THR.com announced on July 2, 2010 that the new Spiderman will be British actor Andrew Garfield. This virtually unknown actor (has only been in indie films) will surely become very well-known once the movie opens on July 3, 2012. This might be a good choice. The bulk of Tobey Maguire's work were indie films until he got the role of Spiderman. Historically, lead roles in films that are comic book adaptations have not been A list stars.
For more details: http://heatvision.hollywoodreporter.com/2010/07/andrew-garfield-to-play-spiderman.html
Javier Bardem will be another notable guest star set to appear on Glee! How great that he's not too cool for school AND that he's that big of a fan of the show! He asked to be on the show! And, um, I didn't know he could sing. For more details, go to http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2010/07/05/glee-javier-bardem/
Prince is cranky over the internet! I'm gonna have to agree with his stance somewhat. The downloading "laws" (legal and not) is not fair -- for most artists. Why does HE care to get paid in advance from ITunes? I see certain unknown, indie artists feeling shafted that way. Read this short article from billboard.com for more: http://www.billboard.com/#/news/prince-the-internet-is-over-1004102232.story?tag=hpfeed
Eminem's Recovery is the #1 album in the country! California Gurls (yep, that's how she spells it) is still at #1! For all the charts, check out billboard.com of course. And at #1 is Love the Way You Lie by Eminem featuring Rihanna. Hmm. Are Orlando stations NOT playing this song?! I haven't heard it!
So, is the Twilight franchise losing momentum, with box office sales for Eclipse being much lower than its first installment? Will studios have any confidence in M Night Shyamalan to direct more films after awful reviews for The Last Airbender? Yes, it's doing relatively well in the box office but is that enough? Even I am personally disappointed by this. I used to be in awe of this man and still had hope for him after "The Happening."
Here are the box office #'s: http://ercboxoffice.com/index.php?section=news&subsection=show_news_details&news_id=304
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Today's buzz
Betty White hosting 05/08/10 SNL episode draws in its highest ratings in 18 months! I've been a huge fan of hers since Golden Girls and watch her everytime she's in anything. I was one of the ones excited when I heard she was in The Proposal long before it premiered -- LONG before that Snickers commercial came out during the Super Bowl, which catapulted her into super stardom. I'm so glad she's getting this sort of attention. She never really went anywhere but this is not the attention she has received before-- and well deserved! Oh... May I add that I am just 31? It was ALSO great to see all the great ladies of SNL back together, especially Amy Pohler, Tina Fey, Maya Rudolph and Ana Gasteyer! Media talking heads fail to forget that's also what made the show so great.
American Idol has included a poll on their website to get feedback from fans! Desperate move, producers. But, hey, you're not sure why the ratings are at their lowest ever so ... why not? Although the rest of us can figure it out!
IRON MAN 2 grossed $51.9 million overseas this weekend, for a total of $188 million. Worldwide Marvel's gold-plated man of iron has already amassed nearly $320 million. Domestically, it earned $128,122,480. Worldwide, Marvel's gold-plated man of iron has already amassed nearly $320 million.
Twilight: Eclipse soundtrack to be sold June 8, 2010. Do I care? Nah. But I am sure others might be.
Katy Perry is chosen as Maxim's hottest woman of Hollywood. I'm surprised that a woman who is not tan, not that tall or not curvy was chosen but... pleasantly surprised. The guys over there are showing how diverse their taste is! But I have given them SOME credit ever since they included America Ferrera on the list a couple of years ago. Showbiz Tonight made a point of saying that Jolie dropped to #38. Hmmm.
-- According to CNN's Showbiz Tonight.
According to Exhibitor Relations, Men in Black 3 will premiere Memorial Day Weekend 2012... in 3D! Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones will reprise their roles and Barry Sonnenfeld will return to direct. It just won't be the same without those three so I am sure it will be fun and entertaining. Sonnenfeld's cartoonish and sometimes exuberant style is what makes the franchise what it is. The second installment was kinda bad though but the writing and direction of the story attributed to the dissapointing follow-up.
American Idol has included a poll on their website to get feedback from fans! Desperate move, producers. But, hey, you're not sure why the ratings are at their lowest ever so ... why not? Although the rest of us can figure it out!
IRON MAN 2 grossed $51.9 million overseas this weekend, for a total of $188 million. Worldwide Marvel's gold-plated man of iron has already amassed nearly $320 million. Domestically, it earned $128,122,480. Worldwide, Marvel's gold-plated man of iron has already amassed nearly $320 million.
