Hawkeye in Thor
Set photos from X-Men: First Class
Stills from Tin Tin
Cinema Attendence in America down by 5%
Friday 31 December 2010
The Buzz: New Years Eve
Hawkeye in Thor
Set photos from X-Men: First Class
Stills from Tin Tin
Cinema Attendence in America down by 5%
Tuesday 28 December 2010
The Buzz: 28/12/10
Above poster for new film Cedar Rapids
Tom Hardy on the set of his new film
Gemma Arterton and Andrew Garfield find work
The Avengers bad guys to be The Skrulls
and an apology for no Buzz yesterday
Sunday 26 December 2010
The Buzz: Boxing Day
Above poster for new film "Drive Angry"
Andrew Garfield talks Spiderman
news on the total recall remake
Dr Who news
Friday 24 December 2010
The Buzz: Christmas Eve!
Merry Christmas everybody!!!!! service will resume boxing day...
Steven Soderbergh to retire?
Dan Browns The Lost Symbol adapted
Bakugan the movie
Gale Ann Hurd wants another Terminator
Thursday 23 December 2010
Tron: Legacy
Mutton Dressed as Lamb
Lover: Taken from IMDB
“In my eighteen years on this earth, I have been able to see many movies, some of them great, some of them terrible. Only one of them, however, has been able to move me to tears of exultation and utter, boundless joy. That movie, my friends, is Tron Legacy. The Tron franchise has always been known for its cutting-edge approach to film-making as it tackles tough issues and offers a refreshing commentary on surprisingly deep subject matter. Legacy goes even further than its wonderful predecessors. This movie is the second coming of Christ. It is an orgasm for the senses. It is the word "perfect," transformed into an animated, watchable form. It is love itself. It is like an evolved form of oxygen that is so much fresher than a typical breath of fresh air. If you don't see this movie, you have never experienced life or seen color or felt a single genuine, worthwhile emotion. Life begins and ends with Tron Legacy.”
I just liked this one because it was really dramatic, I did like Tron: Legacy but this review is a little over the top!
Hater: Taken from IMDB
“Tron Legacy is so bad, that if I had been in Jonestown and they were showing this film, I would have drunk the Kool-aid half way through the film to end my life. The lines are so bad, the acting is borrowed from every blockbuster that was a success before this film (think Star Wars, Raiders, Attack of The Clones..etc.) the idea is, if they show you familiar themes with familiar frames and a music score that is supposed to be avant-garde but comes up sounding borrowed and repetitive. The Film wants to be Batman, and a video game at the same time, and it never makes sense. For a film that's about computers, the computers seem awfully stupid and the Users even more idiotic... Save your money and see Yogi Bear at least that movie has no pretense.”
Firstly I have no idea where this person is getting their comparisons from and fails to justify why they make them in the first place! Don’t save your money for Yogi Bear, go and see Tron; that despite what you may have heard if it’s nothing else it’s visually and audibly groundbreaking!
What I thought:
I describe Tron as Mutton dressed as lamb; the reason I do? Just look at the trailers and listen to some of Daft Punks score! It paints a film that is epic in scale as well as effects; sadly the end result doesn’t live up to the hype. A story that’s a little thin on the ground and more interested in getting our characters in and around “The Grid” than development.
However it does live up to something, in fact I would go as far as to say surpass something; the visuals. Everything you have seen and everything you have heard is true; the world of Tron looks utterly amazing! The basic design carries over from the first film but there are no flashes of nostalgia here, this world has evolved. It’s now a neon nightmare complete with fully computer animated storms, sky scraping cities of gravity defining buildings and all your old favourites are back including the Solar Sail (impressive for a world without a sun!). However the thing that eclipses all of this, the young Jeff Bridges; Pure and simply put its groundbreaking stuff! It’s utterly convincing and it will blow you away!
After all this though you really thought the 3D would be impressive, sadly I think the film would be just as visually gorgeous without it. I don’t mind as it proves me right again, the 3D had no added effect to the film what so ever! Stop charging me extra for it!
