a movie about people with super powers and not get compated to something like that before. If we're going to use that logic then we're going to have to call things like Heroes and Sky High x-men ripoffs.

The Pink Panther 2 - The only thing that could redeem this movie is Jean Reno, and as much as I hate to admit it I don't even think the Professional can save this movie.

My Beef with: Movie Critics

2009-02-04T14:50:00.002-06:00

BLOGGER'S NOTE: After last week when you read my complaints about Slumdog Millionaire I decided a new weekly blog was born, the "My Beef With" (essentially the opposite of the "In Defense of" blogs that are sprouting on the CW Blogs.

I really don't like movie critics. I don't enjoy reading reviews (hence why I've yet to post any here on my blog). I think that people put to much faith in movie critics, and don't spend enough of their own time formulating opinions for themselves.

Movie critics do quite a few things that I do not like. The bulk of which can be summed up in that critics manipulate people into only watching what they deem good. However I will take the time to list here all of the reasons.

Number 1
Most Critics judge some movies by the wrong criteria

Movies that everyone knows will not be "Oscar Worthy", critics judge as if it's supposed to be the next Citizen Kane. We all know that there are some movies out there that are not made to be awarded with the golden statue. These movies are for pure entertainment. Mind-numbing, jaw dropping entertainment. Plain. And. Simple. Critics are apparently unaware of this as they repetitively give films like Punisher: War Zone and The Devil's Rejects bad reviews, when these movies didn't set out to win awards, they set out to entertain us.

Number 2
Most Critics are biased against certain genres

We're all aware I love horror films, and we all know that critics do not love horror films. The horror community can tell you what makes a bad horror movie, critics cannot. Like it's the general consensus of most horror websites that The Strangers was one of the better horror films of 2008; however, if you were to look for "regular" critics consensus of the film is that: "The Strangers provides a few scares, but offers little else to distinguish itself from other slasher films." *Taken from Rottentomatoes.com*. Now before I go on a tangent, let me just point out if you weren't aware that this does contradict what the horror fans think.

Number 3
Most critics use stupid jokes and puns in their articles

You've all read them. It's like when a review says things like "Put simply, it’s all lube and no spunk." (about Zach & Miri make a Porno), "Saw V is dead on the table. ", and "On reflection, Mirrors may have been better going straight to the DVD shelf. ".

You get the point. There are better examples out there, but I'm far too lazy to dig for them.

Number 4
When critics summarize the film

Sorry Crimson White, but you do this a lot, and it is infuriating to me. People read reviews to see what you thought of the movie, not to know what the movie is about.

Number 5
When they say "I'm a critic, I see movies so you don't have to"

Thats rediculous. Everyone needs to form their own opinions. Taking someone else's opinion and pretending its yours is one of the dumbest things I've ever heard.

Why nothing Robert Rodriguez says can be trusted:

2009-02-03T17:29:00.002-06:00

I love Robert Rodriguez. Planet Terror, The Faculty, The Mexico Trilogy, Sin City, and From Dusk 'til Dawn are phenomenal movies. Rodriguez has started to dig himself into a hole though.

The man has gone on the record to several sources talking about upcoming projects. Things that he claims to be writing/directing, and says to have out within 6 - 18 months include: Sin City 2, Shorts, Machete, and Nerveracker. Not to mention the fact that he's supposed to be producing the Red Sonja remake at the same time.

Now you have all of these things he says should be out relatively soon, but don't forget to mention all the rumored projects he's supposedly signed on for with studios, these include: The Jetsons (Live Action), Barbarella remake and a remake/reboot of the Predator franchise.

There's no way that he can pull ALL of this off in two years, and he shouldn't be announcing all of these projects he's going to do if he's not going to deliver. Granted yes he probably will deliver but not at least for four to seven years. So if you hear about something Robert Rodriguez says he's doing, don't believe it til you see a trailer.

2/3 DVD Releases

2009-02-02T13:12:00.002-06:00

Back again with another look at this weeks DVD releases. This week is filled with lots of definites. Definitely get it or definitely skip it. As well as a few, I'm not sures.

Friday the 13th, Part 1/2/3, unrated-deluxe editions - The first three in the series are being rereleased in their uncut formats, a definite buy for fans of the series.
VERDICT: BUY IT

His Name was Jason - Slasher fans and fans of 'behind the scenes docus' should definitely put this on their list. 30 years of everyone's favorite hockey masked killer. I'm there.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist - Granted I haven't seen the movie, but here's my call. If you take the least interesting person from Superbad and the least interesting person from Charlie Bartlett, you get this movie. More than likely it'll be the least interesting movie of their careers.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

The Secret life of Bees - I have not seen this movie. I have no idea what to tell you. If you've heard of it and liked it, reccomend it to a friend.
VERDICT: NO IDEA

Space Buddies - Disney movie about dogs in space, heh.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Zach and Miri Make a Porno - Don't let the title fool you, this movie does have a lot of heart at it's core. A funny movie and a delight to watch. Thank you Kevin Smith. Zach and Miri is my pick of the week.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Thats all for 2/3; however, on 2/6 Madagascar 2 will be released on DVD, and though I haven't seen it, if it follows the same formula the first one did: The penguins will be the only funny part.

1/30 Theatrical Releases

2009-01-29T14:28:00.002-06:00

New Releases

New in Town - Renee Zellweger has run her course in Hollywood, the best thing for her to do would be to quit acting and start something new, like painting.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Taken - Though the film has been out in Europe for almost a year, the movie still looks great. Luc Besson is incapable of making movies that aren't enjoyable.
VERDICT: SEE IT

The Uninvited - pg-13 remake of an Asian (South Korean specifically) horror film. No Thank You.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Now these are the only films being released this week that are NEW. However, the Cobb theater here in Tuscaloosa is getting some more films that are definitely worth your time.

The movies in question are: Milk, Slumdog Millionaire, and Doubt.

As you know, Milk is my favorite film of 2008, Doubt was also in the top 10 and Slumdog was on Honorable Mention. Though apparently if you're everyone else besides me and Penn Jillette you're going to love Slumdog Millionaire.

So all of you should just show up at the Cobb in the afternoon and see Milk, Doubt, Slumdog and Taken. Sure it'll cost a lot of money, but man will it be worth it.

My beef with Slumdog Millionaire

2009-01-28T15:20:00.002-06:00

Let me start by saying if you haven't seen Slumdog Millionaire, and plan on it, then do not read this.

I'm very puzzled at why people like this movie so much. I've watched the Golden Globes and SAG awards and this movie has SWEPT both of them, in a sense that its nominated for a lot and it wins several. This movie is also getting incredible Oscar buzz, buzz speculations that say the movie is a surefire to win Best Picture and that the other nominations need not even prepare a speech.

After seeing the movie, I don't understand how people can like the film THAT much. Granted its a good movie, story isn't that bad, music and acting is top notch, but I have my complaints. The idea of the film you know is that the main character is on the Indian equivalent of Who Wants to be A Millionaire?, and it shows how events in his life led him to know the answer to the questions he's being asked.

If you haven't seen the film the movie starts out with this question:

Jamal Malik is one question away from winning 20 million rupees. How did he do it?

a. He cheated
b. He's lucky
c. He's a genius
d. It is written

And naturally at the end of the film it is revealed that D is the "correct" answer.

Personally, I don't buy that. It's like the quote from The Matrix, when Neo is asked Do you believe in Fate? He says No, because I don't like the idea that I'm not in control of my life. This is my first really big complaint about the film.

My second complaint is to the effect of this: So when a poor kid from the slums is on a show like this, and he gets all of the questions right, by the logic of the police and host of the show: He's cheated. This is of course the basis for the film.

My complaint about this aspect of the movie, why CAN'T a person know these things? Why is the only solution to them: he cheated? Granted it is implied since he is poor, essentially he can't know things.

It's like what Penn Jillette expresses in his youtube vlog account pennsays: If the film had been changed from an Indian kid in the slums to an African American child from Harlem who won Who Wants to be a Millionaire and they had to explain it due to some poverty ridden experience in his life cause he can't just KNOW the answers. I think the same people that are loving this movie might find it a little bit offensive.

Those are my complaints, look at the film how you want, but I have to disagree with all the praise it gets, and now you know why.

Talks of The Dark Knight sequel

2009-01-27T13:16:00.002-06:00

We're all pretty well aware of the rumors that started circulating around Christmas, The Dark Knight was getting a sequel set to come out in 2010 with Eddie Murphy as The Riddler and Shia Lebeouf as Robin. Since this news was being reported by the British equivalent of the National Enquirer, most of us internet dwellers knew it to be false, but americans ATE IT UP.

Now I think most people are pretty well aware of these being simple terrible rumors with no truth to them. But now there are more talks about the, inevitable, sequel. The internet got wind a few days ago of Batman Begins and The Dark Knight Exectuive Producer Michael Uslan saying he'd signed on to executive produce The Dark Knight's sequel. He claims they're preparing for a 2011 release date, and when asked about the villains and love interest said "If I told you, I'd have to kill you."

My Analysis: Yes he probably did sign on to produce the film, but that talk of villains and love interest is just telling people what they want to hear. Him coming out and saying this while we have no word of wether Christopher Nolan is on board or not PROVES that WB will make the sequel with or without him, if you think they won't you really don't understand how these studios work.

Nolan has gone on to say, some of them while Batman Begins was in production, that there is a set of rules he has about his Batman films. 1. They'll be heavily rooted into reality. Meaning they'll try to feel as realistic as possible, and none of the villains that are 'supernatual' will make appearances. 2. Robin WILL NEVER appear in one of his films. Nolan's words are that Batman is just getting started out, he doesn't need a sidekick to help him fight crime. 3. He doesn't know if he wants to do a sequel to The Dark Knight.

Fans of The Dark Knight, that have no true understanding of the source material, continue to say if there is a sequel the Joker should not be recast, out of respect to the late Heath Ledger.

You can't do that.

Heath Ledger is not as important to The Joker, as The Joker is to Batman. If you paid attention when you watched The Dark Knight to the interogation scene you would know that. Re-casting the Joker MUST be done. The character is TOO important. It would be like making Return of the Jedi without Darth Vader, or Pirates of the Carribean 3 without Barbosa, or Aliens without any Aiens!

People will talk all they want about who they think should be cast as the villains in the film. I've heard Phillip Seymour Hoffman as the Penguin (Good idea), Johnny Depp as The Riddler (bad idea), David Tennet as The Riddler (Good Idea), Kristen Bell as Harley Quinn (Meh Idea), Angelina Jolie as Catwoman (She's far too busty for that suit though), and even that Daniel Day-Lewis should pick up the Joker (Great idea).

We'll not know for a while whats really going to happen, all we know is that wether you want to or not. There is a 99% chance of a sequel to what a lot of people think is the best movie ever made of all time ever.

1/27 DVD Releases

2009-01-26T14:48:00.002-06:00

A lot of hits and misses on video this week, mostly just misses though. To sum up the week, you don't necessarily need to buy any of them unless you're a fan.

