Movies and Musics News

Movie scoreboard: 'The Change-Up,' 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes,' 'Terri'

2011-08-07T19:40:00.000-07:00

James Franco with Caesar, the computer-generated chimp that leads a violent revolt in "Rise of the Planet of the Apes." / Weta Digital

"Captain America: The First Avenger" * * *

"Captain America" has to connect a World War II-era hero to modern times. It has to tie in to all the other Marvel comic book movies that are part of the Avengers series. It has to deliver the origin myth. And it has to be fun. Amazingly, it is. Director Joe ("Jumanji") Johnston and star Chris Evans have made the best comic book movie of the summer. Rated PG-13; sci-fi action and violence. 1 hour, 58 minutes. By Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel.

"The Change-Up" * *

Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman are predictably funny as a playboy and family man whose bodies are switched, but they're ultimately done in -- as is director David Dobkin's film -- by a surprisingly conventional, sappy story. It's hard not to be disappointed with "The Change-Up," which in the end follows the basic conventions of the switched-identity genre and changes up not much at all. Rated R; pervasive strong crude sexual content and language, some graphic nudity and drug use. 1 hour, 41 minutes. By Bill Goodykoontz, Gannett News Service.

"Cowboys & Aliens" * *

The genre mash-up is more a mush-up, an action yarn aiming to be both science fiction and Old West adventure but doing neither all that well. Director Jon Favreau and multiple producers and writers started with a title that lays out a simple but cool premise: Invaders from the skies shoot it out with guys on horseback. But they wound up keeping the story too simple and leaving a terrific cast led by Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford stuck in a sketchy tale. Rated PG-13; Western and sci-fi action and violence, partial nudity, a crude reference. 1 hour, 58 minutes. By David Germain, Associated Press.

"Crazy, Stupid, Love" * * *

Steve Carell plays Cal, a boring businessman who is informed by his wife (Julianne Moore) that she wants a divorce. Despondent, he wanders into a bar and observes pickup artist Jacob (Ryan Gosling) at work. Jacob observes Cal as well and decides to take him on as a project. It's a romantic comedy with ludicrous situations and unlikely coincidences, but directors Glenn Ficarra and John Requa soldier on through anything that might play as false. The result is a funny movie that's better than it ought to be. Rated PG-13; sexual content, language, coarse humor. 1 hour, 58 minutes. By Bill Goodykoontz.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" * * *

With shifting loyalties, unlikely heroes, truths revealed and a little help from friends, "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" winds up the "Harry Potter" series in a most satisfying fashion. Director David Yates once again creates a moody, atmospheric world that grows increasingly dark as the final encounter between Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and evil Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) nears. Rated PG-13; action violence, frightening images. 2 hours, 10 minutes. By Bill Goodykoontz.

"The Myth of the American Sleepover" * * *

Not a single moment rings false in this quietly observant, gently insightful Michigan-made feature debut from writer-director David Robert Mitchell. What's amazing is that Clawson-raised Mitchell took a genre that's overly familiar -- the all-night teen dramedy -- and makes it feel refreshing and new. He also makes it look effortless: By assembling a cast of unknowns, many of them from metro Detroit, he creates a warm aura of authenticity and naturalism. The hazy story follows several characters as they prepare for and attend a series of parties and sleepovers and takes place in that wistful time when a new school year's about to begin. Not rated; contains teen smoking and drinking and language. 1 hour, 33 minutes. By Christy Lemire, Associated Press.

"Rise of the Planet of the Apes" * * *

First-class entertainment, packed with clever, unsettling and even inspired ideas. This well-crafted prequel to the long-running "Apes" series is set in present-day San Francisco, where biotech researcher Will Rodman (James Franco) is engineering an Alzheimer's cure. Motion-capture specialist Andy Serkis delivers a remarkable performance as Caesar, a chimp whose enhanced intelligence leads him to challenge the human power structure. Finally we have the thinking person's blockbuster of summer 2011. Rated PG-13; intense and frightening sequences of action and fighting. 1 hour, 45 minutes. By Colin Covert, Star Tribune (Minneapolis).

"The Smurfs" * * *

Through one of those handy portals that conveniently appear whenever mythical characters need to land in Nowadays U.S.A., Papa Smurf and half a dozen of his blue brood wind up in Central Park in this live action-animation hybrid. They eventually land at the home of a harried ad exec (Neil Patrick Harris) and his wife while hiding from their old enemies: evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria) and his cat, Azrael. The movie supplies enough brains and heart to amuse adults while entertaining the kiddies with mischief. Rated PG; action, mild rude humor. 1 hour, 26 minutes. By Colin Covert.

"Terri" * * *

"Terri" is a lovely lyrical ode to high school misfits and the adults they grow into. Jacob Wysocki is Terri, a lumbering pudge of a guy who despite his towering size is a favorite target of high school bullies. John C. Reilly plays the vice principal who is a bit off-center himself but is so genuinely decent that you understand why Terri and some of the other troubled students gravitate to him. Wysocki carries the film. He's the embodiment of teenage strength and weakness -- by turns tough and soft, serious and silly, needy and self-sufficient. Rated R; sexual content, language and some drug and alcohol use -- all involving teens. 1 hour, 45 minutes. By Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times

Movie review: Miranda July makes you want to look into 'The Future'

2011-08-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

Miranda July’s fearlessness as a filmmaker is as much an asset as it is an albatross. But there’s no denying the shear originality of her movies, which take common themes like relationships and human interconnection and turn them into snippets of elliptical poetry that seldom fail to tear your heart out.

"The Future," her long-awaited follow-up to her spectacular debut, "Me and You and Everyone We Know," continues that trend with a soufflé of a story about two 35-year-old lovers hopelessly adrift from the real world. It contains some of the most painful, gut-wrenching moments seen onscreen, woven around such eccentricities as a babbling moon and a talking cat. Oh, yeah, there’s also a stoppage of time and a little girl who likes to bury herself in her daddy’s backyard.

That juxtaposition of tragedy and idiosyncrasy no doubt takes some getting used to; and the level at which you’re able to enjoy "The Future" depends greatly on your openness to assimilation. But if you’re going to be quirked around, it could be done by a lot worse than Sophie (July) and Jason (Hamish Linklater), two emotional drifters who’ve always managed to stay 10 paces ahead of commitment and responsibility.

That all changes the day they head to the animal shelter and adopt a wounded stray cat they name Paw Paw (voiced purr-fectly by July). The only catch is that they must wait 30 more days before he can come home with them. Almost as soon as they return to their austere Los Angeles apartment, the fear of pending responsibility paralyzes them. They foolishly convince themselves that they only have 30 days left to live the unencumbered life. So they make a pact to expend their remaining oats. Both quit their jobs (he’s a computer tech specialist, she’s a children’s dance teacher), disconnect from the Internet and commit to following their hearts.

What ensues constitutes what passes for a plot in "The Future." But as is the case with all of July’s work –– be it her films, novels, short stories and performance art –– what you see is merely a veneer providing a thinly layered sheath over deeply profound ideas about what it means to be human in the 21st century.

We’re talking human to the nth degree, too, warts and all. While sweet, non-threatening Jason walks the path of righteousness, selling trees door to door to fight climate change, July bravely dives down the rabbit hole of deceit, instigating an affair with a much older man (veteran character actor David Warshofsky) from the domesticated suburbs of Tarzana.

