Amazon Holiday

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

The Nature of Existence


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: This documentary seeks out religious leaders and regular people from around the world to get to the bottom of the meaning of life.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Hindus, Jews, Buddhists, Toaists, Islamics, Evangelists, Christian wrestlers, and comedians.

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketProceed with Caution. A lot of people say a lot of interesting things about God, Love, Happiness, Morality, Afterlife and the general nature of existence, but it all comes at you so fast and furious that you don't get a chance to digest any of it, and before long, you have a thinking man's headache.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: A lot. Whether people are passionate about Atheism, yogic nirvana, or any belief in between, their mere conviction makes you wanna laugh at them.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: If you're gay you might be moved to tears of joy, because not only do the filmmakers track down a gay and lesbian Christian church in (of all places) Texas, but a Native American explains that in the olden days of the tribes, the Chiefs were chosen because they were born special, with both a male and a female spirit inside of them. He goes on to explain that basically the chosen ones were gay.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Title Most Likely to Make People Want to Know the Answer... But come on people, if that question could be answered, do you really think that the guy who made the documentary Trekkies is gonna be the one to do it?

Q: How is the Acting?

A: The director inserts himself into the film a-la Michael Moore, and while he's not nearly as clever or witty as Moore, his presence and oftentimes catty commentary keep these deep topics light and hilarious.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: It's so cutty as it goes from talking head sound bite to talking head sound bite that you don't have any time for pondering. By the time you decide if a person's comment was important or ignorant, you have already missed the opposition's retort. And by the last half hour, you're dying for a breather.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: With so much great footage out of people in America, China, India, Italy, and Israel, they really should've made this into a 5 part miniseries on PBS, covering only one area of the world in each episode. At least then all this mumbo-jumbo would have been absorbable... Okay, I admit, I just wanted to use the term "mumbo-jumbo."

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQ2TMdLZ2uo

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Monday, June 28, 2010

Centurion


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: During Roman times, a few honorable soldiers swashbuckled for their lives in a world of corrupt allies and enemies.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Michael Fassbender, Dominic West, Olga Kurylenko, Noel Clarke, David Morrissey, JJ Feild, Riz Ahmed, Ulrich Thomsen, Imogen Poots, Axelle Carolyn, Dave Legeno,

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketProceed with Caution. With battle scenes that are reminiscent of Inglorious Basterds but a much less emotionally compelling plot, this movie is made for guys who like bloody sword fights and the thrill of combat movies that take place during an age when men wore dresses.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: There are very few jokes, but they are as funny as they are rare.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: No, but it will probably make you close your eyes and turn away from the screen a few times, as you scrunch up your face like you just bit into a lemon.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: I'd consider it for Most Gratifying Murder of a Small to Medium-sized Child.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: The most standout thing about the acting is the incredible beauty of both Olga Kurylenko and Imogen Poots. And also finding out that (according to this movie) in Ancient Roman times, women apparently fought in battles, and men apparently had no issues with killing them brutally if need be.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: With a few well placed sweeping crane shots, Neil Marshall makes a small movie, with very few differing locations seem big in scale, but the battle scenes tend to be shot too close up, so that even during climactic moments, it's hard to tell who killed who and how.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: It relies mostly on voice over to move the story along between chase scenes and battles, but the most annoying part is actually the ending, which humiliates itself by desperately and blatantly begging for a sequel, instead of neatly wrapping everything up.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yiQCofKrYAI

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Friday, June 25, 2010

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: Bella (Kristen Stewart) still wants to be a vampire. Edward (Robert Pattison) still wants her to marry him. Jacob (Taylor Lautner) still loves her. And Victoria (Bryce Dallas Howard) is coming to eat her.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Xavier Samuel, Ashley Greene, Jackson Rathbone, Nikki Reed, Kellan Lutz, Peter Facinelli, Elizabeth Reaser, Bryce Dallas Howard, Dakota Fanning, Anna Kendrick, Michael Welch, Christian Serratos, Justin Chon, Kiowa Gordon, Tyson Houseman, Bronson Pelletier, Alex Meraz, Julia Jones, Tinsel Korey, Chaske Spencer, Gil Birmingham, Alex Rice, BooBoo Stewart, Daniel Cudmore, Cameron Bright, Charlie Bewley, Catalina Sandino, Moreno

