Reel Rave!
Jun 18, 2008
STUFF: J. J. Abrams to make movie about NY apartment
I can't remember seeing any movies recently that I considered weird, quirky, or strange. However, that may soon change. J. J. Abrams (Armageddon, Star Trek and more) has snapped up the rights to an NY Times article on a weird apartment complete with all sorts of hidden compartments and puzzles.
Sources:
J.J. Abrams To Make Movie About Fantastical New York Apartment (The Underwire from Wired.com)
J. J. Abrams (Filmography) (Wikipedia)
Sources:
J.J. Abrams To Make Movie About Fantastical New York Apartment (The Underwire from Wired.com)
J. J. Abrams (Filmography) (Wikipedia)
Labels: J. J. Adams, movies, stuff
Jun 6, 2008
STUFF: Transformers 2
The recent Transformers movie was not all that. Even with the cool visuals and that cutie Megan Fox, it still wasn't enough (IMHO). This, for me, was because of the animated 'Transformers: The Movie' (yes, there was an animated movie back in 1986). Now That was a Transformers movie. I was hoping that they'd do the same thing, but only in 'live-action' form this time around.
Enough of that. If you're a Transformers fan, click here for info on 'Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen' (something about the identity of a new Transformer?) and also, a pic of 'ARCEE,' a female that transforms into a sweet looking motorcycle.
Sources:
Identity of New Transformers Robot in Transformers 2? (LatinoReview.com)
Enough of that. If you're a Transformers fan, click here for info on 'Transformers 2: Revenge Of The Fallen' (something about the identity of a new Transformer?) and also, a pic of 'ARCEE,' a female that transforms into a sweet looking motorcycle.
Sources:
Identity of New Transformers Robot in Transformers 2? (LatinoReview.com)
Labels: stuff, Transformers, Transformers 2
Jun 4, 2008
STUFF: One side order of move credits please, extra long!
Movie credits. Some of you may have stayed in your seats until they scrolled off the screen, while others may have bailed as soon as it was obvious that the movie was wrapping-up.
But have you ever wondered how long a movie credit was? Not in terms of the time it took to scroll from start to finish, but its length when placed side-by-side with other credits. No? Well someone did.
This is what it looks like when you place the movie credits from 'Modern Times' (never heard of it), 'Casablanca,' 'On the Waterfront,' 'The Graduate,' and 'Star Wars,' next to the movie credits of 'LOTR: ROTK':
(Source: The New York Times)
But have you ever wondered how long a movie credit was? Not in terms of the time it took to scroll from start to finish, but its length when placed side-by-side with other credits. No? Well someone did.
This is what it looks like when you place the movie credits from 'Modern Times' (never heard of it), 'Casablanca,' 'On the Waterfront,' 'The Graduate,' and 'Star Wars,' next to the movie credits of 'LOTR: ROTK':
(Source: The New York Times)
Apr 21, 2008
STUFF: Lord of the Rings location tours
Die-hard LOTR fans take note: The folks over at Southern Lakes Sightseeing, a New Zealand based outfit, are offering Lord of the Rings location tours:
"We are Lord of the Rings location tour specialists. Our location tours are guided by great storytellers who bring the scenery alive with their accounts of the scenes shot there and many props from the movies are available to handle and photograph. We were one of the original companies in New Zealand to begin LOTR touring and we are endorsed by Ian Brodie, the LOTR guidebook author. Our LOTR day tours have been ranked as the third best activity in New Zealand by the clients of the top Condenast Travel agent (in the States) specialising in New Zealand travel."
Sources:
Lord of the Rings tours New Zealand. Queenstown is Lord of the Rings country (Southern Lakes Sightseeing)
"We are Lord of the Rings location tour specialists. Our location tours are guided by great storytellers who bring the scenery alive with their accounts of the scenes shot there and many props from the movies are available to handle and photograph. We were one of the original companies in New Zealand to begin LOTR touring and we are endorsed by Ian Brodie, the LOTR guidebook author. Our LOTR day tours have been ranked as the third best activity in New Zealand by the clients of the top Condenast Travel agent (in the States) specialising in New Zealand travel."
Sources:
Lord of the Rings tours New Zealand. Queenstown is Lord of the Rings country (Southern Lakes Sightseeing)
Apr 17, 2008
STUFF: Watching movies, in or out?
Where do you watch your movies, in the privacy of your own home, or at the cinema with the rest of the masses?
(Image from Douglas County Georgia website)
I prefer watching movies at a drive-in (there's only one where I live). For me, it combines the privacy and intimacy of home viewing (you're in your own car with your own space), with the excitement and viewing pleasure of a typical big screen cinema (complete with decent audio via your car radio). There are other 'benefits' to be considered as well.
