MODERN DAY PARABLES

Get pounded by THE WRESTLER!

2008-11-21T12:05:00.000-08:00

Could this be JOHNNY DEPP in his MAD HATTER garb?

2008-11-18T17:35:00.001-08:00

Tim Burton's next foree into film will be ALICE IN WONDERLAND, which will hit theatres sometime next year. AINT IT COOL NEWS has released a photo that may or may not be JOHNNY DEPP in his costume as the MAD HATTER.

Check it out:

What do you think?

Watch Out For THE WATCHMEN

2008-11-17T12:48:00.000-08:00

This March, Zack Snyder, director of 300, brings us a cinematic adaptation of the most celebrated graphic novel of all time, THE WATCHMEN. Based on the trailer below, I have no doubt that the film will prove to contain ultra visual and styllistic eye candy, but the depth and richness of the storytelling is what gives me the most reservation. 300, though at times visually stunning, had a weak story, week characters, and presented a world in which pointless violence was celebrated, along with a false sense of machoism and heroism. I am weary but hopefull that THE WATCMEN will prove different.

Coming to a Universe Near You...STAR TREK!

2008-11-17T12:22:00.000-08:00

Let me just say, when I heard JJ Abrams was rebooting the STAR TREK film franchise, I was a little worried. Abrams last directorial effort, MISSION IMPOSSIBLE 3, was good, but felt more like an action packed episode of Alias then a full blown cinematic experience. But, with the trailer below, and Abrams apparent love of the various STAR TREK television series, most notably THE NEXT GENERATION (my favorite), my interest has now shot through the roof. Abrams hope was to introduce STAR TREK to a whole new generation and if the following is any indication, Abrams may very well achieved just that.

Enjoy...

Don't mess with THE WRESTLER!

2008-11-10T16:24:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for Pixar's UP?

2008-11-10T11:57:00.000-08:00

AUSTRALIA Gets A Final Poster

2008-11-03T16:24:00.000-08:00

Winslet and DiCaprio team up for REVOLUTIONARY ROAD!

2008-10-31T15:58:00.001-07:00

Sam Mendes, the director behind AMERICAN BEAUTY, ROAD TO PERDITION, and JARHEAD brings us the the reteaming of TITANIC'S Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio in a story about a young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s who struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. The film is based on a novel by Richard Yates. It opens wide this January!

Here is the trailer:

Catch a grizzled Clint Eastwood in GRAN TORINO!

2008-10-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

This is slowly becoming one of my most anticipated films of the year!
Most notably seeing an old and grizzled Clint Eastwood unleashed.
Check it out:

SLUMDOG Trailer Debuts!

2008-10-31T15:49:00.000-07:00

Could this be up for BEST PICTURE?

SLUMDOG One Sheet!

2008-10-24T17:08:00.000-07:00

Danny Boyle and his SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

2008-10-24T16:48:00.000-07:00

Danny Boyle is a filmmaker of many different tastes. He has taken us into the world of drugs (TRAINSPOTTING), dropped us in an apocalyptic London filled with zombies (28 DAYS LATER), sent us on a space adventure to save the Earth by regenerating the sun (SUNSHINE) , and my personal favorite, he has given us a parable about what happens when a bag of a money lands in the hands of a boy wanting to use it for all the right reasons (MILLIONS). The amazing part of Boyle's films is that they are all distinctly different, yet all deal with the harsh realities of the human condition. I expect his next fore on the silver screen, the Fox Searchlight released SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, to be any different. SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE revolves around a poor Indian teen who becomes a contestant on the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be A Millionaire?" the outcome of which will change his life forever. The film hits theatres this November!

Here Comes Clint In His GRAN TORINO!

2008-10-23T13:51:00.001-07:00

Clint Eastwood delivers a one-two punch with CHANGELING, opening next Friday wide, and THE GRAN TORINO which opens in December. This is a similar pattern we saw when Clint released FLAGS OF OUR FATHERS in the fall of 2006, and then LETTERS FROM IWA JIMA in December just in time for Oscar contention. The former wen't on to garner and Oscar nomination for Best Picture. IMDB describes GRAN TORINO as...Disgruntled Korean War vet Walt Kowalski (Eastwood) sets out to reform his neighbor, a young Hmong teenager, who tried to steal Kowalski's prized possesion: his 1972 Gran Torino. With CHANGELING receiving mixed reviews, could GRAN TORINO be this years LETTERS FROM IWA JIMA? With many Oscar contenders falling to next year (THE SOLOIST, THE ROAD), it very well could be.

Terrence Malick's TREE OF LIFE

2008-10-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

Terrence Malick is somewhat of a Hollywood nomad. He comes and goes as he pleases, but his films always tend to leave a mark, even though he only makes one every so often. His films include BADLANDS, DAYS OF HEAVEN, THE NEW WORLD, and multi Oscar nominated THE THIN RED LINE. Though his films have never quite captivated me, they are sources of beauty and poetry-in-motion that one rarely sees in modern day cinema.

Here is a peek at Malick's facinating new film THE TREE OF LIFE:

Written & Directed by: Terrence MalickCast: Brad Pitt, Sean Penn and Jessica ChastainProducers: William Pohlad, Sarah Green, Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Grant Hill

Our picture is a cosmic epic, a hymn to life.We trace the evolution of an eleven-year-old boy in the Midwest, Jack, one of three brothers. At first all seems marvelous to the child. He sees as his mother does, with the eyes of his soul. She represents the way of love and mercy, where the father tries to teach his son the world's way, of putting oneself first. Each parent contends for his allegiance, and Jack must reconcile their claims. The picture darkens as he has his first glimpses of sickness, suffering and death. The world, once a thing of glory, becomes a labyrinth.

Framing this story is that of adult Jack, a lost soul in a modern world, seeking to discover amid the changing scenes of time that which does not change: the eternal scheme of which we are a part. When he sees all that has gone into our world's preparation, each thing appears a miracle — precious, incomparable. Jack, with his new understanding, is able to forgive his father and take his first steps on the path of life.The story ends in hope, acknowledging the beauty and joy in all things, in the everyday and above all in the family -- our first school -- the only place that most of us learn the truth about the world and ourselves, or discover life's single most important lesson, of unselfish love.

You can view the article here.

THE ROAD gets a haunting new still!

2008-10-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

"We knew that the journey of making a movie out of McCarthy’s book 'The Road' would be both physically and emotionality challenging. There is a certain degree of sadness, fear and regret that 'The Man' carries inside as he strives to protect his son and ensure their survival in an impossible world." — Viggo Mortensen (Interview)

My excitement for this film only continues to grow with every ounce of given detail, and they are few to come by. Now with the possibility that the film will be moved to a 2009 release, we at least have this haunting photo of Viggo Mortenson and the young star playing his son to wet our appetites. The look in Viggo's eyes says it all, this is a man of extreme sadness. His soulful eyes speak of tragedy and pain. His thin and dirty hands reveal an essence of hunger, and survival. Though, the most impressionable part of the image is of a father's hands holding his son, offering a simply notion of care, protection, and comfort. This father/son apocalyptic tale feels almost certain to break our hearts, my only fear is that it will fail to offer a sense of hope that our hearts can be mended once more. Can't wait for this one!

Pixar's UP gets a beautiful new poster!

2008-10-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

Let me know what you think!

Adam Sandler tells some BEDTIME STORIES!

2008-10-13T09:23:00.001-07:00

The new family action comedy in which Bedtime Stories begin to come to life after being told hits theatres this Christmas!

You can check out the trailer here:

DEFIANCE gets a new poster as well!

2008-10-10T08:46:00.001-07:00

A lot of new DEFIANCE goodies today!

Check out the new poster:

Is Danielle Craig (DEFIANCE and QUANTUM OF SOLACE) going to rule the holiday box-office or what?

New DEFIANCE trailer hits the web!

2008-10-10T08:42:00.001-07:00

DARK KNIGHT meets TOY STORY 2!

2008-10-07T09:01:00.001-07:00

Check this out:

Review: MAN ON WIRE

2008-10-03T16:16:00.000-07:00

MAN ON WIRE is an exhilarating look into ones man's dream to do the near impossible, and how he was able to accomplish it masterfully.

