The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Review by RM King

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by R.M King

First a disclaimer. Being a novelist,  I have to be honest, yes… I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to novels being made into films. I feel, like many, that a lot of nuances and details a book conveys, has a tendency to get lost in its translation during its journey to the big screen. Also recent remakes of foreign films tend to have grated on my nerves and have profoundly annoyed me as of late.

I know subtitles are an acquired taste, but they shouldn’t be an overriding excuse to remake an already good film.

On top of all of this, in general, I’m not a huge fan of Daniel Craig’s work. Admittedly, it’s petty I know, but it is what it is. So, obviously, the film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo had a lot of strikes going against it before I even sat down…with my popcorn…which was passed to me by the way.

However, The Millennium Trilogy to date has been one of the best series of novels I have EVER read. So I had to go and see it.

Much to my complete surprise I found the film to be FLAWLESS.

Daniel Craig was AMAZING and all the accolades Rooney Mara is receiving for her excellent performance is completely justified and well earned.

The movie opens with Mikael Blomkvist, (Daniel Craig), a famed magazine co-owner and writer being successfully sued for libel and slander. With his credibility ruined and his magazine slowly being run out of business, he receives a phone call from Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) asking him to investigate one of his family’s darkest hours.

Enter Lisbeth Salander, a computer hacker and an eccentric amateur detective. She joins the case and the two begin to unravel a dark mystery that soon endangers their lives.

As a fellow writer I’m extremely envious of Larrson’s sculpting of the character of Lisbeth Salander. I know the work that is put in to create a multi-dimensional and seemingly living, breathing realistic protagonist. Larrson has created a character so complex, and yet so utterly believable the audience is destined to love the character of Lisabeth Salander. The fact that the character thrives in four film adaptations is a testament to Larrson’s original writings. Finding a actress to fill those shoes must have been a grueling process, especially in light of Noomi Rapace’s excellent portrayals in the original Swedish/Danish films, however David Fincher and his crew hit the jackpot with the casting of Rooney Mara.

On a personal, visceral level, the movie has accomplished something only a few movies have ever done to me. I was so immersed in the  plot of the film that it made me actually forget I had already read the books! I even jumped at certain parts, and laughed at the fact I forgot it was coming. And seeing the more intense moments come to life on screen, made me squirm harder than I had vividly imagined them when I originally read the book.

In short, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is one of the best movies I’ve seen this year.

Another unique aspect of going to see this film, was that I had the opportunity to watch it with varied company. My boss, who had the opportunity to have previously read the books and my companion who had not. So I was witness to both ends of the spectrum. They both shared the same opinion.

It was the best movie they had seen all year.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo stars Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara, Christopher Plummer, Stellan Skarsgard, Steven Berkoff, Robin Wright, Yorick Van Wageningen, and Joely Richardson. The screenplay is by Steven Zaillian and is directed by David Fincher. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was produced by Scott Rudin, Ole Sondberg, Soren Staermose and Cean Chaffin.

2012 Biggest Films

 Wow! Where did 2011 go?

Here we are at the end of another entertaining movie year, with 2012 just around the corner.

Of course, 2012 is not just ANY movie year. It’s one of the most anticipated movie-going years in recent memory with several HUGE, highly anticipated, movie franchises and event films finally coming to the screen. So we here at PassMeThePopcorn.com thought we’d get the pulse of the community by seeing which film audiences are MOST excited to see in this coming year. Each movie caters to an obviously specific and different audience, but all these films also figure to be the biggest worldwide Hollywood box office hits for 2012.

The final installment in the Christopher Nolan directed and Christian Bale Batman saga. The Dark Knight Rises promises to bring a definite closure to the storylines established with the iconic characters from the films, Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. What exactly does that mean? Well, it means the trilogy will end here, with no possibility of a continuing story. Of course it doesn’t mean that we’ve seen the last of the character of Batman. I expect a reboot to come about a couple of years after this film. But it’ll be the last time we see Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne and the last time Christopher Nolan will direct a Batman film. Let’s hope they saved the best for last! The Dark Knight Rises is scheduled for release July 20, 2012.

 

Official Synopsis: Every hero has a journey. Every journey has an end. Christopher Nolan returns to complete the epic Gotham trilogy that launched with Batman Begins and reached the stratosphere with the billion-dollar blockbuster The Dark Knight.

Batman is now hunted by the law led by his friend Commisioner Gordon for taking the blame of Harvey Dent’smurders and protecting his reputation. He must quickly deal with the arrival of new villain Bane who is bent on the destruction and chaos of Gotham City, face old wounds and get a handle on the enigmatic Selina Kylebefore his city is lost for good.

Oscar Winner Christian Bale reprises his role as Bruce Wayne/Batman for the third time along with stars Michael Caine as Alfred, Gary Oldman as Commisioner Gordon and Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox. Inception starsMarion Cotillard and Joseph Gordon-Levitt join the cast as WayneEnterprise board member Miranda Tate andGotham Cop John Blake. Rounding out the cast are Anne Hathaway as the sleek Selina Kyle and Tom Hardy as the powerful villain Bane.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, a Syncopy Production, a Christopher Nolan film, “The Dark Knight Rises.” Nolan directed the film from a screenplay written by Jonathan Nolan andChristopher Nolan, story by Christopher Nolan & David S. Goyer. Charles Roven, Emma Thomas andChristopher Nolan are the producers, with Benjamin Melniker, Michael E. Uslan, Kevin De La Noy and Thomas Tull serving as executive producers. “The Dark Knight Rises” is based upon characters appearing in comic books published by DC Comics. Batman was created by Bob Kane.

 

The Avengers

Here we go. The movie that all the Marvel studios film franchises have been building up to. The Avengers directed by Joss Whedon is the movie that brings together the greatest superhero team ever assembled. Their duty? To protect the earth from its gravest threat ever. What exactly is that threat? Well judging from the trailer we know that Loki,  from the Thor movie is involved. Speculation as to the rest of the threat to humanity is rampant. Whatever the case it has to be pretty dire considering a team of Captain America, Thor, Iron Man, Hawkeye, Nick Fury, Black Widow and The Hulk will have their hands full. The Avengers is scheduled for release May 4, 2012.

