Looks like we have an exciting Harry Potter movie to look forward to. I haven't been overly impressed by the past two Harry Potter films due to their loss of whimsical magic and not replacing it with anything interesting. This time around it looks like they have replaced whimsical magic with a young Tom Riddle who seems to draw his character out of Damien from The Omen. Plus we see Dumbledor perform some Gandalf like wizardry.
This may not mean much to anyone, and it isn't movie related, but just for your awesome reference, I have added a del.icio.us account and a technorati account that can be accessed through the links at the bottom of the page. If you use del.icio.us or technorati, add me to your network/list...and be sure to check out my links as well!
Coming soon! Audio/video movie reviews and possibly a weekly live television show! Yay!
Derek 8-Track and I have done a decent job of keeping you folks up to date with crappy leaked trailers that were screened at ComicCon so far. So in keeping with that tradition - At the Friday the 13th panel they showed the first trailer for the new F13 remake. Here in all its crappy handheld camera glory is the trailer. Being produced by Michael Bay and his company Platinum Dunes, you can expect lots of lens flare and even some explosions (all available to your eyes in the trailer! Lens flare galore! Yes!)
They also showed a poster for the upcoming remake:
I just got wind that the teaser trailer for Oliver Stone's film W. has hit the web. This is not a film I am incredibly looking forward to..but I can't say I haven't been extremely curious to see some footage of Josh Brolin as the man in the Oval Office. Take a look.
So this is how the build up went for me. I heard about a sequel and was like “ok, the first one was pretty good, not my favorite by any means but I’ll take another one.” Then I heard about Heath ledger being the Joker. I was like “The guy looks nothing like I would ever picture the Joker to look like, but he is an awesome actor so I guess I’ll have to wait and see.” Images of Ledger as the Joker begin to pop up around the Internet. “HOLY CRAP! He looks Brutal!!!” needless to say I was getting hyped. Ledger Dies. “Ah crap I hope they finished the movie. Plus this sucks because he was a rockin’ actor. I feel robbed” They finished the movie. “whew!” Time goes on. “Goodness sakes, I think this movie might be being over hyped. I’m beginning to lose interest.” Amazing reviews start flowing out of the woodwork. “Whelp, maybe it is going to be amazing. I better buy my ticket for the midnight showing a week in advance.” Week goes by. “Due to all of the good reviews and expectation I had better get in line around 10:00pm.” Drive to the theater. “Oh crap! I’m 25th in line! I should have gotten here earlier. Oh well, I should still be able to get some good seats.” Waiting in line. “Alright I’m on the news!” They let us walk in. I sit down. “Awesome I got perfect seats.” Previews. The movie starts. This is my review.
The Rockin’
Starting with the actors.
Christian Bale was just as perfect as he was last time around. He has done the best job at portraying both Batman and Bruce Wayne. I would put him a little above Val Kilmer for best Bruce Wayne and a little below Michael Keaton as the best Batman. Keaton also has the better bat suit in Batman Returns.
Maggie Gyllenhaal was the perfect replacement for Katie Holmes. Was it because she did a great job mimicking what Katie Holmes had done in the first film? No, It was because she made the character Rachel Dawes not suck. I don’t even know how she did it. She just somehow put together a character that was worth watching and worth the love of Bruce Wayne. She grounded and matured a character that was already pretty believable. Maggie made me care about the fate of Rachel Dawes, whereas I could have given a crap in the first movie.
Aaron Eckhart was very convincing as both Harvey Dent and Two-Face. I read Dent as an optimistic idealist politician you could believe in and I read Two-Face as a guy who relied on his coin for answers. Based on the story that’s all I needed out of him, and that’s what they gave me.
Michael Cain and Morgan Freeman did a great job providing Bruce with the rules and morals that should be Batman. The think they surpassed everything they did in the first film.
I feel like the talents of Gary Oldmen were wasted on James Gordon. He was perfect in the movie. He nailed the role. I just feel like he is too good for the role and would make and even better Riddler if they ever choose to go that route in a future movie. If they don’t make another, which I hope they don’t, I’m fine with him as Gordon. He was just a really really really good actor to portray Gordon. If they do make a third with the Riddler… go with Jude Law.
Heath Ledger. Was he even in this movie? I only saw the Joker. Pure genius. People were talking Oscar buzz for his portrayal before the movie even came out. Then early reviews started to say the same thing. I didn’t agree. I thought they were only saying it because he did a good job and that he was dead. After seeing the movie. I TOTALLY agree! He should be nominated, unless 5 other performances come out before the year ends that are better than his. I just can’t see that happening though. Creepy. Maniacal. Murderer. Tormented. Fun. sLAUGHTER. Dark. Intelligent. Evil. Insane. He truly went all out. Its like he was the kid who had fun burning ants with magnifying glasses and lighting fireworks in chipmunks buttholes and then eventually graduated to terrorizing humans. Flawless.