Twilight: Eclipse soundtrack to be sold June 8, 2010. Do I care? Nah. But I am sure others might be.
Katy Perry is chosen as Maxim's hottest woman of Hollywood. I'm surprised that a woman who is not tan, not that tall or not curvy was chosen but... pleasantly surprised. The guys over there are showing how diverse their taste is! But I have given them SOME credit ever since they included America Ferrera on the list a couple of years ago. Showbiz Tonight made a point of saying that Jolie dropped to #38. Hmmm.
-- According to CNN's Showbiz Tonight.
According to Exhibitor Relations, Men in Black 3 will premiere Memorial Day Weekend 2012... in 3D! Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones will reprise their roles and Barry Sonnenfeld will return to direct. It just won't be the same without those three so I am sure it will be fun and entertaining. Sonnenfeld's cartoonish and sometimes exuberant style is what makes the franchise what it is. The second installment was kinda bad though but the writing and direction of the story attributed to the dissapointing follow-up.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Today's buzz
X-Men: First Class to open in June 2011! My sidenote: REALLY excited about this one! Just hope that Brian Singer comes back to direct!
Patrick Dempsey will be part of the Transformers 3 cast. My sidenote: I'm so done with this franchise. This time, I'll wait for the DVD... or even not watch it at all.
Billboard Magazine names Kelly Clarkson most successful American Idol. My sidenote: Woohoooo! :-) I love her!!
American Idol ratings drop to historic lows. My sidenote: IS anyone surprised?! Simon Cowell is sure leaving the show at the right time!
Kate Gosselin returning to Dancing with the Stars for the finale. My sidenote: Love or hate her, she's good for ratings and it's entertaining to see her dance so badly. And just as I predicted and A.J Hammer just confirmed, ratings went down when she left!
ABC expanding "Lost" finale episode to 2 and a half hours!
... According to Showbiz Tonight, as of 05/05/10 during 5pm show.
Patrick Dempsey will be part of the Transformers 3 cast. My sidenote: I'm so done with this franchise. This time, I'll wait for the DVD... or even not watch it at all.
Billboard Magazine names Kelly Clarkson most successful American Idol. My sidenote: Woohoooo! :-) I love her!!
American Idol ratings drop to historic lows. My sidenote: IS anyone surprised?! Simon Cowell is sure leaving the show at the right time!
Kate Gosselin returning to Dancing with the Stars for the finale. My sidenote: Love or hate her, she's good for ratings and it's entertaining to see her dance so badly. And just as I predicted and A.J Hammer just confirmed, ratings went down when she left!
ABC expanding "Lost" finale episode to 2 and a half hours!
... According to Showbiz Tonight, as of 05/05/10 during 5pm show.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Quick random thoughts & this week's news!
-- Found out on CNN Headline News a few days ago that NBC is trying to have Jimmy Fallon host this year's Emmy Awards. I hope they can get that done because he has proved himself as someone who can carry a show since he took over Late Night. Sure, the Emmy's are of a different caliber and tall order but I'm sure he can do it!
-- How Hollywood celebrates Earth Day... REuse old ideas to REmake movies! Wait. This is what they do all year 'round!
-- Toyota product placement on last night's "The New Adventures of Old Christine" was awkward. At least be a little subtle like most shows!
8:14 PM Apr 22nd via Twitter
-- Mickey Rourke is playing it smart! Before we see him in the Expandables this summer, we get to see what he can do in an action flick when Iron Man 2 comes out on May 7th!
-- James Cameron told LA Times that the Avatar sequel is going to be partially shot underwater. Will he ever stop trying to outdo HIMSELF?!
8:17 PM Apr 22nd via Twitter
-- Just heard on E that Southpark creators got death threats for their episode of a bear called Mohammad. The producers' way of quelling this was to bleep "Mohammad" in the episode. Huh? Didn't it just sound like they were cursing then?
8:50 PM Apr 22nd via Twitter
-- As I was watching the Real Houswives of New York (yah, guilty pleasure) I realized that new "friends" are introduced with their name along with their status and the things they have! When Luanne introduced Sonya to Ramona, she said, "Sonya is coming too; she has a place in the Hamptons..." So, do all the wealthy do this or just the self-righteous women of this show?
By the way, I posted most of this on Twitter. I just cancelled the account so ... here ya go!