 

Official Synopsis: Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”–the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012. In “Marvel’s The Avengers,” superheroes team up to pull the world back from the brink of disaster when an unexpected enemy threatens global security.

The Hunger Games

Based on the hit novels by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games is the first in a planned trilogy of films. Set in a futuristic world, the story features a fight to the death by youths, played for the entertainment of the masses. The Hunger Games is scheduled for release March 23, 2012.

 

Official Synopsis: Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains. Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love. THE HUNGER GAMES is directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 16 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following.

The Amazing Spider-man

This Spider-man reboot promises to stick more closely with the original comic book character. Notably, non-organic web shooters on Peter Parker’s hands, and more realistic, practical, real-life special effects and stunts rather than the Sam Raimi CGI filled version. The Amazing Spider-man also will added an extra dimension to the characters. Literally. It will be presented in 3D for the first time. The Amazing Spider-Man is scheduled for release July 3, 2012.

 

Official Synopsis:

One of the world’s most popular characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed in “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay written by James Vanderbilt, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the film in association with Marvel Entertainment for Columbia Pictures, which will open in theaters everywhere in 3D on July 3, 2012.

“The Amazing Spider-Man” is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

Brave

Does Pixar EVER make bad movies? I guess one can make a case that The Cars films aren’t exactly award season worthy, but the films do make a ton of money and audiences are generally amused by the films. This latest film from Pixar studios, Brave, is the studio’s first foray into the fantasy adventure genre. With their an unimaginably broad canvas to create on, we can expect nothing short of fantastic and amazing from this film. Brave is scheduled for release June 22, 2012.

 

Official Synopsis: Since ancient times, stories of epic battles and mystical legends have been passed through the generations across the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland. In “Brave,” a new tale joins the lore when the courageous Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald) confronts tradition, destiny and the fiercest of beasts. Merida is a skilled archer and impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). Merida’s actions inadvertently unleash chaos and fury in the kingdom, and when she turns to an eccentric old Wise Woman (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish. The ensuing peril forces Merida to discover the meaning of true bravery in order to undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.

 

Prometheus

So is this a prequel to the Alien saga or not? Whatever the case, Prometheus promises to be an epic science fiction adventure unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. In the hands of original Alien director Ridley Scott we can also expect nothing short of sci-fi awesomeness. If Aliens do end up showing up in the final minutes of the film, we can just call it the icing on the cake. Prometheus is scheduled for release June 8, 2012.

Official Synopsis: Ridley Scott, director of “Alien” and “Blade Runner,” returns to the genre he helped define. With PROMETHEUS, he creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth, leading them on a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

 

Peter Jackson returns to the shire to bring The Hobbit, the original novel and prequel to his epic The Lord of the Rings trilogy to the screens. Will audiences have the same affection for a smaller, character-drama, filled tale of the heroic hobbit Bilbo Baggins, as they did with the larger scale, and epic adventure Lord of the Rings? The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is scheduled for release December 14, 2012.

Official Synopsis:

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” follows title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor, which was long ago conquered by the dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakensheild. Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Giant Spiders, Shapeshifters and Sorcerers. Although their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain first they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will change his life forever … Gollum. Here, alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo Baggins not only discovers depths ofguile and courage that surprise even him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected and useful qualities … A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.

 Skyfall

 

 

James Bond where have you been? Locked in a legal wrangle for years after the mediocre 2008 Quantum of Solace, the James Bond franchise returns with SkyFall, an action filled original tale. Daniel Craig returns in Skyfall as the perennial secret agent with a license to kill, which promises a return to the roots of the character that fans have loved throughout the years. This time the directorial reigns fall to Academy Award winning director Sam Mendes. Making at least a possibility, that the drama will match the exciting trademark action. SkyFall is scheduled for release October 26, 2012.

 The Expendables 2

As if the first testosterone filled ensemble film was not enough, executive producer Sylvester Stallone has decided to throw into the mix action film veterans Jean Claude Van Damme and Chuck Norris. Not only that, but The Expendables 2 also promises to give expanded roles to Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis. Also taking over the directorial reigns is action film veteran Simon West. Which gives Stallone the freedom to concentrate on just his performance and the story. So will the age old adage, bigger is better be appropriately applied here? Let’s hope that it is not a bunch of sound and fury signifying nothing. The Expendables 2 is scheduled for release August 17, 2012.

Official Synopsis:

The Expendables are back and this time it’s personal… Barney Ross (Sylvester Stallone), Lee Christmas (Lee Statham), Yin Yang (Jet Li), Gunnar Jensen (Dolph Lundgren),Toll Road (Randy Couture) and Hale Caesar (Terry Crews) — with newest members Billy the Kid (Liam Hemsworth) and Maggie (Yu Nan) aboard — are reunited when Mr. Church (Bruce Willis) enlists the Expendables to take on a seemingly simple job. The task looks like an easy paycheck for Barney and his band of old-school mercenaries. But when things go wrong and one of their own is viciously killed, the Expendables are compelled to seek revenge in hostile territory where the odds are stacked against them. Hell-bent on payback, the crew cuts a swath of destruction through opposing forces, wreaking havoc and shutting down an unexpected threat in the nick of time — six pounds of weapons-grade plutonium; enough to change the balance of power in the world. But that’s nothing compared to the justice they serve against the villainous adversary who savagely murdered their brother. That is done the Expendables way….

As if the movie year wasn’t big enough, let’s throw in a Quentin Tarantino film into the mix. After the critical and commercial success of his World War II fantasy film Inglourious Basterds, Tarantino could have decided to tackle any topic or genre. What he has decided to do next has surprised everyone. This time he tackles America’s darkest and most brutal, openly racist time period, the civil war era south. Django Unchained is inspired by the cult spaghetti western Django, but the film promises to feature Tarantino’s trademark dialogue and delightful genre mixing. Django Unchained stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Christopher Waltz and Jamie Foxx.