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketGo! If you overlook the fact that Bella is basically choosing between bestiality and necrophilia, it's a fun, sexually-charged, tantric ride.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: The threesome scene is pretty funny.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: For sure. But it's the kind of crying that only happens during moments of insane fandom, when you realize that your idol is right there in front of you in 70mm. Think Beatlemania with Twi-hards.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: There is something about the way Bella and Edward kiss that makes you wish it were you. I don't know how they do it, but they really do deserve a nomination for Best Kiss. (That's an actual award, Mom.)

Q: How is the Acting?

A: The acting is decent enough in this one, but the characters are really getting annoying. Jacob is a douche for continually trying to convince Bella to love him, right in front of her boyfriend. He comes off delusional and out of his league. Edward is a sap, all he can talk about is marriage and saving sex until after that's done. His love is so unconditional, you start to really wonder what it's based on. And Bella comes off like a whiny brat, always saying, "I don't want you guys putting your lives in danger over little ol' me... But don't let me die, okay?"

Q: How is the Directing?

A: More than one scene was blurry, and the filmic style has definitely gotten less gritty since Catherine Hardwicke left the picture. On the flip side, the latest director, David Slade, seems to have brought out a slightly deeper level of acting from his stars. Rumor has it, Billy Burke (the dad) and Peter Facinelli (the vampire dad) ended up having to take over the acting-coaching responsibilities before this director came along.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: It's a nice touch that this episode gives us some of their origin stories. We learn about Rosalie's background and how she became a vampire and what era she lived in, as well as Jasper's history, era, and conversion days. Most interesting perhaps, though, is the brief history of the Indian tribe's bloody past, and how they came to hate vampires. In other scripting news, I still haven't figured out why Edward and Jacob are fighting over Bella. What's she got? I mean, aside from being a good kisser.

Q: Is there anything else worth mentioning about the movie?

A: Rob Pattinson gets a pretty bad rap for constantly complaining about all the fanatical girls screaming in his presence. Well, I went to the Premiere last night, and I have to say, the insanity of the energy (and screaming and fainting) that occurred when he walked in, gave me a lot more sympathy for what he's dealing with on a daily basis. He could hardly get to his seat, despite more security than the Commander in Chief. His fans are not only crazy, they're animalistic. Then again, their presence in the screening added a wonderful je ne sais quoi to the whole viewing experience. Especially during the sexy scenes, when they literally freaked out screaming at the screen, as if Rob Pattinson and Kristen Stewart weren't in the room, too. It must have been very uncomfortable for them.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-twilight-saga-eclipse/36837/trailers

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Monday, June 21, 2010

The Karate Kid


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: When an American boy (Jaden Smith) moves to China with his mother (Taraji P. Henson), he is bullied by the local boys, so he learns Kung Fu from a broken master (Jackie Chan).

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson, Wenwen Han, Zhenwei Wang, Rongguang Yu, Shijia Lu

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketGo! I'm sorry Ralph Macchio, but there is truly no longer any reason to ever watch the original again. Though it's the same story, everything in this new one is of a higher quality.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: Not too much, but Jackie Chan's expression when he sees what Jaden Smith's character decides to do for his final fight makes up for all the laughter that was lacking throughout the rest.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: There's a scene that's supposed to, but that was the one part where I found myself thinking about other things, like what I'm gonna eat for lunch tomorrow. Maybe I should've gone to the grocery store instead of the movies.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Best Fight on MTV. You know how bad guys in movies often say things like, "I'm gonna beat you up with that guy's fist!"?... Well, in this movie, Jackie Chan actually does that.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Jaden Smith is such a ham! He regularly mugs too much for the camera, but you forgive him because he's just so adorable when he does.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Going to China for this remake was such a good idea. The beautiful scenery and landmarks and culture make you wonder how there ever could have been a version of this film that took place in America. We are taken to the Great Wall and the Forbidden City and the Dragon Fountain, where we get to see the mountainous scenery on the way. And I learned a few new ways to use a crane shot in the process.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: There is not one line of corny dialogue in this remake. Despite repeating the beats of the original, everything feels real, natural and surprisingly new. I was also impressed with how well defined Jaden Smith's character is. He is goofy and cocky around people he likes, but shy and scared around people he doesn't. His blind courage is well set up in the first fight (or should I say "beating"), so it's believable that he would make bold choices by the end.

