Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Favorite Musical Movies

With the release of HSM3 and my fandom to the theater arts and musical movies, I have decided to put together a list of my Favorite Musical Movies. If you visit her regularly, then you remember my post, The "Greatest" Films in Classic Genres. Under the musical category I entered The Phantom of the Opera (2004). This is by far my favorite musical movie, part because of the cinematography. There are many musical movies lets see if your favorites make my list, here are the contenders:

1. The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
2. Moulin Rouge! (2001)
3. Wizard of Oz, The (1939)
4. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
5.
Grease (1978)
6. Across the Universe (2007)
7. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
8. West Side Story (1961)
9. Hairspray (2007)
10. Chicago (2002)

REVIEW: HSM 3: Senior Year

The Synopsis

IMDb:
As seniors in high school ,Troy and Gabriella struggle with the idea of being separated from one another as college approaches. Along with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical to address their experiences, hopes and fears about their future

Other Reviews

Critics:


Roger Ebert:
NA
Michael Phillips:
NA
EW:
Owen Gleiberman: B
A. O. Scott: NA

Other Sites:


At The Movies:
Ben Mankiewicz: Skip It, Ben Lyons: Rent It
Fandango:
239 Oh No, 72 No, 241 So-So, 1002 Go, 2312 Must Go
Rotten Tomatoes:
T-Meter: 66% (Fresh), Top Critics: 71% (Fresh), RT Community: 56% (Rotten)
Metacritic:
Critics: 56 out of 100, Users: 4.7 out of 10
Yahoo Movies:
Critics: C+ Users: B+

My Review

Source Material:
Original Story, continuation of other High School Musical films.

Action:
Defective: Lame, that all I am going to say, LAME.

Acting and Dialogue:
Common: Zac Eron is the only decent actor from the whole HSM cast, second place would go to Vanessa Hudgens. all the other are just Disney "cookies-cutter-marketable-teens."

Cinematography:
Common: Besides the Disney "shininess" nothing

Direction:
Common: A theater director/ choreography turn filmmaker not the best idea, just didn't work out this time.

Sound:
Common: The first film had the best soundtrack from there it has gone down hill.

Special and Visual FX:
Common: None, most lighting and stage work hint the title of the film.

Overall:
A strong C, I only recommend this film to families and preteens who like HSM. I am a fan of the theater arts and musical movies but this movie did nothing for me...first one was the best (as a TV movie).

REVIEW: Saw V

The Synopsis

IMDb: Following Jigsaw's grizzly demise, Mark Hoffman, the final apprentice to the serial killer is reigned a hero. Meanwhile, Agent Strahm is tested and puts the pieces together. While Strahm realizes that Hoffman is helping Jigsaw, five seemingly unconnected people face a horrible lesson of teamwork. Strahm follows all the leads he can get off Hoffman, including the death of his sister and why he joined Jigsaw. Hoffman and Strahm circle each other until it boils down to a gruesome and bone-crushing finale.

Other Reviews

Critics:


Roger Ebert:
NA
Michael Phillips: NA
EW: Gregory Kirschling: C-
A. O. Scott: NA

Other Sites:


At The Movies: Ben Mankiewicz: NA, Ben Lyons: NA
Fandango: 115 Oh No, 67 No, 192 So-So, 251 Go, 329 Must Go
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 13% (Rotten), Top Critics: 10% (Rotten), RT Community: 58% (Rotten)
Metacritic: Critics: 19 out of 100, Users: 6.0 out of 10
Yahoo Movies: Critics: NA Users: B

My Review

Source Material: Original Story, continuation of other Saw films

Action:
Defective: Nothing to offer.

Acting and Dialogue:
Brilliant: I have always like the story behind the Saw film, including the twist at the end, even thought Saw V's ending was a little weak.

Cinematography: Common: Think cheap not in it looks cheap but it was easy to set up... I will order the horror genre special and the young lady would like the same.

Direction:
Brilliant: I give props to the men who can make cheap movies and then turn around and make a crap load of cash. even though I more particular to longer films this movie had a perfect running time, any long and i may have became board.

Sound: Common: Can you say rock n roll and screaming? That's all you need for this type of film.

Special and Visual FX:
Brilliant: Not a lot of digital FX but I give kudos to the Art Department for cook up realist dead bodies, old school FX is better than new school FX when it come to the Saw films.