This movie was so much better than I had expected it to be. I’ve never seen a movie surpass this amount of hype. It’s the only movie this summer I will willingly pay to see a second time in the theater. The action sequences were amazing. Christopher Nolan is a genius when it comes to grounding a comic book adaptation in reality in movie form. There are so many epic speeches in this movie. Look to Caine, Freeman, and Oldman for those. When I was researching the movie I had come to hate the bat suit. I didn’t think about it negatively once while watching the movie. The choices Batman makes are bold. Bruce Wayne and Batman have progressed amazingly in this franchise. The writing and characters were so goof that I don’t think it could ever be topped with a third movie.
The Not So Rockin’
This is just me nitpicking
I wish Joker wouldn’t have credited his dad with the lines “Why so serious” and “Lets put a smile on that face.” Yes I realize they were lies making them Jokers lines. I just wish he came right out and said them instead creating a lie that gives his father credit for making them up
I didn’t think of this until I heard John Campea bring it up during TMB’s The Dark Knight Podcast on themovieblog.com. But even though I cheered when Batman bent the barrel of a gun at the beginning of the movie, in reflection I don’t like it. Like Campea says, that’s not Batman’s job, that’s what Superman does.
The cell phone machine was a little hokey
The Overall
The overall is that this movie is absolutely amazing. For me, when it comes to amazing superhero films this movie clogs up the constantly rotating number 1 spot with the likes of Spiderman 2 and Superman Returns. But I still have to wait for the DVD release to see if I can watch it over and over and over and over and over and over again. As for now, I’m with Richard Roeper in saying that this movie needs to seriously be considered for an Oscar Nomination for Best Picture. Even if you aren’t into Superhero movies you should check it out. If you are into crime dramas check it out. If you are into cop movies check it out. If you are into romantic comedies check it out anyway. EVERYONE SEE THIS MOVIE!
When I first heard about Hellboy II: The Golden Army I was slightly skeptical but all around excited. I know what Guillermo Del Toro is capable of when it comes to creature effects. I also know that his movies aren’t really packed with huge amounts of action, which I feel you need in a superhero movie. Because of the sweetness of the makeup and creatures in Hellboy and the total rockingness of Pan’s Labyrinth I figured Tel Toro would graduate to bigger and better things with Hellboy II: The Golden Army. This is my Review.
The Rockin’
This is one of the most visually stimulating movies I’ve seen in recent years. The creature effects and fantastic atmospheres surpass anything that Del Toro has done in his previous films. This movie also gives anything Jim Henson put together a run for its money. There is nothing better that man-in-suit character in a world full of CGI. This movie totally delivers man-in-suit creatures. The action sequences in this movie are a definite upgrade from the first Hellboy movie.
A few quick comments on the Rockin’ -I cannot stress enough how awesome the creatures look in this movie. -An amazingly imaginative art direction -Johann Krauss is one of the greatest new characters we’ve seen this summer
The Not So Rockin’
I don’t think there was any real emphasis on why Hellboy deems the human race so worthy of saving. I understand why he does; I just would have liked the movie to go into that a little more. It’s obvious the love he has for his adoptive father is why he believes humans are worthy. I just think that if a nice little flashback with Hellboy and his father was placed during those pivotal moments when Hellboy has to make a choice of where he stands in the world would have helped give a visual picture as to why Hellboy deems us worthy of saving. If you think about it, Prince Nuada has a good point. I need Hellboy to convince me that I don’t deserve to die, and he didn’t deliver that. I had to go back and watch Superman Returns to remember why I’m worthy.
A couple quick comments on the Not So Rockin’ - The action sequences are only kicked up a few notches compared to the first Hellboy. I want to see my demon doing a little more when he is trying to save the world. -I miss David Hyde Pierce doing the voice for Abe Sapien A LOT!
The Overall
I suggest everyone see this in the theater with a digital projection so you can witness the full majesty that is Guillermo Del Torro’s imaginative vision. After that buy the movie on dvd/blu-ray and watch it when you are lounging around with your friends. That’s kind of what I felt like I was doing in the theater, lounging around. It wasn’t so much the story that was captivating. It was the imagery. It will be the perfect movie to add to your collection so that you can pop it in the player, turn the volume low, and talk with your friends while drifting in and out of the movie.
