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Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Celebrity Look Alike of the Week!
Channing Tatum & Wentworth Miller
Channing Tatum, (29)
After his break-out role in Step-Up, Tatum showed his love for action movies by starring in the hits Stop-Loss, Fighting, Public Enemies and G.I. Joe. In his newly released Nicholas Sparks film, Dear John, Tatum shows theres more to him than muscles. He is currently filiming Knockout, another soldier movie set to be relseased in 2011.
Wentwoth Miller, (37)
Miller is best known for starring in the hit tv series Prison Break. He's made guest apperances on many shows including Family Guy, Ghost Whisperer, and Law & Order. He is currently working on the next Resident Evil movie set to be released in September 2010.
Who's Your Favorite?
By: Michelle Z
Review: The Wolfman
Review: The Wolfman 3 1/2 (out of 5) stars
Lack of character development aside, the film was nearly perfect for the first 90 minutes, with no unnecessary time-filling scenes to make the audience’s thoughts wander. The last half hour was jam-packed with action, although it did hold one too many clichés for my taste. Overall, The Wolfman is a spooky thriller, perfect for fans of classic 1940’s horror but still bloody enough to satisfy a new generation.
Starring Beneicio Del Toro as a man who comes home after many years to investigat
e the death of his brother, The Wolfman (2010) is a retelling of the classic full-moon horror tale. Lawrence Talbot (Del Toro) joins in the search for the creature that has been viciously killing people, including his brother, during the full moon. Talbot soon realizes that there is much more going on than meets the eye when after being bit by the creature, he starts exhibiting mysterious symptoms.
e the death of his brother, The Wolfman (2010) is a retelling of the classic full-moon horror tale. Lawrence Talbot (Del Toro) joins in the search for the creature that has been viciously killing people, including his brother, during the full moon. Talbot soon realizes that there is much more going on than meets the eye when after being bit by the creature, he starts exhibiting mysterious symptoms. Anthony Hopkins plays Talbot’s reclusive father and Hugo Weaving has a smaller part as the inspector working 
the case. Emily Blunt plays Gwen, the film’s female lead, and does so with the right balance of damsel and heroine. Her performance, as usual, was flawless. Del Toro and Hopkins, on the other hand were a little more difficult to figure out. Due to the lack of character development in the writing, it is hard to determine whether or not the two portray their characters correctly. Nonetheless, these are all afterthoughts to a generally enjoyable film.
the case. Emily Blunt plays Gwen, the film’s female lead, and does so with the right balance of damsel and heroine. Her performance, as usual, was flawless. Del Toro and Hopkins, on the other hand were a little more difficult to figure out. Due to the lack of character development in the writing, it is hard to determine whether or not the two portray their characters correctly. Nonetheless, these are all afterthoughts to a generally enjoyable film.Most impressing was the set design. The Wolfman takes place at the end of the 19th century in England. The Moors were creepy, the town was spooky, and the overall effect was brilliant. The transformation from man to werewolf was also impeccably done with a subtlety that was somewhat wasted on the overall effect (he was a bit too wolf-like, in the end).
Lack of character development aside, the film was nearly perfect for the first 90 minutes, with no unnecessary time-filling scenes to make the audience’s thoughts wander. The last half hour was jam-packed with action, although it did hold one too many clichés for my taste. Overall, The Wolfman is a spooky thriller, perfect for fans of classic 1940’s horror but still bloody enough to satisfy a new generation.
By: Jamie Z.
All photos from IMDB.com
Saturday, February 20, 2010
10 Favorite Scary Movies For a New Generation- Number 8: Wind Chill
Ten Favorite Scary Movies For a New Generation is a movie put together by Jamie and Michelle Z starring both Jamie, Paul C, and lots of others discussing our ten favorite horror films! We're very proud of this film and hope you check it out!
Here is part three, number 8 on our list: Wind Chill. To view the rest, you can click on the links for part 2 or part 4 etc.
By: Jamie Z.
Caution: This video contains SPOILERS for the movie Wind Chill.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Weekly Fashion Face-Off!
Heidi Klum vs. Jennifer Lopez
Heidi wore this Louis Vuitton dress at a store opening, while Jennifer flaunted hers at a book launch party.
Who wore it better?
By: Michelle Z.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Review: The Cove
The Cove 5 (out of 5) stars 
The Cove (DVD 2009) is one of the most haunting, harrowing, and unforgettable movies I’ve ever seen. It is both depressing and inspiring. It keeps you at the edge of your seat. Following former dolphin-trainer Ric O’Barry, this documentary takes you to places you’ve never seen and never wanted to see, but at the end were glad you did.
The Cove mainly takes place in Taiji, Japan, a small fishing town that hides a dark secret. Every year in a tiny secluded cove in Taiji over 20,000 dolphins and whales are slaughtered for seemingly no reason. They are herded into sea pens and meticulously stabbed until they die from stress, shock, blood loss, or drowning.
The film shows actual footage of a daily slaughter (only a fraction of the entire movie, so I recommend fast-forwarding if you really can’t handle it. The rest of the movie is too good to miss.) It was, to be honest, the most horrible thing I have ever seen, yet I could not take my eyes away. The sound of the dolphins cries and the images of the water being stained red are ones that will stay with me forever.
The Cove is up for Best Documentary at the 2010 Academy Awards and has won over 20 others including one at Sundance. And rightly so. Not only is The Cove an informative and eye-opening documentary, it is a heist-like adventure that will keep r nerves on edge. Even if you don’t care about the lives of the dolphins on screen, you can’t help but bite your nails waiting for the outcome of their secret night mission to capture footage of this act.