In 1974, on a clear and slightly breezy early New York morning, Philippe Petit did the unthinkable, tightrope walking between the roofs of the newly erected World Trade Center Towers. Risking legal ramifications for himself and his accomplices, and more importantly his own life, Phillippe spent nearly a year practicing and preparing for the ultimate tight ropers dream, to perform at the top of the world. Phillipe walked back and fourth between these steel giants 8 times for nearly 45 minutes, his eyes fixed on the thin steel line below his feet, and the dream that he was about to accomplish, all the while the threat of death looming millimeters below every step. Though for Philiipe, death only exhilarated him more, fueling his ambition to carry out what could be seen as one of the most dangerous and most illegal artistic endeavors of our time. However, Phillipe had prepared all his life for this moment, this dream, and nothing was going to shake his confidence in his abilities, and the confidence he had in his friends that were at his side. At the end of Phillipe's 45 minute stint among the clouds, he finally relented, and returned to the roof of one of the towers where police were standing ready to take him into custody. However, the threat and final outcome of jail for Phillipe was a mere annoyance compared to not risking the opportunity of accomplishing his goals, seeing his dreams made into realities, and seeing the world from a totally new perspective.

MAN ON WIRE is itself an exhilarating piece of film that gives the audience a detailed look into just how Philippe first got the idea, prepared, and finally carried out an extremely detailed operation which included how he and his team managed to gain access to the buildings and the freight elevators, getting their equipment to the roof, escaping the threat of being seen by security guards, assembling the tightrope across both towers in the darkness of morning, and how Phillipe finally faced the ultimate challenge and dream of walking between the two tallest buildings in the world at the time. But in the end, what was the cost? Yes, Phillipe accomplished his goal, he defied all opposition, and he succeeded, or did he? The film hints by the end that Phillipe's costly endeavor, selfish ambitions, and obsessive tenancies while elevating his own need and prowess to excel in his craft, may very well have been the driving force that dimensioned key relationships in his life including his girlfriend and his best friend. Throughout the film Phillipe can be seen shunning peoples notion of "why" he did what he did. To him, he did it simply because the opportunity presented itself, and it was ripe for the taking.

The film's weakness seems to lie not its ability to create memorable characters, set up tension, or in telling a clever story, but in is ability to offer up a clearer sense of resolve, a clearer sense of "why" this mission was so imperative, so vital for Phillipe, but it offers enough to point you in the right direction. Yet, the real question for Phillipe still remains one of the heart. When those 45 euphoric minutes atop the world came to end, were they truly worth the loss of companionship, friendship, and love?

Recommendation: Use caution do to a scene of sexuality.

Grade: B+

TOY STORY 2 Ranked "Best Animated Feature" at Rotten Tomatoes Countdown

2008-10-03T13:06:00.000-07:00

My favorite animated film ever just got ranked the greatest animated feature of all time in Rotten Tomatoes countdown of the "50 Greatest Animated Features." I could not agree more. TOY STORY 2 is everything that TOY STORY is and more. Not only does it have one of the greatest opening sequences ever, but it's filled to the brim with and enduring story about love, loyalty, friendship, and value, also containing lovable characters, smarter dialogue, exciting action, and a pitch-perfect pacing that never drags and keeps you interested every moment. This film is plethora of purposeful film making that never leaves you with a single frame that does not deserve to be there, or say something about the environment or the characters themselves. Also, the film packs an amazingly emotional punch as the toys realize the cost of being a toy, and knowing that one day the one that loves them may be gone. However, through their enduring friendships and perseverance they begin to understand that their is always an opportunity to be rescued from loneliness, and to ultimately be made valuable. I hear they are making TOY STORY 3, in which Andy finally does grow up, and I could not be more excited. TOY STORY, and PIXAR for that matter, are a testament to the excellence that all filmmakers should aim for. Just imagine if all filmmakers had as much love of their craft and as deep a devotion for telling stories to audiences of all types and ages. What would the world be like then?

You can check out the rest of ROTTEN TOMATOES countdown HERE!

Clint Eastwood on CHANGELING!

2008-10-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

QUANTUM Final Trailer!

2008-10-02T14:27:00.000-07:00

Next to the DARK KNIGHT, potentially the second best action movie of the year! Check it out:

Howard Shore is working on THE HOBBIT!

2008-10-02T13:16:00.000-07:00

My day always seems a little bit brighter when hearing rumblings about the long awaited HOBBIT film. The thought of the geniuses behind LORD OF THE RINGS and PANS LABYRINTH taking us back to Middle Earth is nothing short of miraculous because miracles and Hollywood rarely ever go together, though the fact that any film gets made at all is a miracle in itself. Here is a quote from Howard Shore, composer of the musical score for LORD OF THE RINGS, some of the greatest music ever composed for film I might add, as he gears up for a return to the Shire and the land of Hobbits:

“Yes I am starting to work on the Hobbit. A lot of the group is coming back together to work on it. It’s really a wondrous occasion. It’s fantastic guide for me to be able to go back to Middle earth and create more music , ‘cause these films, the films, are placed before Fellowship of the Ring, so I have to go back into Middle earth a little earlier and pick up my writing, and write a piece that would grow and take you right into Fellowship of the Ring.”

You can read the rest of the article HERE!

SYNECDOCHE poster!

2008-10-01T13:25:00.001-07:00

This has to be among the best movie posters I have seen all year, maybe the best!

The film, written and directed by Charlie Kauffman (ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND, ADAPTATION), is the story of a theater director (Phillip Seymor Hoffman) who struggles with his work, and the women in his life, as he attempts to create a life-size replica of New York inside a warehouse as part of his new play. The film goes into limited release later this month.

AUSTRALIA Gets a final trailer!

2008-10-01T13:18:00.001-07:00

Even if the movie stinks, it sure is going to be something beautiful to behold. But I trust director Baz Luhrman. He delivered what I would consider to be one of the best films of 2001, MOULIN ROUGE!, maybe even the decade. Here is hoping that AUSTRALIA is the sprawling epic that we have not seen since KING KONG and LORD OF THE RINGS.

PAUL NEWMAN Dies at 83

2008-09-30T18:16:00.001-07:00

VARIETY reports on the death of a film icon Paul Newman who died last Friday after his long battle with cancer finally came to end. Newman became a legend of the silver screen in the 50's and went on to star in such memorable films as BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID, THE STING, and COOL HAND LUKE. He also received an astounding 8 Academy Award Nominations for Best Actor. His last big screen appearance was in Sam Mendes 2002 crime drama the ROAD TO PERDITION alongside Tom Hanks. However, he lent his voice talent to Doc Hudson in Pixar's 2006 feature film CARS in what I cam convinced is one of the greatest voice performances in an animated film ever. Paul Newman is one of the last of a generation of actors who illuminated the silver screen with a soaring passion and drive to be the best, who challenged themselves and their audience to grow and mature. Mr. Newman, thank you for gracing the screen with artistry and integrity for so long, you will be missed.

My Most Anticipated Film of the Year Gets a New Trailer!

2008-09-30T09:02:00.001-07:00

If you took the style of Tim Burton, and the enthusiasm of FOREST GUMP, and threw them together, you may very well get THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, opening this Christmas. Imagine being born 80 years old, and then aging backwards, watching the world around you, and those that you love, age before you as you yourself grow young. This is stuff of tall tales and storybook wonder. I hope it is as good and it looks to be, I hope it doesn't disappoint because story's about time always have something to say about life and death and love, let's hope that this one has something good to say.

In the meantime, check out the Official Trailer:

While were are talking about VALKYRIE...

2008-09-26T17:39:00.001-07:00

...Check out the new poster!

VALKYRIE gets a sweet new trailer!

2008-09-26T17:29:00.000-07:00

The film which was suppose to be released this past summer, which then got moved to next summer, all the while landing on a Christmas 2008 release date, is finally coming back into the limelight, and not looking too bad either. If fact this could be the sleeper hit of the holiday season. Check out the intense new trailer:

CHANGELING Poster Debut!

2008-09-25T17:12:00.001-07:00

Clint Eastwood has knocked them out of the park in recent years with MILLION DOLLAR BABY, LETTERS FROM IWA JIMA, MYSTIC RIVER, and of course UNFORGIVEN. But will CHANGELING, and his other December release, GRAN TORINO, further his streak of greatness? For now, here is the poster for CHANGELING which opens October 24th.

QUANTUM Final Poster!

2008-09-25T17:10:00.001-07:00

Trailer Debut - QUANTUM OF SOLACE Trailer 2!

2008-09-12T15:59:00.002-07:00

QUANTUM OF SOLACE - Coke Ad!!!

