Oh Dear God Why?
Okay, I understand that here are only so many stories to tell and that Hollywood is going to do whatever it can to save money on making movies so it can rake in the profits. That’s why sequels and remakes get made. But in recent years, Hollywood has started in on some movies that I grew up with and bandied about the word “remake”. Read more
Creation and Destruction With Jennifer Connelly
In the coming months we are presented with two very different films featuring Jennifer Connelly. The first is Creation based upon the lives of Charles Darwin and his wife/cousin. Charles will be played by Jenn’s real life husband Paul Bettany. I am unsure how the film will play in America at the moment with the political season’s return to blind evangelism and false piety, but I am sure it will be well acted by this pair.
Connelly And Bettany Are Origin Of The Species
Before they were married, Paul Bettany and Jennifer Connelly starred together in a movie about a man engaged in his work that had the potential to change his field, while simultaneously straining his relationship with his caring wife. And since they weren’t playing husband and wife in A Beautiful Mind– Russell Crowe got in the way– they’ll give it another go in Creation, a biopic about Charles Darwin.
For the record I am always amazed why Chuck’s Theory of Evolution always plays so poorly in Appalachia, he is obviously a good ol’ boy married to his cousin who enjoys the outdoors so couldn’t be that bad in their eyes…
In a second offering from Jennifer Connelly out late in the year, she will attempt to recapture the magic roll of Helen Benson in The Day The Earth Stood Still. From IMDB:
The 2008 remake about an alien and his indestructible robot will star Keanu Reeves as Klaatu, Jennifer Connelly as Helen Benson, Jaden Smith as Jacob, and Kathy Bates. Gort has not been cast at this time and will most likely be created using SFX.
The remake of The Day the Earth Stood Still will supposedly remain true to the original movie. However, there is a chance the remake will more likely remain true to the short story upon which the 1951 movie is based. In either case, the alien weaponry seems to have been upgraded. In addition to a city going dark, and a very brief look at the new Gort, the film trailer shows a cloud of black smoke, capable of rapid movement and disintegrating matter on contact.
I am a fan of the original movie, but deeply in love with Jenn Connelly, so I am going to hold my opinions until I actually see the film. I will say I like the choice of Keanu Reeves as Klaatu. No matter how the new movie stands up the original film or the short story, the one thing we can be assured by watching the trailer is the special effects are going to be great.
Dark Knight Rising
CNN.com LOS ANGELES, California (AP) — Batman has sent Spidey packing as king of Hollywood’s box-office superheroes. “The Dark Knight” took in a record $155.34 million in its first weekend, topping the previous best of $151.1 million for “Spider-Man 3″ in May 2007 and pacing Hollywood to its biggest weekend ever, according to studio estimates Sunday.
With the success of the first modern Batman movie and the death of beloved actor Heath Ledger is there any wonder this movie did so well? Not only is it not surprising for those reasons, it is a good time to be backing blockbuster movies in general.
When ever the economy has been bad, the movies have always been the one thing we will spend money on. It is escapism in our darkest hours, which if you are lucky will not going two and a half hours plus. We may want to escape from how bad things are but we also want every minute we can get for our $9.00 ticket, $3.00 popcorn and $3.00 Pepsi.
Me I can wait on this one. With any luck it will be the second show when X files hits the drive in in two weeks. That is the only movie I can afford this month. I will get 2 movies at $15.00 for me, Katy and Liam. We will bring our own food, and with any luck I will have readily available beer to stick in the cooler too.
No matter how you see your movie though, I still find it hard to beat full surround sound out of great speakers, your favorite chair and the ability to pause the DVD whenever you like.
Missed It By That Much
for those not enthusiastic about spending their hard earned money at the movies there is an alternative to crowded theaters and hellaciously priced concessions. For a few of us there are still drive in theaters where you can get comfortable and really enjoy the movie. Did mention REALLY enjoy the movie. Where but at a drive in theater can you have a sandwich the way you like it, a tube of Pringles and Beer? Yes for the last item you have to bring a designated driver, but that is okay too. Pregnant Wife = Designated Driver. The only draw back that you may have to deal with is the rain. We finished get smart inside the truck rather than lounging in the back of the truck, and decided to skip Don’t Mess With the Zohan, but that’s life. All in all $15 for three people to see a first run movie with the chance to drink beer and eat real food was money well spent.
Movie Review: Read more
So You Think You Are A Movie Critic
If you think you have what it takes to be a movie critic now is your chance to prove it. The Other Blog is opening five slots for movie critics. Not only will you get your fifteen minutes of fame, your posts will be opened up to adsense revenue sharing.
Respond here to claim a movie, register for an account, and write your review. The first ten people to hand in their review will have them posted and open for a vote of the people. Claim your spot now!