Specifically, certain levels of 'intimacy' and 'privacy' can be shared between you and a friend. No drive-in? No problem. A walk-in cinema will allow you to enjoy the pleasures of a big screen with big sound, but at the expense of intimacy and privacy. This might be a problem unless you and your friend are exhibitionists and are not bothered by people staring at you rather than the screen.
(Image from The World of Cornelia Funke website)
In both cases however, you have to contend with everyone else around you. For example, while at the drive-in and surrounded by a multitude of cars, owners may suddenly start honking away whenever an exciting moment occurs during the movie. The cinema is no different, in fact, it may be worse as you have zero privacy and are completely exposed. Thus, loud noises, hoots and hollers, the odd cellphone ringing and someone getting up to squeeze past you are all issues that may disrupt your movie viewing experience.
But at least you're protected from the elements. At a drive-in (well, the one that I go to anyway) a heavy downpour will force you to engage your windscreen wipers. As a consequence, you 'benefit' from the added 'visual effects' brought about by the to and fro swishing of the wipers (your ears are not left out either as you have to put with the noises the wipers make). In addition, with your windows almost completely rolled up (to avoid getting soaked), you now have a good idea as to how a dog stuck in a car feels like while waiting for its owner to return.
Maybe you're not one for venturing outside to see a movie. Maybe because it's a bit expensive. According to the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) website, the average (U.S.) price for a movie ticket in 2007 was $6.88. There's also the cost of food and drink to be considered, as well as the cost of getting there (unless you're within walking distance).
To be continued...
(Image from Douglas County Georgia website)
I prefer watching movies at a drive-in (there's only one where I live). For me, it combines the privacy and intimacy of home viewing (you're in your own car with your own space), with the excitement and viewing pleasure of a typical big screen cinema (complete with decent audio via your car radio). There are other 'benefits' to be considered as well.
Specifically, certain levels of 'intimacy' and 'privacy' can be shared between you and a friend. No drive-in? No problem. A walk-in cinema will allow you to enjoy the pleasures of a big screen with big sound, but at the expense of intimacy and privacy. This might be a problem unless you and your friend are exhibitionists and are not bothered by people staring at you rather than the screen.
(Image from The World of Cornelia Funke website)
In both cases however, you have to contend with everyone else around you. For example, while at the drive-in and surrounded by a multitude of cars, owners may suddenly start honking away whenever an exciting moment occurs during the movie. The cinema is no different, in fact, it may be worse as you have zero privacy and are completely exposed. Thus, loud noises, hoots and hollers, the odd cellphone ringing and someone getting up to squeeze past you are all issues that may disrupt your movie viewing experience.
But at least you're protected from the elements. At a drive-in (well, the one that I go to anyway) a heavy downpour will force you to engage your windscreen wipers. As a consequence, you 'benefit' from the added 'visual effects' brought about by the to and fro swishing of the wipers (your ears are not left out either as you have to put with the noises the wipers make). In addition, with your windows almost completely rolled up (to avoid getting soaked), you now have a good idea as to how a dog stuck in a car feels like while waiting for its owner to return.
Maybe you're not one for venturing outside to see a movie. Maybe because it's a bit expensive. According to the National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) website, the average (U.S.) price for a movie ticket in 2007 was $6.88. There's also the cost of food and drink to be considered, as well as the cost of getting there (unless you're within walking distance).
To be continued...
Apr 10, 2008
STUFF: Star Wars Gansta Rap Video
Despite being crude, vulgar, obscene, uncouth, uncensored, derogatory and NSFW, this Star Wars music video is a blast! LOL!
Despite being crude, vulgar, obscene, uncouth, uncensored, derogatory and NSFW, this Star Wars music video is a blast! LOL!
Labels: music video, NSFW, parody, Star Wars, stuff
Apr 9, 2008
STUFF: Disney and Pixar announce upcoming releases!
At a press conference in NYC, Disney/Pixar revealed their release schedule for the rest of 2008 up to 2012, including information on 10 new animated feature films. A quick glance at the list below shows that 'Tinker Bell' will be getting alot of focus and attention with four films being made around the character.