Overall: A very low B- and very high C+, I don't necessary recommend this film but for the Halloween season its all we got. Well, when it comes to horror movies/ "scary movies." If you can wait until it come on DVD do so and rent it.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Movies I Recommend To See In 2009

I will continue updating as the year unfolds. If you don’t like my picks and want to know what’s coming out visit these site: Coming Soon, Kerasotes, and Movie Web

Trailers Brought to You By: The Movie Box

Number Ones for January:
National: Taken, Underworld 3: The Rise of the Lycans
Indies:
Comedy:
Family: Inkheart
New Years:

Number Ones for February:
National:
Indies: Fanboys, Youth in Revolt
Comedy:
Family:
Valentine Day:

Number Ones for March:
National: Watchmen
Indies: The Soloist
Comedy:
Family:
St. Patrick’s Day:

Number Ones for April:
National:
Indies: Crank 2: High Voltage
Comedy:
Family:
Easter Sunday:

Number Ones for May:
National: Star Trek, Angels and Demons , X-Men Origins: Wolverine
Indies:
Comedy: Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Family: Up
Memorial Day:

Number Ones for June:
National: Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen
Indies:
Comedy:
Family:

Number Ones for July:
National: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Indies:
Comedy:
Family: Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
Independence Day:

Number Ones for August:
National:
Indies:
Comedy:
Family:

Number Ones for September:
National:
Indies:
Comedy:
Family:
Labor Day

Number Ones for October:
National:
Indies:
Comedy:
Family:
Halloween:

Number Ones for November:
National:
Indies:
Comedy:
Family:
Thanksgiving:

Number Ones for December:
National: Avatar
Indies:
Comedy:
Family:
Christmas:


THE FUTURE

2010

Alice in Wonderland
Iron Man 2
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time
Thor
The Last Airbender
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I

2011

The First Avenger: Captain America
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II
Spider-Man 4
The Avengers
The Hobbit

The Best Movies for This Month

For the Month of October:

National: Pride and Glory
Indies: RocknRolla
Comedy: Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist
Family: City of Ember
Halloween: Saw V
Oscar Buzz:
Rachel Getting Married
The Brothers Bloom (moved to December)
Body of Lies
The Changeling

Reminder for November: Movies I Recommend To See In 2008

Number Ones for November:

National: Quantum of Solace, Twilight
Indies: Milk
Comedy: TBA
Family: Bolt
Oscar Buzz:
The Soloist (moved to March 2009)
Australia
The Road

The Filmmakers

RON HOWARD

1 March 1954, Duncan, Oklahoma, USA

Most television fans learned about Ron Howard via Happy Days, but those of us who are movie fan know he has move on to filmmaking. Ron Howard is an underdog director; he should make the top ten or twenty best directors of all time but he just misses the mark. I think it that way because he puts out films like A Beautiful Mind, which is arguably his best work. Then on the other hand, a crappy film comes down the pipeline. He may have some pretty crappy movies but he always fines away to redeem himself, sometimes these redemptions lead to Oscar nominations. Ron Howard will rank in my favorites director even thought to the world see him as a “above average” director.

Biography

Filmography

They Shoot Pictures, Don’t They?

STUDIOS: WB

Time Warner INC.

Location:

Hollywood, Los Angeles,
California, USA

Founder: The Four Warner Brothers: Harry Warner, Albert Warner, Sam Warner, and Jack L. Warner

Major Film Studio (Parent Division): Warner Bros. Entertainment (WB) (Wiki)
Major Studio Subsidiary: Castle Rock Entertainment (Wiki), Legendary Pictures (Wiki)
Animation Studio: Warner Bros. Animation (Wiki): Looney Tunes (Wiki)
Independent Film Companies: Warner Independent Pictures (Wiki)
Arthouse/"Indie" Subsidiaries: New Line Cinema (Wiki), Picturehouse (Wiki)

History (Wiki)

Filmography

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

REVIEW: Sex Drive

The Synopsis

IMDb: A high school senior drives cross-country with his best friends to hook up with a babe he met online.

Other Reviews

Critics:


Roger Ebert:
2 Stars
Michael Phillips: NA
EW: Owen Gleiberman: B-
A. O. Scott: NA

Other Sites:


At The Movies: Ben Mankiewicz: Skip It, Ben Lyons: Skip It
Fandango: 25 Oh No, 14 No, 28 So-So, 52 Go, 84 Must Go
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 43% (Rotten), Top Critics: 57% (Rotten), RT Community: 85% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 48 out of 100, Users: 7.6 out of 10
Yahoo Movies: Critics: C+ Users: B+

My Review

Source Material: Based on book All The Way, by Andy Behrens

Action:
Common: Some funny slapstick.