The scene at the end where Ric O’Barry enters the IWC meeting left me breathless and in tears. The movie left me with the desire to fight for these dolphin’s cause as well as the vow to never support dolphin or whale captivity again.
The Cove (DVD 2009) is one of the most haunting, harrowing, and unforgettable movies I’ve ever seen. It is both depressing and inspiring. It keeps you at the edge of your seat. Following former dolphin-trainer Ric O’Barry, this documentary takes you to places you’ve never seen and never wanted to see, but at the end were glad you did.The Cove mainly takes place in Taiji, Japan, a small fishing town that hides a dark secret. Every year in a tiny secluded cove in Taiji over 20,000 dolphins and whales are slaughtered for seemingly no reason. They are herded into sea pens and meticulously stabbed until they die from stress, shock, blood loss, or drowning.
The film shows actual footage of a daily slaughter (only a fraction of the entire movie, so I recommend fast-forwarding if you really can’t handle it. The rest of the movie is too good to miss.) It was, to be honest, the most horrible thing I have ever seen, yet I could not take my eyes away. The sound of the dolphins cries and the images of the water being stained red are ones that will stay with me forever.
The Cove is up for Best Documentary at the 2010 Academy Awards and has won over 20 others including one at Sundance. And rightly so. Not only is The Cove an informative and eye-opening documentary, it is a heist-like adventure that will keep r nerves on edge. Even if you don’t care about the lives of the dolphins on screen, you can’t help but bite your nails waiting for the outcome of their secret night mission to capture footage of this act.
The scene at the end where Ric O’Barry enters the IWC meeting left me breathless and in tears. The movie left me with the desire to fight for these dolphin’s cause as well as the vow to never support dolphin or whale captivity again.I recommend everyone see this well-made and eye-opening film. Not only does it inform, but it entertains. Even if you are not a self proclaimed animal rights activist, you can learn more from The Cove in 90 minutes than you ever expected.
By: Jamie Z
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
10 Favorite Scary Movies For a New Generation- Number 9: The Ruins
Ten Favorite Scary Movies For a New Generation is a movie put together by Jamie and Michelle Z starring both Jamie, Paul C, and lots of others discussing our ten favorite horror films! We're very proud of this film and hope you check it out!
Here is part two, number 9 on our list: The Ruins. To view the rest, you can click on the links for part 1 or part 3 etc.
By: Jamie Z.
Caution: This video contains SPOILERS for the movie The Ruins.
Celebrity Look Alike of the Week!
Mila Kunis & Rachel Bilson
Mila Kunis, (26)Best known as Jackie on That 70's Show, Kunis has been keeping herself busy since the show's end in 2006. She stars as Meg Griffin on the hit series Family Guy. Her more memroable roles include playing Rachael in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Solara in the new thriller Book of Eli. She is currently filming Black Swan, a movie about ballet dancers.
Rachel Bilson, (28)Rachel is best known for her role as the quirky Summer Roberts on the hit drama The O.C. She has since landed the role as Millie in the movie Jumper and Molly in New York, I Love You. She is currently working on Waiting For Forever playing a young actress in Hollywood.
Who's Your Favorite?
Monday, February 15, 2010
Where Did They Go?
WDTG: Orlando Bloom
Orlando Bloom was one of those actors that made tweens scream and declare their everlasting love. He was the next big thing. But, where did he go? Since the last Pirates of the Caribbean installment in 2007 we have seen very little of Mr. Bloom other than a small role in the let down New York, I Love You (2009). Perhaps he’s been too busy with his supermodel girlfriend to come out of his black house (yes, he painted it black). Whatever the reason, I for one, would like to see more of him.
It is generally agreed that he was perfect as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings trilogy (left), super hott as Will Turner in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and embarrassing as Prince Paris in Troy (although I like to chalk that up the character itself). While his acting may seem lacking in some of his more famous blockbusters, I challenge you to check out some of his lesser known films.
It is generally agreed that he was perfect as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings trilogy (left), super hott as Will Turner in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, and embarrassing as Prince Paris in Troy (although I like to chalk that up the character itself). While his acting may seem lacking in some of his more famous blockbusters, I challenge you to check out some of his lesser known films.In The Calcium Kid (2004) Bloom took his first leading role (the movie was never released in theatres in the US) as a milkman named Jimmy who ends up fighting in a championship boxing match. The film is a mockumentary comedy and Bloom pulled off the role with light-hearted humor and adorable amusement. 
In Haven (2004) Bloom played Shy (right), a forbidden lover scarred by the rough atmosphere of the Cayman Islands who is driven to commit a horrible crime. In this role, Bloom abandons his pretty-boy persona and shows us some emotion. Not Oscar worthy, but not bad at all.
According the wonderful IMDB.com, Orlando will play The Stain in Sympathy for Delicious, which was shown at Sundance this past January and is about a paralyzed DJ who turns to faith healing. Another project listed on Orlando’s page is the movie Main Street (2010) about a small Southern town.
Admittedly, when I was in middle school I had a collage covering an entire wall dedicated to this man. Luckily, I have since calmed down in my fandom. I can be hopeful that my old favorite Orlando Bloom will be making a comeback this year and also that he will prove once and for all that he is more than just a pretty face. Fingers crossed.
