Terrorizers Plot to Shoot G.W....Well at Least on Film

Well today's blog just seemed too good to pass up.  Today I'll be discussing the shocking and unprecedented "W." from Oliver Stone.

As you might be able to tell from the title, "W." will be the story of the life and presidency of George W. Bush.  

Want to hear the kicker?

Apparently, the film will be released on October 17th of this year, just one month behind elections.  This will most certainly cause quite the uproar.

According to Entertainment Weekly, "W." will look unflinchingly (or rather unashamedly?) at the major incidents during the presidency to "such flag-waving moments as the Commander and Chief nearly choking to death on a pretzel while watching football on TV."

So far, I can't decipher if the film will have a comedic tone or a serious one, but I'm sure that it will have a liberal agenda due to the fact that Stone is directing.

Josh Brolin will star as Bush and Elizabeth Banks as his first lady.  This should be a surprising twist since Brolin starred in last year's "No Country for Old Men" and this seems to be a radically different role. The good news is that we won't have to wait for long before we get to see what this film is all about.  

Watch for more updates on "W." in the coming months.

It Smelled Like the Number on the Door

Well, I'm always giving you readers ideas of what movies to check out, but what about those awful films plaguing your local theaters?  This post is aimed at keeping you from accidentally seeing the wrong movie next weekend and is based solely on the Rotten Tomatoes freshness meter.  Now, put your clothespins on...

• First on our list is the upcoming "Speed Racer" from acclaimed directors the Wachowski brothers ("Matrix Triology").  The film opens nation wide May 9, 2008 and the critics over at Rotten Tomatoes are advising you to steer clear of this one.  From what I can gather, the film is mostly glitz and glam that may give you a headache.  It's current reviews leave it at a measly 32% freshness.  Resist the urge to go toward the pretty lights and wait to rent this one if you're curious.
  
• Next up is Al Pacino's "88 Minutes."  This gimmicky romp is yet another film about someone only having a certain amount of time to live, during which, they must find out how to evade their ever-approaching death. Yawn.  Rotten Tomatoes ranks this one currently at a 6% freshness.  Al Pacino has been in some good movies, but this one is not one of them.  Don't be fooled by it's superficially interesting plot, you'll be happier dropping that $7.50 on another movie.
• Finally, we have "Deception" starring Hugh Jackman and Ewan McGregor.  This murder/mystery is currently sitting at a 12% freshness and for good reason.  Let's just say there's a sex ring involved, Hugh Jackman is a high powered businessman, Ewan McGregor is a naive 9-to-fiver, and the ending is allegedly ridiculous.  Just stay in and watch "Eyes Wide Shut," you might be more impressed.

Well, there was a quick look at what films you shouldn't be seeing this weekend.  In all fairness, this list was compiled after looking at the Rotten Tomatoes "freshness meter," but what the hell do critics know anyway?  If you see any of these movies in the near future or if you've already seen one, drop me a line in the comments and tell me what you think!

(Photo taken from www.petstainremoval.com & www.flickr.com)

Not Just Superhero Schlock

About a month ago, I highlighted Jon Favreau's latest endeavor "Iron Man," claiming it would be the next good film among myriad of second rate superhero flotsam.  Though I may have been a little extreme in my hype-building, after finally getting to see it this weekend I can safely say it was worth my time and most importantly, almighty dollar.

Let's get the bad news out of the way first.  Yes, as you may have guessed, the film did err on the superficial side.  And, who couldn't notice the fact that the film blatantly preys on America's fear of terrorism/terrorists to drive the plot.  This felt much like "Dr. Strangelove" although I don't think this one was satirical.  Finally, the film is much of what you would expect from a big-budget summer-blockbuster superhero flick.

Here's the good news:  These criticisms aside, you still have a wildly entertaining flick with some killer CGI/practical effects and amazing sound.

The story-line is passable, nothing too exciting or mind-blowing but it has enough momentum to keep you interested till the climax.  The acting is well done.  Robert Downey Jr. makes this movie what it is.  And hey, it was a nice surprise to see Jeff Bridges in the mix as well.

But, the visuals are downright stunning.  I found myself wondering what was CG and what was real during many parts of the film - especially just after the Iron Man suit is put on Downey Jr..  The line between 3D and real life is masterfully blurred by Favreau's effort to incorporate practical effects whenever possible.

Most surprisingly, the sound engineering was brilliant in the film.  When the "Iron Man" suit is systematically placed on Downey Jr. by his handy dandy shop-bots, each piece and part cranks and clicks realistically.  Even the action-packed fight sequences are a joy to listen to as they utilize full 360 degree sound.  Make sure you catch this one in the theater for the full effect.

My one wish was that Favreau expanded on the idea that Stark's magnetic chest-plate was really a metaphor for not only his vitality, but also his heart and soul; a metaphor for his struggle between stone-cold business man and humanitarian superhero.  While I think this idea is hinted at, we never really see Stark's internal conflict.

If your looking for a fun trip to the theaters in the next couple of weeks, I suggest you make the trip to see "Iron Man."  It has it's flaws, and it doesn't truly break any boundaries (as say "Spider Man 2"), but it's a solid effort and wholly entertaining (critics agree!).  It's good for a date movie or an outing with the guys; there's something for everyone here.

P.S. - Stay after the credits for a little surprise.

(Photo taken from - www.comicvine.com)