Summary of film release schedule for 2008 to 2012:
2008
WALL*E
BOLT
TINKER BELL
2009:
UP
TOY STORY (3D)
THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG
TINKER BELL NORTH OF NEVER LAND (working title)
2010
TOY STORY 2 (3D)
TOY STORY 3
RAPUNZEL
TINKER BELL A MIDSUMMER STORM (working title)
2011
NEWT
THE BEAR AND THE BOW
TINKER BELL A WINTER STORY (working title)
2012
CARS 2
KING OF THE ELVES
Sources:
BREAKING: Disney/Pixar Announce Upcoming Slate! (Cinematical)
Summary of film release schedule for 2008 to 2012:
2008
WALL*E
BOLT
TINKER BELL
2009:
UP
TOY STORY (3D)
THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG
TINKER BELL NORTH OF NEVER LAND (working title)
2010
TOY STORY 2 (3D)
TOY STORY 3
RAPUNZEL
TINKER BELL A MIDSUMMER STORM (working title)
2011
NEWT
THE BEAR AND THE BOW
TINKER BELL A WINTER STORY (working title)
2012
CARS 2
KING OF THE ELVES
Sources:
BREAKING: Disney/Pixar Announce Upcoming Slate! (Cinematical)
Apr 8, 2008
STUFF: Harrison Ford '08
(Movie poster image from Wikipedia)
Harrison Ford wants to be the President. And why shouldn't he? Ronald Reagan was the President. Arnold Schwarzenegger became a Governor. So why not Ford in '08?
Remember people, Ford already has presidential experience, well sort of. In the 1997 movie Air Force One (the opening music to this movie rocks), Ford played James Marshall, the President of the United States. Not enough? No problem. How about his stance on terrorism and foreign policy, check out what El Presidente had to say in the movie:
"Never again will I allow our political self-interest to deter us from doing what we know to be morally right. Atrocity and terror are not political weapons. And to those who would use them, your day is over. We will never negotiate. We will no longer tolerate and we will no longer be afraid. It's your turn to be afraid."
Tough talk, huh? In real life, Ford had this to say on what would happen if he was President for a day:
"I'd like to be George W. Bush, and boy, I'd get a lot done. You'd remember me for a long, long time."
Here's to you, President Ford!
Sources:
Harrison Ford's President ambition (Monsters and Critics)
Air Force One (film) (Wikipedia)
Air Force One (1997) - Memorable quotes (IMDb)
Arnold Schwarzenegger (Wikipedia)
Ronald Reagan (Wikpedia)
(Movie poster image from Wikipedia)
Harrison Ford wants to be the President. And why shouldn't he? Ronald Reagan was the President. Arnold Schwarzenegger became a Governor. So why not Ford in '08?
Remember people, Ford already has presidential experience, well sort of. In the 1997 movie Air Force One (the opening music to this movie rocks), Ford played James Marshall, the President of the United States. Not enough? No problem. How about his stance on terrorism and foreign policy, check out what El Presidente had to say in the movie:
"Never again will I allow our political self-interest to deter us from doing what we know to be morally right. Atrocity and terror are not political weapons. And to those who would use them, your day is over. We will never negotiate. We will no longer tolerate and we will no longer be afraid. It's your turn to be afraid."
Tough talk, huh? In real life, Ford had this to say on what would happen if he was President for a day:
"I'd like to be George W. Bush, and boy, I'd get a lot done. You'd remember me for a long, long time."
Here's to you, President Ford!
Sources:
Harrison Ford's President ambition (Monsters and Critics)
Air Force One (film) (Wikipedia)
Air Force One (1997) - Memorable quotes (IMDb)
Arnold Schwarzenegger (Wikipedia)
Ronald Reagan (Wikpedia)
Labels: Air Force One, election, Harrison Ford, stuff, The President, vote
STUFF: The Empire Strikes Back! Lucas sues designer
(Image from The Underwire from Wired.com)
As if George Lucas hasn't made enough money already from pimping out the Star Wars franchise. Lucasfilm, the company responsible for the production and management of various Lucas properties, is suing Andrew Ainsworth, the designer who crafted the Stormtroopers' white battle suits, for $20 million.
As far as Ainsworth is concerned, the copyright for the costume is his since he's the original maker and is using the original moulds. The British designer is also asking for a share of the revenues generated from merchandising. Lucas Licensing has a different opinion:
"We would never want to discourage fans from showcasing their enthusiasm for the movies," said a spokesman. "However, anyone who tried to profit from using our copyrights and trademarks without authorisation ... we will go after them."
Ainsworth might do well to remember the power of the Dark side of the Force.
Sources:
Star Wars Costume Copyfight Spreads to England (The Underwire from Wired.com)
(Image from The Underwire from Wired.com)
As if George Lucas hasn't made enough money already from pimping out the Star Wars franchise. Lucasfilm, the company responsible for the production and management of various Lucas properties, is suing Andrew Ainsworth, the designer who crafted the Stormtroopers' white battle suits, for $20 million.
As far as Ainsworth is concerned, the copyright for the costume is his since he's the original maker and is using the original moulds. The British designer is also asking for a share of the revenues generated from merchandising. Lucas Licensing has a different opinion:
"We would never want to discourage fans from showcasing their enthusiasm for the movies," said a spokesman. "However, anyone who tried to profit from using our copyrights and trademarks without authorisation ... we will go after them."