The Soundtrack is utterly amazing and well worth shelling out for, Daft Punk have surpassed themselves with synth dance beats mixed with Haz Zimmer-esq theatrical scoring with an electronic edge. It all adds up to one thing; a film that looks the nuts and should be viewed on the big screen, however don’t pay the extra for 3D it has no effect to the already stunning visuals. Sit back and enjoy the action, which is fast paced and thrilling and enjoy Michael Sheen the short time he gets on screen as he is excellent!
The Buzz: 23/12/10
Above Concept art for third Riddick Film
Terry Gilliam for Steampunk "1884"
Tron Director talks sequels
Christian Bale for "Nanjing Heroes,"
Wednesday 22 December 2010
My Top Ten....
Christmas Movies
10. Santa Clause the movie: Dudley Moore as an Elf, quality Christmas entertainment!
9. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation: Chevy Chase and the national lampoons at their very best!
8. Home Alone: Festive Family Fun with lethal traps!
7. The Nightmare before Christmas: Tim Burtons imagination and Danny Elfmans musical stylings at their peak!
6. Planes, Trains and Automobiles: "Those aren't pillows!" Bloody Brilliant Comedy!
5. Scrooged / Groundhog Day: I put these together because Groundhog Day isn't usually considered a Christmas movie and its like a Bill Murray tribute at number 5 as both these films are excellent Festive comedies!
4. Muppets Christmas Carol: I nearly put the version with Patrick Stewart as it is excellent but this one featuring those loveable muppets is just fun for all the family!
3. Elf: Inspired casting of Will Ferrell and superb comedy writing make for a real sleeper hit, "Buddy the Elf, whats your favourite colour!?"
2. It's a Wonderful Life: Try doing a list of best Christmas movies and leaving this classic out!
1. Die Hard: I don't care what anyone sais, Die Hard is a Christmas movie and it has everything! Action, Comedy, Family Drama and Alan Rickman saying "Now I have a machine gun, ho ho ho"
Up and Coming Movies...
West is West
In UK Cinemas: 25/02/11
What they say:
Manchester, England, 1976. The now much diminished, but still claustrophobic and dysfunctional, Khan family continues to struggle for survival. Sajid, the youngest Khan, the runt of the litter, is deep in pubescent crisis under heavy assault both from his father's tyrannical insistence on Pakistani tradition, and from the fierce bullies in the schoolyard. So in a last attempt to ‘sort him out’, his father decides to pack him off to Mrs Khan No 1 and family in the Punjab, the wife and daughters he had abandoned 30 years earlier. It is not long before Ella Khan [Mrs Khan No 2], with a small entourage from Salford, England, swiftly follows to sort out the mess, past and present.
Directed by Andy De Emmony (Fantabulosa), written by Ayub Khan-Din (East is East) and produced by Leslee Udwin (East is East). Starring Om Puri, Linda Bassett, Lesley Nicol, Emil Marwa, Jimi Mistry, Ila Arun, Nadim Sawalha, Vijay Raaz, Raj Bhansali and Aqib Khan
What i say:
East is East was brilliant, a real gem in British cinema. It is hard to see how they will follow it up but all it needs is just the right amount of comedy and family bickering to make it live up to the original.
The Buzz: 22/12/10
Above, poster for new film Your Highness
Tron TV series
next pixar short in front of Cars 2 is "Toy Story 3" duo Ken and Barbie
H.R. Giger back for Alien prequel
Tuesday 21 December 2010
This Can Motion Pictures Review Special...
In an industry fuelled by Superhero movies, sequels and countless reboots it’s genuinely hard for the independents. With the demise of UK Film Council still ringing in their ears, it’s hard to see a way through. Matthew Daniels and This Can Productions came up with a way to get two passion projects off the ground and filmed.
This is the first of my two features about them and the work they are doing; we start with a review of the two features in question; Powerless and Finding Their Feet. Both of which have underlining themes of hope in the face of adversity, much like the films themselves which Mr Daniels had help funding using ebay. The decision to sell credits on ebay is an inspired idea, people get a piece of your film and a named credit at the end depending on the amount of money they are willing to part with.
We start with Powerless, a great debut in anyone’s book, its rough around the edges but it sure as hell looks the business. We follow a young family after a tragedy when they lost their dad, it tore them apart. Their mother has relocated them out of the big bad city in an attempt to try and hold them together. After a terror attack during new years celebrations in London brings the country to a halt, this damaged family must pull together to survive.