2008-09-12T15:59:00.001-07:00

Trailer Debut - DOUBT

2008-09-12T15:57:00.001-07:00

Trailer Debut - THE SOLOIST

2008-09-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

Trailer Debut - Clint Eastwood's CHANGELING

2008-09-12T15:55:00.000-07:00

GHOSTBUSTERS 3???????

2008-09-05T15:56:00.000-07:00

Yes, someone is writing it!
Yes, it may finally happen!
Yes, I can barely contain myself!

GHOSTBUSTERS was the SPIDERMAN of the 80's, a larger than life film, and its sequel, that suspended belief while delivering pure over-the-top entertainment and fun. This is one sequel that I have been dying to see. Now if only that GOONIES sequel could happen.

You can check out the article HERE!

Here is the original trailer for GHOSTBUSTERS (1984):

Paul Bettany as Charles Darwin?

2008-09-05T15:48:00.000-07:00

It looks like Paul Bettany (A Beautiful Mind, Davinci Code, Master and Commander) will next play the faimed father of evolution, Charles Darwin. Furthmore, Jennifer Connelly will play his wife in the new upcoming film CREATION.

You can read the rest of the article HERE!

More APPALOOSA Artwork!

2008-09-04T14:18:00.001-07:00

I am hoping that this one will kick-start the Fall movie season with a bang!

Sean Penn is Harvey MILK

2008-09-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

Gus Vant Sant (GOOD WILL HUNTING) directs, and Sean Penn (MYSTIC RIVER) stars in the story of an openly gay man running for the office of San Francisco Mayor during the late 70's. Sure to be a major Oscar contender!

Check it out and let me know what you think...

Opens November 26th!

New BOND 22 photos!

2008-09-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

QUANTUM OF SOLACE opens Friday, Nov. 7th!

The Legendary Voice of MOVIE TRAILERS dies!

2008-09-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

If you have ever watched a substantial amount of movie trailers, then you have probably heard the voice of Don LaFontaine. He has been doing voice over work for trailers for the past 30 years. The following video highlights some of Leontine's work:

You can read more about LaFontaine by clicking HERE!

10 Greatest Sequels of All-Time

2008-08-25T16:41:00.000-07:00

Now that DARK KNIGHT has raked in an unprecedented $489,416,885 I thought it time I offered up a list of the 10 Greatest Sequels of All-Time. The following list is my own personal opinion, and I am sure we can all agree on most all of them, but if you would like to post your own list, please feel free to do so in the comments section.

Without further ado, my pick for the Top 10 Greatest Sequels of All-Time...

10.) X-Men 2: X-Men United

9.) Superman 2

8.) Aliens

7.) Terminator 2: Judgement Day

6.) Spiderman 2

5.) Dark Knight

4.) Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

3.) Toy Story 2

2.) Empire Strikes Back

1.) The Godfather II

Honorable Mention:

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Return of the Jedi
Evil Dead 2
Ghost Busters 2

*Note : LORD OF THE RINGS would be on this list, however, it is really one gigantic continuous story without any time that takes place inbetween opening and ending credits.

Chilling new trailer for Ron Howards FROST/NIXON:

2008-08-22T17:20:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the guys over at ROPE OF SILICON!

Writing on THE HOBBIT begins!

2008-08-20T15:40:00.001-07:00

Entertainment Weekly brings us news that writing on THE HOBBIT has begun. LORD OF THE RINGS scribes Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens will join forces with director Guillermo Del Toro to hash out THE HOBBIT, opening in theatres December, 2011. The planned sequel is set to arrive in theatres December of 2012. You can read the rest of the article HERE.

Acess Hollywood Goes on the set of Oliver Stones "W"

2008-08-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

Possible Oscar Contenders 2008

2008-08-20T15:00:00.000-07:00

ROPE OF SILICON has produced a list of possible Oscar Contenders for 2008.
You can view the list and the article preceding it here.

You can see the list below!

I have placed an asterisk (*) next to the films I believe have the most Oscar momentum based on talent involved, pedigree of source material, and current buzz.

Australia*
Body of Lies
Bolt
Brothers
The Brothers Bloom
Burn After Reading
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button*
The Dark Knight*
Defiance*
Doubt*
The Duchess
The Fall
Frost/Nixon*
Frozen River
Gran Torino*
Happy-Go-Lucky
Horton Hears a Who!
Igor
I've Loved You So Long
Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D
Kung Fu Panda
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Mamma Mia!
Milk*
Miracle at St. Anna*
Nothing But the Truth
Rachel Getting Married
Revolutionary Road*
The Road*
The Secret Life of Bees
Seven Pounds
The Soloist*
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Synecdoche, New York
The Tale of Despereaux
Tropic Thunder
Valkyrie*
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
The Visitor
W.
WALL•E
Waltz with Bashir

AUSTRALIA trailer

2008-08-18T12:58:00.000-07:00

New artwork for AUSTRALIA!

2008-08-18T12:34:00.001-07:00

You have to go back to 1998 when the behemoth TITANIC flooded (pun definately intended) cinemas to find the last great epic cinematic romance. We all know what happened with that film, it became the biggest grossing film of all time, even though GONE WITH THE WIND still holds the record if your not counting inflation, and it tied BEN HUR and LOTR: RETURN OF THE KING with a monumental 11 Oscar wins including "Best Picture." This November, Baz Luhrman (MOULIN ROUGE) will take us on an adventure across the Australian outback along with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman as they drive 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiving landscape, only to experience the bombing of Darwin, Australia, by Japanese forces during the onslaught of World War II. Could this be the beginning of Hollywood's foree back in to big costume dramas? If it was anyone but Baz Luhrman at the helm, I might be more worried, but in any case, these pictures give us a little look into what might lay ahead come November.

10 Most Anticipated Upcoming Films of 2008

2008-08-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

Now that Summer Blockbuster season is coming to an end, its time to look ahead to a promising slew of films that will be realeased between September and the New Year.

Here are my Top 10 Most Anticiapted Upcoming Films of 2008:

10.) THE SOLOIST

A schizophrenic, homeless musician from Skid Row, Los Angeles dreams of playing at Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Joe Wright (ATONEMENT, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE) film has all the elements of a greatness including an inspirational story, excellent actors, and a proven director.

9.) REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

Leonardo Decaprio and Kate Winslet, who were last seen together in TITANIC (1997), star in the upcoming Sam Mendes film. They play a young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s who struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Mendes has proven himself to be a director to watch (AMERICAN BEAUTY, ROAD TO PERDITION), and with the re-teaming of Winslet and Decaprio, this could have Oscar written all over it.

8.) APPALOOSA

Two friends (Viggo Mortensen, Ed Harris) who are hired to police a small town that is suffering under the rule of a rancher (Jeremy Irons) find their job complicated by the arrival of a young widow (RENEE ZELLWEGER). With an alstar cast, and a seasoned Ed Harris at the helm, this could be yet another success story in Hollywood's recent return to the Western.

7.) QUANTUM OF SOLACE

What more can I say, it's Bond, and he is back again! Daniel Craig returns in his second outing as the greatest spy every dreamed up, and Marc Forster (FINDING NEVERLAND, STRANGER THAN FICTION, THE KITE RUNNER) directs. I am excited to see what Forster brings to the table in his first action film. His dedication to intimate storytelling is what makes me the most excited about this project.

6.) FROST/NIXON

Directed by Ron Howard, FROST/NIXON is a dramatic retelling of the post-Watergate television interviews between British talk-show host David Frost and former president Richard Nixon. If Howard is on his A-game (A BEAUTIFUL MIND, APOLLO 13, CINDERELLA MAN) than this could be the film of the year.

5.) THE ROAD

Directed by John Hillcoat (THE PREPOSITION), starring Viggo Mortensen (LORD OF THE RINGS, HISTORY OF VIOLENCE), and based on the book by Cormac McCarthy (No Country For Old Men), THE ROAD is a post-appocalyptic tale about a man trying to get his son to safety. We have seen many a post-apocalyptic films in recent years, but hopefully this one will do what all the others have failed to do, tell a good story. The fact that it is a simple father/son tale only makes me more enthusiastic, and the fact that they used all real locations to shoot.

4.) MIRACLE AT ST. ANA

Set in 1944 Italy, the story of four black American soldiers who get trapped in a Tuscan village during WWII. Directed by Spike Lee (DO THE RIGHT THING, MALCOLM X, INSIDE MAN), this could be one of this years most inspirational films. Spike Lee has not had the most success in recent years, but he is still dedicated to telling stories that have yet to find a voice.

