The MovieWorms Blog

A Book Come Alive

2008-11-23T11:25:00.011-05:00

Twilight
Twilight is a romantic-fantasy directed by Catherine Hardwicke. The movie Twilight is based upon a series of books, Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn by author Stephenie Meyer. It was adapted into a film by Summit Entertainment. Filming took place mainly in Washington and Oregon during the spring and winter of 2008. The music of Twilight was composed by Carter Burwell, along with other bands like Muse and Lin kin Park. The soundtrack was released on November 4, 2008. Twilight has grossed an average $35.7 million, which includes $7 million in ticket sales from its midnight showing on November 21, 2008. The movie is ranked third overall for online ticket service Fandango. Twilight has the biggest opening day gross for a non-summer movie. Summit Entertainment has recently announced that the sequel, New Moon, is in the works. I just saw Twilight and loved it!! I also read the books which were fantastic and very addicting. You must READ them! I read them in less then a day literally. I actually thought the movie was really close to the book, surprising I know. But, there were a few scenes that were added and changed but it was nothing that would ruin the movie from the book. If you hadn’t read the book then you would have never known it was a little different. The pace was a little slow, but if you think about it the book was too in a way. Now, I’m not saying it was ridiculously slow, but it wasn’t an action packed fighting movie. It’s a love story, but there is a fight scene which is really cool. I only wish it lasted a little longer. Twilight was definitely a movie I would recommend going to see especially if you read the book. Stephenie Meyer even makes an appearance in the film. The big question is, "Will these books/movies be as big as the Harry Potter Series?" What do you think?

The Love Story
Isabella "Bella" Swan (Kristen Stewart) moves from her home in Phoenix, Arizona to live with her dad in Forks, Washington, where it is never sunny. Bella quickly draws the attention of many students, especially boys. But what Bella doesn’t know, was that when she sat next to Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) on that first day of school, was that her life was about to change forever. Edward acts strange around her as if she smells bad. Edward even tries to change class schedule so he doesn’t have to sit beside her. Later on, Bella meets an old friend named Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), who belongs to the local Indian tribe. She questions Jacob about Edward’s family only to hear a tribal legend that said Edward and his family were vampires. Jacob also tells her that they are different. They don’t drink human blood only animal blood. A few days later, Edward and Bella sneak off, and Bella, not fully understanding the whole vampire thing, demands some answers to his strangeness. Edward explains why his family is so called “different”, and why he avoided her in the beginning. He claimed that her blood was just too desirable for him, and he had never wanted anything so much in his life. It was impossible for him to stay away from her anymore. He also told her that he was 108 years old and had been 17 for a while. Eventually, Bella and Edward fall in love. Their love is soon strained when and unknown vampire coven, a vampire coven who feeds on human blood, enters Forks and puts Bella in severe danger. The Cullen’s come up with a plan to distract James (Cam G igandet), the leader of the coven who is now hunting Bella for sport. Edward’s brother and sister, Jasper (Jackson Rathbone) and Alice (Ashley Greene), take Bella back to Phoenix while the others split up leaving traces for James to follow. Bella escapes Alice and Jasper to confront James, who has supposedly kidnapped her mother. Luckily, James doesn’t have Bella’s mother, it was only a trap to get Bella to come to him. Just as James is closing in, Edward shows up to save her. A battle erupts and Bella is bitten, but Edward is able to suck the venom out before she is transformed into a monster. Afterwards, Edward makes Bella go to their prom. There, Bella tells Edward that she loves him and wants to become a vampire so she never has to lose him. To her dismay, that is a request that Edward absolutely refuses to let happen. So for now, they will love each other vampire and human.

Humans vs. The Undead
I thought the cast was excellently cast! I thought each character fit his/her character from the book exactly. Kristen Stewart played Bella Swan, who I thought she was pretty good for the role. Robert Pattinson played Edward Cullen, who can read everyones minds except Bella. When I first heard he was playing Edward Cullen, I didn't think he was the best choice. I thought they could have gotten someone better, but after seeing pictures and trailers my views changed. I thought he did a really good job and was a good choice for the character. I only wish he would do something about his hair. Each Cullen was exactly how I pictured them from the book. Peter Facinelli played Carlisle Cullen, a doctor and the father figure of the Cullens, Elizabeth Reaser was Esme Cullen, The mother figure and Carlisle's wife, Ashley Greene played Alice Cullen, who can see the future, and Jackson Rathbone was Jasper Hale, who can manipulate emotions. Alice and Jasper were an item. Nikki Reed played Rosalie Hale, the most beautiful of the Cullen's and also the one who despised Bella the most. Kellan Lutz played Emmett Cullen, the strongest and scariest of the Cullen's. Emmett and Rosalie were together. Cam Gigandet played James, the leader of the nomadic vampire and one of the hottest vampires I've ever seen! Edi Gathegei played Laurent and Rachelle Lefevre was Victoria, James' mate, were the other two vampires in the nomadic coven. Rachelle Lefvre was perfectly cast for the character of Victoria. She was exactly how I pictured her from the books. Sarah Clarke played Renee, Bella's mother, and Billy Burke was Charlie Swan, Bella's father and Chief of Police of Forks. Charlie was hilarious in the film! Taylor Lautner was Jacob Black, and Gil Birmingham was Billy Black, Jacob's father. Solomon Trimble was Sam Uley, an Indian from the local tribe. Christian Serratos was Angela Webber, Michael Welch was Mike Newton, Anna Kendrick was Jessica Stanley, Justin Chon was Eric Yorkie, and Gregory Tyree Boyce was Tyler Crowley, all of which were some of Bella's friends. They were also really funny and caused a lot of laughs. Ned Bellamy and Jose Zuniga also had roles in the film.

tag: Twilight, Catherine Hardwicke, Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn, Stephenie Meyer, Carter Burwell, Muse, Linkin Park, Fandango, Summit Entertainment, Harry Potter Series, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Cam Gigandet, Jackson Rathbone, Ashley Greene, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Edi Gathegei, Rachelle Lefvre, Sarah Clarke, Billy Burke, Gil Birmingham, Solomon Trimble, Christian Serratos, Michael Welch, Anna Kendrick, Justin Chon, Gregory Tyree Boyce, Ned Bellamy Jose Zuniga, Gross, Trailer

Never Back Down

2008-09-07T10:11:00.011-04:00

Never Back Down
Never Back Down is a film directed by Jeff Wadlow. Never Back Down had a worldwide gross of $37,138,292. This was an awesome movie! It a nail biter. I was constantly worried about what was going to happen next. The fight scenes were amazing, and the guys were incredibly riped! They had some nice bodies! But the guys weren't the only awesome things in the film, the way they viewed the movie was really cool. I know that doesn't explain it very well; but there are some parts in the film when the kids watched Youtube videos about the fight, and they way they showed the Youtube videos were really cool. I definitely recommend seeing this movie! It was really good!

The Fight
After the death of his father, Jake Tyler (Sean Faris) had gotten in a series of fights. He, his little brother Charlie, and mom move to a Orlando, Florida because Charlie has gotten a tennis scholarship. While at his new school, Jake stumbles upon a brutal fight where he meets his new best friend, Max Cooperman (Evan Peters), getting beat up. Max then invites Jake to a learn from a mixed martial arts teacher. Also Baja Miller (Amber Heard), invites him to a party. At the party Ryan McCarthy (Cam Gigandet), a local martial arts champion, challenges him to a fight. Ryan taunts him until he finally gives in. He is ultimatly defeated brutally by Ryan, who repeatedly beat him even though he was down. Baja becomes angry with Ryan, her boyfriend, because he continually beat Jake down just for the fun of it. Jakes decides to learn how to fight from Jean Roqua (Djimon Hounsou) so he can challenge Ryan to a rematch. Ryan finds out about a fight between Jake and three gang members. Ryan once again challenges Jake to a fight at The Beatdown, a local underground fight tournament, to prove that he is the better fighter. When Jake refuses the fight, Ryan begins a fight to infuriate Jack with Max, who ends up in the hospital. Jake fears for the lives of his friends and family so he agrees to The Beatdown. Jake and Ryan make it to the semi-finals in The Beatdown. Ryan ends up being disqualified so Jake taps out because the whole reason he joined in The Beatdown was to fight Ryan. He and Ryan end up having a vicious fight of their own in the parking lot. Jake ultimately wins earning the respect from students and Ryan.