It’s a good premise that has promise of a very personal view on what is a very real threat to people these days. Unfortunately this is not really explored, blame it on budget or time constraints but you really only get a vague feeling of the panic spreading the country. When it does show up, it shows up really well and tantalises the viewer with glimpses of real threat that it never really delivers on. From radio sound bytes, TV’s going off and a driver screaming “it’s everyone for themselves now!” you really get a feel for impending doom and it never really happens.
Of course there is something here despite the events outside; a dysfunctional family must deal with lack of food, parenting and each other. As family secrets begin to spin out of control so do family matters. It works well as something in the foreground to this terror attack but does seem to strangle any other theme out of the movie. The acting is coming of age, as the family on screen are also a family off screen. Every member working on real life relationships with a bit of added scandal, it works well and adds to the reality.
The Direction is really the key though; an Amateur does not have this kind of control over his shots proving that Matthew P.D Daniels is a talent to keep your eye on. Building tension well with variation of shots that include artsy with mundane close ups, cutting them together with assuredness in the material that only helps to bring up the credibility to what is a very low budget production.
Finding their Feet is a harder sell than Powerless, it’s a feel good coming of age piece that feature ballet. However this isn’t Billy Elliot we’re talking about here, our main characters have some big flaws, one speaks his mind, and the other doesn’t speak at all! Danny is the cheeky chap who speaks his mind, played confidently and likeable. Kate is our mute, after losing her voice in an accident she’s forced to convey her feelings in other ways. It’s a challenge for the actress sure enough, but handled confidently and positively adorable.
What makes “Finding their Feet” a hard sell is there isn’t as much original material in the story; the characters and their arcs are predictable. You also get the feeling your watching something that had a so much more potential to be funnier than it is. Its biggest fault however is some of the acting from the smaller players, a “loan shark” type character with little or no threat in its performance, a wizened dance teacher more forgetful that insightful and other very minor players showing their amateur routes.
Saying this, the writing has matured since Powerless and after watching the making of a bit of freedom given to the actors for improvisation. It adds to the independent nature of the production make it all the more likeable. The direction once again is handled with a command of someone with more experience, this time more emphasise on more arty shots that help with the ballet and dance theme. A surprise ending top it off and only help to seal the deal for Mr Daniels and his future endeavours.
Coming up, an interview with the man himself about the two projects and the themes behind them, what’s next and above all; beating the Movie business to get his films made.
Monday 20 December 2010
Up and Coming Movies...
Love and Other Drugs
In UK Cinemas: 29/12/10
What they say:
"Hathaway portrays Maggie, an alluring free spirit who won’t let anyone - or anything - tie her down. But she meets her match in Jamie (Gyllenhaal), whose relentless and nearly infallible charm serve him well with the ladies and in the cutthroat world of pharmaceutical sales. Maggie and Jamie’s evolving relationship takes them both by surprise, as they find themselves under the influence of the ultimate drug: love."
What i say:
Well worth the effort, without taking the time to read about this film or watch the trailer it looks like just another rom-com. On closer inspection its so much more Jake Gyllenhaal and Anna Hathaway look like they had a ball doing this film and i think you will to.
Check out the trailer here...
A BLAST from the past
In honour of its release this week, because I have already reviewed it and because it’s still just as horribly entertaining on the small screen. I have decided to do a special feature about The Expendables, in the form of a quick look back at my favourite moments of the stars not so glittery past.
Sylvester Stallone:
The man of the moment and the reason this movie exists, He created this monster as part of his insane resolve to revive former glory. Just look at Rock Balboa and Rambo, both of which were supposed to transport you back to the old days of Sly’s career. However this is a whole different kettle of fish, The Expendables pulls together allies from his time with more up to date action stars, gives them a story and a script that is straight out of the eighties, mixes the lot together with gratuitous but so bad its good violence to complete a very entertaining film. His finest moment however was of course Rocky, never since has Sylvester Stallone ever flexed more acting muscle than when he played down on his luck south paw Rocky Balboa (In the first one, he became a parody of himself almost instantly after). Never has the big guy ever been so vulnerable and that’s what makes him so loveable (hey that rhymed!).