The scenes between July and Warshofsky provide some of the movie’s most powerful images, as Sophie imagines herself leading an alternative life away from the city. She loves it, too, especially when it involves her new lover’s precocious 10-year-old daughter, Gabby (Isabella Acres). Even more appealing to Sophie is the comfort in knowing that she can flee to the city whenever she wishes. Or at least she can before Dad and the little girl start growing emotionally dependent on her.

And as the relationships blossom and spiral out of control, one cannot help but be repulsed by the level of Sophie’s selfishness. You’re almost tempted to hiss at her; and you probably would if Sophie weren’t played by an actress as charming and openly vulnerable as July. You might even find yourself aching for her as her life begins to crumble. It’s a tremendous performance, too, full of longing and nuance.

Her greatest talent, though, remains behind the camera, where she continues to create haunting little slices of life that make you laugh almost as much as cry. "The Future" is no different. It may not reach the highest levels of "Me and You and Everyone We Know," but it sure packs the same emotional punch by the end. Perhaps that’s because "The Future" is a less hopeful picture in which depression and regret fill almost every well-crafted scene.

July also does a fine job of coaxing terrific performances from her small but powerful cast, with Linklater proving to be an actor on the cusp of stardom, just like recent Oscar nominee John Hawkes was in "Me and You." If nothing else, give July credit for having a keen eye for talent.

Still, the true reason to see the movie is July, a filmmaker who makes the common seem fascinating. That alone should be enough to make you want to look into "The Future."

THE FUTURE (R for language and sexual situations.) Cast includes Miranda July, Hamish Linklater and David Warshofsky. Written and directed by Miranda July. At Kendall Square, Cambridge. 3 stars out of 4.

Source: http://www.dailynewstranscript.com/

"Horrible Bosses" Movie Review by Chris Vetter

2011-07-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

Have you fantasized about killing your boss, thinking it would improve your life? Three regular guys, stuck in a rut at work with no alternate job prospects, decide that the benefits of "offing" their bosses is worth the risk of getting caught, in the new film "Horrible Bosses."

Jason Bateman (TV's "Arrested Development," also in "Juno" and "Up in the Air") is Nick, working in a competitive office environment, where he has to suck up to his boss, Dave (played by a deliciously evil Kevin Spacey), in hopes of someday getting a big promotion. Meanwhile, Kurt (Jason Sudeikis of "Saturday Night Live" fame) suddenly has a new boss (played by Colin Farrell), who is concerned only with milking the company for all its money. Dale (Charlie Day of TV's "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia") has the most unusual problem - the female dentist he works for, Julia (Jennifer Aniston), constantly is hitting on him and threatening him unless he has sex with her.

All three feel they can't just quit in a rough economy - they bump into an out-of-work friend who is willing to degrade himself for a few bucks.

Thus, the men wind up agreeing to kill each other's bosses. Kudos to the film for name-checking both "Strangers on a Train" and "Throw Momma from the Train," which share the identical concept. However, these bumbling guys forgot the first rule of those prior movies - establish an alibi for yourself while someone you are connected to is being killed. (The three guys each go on undercover missions at the same time, thus, none has a true alibi when police come calling.)

I've always been a big fan of Bateman, and he plays the "straight man" of the bunch - the most normal of the three friends, who have known each other since high school. Day is the runt of the group and easily the most picked on; his character is fun, but at times his high-pitched whining got to be too much. I felt Sudeikis was really miscast; his character flirts with women easily and seduces them just as quickly, but he doesn't come across as enough of a "ladies man" to pull off that role.

While our three main characters are the focus of the movie, the three villainous bosses steal the show. Spacey ("American Beauty," "Unusual Suspects"), Aniston ("Friends") and Farrell ("Daredevil," "Miami Vice") all really get into their roles, relishing their meanness. I remember watching "America's Sweetheart" Julia Roberts curse up a storm in the 2004 film "Closer," and a lot of people similarly will be shocked hearing Aniston talk so lewdly and crudely here as she baits Day to have sex with her. Farrell dons an ugly wig to make himself look like he's going bald, and his character is more concerned about his cocaine habit than managing his company.

As I hinted already, the three main characters aren't too skilled at pulling off their murder plots, or doing much of anything right. The jokes are solid, and I was surprised at some of the plot turns in the final act of the film. This film definitely deserves its R rating for its raunchy and lewd humor and depiction of drug abuse, although it doesn't have any actual nudity or much in terms of violence.

Shot on a mere $35 million budget, "Horrible Bosses" earned a solid $28 million domestically in its debut weekend. Critics at Rottentomatoes.com gave it a surprisingly high 73 percent approval rating. Viewers liked the film a lot too, with 61 percent giving it an A grade, while another 19 percent gave it a B, at Boxofficemojo.com.

This is a solid comedy, but I can't help but think it could have been even better if the writing matched the quality of the acting.

Horrible Bosses Movie Trailers

Austin movie fan texts her way out of theater

2011-07-04T23:24:00.000-07:00

Not only is it a big no-no to text and drive — it is illegal to do so in 24 states (though Texas is a ridiculously sluggish holdout) and the impetus for a big, fat $200 fine if you do it in a school zone — but it also is, frankly, a little irritating.

Oprah Winfrey once declared a no-texting day on her now wrapped-up talk show, and now Austin-based Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas, named the best theater chain in America by Entertainment Weekly, has a pickle to pick with texters. In fact, it has picked that pickle quite staunchly since it was founded in 1997.

The movie theater has enforced a strict policy against talking and using cellphones during a film — and that includes texting. It is one of the few theaters with enough gravitas to actually risk a patron's ire and kick them out without a refund if they dare test the policy.

It was something I was reminded of at the Alamo Drafthouse's presentation Friday night of "The Last Picture Show" outside the Royal Theater in Archer City as part of Texas Monthly's Rolling Roadshow Tour (the tour screened the magazine's picks for the 10 Greatest Texas Films Ever Made).

The Alamo Drafthouse this summer has been running an ingenious public service announcement against texting during a movie. It has been using an expletive-laced message left on its phone answering system by an irate customer who was escorted out of the theater for texting.

"I was not AWARE that I couldn't text in your theater. All right?" goes some of her message. "I've texted in ALL the other theaters in Austin, and no one ever gave a *&^! about what me ... I ... was doing on my *&^! phone."

You can Google the whole angry rant and find it somewhere on the Internet. Let's just say she wasn't very happy about it.

She was warned twice to stop texting, and when she didn't, she was outta there, no refund to boot.

More power to you, Alamo Drafthouse!

It reminds me of the usher in "Spider-Man 2," who wouldn't let a late Peter Parker into the theater to see Mary Jane's play because it "helps maintain the illusion."

Those glowing phone screens are a distraction, as is someone talking while you're trying to listen to a movie.

Midwestern State University's theater department over the years has likewise battled such distractions. Not only is there no talking or texting during a play, but patrons are asked not to bring along children younger than 6, who often do not have the fortitude to sit dutifully still and be well-behaved during a 2½-hour production.

And a patron who recently attended the Donald B. Cowan Legacy Choir's concert June 25 at Memorial Auditorium complained about being stuck behind a group of five, including adults, who spent the whole time playing video games on their cellphones that bleeped and blooped during the concert. Add to that the cellphone lights gleaming from people recording the concert.

There's something to be said about theater etiquette. We already have to put up with sticky floors and gingerly make our way past the spilled popcorn without having to deal with rude patrons, too, who think they're the only ones sitting there in the dark and have no common courtesy.

