I've compiled my own list of the films that I think broke ground during these last 10 years. They made me Think, Laugh, Cry and just stand up and Applaud for the work that was done.
I would love to know what films you think should have made the list or even if you agree with any of my choices.
"Brothers" is a remake of a 2004 Danish film of the same name. All I have to go on is the US version but since the Producer said "Really the only difference is Natalie Portman's character has a larger part in this film." then that's what I'm going to believe until I view the original.
The film started out a bit simple for me. Yes we need character development but I did feel like the first 5 minutes of the film lacked a bit of an impact for me. Especially with Toby Maguire playing a father. That was a bit fake to me. But what I think happens through out the rest of the film more then makes up for his lack of fatherly strength at the beginning.
Maguire finally pulls off a dramatic role and I enjoyed him in this part. I see how he has grown as an actor and definitely how this role changed him for the better. For the last 20 minutes of the film, I found myself waiting for him to explode at any moment. It was quite intense and he deserves all the praise he is receiving.
Natalie Portman shines in this role. She does play a young mother and is quite convincing at it. I never once thought "this doesn't work". She is an actress that I'm happy to share a generation with and who has not let me down in any role she's had since "The Professional". I believe she is being overlooked because of Maguire's challenging role but I saw the subtlety in many of her actions which is just as hard as what Maguire had to do for his role.
Jake Gyllenhaal has a descent role playing against Maguire's 'perfect' image. Gyllenhaal is for once not cast as a pretty boy saving the world or a down and out twentysomething, trying to find his way. He emerges as a great opposite for Maguire and shows his strength in transitioning from 'bad apple' to strong supporting family member.
Though the Producer made it a point to say to the audience "This film isn't about war, it's about love." I do not agree with that sentence entirely. The only reason this film works is because of Maguire's storyline. If he wasn't in the military then his actions toward the end of the film would be pointless.
I must say there is one moment that Maguire is yelling at Portman saying "Do you know what I had to do for you? Do you know?" Now this is a pivotal point in the film, but his character never says anything indicating the actions he takes in Afghanistan are all done for his wife. I'm assuming it was supposed to be implied but I felt that his actions where more about his survival, then his need to get home to his wife. So, in that moment, I feel like the script, or story could have used a more complete showing of his feelings for his wife and kids.
But it's a simple thing that can be overlooked if you are an average movie watcher who finds yourself wrapped in the story and not looking for things to pull it apart.
I believe the film is solid. I'm sure that any fans of these actors will enjoy it. Any one in the military or families of military will enjoy the film. It my drag out horrible memories or even make you think, what if, but over all the film is good.
"Crazy Heart" based on the novel by Thomas Cobb, is a simple story of a musician who's run his life into the ground and just wants to have his moment to shine again. When he meets a woman who makes him feel young & like life is worth living again, his self destructive ways get the best of him & the relationship.
First time Director/Writer Scott Cooper does an extraordinary job of telling this story. There are no pyrotechnics, there is no flashy style to this film, there is nothing but characters that you turn yourself over to which I find to be an amazing accomplishment.
Film making now has turned into one giant commercial. Most of the time the editors have to chop a film to shit just to get a performance out of some people on screen. We as a society continue to settle for shitty films and I for one am elated that Fox Searchlight picked this film up and wants to put it out to the masses.
Maggie Gyllenhaal is a beacon on the screen. She truly is an actor with immense understanding of character. She glows in scenes with Jeff Bridges and together they take you on a journey of love, compromise and knowing when to let go.
Jeff Bridges has never been more likable in a film for me. He plays Bad Blake, a simple country singer with a fancy for the bottle and the ladies on the road. He's lived a long life of a country star and at the point we meet him, his life is spent playing small dives across the heartland just to get by. Bridges does an amazing job with bring Blake to life. His singing & guitar playing are spot on and I actually wouldn't mind owning the soundtrack.
The cast rounds out with Robert Duvall, as Bad Blake's close friend, Colin Farrell as a popular country singer that got his start with Blake, and a great cameo by the amazing Beth Grant.
The film keeps terrific pace and you truly feel like you're a part of the story and the amazing New Mexico and Texas landscapes. I am sure that Bridges will garner some nominations this Awards season. I just hope the academy does not over look Cooper's writing & Gyllenhaal's performance.
You have to appreciate where you came from in order to love where you are at this moment in time.
Regardless of the situations, you have made it to where you are at this very moment based on all the things you've done before.
When I watched this quick 60 minutes interview from 1986, I love the fact that she is so committed to giving this show a shot & if it doesn't work out, well, she's OK with that. What a beautiful thing.
Look where she's at now. 25 yrs later she'll finish her run & with it she will top the almost 3 Billion Dollar mark. I think that is pretty impressive.