In Haven (2004) Bloom played Shy (right), a forbidden lover scarred by the rough atmosphere of the Cayman Islands who is driven to commit a horrible crime. In this role, Bloom abandons his pretty-boy persona and shows us some emotion. Not Oscar worthy, but not bad at all.
According the wonderful IMDB.com, Orlando will play The Stain in Sympathy for Delicious, which was shown at Sundance this past January and is about a paralyzed DJ who turns to faith healing. Another project listed on Orlando’s page is the movie Main Street (2010) about a small Southern town.
Admittedly, when I was in middle school I had a collage covering an entire wall dedicated to this man. Luckily, I have since calmed down in my fandom. I can be hopeful that my old favorite Orlando Bloom will be making a comeback this year and also that he will prove once and for all that he is more than just a pretty face. Fingers crossed.By: Jamie Z.
Pictures from IMDB.com
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Who's the Best Batman?
Michael Keaton: Best Batman the ManBatman (1989), Batman Returns (1992)
Michael Keaton was the origina, and he brought the most humanity to the character of Batman. He was the man you wanted to get to know as Bruce Wayne more than just as batman. He inspired people to think that everyday citizens can be superheroes too.
Val Kilmer: Best Batman the SuperheroBatman Forever (1995)
Val Kilmer was quite handsome in 1995 wasn’t he? He had the look down pat…aristocratic bone structure, composure under pressure, and he definitely cut a nice figure in his suit. Kilmer was the best superhero because had it all; the mysterious persona, tortured back story, awesome weapons, hott girlfriend and even a side-kick.
George Clooney: Best Batman as Bruce WayneBatman and Robin (1997)
One look at George Clooney’s face says it all. He had the most charisma, the most charm, and probably got the most ladies. If you picture Bruce Wayne as more of a playboy than a tortured soul then Clooney is for you. I mean, there were nipples on his bat suit, c’mon.
Christian Bale: Best Batman the BadassBatman Begins (2005), The Dark Knight (2008)
Samurai skills? Military gear? Morgan Freeman? Bale had the muscles (who can forget the push-up scene), the weaponry (secret military grade), and the desire to hurt bad guys in creative ways. Bale took Batman to a whole new level.
So what do you think? Is Adam West actually the best Batman? Or is Alfred better than them all?
By: Jamie Z
Photos from IMDB.com and Collider.com
Saturday, February 13, 2010
10 Favorite Scary Movies for a New Generation- Number 10: Wrong Turn
Ten Favorite Scary Movies For a New Generation is a movie put together by Jamie and Michelle Z starring both Jamie, Paul C, and lots of others discussing our ten favorite horror films! We're very proud of this film and hope you check it out!
Here is part one, number 10 on our list: Wrong Turn. To view the rest, click on the link to part 2 that appears at the end of part one and then the link at the end of part two for part three, etc.
By: Jamie Z.
Caution: This video contains SPOILERS for the movie Wrong Turn.
Review: New York, I Love You
New York, I Love You: 2 (out of 5) stars 
New York, I Love You, released on DVD in 2010, is a menagerie of celebrities starring in numerous small stories that all take place within the city of New York. Natalie Portman, Maggie Q, Christina Ricci, Robin Wright Penn, Orlando Bloom, Ethan Hawke, Shia LaBeouf and many more make appearances in the somewhat shambled anthology film that is New York, I Love You.
During most of the stories, I had absolutely no idea what was going on. They had no developmental plots and frankly, no point in even being there. To be honest, I can’t even remember what happened in most of the parts, which is expressive of the confusing forgetfulness that was apparent in the whole movie.
All in all, NYILY, while sprinkled with stars aplenty, turned out to be one of those movies that celebrities make to show how artsy and creative they are. So if you’re thinking about watching New York, I Love You, skip it and watch Paris, je t'aime instead.
New York, I Love You, released on DVD in 2010, is a menagerie of celebrities starring in numerous small stories that all take place within the city of New York. Natalie Portman, Maggie Q, Christina Ricci, Robin Wright Penn, Orlando Bloom, Ethan Hawke, Shia LaBeouf and many more make appearances in the somewhat shambled anthology film that is New York, I Love You.NYILY is based on Paris, je t'aime (Paris, I Love You) which is a similar movie, released in 2006, that has 20 separate stories of love in Paris. Since I was absolutely delighted with Paris, je t'aime, I had high expectations for New York, I Love You. Sadly, I was disappointed.
Orlando Bloom and Christina Ricci’s story was cute in that it showed a relationship developing between two people over the phone who didn’t know each other (and I am being biased because I like both of the two). The storyline featuring Olivia Thirlby and Anton Yelchin was cute and even a bit humerous. Although I was completely confused at what was happening during Shia Labeouf’s story, his character was still endearing and well-played.
All in all, NYILY, while sprinkled with stars aplenty, turned out to be one of those movies that celebrities make to show how artsy and creative they are. So if you’re thinking about watching New York, I Love You, skip it and watch Paris, je t'aime instead. By: Jamie Z
Friday, February 12, 2010
Weekly Fashion Face-Off!
Emmy Rossum vs. Miley Cyrus
Emmy wore this Notte by Marchesa dress to an LA move premiere while Miley showed hers off at the Disney Christmas parade.
Who wore it better?
By: Michelle Z.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
A Dude's Opinion: My 15 Most Anticipated Movies of 2010
Inspired by Jamie's list of her most anticipated movies of this upcoming year, I thought I'd put together a little collection of my own. While are tastes are widely different yet eerily similar, I thought it'd be a good contrast to our own views.