Jason Stathem:
Despite the actors choices he’s still very likeable, the popular choice may be The Transporter or the crazy Crank movies (they show what he’s become big for). My choice however is Lock, Stock and Snatch; I say both because it’s hard to choose between them. In Lock Stock he was the straight talking hard man of a bunch mates in the deep end. His character in Snatch could have been the same character set a little further in the future, Turkish is one of the most quotable characters in the film and he plays him to perfection. Never has a life of an un-licensed boxing manager looked so cool!
Jet Li:
This guy has never been known for his acting and I would say we haven’t really seen enough of his acting chops to judge him on that front. He does however kick ass extremely well, in the Expendables he’s used as a butt of a joke and he plays it well. For me one of the best films he’s done was Romeo must Die, taking on numerous bad guys using a fire hose: Fantastic!
Dolph Lundgren:
To say that this mans best moment wasn’t playing Ivan Drago would be very wrong so I’m not doing that. The Russian “Machine” labelled “Death from above” in the movie is a tower of muscle and foreboding. There’s not much acting needed for the role but you sure as hell believe he could kick ten tonnes of crap out Sylvester Stallone. Let’s face it he does also kill Apollo Creed, help make Universal Soldier cool and has some great moments in The Expendables.
Mickey Rourke:
Bringing the acting chops to The Expendables was Come-back king Mickey Rourke, putting enough conviction into the role to make a believable character in an un-believable film. His greatest moment for me, its clichéd but I have never seen the guy act as well as he did in the Wrestler.
Steve Austin:
Short but sweet but this guys best moments were saved for the square circle!
Bruce Willis:
Again Short but sweet, but the first Die Hard wins hands down. Although he has since proved his a much more versatile actor, he does make some bad choices in regards to his career.
I know very little about the other Expendables and need to get on with some writing that I’m very behind on. So hope you enjoyed reading.
Sunday 19 December 2010
Saturday 18 December 2010
Up and coming movies...
Blue Valentine
In UK Cinemas 14th February
What they say:
BLUE VALENTINE is a story of love found and love lost told in past and present moments in time. Flooded with romantic memories of their courtship, Dean (Ryan Gosling HALF NELSON) and Cindy (Michelle Williams SHUTTER ISLAND) use one night to try and save their failing marriage.
What i say:
Another schlock worthy movie with Ryan Gosling at Valentines. its got chick flick and a date at the movie written all over it!
The Buzz: 18/12/10
Above poster for new film Vanishing on 7th Street
George Clooney caught in Gravity
A Conspiracy of Paper for Ridley Scott
James Mangold for "The Gunslinger"
Friday 17 December 2010
Thursday 16 December 2010
The Buzz: 16/12/10
Above, Photo of John Cusack in The Raven
A-Team sequel unlikely
Buffy cast member talks about the reboot
The Dark Knight Rises leaks...
Wednesday 15 December 2010
Tuesday 14 December 2010
The Buzz: 14/12/10
Above, new pic from movie Fast Five.
More news for the Flash movie
Jessica Chastain is in "The Wettest Country"
Nominations for The Golden Globes are in
Monday 13 December 2010
Sunday 12 December 2010
Saturday 11 December 2010
The Buzz: 11/12/10
Above poster for new film, "Kill the Irishman".
Photos from the set of robo boxing movie Real Steel
Photos from "Source Code"
Russell Brand in Rentaghost film
Friday 10 December 2010
Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Like a teenager, trying its best to act like an adult
Lover: Taken from IMDB
“Personally, I am a Twihard, but I also enjoy a GOOD movie. And finally there is a good Twilight movie. The first movie, if you has read the book as I have, sucked. New Moon was a bit better. It stuck to the book more but the acting still sucked. Eclipse..... best one yet. The acting of the major actors/actresses has improved dramatically. There is a bit more comedy, more to laugh at. The movie starts with intense drama, passion, and comedy all developing into more and more till your on the edge of your seat. The story line is stronger this time around and sticks so much to the book that it is the book, just on the screen. Any Twilight fans who are sceptical about how this movie will turn out will be surprised once they see it because it IS the best one yet and I am looking forward greatly to see how they do on the last book, both parts. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who like romance, comedy, with a little bit of action.”