-- How Hollywood celebrates Earth Day... REuse old ideas to REmake movies! Wait. This is what they do all year 'round!
-- Toyota product placement on last night's "The New Adventures of Old Christine" was awkward. At least be a little subtle like most shows!
8:14 PM Apr 22nd via Twitter
-- Mickey Rourke is playing it smart! Before we see him in the Expandables this summer, we get to see what he can do in an action flick when Iron Man 2 comes out on May 7th!
-- James Cameron told LA Times that the Avatar sequel is going to be partially shot underwater. Will he ever stop trying to outdo HIMSELF?!
8:17 PM Apr 22nd via Twitter
-- Just heard on E that Southpark creators got death threats for their episode of a bear called Mohammad. The producers' way of quelling this was to bleep "Mohammad" in the episode. Huh? Didn't it just sound like they were cursing then?
8:50 PM Apr 22nd via Twitter
-- As I was watching the Real Houswives of New York (yah, guilty pleasure) I realized that new "friends" are introduced with their name along with their status and the things they have! When Luanne introduced Sonya to Ramona, she said, "Sonya is coming too; she has a place in the Hamptons..." So, do all the wealthy do this or just the self-righteous women of this show?
By the way, I posted most of this on Twitter. I just cancelled the account so ... here ya go!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Iron Man 2 - Trailers, Videos, and Reviews ComingSoon.net Movie Database
Iron Man 2 - Trailers, Videos, and Reviews ComingSoon.net Movie Database
Posted using ShareThis
This is the new trailer(which is interactive-- by the way) released today! :-)
Posted using ShareThis
This is the new trailer(which is interactive-- by the way) released today! :-)
Friday, March 12, 2010
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse trailer released today!
What more can I say? This one's for those Twilight fans! Go to
http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=53125 for full synposis AND trailer!
http://www.comingsoon.net/films.php?id=53125 for full synposis AND trailer!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
America's Best Dance Crew Season 5
Review of Nationals-- Chart Topper ChallengePereotix should have been eliminated after the show and Swagger should have stayed!!!! And I can't believe they got the most votes and stayed the following week.
MY top 5:
1- Jungle Boogie-- they woke me up during a show that beginning to be unimpressive.
2- Saltaré-- I was in awe of their use fo jump ropes in a hip hop routine!
3- Royal Flush*
4- Blue Print Crew*
5- Static Noyse-- fusion of theatrics and hip hop is fascinating!
*Received the fewest votes for this week. I don't understand why! J.C took the words right out of my mouth; they were the best crews of the night.
Review of Music Video ChallengePerotix proved that they should have been gone!
MY top 3:
1- Hype 5.0
2- Blueprint Crew
3- Jungle Boogie
Review of Lady Gaga challengeAs soon as I found out that Pereotix's challenge was to emulate the video, Paparazzi, I thought: "Oh, great. That's perfect for them!" I am surprised that none of the judges pointed out the jump rope section; I think that was either a nod or a "See, we can use jump ropes too!" to Saltaré!
It is noble of the producers to throw out the votes due to technical issues but double elimination the following week?! Hmmm. I am not sure what I think about that.
MY top 2:
1- Blueprint Crew
2- Saltaré-- I am just in awe of them!
Go to dancecrew.mtv.com for full episodes, behind-the-scenes stuff and more! MTV does a good job with presenting stuff about the show for its fanatics!
MY top 5:
1- Jungle Boogie-- they woke me up during a show that beginning to be unimpressive.
2- Saltaré-- I was in awe of their use fo jump ropes in a hip hop routine!
3- Royal Flush*
4- Blue Print Crew*
5- Static Noyse-- fusion of theatrics and hip hop is fascinating!
*Received the fewest votes for this week. I don't understand why! J.C took the words right out of my mouth; they were the best crews of the night.
Review of Music Video ChallengePerotix proved that they should have been gone!
MY top 3:
1- Hype 5.0
2- Blueprint Crew
3- Jungle Boogie
Review of Lady Gaga challengeAs soon as I found out that Pereotix's challenge was to emulate the video, Paparazzi, I thought: "Oh, great. That's perfect for them!" I am surprised that none of the judges pointed out the jump rope section; I think that was either a nod or a "See, we can use jump ropes too!" to Saltaré!
It is noble of the producers to throw out the votes due to technical issues but double elimination the following week?! Hmmm. I am not sure what I think about that.
MY top 2:
1- Blueprint Crew
2- Saltaré-- I am just in awe of them!