By: Paul Congiusta
15. Th
e Town
- crime, drama, September 2010 -
This film is based on the novel by Chuck Hogan revolving around a thief's feelings towards one of his earlier heists and the FBI agent trying to bring him down. Say what you will about Ben Affleck (I've trashed him whenever I could) but his directorial debut in Gone Baby Gone was a great achievement. He brought a gritty film to the screen with a dark and brooding presence, and I'm looking forward to his encore behind and in front of the lens. A cast of Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Chris Cooper and Blake Lively only makes things better.
14. The Social Network
- drama. October 2010 -
When I initially heard of a movie about Facebook I thought it was the dumbest idea since the script for X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Then again, everyone's lives today are lived through this social networking sight and with the genius David Fincher behind the helm it could turn out to be alright. The script circled Hollywood for a number of days before it was fought between 4 different companies and was praised for it's originality. With it's talented director leading a cast of Justin Timberlake, Jesse Eisenberg, Rashida Jones and Jurassic Park's Joseph Mazzello (Where the hell has he been?) you can consider me intrigued at the very least.
13. Alice in
Wonderland
- fantasy, family. March 2010 -
Before I start here I wanna get something out of the way first: I'm still on the fence with Tim Burton. He's made some great films (Edward Scissorhands, Beetle Juice, Ed Wood, Big Fish) and some eye-ball gouging pieces of garbage (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Planet of the Apes, Mars Attacks!). To be fair, he's loved by a loyal fan base and he even has his own exhibit at MOMA for a couple of months. But the fact remains that 75% of his films look, feel, and play out in the same way. He twists something we've seen before in a darker, vivid vision. How will Alice turn out? Who knows. What we do know is that he has most of the cast from Sweeney Todd back with him and that puts a damper on my enthusiasm.
12. Green Zone
- action, drama, thriller. March 2010 -
It's gonna be hard to shake the image of Jason Bourne running around the desert in the newest re-teaming of Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass in Green Zone. Following the 2003 infiltration of Baghdad, Green Zone follows Damon as a Cheif Officer leading a team of soldiers to uncover weapons of mass destruction. What they do find might foil an elaborate undercover plot that will change the public's perception of this mission and may be the cause for the war on terror. Yup, I'll be there.
11. Robin Hood
- action, drama. May 2010 -
Yet another Hollywood re-imagining appears on my list (are you getting the trend?) except this time we have it covered in Oscar trophies. Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott re-team with what they do best : kicking ass and taking names with a scowling, brooding, take no prisoners attitude. Add in perhaps the best actress working today in Clate Blanchett, the most underrated actor working today in Mark Strong with Kevin Durand, William Hurt and Danny Huston rounding out the cast and you have a formula for success... right? Let's just hope this is more Gladiator then Kingdom of Heaven. I have a strong feeling it will be.
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows : Part 1
- fantasy, adventure, drama. November 2010 -
The Potter novels are some of the best books I've ever read and they hold a place dear to my heart, which is why this movie isn't lower on my list. While the Potter movies remain good adaptations, they fail to reach the great adaptation status that The Lord of the Rings pulled off so well. The cast is perfect and the world of Harry Potter looks exactly as I envisioned it while reading, but the movies fall short in contrast to the book. Most noticeably are the underwhelming "epic" scenes. While I do like the idea of splitting the book in two (how can you possibly fit it all into one movie?) I'm anxious and worried that the whole thing may fall short. Either way, we'll find out if the filmmakers are up to the challenge this fall!
9. Clash of
the Titans
- action, fantasy. April 2010 -
Most people would assume this would be higher on my list but the fact remains that it's yet another CGI-fueled remake that looks to be ripping off parts of LOTR, 300, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Then again, it is a summer blockbuster aimed solely at making money and forcing Sam Worthington down our throats again. But dammit..I'm a sucker for mythology and swords and sandals epics. Throw in the fact that you have the ass-kicking Liam Neeson as Zeus and the equally bad-ass Ralph Fiennes as Hades and I'll be there with a box of Milk Duds opening night.
8. Kick-Ass
- comedy, action, drama. April 2010 -
If you haven't heard of or seen anything from Kick-Ass yet then it's gonna be hard for me to sum it all up for you, but I'll try. Think of this movie as a Watchmen-type world with a play on the super hero, filled with Matrix-style action and sarcastic, satire-laden comedy. Matthew Vaughn brought one of the coolest movies I've seen (Layer Cake) into my life and giving him a super-hero world to play with sounds like a great idea for everyone. Throw in Nicolas Cage as a play on Batman who's father to a 13 year old super hero, McLovin himself as our hero in training with absolutely no powers and you have me there opening weekend. Oh yeah, Mark Strong is in this one too (someone's nearing the A-list this year!).
7. Dinner for Sc
hmucks
- comedy. July 2010 -
Very little people have any idea that Dinner for Schmucks is coming out this year. The movie follows Paul Rudd as an up and coming executive who's finally invited to his boss' monthly dinner event promptly titled "Dinner for Idiots". The person who shows up with the biggest schmuck receives bragging rights and the oppurtunity to get in with the inner circle of upper management. In comes Steve Carrell as the idiot guest and hilarity ensues. Paul Rudd is perhaps the funniest man in show buisness right now and Steve Carrell isn't far behind. Throw in the hottest comedic actor right now with Zach Galifianakis and you have a trio of comedy gold. I'm anxiously awaiting laughing my ass off at what could be this year's Hangover.
6. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
- adventure, comedy, romance, fantasy. August 2010 -
Oh Edgar Wright, how I love you so. Those of you who don't know the genius behind Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz (two of my all-time favorite movies) will get formally introduced this August when he releases Scott Pilgrim. The movie is an adaptation of a dark comedic graphic novel that follows Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) as he fights for the girl of his dreams. Unfortunately, before he can finally win her heart he must fight her 7 ex-boyfriends to the death. Not only is the plot original and hilarious but we get to see Michael Cera kick ass and take names. While a lot of people are growing tired of the "same old Michael Cera" I for one, am not. Edgar Wright is the best original film maker in the industry today and I'm eagerly awaiting his newest project. The adroable Alison Pill, beefcake Chris Evans and everyone's favorite Wes Anderson star Jason Schwartzman co-star. And yes.. that's a picture of Michael Cera holding a flaming light saber. I'm so there.
5. Toy Sto
ry 3
- animated, comedy, adventure. June 2010 -
Nothing else needs to be said. Once you look at this title you'll realize why I'm so excited. Toy Story is the movie that made me never want to grow up. We now get the 3rd and final chapter of the most beloved animated characters of the last 20 years in all of it's IMAX 3-D glory. The story follows Woody and the gang as they're donated to a day-care center once Andy goes off to college. Once they find out that Andy is looking for them they make it their business to escape and head back home. We get the entire original cast back and a slew of new characters with hilarious possibilities (like Michael Keaton as Ken finding Barbie for the first time). To Infinity and Beyond baby!!
4. The Expendables
- ACTION. August 2010 -
Right off the bat, The Expendables won't be for everyone. But who it is for is anybody that grew up watching 80's action movies without CGI explosions or a bogged down plot. These movies had muscles, explosions, great cheesy one-liners, iconic action stars and enough stunts to fill up a Universal Studios stunt-show. This is the comeback that this audience has been waiting for. After Stallone's successful return to Rambo we know that he still has the body and chops to pull off convincing action scenes. Hell, people forget he's an Academy Award winning writer. We get our simple and straight forward set-up plot as a group of mercenaries are hired to bring down a dictator in South Africa, and then we get every action junkie's wet-dream. The action cast to end all action casts. We get to see Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Terry Crews, Randy Couture and Stone Cold Steve Austin ripping off countless rounds of machine gun fire on screen for 2 hours. And if that isn't enough to get you into the theater we get none other then Mickey Rourke as the arms dealer and cameos from Arnold himself and Bruce Willis. Nothing else needs to be said.
3. Iron Man 2
- action, adventure, sci-fi. May 2010 -
Iron Man 2 will most likely be the highest grossing movie of summer 2010 because really, who doesn't love super heroes or Robert Downey Jr.? Everything is always better in the second super-hero movie (The Dark Knight, Superman II) because we have our hero established and the transformation is complete. So now the audience doesn't have to wait for him to become Iron Man because he IS IRON MAN! We also notoriously get the better villain. In this case we get the resurgent Mickey Rourke in all of his whip swinging glory. Don Cheadle is a big improvement over Terrence Howard and we do get back the entire crew and Gwyneth Paltrow but there is one person that worries me: Scarlett Johansson. She's a decent actress that can play the same role over and over again but we've seen that once she steps outside her boundaries the results are pretty underwhelming (The Island, The Prestige). While she may be the Maggie Gyllenhaal of this epic super hero movie we still get Sam Rockwell and the promise of more action, suspense, and a darker story. See you there!
2. Shutter Island
- drama, mystery, thriller. February 2010 -
You'll find one thing in common with my top 2 most anticipated movies of 2010 : Leanardo Dicaprio. Aside from being able to pull off one of the most epic first names you can go by, he is the actor of our generation. He's taken things from Brando, Gregory Peck and James Dean and combined it with the likeliness of Tom Hanks to be the quintessential best actor on the planet. But enough of my bias opinion, let's get to Shutter Island. Anytime Martin Scorsese makes a movie that isn't about Howard Hughes it's often regarded as the best film of the year. Shutter Island manages to be no exception. We finally get Scorsese's take on a creepy and haunting ghost story that plays as a psychological thriller with an impressive cast. I refuse to give out spoilers and have held off of most of the trailers because I want to be floored by every twist and turn. Starring Leo, Mark Ruffalo, Sir Ben Kingsley, Jackie Earle Haley and the gorgeous Michelle Williams, Shutter Island promises to be on every critic's top 10 list for 2010.
... drum roll please......
1. Inception
- Mystery, Science-Fiction, Thriller. July 2010 -
The most secluded and secretive movie of 2010 is of course my most anticipated. Few people know anything about Inception, let alone the fact that it's even been made. Inception is a new age psychological thriller written and directed by arguably the most talented man in Hollywood. Christopher Nolan brings us this ORIGINAL film and with his track record having not one less then stellar picture we should all be expecting to get our minds blown. Quite simply, here is the plot (set in the not so distant future) : "In a world where entering dreams is possible, a single idea from the human mind can be the most dangerous weapon or the most valuable asset." There's nothing better then a grounded science-fiction film that not only feels real but puts us in a view of the future that isn't too far off from our present. With little known about the plot some people would seem slightly underwhelmed but lucky for us, the cast they assembled is the best this year. The film stars Oscar nominated actors Leonardo Dicaprio, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe and Tom Beregner, along with Oscar winning actors Marion Cotillard and Michael Caine. We also get Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Cillian Murphy which puts out possibly the best collection of actors assembled since the Ocean movies. I can't wait to get mind-f**ked!