Fireproof - Now I haven't seen all of this movie, but the parts that I did see were laughably bad.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Lakeview Terrace - Or should we call it Samuel L Jackson yells at silly white people the movie.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Pride and Glory - I'll watch anything that has Edward Norton in it, so this will be a rental for myself. Though a lot of people didn't like the flick.
VERDICT: RENT IT

The Rocker - It's a safe bet to say none of you saw this, it really made almost no money by today's box office standards. Do we really need to see it though?
VERDICT: SKIP IT

RocknRolla - If you remember this was on my honorable mention of 2008. Any fans of Guy Ritchie will love the flick and people that haven't seen any of his work could be drawn to it by the film.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Vicky Christina Barcelona - Granted I never got to see this either, but you can't deny that its not worth a watch after all of the award nominations its gotten over the past few months.
VERDICT: RENT IT

81st Academy Award Nominations

2009-01-22T14:46:00.003-06:00

BEST PICTURE:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), A Kennedy/Marshall Production, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall and Ceán Chaffin, Producers
Frost/Nixon (Universal), A Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment and Working Title Production,Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Eric Fellner, Producers
Milk (Focus Features), A Groundswell and Jinks/Cohen Company Production, Dan Jinks and Bruce Cohen, Producers
The Reader (The Weinstein Company), A Mirage Enterprises and Neunte Babelsberg Film GmbH Production, Nominees to be determined
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), A Celador Films Production,Christian Colson, Producer

DIRECTING:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Fincher
Frost/Nixon (Universal), Ron Howard
Milk (Focus Features), Gus Van Sant
The Reader (The Weinstein Company), Stephen Daldry
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Danny Boyle

ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE:
Richard Jenkins - The Visitor (Overture Films)
Frank Langella - Frost/Nixon (Universal)
Sean Penn - Milk (Focus Features)
Brad Pitt - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Mickey Rourke - The Wrestler (Fox Searchlight)

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE:
Anne Hathaway - Rachel Getting Married (Sony Pictures Classics)
Angelina Jolie - Changeling (Universal)
Melissa Leo - Frozen River (Sony Pictures Classics)
Meryl Streep - Doubt (Miramax)
Kate Winslet - The Reader (The Weinstein Company)

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE:
Josh Brolin - Milk (Focus Features)
Robert Downey Jr. - Tropic Thunder (DreamWorks, Distributed by DreamWorks/Paramount)
Philip Seymour Hoffman - Doubt (Miramax)
Heath Ledger - The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.)
Michael Shannon - Revolutionary Road (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage)

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE:
Amy Adams - Doubt (Miramax)
Penélope Cruz - Vicky Cristina Barcelona (The Weinstein Company)
Viola Davis - Doubt (Miramax)
Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.)
Marisa Tomei - The Wrestler (Fox Searchlight)

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Screenplay by Eric Roth, Screen story by Eric Roth and Robin Swicord
Doubt (Miramax), Written by John Patrick Shanley
Frost/Nixon (Universal), Screenplay by Peter Morgan
The Reader (The Weinstein Company), Screenplay by David Hare
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Screenplay by Simon Beaufoy

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY:
Frozen River (Sony Pictures Classics), Written by Courtney Hunt
Happy-Go-Lucky (Miramax), Written by Mike Leigh
In Bruges (Focus Features), Written by Martin McDonagh
Milk (Focus Features), Written by Dustin Lance Black
WALL•E (Walt Disney), Screenplay by Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Original story by Andrew Stanton, Pete Docter

FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM:
The Baader Meinhof Complex A Constantin Film Production, Germany
The Class (Sony Pictures Classics), A Haut et Court Production, France
Departures (Regent Releasing), A Departures Film Partners Production, Japan
Revanche (Janus Films), A Prisma Film/Fernseh Production, Austria
Waltz with Bashir (Sony Pictures Classics), A Bridgit Folman Film Gang Production, Israel

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM:
Bolt (Walt Disney), Chris Williams and Byron Howard
Kung Fu Panda (DreamWorks Animation, Distributed by Paramount), John Stevenson and Mark Osborne
WALL•E (Walt Disney), Andrew Stanton

ART DIRECTION:
Changeling (Universal), Art Direction: James J. Murakami, Set Decoration: Gary Fettis
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Donald Graham Burt, Set Decoration: Victor J. Zolfo
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), Art Direction: Nathan Crowley, Set Decoration: Peter Lando
The Duchess (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Art Direction: Michael Carlin, Set Decoration: Rebecca Alleway
Revolutionary Road (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), Art Direction: Kristi Zea, Set Decoration: Debra Schutt

CINEMATOGRAPHY:
Changeling (Universal), Tom Stern
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Claudio Miranda
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), Wally Pfister
The Reader (The Weinstein Company), Chris Menges and Roger Deakins
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Anthony Dod Mantle

COSTUME DESIGN:
Australia (20th Century Fox), Catherine Martin
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Jacqueline West
The Duchess (Paramount Vantage, Pathé and BBC Films), Michael O’Connor
Milk (Focus Features), Danny Glicker
Revolutionary Road (DreamWorks, Distributed by Paramount Vantage), Albert Wolsky

DOCUMENTARY FEATURE:
The Betrayal (Nerakhoon) (Cinema Guild), A Pandinlao Films Production, Ellen Kuras and Thavisouk Phrasavath
Encounters at the End of the World (THINKFilm and Image Entertainment), A Creative Differences Production, Werner Herzog and Henry Kaiser
The Garden A Black Valley Films Production, Scott Hamilton Kennedy
Man on Wire (Magnolia Pictures), A Wall to Wall Production, James Marsh and Simon Chinn
Trouble the Water (Zeitgeist Films), An Elsewhere Films Production, Tia Lessin and Carl Deal

FILM EDITING:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), Lee Smith
Frost/Nixon (Universal), Mike Hill and Dan Hanley
Milk (Focus Features), Elliot Graham
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Chris Dickens

MAKEUP:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Greg Cannom
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), John Caglione, Jr. and Conor O’Sullivan
Hellboy II: The Golden Army (Universal), Mike Elizalde and Thom Floutz

ORIGINAL SCORE:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Alexandre Desplat
Defiance (Paramount Vantage), James Newton Howard
Milk (Focus Features), Danny Elfman
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), A.R. Rahman
WALL•E (Walt Disney), Thomas Newman

ORIGINAL SONG:
"Down to Earth" from WALL•E (Walt Disney), Music by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman, Lyric by Peter Gabriel
"Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyric by Gulzar
"O Saya" from Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Music and Lyric by A.R. Rahman andMaya Arulpragasam

SOUND MIXING:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), David Parker, Michael Semanick, Ren Klyce and Mark Weingarten
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), Lora Hirschberg, Gary Rizzo and Ed Novick
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Ian Tapp, Richard Pryke and Resul Pookutty
WALL•E (Walt Disney),Tom Myers, Michael Semanick and Ben Burtt
Wanted (Universal), Chris Jenkins, Frank A. Montaño and Petr Forejt

SOUND EDITING:
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), Richard King
Iron Man (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment), Frank Eulner and Christopher Boyes
Slumdog Millionaire (Fox Searchlight), Tom Sayers
WALL•E (Walt Disney), Ben Burtt and Matthew Wood
Wanted (Universal),Wylie Stateman

VISUAL EFFECTS:
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (Paramount and Warner Bros.), Eric Barba, Steve Preeg, Burt Dalton and Craig Barron
The Dark Knight (Warner Bros.), Nick Davis, Chris Corbould, Tim Webber and Paul Franklin
Iron Man (Paramount and Marvel Entertainment), John Nelson, Ben Snow, Dan Sudick and Shane Mahan

DOCUMENTARY SHORT:
The Conscience of Nhem En A Farallon Films Production, Steven Okazaki
The Final Inch A Vermilion Films Production, Irene Taylor Brodsky and Tom Grant
Smile Pinki A Principe Production, Megan Mylan
The Witness - From the Balcony of Room 306 A Rock Paper Scissors Production, Adam Pertofsky and Margaret Hyde

ANIMATED SHORT FILM:
La Maison en Petits Cubes A Robot Communications Production, Kunio Kato
Lavatory - Lovestory A Melnitsa Animation Studio and CTB Film Company Production, Konstantin Bronzit
Oktapodi (Talantis Films) A Gobelins, L’école de l’image Production, Emud Mokhberi and Thierry Marchand
Presto (Walt Disney) A Pixar Animation Studios Production, Doug Sweetland
This Way Up A Nexus Production, Alan Smith and Adam Foulkes

LIVE ACTION SHORT FILM:
Auf der Strecke (On the Line) (Hamburg Shortfilmagency), An Academy of Media Arts Cologne Production, Reto Caffi
Manon on the Asphalt (La Luna Productions), A La Luna Production, Elizabeth Marre and Olivier Pont
New Boy (Network Ireland Television), A Zanzibar Films Production, Steph Green and Tamara Anghie
The Pig An M & M Production, Tivi Magnusson and Dorte Høgh
Spielzeugland (Toyland) A Mephisto Film Production, Jochen Alexander Freydank

All I can say is that I'm a little disappointed that The Wrestler didn't get a Best Picture nod, but for the most part I'm happy with the list. Though I do fear Slumdog Millionaire will be the big winner here as it has been at the other awards shows, even though in my opinion it is no where near as good as Milk, The Wrestler, Benjamin Button and Frost/Nixon.

1/23 Theatrical Releases

2009-01-22T14:42:00.003-06:00

We only get two theatrical releases this week, and I'm going to make the call that something that isn't one of them will be number one at the box office.

Inkheart - I only saw the trailer for this earlier this week, and in all honesty it seems like its The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen except for instead of main characters from books its bit parts from books that are real, excuse "brought to life". Brendan Fraser hasn't really delivered in the good movie category in quite a long time (The Mummy in my opinion, and that was 10 years ago).
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans - Fans of the series will line up to watch this film, but very few people outside of the fan circle will probably go. Rise of the Lycans is my pick of the week to watch.
VERDICT: SEE IT

2008 Razzie Award Nominations

2009-01-21T13:28:00.002-06:00

Suffice to say I don't necessarily agree with a few of these, but sometimes I think the Razzie People overlook some movies. For instance 10,000 BC (the WORST movie I saw in 2008) is no where to be found on this list, and we all know I'm a Shyamalan fanboy so I do disagree with The Happening being nominated for worst picture/screenplay/director. I will let Mark Whalburg slid on the acting credit though. I do however, much to my own surprise, disagree with the nomination of Paris Hilton for Worst Supporting Actress for Repo! The Genetic Opera. As well as the nomination of Speed Racer for Worst Prequel, Sequel, Remake, or Rip-Off.

Here's the full list:

Worst Picture
Disaster Movie
In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale
Meet the Spartans
The Happening
The Hottie & the Nottie

Worst Actor
Mike Myers - The Love Guru
Eddie Murphy - Meet Dave
Al Pacino - 88 Minutes and Righteous Kill
Mark Wahlberg - The Happening and Max Payne
Larry the Cable Guy - Witless Protection

Worst Actress
Jessica Alba - The Love Guru and The Eye
Cameron Diaz - What Happens in Vegas
Paris Hilton - The Hottie & the Nottie
Kate Hudson - Fool's Gold and My Best Friend's Girl
The Entier Cast of The Women - Annette Bening, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett-Smith and Meg Ryan.

