The Film Stage

The Film Stage Has Officially Moved!

2009-01-06T16:46:00.002-05:00

You can now find us here: http://www.thefilmstage.com/

We will be heavily updating that site in the near future, but that is where all the blog posts will be at. Thanks for following us!

Best Director Hopefuls Have A Talk

2009-01-05T21:11:00.003-05:00

Hollywood Reporter hosted a rountable discussion with these year's best directors: Ron Howard (Frost/Nixon), Gus Van Sant (Milk), Ed Zwick (Definace), Darren Aronofsky (The Wrestler), Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire) and Clint Eastwood (Gran Torino). Nolan and Fincher are missing, but here are a few of the clips from the talk:

Becoming Directors (Howard + Eastwood)

Ideas (Zwick + Howard + Eastwood)

Danny Boyle Talks about India

Aronfosky Talks about Rourke and The Wrestler

Let's hope we see the full video soon.

Tributes to Film in 2008

2009-01-05T17:48:00.002-05:00

I've come across these tributes to 2008 films over at /Fi lm. They are truly remarkable. It's great to look back at all the wonderful (and the not-so-wonderful) moments in film the past year. I have also added the 2007 tributes. Like fellow FilmStager Dan Mecca wrote, 2007 really was a memorable year for film, but as we can see 2008 had its fair share of defining moments.

Here are the videos:

2008 - A Tribute To the Movies

2008: The Cinescape

and the 2007 Tribute for Drama:

2007 Tribute to Action

Look for our year-end list's tomorrow.

In Defense of...the 2008 film season

2009-01-05T14:02:00.002-05:00

The general consensus of the past year of movies is a rather negative one, from a critical standpoint. "We were spoiled in 2007," seems to be the excuse, and it's a good one. 2007 gave us three perfect masterpieces (The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, There Will Be Blood, No Country for Old Men) and three flawed masterpieces (Sunshine, Into the Wild, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford). This year, on the other hand, the only two masterpieces appear to be Slumdog Millionaire and Wall-E.

Many films that were destined to be classics didn't quite make the cut, like the poorly directed, half-assed Doubt or the entirely overwrought Gran Torino. But for every misstep there was a cinematic success that was ignored. Consider Baz Luhrmann's beautiful Australia and Charlie Kaufman's thought-provoking Synecdoche, New York. While one celebrated storytelling of old, the other criticized storytelling as a whole and the inability of people to direct their own life narrative, respectively.

This was also the year of the Great Comedy, featuring at least 5 films that will be remembered for their ability to induce laughter - Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Tropic Thunder topping the list. And don't forget Sex Drive, perhaps the most under-appreciated comedy in the history of comedies, Role Models and Happy-Go-Lucky, which found a way to make someone laugh and tear up at the same exact moment (whoa).

The American independent film fared well too, with small, performance-driven gems like Snow Angels, The Visitor, Son of Rambow and the surprisingly effective In Search of a Midnight Kiss.

Foreign films blossomed, thanks to Let the Right One In specifically, but also Steve McQueen's Hunger and Fatih Akin's The Edge of Heaven. Not surprisingly, none of them were nominated for the Best Foreign Film Oscar.

Granted, period pieces were less lush and more dull (Brideshead Revisited and The Duchess) than years prior, but those were directorial problems amongst top-notch acting (someone give Keira Knightley an Oscar nom for her perfomance!).

But studio films were better than they've been in years. The Dark Knight changed film marketing as a whole while reinventing the superhero genre, Hellboy 2: The Golden Army showcased special effects that did not rely on CGI and computers (praise actual costume and makeup design!) while both Lakeview Terrace and Body of Lies dealt with current issues (racism and war) with a sharp and a stong hand (well at least up until the last 15 minutes of both films - don't you hate when that happens?).

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button achieved visual firsts while providing an epic tale told in today's modern verse, polarizing the critical masses along the way (always the sign of a true classic).

Right now, this year appears to be a bust; a smorgasboard of near-misses and sheer let-downs, sprinkled with only a few surprises. A year from now or longer, I believe the sentiment will be much different, and many of these films will be celebrated.

The Trailer For The Best Film of 2009 Is Here

2008-12-31T02:10:00.000-05:00

In Defense of...Body of Lies (and War on Terror movies in general)

2008-12-30T19:45:00.002-05:00

Recently, fellow FilmStager Jordan Raup posted his "Top 5 Disappointments of 2008," Ridley Scott's Body of Lies in the #4 position. I have finally seen the film and I have to respectly disagree with this criticism. Jordan wrote of the film: "I have seen all this before." While I see what he means in respect to the plot and its general coherence to the "spy thriller" genre, some of the stuff in this movie I have never seen offered up n the way it was before. In general, William Monahan's (who wrote The Departed) screenplay is a combination of several different films, ranging from Sydney Pollock's (R.I.P sir) 1970's paranoia thriller Three Days of the Condor to Steven Gaghan's masterful Syriana. However, Lies properly captures both the abundance and lack of information in today's military world. Everybody, it appears, knows everything, so nobody knows anything. Consider the title; what's a lie if it's true in the eyes of the person you're telling it to? And vice versa? Leo DiCaprio's Roger Ferris must combat with this ambiguity and universal lack of trust throughout the entire film, and he pays for it. Meanwhile, Russell Crowe's Ed Hoffman remains stateside, taking his kids to school and eating bowls of cereal while setting up espionage operations that overlap Ferris's groud operations, creating an ironic warzone built by two people from the same side. This eventually depreciates into the film's biggest point: what sides? When Ferris creates a fictional terroirist group using only hair dye, fast thinking and help from an American government computer whiz, convincing everyone that it is real in order to catch another real terroist group, what is he acheiving? What side is he on?

Granted, Monahan comes up WAY sort at the tail end, choosing to go one way when the film would've most likely been in my top 5 had he gone the other, but do not let this discount the rest of this film. The acting is good (not great - even Leo looks too professional here, only Mark Strong gives a memorable performance as the shady Jordanian Hani), but these characters are only pawns anyway. Had viewers cared about the pawns, the film would have been as good as Syriana, but just because they don't doesn't take away from the complicated message about this war we're fighting, and who exactly we are fighting anymore. As Hoffman says throughout: "Nobody's innocent in this war."

As for the rest of these "War on Terror" films, I'll admit they've been lacking in general. Good premises (Stop-Loss) are crippled by poor execution and solid acting (Lions for Lambs) is crippled by ineffective premises. Movies that should've been this generation's Deer Hunter (Haggis' In the Valley of Elah) play out more artificially than Heaven's Gate. Hell, even movies about older wars feel contrived. I'm looking at you Valkyrie.

Why does his continue to happen?

Instead of asking this question, simply consider another genre: non-fiction. While no one was looking, ambitious reseach filmmakers have given us documentaries 10 times better than The Deer Hunter ever was. Consider No End in Sight, Why We Fight or the 2007 Oscar winner Taxi to the Dark Side. These films are the product of facts that would have been untouchable during Vietnam and presented using filmmaking techniques that were not available 30 years ago.

These films touch on things that are far more important than Leo running through Iraq or Russell Crowe pretending to be a C.I.A mastermind. The real masterminds are getting interviews in these documentaries and try to explain themselves. Now, that's entertainment.

Netflix Movie Delayed? Get A Free Rental.

2008-12-29T18:05:00.002-05:00

Netflix recently changed the DVD shipping process when your first choice movie is not available at the shipping center nearest you.

"We have 55 shipping centers throughout the U.S., including Anchorage, Alaska and Honolulu, Hawaii. Previously, if the movie you wanted was not in stock locally, we sent it from another shipping center. Since this DVD was shipped from farther away, it took longer to arrive and you could end up without a DVD for a few days. This was especially inconvenient for our members on 1-disc plans.

Now, if your first choice is not available in your local shipping center, we immediately send the next locally available movie in your Queue, and whenever possible, we also send your first choice from another part of the country.

We want you to receive DVDs as quickly as possible, so we’re taking this extra step to ensure you have another movie to enjoy as a complimentary extra DVD rental if your first choice will be delayed.

This change took effect Dec 11, 2008 and applies to all Netflix members."

This sounds great to me, just add more Watch Instantly titles so I can stream them to my 360!

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen Info and Pics

2008-12-29T16:50:00.004-05:00

Yesterday Empire Magazine released the following photos:

Megan Fox and Shia Lebouf running through the desert (Check out his hand injury, written into the film).

I really want to know what is going on here.

...and of course Michael Bay would have a crane that big.

Today, USA Today brings us four more stills:

Hmmm. "Soldiers penatrate hidden bunker" I wonder what the blue orb is.

Look likes we will need two buckets of popcorn for this movie.

John Turturro yelling in the film? That couldn't be possible.

Directed by Michael Bay with a budget around $200 million and 40 robots gracing our presence this is sure to be one of the summer's biggest blockbusters. It hits theaters June 26th, 2009.

The Spirit is Not "Something the World Needs"

2008-12-26T17:24:00.003-05:00

The Spirit, based on a 1940s comic serial written by Will Eisner, is a smorgasbord of visuals and color coordination courtesy of writer/director Frank Miller. Miller, like Eisner, is a staple of the graphic novel, penning such classics as Sin City and Batman: Year One. Think of The Spirit, Miller's solo-directorial debut (he "co-directed" Sin City with Robert Rodriguez), as Sin City if it were 30 minutes shorter, felt an hour longer and took every ham-baked line and turned it into useless slosh.

Starring Gabriel Macht (a talented young actor who will hopefully go onto lead more substantial films than this one) as The Spirit, a superhero who was once a rookie cop named Denny Colt. Risen from the grave after being shot to death, The Spirit works with Police Commissioner Dolan to fight crime; most specifically the Octopus, over-acted to a tee by Samuel L. Jackson. After nearly two decades of performances, Jackson has proven himself as both an Oscar-caliber artist (see this year's Lakeview Terrace for proof of this) and a dimestore punchline. For proof of the latter pay 10 bucks to see him as the Octopus. In Eisner's comics, the Octopus remained faceless, only a pair of gloves to illustrate the character. Why Miller felt it necessary to put a face to the bad guy, especially a face as recognizable as Jackson's, is bewildering. Perhaps it was not his decision, but rather the producers'.

But then, if the studio had so much sway, why'd they let Miller get away with directing this thing in the first place? The screenplay is ridiculous to be certain, but that's the comic's tone more or less, and it'd worked with Rodriguez in Sin City. It's Miller's director's eye that is severely lacking, maybe even blind. This man has no idea how to frame a scene, much less pace a feature-length film. There are some cool shots here, but they feel like flukes because they emerge out of nowhere and dissapear as quickly into the background, forgetten moments of cinematic flare overshadowerd by blind ambition and a peculiar determination to revolutionize something - what exactly is unknown.

Miller still needs another, better director at his side to properly adapt these classic graphic narratives. Macht does his best, it most be said. The young man finds a sufficent growl in his voice to establish his noir superhero and has no problem wearing the black fedora and silly black eye mask. Even Eva Mendes uses her best attritbutes (her body) and thankfully avoids the rest to play Sand Saref, the childhood love of Denny Colt and a woman with a blodd-lust for diamonds. A noir-romance between these two may have been a very good film - think Batman and Catwoman if they were in Double Indemnity. Unfortuantely, Miller gives us this one, exercising his blatant inabilities as a filmmaker. Maybe the ambitious should channel said ambition into another graphic novel, co-write the screenplay and allow a real director to adapt it.

Benjamin Button examines time on earth, becomes timeless film

2008-12-25T22:59:00.003-05:00

There is a scene towards the beginning of David Fincher's The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, in which a submarine emerges from the sea with the grace and other-worldliness of a giant squid's tentacles, that establishes the film as a visual masterwork to be applauded and studied for years to come. Every frame is so carefully imagined, every set piece placed so precise that, in fact, nothing feels precise at all. This is a world we are watching, full of splendor and life, and it's our own. Through the eyes of a man aging backwards, viewers are shown life in motion, always moving somewhere, the destination never certain. Inspired by a criminally short, and deliciously imaginative, story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Eric Roth provides an accessible screenplay for Fincher to work with. Roth is a staple of modern-day Big Hollywood, scribing such epics as Forrest Gump and Robert De Niro's under-appreciated The Good Shepherd. Roth writes economically, but on the largest of scales, giving his directors much room to maneuver with a sizeable budget.