By: Paul Congiusta
15. Th
e Town- crime, drama, September 2010 -
This film is based on the novel by Chuck Hogan revolving around a thief's feelings towards one of his earlier heists and the FBI agent trying to bring him down. Say what you will about Ben Affleck (I've trashed him whenever I could) but his directorial debut in Gone Baby Gone was a great achievement. He brought a gritty film to the screen with a dark and brooding presence, and I'm looking forward to his encore behind and in front of the lens. A cast of Affleck, Jeremy Renner, Chris Cooper and Blake Lively only makes things better.
14. The Social Network
- drama. October 2010 -
When I initially heard of a movie about Facebook I thought it was the dumbest idea since the script for X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Then again, everyone's lives today are lived through this social networking sight and with the genius David Fincher behind the helm it could turn out to be alright. The script circled Hollywood for a number of days before it was fought between 4 different companies and was praised for it's originality. With it's talented director leading a cast of Justin Timberlake, Jesse Eisenberg, Rashida Jones and Jurassic Park's Joseph Mazzello (Where the hell has he been?) you can consider me intrigued at the very least.
13. Alice in
Wonderland- fantasy, family. March 2010 -
Before I start here I wanna get something out of the way first: I'm still on the fence with Tim Burton. He's made some great films (Edward Scissorhands, Beetle Juice, Ed Wood, Big Fish) and some eye-ball gouging pieces of garbage (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Planet of the Apes, Mars Attacks!). To be fair, he's loved by a loyal fan base and he even has his own exhibit at MOMA for a couple of months. But the fact remains that 75% of his films look, feel, and play out in the same way. He twists something we've seen before in a darker, vivid vision. How will Alice turn out? Who knows. What we do know is that he has most of the cast from Sweeney Todd back with him and that puts a damper on my enthusiasm.
12. Green Zone
- action, drama, thriller. March 2010 -
It's gonna be hard to shake the image of Jason Bourne running around the desert in the newest re-teaming of Matt Damon and Paul Greengrass in Green Zone. Following the 2003 infiltration of Baghdad, Green Zone follows Damon as a Cheif Officer leading a team of soldiers to uncover weapons of mass destruction. What they do find might foil an elaborate undercover plot that will change the public's perception of this mission and may be the cause for the war on terror. Yup, I'll be there.
11. Robin Hood
- action, drama. May 2010 -
Yet another Hollywood re-imagining appears on my list (are you getting the trend?) except this time we have it covered in Oscar trophies. Russell Crowe and Ridley Scott re-team with what they do best : kicking ass and taking names with a scowling, brooding, take no prisoners attitude. Add in perhaps the best actress working today in Clate Blanchett, the most underrated actor working today in Mark Strong with Kevin Durand, William Hurt and Danny Huston rounding out the cast and you have a formula for success... right? Let's just hope this is more Gladiator then Kingdom of Heaven. I have a strong feeling it will be.
10. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows : Part 1
- fantasy, adventure, drama. November 2010 -
The Potter novels are some of the best books I've ever read and they hold a place dear to my heart, which is why this movie isn't lower on my list. While the Potter movies remain good adaptations, they fail to reach the great adaptation status that The Lord of the Rings pulled off so well. The cast is perfect and the world of Harry Potter looks exactly as I envisioned it while reading, but the movies fall short in contrast to the book. Most noticeably are the underwhelming "epic" scenes. While I do like the idea of splitting the book in two (how can you possibly fit it all into one movie?) I'm anxious and worried that the whole thing may fall short. Either way, we'll find out if the filmmakers are up to the challenge this fall!
9. Clash of
the Titans- action, fantasy. April 2010 -
Most people would assume this would be higher on my list but the fact remains that it's yet another CGI-fueled remake that looks to be ripping off parts of LOTR, 300, and Pirates of the Caribbean. Then again, it is a summer blockbuster aimed solely at making money and forcing Sam Worthington down our throats again. But dammit..I'm a sucker for mythology and swords and sandals epics. Throw in the fact that you have the ass-kicking Liam Neeson as Zeus and the equally bad-ass Ralph Fiennes as Hades and I'll be there with a box of Milk Duds opening night.
8. Kick-Ass
- comedy, action, drama. April 2010 -
If you haven't heard of or seen anything from Kick-Ass yet then it's gonna be hard for me to sum it all up for you, but I'll try. Think of this movie as a Watchmen-type world with a play on the super hero, filled with Matrix-style action and sarcastic, satire-laden comedy. Matthew Vaughn brought one of the coolest movies I've seen (Layer Cake) into my life and giving him a super-hero world to play with sounds like a great idea for everyone. Throw in Nicolas Cage as a play on Batman who's father to a 13 year old super hero, McLovin himself as our hero in training with absolutely no powers and you have me there opening weekend. Oh yeah, Mark Strong is in this one too (someone's nearing the A-list this year!).