 

Official Synopsis: Django is a freed slave, who, under the tutelage of a German bounty hunter (played by Christoph Waltz) becomes a bad-ass bounty hunter himself, and after assisting Waltz in taking down some bad guys for profit, is helped by Waltz in tracking down his slave wife and liberating her from an evil plantation owner.

Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2

The final chapter in the The Twilight Saga. The love triangle of Bella, Edward and Jacob will finally come to an end.With part 1 being a huge box office hit, there’s no doubt part 2 will bring more of the same. Obviously… this film is meant for a certain demographic and perhaps more than the others on this list is the most polarizing film of the bunch. One thing that we can ALL agree upon is that we are looking forward to the end of this franchise. Albeit for drastically, different reasons. Breaking Dawn Part 2 is scheduled for release November 16, 2012.

Critically acclaimed filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson returns to the screen with this controversial look into the rise of a fictional faith based organization. The current working title of the film is The Master. But one can probably expect a change…or even two before they settle on a title. Many are calling the film a not-so-subtle based look at the beginnings of Scientology. Whatever the case, there’s no doubt that Anderson will create a riveting, thought provoking movie on faith in the same vein as his modern day classic There Will be Blood looked at the beginnings of the oil industry.

 

Official Synopsis: Written and directed by Academy Award nominee Paul Thomas Anderson (the acclaimed director of, There Will Be Blood, Magnolia and Boogie Nights), this story stars Academy Award winner Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote) and Academy Award-nominee Joaquin Phoenix (Walk the Line). Set in America in the years following World War II, a charismatic intellectual (Hoffman) launches a faith-based organization and taps a young drifter (Phoenix) as his right-hand man. But as the faith begins to gain a fervent following, the onetime vagabond finds himself questioning the belief system he has embraced, and his mentor. A truly one-of-a-kind drama, which promises magnetic virtuoso performances, the film marks the fifth collaboration between Anderson and Hoffman, following Hard Eight, Boogie Nights, Magnolia, and Punch Drunk Love.

 

Steven Spielberg’s submission for 2012’s award season is the historical drama Lincoln starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Sally Field and Joseph Gordon-Levitt. The drama will take a look at the ending of the civil war up until the fateful night of Lincoln’s assassination. With Spielberg, Day-Lewis and the inspiring subject matter there’s no doubt Lincoln will receive plenty of award season and critical acclaim.

Boardwalk Empire: A world where Steve Buscemi is the sexiest man alive…and we buy it!!

 

By Rosalyne King

I confess.

Much to the shock of many, I’m not a big cable tv show watcher. I didn’t do The Sopranos, Big Love or any one of the other popular cable tv shows. It’s nothing personal, mostly it’s just because of time constraints. But this has resulted in some awkward demonstrations of a lack of pop culture knowledge. I was one of those people who were left completely in the dark at the rage people felt in regards to the moment when seemingly the whole world asked ”What the hell happened to Tony Soprano?”

But thanks to the invention of On Demand I have since caught up with the times. The one show that from the beginning made me say ”I’m so watching this…do or die” is Boardwalk Empire. Yes, of course anything billed with the sentence “series premiere directed by Martin Scorsese” is enough to make anyone pause and look at the screen reverently. But seeing something so new and fresh like this has actually made me sit up and applaud.

I’m hooked!

As a writer, the show has me in awe. All the different facets, plot points, and character work. I’m amazed how the show accurately demonstrates that power truly is an aphrodisiac. Because let’s be honest. In what other world is Steve Buscemi a sex symbol?

But in this world he is. A real SEX symbol. That’s right.

He plays a character so alluring that every woman around would KILL to be the one he comes home to. Seriously. They would KILL to be with him. As strange as that sounds, in this setting, during this time period, it makes complete sense.

If the reader has not watched this show, the whole series revolves around the events occurring around the Atlantic City Boardwalk during the time of Prohibition. Which in my opinion, is completely refreshing. Seemingly every story we have seen during this time period is usually centered around Chicago, with Al Capone. While Al Capone does appear in this series, we see the young version and the character is mostly regulated to the background of the main plot points. The power, the REAL power belonged to the people who could get the liquor to the masses. During this time, at one point, all roads had to go through Atlantic City.

Which brings us to the character portrayed by Steve Buscemi. In reality, the most powerful man at that time in Atlantic City was Enoch “Nucky” Johnson. His name was changed to Enoch “Nucky” Thompson for the series and is played by Steve Buscemi. Much of the series is fiction, but the aspects of the real Nucky are very much dead on. As a history buff this is also immensely appealing to me.

While I have always enjoyed Buscemi’s work. And regard him as one of my favorite actors, this series truly makes the audience fall in love with the man. In a lot of ways, Buscemi has always been a true character actor. Usually playing supporting roles that weren’t fully fleshed out, but he has always played them like no one else could. His portrayal of Nucky is unlike anything you have ever seen from him, but his performance still manages to have the Buscemi signature. The audience roots for Nucky. We want him to win. We want to see him throwing those bills around, wearing his red carnation, knowing just how to get what he wants without ever messing up his sexy pin striped suit. The viewer understands why the people around him either want to take him down or are so loyal to him that they find themselves doing things they would have never considered before.

Most of all we completely buy into the notion that he’s the most irresistible man in the world. Mr sexy.

Seriously.

There are so many other characters and actors in this series that makes it more than worthwhile to watch. But do I think the series would or could have been just as successful without Buscemi?

No. In all honestly, even though the real Nucky Johnson looked absolutely NOTHING like Buscemi, this role seems to be tailor made just for him. Magnetic sexiness and all.

No pun intended.

Is there life after Harry Potter?

 

Editor’s Note: Screenwriter and author Rosalyne King laments the end of the Harry Potter film franchise.

by  Rosalyne King

 

Damn you J.K. Rowling for doing this to me.

Perhaps everyone else may NOT be the geeky-uber fan that I am, however, I can guarantee that nearly everyone I know has seen EVERY Harry Potter movie that’s been released. And therein lies the problem….