It's sad to see a giant fall but this is probably not the last time we'll see this.
Looks like MGM is another of the giants to find out that the world of Entertainment has changed & they were too far behind to keep up. They've changed hands a few times over the years, didn't opt to keep their deal with Disney and what used to be the MGM studios in Orlando and now news trickles down that the studio will likely go up for auction in pieces in the next few weeks.
Apparently, in the current market place MGM is only worth 1.5 Billion. That's nuts when you consider the catalog of films it has behind it & the iconic image that the logo holds in the entertainment industry. But times are tough & if they are choosing to let it all go on the market, they will not get what they 'think' the studio is worth.
Here is the real problem, they have nothing New to offer the world now. This year MGM only released 1 film, a remake of FAME and it did not do well, big surprise. Plus their list of films for 2010 do not sound impressive either, "Hot Tub Time Machine", "the Zookeeper" and a Remake of "Red Dawn". God Bless them for trying but this is sad.
Hot Tub Time Machine? Are they kidding with that title? (shakes head)
Mr. Ryan Rotten over at ShockTillYouDrop.com posted something interesting. He was tired of hearing all the negative rants on the net. So he asked, which films do you Love around this time of year.
Honestly, I'm really interested in knowing. It'll only take you a minute to jot down your top 5 favorites. To get the ball rolling kids, I'll tell you mine! Halloween '79 Trick 'r Treat A Nightmare on Elm Street Poltergeist and though cheese-tastic I love it... Hocus Pocus
This has to be one of the most terrible ideas I've heard in a while. A "Thelma and Louise" Remake. Wait. It was made in 1992 and now that is considered old enough & forgettable enough to update. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
In case you're one of the few who have forgotten the film, let's have a Refresher Course. "Thelma and Louise" stared Susan Sarandon & Gena Davis (who were both nominated for Academy Awards for their work in the film) as two women who have seen their fair share of shit in their lives. The decide to make a go for it and have a weekend away. They meet Brad Pitt and It then turns into a run from the law after they are accused of murdering a guy. That's pretty much the film.
Now they want to remake the film and stick Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl) and Amber Heard (The Stepfather) in these roles. Are You Fucking Kidding Me?
I have nothing against Amber, she's someone I have worked with and talked with through out my filming of "Never Back Down", but I think this casting is just ignorant. They want to stick two pretty girls in the film and make it hip.
The film wasn't about being hip, it was about standing up for yourself and taking your life back. I doubt this chick from 'Gossip Girl' will have the acting chops to stand and deliver like Susan Sarandon. I just don't understand why they'd destroy a film that isn't even 2 decades old yet.
I pity the people that will see this trash film because they obviously have no idea what good films consist of.
by the way, the title of this new masterpiece is "Cowgirl Bandits". Seriously.
Are you Kidding Me? Holy Crap this is too funny. You know...when I saw the Chest Work out thing for woman I about laughed myself ouf of my chair. Well...this one takes the cake.
"I haven't had a pump like that in a long time." -Australian dude. LMAO!
Seriously? Would three guys stand around & actually use that thing together?
I was able to screen "Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever" at this years Screamfest Horror Film Festival in Hollywood.
If you remember the original "Cabin Fever" then you know it's what put Director Eli Roth on the map. It centers around some kids in the woods & a virus that infects them.
Well, Writer/Director Ti West took on the idea and though the film is not what he intended to be (as you can listen to him explain in the video below) it is actually a gross out gore film that will make you laugh.
It's a throw-back to the 80's prom thrillers, with cheesy music, your typical High School scenarios & of course lots of blood. Producer Lauren Moews said "I believe this is the most blood ever used in a film." I couldn't tell you if that is accurate, but I can tell you there is a scene that lasts about 10 minutes & it's nothing but blood splatter.
"Cabin Fever 2: Spring Fever" gives you exactly what you want. Gore, Girls, Blood, Boobs, Characters & Chaos. It's a teenage boy's fantasy film. A film he can get his mom to purchase at Wal-Mart, invite over 10 friends, eat pizza, laugh at the cheesy dialogue, they can all get crazy when they see some breasts flash on the screen & then tell everyone about the film on Monday before 1st period. But if you're over 18, you may want to check your brain at the door.
I'm not saying that's a bad thing. There are a lot of redeemable moments in the film. It's not often I sit though something in a theatre & actually find my self saying "ewww." out loud or laughing for that matter. So good for them for finding a way to mix the humor of High School stupidity & the gross out gore factors of a great B movie.
There is a reprise of two former "Cabin Fever" actors in the sequel. Rider Strong is back for a bit and Giueseppe Andrews keeps the film moving along with his quick banter & high strung energy. The rest of the cast are all newbies from the local High School. Terrific performances from Alexi Wasser, Regan Deal & Rusty Kelley. I believe with out them this film would fall far into the category of unwatchable based on acting alone. I'm glad someone in Casting had the good sense to put them in it.