Ainsworth might do well to remember the power of the Dark side of the Force.
Sources:
Star Wars Costume Copyfight Spreads to England (The Underwire from Wired.com)
Labels: Andrew Ainsworth, George Lucas, Lucasfilm, Star Wars, Stormtrooper, stuff, The Force
Apr 6, 2008
STUFF: Orlando Bloom to star in Prince of Persia
(Prince of Persia and Orlando Bloom images from Wikipedia)
UPDATE, 04/07/08 at 2203 hrs: It seems that news of Orlando Bloom playing the lead role in the Prince of Persia were nothing but rumours. However, Bruckheimer will be producing the film.
UPDATE, 04/07/08 at 1618 hrs: Jerry Bruckheimer (Black Hawk Down, Pirates of the Caribbean, Enemy of the State and many others) to produce. Orlando Bloom chosen over Zac Efron (who?). Deal is reportedly worth $40 million.
I remember playing Prince of Persia ages ago. Great game. This was back before computers had video cards with 512 megabytes of RAM, CPU's were all single core and 32 (or was it 64?) megabytes was plenty of RAM to have.
My how times have changed. So much so that this classic video game is now moving to the big screen in a Disney trilogy starring, thankfully, Orlando Bloom and not (LOL) Hayden Christensen.
Sources:
Orlando Bloom - Bloom to be Prince in multi-million dollar Disney deal (Contactmusic.com)
Orlando Bloom is 'The Prince of Persia!?' (Cinematical)
Orlando Bloom Not the Prince of Persia (ComingSoon.net)
Jerry Bruckheimer (Wikipedia)
(Prince of Persia and Orlando Bloom images from Wikipedia)
UPDATE, 04/07/08 at 2203 hrs: It seems that news of Orlando Bloom playing the lead role in the Prince of Persia were nothing but rumours. However, Bruckheimer will be producing the film.
UPDATE, 04/07/08 at 1618 hrs: Jerry Bruckheimer (Black Hawk Down, Pirates of the Caribbean, Enemy of the State and many others) to produce. Orlando Bloom chosen over Zac Efron (who?). Deal is reportedly worth $40 million.
I remember playing Prince of Persia ages ago. Great game. This was back before computers had video cards with 512 megabytes of RAM, CPU's were all single core and 32 (or was it 64?) megabytes was plenty of RAM to have.
My how times have changed. So much so that this classic video game is now moving to the big screen in a Disney trilogy starring, thankfully, Orlando Bloom and not (LOL) Hayden Christensen.
Sources:
Orlando Bloom - Bloom to be Prince in multi-million dollar Disney deal (Contactmusic.com)
Orlando Bloom is 'The Prince of Persia!?' (Cinematical)
Orlando Bloom Not the Prince of Persia (ComingSoon.net)
Jerry Bruckheimer (Wikipedia)
Labels: Disney, Jerry Bruckheimer, Orlando Bloom, Prince of Persia, stuff, video game
STUFF: Charlton Heston (1924 - 2008)
(Charlton Heston image from Wikipedia)
The actor died at home (April 5), at the age of 84. Besides being a well known actor, he was also a civil rights leader and a political activist. His movie credits include: The Ten Commandments, Planet of the Apes, Ben-Hur, The Omega Man and Soylent Green.
Sources:
Charlton Heston (Wikipedia)
Statement by the Family of Charlton Heston: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance (Yahoo!)
(Charlton Heston image from Wikipedia)
The actor died at home (April 5), at the age of 84. Besides being a well known actor, he was also a civil rights leader and a political activist. His movie credits include: The Ten Commandments, Planet of the Apes, Ben-Hur, The Omega Man and Soylent Green.
Sources:
Charlton Heston (Wikipedia)
Statement by the Family of Charlton Heston: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance (Yahoo!)
Labels: Charlon Heston, death, stuff
Apr 5, 2008
STUFF: Nicholas Cage libel suit
(Nicholas Cage and Chihuahua images from Wikipedia)
Nicholas Cage has settled a libel suit against Kathleen Turner. Turner, in her autobiography, claimed that he stole, get this, a dog and had been arrested for drunk driving. Nick Cage stealing a dog? Turner apparently saw Cage stuff a Chihuahua that he liked into his jacket.
Sources:
Cage settles libel suit against Turner (CNN.com)
(Nicholas Cage and Chihuahua images from Wikipedia)
Nicholas Cage has settled a libel suit against Kathleen Turner. Turner, in her autobiography, claimed that he stole, get this, a dog and had been arrested for drunk driving. Nick Cage stealing a dog? Turner apparently saw Cage stuff a Chihuahua that he liked into his jacket.
