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The Box Office with Kenny & Accalia
Check out this week's latest on movies, news and more!
The Box Office with Kenny & Accalia
When: Wednesdays within Breakfast with K & A
Time: 8:30am
Join Kenny & Accalia every Wednesday with Michelle, our resident film guru from VOX Cinemas. It’s all about the movies! Listen in to win Vox Gold Cinema tickets and be the first to know about the latest on upcoming movies to be released in the UAE.
Top 5 Movies from Oct. 6th
Real Steel
Abduction
Rascals
The Change Up
Killer Elite
New Releases – October 13th
Jonny English Reborn
Stars: Rowan Atkinson, Dominic West, Gillian Anderson
Genre: Comedy
Director: Oliver Parker
Rowan Atkinson (is better known throughout the world as Mr Bean), returns to the role of the accidental secret agent who doesn't know fear or danger in the comedy spy-thriller Johnny English Reborn. In his latest adventure, the most unlikely intelligence officer in Her Majesty's Secret Service must stop a group of international assassins before they eliminate a world leader and cause global chaos. Frankly speaking, this movie is a vast improvement over the first one, with heightened unpredictability and more genuine gags. The success of this one all comes down to Rowan Atkinson who seems to have cornered the Slapstick market, if you like Silly spies and comical cops from the likes of Frank Drebin to Austin Powers Atkinson then you will enjoy this.
Lion King 3D
This movie is 17 years old!!
The Lion King is Disney’s first animated feature to be converted to 3D and re-released. Whether you’re a fan of 3D or not, you shouldn’t miss the chance to see this Disney classic on the big screen. Disney’s most successful animation was an obvious choice to be the first to return in 3D. Taking over $780m at the box office, The Lion King was 1994’s number one film worldwide. Audiences loved it and so did the critics. If you haven’t seen it already, The Lion King tells the story of Simba the lion cub, The story provides all the fun, excitement and life-lessons you’d expect from Disney.
"The Lion King 3D" is crushing the competition at the box office. The re-release of the film 17 years after its debut has surprised many, spending the past two weekends at the top of the box office chart. The conversion has been undertaken with skill and sensitivity. It complements the film, adding depth the landscapes and immediacy to the moments of action.
Mother’s Day
Stars: Rebecca de Mournay
Genre: Horror
"Mother's Day" basically your average thriller about a bunch of people getting home jacked and then subsequently submitted to humiliation, torture and emotional agony. The show belongs to De Mornay, her performance as Mother is as chilling as Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs, cool and calm on second but deadly the next. With some memorable deaths, each totally unexpected, and a few twists along the way, i found this film a real surprise and one every horror fan especially should check out!
Finally ADFF is starting on October 13th at VOX Cinemas Marina Mall - Abu Dhabi.
There are lots of great films being screened so check out www.adff.com for show timings and complete movie listing.
Top 5 Movies Sept 29th
Killer EliteThree Musketeers 3D
Force
The Smurfs 3D
Rise of the Planet Apes
New Releases - October 6th
Real Steel
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Evangeline Lilly
Genre: Action, Drama
Director: Shawn Levy
Set in the near future, where robot boxing is a top sport, a struggling promoter feels he's found a champion in a discarded robot. During his hopeful rise to the top, he discovers he has an 11-year-old son who wants to know his father. It's sort of Rocky as a robot, but loads of fun. I really enjoyed Hugh Jackman, but in the movie as well as a showman, it was all Max, his son. It's definitely clichéd, and a lot of time, you know what's coming, but Star Wars was clichéd too, and it was still a great movie.
Nineteen 8- foot tall audio-animatronic robots were built so that the human actors had something to act with instead of pure CGI. The fight scenes used motion capture with professional boxers so that the fights would look as real as possible.
The violence is not as bad as the rating makes it seem because most of the violence is the robots. There are a couple scenes of Hugh Jackman getting beat up, but that's about it. Take the kids and have a blast. The movie is well-worth your time. I enjoyed this one a lot and highly recommend it.
Nineteen 8- foot tall audio-animatronic robots were built so that the human actors had something to act with instead of pure CGI. The fight scenes used motion capture with professional boxers so that the fights would look as real as possible.
The violence is not as bad as the rating makes it seem because most of the violence is the robots. There are a couple scenes of Hugh Jackman getting beat up, but that's about it. Take the kids and have a blast. The movie is well-worth your time. I enjoyed this one a lot and highly recommend it.
The Change-Up
Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Jason Batemen, Olivia Wilde
Genre: Comedy
Director: David Dobkin
The story focuses on two childhood pals, Mitch (Reynolds), who dropped out of high school to become an actor and is just a promiscuous mess, and Dave (Bateman), who has worked hard all his life to be a successful lawyer, has a wonderful family and is close to making partner at his firm. One night, though, while going out and catching up after being vacant from one another's lives for a brief time, they get to talking about their lives and drunkenly wish they could take a walk in the other's shoes, but be careful what you wish for when you are pissing in a magic fountain... The next morning the two awake to discover that they have switched bodies. And, although, after freaking out they begin to explore this new freedom, they soon learn that the escape from their normal lives isn't as glorious as they had imagined and begin looking for a way to return to their rightful bodies. The lead actors, Jason Bateman & Ryan Reynolds, are also what made this film work as well as it did. They both brought their own particular brand of funny to the table and played off of each other quite well.
Abduction
Stars: Taylor Lautner, Lilly Collins, Sigourney Weaver
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Director: John Singleton
The plot is about high school student Nathan Price (Taylor Lautner) who stumbles upon an image of himself as a little boy on a missing persons website. He realises that his parents (Maria Bello and Jason Isaacs) are not his own and that his life is a lie. As Nathan starts to search for his true identity and his biological parents, he is being targeted by a team of rogue agents, forcing him to flee with his neighbor, Karen (Lily Collins). Five minutes. That was how long it took before Taylor Lautner took his shirt off in his purportedly gritty action thriller 'Abduction'- and depending on how you took to that fact, you may find yourself enjoying every minute of it or cringing in disbelief.
Top 5 Movies - Sept 21st - 24th
Friends with BenefitsMousam
The Smurfs 3D
Final Destination 5 3D
Fright Night 3D
New Releases – September 29th
Killer Elite
Stars: Jason Statham, Clive Owen, Robert Di Niro
Genre: Action, Thriller
Director: Gary McKendry
When his mentor is taken captive, a retired member of Britain's Elite Special Air Service is forced into action. His mission: kill three assassins dispatched by their cunning leader. Based on a true story, Killer Elite pits two of the worlds' most elite operatives - Danny, an ex-special ops agent (Jason Statham) and Hunter, his longtime mentor (Robert De Niro) - against the cunning leader of a secret military society ('Clive Owen' ). Clive Owen and Jason Statham are both excellent as... elite killers. The action is great, the story is intricate and watching the plot unfold is just fun. You've got a group of mercenaries on a dubious mission, a group of ex-SAS stumbles on to them and then both sides are trying to figure out who the other guys are and what they're up to. Maybe it throws some people that there are no clear cut good guys and bad guys here
This movie has a number of action thriller clichés: a job that goes wrong, an assassin forced to leave the underworld and forced back into it when a loved one is kidnapped, and the timeless killer with a conscience so that innocent people do not get hurt. It is hardly an original action movie, but there are at least some fun shoot-outs and chases.
The film is at its best when Owen and Statham are on screen together either coming after each other, fighting or staring each other down.
The film is at its best when Owen and Statham are on screen together either coming after each other, fighting or staring each other down.
The Three Musketeers
Stars: Milla Jovovich, Orlando Bloom, Christoph Waltz
Genre: Action, Adventure
Director: Paul Anderson
The hot-headed young D'Artagnan along with three former legendary but now down on their luck Musketeers must unite and defeat a beautiful double agent and her villainous employer from seizing the French throne and engulfing Europe in war. All the ingredients for a great historical movie were there: excellent actors, beautiful locations and one of the best novels ever written as the basis! to be entertained without straining your braincells.
It is an enjoyable adventure movie that never takes itself too serious, reminiscent of the first Pirates of the Caribbean film. If you are one of those people who really expects this to be the perfect adaption, do not expect too much because no adaption is perfect and this is just one of those movies where you can just go watch a movie (say a Disney movie) and just escape from reality, that's what it is.
It is an enjoyable adventure movie that never takes itself too serious, reminiscent of the first Pirates of the Caribbean film. If you are one of those people who really expects this to be the perfect adaption, do not expect too much because no adaption is perfect and this is just one of those movies where you can just go watch a movie (say a Disney movie) and just escape from reality, that's what it is.
The Tortured
Stars: Jesse Metcalf, Erika Christensen
Genre: Horror
Director: Robert Lieberman
The Tortured tells the story of a young couple (Metcalfe and Christensen) whose life is torn apart when their young son is abducted and murdered by a pedophile (Moseley). Devastated and angry by his recent prison sentencing, the couple take matters into their own hands and kidnap their son's killer... some bloody good torture. Some of the methods of torture that our lead couple carry out are rather grizzly and will surely make a few people flinch. Worth viewing if you are a fan of the torture sub-genre or films like 'Saw'.
Top 5 Movies - Sept 1st – 4th
The Smurfs 3DBodyguard
Captain America 3D
Crazy Stupid Love
Conan the Barbarian 3D
New Releases – September 8th
The Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Stars: James Franco, Freida Pinto, Tom Felton
Genre: Action, Drama
Director: Rupert Wyatt
The story of how a potential cure for Alzheimer's went out of control, James Franco plays scientist Will Rodman, who's experimenting with his Alzheimer's cure on apes and his most recent tests show incredible cognitive abilities in one ape after using the drug on him and so he makes a presentation to the company's board asking for permission to test the drug on humans. Things go wrong during the presentation, however, when the ape goes, well — ape! The apes are ordered to be put down and Franco's entire operation gets shut down. However, the trial ape had been hiding a newborn baby. Will secretly takes it home where his father (John Lithgow) suffers from Alzheimer's and he is obviously looking for a cure for him.
The one thing that always made the "Planet of the Apes" a bit campy was actors in make up and monkey suits. Albeit you know the chimps are CGI, their eyes look amazing, with depth and personality, and along with their body language and facial animations, you really do forget they are CGI. This movie delivers in everything you'd want from a well crafted sci-fi that has a great dramatic story for the humans and apes, awesome action and the CG is top-notch and flawless.
The one thing that always made the "Planet of the Apes" a bit campy was actors in make up and monkey suits. Albeit you know the chimps are CGI, their eyes look amazing, with depth and personality, and along with their body language and facial animations, you really do forget they are CGI. This movie delivers in everything you'd want from a well crafted sci-fi that has a great dramatic story for the humans and apes, awesome action and the CG is top-notch and flawless.