Say what one wants. When it’s all said and done, success-wise, The Harry Potter franchise is hands down the most successful franchise in movie history. It smashes the box office, it’s discussed around the water cooler, and every parent rushes to Fandango to buy tickets swearing it’s their children that are dying to see it and not them.

For eight years we watched them. Faithfully. Don’t lie you know you did. And now it’s over. Of course there were jokes about the end. But the thing about it is, for eight years it was as I said, the guarantee. There would be a Potter movie released. And the expectation was that it would be great. And for the most part it delivered.

Call me an “old movie fart” , but how many of those guarantees does a movie-goer get nowadays?

I could also give examples of movie franchises that FAIL completely to do justice to it’s previous body of work. I’ll just put it this way. I walked out of the Matrix 2 in the middle of the “Zion celebration/clothed orgy” scene. Yes, that was about ten minutes into the movie.

 

HarryPotterShop!

 

And yes, I know The Dark Knight Rises is coming out and I do look forward to seeing it. But it takes YEARS to make those. Then I have to find a block of time where I can commit 3 and 1/2 hours of my life to sitting in the theater. The preparation it takes to get to the movies kind of makes seeing it a task, more than something I can truly sit back and enjoy.

Unlike most people, when the last Potter movie came out I wasn’t at the edge of my seat. In fact, I found myself a bit depressed. Because I knew there would be no more. No teaser a year before the next one came out. No trailers where you debate if the latest Potter would live up to the hype. And of course the complete saturation of everything Potter. (They really did brand an image of Daniel Radcliffe holding a wand trying his damn-est to look menacing into our brain. Considering he was holding a glowy wooden stick, he gave it a valiant effort.)

As Thanksgiving approaches, I don’t find anything that is giving me the kind of security I had when waiting for the next Harry Potter movie. Sure there are movies I really want to see. But the absolute MUST SEE desire  and guarantee that the knowledge  of an over-priced movie ticket would be money well spent, is not there. With the exception of maybe The Rum Diary. (All Johnny Depp movies are given immunity by me to any sort of sarcastic remark, or criticism I might muster.)

Will there be another series of films that will be able to deliver that kind of a guarantee? And if so, will it have the consistency to be able to do it for eight years? It bugs me in a way that’s almost shameful to admit.I want that back, that once a year there would be THAT movie that I can say for sure would be released. That I would go to see in the theater and leave satisfied.

Still I’m a dedicated watcher. I’m trying to generate enthusiasm in the The Millennium Trilogy. The books were awesome. Anyone DARE say anything about The Twilight series….I think I may just glare at my screen for about three days before I get over it.

I’m sure there are movies I will go see again, I will insert the shameless plug for The Rum Diary here. But I still find myself mourning at the fact I will not be able to look up at the screen and see the boy with the lightening scar.

 

Hugo 2011 Movie Trailer

 

When one thinks family film, Martin Scorsese’s name doesn’t necessarily spring to mind. But this holiday season Scorsese will bring to the screen his first 3D live action family film for audiences. Today’s trailer really gives us a sense of the large, ambitious, scope that he hopes to share. We also get a look at the excellent cast he’s assembled for the film.

Obviously, this isn’t the usual adult fare that we are used to seeing from Martin Scorsese. To be honest, I’m not really sure what to expect from this. In general, I’m not usually a fan of family films. But since it’s Scorsese, we can probably anticipate impressive things. I’m also interested to see how he uses the 3D platform to enhance the story. I think most audiences are burnt out on the format. But obviously Martin Scorsese felt the process would add to the film.

Hugo  stars Asa Butterfield, Chloe Moretz,  Ben Kingsley , Sacha Baron Cohen, Jude Law and Johnny Depp. The film is directed by Martin Scorsese. Hugo is scheduled for release November 23, 2011. The film is written by John Logan based on the novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick.

Official Synopsis:

Hugo Cabret, Scorsese’s first film shot in 3D, tells the tale of an orphan boy living a secret life in the walls of a Paris train station.   When Hugo encounters a broken machine, an eccentric girl, and the cold, reserved man who runs the toy shop, he is caught up in a magical, mysterious adventure that could put all of his secrets in jeopardy.

 

Official Trailer:

Rise of The Planet of the Apes - International Trailer

Shame Movie Trailer reaction

 

The official trailer to one of the most critically acclaimed films of this award season has finally debuted. Shame directed by artist Steve McQueen tells the troubled tale of a sex addict played by Michael Fassbender. This is the second collaboration between Fassbender and McQueen. Their first film together was the critically acclaimed Hunger.

The topic of sexual addiction is a  pretty tricky subject to convey on film. Finding a balance between realism and sympathy has proved troublesome for many film makers tackling the subject. Go too dark and audiences are disgusted and tune out, approach the material too lightly and it becomes unintentionally  humorous.

But this trailer seems to hit the right notes. It shows the character’s loneliness, and despair, while also conveying the excitement of his addiction. I’m excited to see Fassbender’s approach.  His work in X-Men: First Class and Inglourious Basterds showcased some of his range and appeal. Perhaps this will earn him some mainstream award season acclaim. He already claimed best actor at the Venice Film Festival for the role.

Shame stars Michael Fassbender, Carey Mulligan, James Badge Dale and Nicole Beharie. Shame is directed by Steve McQueen and is written by Abi Morgan and Steve McQueen. The film is scheduled for release in the United States on December 2, 2012

Official Synopsis:

Brandon (Michael Fassbender) is a 30-something man living in New York who is unable to manage his sex life. After his wayward younger sister moves into his apartment, Brandon’s world spirals out of control. From director Steve McQueen (Hunger), Shame is a compelling and timely examination of the nature of need, how we live our lives and the experiences that shape us.