7. Dinner for Sc
hmucks- comedy. July 2010 -
Very little people have any idea that Dinner for Schmucks is coming out this year. The movie follows Paul Rudd as an up and coming executive who's finally invited to his boss' monthly dinner event promptly titled "Dinner for Idiots". The person who shows up with the biggest schmuck receives bragging rights and the oppurtunity to get in with the inner circle of upper management. In comes Steve Carrell as the idiot guest and hilarity ensues. Paul Rudd is perhaps the funniest man in show buisness right now and Steve Carrell isn't far behind. Throw in the hottest comedic actor right now with Zach Galifianakis and you have a trio of comedy gold. I'm anxiously awaiting laughing my ass off at what could be this year's Hangover.
6. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
- adventure, comedy, romance, fantasy. August 2010 -
Oh Edgar Wright, how I love you so. Those of you who don't know the genius behind Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz (two of my all-time favorite movies) will get formally introduced this August when he releases Scott Pilgrim. The movie is an adaptation of a dark comedic graphic novel that follows Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera) as he fights for the girl of his dreams. Unfortunately, before he can finally win her heart he must fight her 7 ex-boyfriends to the death. Not only is the plot original and hilarious but we get to see Michael Cera kick ass and take names. While a lot of people are growing tired of the "same old Michael Cera" I for one, am not. Edgar Wright is the best original film maker in the industry today and I'm eagerly awaiting his newest project. The adroable Alison Pill, beefcake Chris Evans and everyone's favorite Wes Anderson star Jason Schwartzman co-star. And yes.. that's a picture of Michael Cera holding a flaming light saber. I'm so there.
5. Toy Sto
ry 3- animated, comedy, adventure. June 2010 -
Nothing else needs to be said. Once you look at this title you'll realize why I'm so excited. Toy Story is the movie that made me never want to grow up. We now get the 3rd and final chapter of the most beloved animated characters of the last 20 years in all of it's IMAX 3-D glory. The story follows Woody and the gang as they're donated to a day-care center once Andy goes off to college. Once they find out that Andy is looking for them they make it their business to escape and head back home. We get the entire original cast back and a slew of new characters with hilarious possibilities (like Michael Keaton as Ken finding Barbie for the first time). To Infinity and Beyond baby!!
4. The Expendables
- ACTION. August 2010 -
Right off the bat, The Expendables won't be for everyone. But who it is for is anybody that grew up watching 80's action movies without CGI explosions or a bogged down plot. These movies had muscles, explosions, great cheesy one-liners, iconic action stars and enough stunts to fill up a Universal Studios stunt-show. This is the comeback that this audience has been waiting for. After Stallone's successful return to Rambo we know that he still has the body and chops to pull off convincing action scenes. Hell, people forget he's an Academy Award winning writer. We get our simple and straight forward set-up plot as a group of mercenaries are hired to bring down a dictator in South Africa, and then we get every action junkie's wet-dream. The action cast to end all action casts. We get to see Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren, Terry Crews, Randy Couture and Stone Cold Steve Austin ripping off countless rounds of machine gun fire on screen for 2 hours. And if that isn't enough to get you into the theater we get none other then Mickey Rourke as the arms dealer and cameos from Arnold himself and Bruce Willis. Nothing else needs to be said.
3. Iron Man 2
- action, adventure, sci-fi. May 2010 -
Iron Man 2 will most likely be the highest grossing movie of summer 2010 because really, who doesn't love super heroes or Robert Downey Jr.? Everything is always better in the second super-hero movie (The Dark Knight, Superman II) because we have our hero established and the transformation is complete. So now the audience doesn't have to wait for him to become Iron Man because he IS IRON MAN! We also notoriously get the better villain. In this case we get the resurgent Mickey Rourke in all of his whip swinging glory. Don Cheadle is a big improvement over Terrence Howard and we do get back the entire crew and Gwyneth Paltrow but there is one person that worries me: Scarlett Johansson. She's a decent actress that can play the same role over and over again but we've seen that once she steps outside her boundaries the results are pretty underwhelming (The Island, The Prestige). While she may be the Maggie Gyllenhaal of this epic super hero movie we still get Sam Rockwell and the promise of more action, suspense, and a darker story. See you there!
2. Shutter Island
- drama, mystery, thriller. February 2010 -
You'll find one thing in common with my top 2 most anticipated movies of 2010 : Leanardo Dicaprio. Aside from being able to pull off one of the most epic first names you can go by, he is the actor of our generation. He's taken things from Brando, Gregory Peck and James Dean and combined it with the likeliness of Tom Hanks to be the quintessential best actor on the planet. But enough of my bias opinion, let's get to Shutter Island. Anytime Martin Scorsese makes a movie that isn't about Howard Hughes it's often regarded as the best film of the year. Shutter Island manages to be no exception. We finally get Scorsese's take on a creepy and haunting ghost story that plays as a psychological thriller with an impressive cast. I refuse to give out spoilers and have held off of most of the trailers because I want to be floored by every twist and turn. Starring Leo, Mark Ruffalo, Sir Ben Kingsley, Jackie Earle Haley and the gorgeous Michelle Williams, Shutter Island promises to be on every critic's top 10 list for 2010.
... drum roll please......
1. Inception
- Mystery, Science-Fiction, Thriller. July 2010 -
The most secluded and secretive movie of 2010 is of course my most anticipated. Few people know anything about Inception, let alone the fact that it's even been made. Inception is a new age psychological thriller written and directed by arguably the most talented man in Hollywood. Christopher Nolan brings us this ORIGINAL film and with his track record having not one less then stellar picture we should all be expecting to get our minds blown. Quite simply, here is the plot (set in the not so distant future) : "In a world where entering dreams is possible, a single idea from the human mind can be the most dangerous weapon or the most valuable asset." There's nothing better then a grounded science-fiction film that not only feels real but puts us in a view of the future that isn't too far off from our present. With little known about the plot some people would seem slightly underwhelmed but lucky for us, the cast they assembled is the best this year. The film stars Oscar nominated actors Leonardo Dicaprio, Ellen Page, Ken Watanabe and Tom Beregner, along with Oscar winning actors Marion Cotillard and Michael Caine. We also get Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Cillian Murphy which puts out possibly the best collection of actors assembled since the Ocean movies. I can't wait to get mind-f**ked!