Columbiana
Stars: Zoe Saldana
Genre: Action, Drama
Director: Olivier Megaton
A young woman grows up to be a stone-cold assassin after witnessing her parents' murder as a child in Bogota. She works for her uncle as a hitman by day, but her personal time is spent engaging in vigilante murders that she hopes will lead her to her ultimate target - the mobster responsible for her parents' death. Similar storyline to Leon, but probably not a cult classic like Leon was. It's the type of movie where you leave your brain at the door and have a good time. Zoe Saldana herself with her tremendous presence on screen and beauty, which is breathtaking. She's very believable as a stone-cold assassin, especially the way she sneaks and crawls
around with ninja like precision.
One Day
Stars: Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess
Genre: Drama, Romance
Director: Lone Scherfig
One Day is the most real (save a few accents) movie I've seen in a long time. It explores time and how it often slips away from us. Anne Hathaway stars as insecure working-class woman Emma, who, for one reason or another is drawn to Dexter, (Jim Sturgess) a charming upper middle class man with a great amount of self-confidence. An interesting technique used by One Day, is that we only get to see the events of a single day, July 15, for each of 20 plus years. The theme of life’s rewards and wrong paths, mistakes, blunders, regrets, bad breaks, and how to cope with them was profoundly articulated. Hathaway is wonderful, as always save for the English accent was slightly dodgy.This is definitely a weepy chick flick, but has enough of the ring of truth of real life to have universal appeal. I have not read the book so I cannot compare it to the movie but this picture stands on its own.
Top 5 Movies - August 11th – 14th
Aarakshan (Hindi)Horrible Bosses
And Soon the Darkness
Zookeeper
Bridesmaids
New Releases – August 18th
We are the Night
Stars: Karoline Herfurth, Nina Hoss and Jennifer Ulrich
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Director: Dennis Gansel
In Berlin, a cop closes in on an all-female vampire trio who just took in a new member, Lena.
Edward Cullen’s Eurotrash cousins! The plot revolves around three decadent and wealthy vampire girls. They move around in Berlin at night in search for blood and pleasure. on't ask for originality( the only one you get is the fact that the girl vampires of the world have killed off all the vampire men) I'm a big fan of vampire films, despite how the Twilight movies and numerous clones all but ruined the genre for me. So I had high hopes for this German movie about 3 female vampires who adopt a new girl into their all girls club. The opening sequence is quite spectacular, the soundtrack an alluring mix of classical and techno, all scenes are beautifully shot.
The Last Godfather
Stars: Harvey Keitel, Jason Mewes, Blake Cark
Genre: Comedy
Director: Hyung- Rae Shim
A Mafia boss trains his mentally impaired son as his successor. For some reason his son is Korean, it is done in the style of Charlie chaplin and Mr. Bean with slapstick humor so it is definitely geared for children. Randomly it starts Harvey Keitel whose movies are geared towards adult audiences but according to the director (Shim), Keitel expressly told Shim that he wanted to do a movie that he can watch with his own son. However we do know Harvey Keitel from Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Cop Land, Thelma & Louise so some might say that his career can go NO lower. The once highly-respected and lauded Keitel was at-one-time an elusive "get", but some might say he has sold his craft and his art of movie-making to go through the motions for a paycheck.
Point Blank
Stars: Gilles Lellouche, Roschdy Zem and Gérard Lanvin
Genre: Action, Crime
Director: Fred Cavay
This French thriller was a mixed bag - It was for the most part a very entertaining high octane movie about a male nurse having to perform illegal work in order to save his kidnapped and very pregnant wife. It was very tense and really gave off a sense of urgency. i often consider the good French action thrillers are the most creative and original, that's why Hollywood keeps copycatting and adapting from the French movies one after another once there are new good French thriller movies in the market.
Top 5 Movies - August 4th– 8th
Horrible BossesZookeeper
Zindegi na milega dobara
Harry Potter 3D
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
New Releases – August 11th
Burke and Hare
Stars: Simon Pegg, Bill Bailey, Tom Wilkinson and Michael Smiley
Genre: Comedy, Thriller
Director: John Landis
The plot concerns William Burke (Pegg) and William Hare (Andy Serkis, Gollum from the 'Lord of the Rings' movies) -two struggling businessmen in 1828 Edinburgh. With Scotland world-renowned for their medical schools, they soon find their niche-selling dead bodies to doctors. However With already-dead bodies in short supply, they're forced to take matters into their own hands Their scheme is pushed along by Burke's desire to win the attention of Jenny (Isla Fisher). Hot on their trail is Captain Tam McLintoch (Ronnie Corbett). It is a good move to turn a horrible series of events into something to giggle at, the leading cast are really good and it is fun to spot some fine British talent throughout, the bloody stuff adds up to the laughs, and a little historical stuff helps, a worthwhile comedy thriller based on the true story. Good!
The Disappearance of Alice Creed
Stars: Gemme Arteron, Eddie Marsan, Martin Compston
Genre: Crime, Drama
Director: J Blakeson
The film's set-up is pretty straightforward; it's a kidnapping thriller in which two ex-convicts called Danny (Martin Compston) and Vic (Eddie Marsan) kidnap a young woman called Alice Crred (Gemma Arterton). The film opens with the two nasties shopping for some pretty dangerous equipment, setting up a room and then kidnapping Alice by putting a bag over her head and a gag in her mouth. The reason for all this is that they want a ransom for Alice's return as she's the son of a wealthy businessman.Arterton is sensational in this role as vulnerable, powerfully miserable, desperately crafty, and suddenly brave. She succeeds in all departments and despite some of the iffy Hollywood blockbusters she's been in (Clash of the Titans), this film proves she can act damn well. It can be brutal, shocking and a bit disturbing, but if you want a change of pace from the big and brash blockbusters then this is a film to go and see. Everything in this film is thoughtful, intelligent, and only slightly dark. This is a well thought-out, incredibly well written, and well acted character drama disguised as a thriller.
And Soon the Darkness
Stars: Amber Heard, Odette Annable, Karl Urban
Genre: Crime , Horror
Director: Marcos Efron
If there's one thing horror movies have taught us over the years, it's "Never leave home to a foreign country or island." The Italian cannibal and "Hostel" movies taught us this-the list goes on really. If you go to places your unfamiliar with in horror, you will end up in danger. .When two American girls on a bike trip in a remote part of Argentina split up and one of them goes missing, the other must find her before her worst fears are realized. Admittedly the scenery of Argentinian countryside looks beautiful and desolate. Predictable thriller that could have been better.
Top 5 Movies - July 14th-17th
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows P2Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
Mr. Poppers Penguins
Horrible Bosses
Transformers: Dark of the Moon 3D
New Releases – July 21st
Bridesmaids
Stars: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Rose Byrne
Genre: Comedy
Director: Paul Feig
Picked as her best friend's maid of honor, lovelorn and broke Annie looks to bluff her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals with an oddball group of bridesmaids. This is like a big slap in the face to all the lame chick flicks out there as of now and a breakthrough, star making leading role for the brilliant and hilarious Kristen Wiig. The movie goes through typical issues from the average chick flick like jealousy, insecurities, narcissism, cat fights, self-doubt, self-pity, self-destruction you name it but it deals with those is a more honest, realistic non sugar-coated way that was refreshing and smart from the norm and raises the bar so high for chick flicks (which is more anti of that anyways) and comedies in general that I personally can't see any comedy this year or in the future surpassing its comedy greatness, it's golden!!!
Zookeeper
Stars: Kevin James, Rosario Dawson and Leslie Bibb
Genre: Comedy
Director: Frank Coraci
A group of zoo animals decide to break their code of silence in order to help their lovable zookeeper (Kevin James) find love -- without opting to leave his current job for something more illustrious. See this Great comedy family movie featuring the voices of Sylvester Stallone, Adam Sandler, Cher, and Nick Nolte. A great film to bring the kids to see.
The Conspirator
Stars: Robin Wright, James McAvoy and Tom Wilkinson
Genre: Drama – based on a true story
Director: Robert Redford
In the wake of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, seven men and one woman are arrested and charged with conspiring to kill the President Mary Surratt is the lone female charged as a co-conspirator in the assassination trial of Abraham Lincoln. As the whole nation turns against her, she is forced to rely on her reluctant lawyer to uncover the truth and save her life. Robert Redford has assembled an impressively strong cast to bring to the screen a very important and poignant story.
Top 5 Movies - July 7th – 11th
Transformers Dark of the Moon 3DMr. Poppers Penguins
Horrible Bosses
Hanna
Larry Crowne
New Releases – July 14th
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter
Genre: Action, Drama
Director: David Yates
The final chapter begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord's three remaining Horcruxes, the magical items responsible for his immortality. But as the mystical Deathly Hallows are uncovered, and Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.
An emotional roller-coaster and the perfect end to constantly better series.
The Stranger
Stars: Steve Austin, Erica Cerra & Adam Beach
Genre: Action
Director: Robert Lieberman
An FBI agent looks to track down a material witness who is involved in a top-secret investigation. Some action flick of sorts. FBI, automatic weapons, and a few explosions. The Bourne Identity. Stone Cold Steve Austin stars as a man who has no memory, and keeps being chased by the police, the FBI, the Russian Mob, and his doctor named Grace Bishop.
From Prada to Nada
Stars: Camilla Belle, Alexa Vega & Kuno Becker
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Angel Gracia
A Latina spin on Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility," where two spoiled sisters who have been left penniless after their father's sudden death are forced to move in with their estranged aunt in East Los Angeles. The film takes on the subject of spoiled girls living in wealthy-LA and then losing it all and going to live with their relatives on the less "fortunate" side. This is a witty and realistic romantic comedy that is a Descent portrayal of Multi-cultural Los Angeles.
Top 5 Movies June 23rd – 26th
Cars 2 3DBad Teacher
22 Bullets
Double Damal (hindi)
Super 8
New Releases – June 30th
Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon 3D
Stars: Shia Lebouf, Rosie Hunting-Whitely, Josh Duhamel, John Malkovich, Patrick Dempsey
Director: Micheal Bay
Genre: Action, Adventure
When a mysterious event from Earth's past erupts into the present day it threatens to bring a war to Earth so big that the Transformers alone will not be able to save us.
Monte Carlo
Stars: Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Thomas Bezucha
A young woman, her uptight step sister and her best friend use their savings for a long anticipated dream trip to Paris, which turns out to be a big disappointment. When they decide to take a break from their lousy tour and duck into the lobby of a luxury hotel, one of them is mistaken for a spoiled British heiress. Before they get the chance to reveal their true identities they are wrapped up in misadventures during a vacation to Monte Carlo instead. Monte Carlo is obviously another vehicle for Disney starlet and singer Selena Gomez . While it is obvious that Gomez has great potential as an actress, she doesn't exploit her talents here. Top 5 Movies - June 16t -19th
Super 8Green Lantern 3D
Kung Fu Panda 2 3D
X-Men: First Class
The Hangover II
New Releases – June 23rd
Cars II – 3D
Stars: Owen Wilson, Micheal Caine, Larry the cable guy, Eddie Izzard
Genre: Animation, Adventure
Director: John Lasseter
Racing star Lightning McQueen teams up with his best friend Mater for an international adventure as they go up against the world's fastest cars. After my viewing of the film, I have to say Pixar never fails to produce a great, entertaining film. The animation is extremely well done, the look of the film is amazing. The voice actors are great, I miss Paul Newman though from the first one. The film is definitely entertaining and a great beginning to 2011 Summer movie season. Take your whole family to see this movie, Fun for kids, but the adults can also connect with it and will have a great time watching this movie in theaters. It is quite an adventure and I will be glad to give it a second viewing.