3.) AUSTRALIA

Set in northern Australia before World War II, an English aristocrat who inherits a sprawling ranch reluctantly pacts with a stock-man in order to protect her new property from a takeover plot. As the pair drive 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiving landscape, they experience the bombing of Darwin, Australia, by Japanese forces firsthand. Director Baz Luhrman (MOULIN ROUGE) is sure to bring his lucious sense of style and beauty to the epic vistas of the Australian landscape. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman star in this sure to be epic romance.

2.) DEFIANCE

Three Jewish brothers (Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber and Jaime Bell) escape from Nazi-occupied Poland into the Belarussian forest, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and others in danger. Directed by Ed Zwick (GLORY, LAST SAMARI, BLOOD DIAMON) this is has the star power, the story, and the potential to be one of the top films of the year.

1.) THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

Scott F. Fitzgerald's short story about a man that born is born old, and then begins to age backwards and the imbending consequences he and those around him are faced with. Directed by David Fincher (Zodiac, Seven, Alien 3) and starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, this looks to be a cross between FOREST GUMP and BIG FISH with that touch of visual wonder that has been lacking in films for some time.

Some other films to watch for...

THE CHANGLING

GRAN TORINO

BODY OF LIES

MILK

DOUBT

DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL

DARK KNIGHT Sequel Poster????

2008-08-15T14:39:00.000-07:00

No, this is not an official poster for the soon to be sequel to the mega hit of the year, but it is quite exceptional in concept and design. Someone went to great lengths to come up with this and there is no question as to who they want to see as the next villian in Christopher Nolan's franchise.

I've Seen DARK KNIGHT: A Taste of Things To Come!

2008-06-30T14:36:00.001-07:00

So the other night I was blessed with the chance to see THE DARK KNIGHT three weeks before its July 18th opening. I will not go into any lengthy review here, but I sill say the following...there is no question about it; THE DARK KNIGHT is one of the best summer blockbuster of 2008, and maybe one of the greatest films of the year! It's a step above its predecessor BATMAN BEGINS in nearly every way and may even be the greatest comic book movie to date, and one of the best sequels ever made, its just that good. It takes its viewers to a deep dark place that is uncomfortable, grim, and completely unexpected, yet offers glimmers of light that would otherwise leave the audience mentally and emotionally exhausted. This is not the fanciful theme park ride that so many other comic book movies (ala HULK, FANTASTIC FOUR, GHOST RIDER) have become, lacking in substance, excellence, or weight in favor of lucid storytelling, paper-thin characters, non stop action and overblown CGI. Thankfully, THE DARK KNIGHT does not make any of those same pitfalls. THE DARK KNIGHT is a relentless morality play, a commentary on the current state of our world and the times we live in, a meditation on the consequences of fear and the dark nature of mankind. Does it have flaws, yes, but they are minuscule in comparison to its strengths which include a sobering story, breathless cinematography, a haunting score, a complex script, and solid acting from nearly every character. But the crown jewel of this film has got to be Heath Ledgers mystifying performance as The Joker. Forget Jack Nicholson's goofy and babbling Joker in Tim Berton's BATMAN, and in place you get Heath Ledger inhabiting a man that is sadistic, chilling, and terrifying. Ledger is truly masterful here, and owns every moment in which he creates the perfect blend of cold-hearted killer, and psychopathic jokester. Look for him to get an acting nomination come Oscar time, he may even just win. A more detailed review will arrive upon the films opening, and my chance to see it for a second time.

AFI's 10 Top 10's

2008-06-20T17:46:00.001-07:00

Every year since 1997, the American Film Institute (AFI) has come up with lists in order to honor the best in American Cinema. These lists are chosen by a body of film experts ranging from critics and historians to actors, writers, producers, and directors. In the past, AFI has made the distinction of naming the top 100 American films of all-time, subesequant years has brought us lists of the top film scores, top 50 actors and actresses, best romances, best musicals, best quotes, best thrills, best inspiration tales, as well as a 10 year anniversary revising their top 100 American Films of all-time. This year, AFI wanted to pay tribute to film genres by selecting the AFI's 10 Top 10's, which features 10 lists naming the top 10 films representing a specific genre. The genres include Animation, Fantasy, Gangster, Sci-Fi, Western, Sports, Mystery, Romantic Comedy, and Epic. And the winners are...

TOP 10 ANIMATED:

SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS 1937
PINOCCHIO 1940
BAMBI 1942
THE LION KING 1994
FANTASIA 1940
TOY STORY 1995
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 1991
SHREK 2001
CINDERELLA 1950
FINDING NEMO 2003

Top 10 FANTASY:

THE WIZARD OF OZ 1939
THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING 2001
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE 1946
KING KONG 1933
MIRACLE ON 34th STREET 1947
FIELD OF DREAMS 1989
HARVEY 1950
GROUNDHOG DAY 1993
THE THIEF OF BAGDAD 1924
BIG 1988

Top 10 GANGSTER:

THE GODFATHER 1972
GOODFELLAS 1990
THE GODFATHER PART II 1974
WHITE HEAT 1949
BONNIE AND CLYDE 1967
SCARFACE: THE SHAME OF A NATION 1932
PULP FICTION 1994
THE PUBLIC ENEMY 1931
LITTLE CAESAR 1930
SCARFACE 1983

Top 10 SCI-FI:

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY 1968
STAR WARS: EPISODE IV - A NEW HOPE 1977
E.T. - THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL 1982
A CLOCKWORK ORANGE 1971
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL 1951
BLADE RUNNER 1982
ALIEN 1979
TERMINATOR 2: JUDGMENT DAY 1991
INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS 1956
BACK TO THE FUTURE 1985

Top 10 WESTERN:

THE SEARCHERS 1956
HIGH NOON 1952
SHANE 1953
UNFORGIVEN 1992
RED RIVER 1948
THE WILD BUNCH 1969
BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID 1969
McCABE & MRS. MILLER 1971
STAGECOACH 1939
CAT BALLOU 1965

Top 10 SPORTS:

RAGING BULL 1980
ROCKY 1976
THE PRIDE OF THE YANKEES 1942
HOOSIERS 1986
BULL DURHAM 1988
THE HUSTLER 1961
CADDYSHACK 1980
BREAKING AWAY 1979
NATIONAL VELVET 1944
JERRY MAGUIRE 1996

Top 10 MYSTERY:

VERTIGO 1958
CHINATOWN 1974
REAR WINDOW 1954
LAURA 1944
THE THIRD MAN 1949
THE MALTESE FALCON 1941
NORTH BY NORTHWEST 1959
BLUE VELVET 1986
DIAL M FOR MURDER 1954
THE USUAL SUSPECTS 1995

Top 10 ROMANTIC COMEDY:

CITY LIGHTS 1931
ANNIE HALL 1977
IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT 1934
ROMAN HOLIDAY 1953
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY 1940
WHEN HARRY MET SALLY ... 1989
ADAM'S RIB 1949
MOONSTRUCK 1987
HAROLD AND MAUDE 1971
SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE 1993

Top 10 COURTROOM DRAMA:

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD 1962
12 ANGRY MEN 1957
KRAMER VS. KRAMER 1979
THE VERDICT 1982
A FEW GOOD MEN 1992
WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION 1957
ANATOMY OF A MURDER 1959
IN COLD BLOOD 1967
A CRY IN THE DARK 1988
JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG 1961

Top 10 EPIC:

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA 1962
BEN-HUR 1959
SCHINDLER'S LIST 1993
GONE WITH THE WIND 1939
SPARTACUS 1960
TITANIC 1997
ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT 1930
SAVING PRIVATE RYAN 1998
REDS 1981
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS 1956

Could WALL-E be the greatest PIXAR film to date?

2008-06-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

WALL-E zooms into theatres next week, but already the buzz surrounding the cutest character to inhabit the silver screen since E.T. is off the charts. Before it has even opened reviewers are calling it...