Fincher makes the most of the free space. Taking the Hollywood Film by storm and bending the rules (he did the same for the crime thriller with Seven), the visual director is given characters worth observing and actors worthy to portray them. Brad Pitt gives yet another dynamic performance, comfortably wading into Benjamin Button and transforming into our protagonist as he himself transforms, from a man of 80 to a baby on his way out. Pitt has become comfortable in his own skin it seems, and this confidence shines through in his acing. In the last three years, the actor has delived the three best performances of his career (in Babel, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford and Button). An Oscar nomination is deserved here without question.

However, Pitt pales slightly in comparison to Cate Blanchett, who once again re-establishes herself as the greatest actress of her generation. With every movement of her face, Blanchett captures the viewer, accenting both her beauty and her conflict in a moment's twitch or twinge or blink. The central love between Pitt and Blancheet blossoms without so many as several lines throughout the film. This is Bogart and Bacall or Tracy and Hepburn: it just feels right.

And while Roth's screenplay feels a bit shallow at times (some lines, like the repeated "Can't see what's coming," sound like they were written solely to be recited viewers), their presentation on screen comes off more nostalgic than distractive, paying homage to Old Hollywood past and the grandiose lines that fueled the classics; think "Here's looking at you kid." Chalk this success up thanks to Fincher's direction and editor Angus Wall's quick cutting and fast-paced visual eye. The pacing is reminescent to Forrest Gump, only this movie does not feel as forced. Where Gump seemed to rely on gimmicks and mannerisms (and one hell of a performance by Tom Hanks), Button relies on characters with regrets and desires, not just stories.

The political backdrop of Fincher's film is also much more fine and subtle than Gump, and for this Roth should be commended. Setting the film's frame story during the beginnings of Hurricane Katrina is as effective as it is insightful and timely, speaking for a forgotten city at a time when compassion is a difficult trait to afford.

There are laughs to be had when viewers become tired by the long running time (2 hours and 45 minutes), well-paced throughout by the running narrative of an old man recalling the various times he has been struck by lightning. But as the old man, played by veteran Ted Manson, says of the lightning: "God let me know how lucky I was to be alive." Button reminds us of this luck, and how to appreciate what life has to offer. Although Pitt's Benjamin laments the fact that "nothing lasts," I happen to agree with the response Blanchett's Daisy gives: "some things last." The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is one of those things.

[The Music Stage] - Best Christmas Present Ever.

2008-12-25T20:49:00.001-05:00

Happy Non-Denominational Holiday Spirit Day(s)!

2008-12-24T22:52:00.003-05:00

and Merry Christmas Eve-ah

[via]

The 'Curious' Poster That Was Never Released

2008-12-23T16:42:00.002-05:00

I'm wondering why Paramount decided to use the oddly boring posters of just Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett's massive heads when they had something like this on their hands. Maybe it was too creepy. Thanks to /Film here is a poster that was never released:

Here is a mock up /Film reader Bruno V did:

Directed by David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button hits theaters Christmas Day.

The Worst Films of 2008

2008-12-22T21:37:00.009-05:00

Here is my worst films of the year, followed by fellow writer, Dan Mecca's list.

This year brought a couple true masterpieces to the life of cinema, but it also gave us some pretty poor movies and one particularly horrendous movie. Here are the year’s worst films:

Disclaimer: I did not go see such caliber films as The Love Guru, Meet The Spartans, or 10,000 B.C. so those do not appear on my list. Also, there will be spoilers.

I’ll kick it off with some honorable mentions: Rambo, Flawless, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, Vantage Point, Speed Racer, Run Fatboy Run, and Hancock.

5) Nights in Rodanthe

In one part of Nights in Rodanthe Richard Gere’s character, Dr. Paul Flanner tells Adrienne (played by Diane Lane) that the hardest thing he has ever had to do was say goodbye to her. This is only days after they have met and even less time since he had to tell his patient’s family why their father and husband died in his hands at the operating table. Yeah, I’m sure saying goodbye was horribly difficult for you. Then we are led to believe, by a montage of disturbingly sexual letters, that the two have completely fallen in love since they departed. Many people will say this is standard fare for a one-note romantic flick, but I’ve seen it done well in Nicholas Sparks’ other movie adaptation, The Notebook. As the movie ended and I could hear tears hit the floor of every woman around me and the groans of the few other men dragged along I wondered how I managed to sit through this atrocity.

4) Jumper

This movie really could have been good. Doug Liman directed such outstanding movies as Bourne Identity, Go, Swingers, and even Mr. and Mrs. Smith; which was enjoyable. The premise is awesome: a person can teleport wherever he wants. Except that person is Hayden Christensen, and he can’t act. His relationship with Rachel Bilson’s character is just annoying and the action leaves much more to be desired. There is zero story, it’s just a bunch of consecutive scenes that the director thought would look cool. The worst part is there is supposed to be a sequel.

3) Righteous Kill

Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino are together again. This is first time since their small stint in Heat and starring, but not seen together, in The Godfather Part II. Sounds like a good idea, right? Well no one told the actors that they haven’t made a good movie in the last couple years, or that the director had another atrocious movie this year, 88 Minutes. Directed by Jon Avnet and released in April, it would be on my list if I could muster up the patience to finish the last 30 minutes. Fortunately, I don’t see that happening. The worst part of the movie is that DeNiro and Pacino have just devolved into playing caricatures of their former personas. Scene after scene (and yes they are in virtually EVERY scene together) they act exactly as one would expect them to act. The film does entertain in a couple of scenes, but with a script so cliché and directing so bland it can’t last for all 100 painful minutes.

2) Max Payne

The videogame this film is based on is all sorts of wonderful, and mainly because of the story. Somehow this film managed to botch it, taking out the best elements and adding in some of the worst. Director John Moore tried to push every scene to the maximum amount of grittiness possible and it comes off cheesy and laughable. PG-13 as well? Come on. At least it wasn’t Mark Wahlberg’s worst movie of the year.

1) The Happening

"Be scientific, douchebag"

Dan Mecca's Worst Films of the Year:

5. The Happening

For this one I can only say that the once-reliable M. Night Shyamalan did appear to try really hard. At achieving what I could not tell you. Featuring the worst performance of Marky Mark’s career, this film promises the best of Shyamalan in the first fifteen minutes and then literally does everything wrong, derailing into an ambitious, pretentious, asininely-written opus concerning – the environment? I mean, I guess.

4. Fool’s Gold

I just don’t even know how this thing was not “accidentally” burnt in the editing room. Probably because Matthew McConaughey’s too cute. Understandable.

3. Made of Honor

Before I lambaste this movie, let me just say this: I like romantic-comedies. I enjoyed 27 Dresses, I came to love The Notebook and When Harry Met Sally, It Happened One Night and You’ve Got Mail are all personal favorites. This movie demeans those movies (yes even 27 Dresses) so vehemently I almost walked out of the theater several times. But I didn’t, because I was with a lovely girl and I relished the thought of writing this. Don’t ever see this movie, no matter how many McDreams you’ve had about McDreamy. It will just offend you.

2. 88 Minutes

I remember when Al Pacino was the greatest actor of all time. He’s not anymore. Here’s the proof.

1. Max Payne

I remember when Mark Wahlberg was the greatest rapper-turned-actor of all time, even better (for a Departed moment) than Big Willie. He’s not anymore. Here’s the proof. Oh and The Happening too.

Land of the Lost & Fast and Furious Posters Arrive

2008-12-22T19:23:00.002-05:00

Two new posters come our way today, both from Universal. The first, debuted by Cinematical, is for the 2009 adaptation of the classic 70's TV show, Land of the Lost. It stars Will Ferrell and Danny McBride and hits theaters June 5th, 2009. I think this movie has some great potential, can't wait to see it.

The next poster is for Fast & Furious. It debuted on MTV earlier today. It's directed by Justin Lin and features the return of Paul Walker and Vin Diesel. It hits theaters April 3rd, 2009. Can't say I'm eager to see this, but let's pray the magic of the original revs up again.

The Music Stage Edition - Top 20 Albums of 2008

2008-12-21T14:00:00.006-05:00

The forum is dedicated to film and tv news but today I'm doing a one-time special countdown of my favorite albums of the year. As a note I do not count Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago and MGMT - Oracular Spectacular as 2008 albums.

20)

Margot & the Nuclear So and So's - Not Animal

19)

Of Montreal - Skeletal Lamping

18)

Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs

17)

Why? - Alopecia

16)

Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours

15)

The Cool Kids - Bake Sale EP

14)

Goldfrapp - Seventh Tree

13)

Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks - Real Emotional Trash

12)

Islands - Arm's Way

11)

Sigur Ros - Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust

10)

The Hold Steady - Stay Positive

9)

Fleet Foxes - Fleet Foxes

8)

Deerhunter - Microcastle

7)

The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound

6)

Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

5)

Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line

4)

Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer

3)

Girl Talk - Feed The Animals

2)

Okkervil River - The Stand-Ins

1)

TV on the Radio - Dear Science

Bring on 2009, and the upcoming album of (next) year, Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion.

Top 10 Comedies of 2008

2008-12-21T02:05:00.006-05:00

If 2008 did one thing right it was comedies. There was a hilarious mix all around, from Apatow to Smith to some new faces and even some crazy Canadians. Here are my ten favorite comedies of the year.

10) Step Brothers

Will Ferrell and John C. Reily prove to be the ideal comedic duo as they learn to love (and hate) each other as new siblings. While the film is nothing more than a long string of one-liners, it still brings more laughs than expected. There isn’t much story to find here, but if you still enjoy Ferrell’s man-child act, you will not be disappointed. Richard Jenkins is superb as Reily’s emotionally exhausted father, continuing his tremendous year after The Visitor and Burn After Reading. The film falters a bit leading up to the conclusion but I leave you with just four words: Fuckin’ Catalina Wine Mixer.

9) Hamlet 2

Steve Coogan stars as a diligent high school drama teacher that puts on an irreverent and disturbing play, the sequel to the beloved classic, Hamlet. It is his performance alone that carries the film. His charm and desire to make something worthwhile is fascinating and hilarious to watch. The film takes awhile to get going but it is all worth it for the extraordinary finale.

8) Trailer Park Boys: The Movie

Although this film came out two years ago in Canada it just made its way to US theaters this past January. I was recently introduced to these crude boys from Canada, and after watching all seven seasons, three specials, and the film I have fallen in love. The film follows the Trailer Park Boys as they come up with the next big plan to get out of their life of crime forever. Nothing else makes me want to swear, smoke, drink, have sex, and get in trouble more than this show. The movie itself doesn’t live up to the greatness of the rest of the show, but for a new viewer, or a long time fan it delivers more than enough laughs. It’s too bad all we have left is one more movie (late 2009), and then the fine boys from Sunnyvale are done with the series.

7) The Foot Fist Way

2008: The Year of Danny McBride. The man starred in two more films coming up on my list and showcased his talent in this small independent flick. The Foot Fist Way features McBride as a hopeless karate instructor at a North Carolina strip mall martial arts school. His obsession with karate master Chuck “The Truck” Williams leads to a hysterical culmination. McBride’s crude and blunt delivery elevate the film to more than just your standard comedy. Look for more McBride on HBO this February when his new show East Bound and Down premieres.

6) Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Kevin Smith brings us the dirtiest and one of the most sentimental comedies of the year. Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks star as childhood friends turned roommates who, strapped for cash, decide to make a porno. Their surprising chemistry, along with the likes of Craig Robinson, Brandon Routh, and Justin Long as great supporting characters make the film truly remarkable. It’s a shame the film didn’t make more money. If one listens to Kevin Smith’s newest SModcast episode they would learn he spent much of the last month in a “pot-induced” haze because of the box office failure of the film. It’s a sad tale but this movie brings more than enough laughs for us to remember.

5) Tropic Thunder

Ben Stiller’s big-budget movie about a big-budget movie proved to be one of the most entertaining comedies of the summer. Although some of the jokes fell a little flat there was more than enough greatness to make this one hell of a ride. Most of this is due to the spectacular set of characters from Golden Globe nominated Kirk Lazarus and Les Grosman to passionate director Damien Cockburn to action star Tugg Speedman and his agent Rick Peck; each giving us unique ways to laugh. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a comedy with such high production values and such memorable characters. This movie made my p-p-p-p-pee-pee tingle in more than one way.