Bad Teacher
Stars: Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel, Justin Timberlake
Genre: Comedy
Director: Jake Kasdan
A comedy centered around a foul-mouthed, junior high teacher who, after being dumped by her sugar daddy, begins to woo a colleague -- a move that pits her against a well-loved teacher. Cameron Diaz pulls off the recently dumped, vulgar, Junior High teacher off pretty well.
Diaz stars as the titular teacher Elizabeth Halsey. Her fiancé dumps her very early on in an unexpected tone setting scene. She is an educator without a care of education who needs a new man's bank account to rest on. Enter Justin Timberlake as the hot, new substitute teacher with plenty of family money. Timberlake plays the dorky, yet hot teacher very well culminating in his facial expressions in a "moment of pleasure".
Jason Segel guest stars as the slacker gym teach with intent to hook up with the vulnerable Diaz. Segel albeit funny is under utilized in this smart, well written comedy.
The film is a comedy that should succeed much better than anyone whose ever heard of Cameron Diaz would expect.. Its smart and just keeps going further down the road of crass, yet enjoyable raunchiness. It also sports the best scene of an exploding bowel movement since Austin Powers.
Diaz stars as the titular teacher Elizabeth Halsey. Her fiancé dumps her very early on in an unexpected tone setting scene. She is an educator without a care of education who needs a new man's bank account to rest on. Enter Justin Timberlake as the hot, new substitute teacher with plenty of family money. Timberlake plays the dorky, yet hot teacher very well culminating in his facial expressions in a "moment of pleasure".
Jason Segel guest stars as the slacker gym teach with intent to hook up with the vulnerable Diaz. Segel albeit funny is under utilized in this smart, well written comedy.
The film is a comedy that should succeed much better than anyone whose ever heard of Cameron Diaz would expect.. Its smart and just keeps going further down the road of crass, yet enjoyable raunchiness. It also sports the best scene of an exploding bowel movement since Austin Powers.
22 Bullets
Stars: Jean Reno, Marina Foïs, Kad Merad
Genre: Action, Crime
Director: Richard Berry
Based loosely on a true story about A retired mobster who goes on a revenge spree after being left for dead with 22 bullets in his body by his former childhood friend. there is a good portion of action to be found here. And very well shot (no pun) and acted out - a stylish thriller filled with anti-heroes, and plenty of gratuitous violence with the charismatic Jean Reno.
Top 5 Movies from June 9th - 13th
Kung Fu Panda 2 3DX-Men: First Class
The Hangover Part II
Ready (Hindi)
Fasel Wa Naoud (Arabic)
New Releases – June 16th
Green Lantern 3D
Stars: Ryan Reynolds (Wolverine, The Proposal), Blake Lively, Peter Sarsgaard, Mark Strong
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi
Director: Martin Campbell (Casino Royale, Beyond Borders, The Legend of Zorro)
Age Rating: PG15
A test pilot is granted a mystical green ring that bestows him with otherworldly powers, as well as membership into an intergalactic squadron tasked with keeping peace within the universe.
The overall story is fantastic. Changes have been made from the comic's story but that wont affect regular audiences. The movie is action packed from beginning to end with CGI special effects and it was shot in 3D as opposed to being converted to 3D post-production and you can tell you it is better quality because of it. Ryan Reynolds is a fantastic Green Lantern. Mark Strong is awesome as the villain, in fact this could be another Joker is better than Batman affect like in The Dark Knight. Blake Lively, although good looking doesn’t really know how to act so its like when Denise Richards was in that Bond movie, she is eye-candy and nothing else!
Rabbit hole
Stars: Nicole Kidman, Aaron Echkart
Genre: Drama
Director: John Cameron Mitchell
Age Rating: PG15
Life for a happy couple is turned upside down after their young son dies in an accident. Based on a play by David Lindsay-Abaire.
The film is full of tough hard to watch drama and strikes a very realistic and believable tone. Depressing but worth the watch.
The film focuses on how each spouse copes differently with their tragedy. Becca (Kidman) wants to get rid of everything that reminds her of her son, including the dog he chased into the street the day he was struck by a car. Howie (Eckhart) wants to hold on to all the things that bring him cherished memories of his son, including videos he constantly watches and the dog. The acting is all outstanding, especially the two leads, and the film is smartly written as well as nicely directed.
The film focuses on how each spouse copes differently with their tragedy. Becca (Kidman) wants to get rid of everything that reminds her of her son, including the dog he chased into the street the day he was struck by a car. Howie (Eckhart) wants to hold on to all the things that bring him cherished memories of his son, including videos he constantly watches and the dog. The acting is all outstanding, especially the two leads, and the film is smartly written as well as nicely directed.
Super 8
Stars: Elle Fanning, Amanda Michalka, Kyle Chandler
Genre: Mystery, Sci-fi
Director: J. J. Abrams (Lost, Cloverfield)
Age Rating: PG15
After witnessing a mysterious train crash, a group of friends in the summer of 1979 begin noticing strange happenings going around in their small town, and begin to investigate into the strange phenomenon. It brings back that old school movie feel of wonder and innocence that made movies like E.T., Stand By Me, and the Goonies , the classics that they are now and I think Super 8 is right in the same league. But Super 8 has another side to it as well, it's a monster movie. This aspect is obviously modeled after other Spielberg classics like Jurassic Park and Jaws and uses some of the same techniques to great effect.
Top 5 Movies - May 26th - 29th
Hangover 2
Pirates of the Caribbean 4 3D
Bolbol Al Haryan
Fast Five
Game of Death
New Releases – June 2nd
Kung fu Panda 2 3D
Stars: The entire main cast - Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, David Cross, Lucy Liu, Dustin Hoffman
Genre: Animation, Adventure
Director: Jennifer Yuh
Plot: Po joins forces with a group of new kung-fu masters to take on an old enemy with a deadly new weapon.
My biggest fear about sequels is it's gonna end up pretty bad and ruin the first one. But Dreamworks already understand how to make a true good animated movie. I found a big improvement was that they toned down all the things that made the first movie irritating: over-the-top Jack Black antics, overused slow-mo effects, and dialogue silliness. The characters have fully matured and been fleshed out to the point where even Jack Black fits comfortably as Po. Of course, shining in the spotlight was Gary Oldman as the sinister Lord Shen, he practically steals every scene that he's in though. He brings that intensity and dark lunacy associated with his roles in Leon and The Fifth Element to the Lord Shen role - He fits the role of an evil albino peacock rather well. Even Jean Claude Van Damme is awesome but isn’t in enough scenes. The 3D was also showcased quite well, enhancing most of the visuals throughout the movie without being a headache.
Overall Kung Fu Panda 2 is a sequel that is a must see, especially for kids and fans of the series, even if you haven't seen the first one yet.
X Men First Class
Stars: James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and January Jones, Kevin Bacon
Genre: Action, Adventure
Director: Matthew Vaughn (Stardust, Layer Cake)
Plot: In 1963, Charles Xavier (mcEvoy) starts up a school and later a team, for humans with superhuman abilities. Among them is Erik Lensherr (Fassbender), his best friend... and future archenemy.
Before Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr took the names Professor X and Magneto, they were two young men discovering their powers for the first time. Before they were archenemies, they were closest of friends, working together, with other Mutants (some familiar, some new); to stop the greatest threat the world has ever known. In the process, a rift between them opened, which began the eternal war between Magneto's Brotherhood and Professor X's X-MEN.
With snappy dialogs, impeccable story and a perfect combination of actors and actresses this is certainly a must see.
Jane Eyre
Stars: Mia Wasikowska, Jamie Bell, Judie Dench as Housekeeper Mrs. Fairfax
Genre: Drama, Romance
Director: Cary Fukunaga
Plot: A mousy governess who softens the heart of her employer soon discovers that he's hiding a terrible secret.
Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" has been a favorite book for many children. The tale of a feisty orphan-girl-turned-governess who finds true love in a spooky mansion and ultimately redeems a tormented hero has made it to the top of every "Best Love Stories" list since it was first published in 1847. The cinematography is beautiful, the sets and costumes look accurate, the screenplay handled well, and the directing outstanding. This film will age well and make you want to pick up the novel and read it again after a very long time.
Top 5 - May 19th to May 23rd
Pirates of the Caribbean 4
Fast & Furious 5
Bolbol Hayran
Blitz
Priest 3D
New Releases – May 26th
Hangover 2
Stars: Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms
Genre: Comedy
Director: Todd Phillips
Phil, Stu, and Alan travel to Bangkok for Stu's wedding only to find themselves in another post-blackout misadventure
Blood Creek
Stars: Henry Cavill, Dominic Purcell and Emma Booth
Genre: horror, thriller
Director: Joel Schumacher
A man and his brother on a mission of revenge become trapped in a harrowing occult experiment dating back to the Third Reich.
Game of Death
Stars: Wesley Snipes, Zoe Bell, Robert Davi
Genre: Action, Adventure
Director: Giorgio Serafni
Secret Ops agent Marcus is sent to Detroit to take out an arms dealer and the head of the hedge fund that is financing him. His CIA backup has other plans and turns on him and it's a fight to survive in a hospital.
Top 5 Movies May 5th – 8th
Fast & Furious 5
Thor 3D
Scream 4
Rio 3D
Hop
New Releases May 12th
Priest 3D
Stars: Paul Bettany, Cam Giganet, Maggie Q
Genre: Action, Horror
Director: Scott Stewart
Rating: 18+
PRIEST, a post apocalyptic sci-fi thriller, is set in an alternate world – one ravaged by centuries of war between man and vampires. Paul Bettany plays a priest who disobeys church laws to track down the vampires who kidnapped his niece. Action-wise, Priest is fairly solid, packing in a series of high-octane fights and chases, it’s a decent comic book-action-western-horror film, it’s simple, effective and entertaining.
BLITZ
Stars: Jason Statham, Paddy Considine, Aidan Gillen
Genre: Thriller
Director: Elliot Lester
Rating: 18+
A tough cop dispatched to take down a serial killer who has been targeting police officers. All you really need to know is this: Statham is angry that there’s a serial killer hunting cops and he’s not above beating the absolute stuff out of everyone until this fiend is brought to justice.
Take Me Home Tonight
Stars: Topher Grace, Anna Faris
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Director: Michael Dowse
Follows an aimless college grad who pursues his dream girl at a wild Labor Day weekend party. Same feel as Superbad , 2 friends on an epic one night quest and one focusing on “the girl”. The movie is entertaining with lots of laughs and a great 80’s soundtrack.