The Cast

Sean Faris and Cam Gigandet do an awesome job starring in the film. Their fight scenes were incredible! The film also stars Amber Heard, Djimon Hounsou, and Evan Peters. Leslie Hope and Wyatt Henry Smith play Jake's mom and brother.

tag: Never Back Down, Jeff Wadlow, Youtube, Sean Faris, Evan Peters, Amber Heard, Cam Gigandet, Djimon Hounsou, Leslie Hope, Wyatt Henry Smith, Gross, Trailer

The Dark Knight

2008-08-05T20:35:00.005-04:00

He's Back
Sorry this post is late, but with school starting I just haven't had much time. The Dark Knight is the sequel to Batman Begins. It was based on the Batman character by DC Comics. It was directed by Christopher Nolan. The Dark Knight grossed $300 million dollars in 10 days, bringing its total gross to over $400 million. The Dark Knigh t was the best movie I've seen lately! It rocked! Although it was extremely long it was well worth it. I could have watched it twenty times if I had had the time. Even though it was a very serious movie I found myself laughing silently. The Joker was both sadistic and funny in a way. This is a movie I recommend to go see in theaters! It's about to go off so hurry up and go see it! It was really good!

A Criminal's Plan
Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) has been elected the new district attorney, and the new hope for Gotham. Bruce Wayne also finds out that he is dating Rachel Dawes(Maggie Gyllenhaal), which immediately sends sparks between the two men. But Bruce Wayne is the hero, and mustn't let the thought of the two get in the way of his protecting Gotham City for a new criminal has come to town known as the Joker (Heath Ledger). Batman (Christian Bale) is still fighting the mob and giving them problems so the Joker decides he will help them out by killing Batman for half their money. The Joker leaves a threat saying that if Batman doesn't turn himself in then people will die each day until he does. The Joker is soon arrested in a terrific twist, and Batman questions him. He soon finds out that the Joker is holding Rachel Dawes and Harvey Dent hostage. They are being held in warehouses rigged with explosives. Batman rushes to save Rachel while Lieutenant James Gordon (Gary Oldman) goes to save Dent. The two men soon find out that the Joker gave them reversed addresses. Batman saves Dent, but Dent's face is badly burned. Gordon unfortunately is unable to save Rachel from the exploding building. Dent goes insane over the loss of Rachel as well as his now mangled face, and the Joker has taken him in as his new cohort. The Joker releases Dent upon the city, and he becomes known as Two-Face and seeks revenge on the mob and cops deciding their fates on a flip of his coin. With the Joker leaving threats and explosives all over the city Batman must work twice as hard to find him as well as keep Two-Face under control. Batman finds the Joker and prevents him from destroying more of the city. The Joker then realizes that Batman in incorruptible, but Dent, his new found servant, is not. Batman then rushes out to find Two-Face holding Gordon and his family at gunpoint believing Gordon and Batman are the reason that Rachel is dead. Two-Face flips his coin to decide each fate, but while flipping his coin Batman tackles him, and they go crashing over the edge of the building to the ground below. With Harvey Dent, the new hope, dead, Batman and Gordon realize that they cannot allow his murders to be known. So Batman convinces Gordon to let him take the blame for all of Two-Face's murders. The Bat-Signal is destroyed, and a new hunt for the once hero of Gotham has begun.

The Cast
The cast was unbelievable! Christian Bale returned to play Batman, and he does an even better job in this film. Aaron Eckhart and Maggie Gyllenhaal did a great job joining the cast. Maggie Gyllenhaal replaced Katie Holmes who played Rachel in Batman Begins. I would have to say that I like Katie Holms better them Maggie Gyllenhaal, but she was still really good. Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, and Morgan Freeman also returned to continue their roles in the film. Gary Oldman even gets a little action himself as well as make an unbelievable twist in the film. The whole cast was great, but the true hero of the movie goes to Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker! He was spectacular!! I have never seen anyone play a character like he did. I'm sure you've probably heard enough about his playing the Joker, but it is all true! Heath Ledger did an unbelievable job! I don't know how else to say it because he truly is The Joker! He brought character to the Joker that brought the film to life!

tag: The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, Batman, DC Comics, Christopher Nolan, The Joker, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Gary Oldman, Katie Holms, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman, Gross, Trailer

The Master of Comedy

2008-08-05T17:11:00.011-04:00

Favorite Movie-Maker
Mel Brooks is my most favorite movie-maker ever! He is probably one of the most hilarious and most successful comedy director, writer, producer, and actor ever!

The Comedic
Melvin Kaminsky (later changed to Brooks) was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 28, 1926. He is the son of Kate (Brookman) and Max Kaminsky, both Jewish. His father died when he was 34. He went to school in New York and in 1944 he enlisted in the Army and attended Virginia Military Institute. After the war, he came home and started his show-business career as a stand-up comic. Movie star impressions were his specialty. Shortly afterward he became a comedy writer for Your Show of Shows. Later moving to films, Brooks was a success right off the bat. With the help of Buck Henry, Brooks created the hit TV series Get Smart. His first feature film was The Pr oducers (1968) and, he also won his first Academy Award for Best Original Scree nplay. At the beginning of the 70's, Brooks directed and acted in The Twelve Chairs (1970), Blazing Saddles (1974), Young Frankenstein (1974, he didn't act in this one), Silent Movie (1976), and High Anxiety (1977). By the turn of the decade Mel Brooks had become one of the most promising and respected directors of the movie industry. He then went on to direct and star in History of the World, Part 1 (1981), Spaceballs (1987), Life Stinks (1991), Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993), and Dracula: Dead and Loving It (1995).

tag: Mel Brooks, Your Show of Shows, Buck Henry, Get Smart, The Producers, Best Original Screenplay, The Twelve Charis, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Silent Movie, High Anxiety, History of the World, Part 1, Spaceballs, Life Stinks, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Dracula: Dead and Loving It

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor

2008-08-04T10:13:00.007-04:00

Another Journey
The Mummy and The Mummy Returns are two of the greatest and most successful action/adventure movies of there time. With a killer story line and awesome special effects, the two Mummy movies are two of my favorite movies of all time! The newest Mummy film, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, was not my favorite of the three films, but it was still very good. There were a few things that were different compared to the other two films. For starters, it was directed by Rob Cohen, not Stephen Sommers. Also, Rachel Weisz did not return to play the part of Evelyn O’Connell. She was replaced by Maria Bello.

The Adventure
This is the third installment in The Mummy trilogy. It takes place some years after The Mummy Returns. Rick and Evelyn O'Connell (Brendan Fraser and Maria Bello) have retired from mummy hunting and their son Alex (Luke Ford) has taken up the family name as being a renowned archaeologist and treasure hunter. While searching for a forgotten tomb in China, Alex stumbles across the tomb of the Dragon Emperor (Jet Li), an evil Emperor of ancient China with the power to manipulatete the elements. But soon after uncovering the Emperor, Chinese military leaders are also after the Dragon Emperor so that they can awaken him and use his powers to conquer the world. Alex calls upon the only two people he knows that can take down mummies: his parents, to help him in stopping the Emperor from taking over the world. With the help of his parents, his trusty Uncle Jonathan (John Hannah), and his mysterious new girlfriend Lin (Isabella Leong) and her mother Zi Juan (Michelle Yeoh), Alex is ready to travel across the world to defeat the evil Dragon Emperor and put him back in his tomb forever.

The Cast
Brenden Fraser was absolutely great! He was just like the old Rick in the first two Mummy films, funny and could kick anyone's behind if they crossed him. Maria Bello did a good job, but she was no Rachel Weisz. John Hannah also returned and brought with him his jokes and funniness. Luke Ford, Jet Li, Isabella Leong, and Michelle Yeoh did a great job joining the cast. There were many many others who also played roles in the film and did a great job.

tag: The Mummy:Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, Rob Cohen, Stephen Sommers, Rachel Weisz, Brendan Fraser, Maria Bello, Luke Ford, Jet Li, John Hannah, Isabella Leong, Michelle Yeoh, Trailer

Not The Average Superhero

2008-08-04T09:38:00.002-04:00

Hancock
Lot and lots of superhero movies have been made over the past few years, like X-Men, Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Fantastic Four, and many others. In fact, the Marvel and DC Comics movie adaptations are some of the most successful and well known movies ever made. But Hancock is neither of these famous comic book titles. It is a one-of-a-kind superhero movie directed by Peter Berg and written by Vincent Ngo.