Best Films of Summer 2011

 

Now that the Summer movie season is over I thought I’d share my favorite films of this highly lucrative movie season. I know “best-of” lists are subjective and purely opinion. But I also think they serve the important purpose of documenting particular time periods. I also feel it is a way to highlight some films that don’t necessarily get the attention of some higher profile projects. And of course it also honors achievement. Here are the films I feel stood out in the summer of 2011. If I left out any films (and I’m sure I have) , please leave a comment down below and let me know.

Honorable Mention:

Bridesmaids, The Debt, X-Men: First Class, Fast Five, Colombiana

 

10. Attack the Block

 

I have to admit… 15 minutes into Attack The Block my cynical “grumpy old man” side began to come out. These are the heroes of this film? Unlikable smart ass, punk kids. The special effects are ridiculous… this isn’t believable! Then half way through I started to really appreciate the theme of the film. Actions have consequences. Good and bad consequences depending on the action. Using an alien invasion and some fun action and comedy is a clever way to drive home that message. Although, I’d like to say it’s a theme that the youth of today should appreciate, based on the actions of our entire society, it’s a message that could apply to everyone. Besides the theme, I also enjoyed the film’s entertaining, unique blend of the science fiction and inner-city crime film genres.

 

9. Bad Teacher 

 

Walking in the footsteps of a famous father must be difficult. Especially when that father wrote the screenplays to Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. But Jake Kasdan has begun to establish his own unique voice with two enjoyable films, the underrated Zero Effect and his latest film Bad Teacher. Taking a cue from Bad Santa, Bad Teacher is exactly what the title describes. Cameron Diaz plays the worst, self serving, inappropriate teacher imaginable. The results are hilarious in the typical mindless hard R summer comedy way. What’s great about the film is that Kasdan thankfully resists the urge to make the main character transform into something unrealistically redeemable at the end. Which are what most Judd Apatow’s films are guilty of . Yeah Cameron Diaz’s character learns a lesson…but it’s still a self serving lesson.

 

 

8. Captain America: The First Avenger 

 

Summer of 2011 will be remembered as Marvel Studios coming out party. With not just one…but two critical and commercial successes in one summer. What’s really exciting is that these Marvel studios movies, all just serve as back story for the highly anticipated tent pole event of 2012, The Avengers. But first things first, Captain America. After all the years of awful, low budget, unfaithful adaptations of Captain America, Marvel Studios finally produced the definitive film representation of the character.  Never mind the obstacles of the unabashed patriotism, or the seemingly ridiculous costume, Marvel found and trusted the heart of the character and rewarded audiences with a fun, enjoyable action period piece.

 

7. Thor 

 

If Captain America and his character’s patriotism, and period setting seemed to be difficult to adapt for a cynical modern day audience, then translating the story of the Norse God of Thunder, Thor would seem impossible. Among the challenges that director Kenneth Branagh faced was incorporating two different universes. He also had to balance comic book, as well as nordic mythology with elements of science fiction. He did this all within the modern Marvel universe…while also introducing a character to audiences, not as familiar as other signature Marvel heroes. Not to mention the challenging special effects and fan boy demands of the piece. Easy right? But Branagh not only succeeds with doing all that, but against a comic book action film background, he also tells a surprisingly touching, romantic tale, which also happens to have shades of Shakespearean drama thrown in.  Thor is the ideal and yet unique summer action film, and the best comic book film of 2011.

6. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 

It ended …and an entertaining ending it was. After all the years, books and films Harry Potter’s complete story finally ended this summer. Universally enjoyed by critics and audiences alike the film was a fitting and faithful end to one of the most successful franchises in film history. But can something this successful really be over? Something tells me no. We’ll just have to wait and see if I’m right.

5. The Guard 

 

In a summer filled with raunchy inappropriate comedies, The Guard stands out for being inappropriately funny… yet not raunchy. Throw in some mystery, crime thriller elements and witty, provocative character banter and the film rises from the typical buddy comedy and into a fascinating character study/ independent crime drama. What really makes the film outstanding, however,  is the enjoyable complex performance of Brendan Gleeson. On the surface the character played by Gleeson appears to be a simple, small town, small minded cop. But in reality he may be the smartest, street saavy, liberal person in the room… or is he?

 

 

4. Rise of the Planet of the Apes 

 

Surprise, surprise. I don’t think ANYONE predicted the success of this film. But the formula is pretty simple. It has a great story. The film actually stands on it’s own merits for the first two drama filled acts. Then in the third act the film starts to cleverly set-up the science fiction classic Planet of the Apes. Despite it’s title, the audience almost doesn’t see it coming. We’re so wrapped up in the events of this movie… we forget it’s a prequel to a  famous film. Of course any discussion of the film without mentioning the brilliant motion capture performance of Andy Serkis would be blasphemous. Talk of an Oscar nomination for Serkis’s performance isn’t just idle chit chat, it’s something that should seriously be considered… and will be.

 

 

3. The Tree of Life 

 

Arguably, the most polarizing movie in recent film history, The Tree of Life has many moments to admire and also many moments that can leave one scratching and shaking their heads in confusion and frustration. As many have noted, the film needs to be pondered and digested before being fully appreciated, which understandably, can feel pretentious to most audiences. Even then the film is open to varying interpretations depending on the viewer. Sort of  like other non-story telling art forms. Right? Despite how one feels about the film, one has to admit that at a purely artistic, cinematic level the film is impressive in its ambition and scope. It also features Terrence Malick’s trademark poetic, and awe-inspiring visuals that will stay with the viewer long after the film. Not to mention the movie stands out for being thought provoking and a fascinating conversation starter, in an otherwise typical mindless action filled movie summer.

 

2. Submarine

 

Technically a 2010 film, Submarine finally saw its mainstream release this summer. Thank god for that. Literally…thank god.  Easily one of the best films of the year so far, Submarine marks the theatrical directorial debut of one of the most interesting must see voices in film today, Richard Ayoade. Obviously, comparisons to Wes Anderson are inevitable, but Richard Ayoade is more than that. Where Anderson is quirky and irreverent, Ayoade is honest and awkward. Hilarious, touching, refreshing and dramatically entertaining Submarine is sure to land near the top of many best film lists for 2011.