Sources:
Cage settles libel suit against Turner (CNN.com)
Labels: Chihuahua, Kathleen Turner, Nicholas Cage, stuff
Mar 27, 2008
STUFF: "Sir Ian McKellen Says He WILL Return as Gandalf in The Hobbit!"
(Gandalf image from Screen Rant)
So says FirstShowing.net, complete with the word "WILL" in all-caps! But upon reading further, it doesn't say that it's a done deal:
"The third question down gets right to the point - will you again be our Gandalf in The Hobbit now that the deal is settled?
"Yes I will, if Peter Jackson and I have anything to do with it, he being the producer and me being, on the whole, a very lucky actor. I've just read your quote out loud - fabulous speech.""
and this quote:
"One other question inquired as to whether he had actually be approached by Peter Jackson yet since filming is supposed to commence in 2009. His answer:
"Encouragingly, Peter and Fran Walsh have told me they couldn't imagine The Hobbit without their original Gandalf. Their confidence hasn't yet been confirmed by the director Guillermo del Toro but I am keeping my diary free for 2009!""
That McKellen is keen and excited is obvious, but nothing appears to have been signed...yet.
I can't imagine The Hobbit without McKellen as Gandalf. After playing the character in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, he's now 'fixed' as Gandalf in my mind and any attempt at replacing him will reduce the appeal of this highly anticipated film. Do you hear me Evil, Dark Forces? You. Will. Not. Replace. Him.
(Gandalf image from Screen Rant)
So says FirstShowing.net, complete with the word "WILL" in all-caps! But upon reading further, it doesn't say that it's a done deal:
"The third question down gets right to the point - will you again be our Gandalf in The Hobbit now that the deal is settled?
"Yes I will, if Peter Jackson and I have anything to do with it, he being the producer and me being, on the whole, a very lucky actor. I've just read your quote out loud - fabulous speech.""
and this quote:
"One other question inquired as to whether he had actually be approached by Peter Jackson yet since filming is supposed to commence in 2009. His answer:
"Encouragingly, Peter and Fran Walsh have told me they couldn't imagine The Hobbit without their original Gandalf. Their confidence hasn't yet been confirmed by the director Guillermo del Toro but I am keeping my diary free for 2009!""
That McKellen is keen and excited is obvious, but nothing appears to have been signed...yet.
I can't imagine The Hobbit without McKellen as Gandalf. After playing the character in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, he's now 'fixed' as Gandalf in my mind and any attempt at replacing him will reduce the appeal of this highly anticipated film. Do you hear me Evil, Dark Forces? You. Will. Not. Replace. Him.
Labels: Ian McKellen, LOTR, stuff, The Hobbit
Mar 22, 2008
STUFF: Yahoo's 10 Most Historically Innacurate Movies
Guess which movie made Yahoo's historically inaccurate movie list? 10,000 B.C. Hah! No big suprise there. Check out the rest of the 'winners' here.
I don't imagine it being an easy task to accurately condense history into a ninety minute or so film, and also to make it exciting and attractive enough for the average Joe (or Jane) to forego spending their money on other things and instead, head to the cinema. No. Not an easy task indeed.
What with the doom and gloom in today's world, does the typical moviegoer want to sit through anything that forces them to think about, or question what they see on the big screen? Meh. Highly unlikely.
Audiences today want and demand to see cheap thrills, violence, sex, high speed car chases and huge explosions, and why not? Hell, it's been a rough week, the price of oil is rising, the effects of the mortgage crisis haven't disappeared, global warming appears to be real, people are dying and we're not getting any younger.
Despite the above valid reasons for mindless entertainment for the masses, there must be some level of accuracy employed when portraying historical events, especially if these events form the central theme of the film. If not, we run the risk of learning our history lessons from Hollywood who may 'edit histroy' in order to sell a few more tickets and to fill a few more seats.
Maybe it's time for an additional type of film rating. Similar to 'R,' 'PG,' and the others, this new rating would indicate how accurately the historical events are portrayed. Or maybe we just need to forget the whole thing, leave the history lessons in the schools and just kick back, relax and enjoy a film where there's plenty o' violence, beautiful women, high speed car chases, explosions and ends with the good guy saving the day.
I don't imagine it being an easy task to accurately condense history into a ninety minute or so film, and also to make it exciting and attractive enough for the average Joe (or Jane) to forego spending their money on other things and instead, head to the cinema. No. Not an easy task indeed.
What with the doom and gloom in today's world, does the typical moviegoer want to sit through anything that forces them to think about, or question what they see on the big screen? Meh. Highly unlikely.
Audiences today want and demand to see cheap thrills, violence, sex, high speed car chases and huge explosions, and why not? Hell, it's been a rough week, the price of oil is rising, the effects of the mortgage crisis haven't disappeared, global warming appears to be real, people are dying and we're not getting any younger.