Movies, plays and concerts are generally only two hours long. Embrace the escape from the real world for those few minutes. Believe me, you'll survive that long without texting or playing a game.

Feel free to contribute to the illusion.

Source: http://www.timesrecordnews.com
By Lana Sweeten-Shults

Cars 2 Movie Review and Trailers

2011-06-24T22:01:00.000-07:00

By Kenneth Turan

Pixar's inventive sequel brings back its familiar characters and throws in a spy thriller plot with secret weapons, sinister villains and clandestine agents. It also teaches kid-friendly lessons about friendship and being yourself.

It's Pixar Animation's 25th anniversary, and the studio has kicked back and given a present to itself and its ever-expanding audience with the genially entertaining "Cars 2."

A movie that loves autos and doesn't care who knows it, "Cars 2" is so close to the heart of John Lasseter that he carved out time from being the creative czar of both Pixar and Disney animation to direct it himself, the first time Lasseter's done that since, well, the original "Cars" five years ago.

But to expect simply a revisiting of the gang from Radiator Springs is to underestimate the Pixar philosophy. "Cars 2" takes the studio into unexpected new territory by bringing its familiar characters to a "Bourne Identity"-type spy thriller complete with secret weapons, sinister villains and clandestine agents calling frantically for backup.

Though it spends time in familiar Carburetor County, "Cars 2" also goes far afield geographically, unleashing racing whiz Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) and his best pal, Tow Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), on the rest of the world as Lightning travels to Paris and competes in the World Grand Prix in Tokyo, London and the fictional Italian Riviera town of Porto Corsa.

More than visiting these metropolises, "Cars 2" is able to do what Pixar calls "car-ify" them. It reimagines these places in a remarkably detailed way, as if cars (the film boasts 145 unique car characters) were the people who built and lived in these cities, putting "car-goyles" on Notre Dame and turning London's Big Ben into "Big Bentley," complete with Bentley grills and hood ornaments.

"Cars 2" also makes entertaining and inventive use of 3-D technology. With a plot that includes life-and-death action sequences, thrilling auto races and panoramic scenic vistas, the opportunities for enhanced perspective are considerable and the Pixar team makes better use of them than most live-action films.

Despite all these technological wonders, "Cars 2" never forgets the heartfelt sensibility that is its dramatic heritage. Written by Ben Queen (the creator of Fox TV's "Drive") from a story by Lasseter and Brad Lewis, "Cars 2" teaches gentle kid-friendly lessons about the importance of friendship and being yourself and introduces some great new characters in its parallel spy drama and auto racing plots.

"Cars 2" opens in the middle of its spy drama and introduces suave, sophisticated secret agent Finn McMissile. Impeccably voiced by Michael Caine, McMissile is totally unflappable in all situations, even being pursued on the top of an oil platform by the dreaded Professor Z (Thomas Kretschmann) and his merciless automotive minions.

Back in Radiator Springs, Lightning McQueen is looking forward to spending an off-season kicking back with best friend Mater and best girl Sally (Bonnie Hunt). But he gets drawn into that World Grand Prix, the creation of billionaire Sir Miles Axlerod (Eddie Izzard), a reformed oil tycoon who now is pushing an alternative fuel called Allinol.

Also a factor in McQueen's decision to race is his irritation at the sky-high smugness of his chief rival, Italian Formula One car Francesco Bernoulli, hilariously voiced by John Turturro as a self-involved individual given to saying things like, "when I want to go to sleep, I watch one of McQueen's races."

At the instigation of Sally, McQueen takes Mater along on the world tour, and the clueless tow truck's bumbling, irrepressible innocence proves to be a problem from stop one in Tokyo, where he mistakes a dish of red-hot wasabi for a helping of pistachio ice cream.

Things get even more complicated when, in a "North by Northwest" case of mistaken identity, everyone, including McMissile and his inexperienced colleague Holley Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer), not to mention the nefarious bad guys, assume Mater is an ace secret agent with one heck of a cover. As if.

With engaging characters, a plot that ensures energy, and such a wealth of auto references (it even features a song originally performed by the Cars — "You Might Think," done here by Weezer), "Cars 2" has a smooth, easy way about it. These creations have become like family to Lasseter as well as to each other, and they never fail to make us smile.

Cars 2 Movie Trailers

Source: http://www.latimes.com

Green Lantern Movie Review

2011-06-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

Green Lantern Movie

Review By Kenneth Turan

"Green Lantern" is both off the wall and out of this world — literally. More science-fiction space opera than superhero epic, it works in fits and starts as its disparate parts go in and out of effectiveness, but the professionalism of the production make it watchable in a comic book kind of way.

The film's wacky premise comes from the 1959 rebooting of the earlier comic book that floated the notion of a huge intergalactic legion of way-powerful Green Lanterns, each with his very own lantern — think upscale lava lamp — and each being the protector of a particular corner of the universe.
But though the Lanterns and their potent matching rings have been around for eons, a member of the human race has never been tapped to join the corps. And when hotshot test pilot Hal "Call Me Irresponsible" Jordan gets the nod, there is a lot of scratching of heads both on Earth and elsewhere.

That mirrored the response in Hollywood when charming leading man Ryan Reynolds was tapped for the role. How would he look in the computer-generated, form-fitting Lantern uniform, and would he have the gravitas to take on the dread Parallax, the evilest entity that ever lived?

As it turns out, Reynolds can handle most of what the script by Greg Berlanti & Michael Green & Marc Guggenheim and Michael Goldenberg throws at him. The problem is, not all of that stuff is worth doing.

Not surprisingly, Reynolds is on target for the early Hal Jordan. The cocky but charming test pilot for Ferris Aircraft — who has a who-cares relationship with gorgeous old flame Carol Ferris (a capable Blake Lively) — is so nonchalant he oversleeps on the morning of his biggest flight.

Also effective, thanks to production design by Grant Major and visual effects that looked perfectly fine in 2-D, are the film's first glimpses of the planet Oa, the home base of the Lanterns and their supervisors. Those would be the older-than-dirt Guardians of the Universe, who first figured how to harness the force that energizes the Lanterns, the power of will. (Had Leni Riefenstahl not gotten there first, "Triumph of the Will" would have made a heck of a subtitle here.)

It's from Oa that Lantern Abin Sur (Temuera Morrison) takes off to battle Parallax. Things do not work out well, and after a crash landing on Earth, his ring, which always chooses who it goes to next, selects Hal. No one is more surprised than the man himself to be suddenly reciting a sacred oath ("Let those who worship evil's might beware my power — Green Lantern's light!") that sounds like it might have come from the back of a cereal box.

"Green Lantern's" biggest problem, never completely overcome, is that there is a serious tonal shift between the devil-may-care Hal Jordan of the opening sections and the dead serious savior of the universe of the finale. The film tries to bridge that gap with unnecessary characters and extraneous plotting, including tedious sections involving other Lanterns, who tend to look like refugees from "Star Wars'" Mos Eisley Cantina, but it is to no avail.

Though he is nothing if not game, star Reynolds is not at his best either in these sections, where among other things he learns how to control his ring-linked ability to create anything his mind can imagine. Michael Fassbender as the future Magneto in "X-Men: First Class" has set the bar quite high for superhero ambivalence this summer, and Reynolds inevitably falls short.

"Green Lantern" does have the advantage of good villains, starting with Parallax, an amorphous blob of endless iniquity that thrives on terror and has an affinity for yellow, the color (in case you didn't know) of fear.