Q: Is there anything else worth mentioning about the movie?

A: As a consolation to Ralph Macchio, we still love The Outsiders and My Cousin Vinnie.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/the-karate-kid/35823/trailers

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Sunday, June 20, 2010

Toy Story 3


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: When the boy who owns the Toy Story toys goes off to college, he has to pack up his toys, which mistakenly get sent to the trash instead of the attic. Their escape from the trash bag leads them on an adventure that only these particular talking toys could ever get themselves into.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles, Michael Keaton, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Estelle Harris, John Morris, Jodi Benson, Emily Hahn, Laurie Metcalf, Blake Clark, Teddy Newton, Timothy Dalton, Kristen Schaal, Jeff Garlin, Bonnie Hunt

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketGo! If you've been following my reviews, you know I hate that Pixar continually gets praised and worshiped for everything they do, even when it's illogical and/or boring, so I hope you won't take it lightly when I say that this is the best movie I have seen all year.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: More than Tim Allen's last 9 movies combined.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: Not only will it move you, it also has some of the most thrilling action sequences I've seen in a while. Take a clue, Transformers. It's okay to have action AND a story.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Both the feature and the short film that plays before it (Day & Night) will win their respective categories.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: I can't believe I've seen Don Rickles in two new releases in as many weeks. And I'm equally as surprised that Barbie has finally been featured in a movie that's watchable.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Energetic and exhilarating, but I still don't see how 3D makes it any more interesting.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: They should teach this movie in screenwriting school. It has drama and humor and action and a multitude of moving parts that all come together perfectly. Not a moment is without its satisfying payoff.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/toy-story-3/22984/trailers

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Friday, June 18, 2010

Cyrus


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: A desperate man (John C. Reilly) meets the woman of his dreams (Marisa Tomei) and finds out that she has a grown son (Jonah Hill) who doesn't want to share her.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill, Marisa Tomei, Catherine Keener, Matt Walsh

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketGo! It's small, intimate, short, and not particularly complex, but winning in all its simplicity.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: Be warned, this is more of a dramedy than a comedy. This grouping of highly talented comedic actors get to show off their dramatic acting chops in between the rare but strong zingers.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: I went in with definite opinions about who a parent should favor between their lover and their child in step-relationships, and this movie got me questioning what the right balance is. So I do feel a little sad about having my opinions shaken... But then again, the mother-son relationship seen here is extremely unusual, and not in a good way.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Definitely the Independent Spirit Awards. I would wager on 3 acting noms, a best screenplay, best feature, and possibly even a directing nomination.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Every one of the actors rises above expectation in this piece. And some of them started out pretty high in the expectations department, to begin with.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Jay and Mark Duplass have always been regarded as innovative directors in the indy scene, so it's interesting to see that they're still reinventing their style with little quirks like showing the actors not talking as we hear them talk. While the technique works surprisingly well, it still looks to me like an editing choice born out of necessity when they realized that they didn't have the footage they needed to tell the story they'd hoped for.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: There is a raw, lack of subtlety in their dialogue that is at once refreshing and totally unrealistic... Unless you were to enter an alternate universe where everyone completely forgot how to silence the rude and off-putting parts of their inner monologue. Like France.

Q: Is there anything else worth mentioning about the movie?

A: Despite the green light, the movie has a number of notable flaws. First, I didn't see the reason for the great love that these two people supposedly share, outside of the fact that they're both weird and desperate. And why, after 7 years, is the main character still so co-dependent with his ex-wife, that he confides everything in her, and she tries to set him up with new women?