The points about the book I can’t comment on as I’m here just to treat it like a movie. That and I have no interest in reading the books, however they are right about one thing, this has been the best one so far.
Hater: Taken from IMDB
“Thank you director David Slade for ruining my favourite instalment of the Twilight Saga. Maybe you should have stranded by your original opinion of the Twilight stories. Bella was made into a strong character, Edward was made into a wimp, Jake was more of a jerk. You totally edited the scenes with Rosalie, which are very important to the next part of the series. You failed to show how ALL of the Cullen's feel about Bella, which is also important to the next part of the story. In the past you have stated, you wouldn't touch this series...so I guess your change in opinion was really a ruse. You decided to sabotage the story instead. Thank God you are not going to be given the chance to ruin Breaking Dawn.”
This review is solely from someone judging the film by the book so I can’t really comment but I feel for her. It’s not nice when a director ruins on of your favourite books…
What I thought:
The third instalment of the Twilight saga is like watching a teenager trying their best to act like an adult. The story and the focus of the main relationship is still about Bella choosing to lose her virgi… sorry to be turned into a vampire. Those that can’t see the obvious message of sex when you’re young are being a little short sighted. The film starts with Edward and Bella sat in a field of flowers and ends in a field of flowers, basically none of what happens in between really matters as the films are portraying next to no more depth than this silly love triangle. I sure hope the books are at least a little bit more detailed, in this world where Vampires glitter in the sunlight and Werewolves are all chiselled and walk around with no tops on, I’m sorry did I stumble into a teenage girls wet dream?
Well enough of the bashing, because despite everything the stuff between our sickly love scenes in the field there is a deeper story going on. A new born is a vampire who has just turned and so enters finally some genuine threat to what has just been a metaphor about losing your virginity. Don’t get me wrong by threat I don’t mean scary just threat for some of the major characters. The action in places is handled very badly by the director, trying to go somewhere between Slow-mo and the hyper kinetic camera work of something like Bourne and in the end neither seem to fit. Though the ending fight sequence is probably the stand out scene of the movie, especially from a boy’s perspective!
This instalment does have some interesting flash backs of the Cullen Families previous human lives, which does add some interest to character like Jasper who I would be happy to see more of. Saying that these scenes have a very little production value and all look like they are staged instead of genuine memories, which is a great shame! The characters look uncomfortable in their period garb and subsequently don’t convince. The Love triangle in question escalates and Robert Patterson gets to flex his comic timing while Taylor Lautner just flex’s! It’s a juvenile playground rivalry that wouldn’t find its way into any other Vampire / Werewolf movie. Here though I will take some criticism as I can see I’m missing the point, our lead characters are juveniles and would act this way, apart from the vampires who have been around for god knows how long and should know bloody better! (Pun most definitely intended!).
Twilight fans should understand that they’re beloved books are being made into films that’s sole existence, is being marketed for young pubescent girls to take more money from their parents wallets. I think the most important thing to take from this instalment is that apart from Edward and Bella’s irritating dance around the obvious they are getting better. Like Harry Potter who took three films to get brilliant maybe twilight will take four? Here’s hoping.
Thursday 9 December 2010
Up and Comning DVD / Blu Rays...
Gainsbourg
Released in the UK 10/01/11
What they say:
A vivid interpretation of the life of one of the twentieth century’s most extraordinary artists - singer, songwriter and hellraiser, Serge Gainsbourg. Beginning with an enchanting glimpse at his early life, growing up in 1940’s occupied Paris, we follow the metamorphosis of precocious Lucien Ginsburg into ‘Serge Gainsbourg’, through his successful song-writing years in the 1960’s, until his death in 1991. Tracing not only the major steps in his musical trajectory from obscure pianist to cabaret artiste to major pop cultural phenomenon, Gainsbourg also explores lesser known dimensions of his colourful persona: his Russian/Jewish roots and his aspirations as a painter. Gainsbourg encompasses the seminal moments of his career and glamorous notoriety, including the recording of “les Seccettes”: a thinly veiled paean to the joys of oral sex with 18 year old France Gall; his infamous reggae rendition of “la marseilleise” and of course the saga of his greatest love song – “Je t’aime moi non plus”. Gainsbourg also takes us through his relationships with the great women of his life, Juliette Greco (Anna Mouglalis, Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky), Brigitte Bardot (Laetitia Casta, Born in 68) and of course, his wife and muse, Jane Birkin (Lucy Gordon, Spiderman 3).