Worst Supporting Actor
Uwe Boll, Postal
Pierce Brosnan - Mamma Mia!
Ben Kingsley, The Love Guru, War, Inc., The Wackness
Burt Reynolds, Deal and In The Name Of The King: A Dungeon Siege Tale
Verne Troyer, The Love Guru and Postal.

Worst Supporting Actress
Carmen Electra - Disaster Movie, Meet The Spartans
Paris Hilton - Repo! The Genetic Opera;
Kim Kardashian - Disaster Movie
Jenny Mccarthy, Witless Protection;
Leelee Sobieski - 88 Minutes, In The Name Of The King: A Dungeon Siege Tale

Worst Screen Couple
Uwe Boll and Any Actor, Camera and Screenplay
Cameron Diaz and Ashton Kutcher, What Happens In Vegas
Paris Hilton and either Christine Lakin or Jorel David Moore, The Hottie And The Nottie
Larry The Cable Guy and Jenny Mccarthy, Witless Protection;
Eddie Murphy In Eddie Murphy, Meet Dave.

Worst Prequel, Sequel, Remake Or Rip-Off
The Day The Earth Stood Still
Disaster Movie
Meet The Spartans
Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull
Speed Racer
Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Worst Director
Uwe Boll - Tunnel Rats, In The Name Of The King: A Dungeon Siege Tale And Postal
Jason Friedberg And Aaron Seltzer - Disaster Movie And Meet The Spartans
Tom Putnam - The Hottie And The Nottie
Marco Schnabel - The Love Guru
M. Night Shyamalan, The Happening.

Worst Screenplay
Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer - Disaster Movie And Meet The Spartans
M. Night Shyamalan - The Happening
Heidi Ferrer - The Hottie And The Nottie
Doug Taylor - In The Name Of The King: A Dungeon Siege Tale
Mike Myers and Graham Gordy, The Love Guru

Worst Career Achievement
Uwe Boll - "Germany's answer to Ed Wood".

The Worst Career Achievement is a nice touch on the part of the razzie people.

Origins of the Term "Thriller" and why it should be abolished.

2009-01-20T12:53:00.003-06:00

In the 90's after the wake of the 1980's horror movie boom, the word "horror" sort of became a no-no, very taboo if you will. So instead of labeling movies as "Horror" films studios decided to start calling things "Thriller"s. A LOT of these films went on to become very successful and revered in the eyes of the general public. Let's examine some of these movies and look at why they're NOT thrillers but instead horror films.

Silence of the Lambs - Silence of the Lambs was billed as a thriller to the movie goers, but look at its content. The story is about an FBI agent that goes to an imprisoned cannibal to seek advice about catching a serial killer that skins his victims to make a suit of their flesh. Yea that's definitely not a horror movie.

Se7en - A serial killer that kills people in various ways related to the seven deadly sins, including (POSSIBLE SPOILERS): Forcing a man to cut off one pound of his own flesh, giving a pretty woman the option of living ugly or dying beautiful, and strapping a man to his bed for a year.

Misery - A. this is based on a story by Stephen King, and this isn't a Green Mile or Shawshank Redemption so you can bet its a horror story. B. Its about an author that gets held against his will in an obsessed fan's home. That is pretty scary in my opinion.

The Sixth Sense - A story about a boy that can see ghosts? Horror.

Hard Candy - A girl extracts revenge on a man that she suspects is a pedophile by torturing him. Yes, its a horror film.

Bug - People think that bugs are crawling under their skin?

P2 - A man locks a girl in the parking garage of her work on Christmas eve and stalks her/kills people "for her". Oh yea, not horror at all.

If you look at the lists of "Thriller" films online the list only gets longer as the years get closer to the present, because people either don't want to admit they've made a horror film or they've made something that isn't exactly an action movie or isn't exactly a drama so they stick it in the thriller category.

In conclusion 90% of Thriller films are a lie and can easily be classified into another genre. There are however a select few that could be called thrillers but not nearly enough to warrant its own genre. Thriller should be seen as a sub-genre of horror, not its own.

1/20 DVD Releases

2009-01-19T19:40:00.002-06:00

It feels good to be back in the swing of things, and now that I'm done with those lists I can get my routine in order.

City of Ember - Granted I didn't see the movie, but after watching the preview I don't think I really have to.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Igor - I haven't seen this one either, but it looks more promising than the previous title mentioned.
VERDICT: RENT IT

Max Payne - The third movie being released that I haven't seen. Though I want to see it being a fan of the video games.
VERDICT: RENT IT, if you're a fan.

Repo! The Genetic Opera - This is a fantastic movie. All fans of horror movies, musicals, horror musicals this is a must own.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Saw V - Fans of the series will be anxious to buy this, the director's cut in particular which features about 14 minutes of material cut from the theatrical cut.
VERDICT: BUY IT, if you're a fan.

Top 15 movies of 2008

2009-01-16T14:57:00.004-06:00

This was a tough list to compile. Granted the top 5 was the easiest part, because it was very easy for me to recognize how great they are, but filling in the rest of the list was very difficult. Now I present it to you:

Top 15 Movies of 2008

15. Religulous - If you're religious or not, this movie is still a good watch. The best documentary of the year, which is saying something since Gonzo: The Life of Hunter Thompson and Zeitgeist: Addendum were released this year. Bill Maher brings his intellectual wit and sarcastic tone to a touchy subject in America, but a subject that should be toucher on nonetheless (the ideas and stories behind organized religions).

14. Hamlet 2 - This is the movie I wish had come out when I was in high school, since its very pro-arts and anti-jock/prep/mtv. Hamlet 2 recognizes the things that people aren't familair or comfortable with and puts them in your face in a light you haven't experianced them. The film also takes a look at racism in public schools, a rather serious topic for a very serious film. Brilliant writing and songs.

13. Gran Torino - Clint Eastwood has truely blossomed in his old age. Though I didn't care for his other directing efforts, Gran Torino is truely representative of his directing/acting abilities. Though the story is predeictable up until it's climax, the message is needed in a day and age like ours when you can't go anywhere (especially here in Alabama) and not hear at least one rascist remark.

12. Tropic Thunder - I honestly misunderestimated this movie. I thought it was going to be one of those generic comedies that people would grasp on to for a while then leave in the cold for something new. The movie is a brilliant escapade of comedy and is executed to a T. The way Tropic Thunder lampoons the hollywood system is also one of its crowning achievments since I love watching movies about A. Making movies and B. Making fun of the way people make movies.

11. Frost/Nixon - Ensemble casting and messages/morals that needed to be heard a common theme throughout this year. Frost/Nixon has brilliant casting, and presents the way a corrupt politican thinks and acts into the spotlight for us to see (granted it isn't the politican we WANT to see dissected by a clever British talk show host) the movie is still spectacular in its accomplishments. Ron Howard hasn't lost his touch, and if anything Frost/Nixon proves that he's going to continue to be a juggeranaut of film for years to come.

10. Speed Racer - I will take your crap for liking this movie. Speed Racer was a crowning achievement in the way films were made and presented in the year. It's just a shame that none of you were there to enjoy it with me. The visuals, while stunning, leave you breathless and hinged to your seat awaiting the next daredeviling stunt. Plus it's got Emile Hirsch, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, Matthew Fox, and (my personal favorite) Christina Ricci.

9. Son of Rambow - Another film that none of you saw, and also a shame. The very subtle humor in the film makes it one of my favorites of the year. It also doesn't hurt that I'm very emotionally connected to the movie by way of its about two little kids making a film. The movie takes a stab at the status quo of children (though it is set in the 80s, it's not much different than it is now). Son of Rambow is brilliant.

8. The Dark Knight - It may surprise some of you that I thought there were better movies than this in the year, but there are. The Dark Knight was an epic film. Words cannot truely express how grand the casting, the story, the direction and the acting are, but most of us already know how good they are since we saw the movie. Christopher Nolan, who has never made a bad movie, continues to evolve as a filmmaker and thanks to this he will be able to pick anything he wants to do.

7. In Bruges - The comedy about two men in what is essentially percieved as a trip to the most boring place on the planet has easily earned its place here near the top for 2008. Colin Farrell gives his best preformance to date (which isn't saying much, but let me tell you it is eons better than anything else I've seen him in). Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes also capture your attention every time they're on screen, so there is NEVER a dull moment in this movie.

6. Doubt - This movie has some of the best acting I have seen on screen in a long long time. Besdies the fact that Phillip Seymour Hoffman is one of my favorite actors, Amy Adams really proved she is capable of taking on more than singing in a pretty dress in New York. The thing that keeps the movie from being in my 'sacred' top 5 is the story. Though the story isn't original the brilliant acting makes up for it. As well as Nun Meryl Streep making jokes.

5. Let the Right One In - I will save my blog for the comparisons between this and Twilight for another day (yes I saw it, so you can't say anything). Let the Right One In is one of the best vampire movies I've seen in a while, they even manage to do vampires correctly by staying very true to the customs and lore of vampires. The movie has some of the best child acting I've seen in years (probably since Haley Joel Osment in The Sixth Sense). The cinematography is also something to be marveled.

4. Wall-e - Though it hurts me to put this movie at number 4, that still doesn't take away from how great it really is. Wall-e is the best animated movie I've ever seen, and even though the main characters aren't even human it still showcases love in a proper and realistic light. The (possibley accidental) "green" message of the movie is also very neccessary and better executed than anything Al Gore has put out.

3. The Wrestler - Even though Mickey Rourke has had roles recently, very good ones mind you, this movie truely does signify his return to the spotlight in Hollywood. The Wrestler has some of the most emotional preformances of the year and and even more dazzling story as things unfold before you. The Wrestler should go down as a classic for years to come if you ask me.

2. The Curious Case of Bejamin Button - There comes every so often a movie that people dazzle and marvel at and are very aware at how it will be looked and viewed for years to come. Ben Button is that movie, and is very well deserved because it truely is a masterpiece. I'm glad that David Fincher is finally getting the recognition for being so good at what he does, and for good reason because this is probably his best movie to date.

1. Milk - The very well timed movie about the first openly gay man elected into office is easily the best movie of the year. Milk offers some of the best acting I have seen since all the actors work off of each other and develop the story into the brilliant symphony that it is. Milk is just as politically charged as V for Vendetta if you ask me, and this will go down in history as an epic biopic and a pinnacle of cinema achievement.