And the best film of the summer of 2011 was….

1. Midnight in Paris 

 

The Best Woody Allen film ever? It’s definitely debatable. Midnight in Paris is the work of a master storyteller at the top of his game. Not surprisingly, the film is also Allen’s most successful film ever at the box office. All the signature Woody Allen elements are in place, but the film also feels fresh and unique in it’s own heartfelt way. Perhaps it’s the Paris locale, or a main protagonist that doesn’t evoke Woody Allen’s typical pessimistic, hypochondriac , characteristics. Whatever the case, the film is destined to be a modern day classic. The fact that it was released and managed to find success during a mostly special effects driven,  3D action fueled summer makes this charming, comedic independent film a marketing miracle. A miracle because the success has been generated mostly through just positive word of mouth. It’s a miracle in other ways too. The movie skillfully blends comedy, romance, thought provoking ideas about art and history, with a charming touch of nostalgia. Midnight in Paris is likely not just the best movie of the Summer, but will more than likely be the best movie of the year!

The Artist 2011 Movie Trailer

The idea is so simple…one wonders why haven’t they thought of it before. Anybody want to watch a good old fashioned silent film?

Look no further than the upcoming The Artist. A black and white, old fashioned themed silent film. The film isn’t a parody either. It plays it straight as an earnest non-talking picture with the performance style and movie look of the Silent era. The film has already earned dramatic awards. Specifically, Jean Dujardin was named Best Actor at the 2011 Cannes Film festival for his performance in the film.

It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out. I can picture the film becoming a huge hit just on the novelty alone. Could this spark a Hollywood trend of silent films? Can you imagine? Remakes are all the rage…imagine silent film remakes of classic Harold Lloyd films or Buster Keaton movies.

The Artist stars Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo,  John Goodman, Malcolm McDowell, Missi Pyle, James Cromwell and Penelope Ann Miller. The film is directed by Michel Hazanavicius. It is scheduled for release November 23, 2011.

Official Synopsis:

Hollywood 1927. George Valentin is a very successful silent movie star. The arrival of talking pictures will mark the end of his career. Peppy Miller, a young woman extra, becomes a major movie star.

Top Ten All-Time Greatest NBA Players1 Comment

 With the potential of a lockout spilling into the season likely, I thought I’d try to quench my NBA basketball thirst with this opinion piece.

There have always been debates about the greatest players of all-time and although there has always been opinions, it’s rarely backed up with facts. That’s because people argue with their hearts. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s human. We all have favorite teams and it’s hard to overlook that bias. It’s also hard to argue statistics since players played in different eras with a different talent level.

Here is my attempt to stay unbiased, using facts as arguments rather than my heart. Of course in the end this list is assembled from my own opinion. I don’t claim to be an expert or an authority. But I believe I’ve laid out some strong points here in my arguments.

So without further ado, here are the ten all-time greatest Basketball Players to ever play the game… in order.

Honorable Mention:

Moses Malone, Julius Erving, Jerry West, Hakeem Olajuwon, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone, Elgin Baylor, Scottie Pippen.

 

10. Shaquille O’Neal

The big diesel lands at number ten for  simply being one of  the most dominant players to EVER play the game. In his prime Shaq was un -guard-able. Literally. The only defense was to foul him (or should I say mug him) lest he run amok and score 100 points. His dominance forced the NBA to change the rules of the game to compensate. CHANGE THEM. Seriously. He literally played most of his career with two players guarding him at all -times… sometimes three. Even with that handicap Shaq was able to win four NBA championships, with two different teams. Other stats include 3-Time NBA Finals MVP. 15 time NBA All-Star, 2 time NBA scoring Champion, 8 time All-NBA First Team, Three Time NBA All-Star Game MVP.

 

9. Oscar Robertson

Before Magic Johnson made Triple Doubles famous there was Oscar Robertson. Robertson just didn’t lead the league in triple doubles. He averaged it for an ENTIRE SEASON in 1961 -62. Averaged it! It’s almost impossible to even fathom. What’s even most impressive is that he almost averaged one in his ROOKIE year. 30.5 point, 10.1 rebounds and 9.7 assists per game. The only reason why he doesn’t rank higher is that he only managed to win one championship in his illustrious, impressive career. More an indictment of the talent of his supporting cast than his efforts. Based on stats alone he has to be considered one of the greatest if not THE greatest all-around players to ever play the game.

 

8. Larry Bird

The truth is many players can be plugged into this spot. One can argue that Jerry West should be here, or Elgin Baylor. One can even argue that Scottie Pippen and his six championships belong here. All legitimate arguments. Larry Bird lands here for his value and contribution as an ambassador to the overall game of basketball. Together with Magic Johnson they turned the NBA from a fringe sport to one of the world’s most popular games on the planet. There’s no debating that. If that wasn’t enough his Hall of Fame statistics should be enough. 3 time NBA champion, 3 time NBA Most Valuable Player, 12 time NBA All-Star, 2 time NBA Finals MVP, NBA Coach of the Year.

 

7. Tim Duncan

For years critics have claimed Duncan is playing out of position and is a real center. It’s true as a center he would not be considered one of the 10 greatest. But the truth is he’s NOT a center. He’s a power forward, a power forward who could also play center and if he’s truly a power forward than his statistics would make him the greatest power forward to ever play the game. Since he’s played his entire career as a power forward…than…he’s a power forward. The greatest ever. 4 time NBA champion, 3 time NBA Finals MVP, 2 time NBA Most Valuable Player, 13 time NBA All-star, 9 time ALL-NBA First Team, 8 time all-defensive team.