4) Role Models

Any movie that can make a live action role playing battle more intense and gripping than a Lord of the Rings skirmish gets major points in my book. That’s not the only thing this comedy does right. Smart writing and outstanding performances truly elevate the film. Rudd and Scott are fantastic, but the real winner is Jane Lynch. She is the supervisor of Sturdy Wings; the Big Brother program Rudd and Scott must take part in for community service. Her matter-of-fact delivery and painfully funny dialogue make her one of the finest parts of the film. I’m equally happy for David Wain. As director, co-writer, and actor in the film he truly deserves a hit, after last year’s underappreciated The Ten didn’t do so well.

3) Sex Drive

Did anyone see this movie? Unfortunately, it’s only made $8.4 mil during 7 weeks of release. For one of the funniest movies of the year this is some sad news. The film follows 18-year-old Ian Lafferty on a cross country road trip with his friends and the desire to lose his virginity. Yeah sure, the idea sounds like a mix of Road Trip and American Pie, but the jokes are smarter and dirtier than both films put together. James Marsden and Seth Green both surprise as being pretty damn near perfect for their respective roles; as a homophobic older brother and a technically proficient Amish man. As Ian goes on his quest to lose his virginity everything that happens and everyone he meets culminate into a flawlessly written and hilariously executed finale. For the many that missed it in the theater, be sure to check it out when it hits DVD and Blu-ray on Feb 3^rd.

2) Pineapple Express

Directed by indie auteur David Gordon Green, this action-comedy is so much more than just your generic stoner flick. I haven’t seen a film in a long time where the action compliments the comedy so perfectly. As the plot and the jokes get more ridiculous, so does the action. James Franco is the definition of excellence as a lovable stoner and weed dealer. The best scene of the film involves Danny McBride, Seth Rogen, and Franco in all out brawl. Imagine a fight where the contenders have no idea how to fight. David Gordon Green is able to perfectly capture the chaos and sloppiness of such an event. The whole film echoes this messy style, and it is so damn fun to watch. This film is a prime example of how beneficial a good director can be when it comes to comedies. With such a solid string of films, I look forward to what David Gordon Green does next, whether it is a blockbuster summer comedy or a low budget independent film.

1) Forgetting Sarah Marshall

This romantic comedy does everything right. Jason Segel hits it out of the park with his first produced screenplay and first lead role. Every line is so well crafted and each performance so enjoyable that it’s near impossible not to fall in love with the film. Who wouldn’t want to take surfing lessons with Paul Rudd, explore the island (and more) with Jack McBrayer, or sit by a campfire with Mila Kunis? Segel may be the lead here but Russell Brand steals the show as rocker Aldous Snow. He is rude, obnoxious and completely lovable. This film does more than just tell an entertaining story. The endearing dialogue and genuine relationships transport us right into the film; something most comedies strive for, but rarely do.

Yes Man Review

2008-12-17T22:33:00.003-05:00

Although Jim Carrey’s new comedy, Yes Man, seems like a cookie cutter redux of his 1997 hit Liar Liar, there is more personality than expected in this formulaic, but enjoyable movie. The film, directed by Peyton Reed (The Break-Up, Bring It On) features Carrey as Carl Allen; a divorced, pessimistic bank associate who wants nothing to do with anyone or anything. His best friend Peter, played wonderfully by Bradley Cooper (Midnight Meat Train, Wedding Crasher), is getting married and wants nothing more than Carl to be a part of the celebration. Carl does everything in his power to not be a part of it. That is, until an old acquaintance introduces Carl to a “Yes!” seminar. Carl decides to go and after some enticing he follows the plan. It’s simple; say yes to everything, no matter what. This proves to be interesting in a certain sexual scene involving a much, much older woman. Carl’s similar answers don’t always bring him bad luck though. On the contrary, everything pretty much turns out well for him when he starts trying new things. He finds a new girl, Allison, played by Zooey Deschanel (The Happening), new opportunities at his job, and rekindled friendships.

Starting off fairly slowly, but picking up the pace as it goes along, the film proves to be persistently funny. As expected, the funniest parts of the film come when Carl, against every power in his mind and body must say yes. The best supporting role turns out to be Carl’s eccentric coworker, Norman, played by Rhys Darby of the outstanding TV show, Flight of the Conchords. He is eager that Carl’s optimism means he will have to accept every invite that he extends, including a hilariously awful Harry Potter themed party. Although Carrey and Deschanel don’t have the best chemistry I’ve seen, they certainly have enough to keep the film moving. Their relationship is always engaging to watch as we see what can happen when someone says yes to everything. The film is a pleasant escape and will keep you laughing but after the slew of excellent comedies this year this one doesn’t quite live up to what we have already seen. Also, there is a pretty amusing special scene a couple minutes after the credits roll, so don't miss it.

6 out of 10

Gran Torino - A Vintage Model with Old Kinks (6 out of 10)

2008-12-15T17:53:00.004-05:00

Clint Eastwood's Gran Torino is a comfortable film that deals with uncomfortable themes, never taking the time to get comfortable with itself. Once again taking a common genre of Hollywood film and turning it over on its head, Eastwood directs himself as Walt Kowalski, an old Korean war vet who growls a whole lot at everyone, his family included. After his wife dies, Walt watches a slew of Hmong immigrants move in next door (and all over the neighborhood for that matter), muttering to himself literally every racist Asian slur known to man in the process. Add on to that two rather ungrateful sons and a persistent baby-faced priest looking to get a confession out of Walt, and you've got conflict. And I didn't even mention the Asian gangs that come into to play. Soon Eastwood becomes involved with his neighbors, against his will, when their quiet son Thao attempts to steal Walt's 1972 Gran Torino (he does it for gang-related reasons). As serious as all of this sounds, however, this movie is funny; probably the funniest Eastwood's been in a long time (Space Cowboys does not count as funny, by the way). Walt's racism is so over-the-top it becomes a gimmick. Unfortunately, the gimmickry within the screenplay does not stop there. Not by a long shot. Written by newcomer Nick Schenck, the dialogue is brutally simple and self-explanatory. Any visual confirmation of an emotion is quickly confirmed with a vocal confirmation. It becomes irritating fast. The acting is also hit-or-miss. When Eastwood delivers, the scenes become something that should be taught in acting school. However, sometimes the growling becomes too much, and Eastwood does little more than mock the Dirty Harry image. While this is most likely his intention, it does not belong with the rest of the film. Or maybe it does. I couldn't tell you because the screenplay is all over the place. It plays like Schenck had a great story (something like The Karate Kid with character development, back story and an acknowledgment of prejudice) and let it get away from him. Some scenes are incredibly forced, such as the one in which Sue, the Hmong neighbors' spunky daughter, is getting roughed up by three black men and Walt just happens to drive up and notice it at the moment it's happening, saving the day. This happens more than once in the film, so keep the eye-rolling to a minimum.

All this being said, the film is enjoyable to watch, mostly for those great Eastwood scenes, which come around every 20 minutes or so. The acting around Eastwood isn't too bad, except for Bee Vang's turn as Thao, which is so unsure and robotic that it nearly derails the entire film. Eastwood, for me, is a hot-and-cold director whose levels of hotness and coldness are way above most other directors. This one is cooler than usual for the old-timer, but still better than your average Hollywood fare.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine Trailer

2008-12-15T16:43:00.002-05:00

20th Century Fox Finally releases the X-Men Origins: Wolverine trailer online, after many bootlegs this weekend. Check it out here or in HD on Myspace. The film is being released May 1st, 2009.

I think it has some potential, but there are many other summer movies I'm looking forward to a bit more. Tune in to the upcoming Oscars where Jackman will assume hosting duties.

Top 5 Most Underappreciated Films of 2008

2008-12-14T22:47:00.011-05:00

5. August
This smart taut 85- minute character study watches the collapse of the '01 web bubble the month before 9/11 through the eyes of Tom Sterling (Josh Hartnett), one of two brothers who founded Landshark, a dotcom business running on speculative fumes. Directed with a fast-paced style and written with quick dialog by Austin Chick, this film has become more and more timely since its non-existent summer release, observing how overblown stock speculation can lead to mass irrationality.
4. Blindness
While certainly not a masterpiece on the level of director Fernando Meirelles' City of God, this allegorical, sociological film is certainly on par with the critically-lauded The Constant Gardener, Meirelles' most recent work before this. The film features a brutally honest turn from Mark Ruffalo as a doctor who, like nearly all of the inhabitants of a unnamed city (that looks like L.A.), has lost his eyesight. The content is realistic and graphic and the tone is bleak. Perhaps critics and viewers were just not ready for it.
3. Snow Angels
Blame it on the release date I guess. This film, directed by David Gordon Green (the same guy who gave us the decently funny Pineapple Express), came out in the late winter/early spring of '08 to virtually no audience. And even though critics loved it, it has since been forgotten. Literally every performance in this film is phenomenal. From Sam Rockwell to Kate Beckinsale (believe the hype, she's a good actress now, legitimately) to Olivia Thirlby (she was Juno's best friend in Juno), the acting carries this thing all the way, obviously helped by Green's simple screenplay and careful direction.
2. W.
Oliver Stone's surprisingly unbiased examination of our lame duck president is an insanely interesting film that was split nearly in half by critics. While some hailed it as something similar to what I just wrote, the other half felt it was either to soft on Bush or too hard. It's neither. Despite a couple of bust performances (well, really just Thandie Newton), Josh Brolin embodies Bush while Stone presents the Commander-in-Chief as a man who never had a life goal, so more or less fell into the Presidency as a way to make his dad happy.
1. Australia
We live in a cynical, cynical world. Baz Luhrmann's adventure romance is an epic of our time, featuring big performances from performers, not actors. This is the stuff of Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh; Old Hollywood, when actors expressed their emotions externally rather than internally. This thing is beautiful and fun and passionate. In a perfect world, Australia would get a Best Picture nod, Luhrmann would get Director, and Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman would get acting noms. Incidentally, the closest this film will get to the BIG 4 will be Jackman's hosting of the bloody ceremony.

Top 5 Disappointments of 2008

2008-12-13T19:39:00.020-05:00

I'm going to roll out some of my top 5/10/20 lists before the New Year, leading up to my favorite films of the year. This is the first of the series. The following are five films that I was eager to see and while not bad films by any means, each left me terribly disappointed.

note: Valkyrie barely misses the top 5, too bad I wasn't more excited for it in the first place.

#5. (from least-most) Ghost Town

Ricky Gervais is one of my favorite comedians. His British TV shows, The Office and Extras, stand as classics in my mind. I couldn't wait to see how his first job as a lead actor in an American film would go. On top of that I love Greg Kinnear and enjoy David Koepp's writing and directing. I heard great buzz while I was at the Toronto International Film Festival. Although I didn't get a chance to check out there, I went to see it opening night during the wide release. As the film went on I was waiting for it to improve. I kept chuckling here and there, but ultimately kept getting disappointed scene after the scene. My main problem with the film was that it plays it way too safe. I guess expecting normal crude Gervais comedy was too much to ask. The casting choices further hindered the film. While I like Tea Leoni, she has absolutely ZERO chemistry with Gervais. If you get easily offended by the slew of excellent, raunchy comedies this year (Sex Drive, Role Models, Step Brothers, Zach and Miri Make a Porno, Foot Fist Way, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Pineapple Express, and Tropic Thunder) I would give this a chance. You may enjoy the cookie-cutter story. Sure the film is cute, with a nice tight screenplay that fulfills what it set out to do, but if you are expecting anything out of the ordinary, skip this film.