Go to dancecrew.mtv.com for full episodes, behind-the-scenes stuff and more! MTV does a good job with presenting stuff about the show for its fanatics!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Ghostbusters screenwriter and The Office?!
I was reading the credits of the 03/04/2010 episode of The Office, the one where Jim and Pam have their baby and noticed that part 2 was directed by Harold Ramis. That name was familiar to me so I went online. He's the director/screenwriter of such comedic films as Ghostbusters and Animal House! Please click on the title of this blog post for more info. He's not the only A-list director/screenwriters to be involved with one of the best comedies on television right now. Did you know that Joss Whedon directed the one with the bat attack? That is just off the top of my head. I am sure there have been a couple others.
Yes, I do notice these things.
For all things The Office, go to http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/
Yes, I do notice these things.
For all things The Office, go to http://www.nbc.com/The_Office/
Beginning of summer 2010 releases...bring on the unoriginal ideas!
Although I think the summer is starting off with unoriginal concepts, there are a few films I am looking forward to. As you film aficionados know, the summer season begins in May. Click on the title of this post; it will direct you to May 2010 releases and their trailers, if available. For June releases, go to http://www.comingsoon.net/movies.php?year=2010&month=6 ; it will direct you to a list of June 2010 releases and their trailers, if available.
1- Iron Man 2- I've been waiting for this since I finished watching the first one at the cinema! I am still so impressed with Jon Favreau directing an action film of this size and calibre. Plus, I was so happy that this was the return to leading man status for Robert Downey, Jr.
2- MacGruber-- Yes, a movie based on the SNL skit based on the action/drama from the 1980's, MacGyver. Unoriginal? Somewhat. But the skits are funny and it looks like the movie is even funnier! I laughed out loud just from watching the trailer. For a trip down memory lane, watch full episodes of one of my favorite shows of the 80's/90's: MacGyver
Let's get real... SNL has not produced a good funny movie since Wayne's World. I think this is going to actually be good!
3- Shrek Forever After-- Although the last installment, Shrek the Third , was dissapointing, I will have to give this one a try as it is slated to be the last installment of the series. The story sounds funny but it's reminiscent of "It's A Wonderful Life"
4- Killers- I'm still not 100% sure on this one but it seems promising, as long as Ashton Kutcher can get out of the box he has created for himself and not act like he usually does!
5- The A-Team-- I'm a sucker for watching any movie that reminds me of the t.v shows I watched and loved as a child. BUT this one looks like it was done well and promises to be a good time, as it is directed by Joe Carnahan, the director of Smokin' Aces .
6- Knight and Day-- Interesting premise but I wonder if the producers and writers of Killers shared notes with them or vice versa. Hmm. The plot for both seems interchangeable. Don't ya think? But hey, this one has Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, with Cruise being an action hero again, which really works for him! :-) He was amazing in Mission: Impossible 3. On a sidenote: I hope J.J Abrams decided to direct the 4th installment, which is slated to be released in 2011. According to http://www.comingsoon.net/ , J.J Abrams will be producing it. Josh Applebaum & Andre Nemec will write the script based on a story Abrams wrote with them. Abrams directed the best one in the series, even though I am somewhat of a fan of John Woo. I was in awe of the intricacies of certain scenes of that film!
1- Iron Man 2- I've been waiting for this since I finished watching the first one at the cinema! I am still so impressed with Jon Favreau directing an action film of this size and calibre. Plus, I was so happy that this was the return to leading man status for Robert Downey, Jr.
2- MacGruber-- Yes, a movie based on the SNL skit based on the action/drama from the 1980's, MacGyver. Unoriginal? Somewhat. But the skits are funny and it looks like the movie is even funnier! I laughed out loud just from watching the trailer. For a trip down memory lane, watch full episodes of one of my favorite shows of the 80's/90's: MacGyver
Let's get real... SNL has not produced a good funny movie since Wayne's World. I think this is going to actually be good!
3- Shrek Forever After-- Although the last installment, Shrek the Third , was dissapointing, I will have to give this one a try as it is slated to be the last installment of the series. The story sounds funny but it's reminiscent of "It's A Wonderful Life"
4- Killers- I'm still not 100% sure on this one but it seems promising, as long as Ashton Kutcher can get out of the box he has created for himself and not act like he usually does!