 

6.  Michael Jordan

Look no further. Michael Jordan will rank no higher.  The greatest marketed player ever belongs right here. Sure it would be easy to bump him up. But first one has to devalue the facts and points I’ve made below. Which one realistically can’t. The only fact that Jordan fans can argue as superior to the players I’ve mentioned below are the 6 NBA Finals MVP awards. Impressive…yet more an indication of his popularity than his actual value. Who was more valuable to the Bulls? Pippen or Jordan? People love to point at Jordan’s intangibles. His leadership abilities. His drive and desire. All immeasurable and circumstantial. Was Jordan a better floor general or all-around player than Magic Johnson? A better scorer than Kareem or Wilt? Better defender than Bill Russell? Would Kobe have won at least 6 NBA championships playing on the Bulls with Phil Jackson and Scottie Pippen?  You’re lying to yourself if you say no. He would have won 8… cause he would have never retired  from the NBA to play baseball. How about that for drive and determination. Not to say Jordan is a scrub. He is legitimately one of the greatest players EVER to play the game. Just not one of the five greatest. 6 Time NBA Champion, 5 time NBA MVP, 14 time NBA All-star, 6 time NBA Finals MVP, 10 time scoring champion, 10 time All-NBA First Team 3 time NBA All-Star Game MVP, NCAA Champion.

5. Kobe Bryant

Shocked? Surprised? This isn’t a typo. The truth is Kobe’s value to the Lakers is equal to what Jordan’s value was to the Bulls. Correct? That’s not debatable right? But my main argument is that Kobe Bryant ranks ahead of Michael Jordan because of  his five championships. What’s that? Six beats five? True… but Michael Jordan never won a championship without Scottie Pippen. Kobe Bryant has won two without Shaquille O’Neal and can POTENTIALLY win even more. What’s most intriguing about Kobe Bryant’s career is that if he remains healthy, he can realistically play for 6 to 8 more years. What will his statistics look like after that? He doesn’t just land ahead of Jordan simply on potential either. He also ranks ahead for his drive and desire. What’s that? Nobody had more desire than Jordan? I don’t remember Kobe retiring in the middle of his prime or retiring earlier than he needed to. That’s cause Kobe would NEVER consider that. His drive and desire are insatiable. Kobe played even when he was on trial for rape. With his freedom on the line! When it’s all said and done I predict Kobe’s stats will be superior to Jordan’s. But IF he retired today, it would STILL be hard to argue not having Kobe ahead of Jordan. Based on that he ranks ahead of Jordan. Here are some of Kobe’s stats at the time of this publication. 5 time NBA champion, 2 time NBA Finals MVP, 13 time all-star, 2 time NBA scoring champion. 9 time all-defensive first team, 4 time NBA all-star game MVP.

 

4. Magic Johnson

In terms of player versatility, there’s nobody greater than Magic Johnson. The only player on this list who could realistically play all five positions at an all-star level caliber. Many dock him for simply being a point guard and not more of a scorer. But he was the greatest point guard ever. Which makes him the greatest floor general in the history of the game. If the Lakers wanted him to play center full-time and been more of a scorer he could have done that… and still been a Hall of Famer. The truth of the matter is, if Magic Johnson had not been forced to tragically retire early he would most likely be at the top of this list. That being said his statistics still make him an NBA Hall of Famer. But they should all be mentioned with an asterisk. 5 time NBA Champion, 3 time NBA Most Valuable player. 12 Time NBA all-star. NCAA Champion.  9 time NBA First team.

 

3. Wilt Chamberlain

As far as individual play, it’s impossible to find a more dominant player than Wilt Chamberlain. 7 time scoring champion, 11 time rebounding champion. 4 time NBA Most Valuable player, 7 time NBA First team. 13 time all-star. Oh yeah and he won 2 championships. Have I mentioned that he also scored 100 points in a single game. 100 POINTS!!!!! Some records will never be broken. That stat is probably one of them.

 

2. Bill Russell

If championships are the measurement of a player’s value than nobody is as valuable as Bill Russell and his 11 championships. Need more stats? How about 5 time NBA Most Valuable player, 12 time NBA All-Star. 3x All-NBA first team and 2 time NCAA Champion. He is also the undisputed greatest defender in NBA history. The popular argument for him not being #2 is Russell’s playing era had less athletic talent . Ridiculous. Defense is defense. I don’t care what era a player played in. Nobody is going to go down the middle if Bill Russell is standing there. No matter what era he’s playing in. If one can defend the post back then they could certainly defend now.

 

1. Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Often overlooked as the number 1 player on most all-time lists, it’s mind boggling that the all-time scoring leader should be considered anything less than NUMBER 1. Shouldn’t the all-time leading scorer be considered the greatest scorer in NBA history? Yet most critics always list a certain North Carolina Tar Heel alumni as the greatest scorer. The argument being Jordan had the “intangibles”. Ridiculous.  How about these tangibles in favor of Kareem as the greatest basketball player of all time.  6 NBA championships, 3 NCAA Championships, 6 Most valuable player awards. 19 time  NBA All-Star, 5 time first team all-defense.  #1 all-time in scoring. If you think Kareem was just a scorer he is also #3 All-Time in career rebounds and #3 all-time in career blocks. Many point to Kareem’s longevity as a reason for his impressive statistics. And since when is longevity considered a negative??? Absurd. Go away with the ignorant, unsubstantiated bias. Kareem Abdul Jabbar is the greatest player ever. Period.

 

Obviously , these opinions are mine and mine alone. But I welcome a healthy debate in the comments down below. I believe I’ve laid out some relevant and substantial points in the justifications of my arguments. But let me know what you think. Let’s hear your list!!!

Straw Dog 2011 Trailer Reaction

 I’m a HUGE Rod Lurie fan.

He’s one of my favorite directors working today. I particularly enjoy the films that he has also written. His film The Contender is one of my five all-time favorite films. His most recent movie Nothing But the Truth was one of my favorite films of the past decade. His first film, Deterence is an under-rated political drama, that raises fascinating, thought provoking and timely questions of morality and government. So when it was announced that he’d be remaking the Sam Peckinpah film Straw Dogs , I was extremely excited. To be completely honest, I’m not a big fan of the original film. The piece has some unusual and distracting Peckinpah artistic choices that I don’t think serve the overall story well. I also feel that some of Peckinpah’s personal misogynistic views creep into the film unnecessarily. I do, however, love the general premise and plot of the film about a man losing his humanity in the face of extreme adversity, when his masculinity is questioned.