The Story of John Hancock

John Hancock (Will Smith) is a homeless superhero living in L.A. and the number one crime fighter in the area ,as well as the most expensive person in the area. After many mishaps and costly damages, Hancock becomes the public enemy and falls out of favor with the citizens and police force of Los Angeles. Until one day he saves Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), a Public Relations agent from an oncoming train. Hancock and Ray quickly become friends and Ray wants to make it up to Hancock by improving his public image and help him become a better superhero. After many weeks of superhero "training” and armed with a snazzy new suit, and a new look on life, Hancock is ready to fight crime again.

But you'll just have to see the movie for the rest of the story!

This movie also starred Charlize Theron as Ray Embrey's wife, Mary.

You Gotta See This!

tag: Hancock, X-Men, Superman, Spiderman, Batman, Fantastic Four, Marvel, DC Comics, Peter Berg, Vincent Ngo, Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron, Trailer

"Mamma Mia!" What A Great Movie

2008-07-27T11:11:00.012-04:00

A Great Musical
Mamma Mia! is a West End Theatre musical based on the songs from ABBA. Universal Pictures, Littlestar, and Playtone helped produce the film along with Benny Andersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, and Rita Wilson, and Phyllida Lloyd directed the film. Mamma Mia! just surpassed Hairspray in the box office with $27.6 million. So far, Mamma Mia! has grossed an international sum of $111.7 million. It had the largest opening weekend of any musical in U.S. history. Mamma Mia! was GREAT!!! I absolutely loved it! I even went and saw it twice. The funny thing is, I was the youngest one in the whole theater. Throughout the whole movie I was tapping my foot in rhythm to the music and dancing in my seat. The songs are extremely addicting as well as the dances! My mom and I even went out and bought the soundtrack, and it is just as good! This is by far the best musical I've seen in a long time!

The Story
Donna (Meryl Streep) runs a hotel named Villa Donna on a small Greek island with her daughter Sophie (Amanda Seyfried). Sophie is getting married and wants her father to give her away at her wedding, but the problem is...she doesn't know who he is. After finding her mother's diary she finds out that she has three possible fathers: Harry Bright (Colin Firth), Bill Anderson (Stellan Sk arsgard), and Sam Carmichael (Pierce Brosnan). Sophie secretly invites all three men to her wedding without telling Donna or Sky (Dominic Cooper), her future husband. The three men arrive still oblivious to the reason why they were invited. Sophie hides them in Donna's old goat house, and realizes that she has no idea which one is her real father. When Donna finds them in the old goat house she sends them away, but Sophie encourages them to stay on Bill's boat and attend her wedding. Donna's longtime friends, Rosie (Julie Walters) and Tanya (Christine Baransk i), arrive and remind Donna of their fun and free past of "Donna and the Dynamos". While at Sophie's bacherlorette party, she talks to Bill, and he realizes that he might be her father. So she asks him to give her away at her wedding. Then, Harry and Sam come up to her at the party and tell her that they might be her father. So of course they think they're giving her away. Sophie ends up asking her mother to give her away. During the wedding, Donna brings up the topic of Sophie's father, and all three men agree to take a third of Sophie. Sophie and Sky postpone the wedding so they could travel, just as Sky wanted all along. Sam, who has loved Donna ever since they first met, proposes. They get married so the wedding is not wasted. During the all the commotion of the wedding, Harry reveals a huge secret. He's gay. At the wedding reception, Rosie confesses that she is attracted to Bill, who later gives in to her love. Sophie and Sky sail off into the night, while Donna and Sam live happily ever after.

The Songs
"I have a Dream"
"Honey, Honey"
"Money, Money, Money"
"Mam ma Mia"
"Chiquitita"
"Dancing Queen"
"Our Last Summer"
"Lay All Your Love on Me"
"Super Trouper"
"Gimme, Gimme, Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)"
"Voulez-Vous"
"SOS"
"Does Your Mother Know"
"Slipping Through My Fingers"
"The Winner Takes It All"
"When All is Said and Done"
"Take a Chance on Me"

Some of the songs were taken out of the film: "The Name of the Game", "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do", "Waterloo" and "Thank You for the Music".

The Characters
The cast of Mamma Mia! was amazing! Even though, they weren't actual singers, they still did a remarkable job. Meryl Streep was fantastic as usual, and she wasn't a bad singer either. Amanda Seyfried was the cutest actress, and she had an amazing voice. Julie Walte rs and Christine Barans ki were hysterical! Every time they opened their mouths I laughed. Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth, and Stellan Skarsgard were the sweetest people in the whole film. They weren't the best singers over all, but they were still good. Dominic Cooper also did a great job singing along with hundreds of others. Some people thought the cast couldn't sing at all, especially the three men. Come on, they are actors not professional singers, and they weren't half bad. How many great actors do you know that can act and sing at the same time, especially actors who have never song before?!

tag: Mamma Mia!, West End Theatre, ABBA, Universal Pictures, Playtone, Benny ANdersson, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Gary Goetzman, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, Phyllida Lloyd, Hairspray, Meryl Streep, Amanda Seyfried, Colin Firth, Stellan Skarsgard, Pierce Brosnan, Dominic Cooper, Julie Walters, Christine Baranski, "I Have a Dream", "Honey, Honey", "Money, Money, Money", "Mamma Mia", "Chiquitita", "Dancing Queen", "Our Last Summer", "Lay All Your Love on Me", "Super Trouper", "Gimme, Gimme, Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)", Voulez-Vous", "SOS", "Does Your Mother Know", "Slipping Through My Fingers", "The Winner Takes It All", "When All is Said and Done", "Take a Chance on Me", "The Name of the Game", "I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do, I Do", "Waterloo", "Thank You for the Music, Gross, Trailer

A Pig Fairytale

2008-07-22T10:00:00.009-04:00

Penelope
Penelope is a romantic-comedy-fantasy film directed by Mark Palansky and produced by Reese Witherspoon, who also stars in the film. Penelope's distributors were Summit Entertainment, Stone Village Pictures, and IFC Films. According to The Numbers, Penelope grossed a worldwide $17,199,163. When I first saw the previews for Penelope I thought it looked stupid and weird, but there was something about it that made me interested to watch it. So when it came out on DVD I got it. I was totally wrong about the film. It was really good! It was sweet, funny, and cute. It was also a perfect movie for children. There was very little to no cursing, no risqué scenes, and no vulgar images. It had one sweet kiss in the end, and that was all it needed. It was the perfect romantic-comedy!

A Fairytale
The Wilhern family has been cursed for ages. A long time ago, a witch placed a curse that would make the next girl born into the family to have the face of a pig. The only way to lift the curse is if one of her own loves her, which Penelope's family thinks means blueblood or a rich family. The whole family has been terrified ever since. When Penelope (Christina Ricci) was born with the curse, the media goes wild. Everyone is trying to get pictures of the pig baby. Penelope's parents fake her death and keeps her in their mansion where she entertains herself. Now, Penelope is twenty-five, and her parents are trying to get her to marry so the curse will be broken. But every man who sees her runs for their lives and never comes back. When Edward Vanderman (Simon Woods) is introduced to her, he too runs away only to report to the police and media that there is a horrible pig faced monster living in the Wilhern mansion. Vanderman and Lemon (Peter Dinklage), a news reporter, team up to try and get into the mansion to get a picture of Penelope. The accidentally mistake Johnny (James McAvoy) for the gambler and blueblood, Max Campion. Johnny, who is in need of some money, agrees to get a photo of her. When "Max" meets Penelope, he is shocked by her charm and decides not to help Lemon and Vanderman, but Penelope takes his actions to mean that he too is scared of her. She flees from her home and meets some people who aren't afraid of her. When Penelope comes out of hiding, the world embraces her. Everyone loves her. Vanderman's father incourages him to prospose so the won't be hated by his son's cruel words. Penelope agrees but later back out. As her mother tries to reason with her, Penelope says that she likes herself the way she is. Amazingly, her pig face disappears, and she becomes normal. She later becomes a teacher and horticulturiest. While at a costume party she meets Johnny, who is still unaware of her transformation. He begins to tell her that he was still in love with "this" girl but was unable to give her what she wanted, to be free. Penelope removes her mask, and she and Johnny live happily ever after.
The Cast
Penelope's cast was great! Christina Ricci did an amazing job as well as working with her pig nose. James McAvoy, Peter Dinklage, and Simon Woods also did a great job. Catherine O'Hara and Richard E. Grant played Penelope's parents, while Reese Witherspoon, who produced the film, also made an appearance as on of Penelope's friends.