Acting and Dialogue:
Common: Mainly gay jokes. Best scene were with Seth Green

Cinematography: Common: It did a good job faking the Midwest

Direction:
Common: Okay for first film but as a sex comedy it sucks Suberbad was way better.

Sound: Common: Maybe it was good, I really don’t remember it

Special and Visual FX:
Common: Little to no FX

Overall: C, The only people I recommend this to is die heart sex comedy fans.

AWARD SEASON: Oscar Buzz: Appaloosa

Possible Nominations:

Best Supporting Actor: Viggo Mortensen

Best Director: # 5 pick Long Shot: Ed Harris

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

STUDIO NEWS: The Weinstein Company

MGM and Weinstein Co. Call It Quits!
Less than a week since DreamWorks announced that they would be going it on their own without their distribution partner Paramount, The Weinstein Co. and MGM have cut short their distribution deal three months earlier than the original three-year contract, which was scheduled to expire on December 31. Harvey and Bob Weinstein's company will take back seven movies to release between now and the end of the year including Kevin Smith's upcoming Zack and Miri Make a Porno (October 31) and the anticipated adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's The Road (November 14). MGM will still distribute the two planned Dimension Films releases, the comedy Soul Men (November 7) with Samuel L. Jackson and the late Bernie Mac and Forest Whitaker's sports drama Hurricane Season (December 25).

The two companies decided to exit the distribution agreement after The Weinstein Company (TWC) signed its own TV deal with Showtime, bypassing MGM's Showtime deal, which was the main reason for the pairing initially. Under the distribution deal, TWC paid for marketing and prints, with MGM taking a distribution fee for booking theaters.

The two companies made the following statements:

The Weinstein Company: "This transition was always anticipated and now it has been amicably executed."

MGM: "When it became clear that the deal wouldn't be re-upped, TWC asked for its films back, minus the two Dimension titles, and we agreed."
Original Source: Variety

STUDIOS: Sony

Sony Corporation

Location:

Culver City

California, USA


Founder:
Harry Cohn

Major Film Studio (Parent Division): Sony Pictures (Wiki)
Major Studio Subsidiary:
Columbia Tristar Motion Picture Group (Wiki), Metro-Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) (Wiki)
Animation Studio:
Sony Pictures Animation (Wiki), Imageworks (Wiki)
Independent Film Companies:
Sony Pictures Classics (Wiki)
Arthouse/"Indie" Subsidiaries:
Destination Films (Wiki), Screen Gems (Wiki), Triumph Films (Wiki)

History (Wiki)

Filmography

The Filmmakers

TERRY GILLIAM

22 November 1940, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

Terry Gilliam entered my life the same way he probably did for everyone else, through Monty Python. Even though Monty Python is a major part of Terry Gilliam’s career it’s not the only thing he has done. He has done some small fantasy like the box office failure The Brothers Grimm. Even thought Terry Gilliam will always be known as the king of British humor via Monty Python, I hope he can make a name for himself in the fantasy genre. He might have failed big time with The Brothers Grimm but I think the future could bring greatness. To tell you the truth, I am kind of looking forward to see Terry Gilliam’s new movie The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, but that might be because it’s Heath Ledger last movie; either way Terry Gilliam will always make my list of favorite directors even if it just for his work on Monty Python.

Biography


Filmography

They Shoot Pictures, Don’t They?

STUDIOS: MGM

Metro-Goldwyn Mayer

Location:

Los Angeles, California, USA
& London, England

Founder: Marcus Loew

Major Film Studio (Parent Division):
Metro-Goldwyn Mayer (MGM)
Major Studio Subsidiary: United Artists Films (Wiki)
Animation Studio: NONE
Independent Film Companies: Samuel Goldwyn Films (Wiki), The Weinstein Company (Wiki)
Arthouse/"Indie" Subsidiaries:
Orion Pictures (Wiki)

History

Filmography

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

AWARD SEASON: Oscar Buzz: Body of Lies

Possible Nominations:

Best Actor in Leading Role: Leonardo DiCaprio

I see him one the ballet as the number five pick.