Top 5 Movies – April 21st - 24th
Iron CladRIO 3D
Hop
The Resident
Dum Maaro Dum
New releases this week:
Thor 3D
Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Anthony Hopkins, Natalie Portman
Genre: Action, Adventure
Director: Kenneth Branagh
The powerful but arrogant warrior Thor is cast out of the fantastic realm of Asgard and sent to live amongst humans on Earth, where he soon becomes one of their finest defenders.
The first blockbuster of 2011 may be the best. They certainly set the bar very high. It's an exciting and certainly an all-around entertaining comic book adaptation. Nothing in this genre since LOTR has been any better. It delivers mind-bending visuals but it still very intelligent and thrilling. There's no doubt that Hemsworth is a star in the making and a rather astounding leading man. Thor is a dazzling example of the superhero movie done right.
Tamara Drew
Stars: Gemma Arterton, Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper
Genre: Comedy
Director: Stephen Fears
Once the ugly duckling in the Dorset village of Ewedown, Tamara Drewe a now London Columnist, returns to sell her late mother's house, now a glamorous journalist with a life-changing nose job. Soon enough, three males fall for the young and very attractive woman : romance novelist and cheating husband Nicholas Hardiment (Roger Allam), rock star Ben Sargeant (Dominic Cooper) and past boyfriend Andy Cobb (Luke Evans). This is a brilliant and funny comedy where each character's selfish motives and agenda are gradually exposed. Excellent dialogs, sparkling soundtrack, gorgeous photography, rich colors, fresh, witty and ebullient, perfectly balanced black and ... regular humor.
Top 5 Movies - April 14th - 17th
Hop
Arthur
Edele: Rise of the Mummy
Source Code
RIO 3D
New Releases – April 20th
My Soul to take 3D
Stars: Max Thieriot, John Magaro , Denzel Whitaker
Genre: Horror, Thriller
Director: Wes Craven
A serial killer returns to his hometown to stalk seven children who share the same birthday as the date he was allegedly put to rest.
One of the year’s scariest films, Craven plays upon the audience's fear of the unknown with the supernatural element of the film's monster, "The Riverton Ripper." The Ripper is a classic Craven killer, and he engages a symphony of blood—and one-liners.
his is another slasher classic for Craven, and you may never sleep again. Hold onto your soul…
The Resident
Stars: Hilary Swank, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Lee Pace
Genre: Drama, Horror
Director: Antti Jokinen
As a throwback to an earlier, age of home-invasion thrillers – shades of Pacific Heights and Single White Female Hilary Swank plays a New York medic whose palatial new flat rental looks too good to be true, because it is: her hottie landlord (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) smiles all too readily to be anything other than a pathologically jealous psycho stalker. Before the nailgun comes out, the inventive, through-the-keyhole cinematography of Guillermo (Pan’s Labyrinth) Navarro keeps you amused, but with the added suspense from actual scary scenes.
A Little Bit of Heaven
Stars: Kate Hudson, Kathy Bates, Lucy Punch
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Nicole Kassell
It's a comedy about a guarded woman who finds out she's dying of cancer, but when she meets her match, the threat of falling in love is scarier than death. It's a thoughtful and thought provoking film, anyone with a heart will leave the cinema wanting to tell their friends that they love them. Just take tissues.
Top 5 Movies from April 7th - April 10th:
Rio 3D
Source Code
Red Riding
Hood
Limitless
Zheimer
New Releases this week– April 14th:
Arthur
Stars: Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner
Genre: Comedy
Director: Jason Winer
Russell Brand reinvents the role of loveable billionaire Arthur Bach once played by Dudley Moore (1981), an irresponsible charmer who has always relied on two things to get by: his limitless fortune and the good sense of his lifelong nanny and best friend Hobson (Helen Mirren), to keep him out of trouble.
Coming from the perspective of someone who didn't see the original movie and went looking for some light-hearted goofiness, this film was just exactly what you expect! Russell Brand does a great job adding depth to a character who could have been one-dimensional and Helen Mirren is great to see in a comedy role and there is great rapport between her and Russell Brand.
Hop
Stars: Russell Brand, James Marsden , Elizabeth Perkins
Genre: Comedy
Director: Tim Hill
E.B. (Russell Brand) is the heir apparent to the Easter Bunny. A teenage drum-playing free spirit, E.B. is more interested in realizing his dreams in Hollywood, than in following in the footsteps of his father, and generations of forefathers in fulfilling the candy laden wishes of children the world over.
It’s a live-action/CGI family genre with vibrant, colorful backgrounds that prove that not all movies need 3D technology to be successful. While ‘Hop’ is essentially aimed at children, who will undoubtedly enjoy its CGI effects, adults will also appreciate it for its humor. Even though ‘Hop’ doesn’t have complex characters or a detailed plot-line, the movie does achieve its goal of presenting striking sets, some amusing jokes and a heart-felt message.
Adele Rise of the Mummy
aka The Extraordinary Adventures of Adèle Blanc-Sec
Stars: Louise Bourgoin, Mathieu Amalric, Gilles Lellouche
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy (French but dubbed in English)
Director: Luc Besson
Movie Hour – March 23rd
More and more news coming out about Superman, Wolverine & Avatar delayed and a movie about Wills and Kate, give me a break or a bucket!!!!
Kevin Costner Confirmed for Superman!
Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced today that Kevin Costner will play Jonathan Kent, the father who raised Clark Kent as his own son, in the new Superman movie to be directed by Zack Snyder.
Snyder stated, “Jonathan Kent is the only father figure Clark has ever had, the man who was there to help Clark understand what he was meant to do in the world as Superman. Kevin will be able to communicate the quiet strength of this rural American man who raised the greatest super hero of all time.”
Snyder stated, “Jonathan Kent is the only father figure Clark has ever had, the man who was there to help Clark understand what he was meant to do in the world as Superman. Kevin will be able to communicate the quiet strength of this rural American man who raised the greatest super hero of all time.”
Costner will star alongside Diane Lane, who plays his wife, Martha, and the film’s star, Henry Cavill, who will play the new Clark Kent/Superman. December 2012 release date.
David Goyer and Jonathan Nolan will write the new Superman movie, to be titled "The Man of Steel." The rumored story involves Luthor and Brainiac. It is not an origin and assumes audiences already know about Lois, Clark, Jimmy and Perry. The Daily Planet is struggling due to the internet. Goyer is expected to take the movies back to the John Byrne incarnation and set up a huge Kryptonian mythology.
Wolverine and Avatar sequels delayed.
Movie bosses behind Hugh Jackman's upcoming Wolverine sequel and James Cameron's Avatar 2 have reportedly put the projects on hold in the aftermath of the earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan.
The Australian actor is due to reprise his role as the clawed superhero for a sequel to 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which will see much of the action, set in Japan.
The project suffered a blow with the recent departure of director Darren Aronofsky, and now Entertainment Weekly says plans to film in Japan have been postponed following the devastating 9.0-magnitude tremor and subsequent tidal wave which tore through the country earlier this month.
The events in Japan are also said to have affected Cameron's work on the second Avatar movie - he had planned to head to the country to film underwater sequences in the Mariana Trench, located in the Pacific ocean to the south-east of Japan.
But movie bosses have now reportedly scrapped the planned dive amid fears of aftershocks and rising insurance costs.
The Australian actor is due to reprise his role as the clawed superhero for a sequel to 2009's X-Men Origins: Wolverine, which will see much of the action, set in Japan.
The project suffered a blow with the recent departure of director Darren Aronofsky, and now Entertainment Weekly says plans to film in Japan have been postponed following the devastating 9.0-magnitude tremor and subsequent tidal wave which tore through the country earlier this month.
The events in Japan are also said to have affected Cameron's work on the second Avatar movie - he had planned to head to the country to film underwater sequences in the Mariana Trench, located in the Pacific ocean to the south-east of Japan.
But movie bosses have now reportedly scrapped the planned dive amid fears of aftershocks and rising insurance costs.
The Royal Movie
Earlier this month, the first few snaps from the set of made-for-TV movie William & Kate emerged, after US channel Lifetime unveiled plans for a special show chronicling the couple’s history. Now, as royal wedding fever finally takes hold, we’ve got our hands on the very first sneak peek….
The new film is set to chronicle the blossoming romance between the future King and Queen, documenting ‘the ups and downs of their nine-year courtship,’ according a spokesperson at the American channel.
Emerging actress Camilla Luddington has been selected to play Kate Middleton, beating off still competition from thousands of hopefuls, to land the role of royal bride-to-be. She has previously had small roles in hit US shows Days of Our Lives and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, as well as a starring role in short film Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls. William and Kate’s made-for-TV movie will air on Lifetime, on April 18 – one week before the royal wedding, on April 29.
New Releases – March 24th:
The Lincoln Lawyer
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Josh lucas
Genre: Drama
Director: Brad Furman
A lawyer conducts business from the back of his Lincoln town car while representing a high-profile client in Beverly Hills.
The case involves a prostitute who claims she was brutally beaten and raped by a wealthy Beverly Hills real estate agent by the name of Louis Roulet (Ryan Phillippe great at concealing his sins). The man is rich and comes from a prominent family.
When we usually see McConaughey sweating, breathless, shirtless, and drinking we quickly equate him with either just finishing up having sex or just having attempted to surf a gnarly wave. We unfortunately absorbed many films of him indulging in such mindless acts. Now we witness an epiphany. The McConaughey in “The Lincoln Lawyer” still retains that unpolished look generated by many drinks of liquor and sleepless nights.
Sucker Punch
Stars: Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Director: Zack Snyder
The film follows a young girl in the 1950s who was institutionalized by her wicked stepfather, is about to be lobotomized as she attempts to escape an asylum with her inmate friends. Retreating to an alternative reality as a coping strategy, she envisions a plan which will help her escape from the facility. Snyder (Watchmen & 300) the Director has described the film as "Alice in Wonderland with machine guns",
Hot Time Tub Machine
Stars: John Cusack, Rob Corrdy , Craig Robinson
Genre: Adventure, Comedy
Director: Steve Pink
Four guy friends, all of them bored with their adult lives, travel back to their respective 80s heydays thanks to a time-bending hot tub.
There is a lot of clever humour in the movie, and the characters, they are also real and genuine.
Movie Hour – March 2nd
No more Oscars please……news about The Hunchback of NotreDame & The Chilean Miners closing in on a Film deal
Tim Burton and Josh Brolin for the Hunchback of Notre Dame
Tim Burton and Josh Brolin are teaming up to bring "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" to the big screen. Warner Bros. is developing the project with the duo, and is bringing on board scribes Kieran and Michele Mulroney, who wrote the upcoming "Sherlock Holmes" sequel for the studio. "Hunchback," an 1831 novel by Victor Hugo, tells the story of Quasimodo, a deformed and hunchbacked bell-ringer of the Norte Dame cathedral who tragically falls in love with beautiful gypsy named Esmerelda. The book has long intrigued the film and TV worlds -- it was first adapted in 1905 into a film titled "Esmerelda" -- although the last major adaptations were in 1997, the year that saw a high-profile Disney animated movie and an action-heavy picture starring Mandy Patinkin and Salma Hayek. The book features Quasimodo fighting off troops, love and betrayal, a hanging, a swing off a belltower and bodies and graves galore; in short, stuff that seems tailor-made for Burton. But the project, being spearheaded by Brolin, who would also produce as well as star, is in the nascent stages. Burton, who is in preproduction on "Dark Shadows" for Warners, is interested, but his commitment is dependent on the outcome of the script. If Hunchback does come to pass, it would be Brolin's second crack at a deformed personage after starring as the title character in "Jonah Hex," Warners' Western featuring the facially scarred DC Comics anti-hero.