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/cyrus/10023901/trailers

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Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Grown Ups


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: A group of childhood friends (Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, and Rob Schneider) reunite for a long weekend at the lake house they used to stay at when they were kids, only this time they have kids… Ah the memories.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider, Salma Hayek Pinault, Maria Bello, Maya Rudolph, Joyce Van Patten, Ebony Jo-Ann, Di Quon, Steve Buscemi, Colin Quinn, Tim Meadows, Madison Riley, Jamie Chung, Ashley Loren, Jake Goldberg, Cameron Boyce, Alexys Nycole Sanchez

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketProceed with Caution. As I’ve gone to great lengths to demonstrate with the plot description, this movie has no plot. But it does give you a sense of what hanging out with Adam Sandler and his less successful Saturday Night Live cronies, plus Kevin James, must feel like.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: All they do is make fun of each other for an hour and half, and considering they are all professional stand-up comedians, they are bound to say something funny once in a while.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: If you have sophisticated taste, you will cry at how much America is going to love this movie. If you are America, you will be too busy laughing your ass off non-stop to have the energy to cry.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: It actually is the best, most down to earth movie any of these guys has ever made. Except Adam Sandler, but only because he did The Wedding Singer.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Chris Rock simply can not act and he embarrasses himself by trying. On a positive note, he makes his comic friends look like Laurence Olivier. So that’s generous.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: I’m starting to notice that Dennis Dugan, who directs most of Adam Sandler’s comedies, relies more heavily on over-the-top sound effects for his prat falls and face plants, than he does on stunt men. Meanwhile, the scene which most of you have seen from the preview, where Kevin James is too scared to let go of the rope, so he instead crashes into a tree and then falls down a hill landing right on the part of his neck that would cause it to break and him to die, or at least be paralyzed for life, needed to be edited both for sound and for picture, because there is no way he survived that fall the way it’s depicted now. No way. Not even if it were a scene from Transformers.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: I’m pretty sure they didn’t use one. I imagine they all sat around saying, “Wouldn’t it be funny if we did a scene where we pee in the pool and it turns blue?” “Yeah, we’ll go to the water park for that. That way, production will pay us to have fun on the water slides.” “Yeah, we’re funny guys, we don’t need a story, people want to see us hanging out and having fun like we do.” “And anyway, so long as we say something funny every few sentences no one will notice that there’s no story here.” And the saddest part is that according to the crowd I saw it with, they were right.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/grown-ups/37887/trailers

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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: An unflinching look at Joan Rivers' rise to fame, and her desperate attempt to stay there until the day she kicks the bucket.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Joan Rivers, Melissa Rivers, Larry A. Thompson, Bari Pearlman, Edgar Rosenberg, Kathy Griffin, Don Rickles, Johnny Carson, Ed Sullivan, Donald Trump,

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketGo! Joan Rivers clearly did this movie to prove that she's still funny, and guess what? She is.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: It's possibly the most genuinely funny movie I've seen this year... but you have to be up for a crass old lady making anal sex jokes.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: She is so damn insecure!.... But as we funny people know, that's where comedy comes from... Pain.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: No, because the Best Old Lady Comeback of the year has already gone to Betty White.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: I learned from this movie that Joan Rivers will say yes to any offer.... I also learned that despite the ugly stigma she comes with, she really can act. So, Quentin Tarantino, we're counting on you to bring her back and legitimize her.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: For a documentary, there are a lot of seemingly candid shots with soft, flattering lighting.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: The footage is seamlessly edited, flowing between the present day story of Joan trying to stay relevant, and the history of her sordid past. What I can't help but wonder is, where is that old senile, spacey and incoherent Joan who used to ask crazy and embarrassingly irrelevant questions on the red carpet, not 5 years ago? This version of her is not only coherent, she's got enough brains and quick wit for everyone in the room.

Q: Is there anything else worth mentioning about the movie?

A: It turns out that Johnny Carson was as much of a douchebag as Jay Leno... so maybe he is the right host to carry on the legacy of the Tonight Show.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/joan-rivers-a-piece-of-work/10024268/trailers

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Sunday, June 13, 2010

Winter's Bone


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: When a teenage girl (Jennifer Lawrence) finds out that her father gave their house up for bail money to get himself out of jail, she must track him down or prove that he's dead in order to save the house where she is the main caretaker for her 12-year-old brother and 7-year-old sister.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Jennifer Lawrence, John Hawkes, Dale Dickey, Garret Dillahunt, Lauren Sweetser, Isaiah Stone, Ashlee Thompson, Shelley Waggener, Tate Taylor, Sheryl Lee, Ronnie Hall, Kevin Breznahan,