REVIEW: Body of Lies

The Synopsis

IMDb: Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio) is a covert CIA operative working in Jordan searching for terrorists who have been bombing civilian targets. Ferris uncovers information on the Islamist mastermind Al-Saleem (Alon Aboutboul). He devises a plan to infiltrate Al-Saleem's terrorist network with the help of his boss back in Langley, Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe). Ferris enlists the help of the Chief of Jordanian Intelligence, Hani Salaam (Mark Strong) on this operation, but he doesn't know how far he can trust him without putting his life in danger. The uneasy alliance leads to a cultural and moral clash between the men.

Other Reviews

Critics:


Roger Ebert:
3 Stars
Michael Phillips: 2 ½ Stars (fair-good)
EW: Owen Gleiberman: C-
A. O. Scott: 2/5

Other Sites:

At The Movies:
Ben Mankiewicz: See It, Ben Lyons: Skip It
Fandango: 10 Oh No, 19 No, 68 So-So, 130 Go, 121 Must Go
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 50% (Rotten), Top Critics: 48% (Rotten), RT Community: 85% (Fresh)
Metacritic: Critics: 58 out of 100, Users: 8.5 out of 10
Yahoo Movies: Critics: B- Users: B+

My Review

Source Material: Based on the book Body of Lies by David Ignatius

Action:
Common: Another terrorist movie ware the action is explosions and running.

Acting and Dialogue:
Amazing: Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe are arguably two best actors still working today.

Cinematography: Brilliant: I like a lot of the shoot in the film and I thought it was well put together.

Direction: Common: Ridley Scott is one of my favorite directors but this film didn’t do it for me. It also way to long, so long that it becomes boring.

Sound:
Common: Forgettable, nothing I can remember.

Special and Visual FX: Common: Some key explosions but nothing else.

Overall:
C, Unfortunately I do NOT recommend this film

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

STUDIO NEWS: Dreamworks SKG

DreamWorks Considers Indie Future

DreamWorks Deals Are Fluid

DreamWorks Moves Forward


DreamWorks Signs Universal Distribution Deal

STUDIOS: Paramount Pictures

Viacom

Location:

Hollywood, Los Angeles,
California, USA

Founder: Adolf Zukor (Adolph Cukor) (Wiki)

Major Film Studio (Parent Division): Paramount Motion Pictures Group (Wiki),
Major Studio Subsidiary: Paramount Pictures (Wiki), Dreamworks SKG (Wiki)
Animation Studio: Dreamworks Animation (Wiki)
Independent Film Companies: Republic Pictures (Wiki)
Arthouse/"Indie" Subsidiaries: Paramount Vantage (Paramount Classics) (Wiki)

History
(Wiki)

Filmography

Monday, October 13, 2008

The Filmmakers

DAVID FINCHER

28 August 1962, Denver, Colorado, USA

My brother is the one who introduced me to the world of David Fincher via Fight Club; shortly there after I watched Se7en. Sometime between then and now I sunk in watching The Game, Panic Room, and not to long ago Zodiac. All of these film I like if not loved. David Fincher brings a different kind of genius to filmmaking. I don’t know how to explain it but I will try my best: In my opinion, David Fincher has six films out of eight that are good and out of that six, three are beyond good, out of those three, one is on its way to greatness. I am talking about David Fincher‘s latest film, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, it’s already getting Oscar buzz. I don’t know about you but David Fincher has made great cinematic adventures that have satisfied my appetite for film and filmmaking, I hope he continues down this same path producing many great films.

Biography

Filmography


They Shoot Pictures, Don’t They?

REVIEW: City of Ember

The Synopsis

IMDb: For generations, the people of the City of Ember have flourished in an amazing world of glittering lights. But Ember's once powerful generator is failing ... and the great lamps that illuminate the city are starting to flicker. Now, two teenagers in a race against time, must search Ember for clues that will unlock the ancient mystery of the city's existence, and help the citizens escape before the lights go out forever.

Other Reviews

Critics:

Roger Ebert: 2 ½ Stars
Michael Phillips: 3 Stars (good)
EW: Gregory Kirschling: B-
A. O. Scott: NA

Other Sites:


At The Movies:
Ben Mankiewicz: NA, Ben Lyons: NA
Fandango: 21 Oh No, 18 No, 35 So-So, 37 Go, 34 Must Go
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 47% (Rotten), Top Critics: 61% (Fresh), RT Community: 84% (Rotten)
Metacritic: Critics: 58 out of 100, Users: 6.0 out of 10
Yahoo Movies: Critics: B- Users: B+

My Review

Source Material: Based on the book The City of Ember by Jeanne Duprau

Action: Brilliant: Good enough to keep your attention for the full running time.