HONORABLE MENTION:
Slumdog Millionaire
Burn After Reading
Rock'n'Rolla

MOVIES THAT COULD HAVE MADE THE LIST IF I GOT TO SEE THEM:
Synecdoche, New York
Appaloose
Vicky Christina Barcelona

Most Anticipated Movies of 2009
(In no particular order except for the # 1 and 2)

15. Friday the 13th Trailer
14. The Wolfman Wiki
13. Monsters VS Aliens Trailer
12. Wolverine Trailer
11. Star Trek Trailer
10. Bruno Wiki
9. Up Trailer
8. Pirahna 3-d Wiki
7. Astro Boy Trailer
6. Fantastic Mr. Fox Wiki
5. Sherlock Holmes Wiki
4. Halloween 2 Info
3. Public Enemies Wiki
2. Where the Wild Thing Are Clip
1. Watchmen Trailer

Top 15 movies of 2007

2009-01-15T14:21:00.002-06:00

2007 easily has one of the most violent lists. Most if not all of the movies were rated R for their violence, with a few exceptions.

15. Hot Fuzz - The creators of Shaun of the Dead are back, and they've brought their creative film genius to the Cop movie films. I love this movie because of it's rewatchability (just like Shaun) and because there are very few jokes in the movie that don't make you laugh out loud, as opposed to a silent chuckle.

14. Stardust - It's a shame almost no one saw this movie, I know that because I was there opening night and I was one of 8 people in the theater. The movie has its flaws yes, but Robert De Niro and Michelle Pfeiffer bring there acting expertise to the table and don't disappoint.

13. Beowulf - This is the first movie on the list that I will take crap for liking. Most people didn't enjoy it because its not the Beowulf they read in high school, which is an idiotic reason to dislike the movie because: Beowulf originated as an oral story, being told from generation to generation, changes being made a long the way as the story teller saw fit. This time Neil Gaiman and Roger Avary decided to make certain changes. Great acting on part of the entire cast in this fantastic movie.

12. Black Snake Moan - Sam Jackson and Christina Ricci starring in a movie written and directed by Craig Brewer is only a recipe for greatness.

11. 3:10 to Yuma - The rebirth of the western with this movie, and the intense acting ability on part of Crowe and Bail make it a desirable watch for fans.

10. Sweeney Todd - Depp and Burton make another movie together, and yea its really that good. Plus shame on you for not knowing it was musical when you bought your ticket.

9. Zodiac - This is the second movie I will take your crap for liking. Its your own fault for thinking that this was going to be a horror movie before you went to see it. David Fincher is incapable of making a bad movie and this is no exception. Robert Downey Jr and Jake Gyllenhaal are fantastic in this.

8. Hairspray - I love this movie. The charisma, the music, the actors, it all works wonderfully. The ensemble casting for this movie make it an irresistable choice to watch.

7. The Orphanage - This spanish horror film is one of the best ghost movies I've ever seen. I'm fully aware that most people haven't seen this and thats a shame because yes it really is that good.

6. The Mist - This is the third movie that I'll take crap for liking, but first: I love the way this movie was made. Yes it's in the same set for 90% of the movie but it doesn't get old. The acting is done great, even the little kid (which is an accomplishment because normally I HATE the children in movies). Now personally this is the best ending for a movie that I've EVER seen, and probably ever will see.

5. Juno - Yes the dailogue is a little quirky, and yes a little unrealistic, but the movie is still so cute and enjoyable you can't help but smile a little. Plus its hard to not stare at Ellen Page when she's on screen, because let's face it she's a hot preg-o.

4. Halloween - The fourth movie I'll take crap for liking so much. Yes it's different than the original but isn't that the point of the remake? If I wanted to watch the original one I'd do that. I think Zombie's take on Halloween is the way to have gone with the series, and I still consider Rob to be one of the best modern horror directors (if not the best).

3. Grindhouse - It hurts me to put this so low, because I love this movie[s] so much. I'll also take crap for liking this because yes I did like Death Proof, sure you may think that it sucks but I'm entitled to my opinion just as much as you are. Grindhouse has it's advantages because it really creates a unique and genuinely fun movie going experiance. I'll be very excited when the entire film is released as one on DVD.

2. There Will Be Blood - This is truely an epic movie. Daniel Day-Lewis is a brilliant actor and delivers one of the best performances I've ever had the pleasure of seeing in the theater. Though the movie is very long, I can still watch it over and over again because of how well the scenery is created and the community is portrayed.

1. No Country for Old Men - As I've said before, you can't go wrong with Joel and Ethan Coen. The pair have delivered a perfect movie once again and with the help of their jaw-dropping cast the best movie of the year.

Stay tuned for tomorrow where I unveil my Top 15 movies of 2008, plus my most anticipated movies of 2009!!!

Top 15 of 2006

2009-01-14T14:58:00.002-06:00

Its become fully aware to myself that my lists tend to have two kinds of movies on them: Un-Conventional comedies and blood drenched violent pictures.

15. Snakes on a Plane - Say what you will about the movie, it's still a lot of fun to watch and one of the best B-movies ever made.

14. Candy - The proof that Heath Ledger was a brilliant actor, yes he was a good actor before The Dark Knight.

13. Thank you For Smoking - Very well written satire about America, a great watch and very thought provoking about the processes of lobbyists and companies.

12. Children of Men - Granted this movie is no Blade Runner but it still manages to captivate you at the thought of what our society would become in the event of the tragedy depicted.

11. Stranger than Fiction - Proof that Will Ferrel doesn't have to play a 13 year old in a 40 year olds body to be very entertaining.

10. Over the Hedge - A great animated film with an All-Star cast and fantastic message about the world. Granted I'll watch anything that Bruce Willis is in, but this proves he doesn't have to be physically in front of the camera.

9. Lucky Number Slevin - This feels like an American Guy Ritchie movie, but hitmen instead of thieves, and that isn't a bad thing. LNS is a great watch for mod-genre fans.

8. Little Miss Sunshine - Steve Carrell is truely capable of playing any role, and this family-esque comedy really delivers in all aspects of comedy. This movie truely deserved its Best Picture Nomination at the Academy Awards.

7. The Descent - Original horror films are a rare commodity in this day and age, and its even more rare that they're as good as this. The Descent is a great female driven horror piece.

6. Clerks 2 - The sequel to the brilliant indie hit is, in my opinion, just as good as the original. That being because it does what a sequel is SUPPOSED to do. Build on the things that worked from the original and then expand into different territories.

5. Inside Man - One of the most well thought out and brilliant heist films in ages. The Direction by Spike Lee for this amazing cast is superb.

4. The Hills Have Eyes - With all the remakes that are being made these days its difficult to find a good one, like this one. Plus as I've said before, Alex Aja is a horror god.

3. V for Vendetta - Though it differs significantly from the graphic novel it's still a very well put together piece that fit more to our political times than the political messages of the source. Freedom Forever!

2. The Departed - Marty Scorscese is back, and The Departed is one of the BEST gangster films of the decade.

1. Pan's Labyrinth - I've said it before, I'll say it again. Guillermo Del Toro is a brilliant filmmaker, and this original piece is a spectacle of cinema greatness.

Top Movies of 2005

2009-01-13T13:28:00.002-06:00

It seems as the years continue to go by that more and more violent movies appear on the countdown. This year is no exception.

15. The 40 Year Old Virgin - Judd Appatow's Directorial debut is easily the best (of the 2 that he's made) but that's saying something since his next project was also pretty good.

14. Domino - It's so refreshing to see Kiera Knightly playing a role that isn't from a Jane Austin adaptation or in a pirate movie, because she's great in this movie. Plus Mickey Rourke is in this, and you can't go wrong with Mickey.

13. King Kong - Peter Jackson has said he wanted to make this movie for a long time, that it was essentially his dream project, and with good reason: It's actually quite good.

12. Lord of War - This is the best movie Nick Cage has been in since Raising Arizona, and that was a long gap of time mind you, though its a different role than RA, Lord of War is a great film and says a lot about the world we live in today.

11. Walk the Line - Being a Johnny Cash fan I was destined to like this movie, and I wasn't disappointed.

10. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith - Easily the best of the prequels, and a very good film if you look at it in it's own context.

9. Constantine - I'm a comic fan, so a Hellblazer movie was a good idea to me, and it delivered for the most part what you could expect from a movie about John Constantine.

8. Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the WereRabbitt - Wallace and Gromit are great characters and this movie just proves the genius of the minds behind it.

7. Charlie & the Chocolate Factory - I can hear all of you BAWWWWW'ing at this already. I don't care if you prefered the Gene Wilder version "It's a classic!" You may say. But then I would have to say "You OBVIOUSLY haven't read the BOOK Charlie & the Chocolate factory" because this film (for the most part) is the definitive Charlie and the Chocolate Factory movie.

6. A History of Violence - Epic comic adaptation with commanding screen proformances by the entire cast.

5. The Devil's Rejects - Three words: Brilliant Horror film.

4. Capote - Granted I love anything that Phillip Seymour Hoffman is in, but this is the movie tha confirmed I would watch ANYTHING that he's in.

3. Batman Begins - (At the TIME) The Best Batman movie ever made.

2. Serenity - The movie sequel to Joss Whedon's brilliant series Firefly, answers many questions from the show but you don't have to be a brown coat to enjoy the movie.

1. Sin City - Without a doubt the best comic book adaptation of all time, brilliantly stylized to resemble the books and excellent casting!

1/13 DVD Releases

2009-01-12T15:46:00.002-06:00

Few movies coming out, but very good ones.

Appaloosa - Granted I haven't seen the movie, but I would really like too. You can't go wrong with Ed Harris and Viggo Mortensen as cowboys
VERDICT: RENT IT

My Best Friend's Girl - BOOOOOOO DANECOOK
VERDICT: SKIP IT

My Bloody Valentine (1981 Re-Release) - One of my favorite golden age slasher films, and I did see it/hear of it before they even mentioned a remake. This is the movie I'll be purchasing this week.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Mirrors - Alex Aja is a horror god. This is my second pick of the week.
VERDICT: BUY IT

The Family that Preys - No Thanks.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Sorry for the short blog, but most of my energy went into the Best of 2004 blog below.

Top 15 Movies of 2004

2009-01-12T15:15:00.002-06:00

The Violent takes hold of the list in 2004 as this year was met with extremely gruesome (yet sometimes funny) and brilliant movies.

15. Jersey Girl - One of the only not violent movies on the list, and I will take crap for liking this because its a good film and really shows that Kevin Smith has matured as a film maker.

14. The Village - I'll also take your crap for liking this, but I love it. If you're going to judge this movie based entirely on how you didn't like the twist ending really shows how naive of a film viewer you really are.

13. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind - Jim Carrey is incapable of playing a bad-serious role.

12. The Terminal - I also have the guts to admit that this is a good movie by Spielberg. I still don't like the guy, nor do I like the majority of his films Post-Jurassic Park. I like this.

11. Collateral - I enjoy the film, and consider this the only good film Tom Cruise has made since he converted to crazies.

10. HellBoy - Guillermo Del Toro is incapable of making a bad movie. Even if it is based on a comic book, which isn't a bad thing.

9. Team America: World Police - Trey Parker and Matt Stone are geniuses, and this is proof that they don't have to be making a cartoon to do well.