The only reason I wanted to see this movie was because the trailers looked funny and Will Smith tends to deliver. Because I have let this movie simmer so much my review will most likely be short and not very in depth. Look, I watched it weeks ago, how am I supposed to remember everything.
The Rockin’
Will Smith delivers an awesome new take on superheroes. What happens when a superhero knocks a few holes in a building? This movie lets us know how much they owe the city. -Will Smith does a wonderful job acting like a careless superhero with a negative attitude. -Jason Bateman rocks the house as usual. The guy was in Teen Wolf Too, what do you expect. -This was the first time I’ve found Charlize Theron attractive in a long time. -Good humor -Good action -References a classic Universal Studios monster movie. -The so-called “twist” didn’t bother me like it did many others
The Not so Rockin’
The movie does not blend comedy and drama. It switches them on and off. You get pure comedy followed up with some Man on Fire starring Denzel Washington style seriousness with no effort to blend them together
Other than that the only things I can remember not liking is how Hancock defaced our Moon, Theron’s character, Mary, dressing like a slutty hero out of nowhere, and the over foreshadowed connection between Hancock and Mary… It was way to obvious early on.
The Overall
This movie is a lot of fun; the actors do a great job. The action in very comic book like and heavy on the CGI I recommend this movie. I don’t think it would be a favorite for anyone but its supplies the fun for sure.
Two Sherlock Holmes films are on the horizon with completely different motivations behind them and I'm sure will be dueling for the #1 Sherlock Holmes spot. (Reminds me of when The Illusionist and The Prestige came out within a few weeks of each other).
The first film is an untitled comedy that will star Sacha Baron Cohen as master detective Sherlock Holmes and Will Ferrell as Watson, his crime-solving partner.
Etan Cohen ("Tropic Thunder") is writing the script, and Judd Apatow and Jimmy Miller will produce.
It is bound to be an AMAZING comedy.
The second film starring Robert Downey Jr. is a drama that Guy Ritchie will direct for Warner Bros.
Downey committed to the pic, which begins shooting in October, after Ritchie turned in a polish of the latest version of the script, written by Anthony Peckham. The basis for the film is Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic tales, but also the comicbook Sherlock Holmes from producer Lionel Wigram which portrays Holmes as less stuffy and more adventurous, using physical prowess along with intellect to solve mysteries.
Harold and Kumar are ready to smoke up a third time on the big screen. Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg, who wrote "Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle" and "Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay" and directed the latter, will return to write and direct a third installment for Mandate Pictures.
Greg Shapiro will return as producer.
Storyline is being kept under wraps.
Stars John Cho and Kal Penn are expected to reprise their roles as the ganja-loving duo because Mandate has options on the actors for the third installment.
New Line, which was folded into Warner Bros. in February, distributed the first two films. Warners will likely distribute the third "Harold and Kumar."
I really loved the first film, but thought the second was below par when compared to the first, although many people loved it just as much. It will be interesting to see how a third one goes and what can possibly happen storywise.
Something I have been hearing about for quite a long time is a Ghostbusters video game which will essentially serve as a Ghostbusters III. It is an all new story and all four Ghostbusters (Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd and Ernie Hudson) were reprising their roles (in voice form) for the game. Not only that, but Annie Potts, William Atherton and Brian Doyle-Murray lent their voices too. Sadly, both Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis did not join the party. The script for the game was written by Ramis and Aykroyd (who wrote both Ghostbusters live-action movies).
I know, it sounds good and all, but a film would have been sweeter. I agree. Derek and I actually came up with an idea a while back to have a "new" Ghostbusters team made up of today's greatest comedic minds - I don't remember exactly who we decided would be great - but in any case it was awesome. The trailer for the game can be found below which is pieced together as if it were actually a film trailer. Kinda neat.
According to iFMagazine, Fox has given the green-light for a live-action version of the classic animated series, Cowboy Bebop. During the Television Critics Association press tour, producer Erwin Stoff let it slip that he now has a deal in place with Fox studios to bring the popular series to the big screen. Stoff told journalists, "I'm developing COWBOY BEBOP for Fox, but doing it as a live-action film, so I'm working on that at the moment, I'm really excited to be working on it, and it's in the really early stages. We just signed it the other day."
Stoff promised that, "I have such an enormous admiration for its creators, that our first and foremost concern is going to be a real degree of faithfulness to the tone of the movie, to the mix of genres, and so on and so forth," -- I don't want to sound too cynical, but it's not like we haven't heard that one before.