"Arguably the best film Walt Disney has ever had its name on"
- Harry Knowles AintItCoolNews.com

...while others are calling it a science fiction masterpiece let alone the greatest PIXAR film to date. With TOY STORY 1 & 2, A BUGS LIFE, MONSTERS INC, CARS, INCREDIBLES, FINDING NEMO, and RATATOUILLE behind their belt, the thought of WALL-E being superior to any of them, let alone all of them, is astounding and mind-blowing. PIXAR is arguably the greatest film studio in Hollywood history, in that nearly every one of their films has been a complete financial and critical success. Yes, some were stronger than others, but what remains is their love and dedication to storytelling. They are the best of the best, and the fact that WALL-E could be more amazing than anyone ever hoped or imagined is truly special. Also, if WALL-E is as good as they say, could this be the year that a PIXAR film finally gets nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award? BEAUTY AND THE BEAST stands as the only animated film to ever obtain such a distinction, but if it ever happens again, you can almost be certian that it comes from within the walls and minds of PIXAR. Here's hoping in a little robot discovering what he was meant for...

Could BENJAMIN BUTTON be one of this year's best films?

2008-06-19T13:09:00.000-07:00

Check out one of the best trailers of the year!

Review: RAMBO

2008-06-01T18:51:00.000-07:00

RAMBO is back, and bloodier than ever! Sylvester Stallone does his best to bring attention to the genocide taking place in Burma, an atrocity that is horrific and grisly in all its factual details, details that Stallone does not shy away from showing viewers from beginning to end. However, simply bringing attention to a current atrocity does not make up for the lack of genuine and likable characters, a compelling story, a dramatic arc, or a worth while script. This film is soaked in horrific violence that is there to show us how bad things are in Burma, but that is the extent of its purpose. It is sad to think that people will go see this film with the whole purpose of being entertained as Rambo kills "the bad guys," but Rambo is no hero, and is nearly as sadistic and depraved as his victims. The fact of the matter is that RAMBO contains no hero's or likable characters at all, no one to look up to, and no one the audience can trust to do the right thing. In Rambo, there are only violent and highly arrogant people who rely on violence to solve all their problems. In SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, we understood the great cost and the purpose behind the invasion of Normandy by US and allied troops, but in RAMBO, the bloodshed seems only there for the sake of bloodshed.

GRADE: D+

RECOMMENDATION: Not recommended for those that can't take the sight of lots of blood, and excruciating violence.

Will Mr. Tumnus play Bilbo Baggins in THE HOBBIT?

2008-05-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

It would seem that the filmmakers behind THE HOBBIT (Peter Jackson and Guillermo Del Toro), not to be released until Christmas 2011, have possibly found their young Bilbo Baggins in James McAvoy. McAvoy became famous after playing Mr. Tumnus in 2005's THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE, as well as being cast in last years Academy Award nominated ATONEMENT co-starting Keira Knightley. This is still just a rumor, but a fascinating choice altogether.

HELLBOY II Gets a SWEET New Poster!

2008-05-17T12:55:00.001-07:00

Review: IRON MAN

2008-05-04T20:23:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you put together an outstanding ensemble cast, witty dialogue, first-rate visual effects, and most importantly a good story? You get one heck of a summer send-off, and what might be one of the best super-hero movies ever! IRON MAN is the best film to start the summer blockbuster season in years, with an all-star cast led by a pitch-perfect Robert Downey JR. who embodies every aspect of his title character, Tony Starch. Jeff Bridges, Terrence Howard, and Gwyneth Paltrow flush out the supporting cast with every sensibility of charm and nuance in order to make their characters every bit as intriguing as Downey's Starch, though the lime light is definitely his.

Starch is a handsome, intelligent, sarcastic, heartless, womanizing poster boy who thinks he has something to offer the world by running the largest and most technologically advanced weapons manufacturing company around. Does this not fit Robert Downey JR's on and off-screen persona like a glove? When his weapons fall into enemy hands and his life is threatened, he if forced to create a mechanical suit of body armor that gives him the ability to fly, and to blow things up; think ROBOCOP meets the ROCKETEER only far better. IRON MAN soars through the sky like a speeding bullet with such grace you can't help but imagine yourself souring at the speed of sound right next to him. After learning that his weapons are being sold to middle eastern terrorists illegally, Starch vows to protect those that are being harmed by the weapons he created, and we finally begin to see that he may indeed have a beating heart underneath all the metal that he surrounds himself with.

The reason IRON MAN succeeds when so many other super hero movies have failed (PUNISHER, THE HULK, etc...) is that it does something that you rarely find in these types of films, or many other films for that matter, it develops memorable characters who think, feel, hurt, and most of all, who offer us a glimpse into their very soul. IRON MAN is the first movie this year to truly offer and deliver a fun and entertaining ride for audiences of all ages. Hopefully, this is just the tip of the ice berg of good summer blockbusters to come flying in to a theatre near you.

GRADE: B+
RECOMMENDATION: Go see it, and soar through the sky with IRON MAN.

Now that IRON MAN has flown, can INDIANA JONES still crack a whip, will PRINCE CASPIAN deliver more Narnian wonder, will WALL-E capture our hearts with his nuanced beeps and whistles, can the HULK be reborn, can M. NIGHT find his A-game once more (SIXTH SENSE and SIGNS anyone?), and will the DARK KNIGHT be everything we hope it to be? We will just have to wait...

LET THE SUMMER BLOCKBUSTER SEASON BEGIN!!!

THE DARK KNIGHT - New One Sheet Revealed

2008-04-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

Is this not the coolest one sheet we have seen all year! Only INDIANA JONES comes close. Take a look and marvel and its greatness!

COMING SOON... THE HOBBIT!!!

2008-04-24T20:27:00.000-07:00

It's official!!! Guillermo Del Toro will direct THE HOBBIT, as well as a sequel which will connect THE HOBBIT to the FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING. Peter Jackson will be overseeing the project in the role of Executive Producer. Also, Del Toro will be collaborating with the LOTR writing team of Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens to come up with a script. New Zealand will once again serve as Middle Earth with Jackson's production studio, Wing Nut Films, providing all its resources including Weta Workshop, Weta Digital, sound stages, and production equipment for what will entail another massive production. Now we will just have to wait and see what this dream team does in the area of casting and crew choices. You can almost count on the fact that Andy Serkis will return as Gollum and Ian McKellen as Gandalf, for there is no one else that could fill their shoes.

You can read the official article at Variety.

My Favorite Films of 2007!!!

2008-04-20T00:29:00.000-07:00

It is about time I presented my own top ten favorite films of 2007. Let me first say that 2007 was a great year at the movies. Not since 1999 have there been so many provocative, artistically well-crafted, and culturally relevant films. Why is it in times of great tragedy and strife in the world, that art somehow becomes greater? I think dire circumstances call for deeper thought, greater discussion, and the opportunity for artists and their audiences to ask the bigger questions that plague humanity. Tragedy tends to put our lives into perspective, and the films of 2007 did not waiver in revealing the tradgic world we all live in. ATONEMENT, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, THERE WILL BE BLOOD, MICHAEL CLAYTON, IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH, GONE BABY GONE, and THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES, to say a few, were all about human suffering and tragedy. ATONEMENT showed us how a single mistake can destroy the lives of all those in its path, NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN presented the ever increasing violence that plagues are lives and how we are nearly helpless in stopping it, and THERE WILL BE BLOOD showed how greed and obsession can destroy even the most precious of things we hold dear. It seems like this year Hollywood was making the claim that human beings do indeed suffer, and that from this side of the War in Iraq, the crisis in the Middle East, and the political indignation on our own soil, that the current state of the world is rough. Though I agree, it saddens me to think that in this time when people need Entertainment to help them cope with the world, they get films that want to spill the beans on how or why the world is the way it is rather than offer a valuable solution. I long for the days when films will return to their escapist roots, reminding us why it is we go to the movies in the first place. Why else was ALVIN IN THE CHIPMUNKS one of the biggest blockbuster successes of the year? It was exactly what audiences needed, something fun, enjoyable, and family friendly which also offered the chance for a temporary escape of life’s worries. I guess we will just have to wait and see what 2008 has to offer.

Here are my top 10 Favorite Films of 2007:

# 10: GONE BABY GONE

# 9: JUNO

# 8: NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

# 7: THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES

# 6: ZODIAC

# 5: ONCE

# 4: LARS AND THE REAL GIRL

# 3: INTO THE WILD

# 2: RATATOUILLE

# 1: THERE WILL BE BLOOD

NOTABLE MENTIONS (In No Particular Order):

Enchanted
King of Kong: A Fist Full of Quarters
3:10 To Yuma
Atonement
Hot Fuzz
Amazing Grace
Diving Bell and The Butterfly
Away From Her
The Hoax
Rescue Dawn
Michael Clayton

Young@Heart sing 'Fix You' by Coldplay

2008-04-19T15:33:00.001-07:00

A truly heartfelt, moving, and quite touching video!!!
The man singing was supppose to sing a duet but his partner died rigt before this performance, making it all the more meaningful for those involved.
Check it out, try to hold back the tears, and then check out the movie YOUNG @ HEART opening April 18th.