I think Rod Lurie is the perfect director and writer to bring out the true themes and brutality of this piece. Much of the slow boiling of the film requires intimate and pointed interactions between the characters and Lurie has an uncanny ear for provocative, realistic, and painfully honest dialogue.

Straw Dogs is scheduled for release September 16, 2011. The film is written and directed by Rod Lurie. Based on an earlier screenplay by Sam Peckinpah and David Zelag Goodman. The film stars Kate Bosworth, James Marsden and Alexander Skarsgard.

Anonymous – 2011 Movie Trailer Reaction

What if someone else wrote the plays of the greatest writer to ever live, William Shakespeare?

That’s the theory being dramatized in the Roland Emmerich film Anonymous.

Of course, this isn’t a unique theory. There’s always been a debate about whether or not Shakespeare did indeed write all of his plays. The main argument of him not being the author being that a simple, unexceptional, working class actor could have never written such amazing work.  That the author of such political and fantastical material as Hamlet, The Tempest, and Romeo and Juliet must have been born of nobility, with an outstanding education, and had a life of adventure full of remarkable experience and culture.

A pretty weak argument in my opinion.

I’ve always felt it’s the underprivileged that have the most creativity and artistry. Because that’s all they have. They have to work to earn their success because nothing will come easy to them.

One need only look at Quentin Tarrantino as a modern day example of an immensely talented story telling artist from a humble, unimpressive upbringing.

In any event Anonymous puts forth the popular conspiracy theory that Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford was the author of Shakespeare’s plays. Apparently he has some life experience which parallels the characters in some of Shakespeare’s plays. I’m pretty shocked that Shakespeare veterans Derek Jacobi and Vanessa Redgrave appear in the movie. I’m not positive, but I think their appearance in the film seems to be an endorsement of the argument of Oxfordian theory of authorship.

I’ll probably check the film out. If only out of curiosity and because I’m a sucker for conspiracy films.

Anonymous stars Jamie Campbell Bower, Rhys Ifans, David Thewlis, Joely Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave and Derek Jacobi. It is directed by Roland Emmerich. It is scheduled for release October 28, 2011.

First Look: Anne Hathaway as Catwoman

Today Warner Bros decided to release the first official photo of Anne Hathaway as Selena Kyle aka Catwoman, for the upcoming Christopher Nolan film The Dark Knight Rises. The strategic release of the first photo of Anne Hathaway in Catwoman costume was made in anticipation of photos that are sure to leak as Anne Hathaway begins to film outdoor scenes of her role on set in Pittsburgh.

My initial reaction to this photo is relief.

I’m not one of those hardcore comic book geeks that needs a full on costume to establish a character.  This obviously signals that Christopher Nolan is sticking to the realism of the world his characters inhabit from the first two films. I admit I’m intrigued by the Catwoman googles. Not sure what purpose the glowing blue light on the side of her glasses serves. I hope that it’s not for cosmetic reasons to create a cat like resemblance. Overall I like the look she’s sporting here. I don’t need her looking like a full-on cat. Realistically, what purpose would a cat themed mask/headgear serve a cat burgler anyways?

I already think it’s a little strange that Bruce Wayne is dressed as a bat…but Nolan has established important and vital reasons for the bat suit design. However, I’m not naive, there are sure to be criticisms for this incarnation of Catwoman.

My reply is get over it. With Christopher Nolan in the driver’s seat we shouldn’t be concerned by any aspects of this production. We just have to wait and enjoy when the film is finally released.

The Dark Knight Rises stars Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman, Michael Caine and Morgan Freeman. The Dark Knight Rises is directed by Christopher Nolan. It is scheduled for release July 20, 2012.

First Look: Henry Cavill as Superman in Man Of Steel

 

Here’s Superman!

Impressive right? Yeah… I know… not really.

This is obviously a promotional photo of Henry Cavil as Superman in the upcoming film Man of Steel. Which is a reboot / origin story of the classic Superman story. I’m curious to see how this turns out. A major problem that I’ve always had with the whole Superman story is that he’s too damn tough. All villans really don’t stand a chance. Yeah I know he has his kryptonite but that never seems to work. He’s basically perfect. He has the perfect genetics, raised by perfect foster parents, with good wholesome values. He’s super smart and physically invincible. It’s hard to tell a dynamic story about a character like that.

But Superman is arguably the most recognizable and popular super hero of all-time. So Warner Bros and Christopher Nolan are going to give it a shot.

I actually admired what Bryan Singer was hinting at in his attempt at the character in Superman Returns. Rather than focusing on an external villain as an antagonist, he focused on Superman’s conflict of being almost a religious savior to the world vs. his own ambition of just having a simple family life.

Of course…nobody agreed with me, which brought about this reboot.

I have faith in Christopher Nolan to tell an engaging story. The guy rarely makes a mis-step. With him overseeing the project we can pretty much guarantee good quality stuff.

Man of Steel stars Henry Cavill, Laurence Fishburne, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon. It is directed by  Zack Snyder and produced by Christopher Nolan.

Twixt Movie Trailer Reaction

First off a disclaimer… Francis Ford Coppola is my all-time favorite director. When he’s at his best, I don’t think there are any directors working that can blend art house vision with mainstream sensibilities as well as him.  The key to his success is that generally, his films are all intensely personal. When he is criticized for choices they are usually for issues where he refuses to compromise. I’ve always admired that about his films. Lately, however, he has been in full art house mode. His last two efforts, Youth without Youth and Tetro were  films produced with little regard for a mainstream audience. Basically, he had an artistic itch and he needed to scratch it. So when his latest film was announced, titled Twixt, it was  surprising that the story would be told in the horror genre.

Based on this initial trailer…TWIXT isn’t your typical horror film. Bits and pieces have even begun to slip out about the presentation of Twixt and rumors suggest that the screenings  will include a live component and even some audience participation?

Awesome.

TWIXT  stars Val Kilmer, Elle Fanning, Ben Chaplin, Joanne Whalley, Bruce