Evil's man on Earth is scientist Hector Hammond, played by Peter Sarsgaard. Contact with Parallax turns him into a kind of creepy Quasimodo with beady yellow eyes and a huge misshapen head who wreaks havoc wherever he goes. Always an adventurous, convincing actor, Sarsgaard does this role right.

Given its ups and downs, "Green Lantern" is fortunate to have Martin Campbell ("The Mask of Zorro," "Casino Royale") as director. Though this is not Campbell's finest hour, his proficiency counts for a lot in so far-fetched a venture. With a sequel in the works (a clip is shown during the closing credits), let's hope everyone ups their game the next time around.

Source: http://www.latimes.com

Johnny Depp's 48th Birthday: Photos of His Craziest Movie Costumes

2011-06-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

Johnny Deep in Pirates of the Caribbean

Johnny Depp turns 48 years old on Thursday. And given his crazy number of eccentric costumes over the years, the guy's got a hell of a lot of choices for a themed birthday party.

Beginning with his small role as a soldier in Vietnam in "Platoon," no star has come close to topping Depp when it comes to sheer number of rich and off-the-wall characters. Willing to go all out, all the time, Depp has appeared in as a drug-addled journalist ("Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas"), gone gangster ("Donnie Brasco"), donned unfortunate 70's get-up ("Blow"), rocked corpse-like scissor-handed semi-human accessories ("Edward Scissorhands"), been straight up super creepy ("Alice in Wonderland," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory") and, in his most iconic role, semi-drag pirate.

As he approaches 50, Depp is still going strong with the eccentric roles. Having just completed another "Pirates of the Caribbean" film and set to do two more, he's also ready to re-invent "The Lone Ranger," by playing Tonto as a commanding Native American.

It's very much worth taking a look back at all of his crazy styles in tribute to his eclectic career; in the comments, discuss your favorites.

Johnny Deep in 21 Jump Street

Johnny Deep in Alice In Wonderland

Johnny Deep in Before Night Falls

Johnny Deep in Blow

Johnny Deep in Charlie and the Cocolate Factory

Johnny Deep in Chocolat

Johnny Deep in Dead Man

Johnny Deep in Juan DeMarco

Johnny Deep in Donnie Brasco

Johnny Deep in Ed Wood

Johnny Deep in Edward Scissorhands

Johnny Deep in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas

Johnny Deep in Deep Platoon

Johnny Deep in Public Enemies

Johnny Deep in Sleepy Hollow

Johnny Deep in Sweeny Todd

Johnny Deep in The Libertine

Johnny Deep in What's Eating Gilbert's Grape

Breaking Dawn Movie

2011-06-14T17:35:00.001-07:00

Summit Entertainment announced on their official Twitter that there will be a a Breaking Dawn panel at Comic-Con in San Diego in July!

From NY Times:

Among smaller studios, Lionsgate, which won strong results last year for “The Expendables,” will be back; and Summit Entertainment will stage a panel for “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1.”

I hope Rob, Kristen and Taylor are going to be there.

Tags: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Tags: Big Morning Buzz Live, Carrie Keagan, Full Episodes, Reality TV Shows

Source: http://www.breakingdawnmovie.org/

Beautiful Boy Movie Review

2011-05-27T17:59:00.000-07:00

Bill and Kate hopelessly try to find some hint of an explanation after finding out that their only son committed a mass shooting at his university before taking his own life. They struggle numbly through the funeral, the media onslaught, and the awkward pity from relatives and friends. Their already strained marriage is tested as they realize all they have left with each other is their shared grief and confusion -- and the unfortunate legacy of their son. This life-altering event forces Bill and Kate to face their feelings of guilt, rage, blame, self-discovery -- and ultimately hope -- so that they can finally see each other and their chance for happiness again with clear eyes.

Picture

Actors

Maria Bello    Kate
Michael Sheen    Bill
Moon Bloodgood    Trish

Production Status: In Production/Awaiting Release
Logline: An unconventional love story that explores the journey of a married couple on the verge of separation, who must live with unimaginable heartbreak, and find healing through the darkest days of their lives.
Genres: Drama
Running Time: 1 hr. 40 min.
Release Date: June 3rd, 2011 (limited)
MPAA Rating: R for some language and a scene of sexuality.
Distributors:
Anchor Bay Films
Production Co.:
First Point Entertainment
Filming Locations:
Los Angeles, California, USA
Produced in: United States

'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' Movie Trailers

2011-05-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' More Movie Trailers

Transformers 3 (Dark of the Moon) Photos, Posters And Wallpapers

2011-05-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

Transformers Dark of The Moon, also known as Transformer 3. The Autobots learn of a Cybertronian spacecraft hidden on the Moon, and race against the Decepticons to reach it and learn its secrets, which could turn the tide in the Transformers' final battle. Directed by Michael Bay, written by Ehren Kruger, starring Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Tyrese Gibson. Here is the collection of Wallpapers, Stills Photo, and Posters:

Transformers 3, Dark of The Moon

Click on each picture to see larger image

Transformers: Dark of the Moon (2011)

2011-05-22T18:39:00.000-07:00

Transformers: Dark of the Moon is the 2011 film in the Transformers film series, directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg. It is the sequel to Transformers and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and is scheduled for release on June 29. The film will be presented in regular 2D, Real D 3D and IMAX, featuring Dolby Surround 7.1 sound.

Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson and John Turturro are set to reprise their starring roles, with Peter Cullen returning as the voice of Optimus Prime and Hugo Weaving returning as the voice of Megatron. Ehren Kruger, who collaborated in the writing of the last film, was again involved in the writing. Despite having initially been confirmed for the film, and with the film already into principal photography, it was announced that Megan Fox would not be reprising her role from the previous two films. With Fox's character Mikaela being dropped, Sam was assigned a new love interest, who will be played by English model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. Also, Roberto Orci and Alex Kurtzman, having written the last two films, did not return for this installment in the series, which Orci had earlier somewhat anticipated, fearing the duo would "risk getting stale". Bay has stated this would be his last installment in the series

When a mysterious event from Earth's past erupts into the present day it threatens to bring a war to Earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us.


Also Known As:	Transformers 3

Production Status:	In Production/Awaiting Release

Genres:	Action/Adventure and Sequel

Release Date:	July 1st, 2011 (wide)

Distributors:	Paramount Pictures

Production Co.:	Di Bonaventura Pictures, Inc., Kurtzman/Orci

Studios:	Paramount Pictures, DreamWorks Studios

Filming Locations:	Moscow, Russia Los Angeles, California, USA Texas, USA China Africa Florida, USA Chicago Film Studios, Chicago, Illinois, USA Gary, Indiana, USA

Produced in:	United States

New CONAN THE BARBARIAN Theatrical Poster Debuts

2011-05-09T17:43:00.000-07:00

Scheduled for 3D theatrical release on August 19th, 2011, the upcoming remake from Lionsgate Entertainment stars Jason Momoa, Stephen Lang, Ron Perlman and Rachel Nichols.

The most legendary Barbarian of all time is back this Summer. Having thrived and evolved for eight consecutive decades in the public imagination - in prose and graphics, on the big screen and small, in games and properties of all kinds - Conan’s exploits in the Hyborian Age now come alive like never before in a colossal 3D action-adventure film.

Conan the Barbarian stars Jason Mamoa as the titular hero, a Cimmerian warrior who vows vengeance upon the nefarious Khalar Singh (Stephen Lang) following the murder of his parents. Ron Perlman co-stars as Conan's father Corin, while Rachel Nichols plays the lead female character Tamara and Rose McGowan occupies the role of an evil witch; also starring Bob Sapp, Leo Howard and Said Taghmaoui.