Acting and Dialogue: Brilliant: It not spectacular but it works for a children’s novel.

Cinematography: Brilliant: The Set Deign and Art Work is what drives the cinematography in this film. Cinematography is more than just beautiful sets and art, it camera angles, lighting and, Mise-en-scène. It had those traits and they were descent but there was no wow factor. With that being said, the Set Deign and Art Work in this film is agreeability Oscar worthy.

Direction: Brilliant: This film is a good paced adventure.

Sound: Common: It was redeemable but at the same time forgettable.

Special and Visual FX:
Common: Not a hundred present magical but for a children’s novel it works.

Overall:
B-, I recommend this film to families and school who are reading the book right now.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

STUDIOS: 20th Century Fox

News Corporation

Location:

Century City, Los Angeles,
California, United States

Founder: William Fox (Wiki)

Major Film Studio (Parent Division): Fox Filmed Entertainment (Wiki)
Major Studio Subsidiary: 20th Century Fox (Wiki)
Animation Studio: 20th Century Fox Animation (Wiki), Blue Sky Studios (Wiki)
Independent Film Companies: Lucasfilm Limited (Wiki)
Arthouse/"Indie" Subsidiaries: Fox Searchlight Pictures (Wiki), Fox Atomic (Wiki)

History (Wiki)

Filmography

Monday, October 6, 2008

The Filmmakers

ROLAND EMMERICH

10 November 1955, Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany

Roland Emmerich is one of those filmmaker people don’t mention. Ever since last week I couldn’t tell you what this guy has directed. With my new project to find one director/filmmaker for each letter of the alphabet I can across Roland Emmerich to represent the letter “E”. As I did research on him I realized have scene my far share of Emmerich films, most of which I enjoyed; films like The Day After Tomorrow and Independence Day. Sometimes you have to look past Steven Spielberg and Tim Burton to find greatness. I am not say Roland Emmerich is the greatest filmmaker to ever live or that he rains supreme to filmmakers like Steven Spielberg and Tim Burton. I saying you can find enjoyable films from lesser know directors, and Roland Emmerich is one of those types of directors.

Biography

Filmography

They Shoot Pictures, Don’t They?

Sunday, October 5, 2008

AWARD SEASON: Oscar Buzz: Vicky Cristina Barcelona

I just watch Vicky Cristina Barcelona last week and this is what I think.

Possible Nominations:

Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz

Best Original Song: "Barcelona" by Giulia y Los Tellarini

Friday, October 3, 2008

REVIEW: Beverly Hills Chihuahua

The Synopsis

IMDb: While on vacation in Mexico, Chloe, a ritzy Beverly Hills Chihuahua, finds herself lost and in need of assistance in order to get back home

Other Reviews

Critics:

Roger Ebert: NA
Michael Phillips: NA
EW: Owen Gleiberman: D
A. O. Scott: NA

Other Sites:

At The Movies:
Ben Mankiewicz: NA, Ben Lyons: NA
Fandango: 97 Oh No, 29 No, 60 So-So, 34 Go, 68 Must Go
Rotten Tomatoes: T-Meter: 50% (Rotten), Top Critics: 80% (Fresh), RT Community: 41% (Rotten)
Metacritic: Critics: 49 out of 100, Users: 5.5 out of 10
Yahoo Movies: Critics: NA Users: A-

My Review

Source Material: Original Live-Action Disney Comedy.

Action: Defective: How do you screw up screwball and slapstick?

Acting and Dialogue:
Defective: Let’s say George Lopez as Papi is best part of the film. The rest of the film is cheesy, stupid, and lame. Only two groups of people will get the jokes and appreciate the humor: Beverly Hills and Mexicans

Cinematography:
Common: It works for children’s film but over all it not that spectacular.

Direction: Common: The pace is fairly good but the overall direction was point less.

Sound: Defective:
The sound track was cliché and the pseudo-score weren’t all that great either.

Special and Visual FX:
Common: Talking dogs is the master piece in this film.

Overall:
D, I don’t recommend this film, not even to a family audience.