#4. Body of Lies

Oh, Ridley Scott. I don't know how I feel about you. In terms of your recent films I loved Black Hawk Down and Matchstick Men, even Kingdom of Heaven. I was underwhelmed by Gladiator and was surprised how bland last year's American Gangster was. Here it is, 2008, Leo's first film since the entertaining Blood Diamond and mob masterpiece; The Departed. I was looking forward to his performance in this film, and he delivered. The problems were elsewhere though. As I noted in my earlier review, the problems I had with last year's American Gangster carry over to this film. I have seen all of this before. It is undoubtedly done well, but the material has been retreaded to death. The best part of the film is Mark Strong, seen in this year's fun gangster romp RocknRolla. He delivers a intense performance as Hani, Leo's go-to man in Jordan. Unfortunately the film stays wrapped up in boring back and forth double crosses with Leo, Crowe and Strong while never really going anywhere. Body of Lies turns out to be a mediocre political thriller that will keep you entertained, but not deliver much to think about.

#3. Miracle at St. Anna

Spike Lee's heist drama, Inside Man, was in my top ten films of 2006. He is a legendary filmmaker that has output some of the most important films of the last 20 years, my favorite being the 1989 classic, Do The Right Thing. How could one not be excited for his next theatrical release, a sprawling WWII epic? Well, turns out there is alot missing. The film has some real promise as it begins with a present-day mystery featuring Joseph Gordon-Levitt. As we dig deeper to the past, specifically 1944, the problems begin. We tread in scenes that take way longer than necessary to get the point across. For such a long film (160 min.) we never are able to feel the scope Lee intended. It becomes frustrating as the film goes on because there are great moments, they are just very few and far in between. With some tighter editing, and a bit more feeling this could have been a decent WWII film, but instead it just feels like a cheap TV movie.

#2. Quantum of Solace

There is no reason for me to explain why I was excited for this film. It's Bond, James Bond. Unfortunately, after viewing, I wouldn't be surprised if people completely forgot this movie was an addition to the franchise and not a sequel to Crank. It's too bad the latter was better. Note to Marc Forster and Paul Haggis: more action DOES NOT make a movie good. Also, please give us some motivation for actually wanting the villain to fail. The constant widening of his eyes just is not enough for me. I don't even want to go into the reasons why Casino Royale was better, because it is quite apparent. Much of the disappointment comes from the simple fact that this was after that film, and not something like Die Another Day. As a Bond film on its own though, it still falters. Daniel Craig tries hard to give us his best but all the factors around him keep him from doing just that. There is no heart, no soul, no charm, and worst of all, no fun.

#1. Be Kind Rewind

Why, why, why, why was this film not great? I love Michel Gondry, Jack Black, Mos Def, movies, making movies, movies about making movies, and even some freaking Danny Glover. This had all the right ingredients yet it left an awful taste in my mouth. They did get one thing right. The best part of the film is when they make other movies. Gondry uses his wildly inventive mind to create a wealth of different ideas for films. That lasts all of maybe five to ten minutes. What is left is ninety minutes of some of the most boring, uninteresting dialogue of the year. You almost forget Gondry, the brilliant creator of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a modern classic, is behind the camera and the pen. The film meanders around scene after scene until it reaches the most tacked on ending of the year. Let's all hope Gondry puts some more effort in script and direction next time around.

Marley & Me's Ending Spoiled Graffiti Style. MAJOR SPOILERS.

2008-12-13T19:23:00.002-05:00

Some LA'er found a special spoiler surprise today when walking around and was nice enough to take some pictures. I'm kind of looking forward to the film. I'm partial to Owen Wilson and dogs. My mother read the book and absolutely loved it so I think I will take her to this Christmas Day, after The Curious Case of Benjamin Button of course.

MAJOR SPOILERS

DON'T CONTINUE READING IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE BOOK OR WANT TO SEE THE FILM

The heartwarming and unforgettable story of a family in the making and the wondrously neurotic dog who taught them what really matters in life. Marley & Me hits theaters on December 25th 2008.

The Wrestler Release Schedule and Free Screenings

2008-12-10T17:28:00.004-05:00

Be sure to check out Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler, simply one of the best films of the year.

Here are some free screenings; via 1) Fox Searchlight and 2) Film Metro

If there are not any there, check back, as more will be added.

Fox Searchlight has also announced the initial listing of cities that Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler will begin to roll-out into starting on December 17th. The cities and dates are tenative, and are subject to change.

Wednesday, December 17th

Los Angeles

New York

Friday, December 26th

Boston

Chicago

San Francisco

Washington, D.C.

Friday, January 9th

Austin

Dallas/Ft. Worth

Denver

Detroit

Hartford/New Haven

Minneapolis

Philadelphia

Phoenix

San Diego

Seattle

Friday, January 16th

Albany

Albuquerque

Atlanta

Baltimore

Boca Raton/West Palm Beach

Cincinnati

Cleveland

Columbus

Honolulu

Houston

Indianapolis

Kansas City

Las Vegas

Madison

Miami/Ft. Lauderdale

Milwaukee

Northampton/Springfield

Orlando

Portland

Rochester

Sacramento

Salt Lake City/Boise

St. Louis

Friday, January 23rd

Anchorage

Asheville

Baton Rouge

Birmingham

Buffalo

Champaign/Decatur/Springfield

Charlotte

Charlottesville

Colorado Springs

Corpus Christi

Dayton

Des Moines

Ft. Myers

Gainesville

Grand Rapids

Harrisburg, PA

Ithaca

Jacksonville

Knoxville

Lansing

Lexington

Lousiville

Memphis

Nashville

New Orleans

Norfolk/Newport News

Oklahoma City

Omaha

Pittsburgh

Portland, ME

Providence

Raleigh/Durham

Reno

Richmond

San Antonio

Santa Fe

Sarasota

Spokane

Syracuse

Tallahassee

Tampa/St. Petersburg

Tucson

Tulsa

New York Film Critics Are 'Happy' With 'Milk'

2008-12-10T17:13:00.004-05:00

Best Picture: Milk
Best Director: Mike Leigh, Happy-Go-Lucky
Best Actor: Sean Penn, Milk
Best Actress: Sally Hawkins, Happy-Go-Lucky
Best Supporting Actor: Josh Brolin, Milk
Best Supporting Actress: Penélope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best Screenplay: Jenny Lumet, Rachel Getting Married
Best Cinematographer: Anthony Dod Mantle, Slumdog Millionaire
Best Animated Film: Wall-E
Best First Film: Courtney Hunt, Frozen River
Best Foreign Film: 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days
Best Documentary: Man on Wire

I don't believe Happy-Go-Lucky deserves those wins. It was a great movie but there were better directed/acted films and NYC really does hate The Dark Knight. Zero nominations. Oh well, I can't wait to check out Milk this weekend.

Darren Aronofsky Finds A New 'Fountain'

2008-12-04T23:27:00.004-05:00

Celebrated filmmaker Darren Aronofsky tells MTV he is interested in revisting his 2006 masterpiece "The Fountain":

“It wouldn’t be a ‘director’s cut,’” he said — more like an alternate story told with the addition of unused footage from the first go-round. This would be a complicated project on a couple of levels, though, and it’s at least a few years away."

I saw The Fountain in theaters and fell in love with it right away. The project first started with Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett but was scrapped and Aronosfky got Jackman and Wiesz to star. For a film that failed at the box office, I find it hard to believe Aronofsky can find the proper funding for this reimagined film. I still have full faith and can't wait to see where this goes. I look forward to anything Aronofsky does, especially after seeing The Wrestler at the Toronto International Film Festival this year. Check it out when it hits theaters this month.

VALKYRIE: EARLY REVIEW (6.5 out of 10)

2008-12-04T21:40:00.004-05:00

Valkyrie, directed by Bryan Singer (Superman Returns), tells the undeniably interesting true story of Nazi Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Tom Cruise, Tropic Thunder) and his attempt to assassinate Adolf Hitler and quell the destruction of the Nazi party. Starting with a bang (and some beautiful cinematography courtesy of Newton Thomas Sigel) in the African desert, Stauffenberg loses his left eye and right hand. Upon his recovery, the colonel is recruited to conspire against the furor.

Unfortunately, this is, more or less, where the protagonist's character development stops. Likewise, the film falls into one gear for the next 40 minutes, didactically explaining the conspirators' plan to kill Hitler. While informative, it lacks enough narrative excitement to maintain a keen interest through to the final hour, which is made up almost entirely of the plot being put into effect. The person to blame for this lull in action is screenwriter Christopher McQuarrie (writer/director of the under-appreciated The Way of the Gun), who clearly reasearched this moment in history thoroughly but forgot, during the first-half of his screenplay, to dramatize the story for the screen. Where McQuarrie drops the ball Singer picks it up, providing luscious visuals to chew on throughout. His use of focus and close-up work wonders for the aesthetic, creating a sense of subtle urgency throughout most of the film. Certain shots will stay with viewers after the final credits, a rarity for Hollywood films with larger budgets (this film was reported to be in between $75 and $90 million). The man also knows how to direct a scene, offering some of the most nerve-racking dramatic action on screen this year (see the assassination sequence).

Along with Singer's directorial eye, John Ottman editing stand out, far and away, as the two best reaons to see the film. Ottman paces the film beautifully, cutting in the middle of action consistently and rarely letting the viewer linger from one scene to another. Ottman's editing is the only aspect of this film worth serious Oscar consideration. Ironically, Ottman's score is one of the film's weakest points. Overwrought when in use and unused in scenes that drown in silence. Along with the misplaced score is the oddly off-key acting, which is nearly universal throughout the cast. One of the few to rise above this criticism is veteran actor Terence Stamp, one of the most underrated players working today. Kenneth Branagh's presence is wasted in an pivotal but nearly invisible role, while the usually-reliable Tom Wilkinson phones in his performance as General Friedrich Fromm.

As for Cruise, he tries really hard to be Stauffenberg, and not Tom Cruise. Unfortunately, the celebrity that is Tom Cruise proves too big for Cruise to overcome. The actor fails to transform himself the way he did in Tropic Thunder earlier this year. It feels as though Singer did not quite know what he wanted his actors to convey and, in turn, the actors struggled to convey much. They are simply historical mouthpieces telling a great story the world should be aware of.

SIMPLY PUT: A well-made, mediocrly-acted, hot-and-cold political thriller that is hot more than it is cold. And for those who thought this would garner Cruise an Oscar nom or some significant acting cred, you are wrong. Sorry.

National Board Review Picks 'Slumdog'

2008-12-04T14:37:00.003-05:00

The winners are:

Best Film: “Slumdog Millionaire”
Best Director: David Fincher, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Best Actor: Clint Eastwood, “Gran Torino”
Best Actress: Anne Hathaway, “Rachel Getting Married”
Best Supporting Actor: Josh Brolin, “Milk”
Best Supporting Actress: Penelope Cruz, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
Best Foreign Film: “Mongol”
Best Documentary: “Man on Wire”
Best Animated Feature: “WALL-E”
Best Ensemble Cast: “Doubt”
Breakthrough Performance by an Actor: Dev Patel, “Slumdog Millionaire”
Breakthrough Performance by an Actress: Viola Davis, “Doubt”
Best Directorial Debut: Courtney Hunt, “Frozer River”
Best Original Screenplay: Nick Schenk, “Gran Torino”
Best Adapted Screenplay (tie): Simon Beaufoy, “Slumdog Millionaire” and Eric Roth, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”

The top ten (in alphabetical order):
“Burn After Reading”
“Changeling”
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
“The Dark Knight”
“Defiance”
“Frost/Nixon”
“Gran Torino”
“Milk”
“WALL-E”
“The Wrestler”

Top five foreign films (in alphabetical order):
“Edge of Heaven”
“Let the Right One In”
“Roman de Guerre”
“A Secret”
“Waltz with Bashir”

Top five documentary films (in alphabetical order):
“American Teen”
“The Betrayal”
“Dear Zachary”
“Encounters at the End of the World”
“Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired”

William K. Everson Film History Award: Molly Haskell, Andrew Sarris
Spotlight Award: Melissa Leo, “Frozen River,” Richard Jenkins, “The Visitor”
The BVLGARI Award for NPR Freedom of Expression: “Trumbo”

[via]

Terminator Salvation Sneak Peek

2008-12-04T14:17:00.003-05:00

The new trailer for Terminator Salvation will premiere on Entertainment Tonight next Tuesday and will be attached to The Day the Earth Stood Still, however below is a sneak peak at the trailer from ET, watch it below!

The gritty, mechanical feel looks spot on and can't wait to see the full trailer. Go Bale.