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketProceed with Caution. It is very slow paced for a very long time before becoming a heart-wrenching thriller about a girl who will go to any length to protect her younger siblings.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: I'm pretty sure that in the town where this takes place, you could get killed for laughing.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: Mostly it'll make you thankful about all the wonderful things and people you have in your life, because if you can a afford a movie ticket, you're already about a thousand times more privileged than the white trash in this story.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: It has already won prizes at Sundance and Berlin, so I'm sure the Independent Spirit Awards will follow.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: At the ripe old age of 18, Jennifer Lawrence carries the movie practically all by herself. And considering there are rarely enough great roles for women, in a year, to fill all 5 spots at the Academy Awards, I wouldn't be surprised if she pulls an Ellen Page.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Depressing, bleak, grim, meditative, cold, dank, and perfectly suited for this film... If you like that sort of thing.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: The stakes are high for the main character and her family, and the drama is intense, but I'm still not sure why everybody has to be such an a-hole to this poor kid, who's been forced into premature adulthood. As dumb as they are, the townsfolk have to realize that whatever her father did to piss them off, it has nothing to do with her. She didn't ask to be his offspring. And the fact that she is doesn't make her a bad person. It makes her the victim.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/winters-bone/10024255/trailers

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Friday, June 11, 2010

Micmacs


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: After getting hit in the head with a stray bullet, Bazil (Dany Boon) becomes homeless and is taken in by a group of other homeless people, each with their own strange talent. Together they embark on a convoluted plot to bring down the arms dealer who shot him, as well as the arms dealer who killed his father, by pinning them against each other.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Dany Boon, André Dussollier, Nicolas Marié, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Yolande Moreau, Julie Ferrier, Omar Sy, Dominique Pinon, Michel Crémadès, Marie-Julie Baup

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketProceed with Caution. It's sure to become a French cult classic, which some people will refer to as genius, and others will refer to as bizarre.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: The convenience of the many coincidences that lead the characters to formulate a perfectly played-out, mistake free, full proof heist plan might. But the Jerry Lewis-like antics won't.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: No, but it hopes to get you riled up against arms dealers... just in case you didn't already think they were the bad guys.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: It really should be considered for Art Direction. It's pretty cool.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Over the top and clown-like. Think Jim Carrey crossed with Charlie Chaplin speaking a made up, nonsensical language. Not my thing.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Jean-Pierre Jeunet is the Tim Burton of France.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: Surreal and requiring a great deal of suspension of disbelief. Yes, it's meant to be a fantasy version of reality (starting with the man surviving a bullet to the forehead), but ultimately this group of homeless misfits turns out to be more clever than Ethan Hunt, Macgyver, and Einstein, all rolled into one. So you have to either go with it, or go home.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/micmacs/10011343/trailers

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Thursday, June 10, 2010

Gangster's Paradise: Jerusalema


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: After Apartheid ends in South Africa, the Black people start to realize that they're not gonna get their 40 acres and a mule, and the only way to get social justice is to steal it by hook or by crook.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Rapulana Seiphemo, Ronnie Nyakale, Jeffrey Zekele, Jafta Mambolo, Motlatsi Mahloko, Robert Hobbs, Shelley Meskin

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketGo! It's like District 9, only this time, instead of aliens, they use Black people to show the racism in Johannesburg.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: Of course! Racism is hilarious!... Okay, that's not even funny when you say it as a joke.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: Yes, but only because white people are soooo mean!... It's like looking in a mirror.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: It's the kind of film that will get a lot of buzz in the Best Foreign Film category, and then not get a nomination.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: A good job was done casting younger actors who look like their older counterparts.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: A lot of shaky-cam, a fair amount of blood and people splatting on the ground after falling from high buildings, but clearly Ralph Ziman is a talented filmmaker with a vision and a voice.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: On some levels it doesn't feel like something you've never seen before, but it certainly makes you question your ideas about right and wrong.

Q: Is there anything else worth mentioning about the movie?