tag: Penelope, Mark Palansky, Summit Entertainment, IFC Films, The Numbers, Christina Ricci, Simon Woods, Peter Dinklage, James McAvoy, Catherine O'Hara, Richard E. Grant, Reese Witherspoon, Gross, Trailer

Get Watching

2008-06-28T11:47:00.009-04:00

Get Smart
Get Smart is a spy parody made from the television series Get Smart. It was directed by Peter Segal. Get Smart grossed an average $39.2 million dollars on its opening weekend. So far its worldwide gross is $58,813,568. It is also the second #1 film of the summer to be adapted from a T.V. show. I thought Get Smart was one of the funniest movies I've seen in a while. I laughed throughout the whole film. Steve Carell was GREAT! Get Smart would be a film I would advise to see in theaters.

The Mission
Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) is a top analyst for the agency CONTROL. Max has always dreamed of becoming a field agent, and even though he scores extremely high on the acceptance tests he is still denied the position as field agent by the Chief (Alan Arkin). When KAOS, an evil rival organization, attacks CONTROL's secret headquarter, the Chief grants Max the position of Agent 86. Max is partnered with Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway), an attractive kick-butt agent. Together they travel to Russia to find out how KAOS is getting access to nuclear weapons. Max and 99 plant explosives in the nuclear weapon/bakery plant, which buries the nuclear weapons in debris. the Chief then sends Agent 23 (Dwayne Johnson), another field agent to manage the clean-up. 23 reports that there is no sign of a nuclear weapons in the bakery, which causes CONTROl to to believe Max is a double agent. KAOS leader, Siegfried (Terrence Stamp), has threatened that he will release a nuclear bomb on Los Angeles during the Presidents visit unless they pay him $200 billion. Max hurries to inform the Chief, 99, and 23 about the bomb, but on his way he discovers the true colors of one of the agents as well as the bombs location. Will Max be able to save the lives of thousands as well as reveal the true identity of one of his co-workers?

Agents
Steve Carell was hilarious in Get Smart! He was the perfect choice for Maxwell Smart! Anne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, and Alan Arkin also played a little comedy in the film and got some action. Terrence Stamp played Siegfried, and Dalip Singh played Dalip (He was HUGE!). Terry Crews, David Koechner, James Cann, Bill Murray, Ken Davitian, Patrick Warburton, Masi Oka, and Ryan Seacrest also had major roles in the film.

tag: Get Smart, Peter Segal, Get Smart, Steve Carell, Alan Arkin, ANne Hathaway, Dwayne Johnson, Terrence Stamp, Dalip Singh, Terry Crews, David Koechner, James Cann, Bill Murray, Ken Davitian, Patrick Warburton, Masi Oka, Ryan Seacrest, Gross, Trailer

Indiana Jones Is Back

2008-06-14T09:48:00.003-04:00

The New Mission
Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is the fourth film in the Indiana Jones series. It was directed by Steven Spielberg, from a story co-written by executive producer George Lucas. Filming took place in New Haven, Connecticut, Hawaii, New Mexico, Fresno, California, and soundstages in Los Angeles. Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull made over $151.1 million in its first five days, and has grossed an average of $587.3 million worldwide. I liked the movie, but I will say it was very strange at times. Then, if you think back to the other films they also had some strange happenings. There was 1,000 year old man (or whatever his age was) from the Last Crusade in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, and in Raiders of the Lost Ark, people's faces were being melted off. So if you think about it, the newest film was no different from the others. They all had some odd things going on. A bunch of people also thought Harrison Ford was too old to play Indiana Jones again, but I thought he was EXCELLENT! Of course, he was older, but I still thought he was just as good looking.

The Quest
Its 1957 and the Soviet Union has broken into a U.S. military base. They have captured Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and his partner Mac (Ray Winstone), and they are forcing them to help them find a crate, which holds the remains of an extraterrestrial creature that crashed ten years before. Jones tries to escape, but is stopped by his partner, who reveals he is working with the Soviets. Jones escapes and soon finds himself in a nuclear test town. After he survives the nuclear blast, he finds himself under FBI investigation. Jone's returns to Marshall College only to leave soon after to avoid being fired because of the FBI investigation. While boarding a train, Jones meets a greaser, Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf). Mutt tells him of an old colleague, Harold Oxley (John Hurt), who has disappeared after discovering a crystal skull in Peru. Jones and Mutt discover Oxley's former cell in a psychiatric hospital, and clues to the grave of Francisco de Orellana, a Conquistador who went missing in the 1500s while looking for Akator, or El Dorado. Together they find the crystal skull, and then get captured again by the Soviets. At the Soviet camp they find Oxley, and Marion Williams (Mutt's mother) aka Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), who then tells Jones that Mutt is his son. The Soviet leader, Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett), believes that the crystal skull is from one of the extraterrestrial aliens, and it holds immense psychic power and great knowledge. The four escape from the Soviet camp only to enter the Temple of Akator, where they must return the crystal skull. The Soviets follow, and soon they all find themselves in danger. Jones, Oxley, Mutt, and Marion escape from the temple, and later on Jones and Marion get married.

The Cast
As always, Harrison Ford does an amazing job, and Karen Allen has also returned to star in the newest Indiana Jones film. Karen Allen last stared in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Newcomer, Shia LaBeouf also does a great job acting alongside Harrison Ford. Cate Blanchett and Igor Jijikine play the Soviets, and Ray Winstone plays the two faced traitor. John Hurt plays Oxley, and Jim Broadbent plays an academic colleague of Jones'.

tag: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Indiana Jones Series, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, New Haven, Connecticut, Hawaii, New Mexico, Fresno, California, Los Angeles, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Soviet Union, Harrison Ford, Ray Winstone, Shia LaBeouf, John Hurt, Francisco de Orellana, El Dorado, Karen Allen, Cate Blanchett, Igor Jijikine, Jim Broadbent, Gross, Trailer

A New Chronicle

2008-05-25T15:25:00.001-04:00

A New Chronicle Begins
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is a fantasy film based on the series of fantasy books The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. It is the second movie to be produced in the Chronicles of Narnia after The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Andrew Adamson is the director, and he also directed The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe. Prince Caspian has already grossed over $56.6 million dollars, and it is ranked #1 in the box office at the moment. Filming took place in New Zealand, Prague, Poland, and Slovenia. I just recently saw Prince Caspian, and I thought it was AWESOME! The effects were great, and there was much more action and fighting than in the first one. I couldn't decide which Narnia movie was actually better because I liked them both so much, but I've heard some people say they liked Prince Caspian better. All you ladies out there would absolutely LOVE Prince Caspian just because of Ben Barnes and William Moseley. They were HOT! They made the film all the more better, but it's not just the actors that make the movie great. It's everything from costume design to special effects to sound. Everything in the film was great!

The Journey
Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes), a Telmarine prince, finds himself in mortal danger when he finds out his Uncle Miraz wants him dead so he can become King. Caspian flees his home and stumbles upon old Narnian creatures like talking badgers and dwarves. Thinking he is in even more danger from the creatures he blows Queen Susan's magic horn. Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and Lucy (Georgie Henley) are all pulled back into Narnia by magic and find themselves lost on an island they don't remember. They soon realize it was once the Cair Paravel, their home, but now it is in ruins. Meanwhile, Caspian has assembled troops f loyal Narnians to fight Miraz. The four children soon find help from a dwarf who helps led them to Caspian, where they are in need of serious help. Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, Caspian, and the Narnians, with the help of Aslan (Liam Neeson), prepare to make battle against Caspian's uncle.