5- The A-Team-- I'm a sucker for watching any movie that reminds me of the t.v shows I watched and loved as a child. BUT this one looks like it was done well and promises to be a good time, as it is directed by Joe Carnahan, the director of Smokin' Aces .
6- Knight and Day-- Interesting premise but I wonder if the producers and writers of Killers shared notes with them or vice versa. Hmm. The plot for both seems interchangeable. Don't ya think? But hey, this one has Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, with Cruise being an action hero again, which really works for him! :-) He was amazing in Mission: Impossible 3. On a sidenote: I hope J.J Abrams decided to direct the 4th installment, which is slated to be released in 2011. According to http://www.comingsoon.net/ , J.J Abrams will be producing it. Josh Applebaum & Andre Nemec will write the script based on a story Abrams wrote with them. Abrams directed the best one in the series, even though I am somewhat of a fan of John Woo. I was in awe of the intricacies of certain scenes of that film!
Green Lantern info
I am SO looking forward to seeing Ryan Reynolds as the Green Lantern. His role in Blade: Trinity and X-men Origins: Wolverine prepared him to be the lead role in a movie adaptation of a comic book super-hero.
Please click on the title of this blog entry for the Coming Soon website. This is one of THE best film sites as it is reliable due to the contributors/journalistists on the site.
As always, thanks for reading and see ya at the cinema. :-)
Please click on the title of this blog entry for the Coming Soon website. This is one of THE best film sites as it is reliable due to the contributors/journalistists on the site.
As always, thanks for reading and see ya at the cinema. :-)
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Much more to come!
Many more reviews are coming! I finally took the advice my brother and a friend gave me and decided to start this blog of my reviews! What I have posted so far are ones I have saved for a long time. I can't wait to post more! The ones that are "missing" are for: "He's Just Not that Into You", "The Lovely Bones", "Avatar" "Shutter Island, and many more.
I will also post reviews of albums and reviews TV shows (or episodes of my favorite tv shows).
Furthermore, I will be posting the latest news (that I find from my favorite reliable entertainment websites) & add my take on it.
Thanks for visiting my blog! :-)
I will also post reviews of albums and reviews TV shows (or episodes of my favorite tv shows).
Furthermore, I will be posting the latest news (that I find from my favorite reliable entertainment websites) & add my take on it.
Thanks for visiting my blog! :-)
Review of "Surrogates"
"Surrogates" gets 2 1/2 or 3 stars out of 5. Trying to write this one without giving too much away is difficult because of the complexities of the storyline. I'll just say that some things about the story was ridiculous but the action was great. Bruce Willis was just... Okay. Then again, he had to play a stoic, emotionless being for half of the movie. The special effects of the surrogates was fascinating. That is something I'd want to check out on the DVD's Special Features!
Review of Love Happens
I was SO glad "Love Happens" did NOT meet my expectations! However, it still gets 3 1/2 out of 5 stars. The movie was more about Aaron Eckhart's character and what a tortured and complex soul he was. There was supposed to be a love connection between him and Jennifer Aniston but there wasn't much there and they did not have a bit of chemistry. The movie was billed as a romantic movie-- it was more of a drama based on this self help guru who needed help himself and happened to find this woman along the way. Now, she was definitely essential to the story -- I'm not going to be like the typical movie reviewer and tell you why though-- and give too much away.
I recommend this movie because of the great character development, interesting and heartwrenching story and surprising, unformulaic ending. As far as those who aren't Jen Aniston fans: she did her job in the movie. Yes, she could emote more. Her main problem is that she just doesn't have much of a range. I can't imagine her in a comedy like "The Proposal" or a period piece. But since there's so much more to the movies she has been in thus far than her-- she is usually adequate and I can overlook that and still appreciate the movie.
I recommend this movie because of the great character development, interesting and heartwrenching story and surprising, unformulaic ending. As far as those who aren't Jen Aniston fans: she did her job in the movie. Yes, she could emote more. Her main problem is that she just doesn't have much of a range. I can't imagine her in a comedy like "The Proposal" or a period piece. But since there's so much more to the movies she has been in thus far than her-- she is usually adequate and I can overlook that and still appreciate the movie.
Review of Law-Abiding Citizen
3.5 /5 stars. ****
This movie impacted me in such a way that I still thought about it for days afterward.
The writing was cohesive and impeccable. F. Gary Gray's directing was as succinct and sharp as usual. Gerard Butler's acting was superb; he was convincing as a loving father -- and as an angry psychopath! Jamie Foxx was excellent as usual. All the actors were perfect for their respective roles-- whether big or small.