Lack of Originality in Hollywood
When I heard that they were making yet ANOTHER Spider-Man movie I rolled my eyes. Then I learned that they were actually remaking the first one. Seriously? Do we really need two of the same movies only ten years apart from each other? Um, no.
By: Jamie Z.
Hollywood has seriously been lacking in the originality department of late. The amount of movies being remade is simply dizzying. The worst part is, these are not remakes of classic black and white films. These are remakes of films we’ve already seen in the last decade if not even more recent!
I fail to understand why any movie made in a foreign country must be somehow redone by Americans. Let the Right One In, for example is an amazing Swedish film that in my opinion, could not have been done any better. Of course, Hollywood has decided to remake it into Let Me In, due out this year.
Rumors swirl of remakes such as Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Superman (done by Christopher Nolan?!), and The Thing. I am utterly disappointed. I’m sick of remakes and sick of sequels (Mission Impossible 4, Ghostbusters 3 and Batman 3 are said to be coming as well). There are so many books published every year; can we not make those into movies at least? Please Hollywood, show me that you have more creativity than this!
By: Jamie Z.
Let The Right One In poster from IMDB.com
Let Me In poster from wildaboutmovies.com
Let Me In poster from wildaboutmovies.com
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
10 Favorite Scary Movies For a New Generation Trailer!
Ten Favorite Scary Movies For a New Generation is a movie put together by Jamie and Michelle Z starring both Jamie, Paul C, and lots of others discussing out ten favorite horror films! We're very proud of this film and hope you check it out so here's the trailer!
The first part will be posted soon, followed by all the others!
-Jamie Z.
Review: Inglorious Basterds
Inglorious Basterds (4.5/5)
By: Paul Congiusta
"You know.. this just might be my masterpiece" proclaims Lt. Aldo Raine, the leader of a deceptively lethal group of Nazi-hunting Jewish soldiers in Quentin Tarantino's Inglorious Basterds. He was referring to the Nazi symbol he freshly carved into the forehead of his German nemesis at the end of the film, but some would argue that this is a foreshadowed description of Tarantino's latest screen gem.
Inglorious Basterds is a revenge story woven through multiple chapters and characters connected by the common goal of ultimately defeating their enemies. Marketed to most as a Brad Pitt/Tarantino extravagant action romp through German-occupied France during World War II, this film dives deeper into the characters of their respected time period. While the action set pieces such as the epic climax will surely bring the audience to their feet, it is the wide-shot dramatic encounters throughout the film that truly captures Tarantino's vision.
The film follows Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) and his hand picked group of Jewish-American soldiers to bring the Nazis a taste of their own medicine during WWII. We also get to follow Shoshanna Dreyfus, the Jewish daughter of a French dairy farmer hell bent on revenge against the Nazis. Her entire family was slaughtered by our scene-stealing villain Col. Hans Landa (played masterfully by Christoph Waltz). Both parties ultimately wind up getting Intel of a German film premiere that will house some of the Third Reich's biggest names, including Hitler himself. Coincidentally it is Shoshanna's theater that gets the privilege to host the premiere, and it is here that her and the Basterds unknowingly hatch the same plan: The destruction of Hitler and the end of the war in Germany.Inglorious Basterds is a lot of things, but engagingly beautiful is the first word that comes to mind in almost every scene in the film. Tarantino brings his trademark stylized cinematography and witty, free flowing dialogue to the table once again. It seems that each scene has subtle messages hidden within itself. The opening chapter where Col. Landa interrogates a French dairy farmer suspected of housing a Jewish family is frightening, refreshing, quirky and exhilarating all at the same time. The simple and elegant cinematography takes an image of a young Shoshanna shown running from the Germans through a door-frame and turns it into a subtle reference of how tiny the Jews are in comparison to the gigantic Nazi Empire in France.
While it's the dram
atic saboteur scenes that draw the emotional energy into the film, it goes without saying that any Tarantino movie will have blood, and lots of it. The violent scenes in which Nazis are destroyed in this movie are done with such a patriotic "Hell yes!" that instead of leaving you squeamish it leaves you satisfied. We get everything from scalpings, swiss-cheese bullet holed nazis, beatings to death by a baseball bat, knives to the face and one very iconic choking scene in this film that electrifies the senses. It's these unexpected yet brutal jolts of action that really grasps the viewer's attention with no turning back. Tarantino carefully wields these violent outburts of blood and death throughout the movie in spots which we are least expecting it. This is, at it's core, a blood pumping revenge movie.My final word on Inglorious Basterds is simple. This is without a doubt, in my opinion, one of the best films of the year. Christoph Waltz's brooding yet uncomfortably hilarious portrayal of "The Jew Hunter" is perhaps the performance of the year, and is surely the favorite to walk away with an Oscar this season. Tarantino's intertwining revenge tale packed with all of his signature scenes is his triumphant return to old-school cinema. Inglorious Basterds comes highly recommended.
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