Characters
William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, and Georgie Henley have all returned to Narnia, and they do just a great a job as they did in the first film. Ben Barnes who plays Prince Caspian does a great job for just joining the cast, and Liam Neeson also does a great job returning to his lion character. Peter Dinklage, Warwick Davis, Eddie Izzard, Ken Stott, and Tilda Swinto n all play the Narnians. Sergio Castellitto, Vincent Grass, Alicia Borrachero, and Pierfrancesco Favino all play Telmarines.

tag: The Chronicles of Narnia:Prince Caspian, The Chronicles of Narnia, C. S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia:The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, Andrew Adamson, New Zealan, Prague, Polan, Slovenia, Ben Barnes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Liam Neeson, Peter Dinklage, Warwick Davis, Eddie Izzard, Ken Stott, Tilda Swinton, Sergio Castellitto, Vincent Grass, Alicia Borrachero, Pierfrancesco Favino, Gross, Trailer

He's Back Again

2008-05-25T09:50:00.005-04:00

A Prediction
This is a prediction post based on what I think The Dark Knight will turn out to be. Of course, The Dark Knight is the sequel to Batman Begins. It is said to be released on July 18 of this year. Batman Begins grossed a worldwide average of $371,824,647. I really like the first Batman so I'm hoping The Dark Knight turns out to be even better and hopefully does better in theaters. I don't know much about the plot of the movie so I'll do my best to give a review that doesn't spoil the whole movie.

Terror in Gotham
A year after defeating the Scarecrow, Batman (Christian Bale) with the help of Lieutenant James Gordon (Gary Oldman) continue to capture criminals in Gotham City. A new psychopathic criminal known as, The Joker (Heath Ledger), has entered Gotham and is wreaking havoc in the streets. Bruce Wayne aka Batman must go against everything he stands for to defeat this new deranged killer.

The Cast
Christian Bal e is once again taking the name of Batman in hopes of getting an even better response from audiences. The late Heath Ledger was also cast as the one and only Joker. Gary Oldman, Morgan Freeman, and Michael Caine are also returning, and Aaron Eckhart is going to be a new face to look for in the film . Unfortunately, Katie Holmes will not be back to play Rachel Dawes; instead, Maggie Gyllenhaal will portray her.

tag: The Dark Knight, Batman Begins, Christian Bale, Gary Oldman, Heath Ledger, Morgan Freeman, Aaron Eckhart, Katie Holmes, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Batman, Gross, Trailer

The Wild Is No Place To Go

2008-05-22T13:53:00.006-04:00

An Opinion
This is not my normal style of writing, but it is something different. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions so if you don't like mine then don't listen to it or leave me a comment telling me your opinion of the movie. Into the Wild is the movie that I'm talking about of course. I know it's based on a true story, but I thought the movie could have been so much better. I thought it was actually quite boring, and it felt like forever. I spent like two hours watching that movie, bored out of my mind to find out that he dies because he did what I thought was something stupid! In fact, I have two brothers and a sister who all live in Alaska, and they know that that is not a place to go fooling around. I've been to Alaska, and there is no way that I would go up there just to get away from my family. Even if your life at home isn't good. Christopher McCandless is guy who I thought was very selfish and foolish. He only thought about himself and never the people around him. Without knowing he hurt his mother, father, sister, friends, and the people he met throughout his journey. Some people said they liked the movie and found it interesting, but I personally didn't find one thing about the movie that I liked. It also got great reviews so this post is just one in a million. Like I said, everyone is entitled to their own opinions so that means you don't have to listen to me. Go watch the movie and see what you think for yourself!

The Journey
Into the Wild is based on the life story of Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) who is a student at Emory University. After a hard life at home, Chris plans to hitchhike to the Alaskan Wilderness. Along the way, he meets some very interesting people who treat him like family. When Chris makes it to the wilderness, he continues to write in his journal about his journey to the wild. As he gets ready to leave, Chris finds out that the spring thaw has made the once frozen river impossible to cross. He consults a book about plants to see which once are edible. Chris makes a startling discovery that he ate the wrong berries! He continues to write in his journal about his painful end to life.

The Cast
Just because I didn't like the movie doesn't mean that the cast was wasn't good. In fact, I thought the cast of Into the Wild was pretty well cast. Emile Hirsch portrayed Christopher McCandless. Marcia Gay Harden and William Hurt played his parents while Jena Malone played his sister Carine. Brian H. Dierker, Catherine Keener, Hal Holbrook, Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Stewart, and Vince Vaughn all played the people he met throughout his journey.

tag: Into The Wild, Alaska, Christopher McCandless, Emile Hirsch, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Brian H. Dierker, Catherine Keener, Hal Holbrook, Zach Galifianakis, Kristen Stewart, Vince Vaughn, Trailer

The Guardian Of The Seas

2008-05-20T16:13:00.007-04:00

The Guardian
The Guardian is a film dedicated to the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. It is directed by Andrew Davis and written by Ron L. Brinkerhoff. Most of the scenes were actually filmed in Louisiana and in North Carolina instead of Kodiak, Alaska. Over 60,000 pounds of ice were needed for the shoot in North Carolina. Another interesting fact in the movie that you didn't know was that the training pool was actually LSU Shreveport's natatorium. The Guardian's worldwide gross was over $87,011,732, and it made $53,318,418 in US DVD sales. The Guardian is an awesome movie with action and a little comedy. Some people might even call it a tear jerking movie, and I agree with them fully. There are a few moments in the movie that made me cry, but there are also parts that made me laugh. Either way it is a great movie that I'm sure everyone will love

The Rescue Mission
Senior Chief Ben Randall (Kevin Costner), is a rescue swimmer for the United States Coast Guard in Kodiak, Alaska, where he exceeds the normal age of a rescue swimmer. He is considered a legend among rescue swimmers with over "300 saves", as the rumor goes. While on a rescue mission, something goes terribly wrong, and Randall's crew dies in a horrific helicopter accident. The Coast Guard gives Randall two choices. One he retires, or he must teach at a Coast Guard training school. Here Randall meets Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher), who is the new hot-shot who plans on beating Randall in all the records. Randall discovers a deep secret about Jake which resolves in a closer bond. Randall continues to push Jake until he finally graduates at the head of his class. Later on Jake is sent out on his first rescue mission with Senior Chief Randall at his side. During the rescue Randall flashes back to the helicopter crash, and is unable to do his part in the mission. Once the mission is successfully done, Randall decides to retire. Jake is once again sent out to rescue a crew on a sinking ship. Once he saves the three of the men, he soon finds out that the captain in down below trapped. He heads down to save the final man, but then finds himself trapped with the captain, who is dead, behind a steel door. Randall hears of the accident and heads out to save Jake. Randall of course saves him, and they begin their journey back up the cable to the helicopter. Unfortunately, the cable jams and begins to unravel, and the only way to save them is for one to let go. Randall chooses to let go, but Jake is unwilling. In the end Randall fights Jake off and heads back into the freezing water where he never returns. A few weeks later Jake is saving a man who keeps asking "Where is the other man? He never let go." Jake then realizes that someone helped the man until rescue came, and attributes this to Randall's presence. Ben Randall is then remembered as "A man who lives beneath the sea. A fisher of men. A last hope for all those who have been left behind. He is known as The Guardian."
Characters
Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher go an amazing job portraying coastal guards as well as giving this tear jerker movie some comic relief. Melissa Sagemiller plays Emily Thomas, Jake's girlfriend, and Sela Ward plays Helen Randall, Ben Randall's wife. Neal McDonough is Jack Skinner, the tough stuff trainer. Dule Hill, Brian Geraghty, and Shelby Fenner. There are many others who also play in the movie.

tag: The Guardian, United States Coast Guard, Andrew Davis, Ron L. Brinkerhoff, Louisiana, North Carolina, Kodiak, Alaska, LSU, Kevin Costner, Ashton Kutcher, Melissa Sagemiller, Sela Ward, Neal McDonough, Dule Hill, BrianGeraghty, Shelby Fenner, Gross, Trailer

Always A Bridesmaid, Never A Bride

2008-05-04T14:16:00.008-04:00

27 Dresses
27 Dresses is a romantic comedy directed by Anne Fletcher and written by Aline Brosh McKenna. The film stars Katherine Heigl and James Marsden. 27 Dresses made a total worldwide gross of over $153,123,455. There was also a variety of music ranging from Sara Bareilles to Regina Spektor to Amy Winehouse to Shakira to Hit Crew to Natasha Bedingfield and there are many more. 27 Dresses is one of the BEST movies that I have seen in a long time. It is cute and hilarious! I absolutely loved the movie, and I watch it all the time! It is definitely a movie that I would recommend for anyone who loves romantic comedies!