Actor Charlton Heston Dead At Age 84

2008-04-07T23:54:00.001-07:00

Charlton Heston Dies at 84

2008-04-07T23:08:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday, Charlton Heston, one of cinemas greatest leading men passed away at the age of 84, the cause of death is still unknown but he was believed to be suffering from Alzheimer's Disease. Some of his most famous performances include Moses in Cecil B. Demille's THE TEN COMMANDMENTS (pictured above), an astronaut in PLANET OF THE APES, and his Oscar winning role as Judah Ben-Hur in BEN-HUR, most famously known for its spectacular chariot race scene. To this day, Heston remains one of my favorite actors. He was and still is the epitome of a man's man. He knew what it meant to lead every moment he was on screen, and was not afraid to take charge of every role. Heston was for big screen epics what John Wayne was for westerns, a symbol of strength, confidence, heroism, and dignity without the egotism that so fervently floods the screens these days. It is hard to imagine anyone but Heston parting the Red Sea, or racing a chariot in the great Roman circus. He has placed an impression upon the hearts of movie goers forever, and he will dearly be missed.

"So let it be written, so let it be done."

For the full story, please visit MSN at...http://movies.msn.com/movies/article.aspx?news=308325

ONE SHEET ALERT - The Fall

2008-03-30T18:55:00.000-07:00

In May, if your not going to go see PRINCE CASPIAN, IRON MAN, INDIANA JONES 4, or SPEED RACER, then you may want to check out Roadside Attractions THE FALL, an epic fantasy film by Tarsem (THE CELL) about a little girl who meets a bedridden man in a hospital who starts telling her a fantastical story reflecting the current state his state of mind. As the film progresses, fiction and fantasy seem to mingle together further and further, until the man and the girl find themselves at the center of the story being told.

NEW Wall-E (2008) Trailer 3

2008-03-12T22:58:00.001-07:00

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Can Pixar do any wrong? One of my most anticipated films of 2008.

Behold, Indy 4 gets its FINAL ONE SHEET!!!

2008-03-10T21:44:00.000-07:00

Are your knees knocking in anticipation quite yet?

Fixing The Oscars

2008-03-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

This year the Academy Awards received their lowest ratings ever. Since 2003 when THE RETURN OF THE KING won Best Picture, Oscar viewers have been in a steady decline. Some feel the films nominated by the Academy for Best Picture no longer coincide with whats popular among the masses. In the past, crowd-pleasers have been readily a part of the Academy's nominees including BRAVEHEART (1995), TITANIC (1997), GLADIATOR(2000), and THE LORD OF THE RINGS (2001-2003). Lately, the Academy has chosen to pick more critically acclaimed films including CAPOTE, GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK, SIDEWAYS, and BABEL. This year, the only film to cross the 100 million mark and be voted for films most coveted prize was JUNO, the one crowd-pleaser of the bunch, and the only comedy nominated. The remaining four nominees including NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN, THERE WILL BE BLOOD, MICHAEL CLAYTON, and ATONEMENT, all downbeat dramas without happy endings or optimistic tones. It should be no surprise that JUNO made over 100 million because it is the most enjoyable film out of the five though its topic, teen pregnancy, is quite serious. However, the fact that the filmmakers took a lighter approach to a serious and relevant topic probably gave it the appeal that was needed for its major success. The other films are full of themes including corruption, brutality, greed, obsession, crime, and death, and with the current state of world, people just aren't up for throwing down 12$ to watch something void of hope or escapism. On the other hand, was there a blockbuster this year that was worthy of Best Picture? If there was one blockbuster worthy of a Best Picture nomination, it was RATATOUILLE. Not only was it one of the most critically acclaimed films of the year, and it is one of Pixar's most successful films at the box-office, grossing 620 Million Worldwide. If that doesn't signify a match between critically love and box-office dollars, I don't know what does.

Brad Brevet over at ROPE OF SILICON offers some great incite into what may return the Oscars to its former glory including a look at how marketing may have played a big part in why many people have just not seen the films.

"Perhaps the Oscars simply are a DVD selling tool, but if studios wised up and if the Academy wants to put on a show that is going to be watched by more people they better start getting audiences to see these movies in theaters and not with some all-day ruse to get folks to watch all five Best Picture nominees in one day just prior to the show.
Whoever decided they were going to waste their money on 15 hours of straight movie watching really needs to think that one over a second time. So, if you want to fix the Oscars then fix the marketing of the films dubbed "the best". Sure, people want to see things explode, robots take over the world and monsters attack New York City, but people will also go see beautifully drawn out love stories, relevant legal thrillers, violent chases and pregnant teens if you sell it to them. (I intentionally left out diseased oil tycoons because I don't think There Will be Blood could have brought in more folks had the studio tried.)
If these films truly are the best of the best people will want to go see them. Ladies will drag their men to Atonement, date night is made for Juno and the fellas can go see No Country for Old Men and maybe convince their women to join in. After all, Chigurh is quite the ladies man I understand.
So you see, it isn't the show that needs fixing, it's the movies before they get there. Up for Best Picture doesn't have to be The Incredible Hulk, Cloverfield, The Dark Knight, Iron Man and Kung Fu Panda (even though that would certainly bring in the younger crowd). The key is to simply give people something to cheer for. People would have cheered on No Country had they seen the other four films. Perhaps women would have wanted Atonement or Juno to take the top prize after enduring the violence of No Country and the somber nature of There Will be Blood. Either way, if they had been given the chance to see the films and they had been marketed outside of the art house audience, I really think you would see a ratings bump.
However, we know this will never happen. I mean, how good can a movie really be if the general audience actually likes it? Speaking of which, it wouldn't actually kill the
Academy to just once recognize one of these summer blockbusters as an actual
good film."
To read the entire article, please visit...
http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/article/stupid_question_893_how_do_we_fix_the_oscars

2008 Oscar Winners...

2008-02-24T23:41:00.000-08:00

Complete list of Oscar winners...

Best Costume Design: "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"
Best Animated Feature Film: "Ratatouille"
Best Makeup: "La Vie en Rose"
Best Visual Effects: "The Golden Compass"
Best Art Direction: "Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street"
Best Supporting Actor: Javier Bardem, "No Country for Old Men"
Best Short Film - Live Action: "The Mozart of Pickpockets"
Best Short Film - Animated: "Peter & the Wolf"
Best Supporting Actress: Tilda Swinton, "Michael Clayton"
Best Adapted Screenplay: "No Country for Old Men"
Best Sound Editing: "The Bourne Ultimatum"
Best Sound Mixing: "The Bourne Ultimatum"
Best Actress: Marion Cotillard, "La Vie en Rose"
Best Film Editing: "The Bourne Ultimatum"
Best Foreign Language Film: "The Counterfeiters"
Best Music - Original Song: "Once"
Best Cinematography: "There Will Be Blood"
Best Music - Original Score: "Atonement"
Best Documentary - Short Subject: "Freeheld"
Best Documentary - Feature: "Taxi to the Dark Side"
Best Original Screenplay: "Juno"
Best Actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, "There Will Be Blood"
Best Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen, "No Country for Old Men"
Best Picture: "No Country for Old Men"

And the 2007 Best Picture winner is...

2008-02-24T23:22:00.001-08:00

BEST PICTURE

BEST DIRECTOR - JOEL AND ETHAN COEN

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR - JAVIER BARDEM

OSCAR Predictions 2007 - WILL WIN / SHOULD WIN

2008-02-23T12:34:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow night is Hollywood's biggest night of the year. Which films will rise above the others, which will fall to the wayside. The Oscars is never what I would call completely predictable, the Academy always manages to surprise us, CRASH anyone. But anyway, here are my predictions for the films that will walk away Oscar Happy, and the films that should have.