Chilean Miners Sign With WME for Film, TV, More
The Chilean miners who captivated the world’s attention last year and emerged from their ordeal as instant celebrities have found their Hollywood home, signing with WME a big Hollywood agency. WME will represent the official life rights of the 33 miners, who were rescued in October after a 69-day plight inside a caved-in copper and gold mine in Copiapó, Chile. The deal comes after lawyers for the miners visited Los Angeles earlier this year to meet with agents and shop the harrowing story. The agency will represent the miners’ life rights in all areas, including television, film, books, commercials, theater and lectures;
The Hollywood Reporter has previously reported that the miners’ lawyers were planning to create a corporation that would collectively own book and movie rights to each miner’s story, positioning the group to potentially sell the whole package to a single media company for a lump sum. It’s an uncommon setup for the most unique of stories. Under the terms of their agreement with each other, the miners are free to make public appearances -- as they have been doing -- and to be paid to give talks. But they are not to discuss what happened inside the mine, nor can they enter into side deals to profit from their personal stories.
New Releases – March 3rd
Rango
Voices of: Johny Depp, Isla Fisher, Timothy Olyphant
Genre: Animation
Director: Gore Verbisnski
Age Rating: G
Helmer Gore Verbinksi (Pirates of the Caribbean) directs this family-oriented animated adventure starring the voice of Johnny Depp as a family pet who leaves the comfort of home in order to explore the outside world. Abigail Breslin, Isla Fisher, Alfred Molina, Ray Winstone, Harry Dean Stanton, and Ned Beatty provide the voices for the rest of the cast. The verbal flights of fancy will often sail right over the heads of rugrats, as will the innumerable references to and twists on classic movies, making this one animated feature some adults might enjoy more than their kids. Rango pivots on the pilgrim's progress of a mild-mannered pet chameleon who finds greatness thrust upon him when he pretends to a past of accomplished gunslinging in the name of justice. In the process, he becomes sheriff of the dried-up desert town of Dirt, which is presided over by a fat, old tortoise who controls the ragged community's water supply, a situation that neatly allows the film to accommodate a child-friendly ecological theme
The Rite
Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Alice Braga, Colin O’Donoghue
Genre: Drama, Horror
Director: Mikael Hafstrom
Age Rating: Pg15
Inspired by true events, “ The Rite” follows a skeptical seminary student Micheal kovak , who reluctantly attends exorcism school at the Vatican . While in Rome, he meets an unorthodox priest, father Lucas, who introduces him to the darker side of his faith
How Do you Know
Stars: Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Jack Nicholson
Genre: Comedy
Director: James Brooks
Age Rating: Pg15
After being cut from the USA softball team and feeling a bit past her prime, Lisa finds herself evaluating her life and in the middle of a love triangle, as a corporate guy in crisis competes with her current, baseball-playing beau
Movie Hour – February 23rd
The latest news on Baz Lurhman’s next project and movie releases for this weekend
Baz Luhrmann's Great Gatsby Starts Shooting In Australia In March
After some false alarms and what seemed like an endless processing of casting and rehearsals, Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby is finally going to start shooting, and sooner than I expected. According to The New Zealand Herald, filming will start in March in Sydney, Australia, going for 17 weeks and lasting for an incredible 30 weeks of post-production, all taking place in Australia. Yes, a small-scale drama set on New York's Long Island has now become a massive effort shooting in Australia and employing 150 people to work on post-production and visual effects alone. And it's being made by the man whose last film, Australia, cost a fortune and made virtually no money. Baz Luhrmann, bless him, is a man for whom the word "small" has no meaning.
The film will also be shot in 3D, marking the first time stars Leonardo DiCaprio (as Gatsby), Tobey Maguire (Nick Carraway) and Carey Mulligan (Daisy) have ever worked in the format. It is, in other words, absolutely not going to be the Gatsby you read in high school, though what it will be seems totally unclear. At this point, with Luhrmann clearly running off on his own tangent about what he wants the movie to be, I'm kind of excited to see how wild his vision will be. F. Scott Fitzgerald's book, beloved and studied by generations of English students, is what it is, and Luhrmann's film is clearly going to be something newer, wilder, and different. Sure, it may be a disaster, but it'll be original-- or as original as an adaptation can be, I guess.
The film will also be shot in 3D, marking the first time stars Leonardo DiCaprio (as Gatsby), Tobey Maguire (Nick Carraway) and Carey Mulligan (Daisy) have ever worked in the format. It is, in other words, absolutely not going to be the Gatsby you read in high school, though what it will be seems totally unclear. At this point, with Luhrmann clearly running off on his own tangent about what he wants the movie to be, I'm kind of excited to see how wild his vision will be. F. Scott Fitzgerald's book, beloved and studied by generations of English students, is what it is, and Luhrmann's film is clearly going to be something newer, wilder, and different. Sure, it may be a disaster, but it'll be original-- or as original as an adaptation can be, I guess.
It has been adapted for film 6 times.
Glenn Close to play Susan Boyle?? I don’t believe it!
Glenn Close is to play reality TV star Susan Boyle in a forthcoming biopic of the Scottish singer's life, according to London newspaper the Sun.
The newspaper says Close has agreed to take the role despite Boyle's preference for her compatriot Elaine C Smith, best known for playing Rab C Nesbitt's long-suffering wife in the BBC sitcom that shares his name.
The newspaper says Close has agreed to take the role despite Boyle's preference for her compatriot Elaine C Smith, best known for playing Rab C Nesbitt's long-suffering wife in the BBC sitcom that shares his name.
A source told the paper's Bizarre column: "The film is full steam ahead now the leading role is sorted. It was always going to be a tricky one to cast. (Susan Boyle's) incredible story is so well-known across the planet that the film is bound to go down a storm.
"Glenn has played some imposing women in the past including Cruella de Vil and Alex Forrest, who boils the pet rabbit in Fatal Attraction. But [Boyle] might just be her biggest role yet."
At 63, Close might seem a strange choice to play the 49-year-old singer – though not as bizarre a prospect as Robin Williams, who briefly made the news in 2009 when he suggested that he wanted a crack at the role. The Daily Mail also reported that Catherine Zeta-Jones was interested in the part.
The Susan Boyle biopic has been a popular subject in the press ever since the singer rose to fame on the reality TV show Britain's Got Talent in 2009, but trade magazines such as Variety and the Hollywood Reporter have been conspicuously quiet on the subject.
The Susan Boyle biopic has been a popular subject in the press ever since the singer rose to fame on the reality TV show Britain's Got Talent in 2009, but trade magazines such as Variety and the Hollywood Reporter have been conspicuously quiet on the subject.
New Releases – February 22nd
Drive Angry 3D
Stars: Nicolas Cage, Amber Heard, William Fichtner
Genre: Action, Thriller
Director: Patrick Lussier
Age Rating: 18+
Milton is a hardened felon who has broken out of hell for one last chance at redemption. Intent on stopping a vicious cult that murdered his daughter, he has three days to stop them before they sacrifice her baby beneath a full moon. He's joined by Piper -- a young, sexy waitress who liberates her ex-boyfriend's cherry-red muscle car in order to help Milton. Now, the two of them are hot on the trail of the deadly leader of the cult, Jonah King, who believes it is his destiny to use the baby to unleash hell on earth. The police are after him, too. And worse, so is an enigmatic killer known only as "The Accountant" -- who has been sent by the Devil to retrieve Milton and deliver him back to hell.
Big Mamma’s House 3
Stars: Martin Lawrence, Brandon Jackson, Portia Doubleday
Genre: Comedy
Director: John Whitesell
Age Rating: PG-13
Martin Lawrence returns as FBI agent Malcolm Turner in this third outing in the Big Momma's House series. This entry sees Lawrence's cross-dressing alter ego, Big Momma, heading to an all-girls school with his nephew, Trent (Brandon T. Jackson), in order to hunt down a murderer. John Whitesell directs off a script by Matthew Fogel.
The Eagle
Stars: Channing Tatum, Jamie Bill, Donald Sutherland
Genre: Adventure, Drama
Director: Kevin McDonald
Age Rating: PG-15
In Roman-ruled Britain, a young Roman soldier endeavors to honor his father's memory by finding his lost legion's golden emblem.
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Movie Hour – February 9th
The latest news on Harvey Keitel starring in a Hindi Film and Meryl Streep as the Iron Lady
Harvey Keitel to Star in Indian Film ? Against Itself?
NEW DELHI -- Harvey Keitel will star in his first Indian film, Against Itself, portraying a secular expatriate American schoolmaster in India who struggles to protect his students and school from anti-Gandhian forces. The film will be in English which will be possibly dubbed in Hindi and begins shooting in mid-March. “The film deals with religious intolerance that’s one of the core issues of contemporary society. And I believe that art can sometimes more effectively deliver a message, than politics,” said Keitel in a statement.
Against Itself is produced by Sanjay Singh whose latest film Udaan (directed by Vikramaditya Motwane) has collected 14 trophies sweeping India's awards season after the film screened at Cannes last year in the Un Certain Regard section. Against Itself is written and directed by Kranti Kanade whose award winning 2007 feature debut Mahek premiered at the London Film Festival while his 2002 graduation film Chaitra won India's National Award for best short film.
The screenplay for Against Itself won the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles Film Fund development grant whose jury included screenwriters Gill Dennis (Walk The Line), Anurag Kashyap (Dev D, Black Friday) and Sooni Taraporevala (Salaam Bombay, Mississippi Masala, The Namesake). Keitel was approached by Singh during a trip to Los Angeles last December after which both met in New York.
“He’s a westerner, yet more Indian than any Indian,” said Singh adding that Keitel loved the philosophy inherent to the script “being a keen believer in Gandhian values and inspired by Sufi poets like Kabir, Meera, Rumi and Hafiz.” Keitel then flew down to Mumbai last month and over six days the 71-year-old veteran attended script reading sessions, wardrobe tests, interacted with the cast and crew and even went location hunting. “He was excited to see that most people in India spoke English and was impressed with the theatre talent we have here, some of whom will be part of my cast,” added Singh.
Keitel visited India 15 years ago and sharing his exposure to Hindi films and movies based on India, said, “I like Mira Nair’s films. Salaam Bombay was terrific. I also liked Slumdog Millionaire.” One of the child actors of Slumdog Millionaire, Ayush Mahesh Khedekar will also star in Against Itself.