8. Dawn of the Dead - My opinion on this is exactly what Kevin Smith says in A Threevening with Kevin Smith "When they announced they were remaking Dawn of the Dead, I thought ' What a terrible Idea. Dawn of the Dead is a brilliant movie.' And Zach Snyder made a PIMP-F***ING version of Dawn of the Dead."

7. Fahrenheit 9/11 - Michael Moore Fan here, also pretty opposed to Bush. Love it.

6. The Punisher - Though not the definitive Punisher that is Punisher: War Zone, still a good film and more or less the Taxi Driver of our generation.

5. The Butterfly Effect - Fantastic mind-blowing movie, and surprisingly great acting by Ashton Kutcher.

4. Spiderman 2 - My favorite of the Spiderman movies, and a fantastic action/superhero/comic book movie here.

3. Saw - The movie that turned the horror community on its head finds its way near the top of my list, and for good reason too.

2. Kill Bill Volume 2 - The better half of Tarantino's epic vengeance film, but in my opinion not as FUN or GOOD as .....

1. Shaun of the Dead - A BRILLIANT movie. One of the few movies I can re-watch, that I know all the lines too, and still laugh my head off when I watch it. Shaun of the Dead is the best movie of 2004 and one of my favorite horror/comedies or simply just comedies of all time.

Top 15 Movies of 2003

2009-01-09T15:07:00.002-06:00

2003 was a great year for horror and action films, both of which are very well represented on the list.

15. The Matrix Reloaded - Some people didn't like the sequels, they can deal with it because I did and felt that it was a very good film in and of itself.

14. Big Fish - I'm a big fan of ensemble movies like this, where the lead character does through a series of trials in their life and meets many interesting people. (You could have guessed that since I had 25th Hour, Bubble Boy, and O, Brother where are Thou? on my previous lists) Plus its tough to go wrong with Tim Burton at the helm.

13. Finding Nemo - Again not my favorite Pixar movie, but you'd have to be blind to not notice how good the movie actually is.

12. Lost in Translation - You can't go wrong with Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson and Sofia Coppola at the helm.

11. Cabin Fever - Granted every other word in this movie is explicit and probably only four letter long, but it still shines out as great among the horrid sea of PG-13 horror films and Japanese remakes.

10. The Matrix Revolutions - In my opinion, a great way to end the series. Much better than Reloaded and a fantastic movie to just watch.

9. House of 1000 Corpses - Proof that Rob Zombie is a mastermind of the ideals of the horror film. I don't care if you didn't like it, that just means you didn't get it.

8. Dreamcatcher - A Stephen King movie starring: Morgan Freeman, Thomas Jane, Jason Lee, Timothy Olyphant, and Donnie Whalberg. Good stuff here.

7. Once Upon a Time in Mexico - Robert Rodriguez knows how to make a good action flick and not chock it full of hollywood action movie norms. Great film.

6. The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King - Need I say anything about this movie?

5. Bad Santa - If you read my Christmas blogs you know how much I love this movie, and by having its presence so high on this list you can guess even more how much I like it.

4. High Tension - Alex Aja is a horror cinema GOD, and he proved it with this debut film that is perfect in almost every way.

3. Pirates of the Carribean: Curse of the Black Pearl - Good action, clever story for what they have to work with. Though not my favorite of the series.

2. Kill Bill Vol. 1 - Though I prefer Volume 2, Volume 1 is still exceptional filmmaking on Captain Tarantino's part, and brilliantly coreographed fight sequences.

1. Oldboy - This movie, while not only my favorite of the year, is one of my favorite movies of all time. Oldboy is the only film I can think of that is better than its source material (a japanese manga that sucks hardcore). Brilliantly stylized with a sinister plot, Oldboy is the best movie of 2003.

Top 15 Movies of 2002

2009-01-08T15:00:00.003-06:00

2002 brought some of my favorite films of all-time. It's a pretty epic list if you ask me, but I am little biased.

15. The Mothman Prophecies - An X-phile and skeptic such as myself can't help but like this movie. An interesting concept delivers with its fantastic story and creepy visual style.

14. Lilo & Stitch - This is one of the last actual animated films to be released, and I guess you can say they went out with a bang. Lilo and Stitch is a fantastic animated movie with humor for everyone, even though its a more or less cliche' story.

13. Resident Evil - Being a fan of zombies, video games, zombie video games, but not that big of a fan of Paul W. Anderson. I was skeptic about the film. I thoroughly enjoyed this movie though and think that the sequels only enhance the series(as sequels should!), even though it did differ from the source material a lot.

12. 25th Hour - Being a Spike Lee and Edward Norton fanboy I couldn't help but like this movie. Plus its hard to make a bad movie with Rosario Dawson and Phillip Seymour Hoffman.

11. Bowling for Columbine - I'm also a Michael Moore Fanboy, and consider this better than his debut Roger and Me.

10. The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - Yea all of you Lord of the Rings fanboys are probably screaming at your monitor "WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO GET ONE OF THE TRILOGY IN THE TOP 5 OF HIS LISTS!". Well in all honesty they're very fantastic movies, but I just like these next 9 movies more.

9. Minority Report - Yes I hate Steven Spielberg and most of Tom Cruise's, but I do have the nerve to admit that this was a very good movie.

8. Road to Perdition - Tom Hanks playing a gangster? Brilliantttt.

7. Blade 2 - One of the few sequels in the entire world that is probably better than the original. With someone at the helm like Guillermo Del Toro, you can't go wrong.

6. Insomnia - Robin Williams in a serious role (always great), Al Pacino, and directed by Chris Nolan. Whoever came up with this combo deserves a medal.

5. Infernal Affairs - The HongKong basis for The Departed is possibley even better than its American remake (as the case usually goes).

4. Spiderman - Sam Raimi is one of my favorite directors, though I do think the series could have been just as good (if not better) with James Cameron at the helm (Damn you court system!). Raimi still delivered as good of a Spiderman film to start with as you can.

3. Death to Smoochy - This is one of my top 3 favorite comedies ever. Fantastic film with great neo-noir elements and clever characters.

2. Punch-Drunk Love - I'm a P.T. Anderson fanboy as well, and don't usually go for Adam Sandler (the only film of his I enjoy is Billy Madison, and Happy Gilmoure at times). So seeing Sandler in a serious film written and directed by PTA is just what he needed IMO.

1. 28 Days Later - Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, and Cillian Murphy. All great at what they do, they in turn delivered a great horror film and an all around brilliant movie.

Top 15 movies of 2001

2009-01-07T15:03:00.002-06:00

2001 was a good year for sci-fi/fantasy films, as well as comedies and thought provoking dramas. All of which are present on the countdown.

15. Bubble Boy - Granted this is no Oscar winner, but its still a very fun movie to watch. Bubble Boy is one of my favorite comedies because it hits close to home (no I never lived in a bubble). Granted all the things that happen to him are very unrealistic but that doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the movie.

14. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back - Another one that will never win any mainstream awards, but a favorite nonetheless. Granted you have to see four other movies to fully understand all the jokes in this but man is it worth it.

13. Spirited Away - I usually don't for the anime related things but I have to admit this is one you can't afford to skip. Spirited Away is a fantastic.

12. The Man Who Wasn't There -You can't go wrong with Billy Bob Thornton and the Coen Brothers. (Or Scarlett Johanssonn and James Gandolfini)

11. The Royal Tenenbaums - It is also hard to go wrong with Wes Anderson films.

10. Legally Blonde - Yea I like Legally Blonde Its actually a pretty good comedy with a good message. Which is something that most Comedies fail in.

9.Monster's Inc. - Though not one of my favorite Pixar movies, its still very good. Plus I love John Goodman/Steve Buscemi.

8.Harry Potter and the Sorceror's Stone - Yes the films begin to feel a little tired after the second one, but this first film is actually very good at introducing the world of Harry Potter and you have to admit that Chris Columbus knows how to make a movie.

7.Ocean's Eleven - You CANT go wrong with a clever heist film, especially one with a cast like this!

6.The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring - Cleverly Orchestrated begginning to the series and an all around great movie. Wether its fantasy or horror Peter Jackson can do no wrong.

5.Hannibal - My personal favorite of Thomas' Harris books, my least favorite of the films (which should tell you a lot about how much I like the others since this one is so high up on the list). Ridley Scott might lose his touch after This movie, but boy is it a good one.

4. Blow - Gangster movies about drug running are a favorite of mine, now take that and put Johnny Depp in the title role and its all good.

3. Swordfish - Was 2001 the year for the heist movie or what? Plus with another all star cast you can't go wrong. Plus with a semi-twisty ending with political satire abound whats not to love?

2. A Beautiful Mind - Russel Crowe and Ron Howard are an unstoppable force with this masterpiece of a movie.

1. Donnie Darko - Yea I'm a Darko Fan and I know this movie backwards and forwards. Donnie Darko isn't just the best movie of 2001 its my second favorite movie of all time. (And yea I'm one of those fans that can explain the movie, so Darko Questions should come to me if you have any).

Top 15 movie countdown....countdown.

2009-01-06T15:35:00.003-06:00

Next Friday I'll unveil my Top 15 films of 2008. In order to get you comfortable with the way I look at the movies and how I pick my favorites I've decided to pick a year and go over my Top 15 of that year, a countdown to my countdown if you will. I'll be starting with the year 2000, and progress until next friday with my top of 2008.

My Top 15 of 2000

15. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Now I don't consider myself much of a kung-fu movie person, yes I like them but not as hardcore as some people. CTHD is a very well paced film and is very fun to watch.

14. Pitch Black - Surprisingly Vin Diesel has made some pretty good flicks. This being one of them. Pitch Black is one of the better sci-fi movies of recent years.

13. Hollow Man - Say whatever you want about the movie and Kevin Bacon. But I really dig it, and think it has good effects and a great message about too much power.

12. Keeping the Faith - Yes a comedy made the list, its not hard for comedies to do that. Even though I tend to not like Ben Stiller he does a good job in the film, along side everyone's favorite Eddy Norton.

11. Almost Famous - I can rant and rave all day about how good this is, or you can go see it for yourself and believe me.

10. X-men - Granted only 2 sentences from the media god that is Joss Whedon's rewrite made it into the Xmen film. It's still a very good movie, and does its best to work with the X-men Mythology.

9. Cast Away - Tom Hanks and Robert Zemeckis can never do wrong.

8. O, Brother Where art Thou? - The Coens and George Clooney can also never do wrong.

7. Chicken Run - I love Wallace and Gromit and this movie which is essentially the life of chickens is very fun and entertaining for all ages.

6. Requiem for A Dream - Aronofsky is a brilliant man and also, can do no wrong.

5. Cecil B. Demented - Jon Waters is a great writer/director, and this film which bashes the hollywood system is fantastic and can be re-watched overandover.

4. Memento - Chris Nolan has made quite the masterful film too, and its only his 2nd. Nolan is very good at keeping your attention and leaving you wanting more.

3. Snatch - Guy Ritchie is the next Scorscese and with an All-Star cast like Snatch has you can't help but wonder who will be in his movies in 10 years.