Written and directed by acclaimed comic-book Artist Joann Sfar, adapted from his own graphic novel, the story is injected with a bold poetic dimension through the use of animation, used to vividly depict Serge’s alter-egos and tempter, including La Gueule (Doug Jones, Pan’s Labyrinth), a lanky, long-nosed, snake-fingered puppet figure, an artefact of his early experiences of anti-Semitism in wartime Paris.
Gainsbourg is a stunning combination of realist narrative and poetic animation, “Un conte” or fairytale that becomes both a touching biopic and inspired musical.
Extras
Behind the scenes
Cinemoi exclusive interview with Joann Sfar and Eric Elmosnino Interview with director Joann Sfar
Trailer
What i say:
I honestly dont know, make of it what you will...
Up and Coming Movies...
Black Swan
In UK Cinemas 21/01/11
What they say:
A psychological thriller set in the world of New York City ballet, BLACK SWAN stars Natalie Portman as Nina, a featured dancer who finds herself locked in a web of competitive intrigue with a new rival at the company (Mila Kunis). A Fox Searchlight Pictures release by visionary director Darren Aronofsky (THE WRESTLER), BLACK SWAN takes a thrilling and at times terrifying journey through the psyche of a young ballerina whose starring role as the duplicitous swan queen turns out to be a part for which she becomes frighteningly perfect.
What i say:
Should do for ballet what the Wrestler did for wrestling. Extremely good reviews and awards buzz alone is enough to catch it.
Wednesday 8 December 2010
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Monday 6 December 2010
The Buzz: 06/12/10
Above, poster for new movie "Rabbit Hole"
Darren Aronofsky still interested in Robocop
The Simpsons Movie: 2?
Fancy living in Don Corleone's house?
Sunday 5 December 2010
Saturday 4 December 2010
The Buzz: 04/12/10
Above poster for new Oscar bating film "The Kings Speech"
Harvey Dent definitely not in The Dark Knight Rises
Pirates of the Caribbean 5 and 6, back to back?
Teaser Trailer for Transformers 3?
Friday 3 December 2010
Thursday 2 December 2010
Wednesday 1 December 2010
the Buzz: 01/12/10
Above film poster for new film "I am number four"
Tom Hanks in Triple Frontier
The Joker still to appear in The Dark Knight Rises?
Jackass to continue online
Tuesday 30 November 2010
Monday 29 November 2010
The Buzz: 29/11/10
Leslie Nielsen, legendary actor best know for his performances in spoofs (lets face it he was the king of spoofs!)has died at the grand old age of 84. RIP Leslie, thank you for all the laughs.
Christopher Waltz and R-Patz in costumer for Water for Elephants
The Hobbit in 3D!? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
This is a MUST for fans of inception...
Sunday 28 November 2010
Beeonfilm Events (a little late):
London MCM Expo
It had record numbers this year and it was noticeable, a huge amount of people can hamper the enjoyment of this event. As even with Geeks it would appear manners are a thing of the past! Of course I’m not going to go on some big rant about the event and its key visitors, I need to go on about all things there film related (and TV to some extent). Unfortunately this year it did seem to come up a bit short for feature films, admittedly I had not been to this event for a long time but it does seem to have steered itself more to anime and computer games? I’m not complaining at all mind you; I like anime, I just don’t write about anime and of course Video games. All of the games present were next gen consoles and I don’t get on with them much, mostly because I can’t afford them. However I was overjoyed to see that they had the Wii updated version of Goldeneye (the only game I ever been pretty good at), they had the old school remotes and despite getting my butt kicked thoroughly, I enjoyed it and can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!
Speaking of films Universal had a lovely looking stand that was showing some trailers of their up and coming movies; Firstly the American. George Clooney playing a bit long in the tooth Jason Bourne type character, looks like a very under stated performance from the man best known for his charm but looks great. There’s Despicable Me, Steve Carrell vehicle that preempted Megamind on its release but sadly not its humour it would appear.