Keitel's credits include Jane Campion's 1999 film Holy Smoke which was partly filmed in India starring Kate Winslet as a young Australian girl who follows an Indian religious cult and is “deprogrammed” by an American “exit counselor” portrayed by Keitel.
Meryl Streep playing Margaret Thatcher – what's not to like?
The steely glint in her eye and determined set of her jaw are both pure Thatcher.
Meryl Streep, at least, can rest assured that her reputation for capturing the essence of the characters she plays remains untarnished. The reputation of Margaret Thatcher, however, is another matter. In the controversial film, due to be released at the end of the year, Miss Streep plays Baroness Thatcher as a confused octogenarian who looks back on decisions she made with sadness, accompanied by the ghost of her late husband, Sir Denis Thatcher. The lady herself: Baroness Thatcher was 53 when she became Prime Minister in 1979
The original script apparently had the lady known for unblinking determination actually questioning some of the seminal moments of her 11 years in power — including the Falklands War and the sinking of the Argentine ship the General Belgrano in which 323 men died. In another scene, she considered the hardship her economic policies may have caused millions of Britons and the cost of her ambition to her own family life. But there have, apparently, been major revisions of the script in the last few months after concerns from Lady Thatcher’s family and friends. A source said the Falklands War now ‘will only be a small part of the film, which will focus on the high and low points of Mrs Thatcher’s career’. Last month Miss Streep, 61, was seen watching Prime Minister’s Question Time at the House of Commons, a visit that was arranged with the help of Downing Street and meant to no doubt add authenticity to her claims to be immersing herself in Lady Thatcher’s world.
‘The prospect of exploring the swathe cut through history by this remarkable woman is a daunting and exciting challenge,’ Miss Streep said yesterday.
‘I am trying to approach the role with as much zeal, fervour and attention to detail as the real Lady Thatcher possesses – I can only hope my stamina will begin to approach her own!’ The film is billed as examining power ‘and the price that is paid for power’.
New Releases – February 10th
No Strings Attached
Stars: Natalie Portman, Ashton Kutcher, Cary Elwes
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Ivan Reitman
Lifelong friends Adam (Ashton Kutcher) and Emma (Natalie Portman) attempt to avoid falling in love after falling into each other's beds in this comedy exploring the complexities and quirks of having friends with benefits.
Yogi Bear 3D
Voices of: Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake, Anna Faris
Genre: Animation, Comedy
Director: Eric Brevig
The tourists just aren't flocking to Jellystone Park like they used to, and when the budget starts to get tight, Mayor Brown (Andrew Daly) brings down the axe. But while the mayor can certainly make a quick buck by selling the land, what about the families who like to spend their summers in the great outdoors? When Yogi (Dan Aykroyd) and Boo-Boo (Justin Timberlake) discover they're about to become homeless, they realize that their only hope for keeping Jellystone open is to team up with their old enemy Ranger Smith (Tom Cavanagh) and wage wildlife warfare against greedy Mayor Brown
The Killer Inside Me
Stars: Casey Affleck, Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba
Genre: Crime, Drama
Director: Micheal Winterbottom
The second feature-length adaptation of author Jim Thompson's acclaimed 1952 crime novel, Michael Winterbottom's unflinching, psychosexual post-noir stars Casey Affleck as Deputy Sheriff Lou Ford, a stoic small-town lawman leading a secret life as a serial killer. His West Texas jurisdiction plagued by a series of unsolved murders, Deputy Sheriff Ford does his best to maintain a cool facade while working to deflect the suspicions of the locals. When those suspicions grow too strong to ignore, the psychotic sheriff begins to buckle under the pressure.
Movie Hour – February 2nd
The latest news on The Dark Knight Sequel and Anthony Hopkins to play Alfred Hitchcock
The Dark Knight Rises
Chris Nolan has announced that the next Batman movie will be titled ‘The Dark Knight Rises’. It won’t be shot in 3D and The Riddler will NOT be the villain and is due out in Theatres in July 2012.
Inception director Christopher Nolan created a stir among movie fans by announcing that Anne Hathaway will play Selina Kyle and Tom Hardy will play Bane in his final Batman movie with Christian Bale. Kudos to Nolan for picking some quality talent — and for finally giving up some details about his top-secret threequel. Yet those long-awaited revelations have spawned even more mysteries, and three burning questions in particular.
Bane: The character was introduced into the Batman comics in the early ’90s. He hailed from a fictitious, fascist Caribbean country and spent a childhood inside a barbaric prison, as he was forced to serve the sentence of his MIA rebel father. He developed his mind and his muscles to become the jail’s leading tough. Ultimately, he was coerced into becoming a test subject for a new drug, called Venom, which makes him herculoid strong. He eventually got it in his head to move to Gotham City to cause mayhem, seize control of its underworld, and destroy his obsession, Batman.
Selina Kyle is Catwoman’s alter-ego. The press release issued by Nolan, however, did not mention the word “Catwoman” and did not say if Hathaway’s Kyle will be suiting up as the sexy feline-themed fiend in the film. Let’s note that in her first appearance in the Batman comics, Selina Kyle didn’t call herself Catwoman or even wear an outfit or mask. She was a beautiful, ingenious jewel thief/cat burglar who called herself “The Cat.
Anthony Hopkins in Talks to Play Alfred Hitchcock
This could be a Psycho-good casting call.
Modern-day psycho-horror legend Anthony Hopkins is in negotiations to play the original master, Alfred Hitchcock, in a new non-fiction movie about the director's life and film career. The Hollywood Reporter relays that Hopkins is talking to production company Montecito to star in a big-screen adaptation of Stephen Rebello's 1998 book, 'Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho.
'The book focuses on the story of Hitchcock's decision to make the now-famous horror movie and the struggle he had to finance and get support for the film. The script, which was written by 'Black Swan' scribe John Laughlin and which Sacha Gervasi is in talks to direct, may concentrate more on his relationship with his wife, Alma Reville.
Hopkins of course has great experience in the creepy horror genre, winning an Academy Award for his role as Hannibal Lecter in 'Silence of the Lambs,' and reprising the part for a number of sequels. He's now appearing in the Satanic-horror 'The Rite,' set to release next week.
He may have to gain weight to play the famously plump Hitchcock -- Hopkins recently lost 75 pounds and adheres to a strict diet and workout regimen.
New Movies – February 3rd
Sanctum 3D
Stars: Rhys Wakefield, Allison Cratchely, Christopher Baker
Genre: Action, thriller
Director: Alister Grierson
"Sanctum" follows a team of underwater cave divers on a treacherous expedition to the largest, most beautiful and least accessible cave system on Earth. When a tropical storm forces them deep into the caverns, they must fight raging water, deadly terrain and creeping panic as they search for an unknown escape route to the sea. Master diver Frank McGuire has explored the South Pacific's Esa-ala Caves for months. But, when his exit is cut off in a flash flood, Frank's team -- including 17-year-old son Josh and financier Carl Hurley -- are confronted with the unavoidable question: Can they survive, or will they be trapped forever?
127 hours
Stars: James Franco, Amber Tamblyn, Kate Mara
Genre: Adventure, Biography
Director: Danny Boyle
Filmmaker Danny Boyle adapts the true-life story of Aron Ralston with this Fox Searchlight production detailing the hiker's harrowing quest for survival after losing an arm to a fallen rock and the grueling five-day ordeal that finally ended with his rescue. James Franco steps into the role of the unfortunate climber.
Miral
Stars: Freida Pinto, Hiam Abbas, William Dafeo
Genre: Drama
Director: Julian Schnabel
A drama centered on an orphaned Palestinian girl growing up in the wake of the first Arab-Israeli war who finds herself drawn into the conflict.
Casino Jack
Stars: Kevin Spacey, Kelly Preston, Barry Pepper
Genre: Comedy, Crime
Director: George Hickenlooper
A hot shot Washington DC lobbyist and his protégé go down hard as their schemes to peddle influence lead to corruption and murder.
Movie Hour – January 26th
The King’s Speech gets the royal treatment at the Oscar nominations
"The King's Speech" reigned supreme in Hollywood on Tuesday as Oscar voters bestowed 12 nominations on the British drama, including best picture, actor and director. The film, revolving around wartime monarch King George VI's struggle to overcome a crippling stammer, led a field packed with commercial and critical hits. "True Grit," a Western remake about a young girl's brave quest to track down her father's killer, received 10 nominations despite performing poorly in key critics awards. The film's writers/directors/producers, Joel and Ethan Coen, accounted for three of those nominations.
The Facebook drama, "The Social Network," the early favorite during awards season, received eight nominations, tying with the groundbreaking sci-fi thriller "Inception," one of 2010's biggest movies. All will vie for best picture, a 10-film field rounded out by "Black Swan," "The Fighter," "The Kids Are All Right," "127 Hours," "Toy Story 3" and "Winter's Bone." As in recent years there was little surprise or controversy among the leading contenders. Perhaps the most notable omission was that of "Inception" director Christopher Nolan, despite universal acclaim for his bold vision setting a heist thriller in the subconscious.
Observers were pleasantly surprised by the four nominations for the indie film "Winter's Bone," a gritty murder-mystery that earned just $6 million during its limited release at the North American box office and is out on DVD.
Awards season favorite Colin Firth was nominated for his lead role in "The King's Speech" as the father of the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth. His co-stars were also nominated for their supporting roles in the Weinstein Co. release: Helena Bonham Carter, as George's wife, the future Queen Mother; and Australian actor Geoffrey Rush as the king's unorthodox speech therapist.
The film's director, Tom Hooper, was one of three first-time contenders in the category, joined by David O. Russell for seven-time nominee "The Fighter" and Darren Aronofsky for five-time nominee "Black Swan." The field was rounded out by "Social Network" director David Fincher, a previous nominee for "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," and the Coens, who won three years ago for "No Country for Old Men."
The best actress leading contenders are Natalie Portman for her role in "Black Swan," which features an erotic coupling between ballerinas, and Annette Bening for playing a lesbian mother in "The Kids Are All Right," another arthouse movie with four nominations. For the first time since 2001, no black actors received any nominations. But Javier Bardem became the first Spanish-language best actor nominee, for his role in the drama "Biutiful," which opens in North American theaters on Friday.
Virtually all the best picture nominees crossed over to mainstream audiences, and those still in theaters will likely receive an Oscar-related boost in business in coming weeks. Four of the nominees are in the top 10 at the North American box office: "The King's Speech," "True Grit," "Black Swan" and "The Fighter." "The King's Speech" has been the No. 1 film in Britain for the past three weekends.
"Spider-Man" star James Franco barely had to move to win the first Oscar nomination of his 13-year career. Franco, 32, plays a man trapped for days in a canyon with his arms pinned against a rock after a climbing accident in "127 Hours". Actors Christian Bale and Mark Ruffalo are also newcomers in their respective roles as a drug addicted boxer in "The Fighter" and a sperm donor dad in "The Kids Are All Right."