'Thor' hammers home $65.7M opening

2011-05-09T17:21:00.000-07:00

LOS ANGELES - "Thor" pummeled the competition in the first big weekend of the summer, opening at No. 1 at the box office with $65.7 million.

The final figure Monday is down slightly from the original studio estimate of $66 million over the weekend.

The Paramount 3-D action picture, based on the Marvel comic, stars Australian actor Chris Hemsworth as the arrogant god of thunder, who's sent to Earth as punishment.

The top 20 movies at U.S. and Canadian theaters Friday through Sunday, followed by distribution studio, gross, number of theater locations, average receipts per location, total gross and number of weeks in release, as compiled Monday by Hollywood.com are:

"Thor," Paramount, $65,723,338, 3955 locations, $16,618 average, $65,723,338, one week.
"Fast Five," Universal, $32,445,320, 3662 locations, $8,860 average, $139,779,285, two weeks.
"Jumping the Broom," Sony, $15,215,487, 2035 locations, $7,477 average, $15,215,487, one week.
"Something Borrowed," Warner Bros., $13,945,368, 2904 locations, $4,802 average, $13,945,368, one week.
"Rio," Fox, $8,504,001, 3258 locations, $2,610 average, $115,206,069, four weeks.
"Water for Elephants," Fox, $6,069,603, 2614 locations, $2,322 average, $42,083,220, three weeks.
"Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family," Lionsgate, $4,178,886, 1881 locations, $2,222 average, $47,085,218, three weeks.
"Soul Surfer," Sony, $2,307,161, 1781 locations, $1,295 average, $36,886,282, five weeks.
"Prom," Disney, $2,214,585, 2730 locations, $811, $7,590,030, two weeks.
"Hoodwinked Too! Hood vs. Evil," Weinstein Co., $2,042,603, 2505 locations, $815 average, $6,876,217, two weeks.
"Insidious," Film District, $1,338,860, 1001 locations, $1,338 average, $50,319,115, six weeks.
"Source Code," Summit, $1,244,774, 930 locations, $1,338 average, $50,944,922, six weeks.
"African Cats," Disney, $1,066,163, 1035 locations, $1,030 average, $12,895,884, three weeks.
"Hanna," Focus, $836,209, 748 locations, $1,118 average, $37,634,307, five weeks.
"There Be Dragons," Samuel Goldwyn, $705,537, 259, $2,724 average, $705,537, one week.
"Scream 4," Weinstein, Co. $701,100, 1333 locations, $526 average, $36,920,190, four weeks.
"The Conspirator," Roadside Attractions, $616,656, 457 locations, $1,349 average, $9,791,309, four weeks.
"Win Win," Fox Searchlight, $528,842, 268 locations, $1,973 average, $8,351,373, eight weeks.
"Hop," Universal, $496,075, 902 locations, $550 average, $106,358,260, six weeks.
"Limitless," Relativity Media, $486,658, 379 locations, $1,284 average, $77,006,417, eight weeks.

Source: Yahoo

X-Men: First Class Trailers and Posters

2011-05-07T18:23:00.000-07:00

Though we’re slowly reaching saturation point when it comes to teasers, trailers, images and clips of X-Men: First Class, we’re reassured by the fact that each one just makes us want to see the movie more. And now the marketing team has found a handy way to both introduce some of the lesser-known mutants and also show us some fresh footage, launching character trailers for Banshee, Havok, Beast and Mystique.

X-Men First Class Movie Banner Poster

We've now got the goods on the new promos, which blends longer chunks from scenes with a cliff notes grounding on what the characters will be up to.

First up is Caleb Landry Jones’ Sean Cassidy, AKA Banshee, a lad “blessed” with a serious set of lungs capable of producing a sonic scream that can be destructive or, as you’ll see, let him fly.

Then there’s Lucas Till’s Havok, also known as Alex Summers (in the comics, younger brother to Scott, AKA Cyclops). Born with incredibly plasma bolt power, Havok has trouble controlling his energy (and his temper) until Professor Xavier (James McAvoy) intercedes and starts to train him to focus the powerful force he wields.

Finally, we have Hank McCoy (Nicholas Hoult), who just wants to live an ordinary life but seems doomed to mutate even further than he has, ending up as Beast. Before he goes fully furry, he has a relationship with Jennifer Lawrence’s Mystique (who, omg, is also blue really! They're MFEO!).

And while we're on the subject of Mystique, here's your look at the final character spot. Better known as Raven Darkholme (so you know she'll eventually be up to no good), she's just as confused about her powers, but more willing to consider less heroic options even as Xavier and the rest of the X-team try to make her feel at home.

Source: empireonline.com

Colombiana 2011 Movie Review and Trailers Download

2011-05-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

A young woman grows up to be a stone-cold assassin after witnessing her parents' murder as a child in Bogota. She works for her uncle as a hitman by day, but her personal time is spent engaging in vigilante murders that she hopes will lead her to her ultimate target - the mobster responsible for her parents' death.

Anyone who has seen The Losers, Avatar and, to a lesser extent given her more limited screen time, Star Trek, knows that that Zoe Saldana can be a badass. Now she’s getting a chance to prove it over and over again as the lead character in Colombiana, the latest action thriller dreamt up by Luc Besson. The trailer has just kicked in the Internet’s door and you can watch it below.

Colombiana finds Besson – though he only conceived the story, handing directorial duties over to Transporter 3’s Olivier Megaton – in a Nikita-style mood, with Saldana as lethal assassin Cataleya Restrepo.

Know why she’s an ice cold hit woman? It’s because her parents were killed by mobsters right in front of her in Bogota. The trailer takes pains to explain this fact more than once, even going so far as to have Saldana state it explicitly near the end, which seems like (pun intended here) overkill.

Still, there’s plenty of the heroine on display (and we don’t just mean the odd skimpy outfit) as Cataleya slaughters her way through a series of vigilante killings in an attempt to find her folks’ murderers and exact vengeance. She’ll be hunted by agents, including Lennie James and Michael Vartan, and helped by her uncle (Cliff Curtis), who trained her up in the art of dispatching people in cinematic style.

This one, frankly, could go either way, though Saldana fans will be happy to see her take the lead. Have a look and let us know your thoughts.

Colombiana 2011 Pictures and Posters

Colombiana (2011) Credit

Director: Olivier Megaton
Writers: Luc Besson (screenplay), Robert Mark Kamen (screenplay)
Stars: Zoe Saldana, Michael Vartan and Callum Blue

Po Will Fight Against Wolf Boss in 'Kung Fu Panda 2'

2011-05-04T19:14:00.000-07:00

DreamWorks launched the latest trailer 'Kung Fu Panda 2'. In the trailer, the scene displayed Wolf Boss and his gang attacked the villagers, and Po, together with members of other martial arts came as a savior.

In this episode, Po started to forget about his dream to become the Dragon Warrior. Together with his friends, The Furious Five, Po duty to protect the Valley of Peace. Problems arise when one villain, Shen came to conquer and destroy Chinese kung fu.

Po look to the past to uncover the secrets of its origins, and find the strength she needs for her work. Not long ago, Jack Black as the voice of the protagonist 'Kung Fu Panda 2' it says that Po and nemesis, Shen has the same past.

"When Po see Shen, he began to think of memories of his past before he was adopted by his godfather, Ping,"said Jack as Aceshowbiz launched on Tuesday (05/03/2011).