A: In South Africa, this film came out before District 9.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/gangsters-paradise-jerusalema/37498/trailers

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Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Get Him to the Greek


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: An aspiring music exec (Jonah Hill) has to get a famous rock star (Russell Brand) from London to Los Angeles in three days, without getting side tracked by drugs, sex, or the rock star's insane membrane.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Jonah Hill, Russell Brand, Elizabeth Moss, Rose Byrne, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs, Colm Meaney, Aziz Anzari, Lars Ulrich, Lino Facioli, Nick Kroll, Dinah Stabb, T.J. Miller, Carla Gallo

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketProceed with Caution. If you liked The Hangover, you'll like this drug induced extended party sequence a little less than that one.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: Clearly I see too many movies and I'm jaded because everyone else laughed a lot more than I did. Then again, I hardly laughed in The Hangover either. Shhhh. Don't tell.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: You won't, but according to the dialogue, Lars Ulrich, drummer for Metallica, can cry for 3 hours straight. On a more observational note, I thought it was clever that they had Russell Brand fall in a pool right before the scene where he's supposedly crying, because once his face is covered in water, it's harder to tell, that as an actor, he can't actually cry. I still noticed.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Best product Placement for a New Drug. I wonder how much money the drug dealer's union kicked in for that Jeffery sponsorship?

Q: How is the Acting?

A: My friend Meredith liked Russell Brand more as a bit part in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, but I thought the character was still funny (even though I didn't laugh), and it was nice to see a deeper side to the comic relief character. Jonah Hill, for once not standing next to Michael Cera, gets his chance to play the put-upon innocent whom stuff just happens to, and he's unexpectedly good at it. But he really needs to lose some weight before I'll buy that he can get a girlfriend.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Nick Stoller, who never directed anything before Forgetting Sarah Marshall, is clearly getting more comfortable behind the camera, as he can be seen here experimenting more, especially when it comes to creating that drugged out POV.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: A lot of jokes try to make up for a total lack of substance. Despite the supposed urgency of getting him to the Greek, we never feel that the stakes are very high, because in a worst case scenario, Jonah Hill will lose his job, and at a certain point, we're not so sure that he cares about that anymore.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/get-him-to-the-greek/38930/trailers

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Monday, June 7, 2010

Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: Did you know that Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky were friends with benefits? Well, now you do.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Anna Mouglalis, Mads Mikkelsen, Elena Morozova, Natacha Lindinger, Grigori Manoukov

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketStop! Now that I've told you what it's about, there's really nothing more you're going to learn about it from sitting through the movie. And don't tell me that you want to see it for the Stravinsky music, because if you're that highbrow, then you've probably already got all his tunes on your iPod.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: There is exactly one joke. I liked it.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: It's much more likely to confuse you, as the dynamic between the two of them and his wife is confusing and never gets unconfused. Actually, their dynamic is confusing even before you add in the wife. But hey, that's friends with benefits for ya'. It's never as simple as the name makes it sound.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: It is highly deserving of costume design, set design, and score... that is, if you're allowed to receive an award for copying Chanel's style and Stravinsky's sound.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Anna Mouglalis is good as Coco Chanel, but her character is a despicable selfish c-word. And Mads Mikkelsen is like the Tom Cruise of Denmark... Only Mads can pull off a mustache. (If you've read my Killers review, you may be noticing that it's mustache week here at Movie Reviews by FAQs.)

Q: How is the Directing?

A: It's so heavy handed, you can practically hear the director meekly squeaking, "Look at me! Look at me!"

Q: How is the story/script?

A: The beginning is slow, the middle is fun because there's a lot of sex, and the end leaves you wanting less. But I did learn one thing from watching this: It's not just men who use their money and power as a front for selfless generosity, when all they're really trying to get is sex.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/coco-chanel-and-igor-stravinsky/1435845/trailers

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Friday, June 4, 2010

Killers


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: After marrying the perfect man (Ashton Kutcher), a woman (Katherine Heigl) finds out that he is actually an assassin working for the CIA.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Tom Selleck, Catherine O'Hara, Katheryn Winnick, Kevin Sussman, Lisa Ann Walters, Casey Wilson, Rob Riggle, Martin Mull, Alex Borstein, Usher Raymond