2. American Psycho - This is the movie that proved Christian Bale is one of the better actors currently working. Scary, thought provoking, and wonderfull brilliant.

1. Unbreakable - Call M. Night Shyamalan a one hit wonder if you want. Just shows that you don't know what you're talking about Since Unbreakable is the best film of 2000 and is the pinnacle of Super Hero movies.

1/6 DVD Releases

2009-01-05T20:49:00.002-06:00

Well we're all back now and ready to get back in the swing of things, and luckily Its a monday which means tomorrow is New Release Tuesday. Here is the list of releases along with the verdicts.

Babylon A.D. - There is a reason Vin Diesel doesn't make many movies now a'days. This being one of them.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Bangkok Dangerous - I would reccomend watching the Original Bangkok Dangerous that isn't but a few years old and is directed by the EXACT same people. I hate it when good foreign films are re-made because Americans are too lazy and stupid to read subtitles.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Disaster movie - Insert your own insult to the *insert genre* movies here. Also a pun or two.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Midnight Movie - Now granted I haven't seen this, but its a horror movie. So I'm going to watch it. (NOTE: This isn't a movie like Disaster movie. It is titled Midnight movie because its about a horror movie being screened at midnight and the killer gets out in the theater)
VERDICT: RENT IT, SKIP if you're one of those people that don't like horror movies.

Pineapple Express - Love him or Hate him, Seth Rogan still wrote a very good movie here. Pineapple Express wins the Pick of the week for 1/6.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Righteous Kill - I never got to see it, but I still say you can't go wrong with Pacino, DeNiro, and a script by Russel Gerwitz.
VERDICT: RENT IT

Best Christmas Movie Marathon, Part 2

2008-12-10T13:31:00.002-06:00

Here is the more holiday related half of my epic Christmas movie marathon.

6. Elf - I remember seeing this movie in the theaters and I love it just as much then as I do now. Elf will get you in the Christmas mood because of its Pro-Santa message and off the wall acting by Will Ferrell. Elf is a good family Christmas movie if you find your whole family is incapable of getting the spirit.

7. National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - This is one of my favorite Christmas movies ever (hence why it made it on this list) and if you haven't seen it just go buy it right now. I shouldn't have to convince you to watch this you should just want to.

8. A Christmas Story - Yes they play this movie on Christmas day for 24 hours, but you could watch it for the entire day and laugh every time. A Christmas Story has plenty of humor for everyone and even more for us boys that have gotten BB guns for Christmas before.

9. It's A Wonderful Life - I first saw this movie when I was in 4th grade and fell in love with it. It's a Wonderful Life is the best movie at Christmas time you can watch with the whole family, and by whole family I'm including grandma.

And the BEST Christmas movie to watch to get you in the spirit, and my personal favorite!

10. The Nightmare Before Christmas - Yea the movie is barely feature length but you'll love ever minute of it. Yes it could be scary to some people, but lets not forget that it deals with how everyone even the inhabitants of Halloweentown want to be a part of it. The Nightmare Before Christmas gets my seal of approval as the best Christmas movie, and I promise you I'll be watching it very soon.

But tonight in celebration of the end of exams and the semester, I'll be watching The Dark Knight.

Best Comedies of 2008

2008-12-09T15:35:00.002-06:00

Last week you read about the best horror films of 2008 this week I bring you the best comedies of the year.

5. Zach & Miri Make a Porno - Kevin Smith is in my opinion one of the funniest filmmakers of our time. Though he doesn't plan on making any more movies with the characters he's spent so much time establishing he hasn't lost his comedic edge. Zach & Miri brings the potty mouth humor and heart warming film making ability of Smith back onto screen.

WARNING: THIS TRAILER CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE

4.Wall-e -Besides being the best animated movie of the year Wall-e is REALLY funny. Don't think that because this is a cartoon that you'll lose your manhood, which is something I've heard people say, Wall-e is brilliant and you will love it.

3. Son of Rambow - No one saw this movie, I know it, and you all missed out because it was hysterical. The flick is already out on DVD and you SHOULD buy it because it is fantastic. I like the movie because I like movies about making movies, and thats what this is. Its also one of those "Screw the popular kids!" movies because I like those too.

2. Burn After Reading - The Coen brothers are comedic brilliance. The Big Lebowski, Fargo, Raising Arizona, and even The Lady Killers. BaR is fantastic, but sadly doesn't come out on DVD until about December 23

1. Hamlet 2 - I know none of you saw this (because there were 2 other people theater besides me) and you all missed out. Hamlet 2 is the funniest movie of the year and most people around here didn't like it because it made fun of Jesus. Get a sense of humor about everything please and then go watch Hamlet 2.

WARNING: THIS TRAILER CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE

12/9 DVD Releases

2008-12-08T12:20:00.003-06:00

There are only two DVDs coming out tomorrow, and you should know that you SHOULD buy both of them (even though I know 90% of you are only going to buy one of them).

The two movies in question: The Dark Knight and Dr. Suess' Horton Hears a Who.

The Dark Knight without question is the biggest film of the year, and as the commercials really want you to think probably the biggest of the decade. I don't need to convince you to buy this movie, but Horton on the other may take some suggestion.

Horton Hears a Who is one of the best animated movies of the year, it in fact probably would be best if it were not for Wall-e. Horton is filled with tons of different types of humor and is loaded with a celebrity voice cast. Even if you don't enjoy the movie you could probably make a game out of attempting to figure out what celebrity is doing a voice.

Plus you get this in Horton:

Take my word for it, buy both of these on DVD tomorrow.

How you can tell when critics don't know what they're talking about...

2008-12-06T11:16:00.003-06:00

I knew I was destined to like Punisher: War Zone before I even saw it. That is because I am a Punisher fan. So when I read reviews about the film that said things like "Are we supposed to be laughing at these things? Cause I don't think we were supposed to, but we did" or "This is the worst comic book movie ever made" or "This is the Batman & Robin of Marvel comics movies".

ALL of these are wrong. I'll take all of these things that have been said about Punisher: War Zone to prove that these critics don't know what they're talking about and that Punisher: War Zone is one of the most faithful comic book adaptations since Sin City.

1. "Are we supposed to be laughing at these things?" - Besides being grotesquely violent the Punisher comic books are often very humorous, and that type of humor is reflected in the movie but in a very dark comedic tone. In both the film and the comics they humor is often laugh out loud funny, and political at times. It is beyond me how a critic could find something funny in a movie, that is obviously supposed to be funny, and not recognize it as intentional.

2. "This is the worst comic book movie ever made" - Wrong again. Punisher: War Zone reflects the comic book to a T. The extreme violence and outlandish fight scenes are exactly what a Punisher movie has been dying for since they made the first film almost 20 years ago. You want a real list of worst comic book movies ever made, that don't treat their source material with respect? 1. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. 2. Elektra. 3. Son of the Mask.

3. "This is the Batman & Robin of the Marvel comics movies" Okay lets examine this claim to its deepest extent. Batman & Robin was made by a director that took as many liberties with the characters as he wanted. He added:

Nipples to Batman and Robin's costumes
Ice Skates to their boots
So many puns its unhealthy to hear
Batman credit card
Enough product placement to make you vomit

No liberties were taken with Punisher: War Zone. It is faithful to the comic books with all of its characters, violence, and humor. The real Batman & Robin of Marvel comics movies is actually probably Daredevil or Howard the Duck.

So if you see Punisher: War Zone and don't like it, and then these are your complaints. It doesn't bother me at all to tell you YOU'RE WRONG.

12/5 Theatrical Releases

2008-12-04T10:55:00.002-06:00

This weekend sees the release of three movies that I can guarantee won't break any box office numbers.

Cadillac Records - Cadillac Records is best on the true story of Chess records and their rise to power and fame in Chicago in the 1950s and 60s. The film, though loaded to the brim with stars, doesn't show promise from the trailer. If anything the movie looks like more of a waste of time than a good use of it.

The Nobel Son - Nobel Son shows promise to be good, since it has a good cast (better than Cadillac Records in my opinion) and a compelling plot line. The son of a Nobel prize winner is kidnapped on the eve of the father's acceptance of the award. The film is supposed to be a story of revenge and redemption, and the trailers make it look as flashy as a Guy Ritchie picture.

Punisher: War Zone - I have been waiting on this movie for four years, and I'm more excited now than I was then. This movie appears to be the definitive Punisher film and I'm hoping will be one of the more violent movies I've ever seen (which is a stretch since I have Cannibal Holocaust on DVD).

If you want my recommendation on what to see this week, it would be Nobel Son or Punisher: War Zone. But I will be going to see the Punisher kill the hell out of some bad guys, and I'm going to love it.

The Best Horror movies of 2008

2008-12-03T11:50:00.003-06:00

As the year comes to a close, we start to look back at the things that we enjoyed. For the remainder of the year I'll be going through a list of what I deemed the best of in certain categories. Today's category: HORROR MOVIES.

In case you are not aware, I LOVE horror movies. I look forward to seeing horror movies in theaters more then most 'award winning' movies. And I'm talking about actually horror movies, not these PG-13 sequels to a Japenese remake. I would talk about my favorite horror films now, but I'll save that for later.

The BEST Horror films of 2008

5. Diary of the Dead - Granted I was a little skeptical when I heard Romero was hoping on the 'Cam-movie' band wagon, but its safe to say he pulled it off. The movie is 100% better than the Spanish film [REC], or it's American remake Quarantine, though they all share a common idea: People are running from zombies and they have a camera. Now Diary has the advantage in this situation because Romero knows how to handle a zombie outbreak, he also knows how to make people believable in these situations. Diary of the Dead offers a unique and commonly overlooked idea at how the modern college student would react to a zombie outbreak, and its great.
Scare Factor: 5/10

4. Mirrors - Alexandre Aja in my opinion is one of the top two modern horror directors that should be crowned king (the other being Rob Zombie). And yes 2 of the 3 movies Aja has done have been remakes (Mirrors and The Hills Have Eyes (2006), but they were REALLY REALLY good remakes. Mirrors, while still a remake, brings Aja's unique horror perspective to the table instead of simply Copy+Pasting everything from the remake but with a different cast (and a BRILLIANT cast in this case, I'm talking of course mostly about Kiefer Sutherland).
Scare Factor: 7/10

3. The Ruins - I really enjoyed this movie, I didn't know what to expect when I saw the previews because I didn't recognize ANYONE in the cast. But when the movie was going on I realized I KNOW EVERYONE IN THIS CAST! By presenting this movie with a cast of people that everyone knows and loves it makes their horrific experiances even more terrifying. The Ruins follows a group of kids on vacation in Mexico who decide to go and visit...some ruins. The story truely takes off after they reach the ruins because it is inhabited by canibalistic plants and an unruley bunch of locals that are preventing the kids from leaving the ruins. The Ruins is an absolutely terrifying movie and everyone should see it.
Scare Factor: 8/10

2. Teeth - Every man and woman on the planet should see this film. Teeth brings a new type of terror to the screen, and it is GURANTEED to make any man flinch and any woman shutter. The focus of the story is on Dawn, a teenage girl that teaches absintence to kids at the local schools. But Dawn has a terrifying secret. She has teeth....inside her uh....reproductive organs. Yea. Before you ask yes it shows things like severed male reproductive parts, and yes they're severed because Dawn's reproductive parts.....bit them off.
Scare Factor: 10/10

1. The Strangers - In my opinion there are few things scarier than 1. Home invasion, or 2. Someone moving your things around and you don't know who it is. The Strangers has perfect timing in all of its scares and doesn't hold back on brutality. This is why I crown The Strangers, the scariest movie of 2008.