"He has a question that has so far not been answered about who he was," continued Black. "He wants to stop the Shen to destroy and enslave the Chinese kung fu, but he also wants answers from Shen. So he entered in a complex situation," he added.

In addition to Black, there was Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, and Jackie Chan who is also the voice of Shifu, Tigress, Monkey. As for Shen voice acted by Gary Oldman.

The film, directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson will be launched in the United States on 26 May.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Will Play In Cry Macho

2011-05-03T18:13:00.000-07:00

Recently heard from about a fifth the Terminator movies, Arnold Schwarzenegger has returned to preach to the public that he likely will also play in a film drama.

Asked about the next film project by Entertainment Weekly, Arnold replied, "You'll be amazed, but I'll answer your question, the film Cry Macho." He further explained why he chose the movie, "The film caught my attention because it is the opposite of what you thought I would do ... I do not know if this will be my next movie, but it could have been. The movie has a story very beautiful. "
Arnold also shared a little about the details of the film. "The story is about two men horse trainer. He is a bit old and the last two years running with no smoothly. But then the owner of the horse is challenging this man, he sent him to Mexico to meet with his son,"said Arnold as reported from Aceshowbiz.

Macho Cry is a film taken from a novel by N. Richard Nash prior to his death in late 2000. Al Ruddy and Bill Block will join as a producer while Brad Furman will serve as director. (PCE)

The Hunt for Osama Bin Laden Story Filmed

2011-05-03T18:04:00.000-07:00

When the real world and film related to each other, the news of the de ath of Osama Bin Laden by U.S. special forces, was able to create some Hollywood filmmakers rejoice.

According to Deadline, Kathryn Bigelow is preparing a film that has a theme related to the events of the terro rist attacks on the twin towers in New York American on September 11, 2001.

Together with his colleagues Mark Boal Directed by Oscar-winning film The Hurt Locker was planning a film production is temporarily titled K ill bin Laden. The film is based on a mission that failed to ki ll al Qaeda leaders in the region between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

But according to Kathryn movie will not be fully focused on Osama Bin Laden. Although the film is still unclear, but for the players have been determined, is Joel Edgerton who plays Gawain in King Arthur film will be the main actor. While Megan Ellison who became a producer on the movie True Grit and Passion Play will be funding this film.

Earlier in 2006, there is a project that is named Jawbreaker a story about hunting Osama. But the Paramount Pictures as the studio did not continue. This story is based on a book Gary Bernsten of United States intelligence service, entitled titled Hunt and Kil l Mission of Osama issued in December 2001.

News of Osama's dea th, certainly makes this project attractive to be appointed again to the big screen. Phak-interested party also put this theme as a priority to be produced and immediately released in 2011 or 2012.

Oprah WInfrey joins top Kennedy Center artists

2010-12-05T21:11:00.000-08:00

Oprah Winfrey has come a long way since her childhood years in a Mississippi shack and in public housing with a poster of The Beatles on her bedroom wall. Sunday, she was honored with Paul McCartney, one of the Beatles she so loved.

Stars from Hollywood, Nashville and Broadway gathered in the nation's capital to salute Winfrey, McCartney and three others — country singer Merle Haggard, Broadway composer Jerry Herman and dancer Bill T. Jones — with the Kennedy Center Honors. The president and first lady Michelle Obama sat with the honorees and former Secretary of State Colin Powell.

Julia Roberts opened the show with a surprise nod to her friend, Winfrey.

"It's a universal conversation starter: Did you see what was on 'Oprah' today?" Roberts said. "The first time I heard of a better fitting bra ... or a fascinating politician named Barack Obama was on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show.'"

Roberts said she was nervous to address the Washington crowd but nearly tricked them into looking under their seats for a prize — Winfrey style.

John Travolta took the stage to host a mock version of Winfrey's show with Barbara Walters as his guest. He recounted a phone call he got from Winfrey when Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans. She told him to fill his plane with medical supplies and meet her in Louisiana.

"So when Oprah calls, you answer," he said. "Oprah makes it exciting to be responsible."

Walters said she should get credit for jump-starting the 56-year-old Winfrey's career. She said the future talk show host once imitated Walters' style to win a Miss Fire Prevention contest but developed a style all her own.

"Simply put, she is the best interviewer ever," Walters said. "No one comes close — not even me. And those of you who know me know how painful it was for me to say that."

Jennifer Hudson sang "I'm Here" from "The Color Purple," which Winfrey produced on Broadway after starring in the film. Hudson was joined by a choir from Winfrey's alma mater, Tennessee State University.

For Winfrey, the prize comes during the 25th and final season of her talk show and just before she launches her new cable network, OWN, on Jan. 1. After her Washington visit, Winfrey will take about 300 audience members to Australia.

"You know what's interesting is she spends her life celebrating others, but when it comes time for her, she's very reluctant really," Winfrey's best friend Gayle King told The Associated Press. King said it was a fitting tribute for Winfrey.

"They're recognizing her whole body of work," King said. "She's not just a talk show host."

Alec Baldwin introduced the tribute for McCartney, 68, lamenting the singer's "long and winding road" to a solo career, being forced to sing in stadiums and requiring police protection.

"The National Institutes of Health called the epidemic Beatlemania," Baldwin said. "There was no cure."

The former Beatle was making his second visit to Washington this year for a culture award. In June, he won the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song from the Library of Congress.

"You know, great things just come in bundles," he said.

Gwen Stefani, dressed in a gray "Fab Four-style" pant suit, and her band, No Doubt, opened the musical set with "Hello, Goodbye." Dave Grohl and Norah Jones sang "Maybe I'm Amazed."

In what's perhaps a first, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler performed an "Abbey Road" medley live. Show producer George Stevens Jr. said The Beatles never performed it live after the recording was made.

"I've done a lot of things and been a lot of places," Tyler said. "But I've never been prouder than I am standing right here at the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and Abbey Road."

James Taylor and Mavis Staples closed out the show with "Let It Be" and "Hey Jude." They had McCartney — and the president — on their feet the entire time.

When The Beatles were storming America, Haggard, 73, was free from prison and making music, Herman, 79, was making Broadway sing and Jones, 58, was not yet a dancer but growing up in a migrant labor camp.

Since the 1960s, the new Kennedy Center honorees have helped define television, dance, theater and music.

At a White House ceremony before the show Sunday, they heard accolades from President Barack Obama who said the awards are important because the arts are necessary.

"Although the honorees on this stage each possess a staggering amount of talent, the truth is, they aren't being recognized tonight simply because of their careers as great lyricists or songwriters or dancers or entertainers," Obama said. "Instead, they're being honored for their unique ability to bring us closer together and to capture something larger about who we are — not just as Americans, but as human beings."

The show was recorded Sunday night for broadcast Dec. 28 on CBS.

At the gala performance, Angela Lansbury, Carol Channing and Kelsey Grammer performed some of Herman's famous tunes from "Hello, Dolly!," "Mame," and "La Cage aux Folles."

Lansbury said Herman gave her a huge break when he pressed for her to be cast in the lead role of "Mame" over the objections of some producers. She said she's never had a better entrance than sliding down a long banister on stage with bugle in hand.

Channing, 89, who starred in "Hello, Dolly!" sang "Hello, Jerry." She said she knew it would make him cry.

For Haggard, Nashville turned out in force.

Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow sang Haggard's "Today I Started Loving You Again," and Jamey Johnson and Kid Rock sang "Ramblin Fever."

Vince Gill and Brad Paisley sang "Workin Man Blues."

After the honors were announced in September, Jones, the son of potato pickers, said he could recall dreaming of big things as a 9-year-old boy in upstate New York.

He went on to create the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in 1982 with his partner Arnie Zane who died of AIDS six years later. Jones has tackled tough issues with his work, such as racism and mortality, sometimes sparking outrage.

On Sunday, he was hailed as a rule breaker and revolutionary by playwright Edward Albee, Claire Danes and others.

Jones said he's often felt like an outsider, yet he's being honored for helping to shape the country.

Jones said he could "feel the love" and said he was thrilled to be receiving the award while Obama is president. Still, he said he's discouraged by the country's direction. "I am trembling a little bit, actually. The discourse is so poisonous."

In recent years, Jones has shared his talents with Broadway, winning Tony awards for his choreography in "Spring Awakening" and this year for his show "Fela!," playing currently in New York and London. He said he hopes more artists will bridge the gap between the dance world and mainstream theater.

"We don't want to be marginalized anymore," he said. "Indifference is worse than dislike."

Leonardo DiCaprio to Change Religion to Marry His Girlfriend

2010-12-05T20:49:00.000-08:00

The actor who popular through the film Titanic, Leonardo DiCaprio, 36, is rumored to be change his religion. According to sources, the actor Leo's nickname will be moved to follow the religion of Judaism girlfriend, supermodel Bar Refaeli, 25.

DiCaprio is known as a papist already visited Israel, the country of origin of the lover who had dipacarinya for five years.

"Leo is very interested in any thing about Israel is that culture or religion and this is a sign if he wanted to marry the Bar," said the source was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail, Monday (6 / 12 /).

"He was staying at a hotel in Tel Aviv for a few nautical with the excuse that he could quietly learn about anything without being distracted by photographers around her boyfriend's apartment," the source said.

"He will move religion for the sake of her lover," said the source, again. The two lovebirds met in 2005 in a party held for the rock group U2. At that time he had just split up with Brazilian supermodel girlfriend Gisele Bundchen who he dated for six years.

Raising Arizona Movie Review

2010-12-05T20:40:00.000-08:00

A simple-minded small-time crook and cute policewoman fall in love and marry. The loving couple cannot have children of their own so they decide to steal one from a local rich family who recently had quintuplets. Unfortunately for them, it isn't long before everyone else, including two ex-cons, a wife swapping foreman and a nasty bounty hunter, find out about their shenanigans, and try to cash in on their own.
A perfect film which improves with age, this movie takes all the various elements needed to create an ideal motion picture and nails them right on the head! Let's start from the top. Delivering a story like nobody's business. This is a wonderfully rich and clever tale filled with many cool characters, classic moments and interpretative showdowns. How I never saw the obvious undertone connection between the "bad ass" Leonard Smalls representing Cage's character's dark side is beyond me, but the more I see the film, the more I realize that much of it is a struggle of Cage's own psyche. But don't mind all that serious interpretation shtuff. This film is just plain out hilariously funny! It roars with originality, features dialogue that should be bronzed and saved for generations to come and marinates it all with a charming score that'll have you humming it for weeks. But that's not even the half of it. Let's talk about the performances. All rock solid! Nicolas Cage showing us what he was all about before he became a "big action star". Quirky, goofy, downtrodden hero with a loving heart and a poetic mind. How could you not love this guy?

Holly Hunter playing the ultimate white trash wifey with a precious soul, while others like John Goodman and Frances McDormand sweeten the pie, stuffing the entire film with memorable performances all around. But there's more. One of the most distinctive features of this film is its impeccably stylized direction. I mean, foggedabouttit! Hand-held cameras running around, crane shots, unbelievable stunt tricks (can anyone explain the knife being thrown in the plank shot?), a classic car chase featuring a pack of Huggies at its end and various wide-lensed sequences used only to accentuate the film's over-the-top fantastical comedy feel. Amazing, just amazing. But the Coen masterpiece wouldn't be complete without a touch of the heartstrings as well. One of the last scenes featuring the husband and wife team overlooking a child's crib gets me every time! Wow. A hilarious romp that manages to poke a hole in our tender side, too? Whatta flick. Add all that to the film's infectious prologue and ambiguous epilogue, and you've got a movie that delivers on all counts and more.

A cool story, classic dialogue, excellent performances, a catchy soundtrack, a unique visual flair, humor, drama, thrills, chases, love, hate and a fantastical element soaking the entire film in a blanket of surrealism. So if you love originality in film, if you love the stylized ventures a la Coen and appreciate well-written words intermixed with slap-stick comedy, check this flick out asap! "There's right and there's right and never the t'wain shall meet." Okay, then.

Raising Arizona

Director: Joel Coen

Writer: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

Producers: Ethan Coen

Actors:
Nicolas Cage as H.I. McDonnough
Holly Hunter as Ed McDonnough
John Goodman as Gale

Genre: Comedy

Lifehouse Live Concert in Jakarta Arthurs Day

2010-12-05T20:11:00.000-08:00

For the first time an American band, Lifehouse, anesthetize music lovers in the country. Attending the event Arthurs Day in Ouval Plaza Epicentrum Walk, Lifehouse with Rivermaya from the Philippines.

Although arguably the best perfomance late show to the audience. Everything But the singer, Hanging By a Moment, and Comeback Down, remain viable and eventually drugged all the fans who sing along with Jason Wade (lead singer) until late at night.
In addition to the band mancanegar, several local bands also enliven Arthur Day like Superman is dead, Pure Saturday and 10 Band Bold Chemistry band also took part also in the ranks of artists who will perform to celebrate Arthur's Day in Indonesia.

According to the Regional Representative of Guinness John Galvin, Arthur's Day is a global celebration designed to recognize and respect the humanitarian legacy of Arthur Guinness Arthur Guinness and his family through the Fund which was established as part of Arthur's Day in 2009. This is a series of musical events and celebrations are taking place worldwide to celebrate Arthur Guinness.

One new thing in Arthur Guinness's Day this is Wooz.In (Radio Frequency Identification), which in concert music that was first used to identify the electronic online visitors. With Wooz.in, visitors can view their biography in the digital Guinness wall and is directly connected with their Social Networks, like Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, and Gowalla. This is a revolutionary method in the entertainment industry.

Guinness does not only bring great music concerts, but also other extraordinary elements. Guinness Gate has opened the show at 4 pm. When the visitors entered the site, they were entertained by B'Boy and Break Dance Beat Box before extraordinary sense element such as Guinness Guinness Wall of fame, Guinness Milestone, Digital wall Guinness, Guinness Mini stage, Put Put Pool Guinness, Guinness Ice Bar where fans can enjoy a cold Guinness therein.

As a form of concern and in line with the campaign 'Drinking and Responsibility', at the end of the celebration concert, the Guinness also distributed 5,000 bottles of mineral water for the visitors.

"It's sort of concert this time provides a unique inspiration that is more fresh and atractive to all visitors so that the audience really enjoy with all the elements in it", said Dinda Permatasari, one PR Communications Consultant for the concert Guinness this time. Hopefully, world music and entertainment in Indonesia could be better for the future.