LIMITED EDITION: "Toy Story 3," which is up for five Academy Awards, is only the third animated feature film to receive an Oscar nomination for best picture. "Beauty and the Beast," nominated in 1991, was the first, and "Up," nominated last year, was the second. "Beauty and the Beast" and "WALL-E" are tied as the animated films with the most Oscar nods at six.
SECOND TIME AROUND: Jeff Bridges ("True Grit"), Colin Firth ("The King's Speech") and Jeremy Renner ("The Town") are nominated in acting categories at the Oscars for the second year in a row, while previous acting winners Bridges, Javier Bardem ("Biutiful") Geoffrey Rush ("The King's Speech") and Nicole Kidman ("Rabbit Hole") are up for another trophy.
SALES STORY: This year's 10 best picture nominees have taken home $1.1 billion at the box office. Nearly $415 million of that comes from the animated blockbuster "Toy Story 3," with two other nominees also cracking the $100-million earnings mark: "Inception" and "True Grit." It's not quite in the realm of last year's nominees, led by "Avatar" with $1.5 billion.
Anthony Hopkins in Talks to Play Alfred Hitchcock
This could be a Psycho-good casting call.
Modern-day psycho-horror legend Anthony Hopkins is in negotiations to play the original master, Alfred Hitchcock, in a new non-fiction movie about the director's life and film career. The Hollywood Reporter relays that Hopkins is talking to production company Montecito to star in a big-screen adaptation of Stephen Rebello's 1998 book, 'Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of Psycho.
'The book focuses on the story of Hitchcock's decision to make the now-famous horror movie and the struggle he had to finance and get support for the film. The script, which was written by 'Black Swan' scribe John Laughlin and which Sacha Gervasi is in talks to direct, may concentrate more on his relationship with his wife, Alma Reville.
Hopkins of course has great experience in the creepy horror genre, winning an Academy Award for his role as Hannibal Lecter in 'Silence of the Lambs,' and reprising the part for a number of sequels. He's now appearing in the Satanic-horror 'The Rite,' set to release next week.
He may have to gain weight to play the famously plump Hitchcock -- Hopkins recently lost 75 pounds and adheres to a strict diet and workout regimen.
New Releases – January 27th
King’s Speech
Stars: Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter
Genre: Drama, history
Director: Tom Hooper
Emmy Award-winning director Tom Hooper (John Adams) teams with screenwriter David Seidler (Tucker: A Man and His Dreams) to tell the story of King George VI. When his older brother abdicates the throne, nervous-mannered successor George "Bertie" VI (Colin Firth) reluctantly dons the crown. Though his stutter soon raises concerns about his leadership skills, King George VI eventually comes into his own with the help of unconventional speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush). Before long the king and Lionel have forged an unlikely bond, a bond that proves to have real strength when the United Kingdom is forced to flex its international might.
The Mechanic
Stars: Jason Statham, Ben Foster, Donald Sutherlan
Genre: Action, Thriller
Director: Simon West
Seasoned hitman Arthur Bishop (Jason Statham) sets out to avenge the brutal murder of his mentor, Harry (Donald Sutherland), and finds himself joined by Harry's vengeful son (Ben Foster), who is eager to follow in his late father's footsteps. Harry taught Arthur how to be a detached killer who always hits his mark. Now Harry is gone, and for the first time in Arthur's career it's about to get personal. As lone-wolf assassin Arthur prepares to hunt down Harry's killers, he is approached by his fallen mentor's vengeful son, Steve, who is eager to take up the lethal tools of his father's trade.. Later, the duo begins to methodically eliminate their targets, forging a partnership born of blood with each new hit. The closer Arthur and Steve get to the name at the top of their list, however, the more apparent it becomes that his job will be anything but business as usual.
Si Agimat At Si Enteng Kabisote (Tagalog)
Stars: Vic Sotto, Bong Revilla, Aiza Seguerra
Genre: Action, Comedy
Director: Tony Reyes
Si Agimat at Si Enteng Kabisote is an action comedy fantasy film directed by Tony Reyes which stars the two box office kings of Philippine cinema, Vic Sotto and Sen. Bong Revilla. Uniting their famous characters (Agimat and Enteng Kabisote) in one blockbuster movie which grossed a P31M on its opening day.
Last Night
Stars: Keira Knightly, Sam Worthington, Eva Mendes
Genre: Drama, Romance
Director: Massy Tadjedin
The story follows a married couple, apart for a night while the husband takes a business trip with a colleague to whom he's attracted. While he's resisting temptation, his wife encounters her past love.
Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji
Stars: Ajay Devgn, Emraan Hashimi, Omi Vaidya
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Director: Madhur Bhandarkar
Dil Toh Baccha Hai Ji movie about three men... Naren (Ajay Devgn), Milind (Omi Vaidya) and Abhay (Emraan Hashmi) and their encounters with love!
Naren, who works in a multinational bank as a manager, meets an impulsive, vivacious girl called June (Shazahn Padamsee), to whom he's attracted and changes his look entirely!
Milind works in a matrimonial website and is searching for true love. He meets his dream girl in the form of Gungun (Shraddha Das), a radio jockey wanting to be a famous actress!
Movie Hour – January 19th
The latest casting news on The Hobbit, Globes & Bond!
Elijah Wood & Ian McKellan Confirmed for The Hobbit
Despite the fact that, err, his character wasn’t actually in JRR Tolkien’s original Hobbit book, you can expect to see Elijah Wood’s take on Frodo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s two new film installments. Ian McKellen has signed on to return as wizard Gandalf in "The Hobbit," the two-pic adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien novel being directed by Peter Jackson. The deal making on Hobbit for a slew of Jackson veterans from his "Lord of the Rings" trilogy has been coming fast and furious and comes on the heels of Andy Serkis finally signing his deal to reprise Gollum. "The Hobbit" book introduced Gandalf and Gollum, with both characters going on to become part of literature's most popular characters. Gandalf sets the adventure going in the story and appears throughout the novel. Gollum appears in a chapter that has gone on to be one of the most memorable in all of fantasy literature. Elijah Wood signed his deal to return as Frodo last week, and Cate Blanchett will play Galadriel once again. Orlando Bloom has an offer to return as elf archer Legolas, though it's too early to tell if a deal will be made.McKellen, who was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Gandalf, has spent recent years doing mostly voice work for film and TV, although he did star in the remake of AMC's "The Prisoner." His last major film role was in 2006's "X-Men: The Last Stand." "Hobbit" starts shooting February 14 in New Zealand.
Jackson is due to start filming the two movies next month with Wood, Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett, Sylvester McCoy, James Nesbitt, Mikael Persbrandt, Aidan Turner, Rob Kazinsky, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow, Ken Stott, Ryan Gages, Jed Brophy, William Kircher, Peter Hambleton, Adam Brown and half of New Zealand already aboard.
Elijah Wood acted in movies like Lord of the rings, spy kids, sin city
Daniel Craig Back for 23rd 'Bond' Film
The Washington Post reports Daniel Craig will reprise his role for the next "James Bond" film. Due out in theaters Nov. 9, 2012, there is no word yet on who will be the next "Bond" girl. Brit Sam Mendes will still direct as announced last year. The "James Bond" series of films continues to its 23rd installment. The last two have featured Craig as the iconic British secret agent. "Bond 23" resumes production after the deep financial turmoil of MGM. After filing bankruptcy in November, the restructured MGM is now on the official works for the new "007" movie. Slated to release in November 2012, this 23rd "James Bond" movie will come right on time for the motion picture franchise's 50th anniversary.
After seven "James Bond" actors putting their own marks on their official roles, who is the best actor to ever play as the Ian Fleming hero? The original always brings in the legacy. As a pioneer "James Bond" who launched the movie franchise into worldwide success in October 1962, Sean Connery's achievement for the role is uncontested. Connery defined the charisma and iconic image of the role. The dimension he gave for "James Bond" allowed him to really own the character. All the curt one-liners and brutal, sexy and mysterious "Bond" demeanor traces back to Connery's performance in the first "James Bond" movie "Dr. No." In one way or another, the rest of the "post-Connery Bonds" have some conscious or unconscious attempts to follow Connery's footsteps. For such a half-a-century-running franchise, there are some updating needed to keep up with a particular era. Yet, living up to the original hero's reputation is an inspiration to any "007" actor and a standard to keep up with for the producers. In many cases, Connery is acknowledged as the ultimate legend of the franchise with six official "James Bond" films over a period of nine years including "Dr. No" in 1962, "From Russia with Love" in 1963, "Goldfinger" in 1964, "Thunderball" in 1965, "You Only Live Twice" in 1967 and "Diamonds Are Forever" in 1971. He also appeared in the remake of "Thunderball" entitled "Never Say Never Again" in 1983. However, this movie was not part of the official "James Bond" roster. References and comparisons to Connery continue to appear in countless features about "James Bond." He immortalized the typical "Bond" description of being a handsome, athletic and charismatic hero who's always cool under pressure and has a devil-may-care attitude. He inhabits the suave confidence appreciated by a wide range of audience from the top movie critics to the regular viewers coming from varying age groups. In addition to his many off-hand remarks that complete his witty and macho image, Connery's originally smooth voice kept him believably attractive as "Agent 007." He balances his romantic side with that needed cold-blooded spy attitude to spice up his character. He is also known as the most critically acclaimed "James Bond." Ian Fleming even made his character assume some of Connery's roots when he wrote his 12th "James Bond" offering entitled "You Only Live Twice."
Golden Globe winners
The expected winners in the dramatic acting categories all walked away with statues: Colin Firth as the stammering King George VI in "The King's Speech," Natalie Portman as a ballerina teetering on the brink of madness in "Black Swan," and Christian Bale and Melissa Leo for their supporting roles in the boxing drama "The Fighter."
The Globe ceremony traditionally had a strong track record as a forecast for what film would win best picture at the Oscars. But the two shows have split in recent times, with only one top Globe recipient — 2008's "Slumdog Millionaire" — also winning the main prize at the Oscars over the past six years. A year ago, the sci-fi sensation "Avatar" won best drama at the Globes, but the Iraq War saga "The Hurt Locker" took best picture at the Oscars. The big winner was "The Social Network" — a movie about a guy who riles up everyone on campus with his new and invasive website. Besides best drama, "The Social Network," about the founding of Facebook, won for David Fincher's direction, Aaron Sorkin's script and the score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. After receiving top honors from critics groups coast to coast, this resounding victory positions the film as the front-runner at the Academy Awards.
The Globe ceremony traditionally had a strong track record as a forecast for what film would win best picture at the Oscars. But the two shows have split in recent times, with only one top Globe recipient — 2008's "Slumdog Millionaire" — also winning the main prize at the Oscars over the past six years. A year ago, the sci-fi sensation "Avatar" won best drama at the Globes, but the Iraq War saga "The Hurt Locker" took best picture at the Oscars. The big winner was "The Social Network" — a movie about a guy who riles up everyone on campus with his new and invasive website. Besides best drama, "The Social Network," about the founding of Facebook, won for David Fincher's direction, Aaron Sorkin's script and the score from Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. After receiving top honors from critics groups coast to coast, this resounding victory positions the film as the front-runner at the Academy Awards.