A Wedding Tale

Jane Nichols (Katherine Heigl) is the ideal bridesmaid who never says "No". While she is attending two weddings at the same time, she is knocked down by someone trying to catch the bouquet of one of the weddings. She is helped up by a man named Kevin Doyle (James Marsden) who turns out to be a mysterious and cynical man who hates weddings, but since Jane is rather delusional for a few minutes after hitting her head Kevin offers to take her home. Kevin then realizes that Jane left her filofax in the taxi. after reading it he realizes that Jane's life would make a great story and possibly be his ticket out of commitments. The next day Jane's little sister Tess (Malin Akerman) is coming in to town for a few weeks. Jane then goes to her co-workers engagement party where it is revealed that Jane is madly in love with her boss George, although he doesn't know it. Tess later shows up at the party and immediately hits is off with Jane's boss. Jane is confused and upset that her little sister has stolen the person she was in love with. Tess begins to spin a web of lies to make George like her, and it works. George and Tess are getting married in three weeks, and Tess is having Jane plan her wedding which happens to be exactly the wedding Jane wanted. Jane then discovers that Kevin Doyle is actually Malcolm Doyle who writes fabulous articles in the commitment column. Jane secretly is in love with the articles that Malcolm Doyle writes, but she doesn't want him to know because she thinks he is an arrogant wedding hater. While Kevin is interviewing Jane, he discovers all 27 bridesmaid dresses in her closet. Jane wants to prove to him that they aren't all bad and tries them on, and comes to the conclusion that they really are all bad. A few days later Jane and Kevin get in a heated discussion about Jane's problems, and they hydroplane off the road. They walk to a bar and end up signing "Bennie and the Jets" while a little tipsy. The next morning Jane finds out about the article that Kevin published about her. Jane then ends the relationship between her and Kevin, and everything from then on out goes downhill. After an enormous fight with Tess and a kiss from George, Jane realizes that she is madly in love with Kevin Doyle. A year has passed, and it shows Jane and Kevin's wedding day. All the brides that Jane was a bridesmaid in are now at Jane's wedding in the terrible bridesmaid dresses that Jane had too wear. Jane has finally put on her 28th dress.

The Cast
Katherine Heigl (Alison Scott from Knocked Up) and James Marsden are great in the film. Their great acting really makes the film come alive, and makes everyone want to have that special day. Edward Burns plays Jane's boss George, and Malin Akerman plays Tess. Judy Greer plays Casey, Jane's friend, and Brian Kerwin plays Jane and Tess's dad. There were many many more actors/actresses who played the 27 brides.

tag: 27 Dresses, Anne Fletcher, Aline Brosh Mckenna, Sara Bareilles, Regina Spektor, Amy Winehouse, Skakira, Natasha Bedingfield, Katherine Heigl, James Marsden, Malin Akerman, Bennie and the Jets, Edward Burns, Judy Greer, Brian Kerwin, Knocked Up, Gross, Trailer

A Born Movie

2008-04-27T15:40:00.009-04:00

Juno
Juno is a comedy-drama directed by Jason Reitman and written by Diablo Cody. It won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay at the 80th Academy Awards in 2008, and had many nominations including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress for Ellen Page. Juno's worldwide gross reached more than $223,734,771. Cat Power, The Kinks, Sonic Youth, and The Velvet Underground are just some of the few who had songs in the film. I didn't think I was going to like Juno. I thought it sounded rather trashy, but I was wrong. It was actually really funny, and I enjoyed it a lot. Although I have heard mixed reviews on the film, I still thought it was good and so did some most of my friends.

The Pregnancy
Juno MacGuff (Ellen Page) is a junior in high school when she finds out that she is pregnant with one of her best guy friends, Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera). Juno tries to come up with a plan to get rid of the baby like an abortion, but then decides that finding a couple to adopt the baby was better. She finds a nice couple in the newspaper and plans to meet them. Mark and Vanessa Loring (Jason Bateman and Jennifer Garner), is a couple that unfortunately could never have children so when Juno's call came, they immediately jumped into the deal. As months pass Juno grows bigger and bigger, and she strikes up a friendship with Mark Loring. Not long before the baby is due, that Mark tells Juno that he plans on leaving Vanessa because he doesn't think he's ready to be a father. Vanessa soon finds out and a heated argument erupts, and Juno leaves crying. The day has finally come and Juno is rushed to the hospital. Paulie Bleeker finds out and hurries to Juno's side where they both decide not to see the baby. Vanessa comes to the hospital and adopts the baby boy as a single mother. Sometime later Juno and Paulie are seen playing guitar on the steps of Paulie's house.

The Cast
Juno's cast was hilarious. Each character made you laugh in someway or another. Ellen Page is great portraying her feisty character, Juno. J.K. Simmons and Allison Janney play Juno's parents, and Olivia Thirlby is her best friend. Michael Cera (Evan from Superbad) plays the father of Juno's child, while Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman play the adoptive parents.

tag: Juno, Jason Reitman, Diablo Cody, Academy Award, 80th Academy Awards, Best Original Screenplay, Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Cat Power, The Kinks, Sonic Youth, The Velvet Underground, Ellen Page, Michael Cera, Jason Bateman, Jennifer Garner, J.K. Simmons, Allison Janney, Olivia Thirlby, Gross, Trailer

Want To See Something Great

2008-04-24T13:25:00.005-04:00

Have you ever watched a really great movie and said, "That's got to be one of the greatest movies ever!"? According to the Motion Picture Association of America, a movie can only be listed in the greatest box-office hits if it grosses more than $100,000,000. There are 388 movies on that list, but here are the top 30. I have seen all the movies on this list at some point and I can remember that all of them were great!

Here they are! I got this list from imdb.com.

1.	Titanic (1997)	$600,779,824
2.	Star Wars (1977)	$460,935,665
3.	Shrek 2 (2004)	$436,471,036
4.	E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)	$434,949,459
5.	Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)	$431,065,444
6.	Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest (2006)	$423,032,628
7.	Spider-Man (2002)	$403,706,375
8.	Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)	$380,262,555
9.	The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)	$377,019,252
10.	Spider-Man 2 (2004)	$373,377,893
11.	The Passion of the Christ (2004)	$370,270,943
12.	Jurassic Park (1993)	$356,784,000
13.	The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)	$340,478,898
14.	Finding Nemo (2003)	$339,714,367
15.	Spider-Man 3 (2007)	$336,530,303
16.	Forrest Gump (1994)	$329,691,196
17.	The Lion King (1994)	$328,423,001
18.	Shrek the Third (2007)	$320,706,665
19.	Transformers (2007)	$318,759,914
20.	Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)	$317,557,891
21.	The Lord of the Rings: The Fellow ship of the Ring (2001)	$313,837,577
22.	Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002)	$310,675,583
23.	Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007)	$309,404,152
24.	Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)	$309,125,409
25.	Independence Day (1996)	$306,124,059
26.	Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)	$305,388,685
27.	The Sixth Sense (1999)	$293,501,675
28.	Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)	$292,000,866
29.	The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (2005)	$291,709,845
30.	Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)	$290,158,751

Which one do you think is best?

tag: Titanic, Star Wars, Shrek 2, E.T:The Extra-Terrestrial, Star Wars:Episode I-The Phantom Menace, Pirates of the Caribbean:Dead Man's Chest, Spider-Man, Star Wars:Episode III-Revenge of the Sith, The Lord of the Rings:The Return of the King, Spider-Man 2, The Passion of the Christ, Jurassic Park, The Lord of the Rings:The Two Towers, Finding Nemo, Spider-Man 3, Forrest Gump, The Lion King, Shrek the Third, Transformers, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, The Lord of the Rings:The Fellowship of the Ring, Star Wars:Episode II-Attack of the Clones, Pirates of the Caribbean:At World's End, Star Wars:Episode VI-Return of the Jedi, Independence Day, Pirates of the Caribbean:The Curse of the Black Pearl, The Sixth Sense, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, The Chronicles of Narnia:The Lion, the witch, and the Wardrobe, Star Wars:Episode V-The Empire Strikes Back

Leatherheads

2008-04-19T16:39:00.005-04:00

Leatherheads
Leatherheads is a romantic-comedy directed by George Clooney who actually stars in the film alongside Renee Zellweger and John Krasinski. The movies location was Duluth, Minnesota, but it was really filmed in South Carolina and North Carolina. Even though Clooney tried his hardest in the film, it only grossed $13.5 million on its opening weekend. The main audience for the movie was estimated between viewers in their 30s and 40s. Although I did go see the movie, and I'm not that old. I thought the movie was rather boring at points. There were some very funny parts that I loved and can't wait to watch again, but then again there were parts in the film that bored me to death. Also some of my friends said the same thing as I did. Maybe if you are a big time football player you might enjoy the movie more than I did.