This is not your typical revenge thriller. There were 2 keys missing: (1) The character development , as it relates to the relationship between the protagonist and his loved ones (the ones that were abducted or murdered). (2) Secondly, the protagonist is usually written in such a way that invokes sympathy for him for the duration of the film. Case in point: "Taken" is an exemplary and perfectly executed revenge thriller. I cannot elaborate on the first key I mentioned and why Law -Abiding Citizen did not satisfy it because you should see for yourself. In regards to the second key... my sympathy for Butler's character went out the door within 15-20 minutes after his arrest. This is when I get disappointed by much of the film.
All this leaves me with this ponderable ... Maybe this film is not really a revenge thriller OR it is just a uniquely crafted one by Kurt Wimmer, the screenwriter.
Ultimately, Butler's character's motives were not just about revenge and as a whole, it had a complex multi-layered story with many surprises and plot twists that any film enthusiast who truly thinks about what they are seeing and hearing, beyond what is on the surface, should appreciate.
This movie impacted me in such a way that I still thought about it for days afterward.
The writing was cohesive and impeccable. F. Gary Gray's directing was as succinct and sharp as usual. Gerard Butler's acting was superb; he was convincing as a loving father -- and as an angry psychopath! Jamie Foxx was excellent as usual. All the actors were perfect for their respective roles-- whether big or small.
This is not your typical revenge thriller. There were 2 keys missing: (1) The character development , as it relates to the relationship between the protagonist and his loved ones (the ones that were abducted or murdered). (2) Secondly, the protagonist is usually written in such a way that invokes sympathy for him for the duration of the film. Case in point: "Taken" is an exemplary and perfectly executed revenge thriller. I cannot elaborate on the first key I mentioned and why Law -Abiding Citizen did not satisfy it because you should see for yourself. In regards to the second key... my sympathy for Butler's character went out the door within 15-20 minutes after his arrest. This is when I get disappointed by much of the film.
All this leaves me with this ponderable ... Maybe this film is not really a revenge thriller OR it is just a uniquely crafted one by Kurt Wimmer, the screenwriter.
Ultimately, Butler's character's motives were not just about revenge and as a whole, it had a complex multi-layered story with many surprises and plot twists that any film enthusiast who truly thinks about what they are seeing and hearing, beyond what is on the surface, should appreciate.
Review of The Invention of Lying
2 and a half out of 5 stars :-(
It was not as funny as I thought it was going to be-- not that funny period. Within 20 minutes, the brutal honesty became trite and tired. I thought that the point of the movie was that everyone were honest and told the truth (more specifically, when asked a question). Why, then did people randomly say odd stuff that were on their minds, unprovoked? I accepted when people told the truth when being asked that old as time question, "How are you doing?" That-- I get! In real life, how often do we reply, "I'm fine" when we are not? But for waitress to just come up to someone in a casino and tell them why they wish they were a stripper instead... this was nonsensical and ludicrous.
As the story between Ricky Gervais' character and Jennifer Garners' character unfolds, I start to notice that not only is this alternate universe a brutally honest one but it is also a superficial and judgmental one! Ultimately, the movie happens to be way more about lying and not lying-- other than what I just mentioned. There are certainly jabs at religion (how Gervais sees it anyway), marriage, love, romance, race, the class system and relationships.
Ricky Gervais' character was an endearing one and he played him well. He invoked so much pity, especially during his interaction with his longtime crush and his sick mother.
Rob Lowe was perfect as an egomaniac who was envied by men and loved by women and was the antithesis to the main character. There were a few great cameos, especially Jason Bateman as a doctor and a surprise one by someone else who played a cop (can't say who because he wasn't even in the opening credits but he's a big star and critically-acclaimed actor). Apparently, just myself and some guy behind me caught it because we were the only ones to gasp and then say, "Whoa, that's _____."
I also still praise Gervais for coming up with an original concept, co-writing the screenplay and co-directing it. As an astute film fanatic, here's a small detail I noticed, which is a nod to the directing: Gervais owned a Magnavox TV, which I am pretty sure is a defunct brand, but later on, when we finally see Garner's character's home, they begin the scene with a clear shot of her Sony TV. It just adds to the ways we discover the difference of class and that she was more well off she is than Gervais' character. Yes, I am a movie nerd... and I do not mind.