Tune in to the next Best of 2008 when I go over the top 5 comedies of the year.

The Ultimate Christmas movie Marathon, Part 1.

2008-12-02T12:56:00.003-06:00

Though I myself am not yet in the spirit of Chirstmas, though some people have been since November 1st. I decided I would compile a list for you of some of my favorite Christmas movies. The blog will be in two parts, one today and one a week from now. I've taken the time to put the movies in order of how well they'll put you in the 'Christmas Spirit'.

1. Batman Returns - Sure the movie has Danny Devito as a torpedo shaped Penguin, but it's still pretty good. I always enjoyed the Burton Batman films and this one even takes place during Christmas! By watching this movie I can gurantee you'll think twice before going to a big city to shop for christmas presents, in fear of being attacked by crazed circus preformers and catwomen.

2. Die Hard - The first installment of the epic action series, if you've forgotten, takes place during Christmas! If there is one thing that John McClain taught us its that we could have our life threatened every 5 minutes, but Christmas will still be there.

3. À l'intérieur (Inside) - Its a safe assumption that few of you have heard of this movie, but I'll tell you this: If you're pregnant, and want to watch a 'christmas' movie. Don't watch this, in fact skip ahead to the next movie while I explain. Inside is a french horror film that takes place on Christmas Eve, in the movie a pregnant woman is being stalked in her own home by a crazed woman who is trying to cut her baby out of her stomach.

4. Bad Santa - This movie is not only one of my favorite Christmas movies, its one of my favorite comedies. Granted the movie is very potty mouthy, its still very good, and almost guranteed to make you wish Christmas was here.

5. Gremlins - This was one of my favorite movies growing up, not because it took place during Christmas, but because it had little funny monsters in it. Out of all the movies I've listed today I would consider this one the best 'Christmas' movie to watch.

There you go, these movies should tidy you over until next week when I reveal the rest of the list, which you should know does contain some actual 'Christmas movies' by you normal people's standards.

12/2 DVD releases

2008-12-01T16:44:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow will actually be a very good day for home releases, a lot of really good titles are getting sent on the shelves and some not so good ones.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - If you're like me, and thought the first Chronicles of Narnia was utter trash, you couldn't have been more appalled at the idea of a sequel. This film is really just a repeat of the first movie, but with more of the 'Jesus Kitty' overtones.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

The Day the Earth Stood Still - Just in time for the remake's release next week comes a 2-disc version of the 1951 classic. If you're reading this dad, I think I know something you'ld like for christmas....
VERDICT: BUY IT

The Longshots - There are about three different stories you can have for a sports movie. 1.Team isn't good, so they get a good coach, team becomes good. 2. Team goes to the championship and wins/loses. 3. A girl/animal wants to play the sport. If you've seen one you've seen them all.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Step Brothers - I really enjoyed this movie, even though in my opinion Will Farrell's best movies are the ones like Elf and Stranger than Fiction. You can get it in single (rated and unrated) or 2-disc (unrated).
VERDICT: BUY IT

WANTED - Don't listen to what people tell you when they say that this movie was a Matrix clone, though in some aspects it is. Wanted has a certain charisma to it that is seldom found in modern action films. It is at least worth a single viewing if not the purchase.
VERDICT: RENT IT, BUY IT IF ENJOYED

The X-Files: I Want to Believe - Now I've never really seen the X-files tv show (something I intend on doing very soon), but I really enjoyed this movie. I know a lot of fans of the show and they enjoyed it too, so its very possible that you would like it too. That is if you're into X-fileish stuff.
VERDICT: BUY IT

Updates all around!

2008-11-30T13:05:00.002-06:00

It's been a while since I updated so I thought I would include a post to cover all types of movie news.

New Moon - Yes the Twilight sequel got greenlit, and it even starts filming in March, but do most people care? Not really.

Wolverine - A photo has emerged of the character Gambit in the Upcoming Wolverine film. Here you go: http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=50901

The Hobbit - If you didn't know Guillermo Del Toro is directing The Hobbit and a second undisclosed Lord of the Rings related movie, and he recently said in an interview they will be filming the movies over the course of 370 days. Which still doesn't top Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut schedule of 400 days, and that was just one movie.

Prequel news - Apparently they're working on a prequel to Planet of the Apes I can't help but wonder if its the OG Planet or the Tim Burton travesty of recent memory. There is also a Direct to DVD prequel to Smokin' Aces in the works, which could actually be quite good if the rumors that it focuses on the Tremor Brothers are true.

Its been pretty quiet this week in Movie news, more as more develops.

11/25 DVD Releases

2008-11-24T11:31:00.002-06:00

If you thought this theatrical weekend was boring, just wait until you see the line up for tomorrow's home video releases.

Fred Claus - Again, a Christmas movie from last year being released on DVD now (because no one would have bought it if it came out in June). This movie could have worked if it was made in one way. That way being that Fred Claus (Santa's Brother) tried to kill Santa, and the movie was as bloody and violent as possible. Much to the dismay of myself and my coworkers the movie isn't like this at all. The things it has going for it though is a very good cast, too bad the poorly thought out script doesn't deliver a worth while film.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Space Chimps - The chances are very high that you never even heard of this movie because it came out the same day as The Dark Knight and I know (99%) of you guys were all like "ZOMG THE DARK KNIGHT IS THE BEST MOVIEEEEEE EEVERRRRRRRRRRRR BUT I CHANGE FAVORITE MOVIES EVER YEAR SO ITS OKAY" but just so you know this probably isn't worth seeing anyway since it wasn't made by Pixar.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Hancock - I never saw this movie and frankly I don't really have to since the commercials for the DVD are GIVING AWAY THE ENDING (Amirite?). Plus when I saw the trailer for the first time I called the ending, and I was right. Plus it doesn't help this movie in my case if it was supposed to be a hardcore R rated flick but they turned it into Will Smith brings the family in for rip roaring good time.
VERDICT: RENT IT if you must, I would reccomend the UNRATED cut of the film being released since its closer to what this movie SHOULD have been.

Meet Dave - Must I say anything at all about this Eddie Murphy fiasco?
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Writers Stirke version 2.0

2008-11-22T13:43:00.001-06:00

Rumors of a second Writer's strike have basically come true, as the guild has gone to its members for support of a strike.

Prepare to have your TV shows gone....again....maybe.

A Boring weekend ahead.

2008-11-20T11:35:00.002-06:00

This weekend only two films come out into theaters. Twilight and the new Disney flick Bolt.

Twilight - If you're a guy, and you saw the preview for Twilight in the theater, and you thought "That actually looks pretty good". THEY'RE TRICKING YOU. They took every action scene from the film and put it into that 90 second spot so that men would think, maybe its not all about lovey doveys. Before you say "Oh but Spencer its got vampires in it, it might be cool."

WRONG. You want to see a cool vampire movie? Salem's Lot is a cool vampire movie. From Dusk 'til Dawn is a cool vampire movie. Blade & Blade II are cool vampire movies, and 30 Days of Night is a GREAT vampire movie.

If you want vampires you're going to see Twilight for the wrong reason.

I know it will take a little while for the Twilight phase to die out, and that day cannot come any sooner.

Bolt - The new Disney animated movie (in 3D!) is also being released. The only draw back to this movie is that Miley Cyrus (another worldwide fascination I'm still trying to understand).

Personally I'd rather sit in an auditorium full of children to watch a movie than a bunch of giggly fan girls, so if you want my pick of what to see this weekend, It's Bolt.

11/18 DVD releases

2008-11-19T12:13:00.002-06:00

and Yes it is 11/19, sorry for the delay.

Wall-e - Considered by many (yours truely included) to be one of the best, if not the best, films of the year. This Disney/Pixar movie is incredible on so many levels, and should be viewed by EVERYONE. Don't make up a dumb excuse for not watching it, your manhood cannot be threatened by watching an animated film. Grow up. The DVD comes in a single disc, and 3-disc format. The 3 disc is actually false advertising since the 3rd disc is actually just a digital copy of the movie, so you can watch it on your iPod.
Verdict: BUY IT

Tropic Thunder - I still have yet to see this movie that many people thought was the funniest film of the year (which would be hard to beat for me, since I saw Hamlet 2). The movie has had great reviews, and does show promise.
Verdict: RENT IT

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 - Did you like the first one? If yes you can buy this DVD, if No politely skip and move on.
VERDICT: SKIP IT

Thats all for new releases this week, stay tuned for more!

Happy Feet......2?

2008-11-16T11:34:00.003-06:00

It pains me to tell you that their making a sequel to the monstrosity that is Happy Feet.

We can only take so much of tap dancing/sexual innuendo from everyone's favorite arctic bird.

Quantum of Solace

2008-11-15T13:57:00.005-06:00

As the majority of people did this weekend, I went to see the new Bond flick. I grew up watching James Bond films, and didn't actually see Casino Royale until about 2 months ago. I thought CR was a very mediocre James Bond film, but a fantastic action movie.

If you've seen CR you should expect nothing less than the same kind of formula for this movie. That formula goes something like this (Over Extended action sequences with minimal results + a not sinister/memorable villain + Daniel Craig).

Quantum of Solace uses this exact same formula as CR, but it does have one thing going for it. Olga Kurylenko. She is one of the most beautiful actresses around today, and isn't too shabby at actually acting. The movie tries to dazzle audiences with exotic locations and giant stunts, but fails to come up with a plot worth watching.

I'm okay with Daniel Craig playing Bond now. I used to have problems with it, but he's proved that he can handle the role to me. I'm actually very excited about Bond 23 now, since it won't be a direct sequel, and I think it has the potential to be one of the best Bond films ever.

Monopoly....THE MOVIE?

2008-11-12T00:59:00.003-06:00

Though it doesn't seem completely unrealistic to have a movie based on a board game (Clue actually kinda worked), but how are you going to make a movie about Monopoly?

Pamela Pettler (Corpse Bride, Monster House) is penning the screenplay for Sir Ridley Scott to direct the "adaptation". Though this isn't nearly as mind boggling as the Facebook movie that is set to come out in the near future.

What will be the next unconventional adaptation to a film?

K-mart the movie? Operation the movie?

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=50450

"Based on a True Story" How to guarantee your movie makes money

2008-11-11T14:32:00.003-06:00

We've all seen the taglines for horror movies that say it. "Based on a true story" or "Inspired by Actual Events", and normally we go in the theater believing it. But how true are these true stories?