Despite the above valid reasons for mindless entertainment for the masses, there must be some level of accuracy employed when portraying historical events, especially if these events form the central theme of the film. If not, we run the risk of learning our history lessons from Hollywood who may 'edit histroy' in order to sell a few more tickets and to fill a few more seats.
Maybe it's time for an additional type of film rating. Similar to 'R,' 'PG,' and the others, this new rating would indicate how accurately the historical events are portrayed. Or maybe we just need to forget the whole thing, leave the history lessons in the schools and just kick back, relax and enjoy a film where there's plenty o' violence, beautiful women, high speed car chases, explosions and ends with the good guy saving the day.
Labels: 10000 BC, history, Hollywood, movies, stuff, world, Yahoo
Mar 21, 2008
STUFF: A-Team Movie
Found via The Movie Blog. It looks like 2009 will see the return of the A-Team...to the big screen! More importantly, the blog ponders (as do I), who will make up the cast of characters? Here are two suggestions from their reader comments:
"Jeremy
BA - Ice Cube
Murdoch - Spike Jonze
Face - Mark Wahlberg
Hannibal - George Clooney
Yes it’s the cast from “Three Kings”, but I think they’d be perfect, especially if they go a Desert Storm route for the backstory."
"Gareth
BA - Ving Rhames
Murdoch - Jim Carrey
Face - Jamie Bamber (aka Apollo from Battlestar Galactica)
Hannibal - Burt Reynolds"
I'd be remiss if I didn't suggest my own cast of characters for the A-Team movie:
BA - defintely Samuel L. Jackson
Murdoch - either Jim Carrey or Steve Carrell
Face - Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise or Steve Carrell (Steve looks like Templeton "Faceman" Peck, doesn't he?)
Hannibal - Anthony Hopkins
Who would you pick?
"Jeremy
BA - Ice Cube
Murdoch - Spike Jonze
Face - Mark Wahlberg
Hannibal - George Clooney
Yes it’s the cast from “Three Kings”, but I think they’d be perfect, especially if they go a Desert Storm route for the backstory."
"Gareth
BA - Ving Rhames
Murdoch - Jim Carrey
Face - Jamie Bamber (aka Apollo from Battlestar Galactica)
Hannibal - Burt Reynolds"
I'd be remiss if I didn't suggest my own cast of characters for the A-Team movie:
BA - defintely Samuel L. Jackson
Murdoch - either Jim Carrey or Steve Carrell
Face - Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise or Steve Carrell (Steve looks like Templeton "Faceman" Peck, doesn't he?)
Hannibal - Anthony Hopkins
Who would you pick?
Mar 13, 2008
STUFF: Harry Potter 7 divided by 2!
Billing itself as "The Most Trusted Name in Potter," (how about: in Potter we trust?), The Leaky Cauldron website stirs and serves up news of the decision to split the seventh Potter film into two movies: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II. David Yates, director of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (and other movies that I've neither heard of, nor seen), will return as director of both films.
Sounds Potter-rific!
Sounds Potter-rific!
Labels: David Yates, Harry Potter, stuff, The Deathly Hallows
Mar 10, 2008
STUFF: 10,000 B.C. (Part 3)
Looks as though Roland Emmerich's epic caveman flick will turn out to be nothing more than an epic disappointment. According to Rotten Tomatoes 'Tomatometer,' the film scored a lousy 7% and its average rating was a dismal 3.2/10. Additionally, out of a total of 82 reviews, 6 were rated as 'Fresh' and a whopping 76 rated as 'Rotten.' (NOTE: RT results may have since changed and may no longer be accurate). Despite these hopeless figures, Box Office Mojo surprises us (okay, suprises me) with news that the movie managed to rake in $35.9 million over the weekend.