It was not as funny as I thought it was going to be-- not that funny period. Within 20 minutes, the brutal honesty became trite and tired. I thought that the point of the movie was that everyone were honest and told the truth (more specifically, when asked a question). Why, then did people randomly say odd stuff that were on their minds, unprovoked? I accepted when people told the truth when being asked that old as time question, "How are you doing?" That-- I get! In real life, how often do we reply, "I'm fine" when we are not? But for waitress to just come up to someone in a casino and tell them why they wish they were a stripper instead... this was nonsensical and ludicrous.
As the story between Ricky Gervais' character and Jennifer Garners' character unfolds, I start to notice that not only is this alternate universe a brutally honest one but it is also a superficial and judgmental one! Ultimately, the movie happens to be way more about lying and not lying-- other than what I just mentioned. There are certainly jabs at religion (how Gervais sees it anyway), marriage, love, romance, race, the class system and relationships.
Ricky Gervais' character was an endearing one and he played him well. He invoked so much pity, especially during his interaction with his longtime crush and his sick mother.
Rob Lowe was perfect as an egomaniac who was envied by men and loved by women and was the antithesis to the main character. There were a few great cameos, especially Jason Bateman as a doctor and a surprise one by someone else who played a cop (can't say who because he wasn't even in the opening credits but he's a big star and critically-acclaimed actor). Apparently, just myself and some guy behind me caught it because we were the only ones to gasp and then say, "Whoa, that's _____."
I also still praise Gervais for coming up with an original concept, co-writing the screenplay and co-directing it. As an astute film fanatic, here's a small detail I noticed, which is a nod to the directing: Gervais owned a Magnavox TV, which I am pretty sure is a defunct brand, but later on, when we finally see Garner's character's home, they begin the scene with a clear shot of her Sony TV. It just adds to the ways we discover the difference of class and that she was more well off she is than Gervais' character. Yes, I am a movie nerd... and I do not mind.
Review of Ice Age 3
Now, for my mini- review on Ice Age 3... 3 1/2 stars out of 5! This movie just wasn't as funny as the first 2 installments. It also was not as entertaining as the others. Simon Pegg as the new character, Buck was hilarious though. He went above and beyond; I had no clue he was the voice of the weasel until I read the credits! Like the other Ice Age movies, there were still great messages and themes in this one: friendship, forgiveness, unconditional love (romantic or otherwise) and the power of not giving up to accomplish anything worthwhile. And of course, the animations was a-ma-zing! I'm always fascinated by computer animation. Notice the water? It almost looked real.
Review of Monsters vs Aliens
My mini review on Monsters VS Aliens: I give it 4/5 stars. The animation was detailed and amazing! That is to be expected for a Dreamworks animated film though. This was their funniest one! I laughed out loud so many times-- so did most of the audience. There were jokes silly enough for kids but many were ones that only adults could understand and appreciate. This is what separates Dreamworks animation from Pixar. They don't have to be as tame as Pixar, since Pixar is a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company.
Finally, the story was great and the vocal performances were good but Rainn Wilson as the villian was incredible. I couldn't tell it was him, so he went above and beyond. All the other voices were obvious, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
I don't want to give too much away. I leave you with one tip (if you haven't seen it): Stay for the credits! I did because I usually do anyway (Yes, I'm a movie nerd) so most who were with me did and was treated to an extra scene, which was hilarious! It came on halfway through the credits.
The message of the film was cliché and trite but a nice one nonetheless. A great message for kids ... and even some adults.
Finally, the story was great and the vocal performances were good but Rainn Wilson as the villian was incredible. I couldn't tell it was him, so he went above and beyond. All the other voices were obvious, which wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
I don't want to give too much away. I leave you with one tip (if you haven't seen it): Stay for the credits! I did because I usually do anyway (Yes, I'm a movie nerd) so most who were with me did and was treated to an extra scene, which was hilarious! It came on halfway through the credits.
The message of the film was cliché and trite but a nice one nonetheless. A great message for kids ... and even some adults.
Introducing... me!
I’m a huge pop culture geek. MY dream is to be an entertainment critic and write for a magazine or webzine. I go to Daytona State right now. I am considering a B.A in Creative Writing and minor in Film studies and Mass Communications at UCF. My CAREER goals are to be an entertainment critic or TV, film or record producer. My brother and a friend suggested I start a blog to post my reviews because I'm good at writing reviews. Well, I finally took their advice... here I go! Plus, perhaps I will gain exposure and feedback from readers of it. :-)
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