Now the big question is: Who should take on the roles of beloved favorites Spike Speigel, Jet Black, Faye Valentine, Edward, Vicious, and Ein? Any thoughts?
Tim Burton has cast the title role in the new adaptation of Alice in Wonderland he's working on for Disney. It is not, as was rumored a couple weeks ago, Ryan Nikole Parker, but it's not anyone more well-known, either. The role has gone to Australian actress Mia Wasikowska. Here is a pic of Mia Wasikowska - not a bad choice, but I still think he should have gone with someone a little more well known.
I wonder if Depp will make an appearance, Mad Hatter maybe? I also think it is interesting that this film is getting much buzz after Sarah Michelle Gellar has been trying to get her take on Alice (based on American McGee's video game of the same name and features an extremely dark almost Tim Burton-esque vision of the classic story) up and running with not much success.
New Star Trek Posters released. There are 4 individual posters that when put together form one gigantic Star Trek Poster. Now I am no Star Trek fan really (I can/have watched the show and movies, I'm just not huge into it) But Abrams reboot really interests me and the cast is looking amazing. Check it out.
Here is a bunch of news from the San Diego ComicCon that is currently under way. Now since I am not there, all of this is news I am pulling from fellow resources. Enjoy!
- Disney suprised folks with some screening footage from Tron 2. Read more about it here.
- Robert Rodriguez announced Red Sonja is go and Barbarella is no. "Director Robert Rodriguez will be producing a comic cult heroine "Red Sonja" into a live action movie with lots of blood and guts, as revealed during a panel at the San Diego Comic-Con International.
It will star Rose McGowan as Red Sonja herself. The new movie was based off books and characters by Robert E. Howard and follows the Arnold Schwarzenegger's Red Sonja movie.
"This is an original story of a heroine who became a larger than life character," said Rodriguez. "We've decided to do [this movie] instead of Barbarella."
- Hugh Jackman surprised people at the Fox panel with a guest appearance and screening footage of Wolverine Origins. I cannot find the bootleg footage for it, but a nice description of the footage can be read here. And a nice poster below
- MGM has confirmed via press release that Darren Aronofsky will officially helm a Robocop remake. It is apparently going to be a bit more of a sequel than a remake - same storyline new visuals is what I assume
- News from the Marvel panel "Kevin Feige said that they want to hire filmmakers and get the scripts in order before casting their upcoming high-profile movies despite there being a lot of rumors and speculation going on right now.
Feige also affirmed that The Incredible Hulk lived up to their expectations and the response from the audience was generally good, and he said that the Hulk will certainly return.
When asked whether Marvel Studios might ever get some of the other characters back in order to make their own movies, he said that there were very specific contractual obligations and he didn't think Sony or Fox would let go of Spider-Man or The X-Men anytime soon.
It certainly seems like Thor and Ant-Man will be the movies that Marvel Studios will be focusing on for the rest of the year from the way they were paired together in the slides and mentioned, but maybe that's just this writer's speculation. (Yeah, probably.) He wasn't able to comment on whether Jon Favreau is officially signed to Iron Man 2 (so basically, that holding pattern continues to hold.)
Dr. Doom won't be in the Avengers movie since he's part of the 20th Century Fox contract with Marvel, though he couldn't say whether he might be in future "Avengers" sequel. (Of course, this all depends on whether Marvel ever gets those characters back from Fox.)
As it's been reported, there's a script for a Silver Surfer movie, but Feige believes that Fox will wait and see how X-Men Origins: Wolverine does before committing.
That is what I have right now of news from ComicCon, more will be posted as it trickles in. This years ComicCon seems to be a large one.
Since I have been away from the blogness for a while, I also haven't had the opportunity to post my list of movies that I have been watching week by week. So with no delay, here are the films I have been engrossed in for the past few weeks (almost a month actually)
Talladega Nigh The Machinist Wanted Neverwas Southland Tales Funny Games I'll Sleep When I'm Dead Bonnie and Clyde Sweeny Todd Conversations with Other Women Vantage Point Win A Date With Tad Hamilton Spiderwick Chronicles Back to the Future Part II Domino Hellboy II: The Golden Army Hancock Margot at the Wedding Dark Knight Batman Forever Batman and Robin Dynamite Warrior Repo Man King Kong Persepolis Mystic River
That turns out to be 25 movies in 27 days. Not too shabby considering how busy I am - and granted that at times I would watch 4 movies in one day and none the next. Man I love movies.
Since I haven't posted in a while, we have a mega-update of awesome new trailers for your eyes to feast upon! If you haven't seen some of these, be sure to check them out as they are chock full of awesomeness!