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketProceed with Caution. If you've seen the trailer, you've seen the film, but it's still really fun to stare at Ashton Kutcher and Katherine Heigl under perfect lighting in picture perfect locations for an hour and a half.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: I have to say, Ashton Kutcher has a moment so awkward and subtle, I almost thought I was watching Michael Cera for a second. Then I realized I was a little turned on, so I knew it couldn't be Cera.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: It makes me sad that I'm so attracted to Ashton Kutcher despite the fact that I am repulsed by his personality on Punk'd, Twitter, and radio interviews. But I guess everybody needs a guilty pleasure.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Tom Selleck is in it, so it's a gimme for Best Mustache. Unfortunately, that category is like the Emmy Awards, the same people win every year.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Katherine Heigl's character has a wonderful kind of quirk I'd never quite seen before. It was obviously the writing, but I still think she gets credit for pulling off some of the more difficult moments... Like finding out your husband is an assassin and going right along with it when he tells you to shoot someone in the head, despite the fact that you've never held a gun before. And Catherine O'Hara is the new Jane Lynch.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Somehow this film's look reminded me of a colored version of a 1940s movie. Maybe it was Katherine Heigl's hair. Or maybe the lighting. Or maybe it's that Robert Luketic directed Legally Blonde, and therefore he can do no wrong in my eyes.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: Despite the cute dialogue and the fun tone, there's something about the story that doesn't push it over the top into "this is a great movie" territory. Maybe because the love affair happens so easily. Or maybe because she doesn't find out he's a killer until half way through the film. Or maybe because there isn't even that much tension when she does. Sure, she freaks out for a second, but you never get to doubt that her love will overcome her anger and fear. Yes, that's it! At all junctures, what's missing is tension. Except for the part where everyone everywhere is trying to kill them, that's sort of stressful.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/killers/36838/trailers

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Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Finding Bliss


Q: What’s the movie about?

A: An award winning film school grad (Leelee Sobieski) discovers that the only way she's going to be able to make her feature film debut is by editing films for the adult film industry.

Q: Who’s in the movie?

A: Leelee Sobieski, Matt Davis, Donnamarie Recco, Denise Richards, Kristen Johnston, Jamie Kennedy, Mircea Monroe, P.J. Byrne, Time Bagley, Caroline Aaron

Q: Is this movie worth the price of admission?

A: PhotobucketProceed with Caution. For a movie about people who f#@* each other for a living, it's really cute! Like a puppy doing a bunny.

Q: Will this movie make me laugh?

A: It has dildos galore, and you'd have to be really horny not to think dildos are funny.

Q: Will this movie make me cry?

A: If, like me, you never wanted to see Jamie Kennedy whip it out, there is one part that could make you a little queasy. The good news is that I'm 99% sure it's a prosthetic. Then again, if that 1% margin is actually the case, it would explain a lot about how he's made it so far in his career... Well, that, and Son of the Mask.

Q: Will this movie be up for any awards?

A: Here's a useless piece of trivia I've somehow kept in the recesses of my mind for the past 13 years: Julie Davis, the director of this film used to work as an editor in the porn industry to pay for her filmmaking habit. Which gets this movie the award for Most Unlikely True Story of the Year.

Q: How is the Acting?

A: Mircea Monroe really stands out for me. I can see her becoming an A-list rom-com actress competing for roles with Malin Akerman. She has the looks and the comedy chops. You heard it here first, people. Check back in 2 years.

Q: How is the Directing?

A: Either the directing is really ugly, or Julie Davis purposely made her film look like a B-movie from the 80s that was shot after hours at a porn studio to reflect the story she is telling about a girl making a B-movie after hours at a porn studio.

Q: How is the story/script?

A: Loaded with cursing and sex, delving surprisingly deeper than it seems like it's going to go. And then deeper and deeper until the romantic storyline becomes filled with tension, and you just want so badly for it to... Ahhhh.

Q: Is there anything else worth mentioning about the movie?

A: Now that I have my wits about me again, I'd like to apologize for what just happened in the script section. That was meant to be private. I'm so incredibly embarrassed and ashamed. Oh my God, my mother reads this blog.

Q: Where can I see the trailer?

A: http://www.moviefone.com/movie/finding-bliss/1426113/trailers

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