Some movies that have used this box office ploy before:

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre
Hostel
The Strangers
The Amityville Horror
The Exorcism of Emily Rose

Chances are if you've seen these movies and kept the idea in your head you might have believed it. Let's try and settle these stories for those of you that are confused.

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre - TCM is loosely based on the serial murderer Ed Gein, who also served as inspiration for the films Psycho's Norman Bates and Silence of the Lambs' Buffalo Bill. In truth the only similarities in TCM to Mr. Gein are that Ed Gein made a suit out of skin, and Leatherface does the same but with a mask. Also canabalism is a shared theme.

Hostel - Director Eli Roth has said the idea for this came from a website he saw where you could "pay $10,000 and go into a room and shoot someone in the head". He still says he doesn't know if the website was real, and it has since disapeared.

The Strangers - This movie is based on actually a few different events molded into one. One of which is a murder case which has never (and sadly may never) be solved. The other involves an experiance had by writer/director Bryan Bertino, in which a stranger (huhu) came to his and asked for someone that wasn't there.

The Amityville Horror- TAH is based on a book, which is based on supposed hauntings in a house where a mass murder occured. This case is one of the most debated.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose - This film is based on the story of Anneliese Michel, a girl who died after several unsuccesful attempts to cure her from "demonic possesion".

After reading this you should think twice about how truthful a horror movie is being to its basis after you see it.

11/11 DVD releases

2008-11-10T17:53:00.002-06:00

Some of this summers best films are being released tomorrow and one of the worst. Here they are:

Kung Fu Panda - This movie was one of the best animated films of the summer, and didn't rely to heavily on any one character to bring the jokes. This one was actually released yesterday, but I'm sure no stores are sold out yet.
Verdict: BUY IT

Hellboy II: The Golden Army - I liked this movie, I thought it was a great way to continue the Hellboy story arc and keep it feeling fresh. It doesn't rely to much on the previous movie so it follows the succesful sequel code (more of the same + up the ante + a few new things = great sequel). The movie is getting s a 3-Disc edition loaded with bonus features for you, because who doesn't love hearing Guillermo Del Toro talk (even though you have NO idea what he's saying)
Verdict: BUY IT

Star Wars: The Clone Wars - This is one of those special movies in which you don't have to see it to know just how bad it is. Obsessive Star Wars fans might feel the need to purchase it, but that should be the only case.
Verdict: SKIP IT

Spielberg set to Remake Oldboy

2008-11-07T09:31:00.002-06:00

Yes you read that correctly, the movie that is #117 on the IMDB top 250 is getting an American remake. If you're like me and have seen the Korean film Oldboy, you don't want any greedy unoriginal Hollywood producer getting his nasty hands on a remake. Now for me this comes as even more of a downer because I despise Steven Spielberg. My hatred for him isn't the point of this blog though, the point is what a stupid idea this project is.

The worst part about Spielberg wanting to do this remake? He wants Will "Gettin' Jiggy with it" Smith to play the lead character. That is right. The guy that couldn't even make Robert Neville seem tough is set to play one of the most violent characters in recent cinema.

Granted there are some things that should be remade (yea I said it), but not things that actually have a strong following and were only made a few years ago. Just because something is from a different country as America doesn't mean people shouldn't watch it. Does the population hate reading so much that they won't even go see a foreign film?

Now before you jump on my case because The Departed was a remake of Infernal Affairs, and since The Departed won Best Picture, let me say this. The Departed and Infernal Affairs were so different you almost couldn't tell it was a remake. There is NO WAY to remake Oldboy and change it like they changed Infernal Affairs.

http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=50332

November 7th theatrical releases

2008-11-06T11:51:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow marks the first weekend of November, and November marks the beginning of Christmas fever. When people realize that Christmas music is playing on the radio, they have the urge to spend more money, and going to the movies is no exception. Openings this week are:

Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa- I enjoy cartoon/animated films (something not to be confused with kid movies, they’re entirely different things). Granted I’ve only seen a few parts of the first Madagascar, and found the only enjoyable part to be the penguins, but there is something about this movie that looks like it will have the exact same formula to it: B/C list celebrities voice animals + hysterical penguins + horrid animation = mediocre animated movie.

Role Models- A product of one of the funniest members of the Apatow crew, Paul Rudd stars in a movie written by himself and childhood friend David Wain (also directs). Sean William-Scott makes a comeback to sex-comedy (since the last thing I saw him in was Southland Tales, I liked it, so send me your hate mail). The early reviews coming back are decent enough to warrant a viewing, at the very least a wait til DVD.

Soul Men- By now we’re all familiar with watching an actor we know to be dead on the screen (RIP Heath Ledger), but now comes a project from the recently deceased Bernie Mac. Mac stars with Samuel L. Jackson (insert your own Sam Jackson is in everything joke here) as they take on the roles of former musicians who have decided to go on a farewell tour of sort. The movie doesn’t look promising, and isn’t Bernie Mac’s last starring role so you can not feel guilty about skipping it.

RIP Michael Crichton

2008-11-05T16:37:00.002-06:00

Growing up I was one of those kids that was fascinated with dinosaurs. So naturally as a child when Jurassic Park came out, I was ecstatic. Well a few years passed, I started middle school, and discovered a lot of films I liked were based on books (Jurassic Park, 2001, Planet of the Apes). So I read these books.

Michael Crichton was the author of Jurassic Park, and its sequel The Lost World. After I read Jurassic Park, and realized how vastly superior the book was to the film, I began to journey through the rest of his novels. Michael Crichton was a staple in my appreciation for novels, and he was essential in the creation of one of the most technologically advanced movies of its time.

Though many of the adaptations of his works were never as similar to the books as fans could hope, Crichton was still an efficient story teller.

RIP Michael Crichton (1942 - 2008)
Your work in literature and films will never be forgotten.

2008 has not been a good year to famous people, as another great person has been taken.

Election Day DVD releases

2008-11-03T16:20:00.002-06:00

If you vote that's great, if you don't that's your choice, but here is a list of some DVDs coming out that you should keep in mind while you go out to vote.

Get Smart - The Steve Carell movie based on the old tv show, which I never saw, is being released in single and 2 disc formats. I would think this movie is only a purchase if you were a big time fan.

Verdict: Rent it if you must see it, purchase only if a fan.

The Perfect Holiday - The Queen Latifah Christmas movie from last year is finally making it on home video.

Verdict: Skip it.

Waterworld: Extended Edition - Do we really want to see more from this movie?

Verdict: Skip it.

Kevin Smith made a Porno, and you should see it.

2008-11-02T19:49:00.004-06:00

Fans of Kevin Smith will be pleased to know that he has once again, delivered. Granted this isn’t a View Askew movie, which is what everyone knows him for, but only his second foray into stepping out of that box. I’m going to put myself on the edge here and say I liked Jersey Girl, and will take whatever excuses you throw at me (my email is in my profile). Zach and Miri make a Porno creates a type of atmosphere that all people are familiar with the “Just a friend (of the opposite sex)”. Smith uses his realistic banter and perfect casting to bring the film from what people consider Smith’s “Potty mouth” humor to a more touching feel along the lines of Chasing Amy.

People that have no idea what View Askew is or have never seen a Kevin Smith movie (a feat a find unimaginable), but are considering seeing this film anyway should be aware three things. 1. This is a vulgar film, if you can’t tell by the title which has been banned from advertising in some cities due to the word “porno”. It does feature nudity, and a lot of the routinely accepted dialogue from Smith’s films. 2. This is NOT a Judd Apatow movie. The fear my brother and I had about this film was people would make a guess like this “Seth Rogen + sex comedy + movie about amateur porn = Product of Apatow”. Granted these are just fears of complete film nerds but you should still not make such an assumption, and we’ve worked at a movie theater I know what stupid connections people make to movies. 3. It was originally rated NC-17. This movie originally received the black spot of film ratings, but was changed in the appeals process of the MPAA. Now I’m all for someone beating the tyrannical Nazi system that is the Motion Picture Association of America, but there were minimal cuts made to the cut of the film you will see from the “NC-17 cut” of the movie. Now if you trust the MPAA, as apparently most parents do, this could dissuade you.

There are some reasons that people are contemplating not seeing this movie or seeing the movie that are completely ridiculous, as opposed to the ones listed above. 1. “I like Kevin Smith, but I don’t like Seth Rogen”. Okay, you like Kevin Smith (and I’m going to assume part of it is his dialogue) who writes very naughty jokes, but you hate Seth Rogen who also writes but acts out dirty jokes. These two compliment each other’s talents in a way that is almost unheard of in modern cinema. 2. “It has porn in the title, so they will show the porn.” If you want to see porn, don’t pay money to come to a theater to watch people make it.

Fans of Silent Bob’s movies will love the movie and the laughter doesn’t stop from start to finish. This is one of Kevin Smith’s funniest movies, which proves he can write beyond his New Jersey universe. The people that consider Superbad the pinnacle of contemporary American comedy, really need a lesson.

I present Exhibit A.

Casting changes in Iron Man 2

2008-11-01T10:44:00.002-05:00

For those of you that saw Iron Man at the start of this summer, you're probably anxiously waiting on its follow-up (along with The Avengers movie). But if you haven't heard, there have been some minor changes to the cast in Iron Man 2.

Terrance Howard who played James "Rhodey" Roads has been replaced by Don Cheadle.

While there isn't a full understanding of why Howard was let go, a few whispers have been picked up. One such rumor is that Terrance Howard was the highest paid actor on the film, apparently he made more money than Robert Downey Jr. A second rumor is that the director, Jon Favreau, and the producers were not happy with Howard's performance in the film, and had to cut around it to make it fit what they wanted.

It's not like this is a terrible loss though, they dropped one award winner and picked up another one. Even if Terrance Howard was still in the film I would be excited about it, but I think I find myself more excited about War Machine with Cheadle in the suit.

Sequels are important

2008-10-31T13:51:00.000-05:00

There are two reasons that movie studios decide to make sequels: the films were envisioned as a series or they (the studio) REALLY wants some money. Easily the most referenced sequel machine in recent days is Lionsgate’s Saw franchise. Granted as these films continue to be created they’re becoming more and more for the fans (as they’ve NEVER been about how well they’re received by critics). Every Halloween when the next Saw movie comes out, I always hear people say things like “Well I’ve only seen the first two, should I go see this one?” The Saw films depend on each installment before them to continue the plot of the series, so without viewing the previous films you could be quite lost if you skip ahead.

Which brings me to the point of this post: Why would you go see a movie in a series that you haven’t seen all of the other installments for? Or for that matter, agree to review one of these films under those circumstances? Imagine seeing Pirates of the Caribbean 2, without having seen the first one or seeing the first Harry Potter movie and then jumping to the fourth Harry Potter movie.

If one of your friends wanted to see The Return of the King without seeing the other Lord of the Rings films, and you had seen all of them….why would you let your friend do that? Film series should be viewed as a whole, unless the original creators don’t consider something canon to their story (Example: The Book Wicked to The Wizard of Oz series). Even under those circumstances the creation should still be viewed in its own right as a story.

No official sequel should be left out by a viewer just because they didn’t see it/like it.