The Dark Knight is Most Downloaded Movie of 2008...Without Being Released Yet

2008-12-03T08:55:00.003-05:00

Apple said that the best-selling movie download of the year at its online iTunes store is "The Dark Knight," an especially notable accomplishment considering the film isn't even available there yet.

According to Apple, consumers have been pre-ordering the movie for purchase and rental at such a fast clip that it has surpassed Disney's "WALL-E" as this year's top iTunes movie download.

Rounding out the iTunes Top 5 are "Kung Fu Panda," "Iron Man" and "National Treasure: Book of Secrets."

[via]

Lost Season 5: Two Minute Sneak Preview

2008-12-03T08:42:00.003-05:00

Despite only watching the season one premiere and enjoying it I was never too big a fan of Lost. That changed last spring when I ended up watching every episode in the span of about a week and half. Now I'm hooked. This sneak preview involves Kate and her son Aaron. It's titled "Because You Left". It's part of the season premiere of Season 5, airing Wednesday, January 21st, 2009 on ABC. With only 2 seasons left, I can't wait to see where Lost goes.

Flight of the Conchords Season 2 to Premiere Online

2008-12-02T16:38:00.002-05:00

HBO's musical comedy Flight of the Conchords will finally return in January. As a special treat Funny or Die will be offering the season premiere online a bit early on Wednesday, December 17th at 12:00 p.m. EST.

Here is a little teaser for now:

"Frozen River" and "Rachel Getting Married" Top Indie Spirit Awards Noms

2008-12-02T16:30:00.004-05:00

24th Annual Indie Spirit Award Nominations:

Best Feature
“Rachel Getting Married” (Neda Armian, Jonathan Demme, Marc Platt)
“The Wrestler” (Darren Aronofsky, Scott Franklin)
“Wendy and Lucy” (Larry Fessenden, Neil Kopp, Anish Savjani)
“Ballast” (Lance Hammer, Nina Parikh)
“Frozen River” (Chip Hourihan, Heather Rae)

Best Director
Tom McCarthy, “The Visitor”
Jonathan Demme, “Rachel Getting Married”
Courtney Hunt, “Frozen River”
Ramin Bahrani, “Chop Shop”
Lance Hammer, “Ballast”

Best First Feature
“Afterschool” (Antonio Campos, Sean Durkin, Josh Mond)
“Medicine for Melancholy” (Barry Jenkins, Justin Barber)
“Synecdoche, New York” (Charlie Kaufman, Anthony Bregman, Spike Jonze, Sidney Kimmel)
“Sleep Dealer” (Alex Rivera, Anthony Bregman)
“Sangre De Mi Sangre” (Christopher Zalla, Per Melita, Benjamin Odell)

John Cassavettes Award
(Given to the best feature made for under $500,000; award given to the writer, director, and producer)
“Prince of Broadway” (Sean Baker, Darren Dean)
“Take Out” (Sean Baker, Shih-Ching Tsou)
“The Signal” (David Bruckner, Dan Bush, Jacob Gentry, Alexander Motlagh)
“Turn the River” (Chris Eigeman, Ami Armstrong)
“In Search of a Midnight Kiss” (Alex Holdridge, Seth Caplan, Scoot McNairy)

Best Screenplay
Woody Allen, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck, “Sugar”
Charlie Kaufman, “Synecdoche, New York”
Howard A. Rodman, “Savage Grace”
Christopher Zalla, “Sangre De Mi Sangre”

Best First Screenplay
Dustin Lance Black, “Milk”
Lance Hammer, “Ballast”
Courtney Hunt, “Frozen River”
Jonathan Levine, “The Wackness”
Jenny Lumet, “Rachel Getting Married”

Best Female Lead
Summer Bishil, “Towelhead”
Anne Hathaway, “Rachel Getting Married”
Melissa Leo, “Frozen River”
Tarra Riggs, “Ballast”
Michelle Williams, “Wendy and Lucy”

Best Male Lead
Javier Bardem, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
Richard Jenkins, “The Visitor”
Sean Penn, “Milk”
Jeremy Renner, “The Hurt Locker”
Mickey Rourke, “The Wrestler”

Best Supporting Female
Penelope Cruz, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
Rosemarie DeWitt, “Rachel Getting Married”
Rosie Perez, “The Take”
Misty Upham, “Frozen River”
Debra Winger, “Rachel Getting Married”

Best Supporting Male
James Franco, “Milk”
Anthony Mackie, “The Hurt Locker”
Charlie McDermott, “Frozen River”
JimMyron Ross, “Ballast”
Haaz Sleiman, “The Visitor”

Best Cinematography
Maryse Alberti, “The Wrestler”
Lol Crawley, “Ballast”
James Laxton, “Medicine for Melancholy”
Harris Savides, “Milk”
Michael Simmonds, “Chop Shop”

Best Documentary
“The Order of Myths” (Margaret Brown)
“Up the Yangtze” (Yung Chang)
“Encounters at the End of the World” (Werner Herzog)
“The Betrayal” (Ellen Kuras & Thavisouk Phrasavath)
“Man on Wire” (James Marsh)

Best Foreign Film
“The Class” (Laurent Cantet)
“Gomorrah” (Matteo Garrone)
“Secret of the Grain” (Abdellatif Kechiche)
“Hunger” (Steve McQueen)
“Silent Light” (Carlos Reygadas)

Robert Altman Award
Charlie Kaufman (Director), Jeanne McCarthy (Casting Director), Hope Davis, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Catherine Keener, Samantha Morton, Tom Noonan, Emily Watson, Diane Weist, Michelle Williams, “Synecdoche, New York”

Piaget Producers Award
Heather Rae, “Frozen River”
Jason Orans, “Goodbye Solo,” “Year of the Fish”
Lars Knudsen and Jay Van Hoy, “Treeless Mountain,” “I’ll Come Running”

Acura Someone to Watch Award
Lynn Shelton, “My Effortless Brilliance”
Nina Paley, “Sita Sings the Blues”
Barry Jenkins, “Medicine for Melancholy”

Lacoste Truer Than Fiction Award
Darius Marder, Loot”
Sacha Gervasi, “Anvil! The Story of Anvil”
Margaret Brown, “The Order of Myths”

BLOG UPDATE: Exclusive Valkyrie Review Thurs Night

2008-12-02T13:49:00.005-05:00

VALKYRIE REVIEW THURSDAY NIGHT!!!

The Film Stage: Podcast Edition

2008-12-02T00:04:00.002-05:00

Here is our first attempt at creating a podcast.

Our first episode includes:

Madagascar 2: Escape 2 Africa Movie Review

Box Office News

Arrested Development Movie?

Dark Knight Oscar Score Nomation Problems

Oscar Predictions

Check it out:

The Film Stage Podcast Episode 1 from Jordan Raup on Vimeo.

"Slumdog Millionaire" Wins at British Independent Film Awards

2008-12-01T08:43:00.003-05:00

The British Independent Film Awards are proud to announce the winners of their 11th annual awards.

Best British Independent Film

Slumdog Millionaire

Best Director of a British Independent Film

Danny Boyle

for Slumdog Millionaire

The Douglas Hickox Award

Steve McQueen

for Hunger

Best Screenplay

Martin McDonagh

for In Bruges

Best Performance by an Actress in a British Independent Film

Vera Farmiga

for The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

Best Performance by an Actor in a British Independent Film

Michael Fassbender

for Hunger

Best Supporting Actress

Alexis Zegerman

for Happy-Go-Lucky

Best Supporting Actor

Eddie Marsan

for Happy-Go-Lucky

Most Promising Newcomer

Dev Patel

for Slumdog Millionaire

Best Achievement In Production

The Escapist

The Raindance Award

Zebra Crossings

Best Technical Achievement

Sean Bobbitt

for Hunger

Best British Documentary

Man on Wire

Best British Short Film

Soft

Best Foreign Independent Film

Waltz with Bashir

The Richard Harris Award

David Thewlis

The Variety Award

Michael Sheen

The Special Jury Prize

Joe Dunton

[via]

BEST PICTURE OSCAR PREDICTIONS (UPDATED!)

2008-11-30T15:26:00.002-05:00

FROST/NIXON
MILK
SLUMDOG MILLIONARE
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
THE DARK KNIGHT

Beauty and the Beast Becomes 3D in 2010

2008-11-19T09:17:00.002-05:00

Belle, the Beast and all the dancing silverware in "Beauty and the Beast" are getting a 3-D makeover.

Producer Don Hahn and directors Kirk Wise and Gary Trousdale -- the filmmakers behind the 1991 feature -- are using the film's original computer files to create a new Disney digital 3-D version, which will be released in 2010.

Appearing at the 3DX: 3D Film and Entertainment Technology Festival in Singapore, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group president Mark Zoradi announced the movie's 3-D transformation, which will be the 11th 3-D feature that Disney is set to release in 2009-10.

Re-rendering the film is expected to take 10 months and will be handled in-house at Walt Disney Feature Animation, headed by Sara Duran-Singer, senior vp worldwide postproduction.

"By going back to the original animation files, which have been carefully archived for 17 years, and using the separate background, effects and character animation elements, we're able to come up with a fun and unique 3-D experience for existing and new fans of the film," Hahn said.

Disney's digital 3-D lineup for 2009 includes "Jonas Brothers 3-D Concert Movie," to be released on Feb. 27; Disney/Pixar's "Up" (May 29); "G-Force," from Disney and Jerry Bruckheimer Films (July 24); the newly re-rendered Disney digital 3-D debut of Disney/Pixar's "Toy Story" (Oct. 2); and "A Christmas Carol," from Robert Zemeckis (Nov. 6), starring Jim Carrey in multiple roles.

In 2010, the studio will roll out a 3-D version of "Toy Story 2"; Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," starring Johnny Depp; "Toy Story 3," from Disney/Pixar; "Rapunzel"; and, from Touchstone Pictures, "Step Up 3." [via]

Gore Verbinski to Produce The Host Remake

2008-11-19T09:11:00.002-05:00

Universal Studios has signed a director to remake Bong Joon-ho’s 2006 Korean monster film The Host. Commercial film director Fredrik Bond will helm the project, based on a script by Smart People scribe Mark Poirier, and Gore Verbinski will produce.

Slashfilm reports, The Host follows a dysfunctional family who sets out to bring their little girl back home after a horrifying giant monster that emerges from the Han River to wreak havoc on Seoul. The Host was released on a record number of screens in South Korea and broke box-office records throughout its domestic run. By the end of its run, over 13 million people had bought tickets, making it the highest grossing South Korean film of all time. Joon-Jo talked to Sci-Fi about the idea of an American remake during the film’s original theatrical run. Here is what he said:

“Maybe three or four years down the line, if The Host [remake] comes out, and there’s a cool director who takes it on and makes it a real great film, then I’d be very happy,” Bong told SciFiWire in an interview, through a translator. “On the other hand, if it’s just crap, I think I’d be happy, too, because then people would be like, ‘Oh, yeah, Bong’s original was really good.’ So, for me, it’s a win-win situation. But Universal has a tradition of doing horror and creature films, so I anticipate that they will do a great film."

I loved The Host, the move doesn't take itself too seriously, so I look forward to see what Hollywood can do with the film.

Quantum of Solace: Why it's not that great, actually

2008-11-16T23:03:00.003-05:00

I saw the flick on Friday and I dug it. My line of criticism was probably similar to most readers': "It was good, but no Casino Royale." Two days later, however, I've thought about it more and more and I have to say, it was a lot worse than Casino Royale.

Directed by artsy Swede Marc Forster (the guy behind Finding Neverland and Monster's Ball), the first non-British Commonwealth filmmaker to direct a Bond film and someone who clearly does not know how to direct action sequences.

If you don't believe it, watch the opening scene. Unfulfilling. And for those who've seen it already and disagree with me, stop lying to yourselves. That car chase was NOT good. Sloppy camera angles, nervous editing and an unsure organization of clips made it a jumbled mog-pog of rips and roars that ended with a boring thud. Cue the false-starting theme song by two of the best musicians out there.

Rough start to things. And everytime it got better, it took a turn for the worst. For example, the "Modern Operatic Shootout Scene" about halfway through went somewhere few Bond films ever go intelligently (metaphor) and then failed to follow it up with any kind of conflict or conclusion.