Fred Flinston was worried Universal were going to try and release another awful film about his family.The last one of note had quite a big presence at the Expo, Paul from Brit duo Simon Pegg and Nick Frost, much loved at this event for obvious reasons but most likely because a lot of people (including me) met the duo at this event when they were plugging Hot Fuzz. They had a video introduction recorded for the day to preview some never before seen footage of Paul. I must admit it does look like it misses Edgar Wright at the helm, then again its Greg Mottola (Superbad) who has a pretty good CV and Simon and Nick wrote it and they have proved themselves as fine comedians. I think this film will be resting solely on the success of its CGI Alien voiced by Seth Rogan, if he don’t work neither will the film.
Like I said though this years was disappointing for me as because of other obligations I missed out on a meeting and round table with Chris Claremont; Legendary comic book writer who penned the Dark Phoenix saga. Not just from a journalist’s point of view but a fan too, but maybe another chance in the future. Of course there was a remote controlled life size R2 D2 which was the nuts and a chance to get your photo with the Delorean which I did not get (and have regretted since).
So that’s it for this year, not much else to report really, maybe I’m out of touch with my Geek Brethren but it’ll take some major event to get me there again!
The Buzz: 28/11/10
Above, cool looking poster for little known film called Apollo 18...
Shane Briant in The Hobbit?
Super, finally gets release date.
Michelle Rodriguez up for Avatar 2!?
Saturday 27 November 2010
The Buzz: 27/11/10
Above, a new international poster for Seth Rogans, Green Hornet.
Michelle Williams is Marilyn
First Image from Breaking Dawn
4D Cinema opens in New Zealand?
Friday 26 November 2010
Monsters
Not what you’re expecting…
Lover: Taken from IMDB
“Amazing movie. A real adventure film, the way they don't make them anymore. Sometimes it felt like a travel documentary, very real, very exciting and realistic. The actors are very good, better than most high paid stars of today. And the girl are beautiful in a very natural way. She's also a wonderful actress. I'ts important to understand that this isn't your ordinary monster movie. You very seldom see them at all, but you feel their presence. Each step of the way, when we follow the couple on their way back from Mexico to USA, we are with them. We are more like travel companions on a journey than viewers of a movie.The CGI may lack a bit, but that's not important. Considering the extremely low budget, it's just amazing that this movie exist. The production values are still better than with most high profile movies. Do yourself a favor and See this movie for what it is. Go on a journey into a world that is realistic, exciting - and maybe, just maybe, possible.”
I think the most interesting point made in this review is “feel their presence”, I’ll explain down bellow.
Haters: Taken from IMDB
“I went into this movie expecting a cutting edge look at the state of the art MONSTERS! What I got was a docudrama with dark octopus like cgi wannabe monsters a few times with most of the movie consisting of drama and Mexican life footage. The best part of this movie is the trailer. Why do so many directors and producers feel they need to explore the cutting edge of filmmaking when the tried and true methods would be a better experience. I threw my popcorn at the screen a few times. I was bored silly with the drama in a "MONSTER" movie. HA! Monsters! Give me a break! 9/10s of this movie is boring and the few times you get to see the land octopus its dark and you don't get a good view. These monsters are unoriginal - think SHARKTOPUS! At least syfy had a monster in the movie. This is like waiting around for a view and then....what?! Don't pay money to see this stuff. Don't pay money to rent this stuff. Make a statement - we won't pay our money for this crap anymore!”
It’s telling that all of the scathing reviews for this film are complaining that they didn’t get another Cloverfield like Monster mash up. I’ll be the first to admit I thought I’d see something similar. However unlike these people I wasn’t disappointed with this. Also never take any notice when a critic amateur / pro or armchair tells you not to see something go and judge it for yourself, the film industry needs you!
What I thought:
Gareth Edwards came up with the idea for monsters after seeing a group of men struggling to drag a net in from the sea. Imagining a giant monster at the end of it planted a seed, a seed of a movie set after the likes of things like Cloverfield. A world where the monsters are just here, still a threat and ever present but life goes on. That’s what I loved about this movie; it’s not a monster movie not really. It’s about the human drama that follows our lead couple on their journey home.