New Releases
The Dilemma
Stars: Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Winona Ryder, Jennifer Connolly
Genre: Comedy
Director: Ron Howard
Ron Howard has been successful in entertaining me and making good movies, and you can add The Dilemma to a list that also includes Frost/Nixon, A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, Cinderella Man, and Parenthood. He does another great job on directing this bromance comedy.
The story is a brilliant one that I like. It shows how one friend is going through the trouble of whether or not to tell his best friend that his wife has been cheating on him. The story continues to stay funny thanks to the witty script by Allan Loeb and Howard's directing.
Howard has put together an excellent cast led by Vince Vaughn. Vaughn stars as Ronny Valentine, who runs a car business with his best friend, Nick (played by Kevin James). Vaughn does sometimes do his usual kind of acting like he has pulled off in Wedding Crashers and Dodgeball, but he makes that work to his advantage. Vaughn gives a hilarious performance where he makes you compassionate in what he is going through.
The story is a brilliant one that I like. It shows how one friend is going through the trouble of whether or not to tell his best friend that his wife has been cheating on him. The story continues to stay funny thanks to the witty script by Allan Loeb and Howard's directing.
Howard has put together an excellent cast led by Vince Vaughn. Vaughn stars as Ronny Valentine, who runs a car business with his best friend, Nick (played by Kevin James). Vaughn does sometimes do his usual kind of acting like he has pulled off in Wedding Crashers and Dodgeball, but he makes that work to his advantage. Vaughn gives a hilarious performance where he makes you compassionate in what he is going through.
The Way Back
Stars: Jim Sturgess, Ed Harris, Colin Ferrell
Genre: Drama
Director: Peter Weir
The Way Back is a 2010 war drama film about a group of prisoners who escape from a Siberian Gulag during World War II and walk 4000 miles overland to freedom in India. The film is inspired by the The Long Walk, a book by Sławomir Rawicz, a Polish POW in the Soviet Gulag. They brave the treacherous wilderness of Asia for freedom from the Soviet regime. It's tough viewing for the most part but there is a surprising amount of comic relief along the way, provided chiefly by Colin Farrell's salty character.
Carlos (English, Arabic, Spanish, French)
Stars: Edgar Ramirez, Alexander Scheer, Alejandro Arroyo
Genre: Biography, Crime
Director: Olivier Assayas
The story of Venezuelan revolutionary Carlos the Jackal terrorist convicted of murder in France who has worked with and for causes associated with communists, Arab nationalists and Islamists. He is serving a life sentence in prison.
Movie Hour – January 12th
The best movies to watch out for in 2011 and the latest casting news on The Hobbit
Movies to watch out for 2011
Cinema buffs have a lot to look forward to, as there are a wide array of good movies coming in 2011. Some of these may end up being 2011 blockbuster films, while others may wind up as 2011 box-office bombs. Either way, it looks as though there are plenty of projects to be excited about. Below, I have included a detailed list of all the good movies coming in 2011.
Captain America
Captain America: The First Avenger is a movie now in production is a 2011 film based on the Marvel comics suaperhero. Evans steps into seriously legendary territory as he takes on the story of America's Hitler-clobbering super-soldier. The film is directed by Joe Johnston and is due for release on July 22.
Cowboys & Aliens
Cowboys & Aliens is an upcoming 2011 science fiction Western film based on the 2006 graphic novel of the same name created by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg. The movie is directed by Jon Favrea and due for release on July 29.
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is the eighth and final part of the series and promises to have about three hours of non-stop action. The film directed by David Yates, written by Steve Kloves and based on the novel of the same name by J. K. Rowling. It is due for release on July15.
Hugo Cabret
Hugo Cabret Is a Martin Scorsese's first 3D film based on Brian Selznick's fantastic bestselling novel and is due for release on Dec 9. The film boasts of a massively talented, delightfully eclectic cast, including Sacha Baron Cohen, Chloe Moretz, Christopher Lee and Jude Law.
Sherlock Holmes 2
Sherlock Holmes 2 is a 2011 action mystery film sequel to the 2009 film Sherlock Holmes based on the character of the same name created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The film is directed by Guy Ritchie and is due for release on December 16.
The Muppets
It has been way too long since we saw the Muppets on the big screen. The film will feature Jason Segel and his puppet friend Walter, who work to reunite the Muppets to save their old TV studio. It is directed by James Bobin and due for release on 23rd November.
Pirates of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides is an upcoming 2011 3D fantasy action-adventure film and is the fourth one in the Pirates of the Caribbean series. Johnny Depp continues to rule the stormy seas, and this time his irresistibly flamboyant alter-ego is paired with the most beautiful woman in the world. The film is directed by Rob Marshall and is due for release on May 20.
Rise of The Apes
Rise Of The Apes is a 2011 American science fiction film in the Planet of the Apes series. The film is directed by Rupert Wyatt and is due for release on June 24.
Scream 4
Scream 4 is an upcoming ensemble-cast slasher film and fourth installment in the Scream series. The film is directed by Wes Craven and is due for release on April 15.
Transformers: The Dark of The Moon
This is the third film in the Transformers film series, directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg. Shia LaBeouf will continue to be present in the Transformers' final battle and his co-start Megan Fox will be replaced by Victoria's Secret model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. The movie is due for release on July 1.
X-Men: First Class
The movie is directed by Matthew Vaughn and it stars James McAvoy as the young Professor X, and Michael Fassbender as Erik Lehnsherr, who becomes Magneto. It is due for release on June 3.
Elijah Wood & Ian McKellan Confirmed For The Hobbit
Despite the fact that, er, his character wasn’t actually in JRR Tolkien’s original Hobbit book, you can expect to see Elijah Wood’s take on Frodo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s two new film instalments. Ian McKellen has signed on to return as wizard Gandalf in "The Hobbit," the two-pic adaptation of the J.R.R. Tolkien novel being directed by Peter Jackson. The dealmaking on Hobbit for a slew of Jackson veterans from his "Lord of the Rings" trilogy has been coming fast and furious and comes on the heels of Andy Serkis finally signing his deal to reprise Gollum. "The Hobbit" book introduced Gandalf and Gollum, with both characters going on to become part of literature's most popular characters. Gandalf sets the adventure going in the story and appears throughout the novel. Gollum appears in a chapter that has gone on to be one of the most memorable in all of fantasy literature. Elijah Wood signed his deal to return as Frodo last week, and Cate Blanchett will play Galadriel once again. Orlando Bloom has an offer to return as elf archer Legolas, though it's too early to tell if a deal will be made.McKellen, who was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Gandalf, has spent recent years doing mostly voice work for film and TV, although he did star in the remake of AMC's "The Prisoner." His last major film role was in 2006's "X-Men: The Last Stand." "Hobbit" starts shooting February 14 in New Zealand.
Jackson is due to start filming the two movies next month with Wood, Freeman, Richard Armitage, Cate Blanchett, Sylvester McCoy, James Nesbitt, Mikael Persbrandt, Aidan Turner, Rob Kazinsky, Graham McTavish, John Callen, Stephen Hunter, Mark Hadlow, Ken Stott, Ryan Gages, Jed Brophy, William Kircher, Peter Hambleton, Adam Brown and half of New Zealand already aboard.
Elijah Wood acted in movies like Lord of the rings, spy kids, sin city
The Greatest Movie Ever Sold
One of the most acclaimed documentary filmmakers working today, Morgan Spurlock, has dazzled audiences and critics everywhere with some of his non-fiction work. His 2004 film, SUPER SIZE ME, was a scathing critique of the rising obesity epidemic in the United States and a condemnation of the unhealthy foods sold by fast food restaurants. He was also among the team of directors who gave us FREAKONOMICS, which hit theaters earlier this year. He’s planning to premiere his next documentary, THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD, at Sundance 2011. Check out the full story after the break. This film, in true Spurlock style, takes aim at one particular subject. This time, he’s offering up some criticism of the prevalence of product placement in film and television. My guess? He saw all of the blatant corporate involvement in 127 HOURS and he got as annoyed as I did. Check out the synopsis below and head over to the official website to sign up for updates, which isn’t a bad idea considering how sparse the IMDB page for this film is.
Official Synopsis: Acclaimed filmmaker and master provocateur Morgan Spurlock (SUPER SIZE ME) returns to the Sundance Film Festival with tongue-in-cheek perfection as he examines the world of product placement, marketing, and advertising by making a film financed entirely by product placement, marketing, and advertising.
We live in an age where it’s tough even to walk down the street without someone trying to sell you something. It’s at the point where practically the entire American experience is brought to us by some corporation. Utilizing cutting-edge tools of comic exploration and total self-exploitation, Spurlock dissects the world of advertising and marketing by using his personal integrity as currency to sell out to the highest bidder. Scathingly funny, subversive, and deceptively smart, THE GREATEST MOVIE EVER SOLD shines the definitive light on our branded future as Spurlock attempts to create the “IRON MAN of documentaries,” the first ever “docbuster”! He may very well have succeeded.
New releases
Here After
Stars: Matt Damon, Cecile De France, George McLaren
Genre: Drama, Fantasy
Director: Clint Eastwood
Release date: January 21, 2011
A drama centered on three people who are haunted by mortality in different ways. George (Damon) is a blue-collar American who has a special connection to the afterlife. On the other side of the world, Marie (de France), a French journalist, has a near-death experience that shakes her reality. And when Marcus (Frankie/George McLaren), a London schoolboy, loses the person closest to him, he desperately needs answers. Each on a path in search of the truth, their lives will intersect, forever changed by what they believe might-or must-exist in the hereafter.
Green Hornet 3D
Stars: Seth Rogen, Cameron Diaz, Jay Chou
Genre: Action/Crime/Thriller
Director: Michel Gondry
Playboy Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) becomes the new publisher of Los Angeles' "The Daily Sentinel" after the sudden death of his father. Britt's party life is about to change when he and his driver and kung fu expert, Kato (Jay Chou), stop a robbery. With the help of Kato, Britt starts a new career of fighting crime as the masked superhero "The Green Hornet".
Morning Glory
Stars: Rachel McAdams, Noah Bean, Harrison Ford, Diane Keaton
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Director: Roger Michell
Release date: January 14, 2011
Becky (Rachel McAdams) is a hard-working morning TV show producer, or at least she was until she got fired. Desperate to get a job, she finally gets an interview with Jerry (Jeff Goldblum) - who is desperate to hire a producer for the struggling show "Daybreak". Becky accepts the job and it proves to be more difficult than even she might be able to handle. She has to fire the sexist co-host, then try to convince egotistical news reporter, Mike Pomeroy (Harrison Ford), to take the job, and then try and get him to actually do the job, properly. And she has to do this while falling for handsome Adam (Patrick Wilson), and trying to save the show from plummeting ratings. Will Becky be able to hold on to her dream job and her sanity?