Even the final fight between good (Craig's Bond) and evil (Mathieu Amalric's under-used Dominic Greene) had a perfect setting (burning building), perfect weapons (axes and muscles) and ridiculously predictable result. Sure it is obvious Bond will win, but Green never stood a chance. He's a slimy financial giant who not once, throughout the entire film, shows superior intelligence or physical ability to anyone else. Bambi could probably kick his ass.

And I'm done. There wasn't a lot of heart in this thing and I hope Forster goes back to trying, and failing, to win Oscars and leaves the Bond movies to the Brits (I'm looking at you Martin Campbell).

Marc Forster Goes From Bond To Zombies

2008-11-14T08:05:00.003-05:00

Variety reports Marc Forster, director of this week’s opening Quantum of Solace has been selected by Paramount to direct the upcoming zombie flick World War Z.

World War Z is the 2006 best-selling novel written by Max Brooks about a future global war against zombies. It is written in the form of interviews featuring multiple survivor perspectives from all over the world recounting their individual struggles throughout the war.

The novel began its translation to the big screen early last year when it was announced that Brad Pitt’s production company, Plan B Productions, would be partnering with Paramount to produce the film. J. Michael Straczynski, who wrote the recent Changeling, was selected to write the screenplay. [via]

World War Z is expected to release sometime in 2010 and there’s no word yet whether or not Brad Pitt will be acting in it.

New Watchmen Trailer Arrives

2008-11-13T21:20:00.002-05:00

Watch the trailer in High Definition on Yahoo: 480p, 720p, 1080p. Watchmen hits theaters on March 6th 2009.

Pixar's "Up" 2nd Teaser Trailer

2008-11-10T09:58:00.002-05:00

High Definition Trailer from Apple.com

From the Academy Award®-nominated team of director Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.”) and co-director Bob Peterson comes UP, a comedic adventure taking off (and lifting spirits) in summer 2009.

Carl Fredricksen spent his entire life dreaming of exploring the globe and experiencing life to its fullest. But at age 78, life seems to have passed him by, until a twist of fate (and a persistent 8-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell) gives him a new lease on life. UP takes audiences on a thrilling journey where the unlikely pair encounter wild terrain, unexpected villains and jungle creatures. When seeking adventure next summer—look UP.

Pixar’s Up hits theaters on May 29th 2009.

Steven Spielberg and Will Smith to Remake Oldboy? WTF!

2008-11-07T09:39:00.003-05:00

Slashfilm reports Steven Spielberg and Will Smith are in talks to collaborate on a remake of Chan Wook-Park’s Oldboy.

Spielberg has been looking for an opportunity to work with Smith for a few years now, and this just might be the project. DreamWorks is in the process of securing the remake rights, and Spielberg is on the search for a screenwriter to develop the project. The project was originally set up with Fast and Furious director Justin Lin. In the 2003 South Korean film, a man named Dae-Su is locked in a hotel room for 15 years without knowing why or who is holding him captive. He is suddenly released, given money, clothes and a cellphone and is sent on journey for revenge. The film won the Grand Prix at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.

Oldboy is one of my favorite films of all time. I knew a American remake would be inevitable. I'm glad Spielberg is possibly attached instead of Fast and Furious director Justin Lin, but WHY Will Smith. WHY. I really hope they don't screw this up.

Original Poster:

James Cameron's Avatar To Arrive In Imax 3-D

2008-11-06T18:48:00.003-05:00

Variety reports James Cameron's new epic will get special Imax 3-D treatment.

Imax Corp. and 20th Century Fox have pacted to release James Cameron's Christmas 2009 tentpole "Avatar" on Imax 3-D screens at the same that it opens in conventional 3-D theaters.
Fox said deal allows "Avatar" to be released in all available theatrical formats.
"Our goal with 'Avatar' is to revolutionize live-action 3-D moviemaking, and I have no doubt that it will look and sound incredible in Imax 3-D," Cameron said in endorsing the move.
Cameron and Jon Landau's Lightstorm Entertainment are producing the big-budget tentpole, which unspools in theaters Dec. 19.
Fox prexy of distribution Bruce Snyder said showing "Avator" in Imax theaters gives the consumer the entire spectrum of choice.
This summer, many people saw Warner Bros.' "The Dark Knight" both in regular theaters and in Imax locations.
Next year brings a multitude of 3-D releases, in addition to "Avatar," although there still aren't enough digital 3-D screens in conventional theaters to sustain that amount of product.

The Dark Knight in Imax was breathtaking so I can't even grasp the immersive experience when 3-D is added. I hope Cameron can finish the film in time, but I will gladly wait until he is completely done with the landmark epic.

Slumdog Millionaire Release Dates, Trailer + Free Screenings

2008-10-31T09:04:00.003-04:00

After having seen this year's best film at Toronto Film Festival the trailer doesn't do enough justice. Danny Boyle's Slumdog Millionaire is getting the same treatment from Fox Searchlight, as Juno and Little Miss Sunshine previously had, in hopes of a Best Picture nomination. They are having many free screenings in every major city. If your city hasn't been added yet keep checking because it will updated soon. After the trailer there is also a list of release dates in all major US cities. This film is absolutely a must-see, don't miss out.

FREE SCREENINGS: RSVP now for your chance to attend.

Trailer (Watch the trailer in High Definition on Yahoo.com):

Week #1: Wednesday, Nov. 12

1 Los Angeles
2 New York
3 Chicago
4 San Francisco
5 Washington D.C.
6 Toronto

Week #2: Friday, Nov. 21st

7 Boston
8 Dallas/Ft. Worth
9 Philadelphia
10 San Diego
11 Seattle
12 Denver
13 Baltimore
14 Minneapolis
15 Phoenix
16 Vancouver

More after the jump.

Week #3: Wednesday, Nov. 26th

No new markets

Week #4: Friday, Dec. 5th

17 Atlanta
18 Detroit
19 Indianapolis

Week #5: Friday, Dec. 12th

20 Sacramento
21 St. Louis
22 Austin
23 Milwaukee
24 Hartford/New Haven
25 Madison
26 Ann Arbor

Week #6: Friday, Dec. 19th

27 Houston
28 Miami/Ft. Lauderdale
29 Kansas City
30 Cleveland
31 Columbus
32 Orlando
33 Charlotte
34 New Orleans
35 Louisville
36 Portland
37 Rochester
38 Salt Lake/Boise
39 Honolulu
40 Albany
41 Albuquerque
42 Boca Raton/W. Palm Beach
43 Cincinnati
44 Dayton
45 Nashville
46 Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill
47 Asheville
48 Charlottesville
49 Lansing
50 Northampton/Springfield
51 Montreal

Week #7: Friday, Dec. 26th

52 Buffalo
53 Fresno
54 Las Vegas
55 Tampa/St. Pete
56 Champaign/Decatur/Springfield
57 El Paso
58 Harrisburg, PA
59 Memphis
60 Norfolk/Newport News
61 Oklahoma City
62 Omaha
63 Providence
64 Richmond
65 San Antonio
66 Spokane
67 Tulsa
68 Baton Rouge
69 Birmingham
70 Colorado Springs
71 Corpus Christi
72 Grand Rapids
73 Knoxville
74 Lexington
75 Pittsburgh
76 Reno
77 Sarasota
78 Syracuse
79 Tucson
80 Anchorage
81 Des Moines
82 Ft. Myers
83 Gainesville
84 Ithaca
85 Jacksonville
86 Portland, ME
87 Santa Fe
88 Tallahassee
89 Calgary
90 Edmonton
91 Halifax
92 Kitchener
93 Ottawa
94 St. John
95 Victoria
96 Winnipeg

Joaquin Phoenix To Retire From Acting Forever?

2008-10-29T19:50:00.002-04:00

In a rather bizzare interview with E! Online actor Joaquin Phoenix exclaims he is done with acting to focus solely on making music. The interviewer laughs in his face which doesn't end well. Casey Affleck is there to back up Phoenix. Check out the video below.

I thoroughly enjoyed Phoenix's Oscar nominated perfomance in 2005's Walk The Line.

Are you sad to see Joaquin leave Hollywood?

Weinstein Co. Films Pushed to 2009 (The Road, Fanboys, Crossing Over + More)

2008-10-27T09:05:00.003-04:00

According to an LA Times Article the Weinstein is pushing the rest of their '08 film releases to 2009. The only exclusions are Zach and Miri Make a Porno, Extreme Movie, and The Reader (maybe). Cinematical explains:

That includes some oft-delayed titles like Killshot and Fanboys, as well as higher-profile stuff like Crossing Over (with Harrison Ford and Sean Penn) and Shanghai (with John Cusack). Ah yes, and the highly-anticipated adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Cormac McCarthy novel The Road.

Despite the fact that The Weinstein Co. is losing employees by the fistful, Harvey W. insists that the reasons for the delays are legit: Killshot he wants to hold for Mickey Rourke's The Wrestler; Fanboys is waiting for a Comcast promotion in January; Crossing Over deserves to enter a non-crowded marketplace; and Shanghai isn't even finished yet. Regarding The Road ... hmph, it never came up.

Fanboys has gotten delayed over and over again. Does anyone still want to see this movie?

Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day Filming?

2008-10-27T00:09:00.002-04:00

Believe it or not, this sequel is finally being filmed. Starring Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus (the original saints), director Troy Duffy has begun blogging on the set of the film, clearly excited that this movie has finally come to fruition. Duffy was the subject of the uber-interesting 2003 documentary Overnight, which chronicles the sharp rise and mammoth fall of the bartender-turned-filmmaker courtesy of the then Harvey Weinstein-run Miramax.

Link to the Duffy blog: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UkK9izJMIU

Link to Overnight trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RuhVMTE8adc

Oscar Predictions (Best Picture, Director, Actor, Actress)

2008-10-24T08:56:00.006-04:00

Best Picture
Slumdog Millionare
The Dark Knight
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Revolutionary Road
Milk

Best Director:
Danny Boyle - "Slumdog Millionare"
Christopher Nolan - "The Dark Knight"
David Fincher - "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Sam Mendes - "Revolutionary Road"
Gus Van Saint - "Milk"

I don't see this category differing from BP noms, except for maybe the inclusion of Ron Howard for "Frost/Nixon" or Darren Aronfosky for "The Wrestler"

Best Actor
Mickey Rourke - "The Wrestler"
Sean Penn - "Milk"
Brad Pitt - "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Josh Brolinin - "W."
Leonardo DiCaprio - "Revolutionary Road"

Rourke the clear leader here.

Best Actress
Kate Winslet - "Revolutionary Road"
Meryl Streep - "Doubt"
Anne Hathaway - "Rachel Getting Married"
Nicole Kidman - "Australia"
Sally Hawkins - "Happy-Go-Lucky"

Zach and Miri's Porno Keeps It Dirty and....Sentimental

2008-10-23T14:27:00.014-04:00

Who knew a film about porn could be one of the most touching of the year? Don't worry, Kevin Smith's new comedy still raises the offensive bar in more than one way. Starring Seth Rogen (Pineapple Express, Knocked Up) and Elizabeth Banks (W, Definitely, Maybe) as Zach and Miri, childhood friends turned roommates. Strapped for cash with no where else to turn they decide to make a porn. Bringing the most laughs is Craig Robinson (Pineapple Express, "The Office") who plays Delaney, Zach's coffee shop co-worker and disgruntled husband. Brandon Routh, who brings more life to his cameo than he did in all of Superman Returns, is hilarious as Justin Long's (Dodgeball, Die Hard 4) gay porn co-star and lover. The two of them are the catalyst for getting the idea of a porn in Zach's head when the meet at a high school reunion.
The film hits its stride when Zach and Miri raise the question of sex getting in the way of their 20-year friendship. The laughs are heavy and constant, but the romantic dynamic between the two characters is what really keeps the film going. The movie still has its plentiful share of vulgar, even obscene dialogue. I was surprised at the mother and young teenage son sitting to the right of me during this preview screening, as this was easily the hardest R in terms of sexual content and dialogue I have seen. There isn't a sexual subject that goes unmentioned. We are hit with anal, blowjob, gay porn, and even a queef joke, as seen in the trailer.
Don't expect another Clerks, but this film sits proudly next to Chasing Amy as one of Smith's better works. Make sure you don't get up as the credits roll because there is an hilarious extended bonus scene. The film opens wide on Halloween.

