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)

The One Eyed Man is King

I'm pleased to announce that Fernando Meirelles, Director of "City of God" and "The Constant Gardner" will be releasing his latest film "Blindness" this August.

"Blindness" starring Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo is the adaptation of the Nobel Prize of Literature winning book of the same title. The story follows a doctor's wife (Julianne Moore) who is the only person who can see in her city after a mysterious virus (called the white sickness) causes everyone else to go blind. And because of this blindness, society around her begins to crumble.

From the trailer it looks like "Children of Men" meets "28 Days Later," although many of Meirelles' trailers don't do his films justice. Either way, the film still looks very entertaining and I have the highest of hopes for its quality.

For those who haven't seen "Cidade de Deus" (a.k.a "City of God") it's time to make a trip to the video store. It is truly an amazing film and should wet your whistle for things to come later this year.

There isn't much else to say about the newest effort from Meirelles, but as always stay posted for more updates on "Blindness," and check out the trailer below.

(Photo taken from www.lancemannion.com)

Rambow?

So this blog post goes out to all you British comedy lovers, myself included.

"Son of Rambow," which opens this week, tells the story of two young boys who set out to make "Son of Rambow" on a home video recorder.  The "stuntman" and actor in "Son of Rambow" is Will, the eldest of three sons whom are "God's chosen ones" (or so his parents say).  In reality, they belong to a religious sect that doesn't allow Will to mix with other boys outside of his religion and watch secular TV.  Carter, the director of the film, has a wild imagination and his only outlet for his creativity is through his odd home movies.  When Carter shows Will a copy of "Rambo: First Blood," he convinces Will to become the stuntman in his latest feature "Son of Rambow."  But, as their popularity grows, their friendship and film are put on the line.

The film takes place in England during the 1980s and is heavy on the nostalgia ticket.  It at first glance seems to be a kid's film, but in reality is quite the contrary.  It reminds me of 2004's "Millions," where it tells an adult calibur story through the eyes of children.

"Son of Rambow" is directed by Garth Jennings, director of "The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy."  Don't be mislead by this, "Rambow" is actually supposed to be good.

It has accrued rave reviews as well as "Official Selection" from the Sundance Film Festival, the Toronto Film Festival, as well as a slew of others.  Rotten Tomatoes seems to be favoring it already, as it is currently set at 90% freshness.

So if you're looking for an indy film fix this week/weekend, look no further than "Son of Rambow."  Something tells me we're all in for a treat.

Those Savages!

On April 22, 2008, "The Savages" was released on DVD.  

So why haven't you rented it yet?!

This new release is not to be missed.  The film stars Philip Seymour Hoffman ("Capote") and Laura Linney (The Squid and the Whale) and was written and directed by Tamara Jenkins ("The Slums of Beverly Hills").

The story follows an estranged brother and sister (Hoffman and Linney) who must come together when their father's girlfriend dies and he is diagnosed with dementia shortly thereafter.  The heart of the movie illustrates the real life struggle to place their father in a nursing home without feeling like they've abandoned him, all the while, dealing with their own personal problems in their own lives.

Linney and Hoffman give stellar performances which gives the movie an all too eerie sheen.  If this movie does one thing well, it's accurately portraying these relationships and the hardships of being mature adults.  

I warn you, this movie is fairly depressing.  But even though the premise is a tad gloomy, there is a subtle humor that allows the audience to not only cry at the main characters' despair, but laugh a little too.  Ultimately, it's worth a watch.

So over the next few visits to the video store you may be tempted to waltz right by "The Savages," but don't let this movie fall through the cracks!  And if you need some reinforcement (which I just know you do), you'll be pleased to see that IMDB rates this movie at a 7.7 out of 10, RottenTomatoes gives this one a 96% freshness, and I'm pretty sure this guy gave it two thumbs up.

(Photo taken from www.worstpreview.com)

Update: Opening this week

Hey ladies and gents, here's a quick look at a few movies coming to theaters this week.

• "Baby Mama" - Tina Fey's newest comedy about a soon-to-be mother (Fey) and her surrogate mother and friend (Amy Poehler).  Ye old RottenTomatoes certifies this one at 86% freshness and I think you should partake.
• "A Plumm Summer" - Billy Baldwin and Henry Winkler star in this film about two boys from Montana, in 1968, who go "head to head with the FBI to crack the kidnapping case of the beloved TV puppet, Froggy Doo.  Sounds interesting and shouldn't be missed by indie fans.
  
• "Roman de Gare" - Yet another "86% fresh" foreign film from Oscar-winning director Claude Lelouche.  This film shows how three lives cross when "a woman abandoned, a stranger awaiting his chance and, a best-selling author who imagines the thriller of the year."  Apparently, it's cleverly shot and with entwining story lines that outwits the audience along the way.  If you want to do some reading that's not in a book, this one goes on the recommendation list.
• "Rogue" - Fans of the Aussie film "Wolf Creek" may enjoy this film, as it is from the same director.  "Rouge" follows a group of tourists taken on a river tour to find an ancient deadly crocodile, and as you may have guessed, they find it and wish they hadn't.  If you like preposterous deadly animal movies like "Snakes on a Plane," "Lake Placid," or "Anaconda"(hilarious), you may just get some enjoyment out of this film.  But if you're looking for real scares, I warn you that this one looks cheesy.

There you have it:  four movies premiering this week that you can sink your teeth into and there's a little something for everybody.  So, let's get watching!