The Game
Dodge Connelly (George Clooney) is a charming pro football player in 1925. After finding out that his football team, the Duluth Bulldogs, lose their sponsor, he is intent on finding someway to bring football back to Duluth. Carter Rutherford (John Krasinski), a young college football player/war hero crosses paths with Dodge, and he is immediately asked to join the team. Carter not only is a war hero, but he is a fabulous football player with mad skills. Carter supposedly single handedly forced a group of German soldiers to surrender in WWI, but for Lexi Littleton (Renee Zellweger) this story is to good to be true. Lexi soon sets out to learn the truth about the so called war hero, Carter Rutherford. Throughout the time Lexi spends with the football team, she begins to fall for none other than Dodge Connelly. Dodge soon finds out that the once fun game of football he knew has changed to a game filled with rules and lies. Dodge has to find a way to keep his team going and get the girl.

The Players
Leatherheads's cast is hilarious. George Clooney and John Krasinski really make the film funny. Renee Zellweger lights up the screen in her always red clothes, and Jonathan Pryce plays CC, Carter's manager. Wayne Duvall (Cousin of Robert Duvall) plays the Duluth Bulldogs coach. There were many many other actors who played the parts of football players and war veterans.

tag: Leatherheads, George Clooney, John Krasinski, Renee Zellweger, Jonathan Pryce, Wayne Duvall, Robert Duvall, Gross, Trailer

All Because Of A Lie

2008-04-13T12:26:00.029-04:00

Atonement
Atonement is film adaptation of Ian McEwan's novel Atonement. It was directed by Joe Wright, and produced by Working Title Films. It was filmed in the summers of England and France. Atonement won an Oscar for Best Original Score at the 80th Academy Awards, and was nominated for six others, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, Best Writing, and Achievement in Costume. It also won Best Film of the Year, and the Production Design award at the 61st British Academy Film Awards. Atonement also opened the 2007 Vancouver International Film Festival and the 64th Venice International Film Festival, making Joe Wright the youngest director ever to open the event at age 35. The film grosse d a total of more than $50,224,809. I liked the movie, but there were a lot of flashbacks, and it got rather confusing at times. I was never sure which year it was, or which flashback came first. My mama said she didn't really care for the film, but I guess you just have to be into these kind of movies to really understand and keep up with everything.

The Story
In England in 1935, Briony Tallis thinks she witnesses the gardener, Robbie (James McAvoy), having sexual tensions with her sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley). She is confused and nervous about the scene she had just witnessed. In fact, Robbie and Cecilia are in love they just don't show it openly, and the scene Briony witnessed actually had nothing to do with love. Robbie accidentally broke Cecilia's vase, and the handle fell in the fountain. Cecilia just went in to get it. Robbie later feels terrible about the vase so he writes a letter to Cecilia apologizing for his clumsiness, and a very explicit erotically charged version that he didn't intend on giving to Cecilia. He asks Briony to deliver the letter only to realize it was the wrong letter. Briony reads the letter and finds her theory that Robbie is a "sex maniac" is true, but she gives the letter to Cecilia without telling anyone what she read. During dinner that night, they discover that their twin cousins have run away so everyone goes out searching for them. While Briony searches she comes upon her cousin, Lola, being raped. She insists it was Robbie, and shows her parents and the police the letter he had given Cecilia. Robbie is then taken to prison and later to war. Years later, Briony realizes what a terrible mistake and lie she made. She tries to apologize to her sister, who has disowned her family, but never could find her. Many years have passed and Briony is now in her late seventies and dying. She has written a book titled Atonement, which is a story of the lie she told that ruined the lives of both her sister and Robbie. Briony tells that the end of her book is quite different from the reality story, but she wanted to give Robbie and Cecilia a happy ending, one that they never had.

The Cast
The casting of Atonement was great. Keira Knightley and James McAvoy were excellent. Saoirse Ronan (Briony at age 13), Romola Garai (Briony at age 18), and Vanessa Redgrave (Briony at age 77) all played Briony Tallis throughout the years as she aged. Benedict Cumberbatch played Paul Marshall, who was actually the man Briony saw raping her cousin, and Juno Temple played Lola.

tag: Atonement, Ian McEwan, Atonement, Joe Wright, Working Title Films, Oscar, Best Original Score, 80th Academy Awards, Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress, Best Writing, Achievement in Costume, Best Film of the Year, 61st British Academy Film Awards, Vancouver International Film Festival, 64th Venice International Film Festival, James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, Saoirse Ronan, Romola Garai, Vanessa Redgrave, Benedict Cumberbatch, Juno Temple, gross, trailer

The Real Life Story

2008-04-13T12:26:00.015-04:00

Dan In Real Life
Dan in Real Life is directed by Peter Hedges. It is a drama/comedy film starring Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche. The movie was filmed in Rhode Island in the cities of Newport, East Greenwich, Jamestown, Westerly, and Providence. Dan in Real Life has grossed more than $52,017,821 as of January 2008, and it actually has a pretty good soundtrack as well. For the most part, it was a good movie, and Steve Carell was hilarious. Although the previews made the movie sound like roll on the floor laughing, it wasn't like that at all. There were parts that made you laugh, but nothing serious. The movie was actually quite sad, but it had a good ending. It was more of a parent movie because my mama was crying throughout the whole film. She said that if you had children you would understand.

His Life Story
Dan Burns (Steve Carell), is a newspaper columnist and has raised three girls by himself since the death of his wife. Dan and his three girls pack up and take a trip to his parents house. While visiting the town Dan runs into a hottie at the bookstore named Marie (Juliette Binoche). Dan and Marie hit it off, but she soon has to run off to meet her boyfriend. When Dan returns to his parents house he tells them about a girl he met at the bookstore. His brother then introduces him to his girlfriend, who is none other than Marie from the bookstore. Throughout the whole visit, Dan and Marie pretend they don't have any attraction towards each other. When the family finds out that Dan and Marie have secretly been attracted to each other, his brother punches him for kisses his ex-girlfriend. Dan explains everything and is forgiven. He and Marie later get married and live happily ever after.

The Cast
No matter what movie Steve Carell is in, he is always funny. Dane Cook, John Mahony (Martin Crane from Frasier), and Dianne Wiest were some of Dan's family in the movie, and Marlene Lawston, Alison Pill, and Brittany Robertson were Dan's daughters. Emily Blunt played Ruthie "Pigface" Draper, a girl Dan goes out with, and Juliette Binoche plays Marie.

tag: Dan in Real Life, Peter Hedges, Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, dane Cook, John Mahony, Dianne Weist, Marlene Lawston, Alison Pill, Brittany Bovertson, Emily Blint, Martin Crane, Frasier, trailer

Up A Creek, Without a Paddle

2008-04-12T11:26:00.010-04:00

Without A Paddle
Without a Paddle is a 2004 film directed by Steven Brill. It is somewhat of a parody to other movies like Deliverance. The films music is directed by Christophe Beck, and also features songs by Bubba Sparxxx, Spiderbait, Snoop Dogg, Culture Club, and The Rolling Stones. Without a Paddle grossed a worldwide total of $58,156,435. I love this movie, and all my friends love this movie. It is hilarious! I am always laughing throughout the whole film.