8 out of 10

Samsung Announces Netflix Streaming on Select Blu-Ray Players

2008-10-23T14:14:00.003-04:00

Samsung has announced that Netflix customers will now be able to instantly stream Watch Now movies on select Blu-ray disc players. The coolest thing about this announcement is that some customers can use their existing Samsung Blu-ray players. For no cost, both the BD-P2550 and BD-P2500 can be upgraded for the Netflix Watch Now functionality. The press release reads:

Instantly streaming movies and TV episodes from Netflix on the BD-P2550 and BD-P2500 is done through a wired broadband connection and a Netflix Queue-based user interface. Netflix members visit the Netflix Web site to add movies and TV episodes to their individual instant Queues. Those choices will automatically be displayed on members’ TVs and available to watch instantly through the Samsung players. Once selected, movies will begin playing in as little as 30 seconds. With the players’ accompanying remote control, Netflix members will be able to browse and make selections right on the TV screen and also have the ability to read synopses and rate movies. In addition, they will have the option of fast-forwarding and rewinding the video stream.

I've been looking forward to Netflix streaming since they started the Watch Instantly service. I can't say I will use this Blu-Ray streaming since I have an Xbox 360. Netflix streaming comes to the 360 on November 19th with the "New Xbox Experience" massive update. For those with a Blu-Ray player this will be a great addition.

Javier Bardem to Star in Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s Biutiful

2008-10-23T14:10:00.002-04:00

Javier Bardem (No Country For Old Men) will star in Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu’s (21 Grams, Babel) Biutiful, which begins shooting in Barcelona next week. Inarritu wrote the script himself, his first stand alone effort after much-publicized break-up with screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga.

According to Variety, Spanish-language film is about “a man embroiled in shady dealings who is confronted by a childhood friend, now a policeman.” Argentine actress Maricel Álvarez is also rumored to be involved with the project. Rodrigo Prieto will return as director of photography. Prieto was the cinematographer on all Inarritu’s films, Brokeback Mountain, 25th Hour, 8 Mile and Frida. The music will be composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, Academy Award Winner for Brokeback Mountain and Babel.

Although Inarritu's films have declined in quailty since the Mexican classic Amores Perros I'm still greatly looking forward to this film, especially with the addition of Bardem.

2008-10-20T11:51:00.006-04:00

BEST PICTURE NOMINATION PREDICTIONS

Australia
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight

Milk

Revolutionary Road

EARLY OSCAR WATCH: BROLIN'S PRESIDENTIAL PERFORMANCE

2008-10-15T11:56:00.004-04:00

At the beginning of Oliver Stone's "W." most viewers will prepare themselves to groan, for surely a movie by the notoriously liberal-minded Stone about one the most conservative presidents' in our country's history could not be fair. And while it is certainly not 100 percent objective in its presentation, Stone's film is not propaganda and not a cinematic "Vote Obama" rallying cry, but rather the story of an All-American man who, not ever really knowing what he wanted to do with his life, more or less tricks himself, and, with the help of his far more "intelligent" advisers, into becoming the President of the United States.

In many ways, Stone is sympathetic to George Walker Bush (Josh Brolin), a young man "living in poppy's shadow" and the shadow of his younger brother Jeb (the current governor of Florida). Brolin puts him his best performance to date, establishing himself as an A-list actor and embodying our current Commander-in-Chief with a comfortable presence and full devotion to "George Bush, the person," rather than "George Bush, the cariciature."

At several points during the film Brolin is giving the option to go over-the-top with the performance, falling into SNL mockery. Yet he consistently refuses the choice, staying true to our president, confident, as Stone is, that George W. Bush has already given viewers plenty to laugh at.

And there is plenty to laugh at, or sigh at. Viewers will probably do both. Stone accepts that the man is an easy political target (perhaps the easiest) and decides to dig into the "why" of Bush rather than the "what." He shoots the movie digitally, over-using close-ups while making a masterful use of focus and depth of field, most notably during Bush's "Mistakes" speech towards the end of the film.

Jeffrey Wright plays Colin Powell as the noble warrior who watches an empire fall in the war room while he attempts to convince his fellow cronies that invading Iraq is a bad plan and rushed in its development. And the viewers sighs at the potential truth in this "behind the scenes" scene as they watch Dick Cheney (Richard Dreyfuss in a comeback role) smile and scowl simultaneously in the background. Thandie Newton bombs with her imitation of Condy Rice because, well, it's just an imitation of a person, and not a good one at that. The best performances in the film (those of Brolin, Wright and Dreyfuss) are achieved not by imitating their characters but by understanding their motives and psychology, at least within the context of Stone's film.

At film's end, nothing too controversial is outed that has not already been proven or at least hinted at by one media source or another. But then Stone was never going for controversy. It appears that he, like most Americans today, is trying to answer the question: "How did this guy get elected president?" As for the ending, or rather non-ending, of the film, it echoes Bush's personal opinion on what history will say about him. "In the history, we'll all be dead."

Body of Lies Review

2008-10-10T08:02:00.002-04:00

Count me in the group that is sick of "Iraq" films. Directed by Ridley Scott (American Gangster, Black Hawk Down) I had little excitement for Body of Lies and my mediocre expectations were fulfilled. There are decent moments of suspense and the film was well shot and well acted, but much of the story waded in familiar territory. The problems I had with last years American Gangster carried over to this film. I have seen all of this before. It is undoubtedly done well, but the material has been retreaded to death. Leonardo DiCaprio (The Departed, Blood Diamond) elevates the film with a terrific performance while Russell Crowe (3:10 to Yuma, American Gangster) literally doesn't do much the entire film. Mark Strong, last seen in this year's fun gangster romp RocknRolla, delivers a intense performance as Hani, Leo's go-to man in Jordan. Unfortunately the film stays wrapped up in boring back and forth double crosses with Leo, Crowe and Strong while never really going anywhere. Ultimately Body of Lies is a decent political thriller that will keep you entertained, but not deliver much to think about.

6 out of 10

Guillermo del Toro Explains "The Hobbit"

2008-10-08T09:28:00.003-04:00

In a recent MTV interview filmmaker Guillermo del Toro explains that The Hobbit film is not two separate films, rather one continuous story told in two parts.

“The reality is that we stopped talking the first movie and second movie, and we just started taking about the movie - the two episodes, or two parts, as if they were a single piece of narrative." Guillermo del Toro goes on to say, "“We don’t even call it the bridge movie, we just call it ‘The Movie.’ And this is great. When we found what reverberated, and we found it in one of our virtual meetings - we understood. It’s a movie.”

In the interview he says the film will be one "continuous journey" leading right up to the beginning of The Fellowship of The Ring. He states, "You should see a movie that’s five pictures long."

The Hobbit has an expected release date of December 2011.

IN HONOR OF SPIKE LEE

2008-10-01T02:20:00.006-04:00

For over 20 years this ambitious director has tackled the race issue using many different cinematic platforms: social communication ("Do the Right Thing"), music ("Mo' Better Blues"), family ("Crooklyn"), drugs ("Clockers"), and, most recently, war ("Miracle at St. Anna"). And while race has been the most apparent and analyzed subject throughout Lee's carrer, the director has offered a distinct style: applying surrealistic filmmaking to ultra-realistic subject matter. Always true to his goals and never short about his personal beliefs, Lee is an honest filmmaker who consistently goes for the throat, constantly searching for new avenues on which to operate. His most recent attempt, "Miracle at St. Anna," is the kind of epic failure only a great director can acheive (a Roger Ebert-ism I agree with). While the ambition's there in the direction, the war scenes look fake, the screenplay is cheesy (James McBride wrote it, he also wrote the book of the same name), and the score, by longtime Lee collaborator Terence Blanchard, is overbearing. But do NOT let that deter you.
Lee is one of the uncomprable artists of our time and
deserves the opportunity to fail at whatever genre he
chooses to tackle next. But, chances are, he will succeed.

ESSENTIAL SPIKE
-"Do the Right Thing" (1989)
-"Jungle Fever"(1991)
-"Malcolm X" (1992)
-"He Got Game" (1998)
-"25th Hour" (2002)

OVERRATED SPIKE
- "Inside Man" (2006)

UNDERRATED SPIKE
-"Bamboozled" (2000)

IN HONOR OF PAUL NEWMAN: QUINTESSENTIAL LEADING MAN

2008-09-28T17:12:00.006-04:00

Cool Hand Luke Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid Newman - rebel with cause Young Newman

After over 50 years on the silver screen, beloved actor Paul Newman died at the age of 83. Giving us such iconic roles as Luke Jackson from "Cool Hand Luke" and Butch Cassidy from "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," Newman brought an emotional depth to the "Hollywood leading man," picking up where predecessors, like Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant, left off. Breaking into the public eye with his performance as criminal-turned-boxer Rocky Graziano in Robert Wise's biopic "Somebody Up There Likes Me," Newman sported his tortured charisma and attracted the attention of Hollywood big shots. The young actor followed up the breakout role playing one of the Twentieth-Century's great conflicted heroes, that of Brick from Tennesee Williams' "Cat On a Hot Tin Roof." Newman garnered his first Oscar nom for the role (Best Actor), earning 9 more nominations (and one win for "The Color of Money") throughout his film career. Newman soon became the "leading man of leading man," defining, and redefining, the term, playing naive poolhand Eddie Felson in "The Hustler," the cocky farmer's son Hud Bannon in "Hud" and conflicted playboy Lew Harper in "Harper" within five years of eachother. All of these roles, classic in their own right, came together in Luke Jackson, perhaps Newman's great character and most impressive performance.

PAUL NEWMAN ESSENTIALS

- The Hustler (1961)
- Hud (1963)
- Cool Hand Luke (1967)
- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969)
- The Sting (1973)
- Slap Shot (1977)
- The Verdict (1982)
- The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)
- Road to Perdition (2002)
- Empire Falls (2005)

Eagle Eye Review

2008-09-24T08:34:00.005-04:00

D.J. Caruso's Eagle Eye brought one of the best trailers I've seen for a film in recent years. It's disappointing the film doesn't live up to the promised mystery and suspense. Shia Lebouf brings his usual charm and a little more heart than seen in his other adventure this year. Michelle Monaghan plays a single mother "activated" by Eagle Eye and motivated to save her son. She tends to bring the most laughs, unintended or not, especially in a certain shotgun wielding scene. Billy Bob Thornton plays his usual self as a wisecracking government agent chasing Lebouf through countless obstacles. If one though the big brother overtones in The Dark Knight were over the top, I can't describe how ridiculous the themes in this film are. An interesting premise at first becomes tired out when we are introduced to the government "eagle eye" project. A film like this should be pure popcorn adrenaline fueled fun, instead it becomes too big for its own good by tackling themes that should be reserved for films that have some type of character development. With that said when the action comes it delivers. Shia and Michelle are involved in series of events "impossible" to escape, only to be aided by the mysterious eagle eye voice at the last second. It's fun, mindless and will warrant your ticket purchase. If you can forget the overbearing political themes than you have an enjoyable thriller that will keep you entertained.

6 out of 10

Charlie Kaufman’s Synecdoche, New York Movie Trailer

2008-09-22T09:58:00.002-04:00

I really wanted to see this film at TIFF, but didn't have a chance to. I love Kaufman and Hoffman so, after this fantastic trailer, this is shaping up to be one of my most anticipated of the year.

'Synedoche New York' Theatrical Trailer @ Yahoo! Video

Official Plot Synopsis: Synecdoche, New York explores nightmares that are all too realistic and human. Its hero, Caden Cotard (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is a 40-year-old local theater director in Schenectady whose life is collapsing around him. His marriage to his artist wife Adele (Catherine Keener) is on its last legs while at the same time he is stricken with a series of increasingly catastrophic illnesses. He is afraid he will die any moment having never accomplished anything important in his life. When he receives a MacArthur Grant, he decides to use the windfall to stage a massive theater piece in NYC, determined to create The Great Piece of Art and leave something as true, honest and heartbreaking as life itself. It’s one of those rare films that deals with death, excruciating illness, gross bodily fluids, despair, heartbreak and bad sex but can still bring a twinkle to the eye.

You can watch the trailer in High Definition on Yahoo. Synecdoche, New York hits theaters on October 24th 2008.