BEST PICTURE

Will Win - NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
Should Win - THERE WILL BE BLOOD

BEST DIRECTOR

Will Win - JOEL AND ETHAN COEN
Should Win - PAUL THOMAS ANDERSEN

BEST ACTOR

Will Win - DANIEL DAY LEWIS
Should Win - DANIEL DAY LEWIS

BEST ACTRESS

Will Win - JULIE CHRISTY
Should Win - JULIE CHRISTY

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Will Win - JAVIER BORDEM
Should Win - JAVIER BORDEM

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Will Win - TILDA SWINTON
Should Win - TILDA SWINTON

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Will Win - JUNO
Should Win - RATATOUILLE

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Will Win - NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
Should Win - THERE WILL BE BLOOD

BEST EDITING

Will Win - NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN
Should Win - THERE WILL BE BLOOD

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

Will Win - RATATOUILLE
Shoud Win - RATATOUILLE

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE

WIll Win - ATONEMENT
Should Win - ATONEMENT

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

WIll Win - FALLING DOWN (ONCE)
Will Win - FALLING DOWN (ONCE)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS

Will Win - TRANSFORMERS
Should Win - TRANSFORMERS

The INDIANA JONES Trailer Has Arrived!!!

2008-02-14T09:23:00.001-08:00

INDIANA JONES returns, and he is a site to behold. Can May 22 come any sooner?

Did RATATOUILLE Get Snubbed By Oscars?

2008-02-07T22:50:00.000-08:00

RATATOUILLE remains for me one of the most remarkable films of the year. It is a feast for the eyes, the senses, and the heart. It still stands as one of, if not the most, highly regarded films of the year. So did it get snubbed by the Academy Awards by not getting a nomination for Best Picture? The following article from CNN presents that very argument.

"Among the tales of depravity and violence that dominate this year's Academy Awards race sits the bright and shining "Ratatouille." A rat never seemed so sanitized.

"Ratatouille" is the story of a rat who dreams of becoming a chef and the cook who befriends him.

The Pixar film landed five Oscar nominations and was ranked by many critics as one of the year's best, yet was never a serious contender for best picture. Instead, it was relegated to the relatively new category of best animated feature, which the academy began dolling out in 2002.
Directed by Brad Bird, "Ratatouille" has garnered an aggregate score of 96 on Metacritic.com, ranking it above "Pulp Fiction," let alone this year's best picture candidates: "No Country for Old Men," "There Will Be Blood," "Juno," "Atonement" and "Michael Clayton."
And its other nominations across three different disciplines -- best original screenplay, best score, best sound mixing and best sound editing -- suggests the kind of broad consensus that often results in bigger awards like best director or best picture.
Its five nominations rank as the most ever for a computer animated film, and rate second among all animated films, only surpassed by the six received by Disney's "Beauty and the Beast." That picture, done in the traditional Disney style in 1991, stands as the only animated film to ever be nominated for best picture."

You can finish reading the rest of the article here!

Are You Ready for QUANTUM SOLACE

2008-02-07T22:32:00.000-08:00

Bond, played once again by the incredible Daniel Craig, returns this November!

Prince Caspian Super Bowl Commercial

2008-02-01T23:13:00.001-08:00

See it before the big game!

Reepacheep Revealed!

2008-01-31T19:03:00.000-08:00

The latest poster for one of the years most anticipated films gives us a glimmer of the character who is one of the most beloved in all seven Narnian Chronicles, the might mouse himself, Reepacheep. Voiced by none other than Eddie Izard, the sword wielding mouse with the height of an infant but the heart of lion can be seen in the lower right corner of the new one sheet below. May 16th feels closer than ever!

Will Guillermo Del Toro Direct THE HOBBIT?

2008-01-29T22:49:00.000-08:00

It is looking more and more like director Guillermo Del Toro (Blade 2, Hellboy, Hellboy 2, Pan's Labyrinth) will take on THE HOBBIT for Newline Cinema under the direct supervision of none other than Peter Jackson (LORD OF THE RINGS), who will act as the Executive Producer. The studio has not published any "official" word as of yet, but things are pretty much set.

THE HOBBIT tells the story of Bilbo Bagggins, and his adventures with Gandalf the Grey. Biblo is the Hobbit that finds the One Ring in Gollum's cave on his trek with the dwarfs to face the villainous dragon Smogg, before it makes its way into the hands of Frodo Baggins, Bilbo's nephew, in the LORD OF THE RINGS.

You can read more about it at...http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2008/01/29/28329-introducing-the-director-of-the-hobbit/

Video Tribute to HEATH LEDGER as The Joker...

2008-01-22T20:49:00.001-08:00

And the Nominees are...

2008-01-22T20:13:00.000-08:00

BEST PICTURE
Atonement

Juno

Michael Clayton

No Country for Old Men

There Will Be Blood

BEST DIRECTOR
Jason Reitman, Juno

Tony Gilroy, Michael Clayton

Joel & Ethan Coen, No Country for Old Men

Julian Schnabel, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Paul Thomas Anderson, There Will Be Blood

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone

Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton

Ruby Dee, American Gangster

Cate Blanchett, I'm Not There

Saoirse Ronan, Atonement

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Casey Affleck, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men

Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Charlie Wilson's War

Hal Holbrook, Into the Wild

Tom Wilkinson, Michael Clayton

BEST ACTRESS
Ellen Page, Juno

Marion Cotillard, La Vie en Rose

Julie Christie, Away From Her

Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Laura Linney, The Savages

BEST ACTOR
Viggo Mortensen, Eastern Promises

George Clooney, Michael Clayton

Johnny Depp, Sweeney Todd

Tommy Lee Jones, In the Valley of Elah

Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Juno

Lars and the Real Girl

Michael Clayton

Ratatouille

The Savages

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Atonement

Away From Her

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

No Country for Old Men

There Will Be Blood

BEST ANIMATED FILM
Persepolis

Ratatouille

Surf's Up

BEST MAKEUP
Le Vie en Rose

Norbit

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

BEST FILM EDITING
The Bourne Ultimatum

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

Into the Wild

No Country for Old Men

There Will Be Blood

BEST SCORE
Atonement

The Kite Runner

Michael Clayton

Ratatouille

3:10 to Yuma

BEST ORIGINAL SONG
"Falling Slowly" from Once

"Happy Working Song" from Enchanted

"Raise it Up" from August Rush

"So Close" from Enchanted

"That's How You Know" from Enchanted

Actor HEATH LEDGER dies at age 28!

2008-01-22T19:59:00.000-08:00

Today, actor Heath Ledger, best known for his Oscar nominated role in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, along with his famed roles in A KNIGHT'S TALE, THE PATRIOT, and the upcoming THE DARK KNIGHT in which he plays The Joker, has tragically passed away. An investigation is currently underway but investigators believe a possible cause to be a overdose on sleeping pills. Ledger was found by his maid, and a masseuse who had come to give him a massage. My prayers go out to his family, his colleagues, and his two year old daughter as they deal with the heartbreak of this tragedy. You can read the whole story at...

http://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=4173792&page=1

Review: I AM LEGEND

2008-01-19T16:48:00.000-08:00

There is something all too familiar with I AM LEGEND. It feels like a story we have seen before, one man, alone in a world once bustling with the noises of people and life, trying to survive on his own, and seeking a future that seems all too hopeless. Part 28 DAYS LATER, part CAST AWAY, this adaptation of Richard Matheson’s 1954 novel THE OMEGA MAN, which is also a 1971 film of the same name staring Charlton Heston, features one distinct difference from these other survivalist’s tales, the casting of Will Smith. Will Smith has officially made himself the new Teflon Tom (Tom Cruise) in becoming a consistently bankable Hollywood star. His past several films including I-ROBOT, HITCH, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS have all become multi-million dollar hits. What can I say, people just love him, and the fact that he picks films with some degree of gravitas only improves his and the filmmakers chances for greater success.

I AM LEGEND consists of two very distinct stories, the first is one of pure survival in the aftermath of an apocalyptic type event that leaves one man (Smith) alone in New York City with only the companionship of his faithful German Shepard, Samantha. But what the trailers and marketing materials quickly reveal is that our hero and his furry friend are not alone. What we soon find out is that a supposed cure to cancer that was injected into cancer patients has mutated, turning its users into blood thirsty monsters who can only come out at night due to their ultra sensitivity to light, which tends to melt there skin. Smith’s character, Colonel Robert Neville, has remained in the abandoned city in order to research a cure for their condition.

In part one of I AM LEGEND we get an in-depth look into what life might be like if you were alone in an abandoned city. Imagine hunting dear in a mustang, hitting golf balls off of an aircraft carrier, scavenging for food, and finding ways for keeping your sanity. This is the part of the film where Smith and the story truly shine. The audience is given a glimpse into an apocalyptic world, and a hauntingly plausible future, that is both riveting to watch, and haunting to think about. Will Smith gives everything to the role that without him, might very well crumble completely.