The Treasure Hunt
The true treasure is not money or gold, but being alive. That is the life lesson Tom (Dax Shepard), Jerry (Matthew Lillard), and Dan (Seth Green) figure out on their adventurous journey to find the long lost treasure of DB Cooper. Ever since they were young boys, they dreamed of taking a grand adventure to find DB Cooper's treasure, and when the death of a friends gives them the opportunity, they take it. Once on the River, they meet some interesting characters from hairy ladies to crazy mountain men to maybe even DB himself. Along their journey they discover that their friendship has grown closer, and true friends are better than none.

The Cast
The cast of Without a Paddle is great! They all do a great job of making you laugh and enjoying the movie. Dax Shepard, Matthew Lillard, and Seth Green play the three young men who journey to find DB Cooper's treasure. Ethan Suplee and Abraham Benrubi play the crazy mountain men while Ray Baker is the disliked Sheriff Briggs. The tree hugger hairy ladies are played by Rachel Blanchard and Christina Moore. A special appearance is made by Burt Reynolds who plays a secret character that I will not reveal, but you can find out for yourself if you watch the movie.

tag: Without a Paddle, Steven Brill, Deliverance, Christophe Beck, Bubba Sparxxx, Spiderbait, Snoop Dogg, Culture Club, The Rolling Stones, Dax Shepard, Matthew Lillard, Seth Green, DB Cooper, Ethan Suplee, Abraham Benrubi, Ray Baker, Rachel Blanchard, Christina Moore, Burt Reynolds, gross, trailer

An Inspiring Story

2008-04-07T16:49:00.002-04:00

Becoming A Movie
Becoming Jane is based on the great author, Jane Austen and her relationship with Tom Lefroy. Although the movie is not actually proven to be true, but it is based on real events that were written in the book Becoming Jane Austen by Jon Spence, who was the historical consultant during production. Many other biographers of Jane Austen have mentioned a relationship between Jane Austen and Tom Lefroy. Becoming Jane was actually shot in Dublin and rural Ireland, and not in Hampshire, England where Jane Austen was born. Becoming Jane grossed more than $37 million worldwide. It was directed by Julian Jarrold. I loved this movie! It was interesting to see Jane Austen's life unfold, and how her own love story inspired some of her greatest novels. It also had that romance that people love. If you want to see what happens in the end, then I guess you will just have to watch it.

The Story
Jane Austen (Anne Hathaway) is a young woman who desires to live by her pen but being a woman she is unable to. Pressured by her mother to marry wealthy, Jane refuses and wants to marry for love. Mr. Wisley (Laurence Fox), the nephew of Lady Gresham (Maggie Smith), a rich aristocrat, approaches Jane for a proposal. Of course Jane is appalled that her parents would make her marry for money instead of love. As Jane contemplates the thought of marriage a young gentleman named Tom Lefroy (James McAvoy) enters her life. Tom's roguish behavior irks her, but she soon finds that she is falling for the non-aristocrat. Only one problem stands in the way of their love. If they elope they risk losing everything from family to fortune.

The Cast
Anne Hathaway plays the spunky writer, Jane Austen, and she does an amazing job. James McAvoy also does a great job. James Cromwell plays Jane's father, and Julie Walters plays her mother. Joe Anderson portrays Henry Austen, Jane's brother, and Maggie Smith and Laurence Fox portray the aristocrats.

tag: Becoming Jane, Jane Austen, Becoming Jane Austen, Julian Jarrold, Anne Hathaway, Laurence Fox, Maggie Smith, James McAvoy, James Cromwell, Julie Walters, Joe Anderson, Gross

The Buzz On Bee Movie

2008-03-22T17:08:00.006-04:00

The Buzz
Bee Movie is a computer animated film starring Jerry Seinfeld and Renee Zellweger. Simon J. Smith and Steve Hickner directed the film while DreamWorks Animation and Jerry Seindfeld produced it. Bee Movie is the first motion-picture to be written by Jerry Seinfeld. Bee Movie also got a nomination for a Golden Globe. Bee Movie's worldwide gross is over $281, 642,324 as of February. Bee Movie is one of the funniest movies I've seen in a while! It was great!

The Bee Plot
Barry B. Benson (Jerry Seinfeld) has just graduated from college and has just found out that he has one chance to pick his lifelong job. Barry decides to go beyond the hive before he picks his job, and discovers a whole knew world. He meets a florist named Vanessa Bloome (Renee Zellweger), who happens to save his life. Once he meets Vanessa, Barry discovers that the humans have been stealing and eating their precious honey. Barry soon realizes that protecting the bee's honey is his job so he sues the humans for stealing. Barry Wins the lawsuit only to find that without the work of bees the flowers do not get pollinated so they die. Barry and Vanessa then set out to find a way to set things right.

The Bees and Humans
The cast of Bee Movie is great! They really did a great job because I laughed the whole way through the movie. Jerry Seinfeld of course was the funniest of all the characters along with Renee Zellweger. Chris Rock, Matthew Broderick, Patrick Warburton, Kathy Bates, and John Goodman. Special guest stars include Larry King, Oprah Winfrey, Sting, Rip Torn, Michael Richards, and Ray Liotta.

tag: Bee Movie, Simon J. Smith, Steve Hickner, DreamWorks Animation, Golden Globe, Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger, Chris Rock, Matthew Broderick, Patrick Warburton, Kathy Bates, John Goodman, Larry King, Oprah Winfrey, Sting, Rip Torn, Michael Richards, Ray Liotta,

Beowulf

2008-03-17T09:39:00.010-04:00

Beowulf
Beowulf was really great! I never had the chance to see it in theaters, but the day it came out on DVD I was at the Movie Gallery to rent it. This movie got a rating of 4 1/2 stars so I knew it must be good. It was a one-of-a-kind movie, instead of live acting, all the actors were computer animated. It was filled with adventure and excitement the whole way through! Beowulf is definitely the new movie to see!

The Adventure
Based on the epic poem from medieval times, this amazing movie tells the story of the great warrior, Beowulf (Ray Winstone) and his epic battles with the mythical demons plaguing King Hrothgar's (Anthony Hopkins) kingdom. In his adventures, Beowulf will battle the Grendel, a misshapen half-man half-demon; the Grendel's mother (Angelina Jolie), a beautiful water demon; and a fearsome golden dragon.

The Cast
In this epic movie, many famous actors and actresses play the parts of the characters that shaped the tale of Beowulf. Other actors in the movie were John Malkovich, Brenden Gleeson, Robin Wright Penn , and many others.

tag: Beowulf, Ray Winstone, Anthony Hopkins, Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Brenden Gleeson, Robin Wright Penn, Beowulf, King Hrothgar

Vantage Point

2008-03-06T09:09:00.015-05:00

The Vantage Point
In Spain, President Ashton (William Hurt) is attending a world-wide summit on terror where leaders from around the world are meeting to stop terrorism. Thomas Barnes (Dennis Quaid) and Kent Taylor (Matthew Fox) are two Secret Service agents protecting the President. Shortly after the President is escorted to the podium, he is shot twice by an unknown assassin. The President falls to the floor, dead. The audience is in shock and chaos breaks out, then a bomb goes off, destroying the stage and killing many other leaders and civilians around the stage. But this is not the whole story. In that audience were 8 complete strangers that each saw something and each had a small piece of the puzzle. Through their eyes we see the truth behind the assassination attempt.

The Strangers
Vantage Point had an all-star cast with many great actors and actresses. The 8 strangers were Dennis Quaid, Said Taghmaoui, Forest Whitaker, Edgar Ramirez, Matthew Fox, Ayelet Zurer, Eduardo Noriega, and William Hurt. There were many other famous actors and actresses in this movie as well: Bruce McGill, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Richard T. Jones and many others.

A Must See
Vantage Point was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. Filled with intense sequences and high-speed chase scenes throughout the whole movie and mystery from start to finish, this is definitely a must see for all movie fans.

tag: Vantage Point, William Hurt, Dennis Quaid, Matthew Fox, Said Taghmaoui, Forest Whitaker, Edgar Ramirez, Ayelet Zurer, Eduardo Noriega, Bruce McGill, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Richard T. Jones