Revolutionary Road Movie Trailer Arrives

2008-09-22T09:42:00.004-04:00

Based on the novel by Richard Yates, Revolutionary Road tells the story of a young couple trying to find fulfillment in an age of conformity. Trapped in a world of encoded convention, they dream without faith, as lies and self-deceptions build to explosive consequences.

Revolutionary Road hits theaters Dec 26th, 2008.

Return of the Rourke

2008-09-16T17:31:00.002-04:00

Remember Marv from "Sin City"? Ugly, tough, scarred? The essential bad-ass? Well, that same actor, one Mickey Rourke, was once the James McAvoy/Ryan Gosling of the early 80s; a good-looking acting dynamo who garnered critical comparisons to a young De Niro after films like "Diner," "Barfly," and "Rumble Fish." Flash forward 25 years later and Rourke is something less than a shell of his former self. The actor is now washed-up, flesh-out, and objectively unattractive. He also just gave the best performance of his career and is currently the frontrunner for a Best Actor Oscar next year. The film is "The Wrestler," directed by Darren Aronofsky, who has gained cult and critical acclaim for such stylistic indies as "Pi" and "Requeim For a Dream." This new film marks a new direction for Aronofsky, keeping the camerawork simple, the cinematography grainy, and the on-screen emotion generally reserved. Rourke plays Randy "The Ram" Robinson, a professional wrestler who is washed-up 20 years after being regarded as the best in the business (sound familiar?). And, not surprisingly, Rourke embodies Randy disturbingly well, exercising the man's angels and demons with a potent accuracy. Screenwriter Robert B. Siegel offers up a rather traditional screenplay, closely following Syd Field's three-act structure until the climax. This works for the film, which is filmed patientially by Aronofsky, using several long shots and a few long, dialogue driven scenes to fully examine its protagonist. While some may be turned off by the violence inside the wrestling ring (fake or not, it looks as though these guys take a beating), squint through it and fall in love with a character no one seems to love.

"Slumdog" Wins at Toronto

2008-09-15T09:09:00.003-04:00

Slumdog Millionaire Wins People's Choice

Variety: Danny Boyle’s "Slumdog Millionaire" hit the jackpot, nabbing the people’s choice award at the 33rd annual Toronto Intl. Film Festival.

"Slumdog" cast member Freida Pinto was on hand at the fest’s closing kudos brunch Saturday to accept the award, which comes with a C$15,000 ($14,141) cash prize. "This is a film about an underdog who believes in something, and is a tribute to Mumbai," Pinto said.

The fest, which opened Sept. 4 and unspooled more than 300 films, had a definite underdog vibe.

"It was a difficult year," TIFF CEO Piers Handling said in opening remarks. "People felt some of the films they took up last fall did not perform that well, so there was a sense of slight gloom and depression."

Still, he pointed to high-profile U.S. sales of "The Wrestler," "Che" and "The Hurt Locker" and international sales of "Skin" and "Valentino" among many other deals still in motion as proof the fest was well worth the trip for its 3,000-plus sales and industry delegates.

The Fipresci international critics’prize for a pic in Special Presentations went to Steve Jacobs’ "Disgrace," starring John Malkovich.

"Lymelife," starring Alec Baldwin and Rory and Kieran Culkin, won the Fipresci jury’s prize for a film in the Discovery program.

"Here come the Americans," joked "Lymelife" helmer Derick Martini, one of the few non-Canadians in the room. In town for pic’s final screening, a completely surprised Martini accepted the award for his tale of family dynamics in 1970s Long Island after an outbreak of Lyme disease. "This is a very personal film and I’m so appreciative of the festival."

Cassian Elwes of William Morris Independent is fielding several offers, according to "Lymelife" producer Jonathan Cornick. Martin Scorsese exec produced.

Jury president Jonathan Rosenbaum said he and fellow crix Nick Roddick, Elie Castiel, Ranjita Biswas, Kim Linekin and Pablo Scholz were in complete agreement on both winners, despite the large number of films considered.

Brit helmer Steve McQueen’s Camera d’Or winner "Hunger," the much-lauded drama about IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands, picked up the Discovery Award, voted on by 1,000 international film scribes attending the fest. Award offers a $9,433 cash prize.

The top Canuck pics are both stories of isolation: Helmer Rodrigue Jean’s "Lost Song" won for Canadian feature, while Marie-Helene Cousineau and Madeline Piujuq Ivalu’s "Before Tomorrow" won for Canadian first feature. Special citations went to Atom Egoyan’s "Adoration" and Lyne Charlebois’ "Borderline."

Chris Chong Chan Fui’s "Block B," an experimental pic about an expat Indian community in contemporary Malaysia , won for Canadian short.

The festival closed Saturday night with a gala screening of helmer-writer Charles Martin Smith’s "Stone of Destiny." Dubbed the Scottish "Big Chill," pic is based on the true story of a 1951 raid by four Glaswegian students to "steal" back a symbol of Scottish pride. [via]

Gotham Takes Over IMAX....Again

2008-09-10T23:24:00.002-04:00

Seems like The Dark Knight is coming back to theaters. Could the only reason be to push it past Titanic to the number one domestic unadjusted gross? According to Reuters, the studio planning a January 2009 IMAX rerelease, as an award season reminder. It is “uncertain” if the film will also be redistributed on conventional screens, but I don’t see why not. But with the DVD / Blu-ray rumored to hit store shelves one month earlier, just in time for Christmas, will moviegoers be interested in seeing The Dark Knight on the big screen one more time? [via]

Wes Anderson Finds His New "Best Friend"

2008-09-10T17:15:00.002-04:00

Variety is reporting that Wes Anderson has been tapped to write and possibly direct an American remake of the French film Mon Meilleur Ami(My Best Friend). The original movie chronicled the adventures of François, an arrogant and unpleasant antique dealer who was challenged by his business partner, Catherine, to produce his best friend (not believing that he had one). If he succeeds, he will be able to retain possession of a valuable Greek vase he purchased using company money. François sets out to look for a best friend and finds Bruno, a gregarious cabbie, who will hopefully help him win the bet.

Between My Best Friend and the upcoming animated film The Fantastic Mr. Fox based on Roald Dahl’s book, it seems like Anderson is really stepping out of his comfort zone and trying new things. Although I’m not Anderson’s biggest fan, I have always agreed with the assessment that he’s one of the more talented directors of his generation. Like many things, I’m willing to take the wait-and-see approach before deciding if he can give this quasi-generic storyline a unique spin. [via]

What do you think about Anderson doing a remake?

Spielberg and Dreamworks Being Sued for Disturbia's Rear Window similiarities

2008-09-10T08:53:00.001-04:00

When does a homage go too far? In this story from Reuters Spielberg and Dreamworks are being sued for ripping off Hitchcock's 1954 classic Rear Window.

According to the lawsuit, "Disturbia" and the "Rear Window" story are "essentially the same." Both are murder mysteries beginning with a man who, while peering from his window, witnesses strange behavior in the home of his neighbor.

The protagonist in all three of the works behaves in essentially the same way, interacts with similar characters and the plot unfolds in basically the same way, the lawsuit said.

"In the Disturbia film the defendants purposefully employed immaterial variations or transparent rephrasing to produce essentially the same story as the Rear Window story," the lawsuit said.

When Disturbia was released many saw the distinct similarities to Hitchcock's Rear Window. Where is the line drawn? Most films today take some type of past story or filmmaking style and transform it to their own way. Did Disturbia take it too far?

Poll: Favorite/Most Anticipated TIFF Film?

2008-09-10T01:06:00.000-04:00

As many of us know the Toronto International Film Festival is this week. The festival usually brings a mix of high-profile Oscar contenders with a wide variety of foreign fare. This year the festival has much larger variety of smaller films taking away the focus from the big premieres.

This weeks poll asks what film are you most anticipated to see or, if you are attending the festival, what was your favorite?

See the complete list here: http://tiff08.ca/filmsandschedules/filmlist/default.aspx?date=04

My early answer is Slumdog Millionare, having seen last Sunday, while greatly looking forward to The Wrester this Saturday and eventually wanting to see Che and Zach and Miri Make a Porno when they hit theaters.

Is Michael Bay the new Dr.Kavorkian?

2008-09-09T22:32:00.000-04:00

We all know the pleasant Dr.K as the man who 'willfully' took peoples lives from them as they, apparently, asked for their lives to be cut short. Now in the realm of cinematic nurturings, there's no better analogy for Dr.K then our constant filmic target practice, Michael Bay. Why do you ask? Well it's simple: Aside from Uwe Boll and all those cinematic abortions we call '____ Movie' (Superhero movie, Disaster movie, etc.), Michael Bay is the lowest form on the movie art chain. He takes someones script (in the Dr.k analogy stage, a person) and destroys it (again, in the Dr.k realm, kills it). With Transformers 2 coming up next year (Kinda wish both of Shia's hands were destroyed in his accident), yet another terrible release is about to be unleashed upon the masses. Now, you have to ask yourself, should it stay or should it go? Quite briefly, and yours truly - Joe Strummers Ghost.

Bond Returns: Quantum of Solace Trailer #2

2008-09-09T22:13:00.001-04:00

Daniel Craig returns as Bond on Nov. 18th, 2008. Here is the 2nd trailer available in SD, 480p, 720p, and 1080p

http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809961074/video/9655524

Trailer looks like Quantom of Solace will not disappoint. Filled with proof that this really is the "bloodiest Bond ever".

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Here is the cover of Craig on the October Empire Magazine

TIFF Roundup: Slumdog Millionare, Goodbye Solo, + more

2008-09-09T18:38:00.000-04:00

I got to Toronto Friday night and saw the following films on Saturday and Sunday:

The Sky Crawlers:

Being not too fond of most anime I decided to give this one a chance. The opening battle in the sky was great. After that it derived into the boring dialogue driven anime I can not stand. The second battle was breathtaking but the fact that there wasn't anymore action the rest of the film put me to sleep. If you love anime give this a chance, if not avoid at all costs.

3 out of 10

Goodbye Solo:

Ramin Bahrani's 3rd major feature revolves around the relationship between a young cab driver and an older elderly man. The lack of questions Bahrani answers makes the film continually engaging. The viewer is dropped into the middle of the relationship and left to decipher what is unfolding. The only criticism I have is the lack of "flash" and minimalistic approach made the film drag.

7 out of 10

Tale 52

A stylish film about relationships and loss. For a film that is a little over an hour and half it feels like it lasts much longer due to the unnecessary prolonged ending. The repitition, an interesting an idea at first, is way overused and by the fourth time you have seen the same scene it tends to bore. I loved the experimental style playing with focus and edits. I would

like to see this director take on another film with a better story.

6 out of 10

Before Tomorrow

A slow moving, beautifully shot tale of Inuits as the came into encounter with the Europeans. The film moves at a very slow pace filled with steady shots of Inuit life and focus on the family. The performances and camerawork are exceptional, giving a documentary type feel. The story and the long shots started to wear me out towards the end of the film. It's still a fine debut from Canadian filmmakers Marie-Hélène Cousineau and Madeline Ivalu.

6 out of 10

Slumdog Millionaire

Being a Danny Boyle lover (yes,

even the last 3rd of 2007's Sunshine) I had pretty high expectations for the film. I can't say how satisfied I was.

The style of Boyle with a engaging well written story. I couldn't ask for more. The film follows Jamal Malik, played by Dev Patel, playing the Indian version of Who Wants to Be A Millionare. Going into the film I would think it would be slightly gimmicky, but that quickly changed as we learn what is so important about the game. We are met with destruction and sadness as we see the "slumdog's" poverty stricken life. Moments of happiness and laughter counter thanks to Simon Beaufoy's engaging script. The film has nonstop energy, only trickling a bit towards the end. I encourage everyone to see this when it hits theaters. November 28th in the US thanks to Warner Bros and Fox Searchlight

9 out of 10

Look for the next roundup after Sat's TIFF films:

The Wrestler
RocknRolla
What Doesn't Kill You
Miracle at St. Anna

Welcome to The Film Stage

2008-09-09T18:35:00.000-04:00

I've decided to start a blog. The main focus will be all things related film with occasional music and tv news. Hope you enjoy!