Review roundup:
'A visually impressive but narratively flimsy epic.' -- Rotten Tomatoes
'A mix of vast CGI spectacle and small, silly moments, the prehistoric saga "10,000 BC" is an epic in name only.' -- AP via CNN.com
'10,000 B.C. is a risible mess. It makes Mel Gibson's Apocalypto look like sheer genius.' -- Thompson on Hollywood
'Well, OK. It's not really the history of the world, but 10,000 BC has eye candy and action. And now, when someone asks "did extraterrestrials build the pyramids?" I can disabuse them of that nutty idea: "Don't be silly. They were built by a bunch of non-union, wooly mammoths." Works for me.' -- SPACE.com
'Say what you will about Mel Gibson's Apocalypto (and I can say plenty), it at least picked one civilization and historical era and stuck with it; 10,000 B.C. skips from place to place, era to era, like a child idly flipping through the pages of a coffee table book on ancient civilizations before making up a rambling story.' -- Cinematical
'The first big movie of the year arrived in theaters this weekend, and that movie was 10,000 B.C., the Roland Emmerich action-adventure film. Set amidst a time of nomadic people, pyramids, mammoths and sabretooth tigers, the movie does not seek to be historically accurate or even entirely plausible, but to simply be entertaining. And it succeeds on that note.' -- FilmJabber
'And at its best — which may also be to say at its worst — “10,000 BC” feels like a throwback to an ancient, if not exactly prehistoric, style of filmmaking. The wooden acting, the bad dialogue, the extravagantly illogical special effects may well, in time, look pleasingly cheap and hokey, at which point the true entertainment value of the film will at last be realized.' -- New York Times
Review roundup:
'A visually impressive but narratively flimsy epic.' -- Rotten Tomatoes
'A mix of vast CGI spectacle and small, silly moments, the prehistoric saga "10,000 BC" is an epic in name only.' -- AP via CNN.com
'10,000 B.C. is a risible mess. It makes Mel Gibson's Apocalypto look like sheer genius.' -- Thompson on Hollywood
'Well, OK. It's not really the history of the world, but 10,000 BC has eye candy and action. And now, when someone asks "did extraterrestrials build the pyramids?" I can disabuse them of that nutty idea: "Don't be silly. They were built by a bunch of non-union, wooly mammoths." Works for me.' -- SPACE.com
'Say what you will about Mel Gibson's Apocalypto (and I can say plenty), it at least picked one civilization and historical era and stuck with it; 10,000 B.C. skips from place to place, era to era, like a child idly flipping through the pages of a coffee table book on ancient civilizations before making up a rambling story.' -- Cinematical
'The first big movie of the year arrived in theaters this weekend, and that movie was 10,000 B.C., the Roland Emmerich action-adventure film. Set amidst a time of nomadic people, pyramids, mammoths and sabretooth tigers, the movie does not seek to be historically accurate or even entirely plausible, but to simply be entertaining. And it succeeds on that note.' -- FilmJabber
'And at its best — which may also be to say at its worst — “10,000 BC” feels like a throwback to an ancient, if not exactly prehistoric, style of filmmaking. The wooden acting, the bad dialogue, the extravagantly illogical special effects may well, in time, look pleasingly cheap and hokey, at which point the true entertainment value of the film will at last be realized.' -- New York Times
Labels: 10000 BC, Box Office Mojo, cavemen, Roland Emmerich, Rotten Tomatoes, stuff
Mar 8, 2008
STUFF: 10,000 B.C. (Part 2)
After my second post on 10,000 B.C., it became clear that my first post was, at best, somewhat naive. Additionally, after reading two reviews, one on Slate Magazine, the other on Salon.com (both of them negative), I am now only remotely interesting in seeing it.
My main concern is still the language issue. For a movie that's supposed to be set in 10,000 B.C., the cavemen (or is it cavepeople?) speak pretty good English, to good in fact. Also, these cavemen don't even look 'cavemen-ish.' They look good, have nice skin and appear fit and healthy.
There may be a reason for this which the Slate article unknowingly hinted at. I think that his movie is the way it is because of the two GEICO cavemen. If those two had simply stuck to grunting and growling instead of eating out at fancy restaurants, acting all GQ and speaking properly, then maybe we would've seen a different caveman movie.
But it's to late. Now everyone expects cavemen to speak well, look good and indulge in fine dining. In fact, I'd hazard a guess that were time travel possible, and we travelled back in time to meet some cavemen, we'd be surprised if they didn't speak well and a bit disappointed if they were to be found lacking in the etiquette department. To be fair, the GEICO cavemen at least looked authentic: the two of them were distinctly neanderthal-ish, scruffy and ugly looking, even when dressed in fancy clothes.
My main concern is still the language issue. For a movie that's supposed to be set in 10,000 B.C., the cavemen (or is it cavepeople?) speak pretty good English, to good in fact. Also, these cavemen don't even look 'cavemen-ish.' They look good, have nice skin and appear fit and healthy.
There may be a reason for this which the Slate article unknowingly hinted at. I think that his movie is the way it is because of the two GEICO cavemen. If those two had simply stuck to grunting and growling instead of eating out at fancy restaurants, acting all GQ and speaking properly, then maybe we would've seen a different caveman movie.
But it's to late. Now everyone expects cavemen to speak well, look good and indulge in fine dining. In fact, I'd hazard a guess that were time travel possible, and we travelled back in time to meet some cavemen, we'd be surprised if they didn't speak well and a bit disappointed if they were to be found lacking in the etiquette department. To be fair, the GEICO cavemen at least looked authentic: the two of them were distinctly neanderthal-ish, scruffy and ugly looking, even when dressed in fancy clothes.
Labels: 10000 BC, cavemen, Roland Emmerich, stuff
Mar 1, 2008
STUFF: A 4th Matrix?