Lifehouse Album and Songs:

Album Who We Are (2007)

* Disarray
* First Time
* Whatever It Takes
* Who We Are
* Broken
* The Joke
* Easier To Be
* Make Me Over
* Mesmerized
* Bridges
* Learn You Inside Out
* Storm

Album Lifehouse (2005)

* Come Back Down
* You And Me
* Blind
* All In All
* Better Luck Next Time
* Days Go By
* Into The Sun
* Undone
* We'll Never Know
* Walking Away
* Chapter One
* The End Has Only Begun

Album Stanley Climbfall (2002)

* Am I Ever Gonna Find Out
* Anchor
* Empty Space
* Just Another Name
* My Precious
* Out Of Breath
* Sky Is Falling
* Spin
* Stanley Climbfall
* Take Me Away
* Wash
* Wish

Album No Name Face (2001)

* Breathing
* Cling And Clatter
* Everything
* Hanging By A Moment
* Only One
* Quasimodo
* Sick Cycle Carousel
* Simon Lyrics
* Somebody Else's Song
* Somewhere In Between
* Trying
* Unknown

Album Blyss-Diff's Lucky Day

* Breathing
* Cling And Clatter
* Crown Of Scars
* Fairy Tails and Castles
* Fool
* Mudpie
* Revolution Cry
* Somewhere In Between
* Storm
* Trying
* Unknown
* What's Wrong With That

Outside Label

* Beautiful
* Climb
* Dance
* Eighties
* Fairytales And Castles
* Fairytales Sandcastles
* Gods Lemonade
* Goodbye
* How Long
* If I Don't Have You
* Joshua
* Just To Be Where You Are
* May
* Me, You And The People
* Stand
* Take The Weight Of The World
* The Edge
* Today
* ust To Be Where You Are
* Waiting On The Sun
* Winds Of Change
* You Belong To Me

Samuel Koch Accident in Live TV Game Show, Germany

2010-12-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

Stuntman Samuel Koch was involved in a serious accident on live TV in which he was very badly injured.

Student stuntman Samuel Koch was attempting to jump over a series of moving cars while wearing "kangaroo" spring stilts on a German TV show. Things went horribly wrong when Koch got caught by the fourth vehicle - driven by his father - and fell. It looks like he may have landed on his head.

As he lay motionless on the floor, people rushed to his side in hopes of getting Koch some help. TV host Thomas Gottschalk called for a doctor and the cameras panned away from the stage. Koch was said to be concious when paramedics strapped him to a board and took him out of the building. He was transported to University hospital in Dusseldorf where he underwent an unspecified surgery.

Wetten, dass? (Bet it?) features stunts by members of the public and is one of the most watched shows in Europe. Koch had claimed he could leap five cars within four minutes in his spring-propelled stilts.

Hopefully, Samuel Koch will be OK, however, the show will be making sure it's stunts are safer in the future. The stunts were said to be getting more and more dangerous as the show tried to get higher ratings. Is it worth putting the lives of people on the line in order to entertain and get ratings?

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 Review and Download

2010-12-05T08:15:00.000-08:00

These are dark times, it is undeniable "are the first line in" Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1 of a two-part adaptation, part 2 coming in July - and it's true: These are dark times, especially for film critics. Used, have my entire collection of Harry Potter jokes - your very good team, you can not Sirius, etc. - in 2004 or so, to reduce the period of "Harry Potter and the Goblet from the palace," I'm just out noted that a new Potter film is now in theaters, Potter fans will probably like it, Potter-haters do not, and who know nothing of the young wizard probably will not start here anyway.

My view of Harry Potter films is always the same: I enjoy every fear, before he arrives in watching it to get roped for professional reasons, I find it much more than expected - then immediately fear the next. I enjoyed Hallows 1, but still very limited enthusiasm for second Hallows Potter movies are fun, but they are all peripheral pleasures, the main story is boring and conventional. And they have for so long? We need not 20 hours of this stuff, what is the total number will be after next year, 3-D finale.

Nevertheless, the franchise has become a phenomenon. Five of the 20 most successful films of all time (unadjusted for inflation) are Harry Potters. A whole generation has grown with Harry Potter as a yearly ritual, so the comments can be found online at young people feeling confused at the end of an era. The steady infantilization of movies (and pop culture in general) turns some strange situations: the beginning of this year Toy Story toys made 3 older teenagers nostalgic for their childhood, and now Harry Potter makes them nostalgic for the cherubic Harry screeching their youth. Hollywood has somehow managed to get the world's 18-year-old to tears for their lost childhood. Crazy.

Harry's not squeaky and angelic, of course. He is not even of legal age, is celebrating its 18th Birthday Hallows 1 - we know this because is the act it, Harry is no longer in charge of the Ministry of Magic, when he comes of age - although he did not celebrate it, because he is on the run, destroy Voldemort and his minions from him. Hermione is a bit upset because she had baked a birthday cake - one of the details of busy, they humanize, they make less of a genius and more of a girly-girl (she also carries perfume that almost gets the refugees in distress), although in Emma Watson does not need humanizing reality. The real problem is that both of the boys (especially Daniel Radcliffe as Harry) are is rather lacking in screen presence, but will that has always been a problem since they were cast at the age of 11.

The actors are important, more so than in most adventure fantasies. Like most TV series - and this is what it would have, but this is of course much less money would have done - Harry Potter is essentially a character piece. The plot (at least in film form) is thin, the uninspired whole Potter Myth: a simple case of good versus evil, with the usual folds, the heroes and villains somehow linked ("You can not keep it in seasoned Harry! ") and a steady parade of mildly amusing supporting characters and magic. Harry, Ron and Hermione are the real attraction - on why the films best when they focus on the trio interaction and forget about work wands and wizards.

Deathly Hallows has good situations, but weak resolutions. Our heroes visit the Ministry of Magic in the form of displaced panel - where they briefly encounter Imelda Staunton as Dolores Umbridge, the most memorable villain in the entire franchise - is an excellent set-piece, the labyrinthine view suggesting Terry Gilliam's Brazil, but it peters out . A later scene in a freezing lake is even worse, ending with a lame deus ex machina. The episodic plot (not set at Hogwarts, for the first time), the trio goes to the Horcruxes, the secret of Voldemort's power, although a new property occurs in half of the track with the Deathly Hallows, to a different set of magical artifacts. This forces the story of the three brothers - "I guess you're all familiar with the story of three brothers ..." - An animated fable, which is surprising and very beautiful. That was one of the two scenes, when I started to really love a Hallows, the other a bit more touching, where the party of Harry and Hermione slowly.

The rest is ... well, it's Harry Potter. There is a subtext of nature, echoes of the real-life debate on multiculturalism and the Soul of Britain: Voldemort is a racist, tracking Muggles and (mixed dh) especially "Mudbloods", not to mention killing a progressive teacher "Muggle Studies" - but none of it goes very far, because there is no time. There are too many characters, subplots, spells, Sidekicks, curses.

There are blowing more trouble, edges near existential crisis. Our heroes wander the back streets of the UK, increasingly depressed. Visit a snowy village and place a wreath on Harry's parents grave. Harry grows stubble, Ron gets eye bags under his eyes and loses faith in his friend. The film enjoys physical manipulation of its protagonists, a child with a doll (perhaps the fact that Harry, always so passive, will reflect the last action hero): he gets cloned uglified, stripped, and shape-shifted. Hallows 1 is full of incident, nor - as usual - the main plot is not particularly rich or complex. I suspect Hallows 2 is more action-packed (not a good thing), probably the highlight is the mother of all magical showdowns. Then it will be over and we have to get used somehow - but how? - Life without Harry Potter. Dark Days, indeed.