Iron Man Rocks
First off, it kicked ASS. Seriously.
Okay, now for the more in depth analysis. I went into this movie with some knowledge of the comic book history thanks to online friends. But I think even if you know nothing about the comics you can still enjoy this movie. It updates the story of Tony Stark and his journey to becoming Iron Man very well. Of course it’s even better if you know something about the comics and I’m sure all the Marvel fans went crazy for how utterly awesome this is.
It’s funny, especially the sequences where Tony is testing out the Iron Suit. You gotta feel for Robert Downey Jr. or whatever stuntman was doing those because they believably looked like they hurt. I must admit here to being a HUGE RDJ fangirl Read more
Movie Death
I am not talking about some sad flashback of a dying character, the stereotypical quick demise of the cocky black dude, or the gory death of a bubble headed scantily clad buxom blond running to or hiding in the first place some slasher is going to be. I am referring to the death of movies as we know them.
The price of going to the movies is continuing to go up. The industry is being controlled by ever fewer companies. The MPAA is nothing but a sham. (If you have not seen “This Film is Not Yet Rated” I suggested you do) The price of DVD’s is dropping. Last but not least there are loads of free content of varying quality online.
First and foremost, no I do not believe we will see then end of the movie theater, blockbuster hits, or dismal flops that not even the best spin can save. I do believe though we are moving into an era where people are going to see a lot fewer first run movies at the theater. With the cheap tickets being nine bucks or more and another nine bucks for popcorn and a drink there is no way our economy can continue to support escapist activities on this scale. Read more
A Farewell to Chuck
Last night at the Age of 84 we lost a fine actor, Charlton Heston. No matter what you might think of his political and religious leanings, Heston as he said so many times before was an actor first. Whether you choose to think of him parting the Red Sea, in a chariot at the Roman chariot races, or snarling at a talking ape to get their dirty damned paws off him, he was a fine actor. Though we haven’t seen much from him in recent years.
Around the Blogosphere
April 3, 2008 by poptart
Filed under American Idol, Blogosphere, Hot Women, Indie Music, Movies, Music, Television
This week around the Blogosphere
Anyone who blogs and reads blogs will know this week that WordPress 2.5 was released finally. Many of you will also note that many bloggers didn’t put much care into their upgrade. At least this wasn’t as bad as an MS Vista release.
In Music NPR has had a pretty good Song of the Day this week. Thursday is Born a Woman by Nick Lowe. It is a great melody with some poignant lyrics. I am not really familiar with Nick’s music but the feel of this song had a definite Fountains of Wayne feel for me. Wednesday was Wonderwall by the Brad Mehldau Trio. It is a catchy jazz version of the Oasis classic. The tune is recognizable enough in the piano and bass parts that Katy looked at me and said “What the fuck! That is Wonderwall!” Tuesday Grand Archive had their moment with Sleepdriving on Tuesday. Austin TV had the Monday week opener with an interesting number in El Secreto (De las Luciérnagas). I barely speak Spanish as it is so the techno meets new way eighties music didn’t help my translation. The music is sort of interesting, but not really my cup of tea.
On the movies front I finally got Alvin and the Chipmunks and will give it a watch as soon as I let Liam have his TV privileges back. Barring that he is back to school on Monday, giving me plenty of time to indulge my inner kid. Ian at Just a Guy Thing gives us 27 Of The Greatest Movie Kill Scenes Ever Made. I’ve seen quite a number of these and definitely agree with their inclusion.
Last but not least we lost Ramiele Malubay on Idol. It was a moment sad to see her go this week for the simple fact I don’t get to see many hot asian women on TV that can sing. Unfortunately she was the last of the really hot ones, which leaves us with far less attractive, but just just as girly David Archuletea to massacre more music next week. Hopefully Daddy will ground him and forbid him to play idol next week.
Short Films
March 17, 2008 by poptart
Filed under Movies, Video Clip
After my posting on Underground Films I was sent a great link to a French animation studio called Black Bunny Animation Studio. While the site is in French and so are the videos that does not in anyway detract from the how fabulous the animation is. In fact, I think not being able to understand the words actually made the music and animation better, I could pay more attention to what was happening rather than just listening.
My personal favorite was Super Moine, which I think translated as Super Monk based on the video. This is the not so classic viking viking meets monk pillage movie, even if that is the gist of it. What more can I can I say but watch the video. Warning, the music does have English profanity so it probably isn’t work safe. If you want something work safe try visiting Underground Film or playing yesterdays Magnetic Poetry link.
I have also found a few of these films in extended versions on Azureus Vuze, if you prefer to download them. This is quite possibly the best torrent client I have ever used with its built in search engine and regular links to all that is legal and hot. Azureus Vuze.