In part two of I AM LEGEND we get introduced to the creatures lurking in the darkness of New York City. They cower in the darkness, just waiting for the light of day to set so that they can scour the city searching for more blood to satisfy their hunger. If part one of I AM LEGEND was about survival, part two is more about over the top action, gigantic plot holes, and a not so real or scary looking CGI monsters. What made JAWS such a monumental achievement was the fact that it begged the audience to imagine the terror that lurked below. By seeing the terror and dread that the monster (Jaws) caused, without actually showing the monster itself, allowed your imagination to instantly run wild with infinite possibilities of what it could be, and we all know how terrifying are own imaginations can be. The minute I saw the “monsters” in I AM LEGEND, it lost a lot of the edge that the beginning, the trailers, and the hype had been building up to. Also, the films climax will either leave you scratching your head, or down right angry.

For me, the parts of I AM LEGEND that worked, notably Will Smith’s passionate performance, Andrew Lesnie’s tempered cinematography, and James Newton Howard’s haunting score, were captivating, meaningful, and beautiful. Even with its many flaws, I AM LEGEND remains a provocative entry into the action/horror genre, and the fact that it’s an action movie that actually takes its time, that breathes life into psychological and physical state of its main character remains a pleasant surprise.

GRADE: B-

Behold... THE ENTERPRISE

2008-01-17T13:36:00.001-08:00

The new film, ENTERPRISE, about Captian Kirk and Spock's first mission in Starfleet, opens Christmas Day, 2008!

THE OSCARS Get A Poster!!!

2008-01-16T13:28:00.000-08:00

Only one question remains, will the Oscars actually take place!!!

New INDIAN JONES 4 Pic!

2008-01-16T13:19:00.000-08:00

2007: A Year for DRAMA

2008-01-15T23:38:00.001-08:00

A beautiful look back at the dramatic films of 2007, and what a year it has been.

WECOME TO 2008!!!

2008-01-01T18:57:00.000-08:00

Review: ATONEMENT

2008-01-01T17:57:00.000-08:00

Joe Wright has delivered one of the most visually stunning films of the year about a crime committed and how it effects the lives of all those involved.

This story of passion, crime, consequence, regret, and tragedy begins at a manor in 1935 England when Briony Tallis (Saorirse Ronan), the 13 year old daughter of a rich household accuses the son of her family’s house keeper, Robbie (James McAvoy), of committing an unsettling crime. The reason for this outrageous accusation lays in the fact that Briony, who is quite taken by Robbie and who has a quite fanciful imagination, catches him and her sister Ceceilia (Keira Knightley) in an act of passion. Robbie is then taken off to fight in the war in place of facing jail time. What proceeds is the story of three very broken people whose lives have all been affected by their own immoral acts. All three have a part to play in the tragedy of their own lives, though at times the film tends to focus more on Briony's crime, and glosses over the fact that the two lovers, Robbie and Cecelia, had entered into a secret love affair of fornication and lust. The story, beautifully told through a series of flashbacks and stunning set design from the simplicity of an old English manor, too the vastness of the war torn French countryside is excellently paced, exquisitely acted, and wonderfully rendered.

The one major flaw is this mostly moral tale comes from the very title of the film itself. The film showcases a crime and its consequences in a way that is mostly truthful and poignant, but neglects to show us any deeper sense of what "Atonement" is really about. Why is “atonement” needed? How is one actually “atoned” for their wrong doings? Does Briony actually become “atoned” for her crime against Robbie and Cecelia? The film suggests that Briony is atoned through her works as a nurse, and a final act of allowing the two lovers to finally be together, even amidst tragedy. But unfortunately, that left me a bit unsatisfied in knowing that true atonement can only be accomplished through the sacrificial shedding of innocent blood.

GRADE: B+

RECOMMENDATION: This film is for adults only. It contains one very sensual scene and some disturbing war related images.

The Academy Award for BEST PICTURE Went To...

2007-12-31T18:01:00.001-08:00

Mini Review - ONCE

2007-12-27T22:30:00.000-08:00

Some have labeled this the "little film that could" for 2007, and I am so glad to finally understand why. ONCE is on every level a pure delight! ONCE is a fusion of simplistic storytelling, wonderful characters, and music so genuine you will believe it is one of the characters. The plot is simple, a street guitarists meets a keyboardist and they decide to collaborate on some recordings. However, the journey they go on, and story that each song tells reaches beyond the surface to something much more deeper, richer, and beautiful than you ever expected. This movie doesn't wow you with computer effects or fancy camera moves, instead the greatest effect this little film can produce is to capture your heart with its music, its truthfulness, and its sincerity.

RECOMMENDATION: The film does boast some pretty harsh language so it is definately not for children.

GRADE: A-

INDY 4

2007-12-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

LOOK AND BEHOLD!!!

It is finally HAPPENING!

2007-12-10T22:30:00.000-08:00

Get ready for the next film from M. Night Shayamalan!

Prince Caspian - Official Trailer

2007-12-08T18:33:00.001-08:00

With SPEED RACER, INDIANA JONES 4, IRON MAN, and PRINCE CASPIAN, May is already declaring itself the month of movies!

THE GOLDEN COMPASS - Review

2007-12-08T15:28:00.001-08:00

NARNIA gave us a look into childlike wonder, the LORD OF THE RINGS took us into a world all to familiar where even the smallest person can change the course of the future, PANS LABYRINTH showed us how horror and cruelty can exist in a world of reality and fantasy, but THE GOLDEN COMPASS possesses none of these qualities. THE GOLDEN COMPASS is so focused on burying the truths of Philip Pullman's controversial novel that the story becomes nothing more than extravagant set design, fighting CGI polar bears, and characters that are so bone dry that you care nothing about their goals or their journey.

THE DARK KNIGHT - Poster Revealed!

2007-12-04T23:16:00.000-08:00

THE MIST - Review

2007-12-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for another light Stephen King and Frank Darabont collaboration (SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION, GREEN MILE), think again. THE MIST is a dark and intense nightmare of a film that left me both emotionally drained, and utterly depressed. I should be the first to applaud Darabont for creating a film that asks such tough questions about human nature, and how fear drives us to do both unthinkable and unimaginable things to each other in times of immense intensity. Also, like other great film thrillers the film shows us that evil exists in both the threat, in this case a mysterious mist that threatens a town on the eastern seaboard, and those that are being threatened, in this case a group of townspeople trapped in a grocery story by the mist.
One of the films major faults comes in its inability to sustain the terror it presents. At first the mist is this ominous natural occurrence which people walk into, and either don't come back, or come back in pieces. It is the thought of what could be in the mist that is both horrific and terrifying. But it is when you start seeing the things lurking in the mist that you begin to lose interest. The film forgets that the human imagination can be the greatest terror of all. By revealing the thing, the terror is unfortunately reduced to cheapened CGI tricks, along with monsters and a plot that becomes more absurd then nightmarish, and main characters that become riddled with cliches and stereotypes.
In the end the films take on humanity becomes one of such cynicism that what could have been a fascinating morality tale turns into complete and utter hopelessness.

GRADE: B-

RECOMMENDATION: This film contains some horrific scenes of violence and some language. Also, if you are looking for a nightmare with a pleasant ending, I would recommend JAWS.

BEOWULF - Mini Review

2007-12-01T17:49:00.000-08:00

Like his previous film the Polar Express, Robert Zemeckis has created a wonderland of eye popping visuals that rests more on its visual style, than in its story telling. That's not to say the story isn't good, its based on a 2000 year old epic poem about power, lust, and the continuous cycle of sin in our lives, it also presents a fascinating look into the life of a hero who is a deeply flawed man, and who knows it. However, in the end this modern telling does exist primarily to showcase the strenghs of 3D technology. The film also has its awkward moments such as Beowulf fighting in the nude in which his private parts are perfectly covered by other objects on screen, a nude Angelina Jolie who floats about as a sensual and seductive demon with a long tail, and a Grendel that is more disgusting and reviling than frightening and menacing. Go in not expecting much, and you might just be pleasantly surprised.
GRADE: B

RECOMMENDATION: This film is not for young children due to the presence of nudity, sexual innendo, blood, and gore.

WALL-E Gets A Poster!

2007-11-27T23:50:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for...

June could not seem farther away! He reminds me so much of ET, those big eyes, and if this film has half the heart of that masterpiece, it will be worth the wait.