Of course here is where the haters come in, I don’t blame them; they went in expecting a monster movie full of un-believable special effects and scary moments of mass carnage, I mean the film is called monsters after all. It’s just a shame that this half of an audience divided, didn’t give the film a go as anything else. They failed to see the human drama that surrounded this event, the human loss and the damage and destruction, the humans who live with that fear on a day to day basis and of course at the heart of it a love story.
It’s under played romance to say the least and is helped by the fact that this real life couple were allowed to improvise. Some really funny moments that are lovely to watch and feel natural between the pair, particularly in one scene as the drunken male lead tries to negotiate his way into her room. Both characters have interesting takes on the environment they are forced into, a photographer who questions the morality of the most money making images and fighting against the logic of not telling his son the truth. Then you have a female lead, a pampered daddy’s girl in an engagement she’s not sure she wants. Sure enough these are typical roles and even predictable but un-deniably watchable in this situation.
The Monsters in question are well designed and completely other worldly, when they do appear it’s in dark and hard to see places. You can’t blame the director (who did it all on his laptop) for trying to make the job a little easier for himself and it works in his favour. The scene without the monsters reveal more than enough for you to worry, blood stained boats in the shape of hands, half destroyed buildings here and there and out of this world noises coming from the distance. It all adds up and when they do appear, these images play on your mind and the tension is almost tangible.
Above all else Monsters is a crowning achievement of guerrilla film making, in this sense its not only one of the bravest films you’ll see this year but also one of the most original. Please go and see this and appreciate for what it is.
Up and Coming Movies...
Blitz
In UK Cinemas: Summer 2011
What they say:
A tough cop is dispatched to take down a serial killer who has been targeting police officers.
What i say:
Um not much as there's not much out there about it apart from the trailer which is available on the web. At the risk of losing readers just google it!
Up and Coming Movies...
The Next Three Days
Out in UK Cinemas:
What they say:
Life seems perfect for John Brennan until his wife, Lara, is arrested for a gruesome murder she says she didn't commit. Three years into her sentence, John is struggling to hold his family together, raising their son and teaching at college while he pursues every means available to prove her innocence. With the rejection of their final appeal, Lara becomes suicidal and John decides there is only one possible, bearable solution: to break his wife out of prison. Refusing to be deterred by impossible odds or his own inexperience, John devises an elaborate escape plot and plunges into a dangerous and unfamiliar world, ultimately risking everything for the woman he loves.
What i say:
Well another tense thriller and another grumpy typecast role for Russell Crowe, looks like fairly throw away stuff.
Up and Coming Movies...
HOP
In UK Cinemas 01/04/11
What they say:
Blending state-of-the-art animation with live action, HOP tells the comic tale of Fred (James Marsden), an out-of-work slacker who accidentally injures the Easter Bunny (voiced by Russell Brand) and must take him in as he recovers. As Fred struggles with the world’s worst houseguest, both will learn what it takes to finally grow up.
The film is helmed by Tim Hill, director of the blockbuster ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS and produced by Chris Meledandri’s Illumination Entertainment (DESPICABLE ME). At its heart, HOP is a classic buddy movie… it’s just that one of the buddies is a talking rabbit!
What I say:
I wouldnt say anything about this, it has the voice of Russell Brand so it might have a bit of edge but it just looks like Alvin and the Chipmunks?
Thursday 25 November 2010
Up and coming movies...
Brighton Rock
In Uk Cinemas: 04/02/11
What they say:
Adapted from Graham Greene’s iconic 1939 novel, BRIGHTON ROCK charts the headlong fall of Pinkie, a razor-wielding disadvantaged teenager hell bent on clawing his way up through the ranks of organized crime. At the heart of the story is the anti-hero Pinkie’s relationship with Rose - an apparently innocent young waitress who stumbles on evidence linking Pinkie and his gang to a revenge killing that Pinkie commits. After the murder, Pinkie seduces Rose, first in an effort to find out how much she knows and latterly to ensure she will not talk to the police. A love story between a murderer and a witness; can Pinkie trust Rose or should he kill her before she talks to the police? Can Rose trust Pinkie or is she next in line?
What i say:
Contender for Brit film of the year... i think so!
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About Me
- Peter Bee
- "Films are Loved, Films are hated. I'm here to help you decide where you stand..." I also do web work including a good knowledge of HTML, ASP, using the adobe web package and a strong understanding of SEO, Google Analytics.