Over at the The-TrukstoP.com website, Greg Davies explains why a fourth Matrix movie might be made (in a nutshell: money and the Wachowski's changing their minds) and proceeds to examine the different paths it may take.
The little graph above? Oh, that shows the 'coolness' of each of the Matrix trilogies. Ten being very cool, or the coolest and zero being, well, not cool. Thus, M1 (the first Matrix movie) was the coolest and M3 was the least coolest. This is (obviously) highly subjective and is based only on my personal opinion, so don't have a cow.
Over at the The-TrukstoP.com website, Greg Davies explains why a fourth Matrix movie might be made (in a nutshell: money and the Wachowski's changing their minds) and proceeds to examine the different paths it may take.
The little graph above? Oh, that shows the 'coolness' of each of the Matrix trilogies. Ten being very cool, or the coolest and zero being, well, not cool. Thus, M1 (the first Matrix movie) was the coolest and M3 was the least coolest. This is (obviously) highly subjective and is based only on my personal opinion, so don't have a cow.
Labels: stuff, The Matrix, Wachowski
Feb 25, 2008
STUFF: 10,000 BC
Hold the phone. Back the truck up. Wait just a gosh darn minute. 10,000 BC. That's like, ten thousand years ago, right? Right. So, how is it that the characters in the movie can speak English so well?
Yeah I know it's just a movie, but still. I was hooked at the title and the trailer, I never paid attention to the characters and the fact that they spoke English rather well (for prehistoric people), until recently.
Unless, like in The Hunt for Red October (which, IMHO, is one of the greatest sub films ever), where the characters are speaking Russian one second and then English the next with a quick zoom in and out of the camera. Maybe 10,000 BC is one of those deals.
Maybe it'll start off with some: "urk gak urk gak gorp urk cluck cluk," we'll get a little transition of some kind on the screen and then we hear the English version:
"So, Susie, my place or yours?"
Yeah I know it's just a movie, but still. I was hooked at the title and the trailer, I never paid attention to the characters and the fact that they spoke English rather well (for prehistoric people), until recently.
Unless, like in The Hunt for Red October (which, IMHO, is one of the greatest sub films ever), where the characters are speaking Russian one second and then English the next with a quick zoom in and out of the camera. Maybe 10,000 BC is one of those deals.
Maybe it'll start off with some: "urk gak urk gak gorp urk cluck cluk," we'll get a little transition of some kind on the screen and then we hear the English version:
"So, Susie, my place or yours?"
Labels: 10000 BC, stuff, The Hunt for Red October
Feb 20, 2008
STUFF: Rambo banned in Myanmar
Originally found via the Deus Ex Malcontent blog (run by an ex-CNN producer of American Morning. Made 'ex' because of blogging). Over at The New York Times, they provide some more info:
"DVD copies of the movie “Rambo,” starring and directed by Sylvester Stallone, below, are much in demand in Myanmar but very had to find, Agence France-Presse reported. That is because the police there have banned the film, in which Mr. Stallone portrays a Vietnam War veteran battling soldiers of the military junta that rules the country. “Police have warned me I could go to jail for up to seven years if I sell the latest Rambo film,” said a DVD vendor who declined to be identified. Another seller said that at least 20 customers asked for it every day. One democracy advocate, who declined to say how he obtained a copy, said, “I watched the movie at home with my family and gave it to my friends because I wanted them to see it."
If The Man wants to ban a movie, let 'em start with Adaptation (annoyingly boring first time I saw it), the Olsen twins , Power Rangers and Alvin and the Chipmunks (it was all downhill for that movie when one of the little munchkins decided to fart in Dave's face. What was Jason Lee thinking when he signed on for that?).
"DVD copies of the movie “Rambo,” starring and directed by Sylvester Stallone, below, are much in demand in Myanmar but very had to find, Agence France-Presse reported. That is because the police there have banned the film, in which Mr. Stallone portrays a Vietnam War veteran battling soldiers of the military junta that rules the country. “Police have warned me I could go to jail for up to seven years if I sell the latest Rambo film,” said a DVD vendor who declined to be identified. Another seller said that at least 20 customers asked for it every day. One democracy advocate, who declined to say how he obtained a copy, said, “I watched the movie at home with my family and gave it to my friends because I wanted them to see it."
If The Man wants to ban a movie, let 'em start with Adaptation (annoyingly boring first time I saw it), the Olsen twins , Power Rangers and Alvin and the Chipmunks (it was all downhill for that movie when one of the little munchkins decided to fart in Dave's face. What was Jason Lee thinking when he signed on for that?).
Labels: Adaptation, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Jason Lee, Myanmar, Olsen twins, Power Rangers, Rambo, stuff, Sylvester Stallone