Unfortunately for all you fans you'll have to wait until February 2010 before you'll be able to see this film. Doesn't look as though Lionsgate has any plans on releasing it theatrically.
"The Fourth Kind" is a film. In the opening credits Milla Jovovich says "This is a Dramatization of actual events." she also adds, "What you choose to believe is up to you." or some variation.
I was completely taken away by this film. Real or not, it is a wonderful ride at the theatre. Director Olatunde Osunsanmi has taken a topic many people are interested in and actually made it more intriguing. Not many people can take a topic and make it new again.
There have been many alien type films in the past, I will choose to omit "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" for obvious reasons, but the first film that pops into mind is 1993's "Fire in the Sky". People were quite quick to dismiss the films credibility but it is a true story. Whether you choose to believe it or not is up to you.
"The Fourth Kind" plays to the appeal of the "What if's". I did a bit of research after seeing the film and I've turned up nothing about a Dr. Abigail Tyler, other then a website that tells you to see the movie, surprise. That doesn't mean that a woman who is a Doctor could have had some of these events take place in her life.
I don't know if the "Archival Footage" they claim to use is real. But I can say that they did a wonderful job of putting this film together and if you have any interest in aliens, then you will love it. It's like watching one intensely long "Unsolved Mysteries" episode.
Mila Jovovich gives a great performance and the "Archival Footage" they use, well... if that woman is an actor then she deserves an award of some kind. But being an actor myself and having been around performers for a large number of years on this planet, I can say, without a doubt, that actors love credit. If those "Archival Footage" scenes are not what they claim to be, eventually those actors will show their faces. Universal might have some kind of contract with them, but I don't think they can stop them from ever acting again. So time will tell.
One thing that I have to bring up is the constant comparison on the internet to "The Blair Witch". Yes people fell for the hype. Most people were tremendously disappointed in that film. But "The Fourth Kind" is in no way like "The Blair Witch". It isn't steady cam shots of kids running from Aliens. You won't get Nauseous or want to strangle your boyfriend for making you go to see it. But I have a feeling you will be on edge wondering what happens to the people of Nome and wondering if you or anyone you know might be a victim of an abduction. ????
I choose to believe what I want to believe. I want to leave my opinion out of this & just tell you that the film is great. Though I am apprehensive about leaving this without addressing a bit of Fact.
Over the years there have been many claims about Alien visits to our planet. I have always been interested in the TV shows & Books written on the subject. I ask you to use logic & not just speculation, imagination or religious teachings. Open your mind a moment and look at the Universe and not just at your backyard.
Human Beings are by no means the most intelligent beings in the Universe. You have to know that. If we took 500 thousand random people from around the world & told them to survive in the desert, as the Egyptians did and build a new pyramid, do you think they could do it? My guess would be no.
Also, I also need to state that I don't believe for one second that any abduction case is solely about "aliens" wanting to harm us. If (again I leave this up to speculation) there are aliens and they have civilizations like we do (which is a complete possibility, the universe is huge) Then, wouldn't you agree that just like us there are good and bad people? Couldn't their be alien races that wanted to teach and help, just as there could be a race that wanted to only harm?
It's not out of the realm of possibility. I just want to leave it open for discussion. Honestly, the only way any of us will ever know is if an Alien came forward and said who they were and why they were here. Until that day occurs, we all just have to discuss and find logical conclusions to a subject that is widely speculated.
Came across this article in the Huffington Post this morning. I was very surprised to learn that not only was Amelia Earhart the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, but she was also the First Famous Fashion Designer in the U.S.!
With the release of Fox Searchlights "Amelia" starring Hilary Swank, I felt it appropriate to share this article.
Unlike aviators lost in the sky, fashions always come back. Among the styles recently returned from the dead are micro minis, skinny belts, jumpsuits, platform shoes -- and, now, the Amelia Earhart look.
It's been revived by Jean Paul Gaultier for the fall Hermes ready-to-wear collection soon arriving in stores, and it features shirts with narrow ties, trousers, leather pencil skirts and bomber jackets. At the Hermes show in Paris last March, models wore aviator hats and goggles with the clothes, as the roar of prop-plane engines set up beyond the catwalk filled the air. "I was inspired by a woman, I forgot her name, an American pilot with very short, wavy hair who was wearing an aviator jacket, which I love, and a little scarf that was so Hermes," Gaultier told the Associated Press.
He probably would be surprised to know that old what's her name wasn't just a style icon; she also had her own fashion label. In fact, Amelia Earhart was America's first celebrity designer, and the story of her short-lived Amelia Earhart line is the story of the start of fashion mass marketing.
NINE is gonna be Hot! I honestly can not wait to see what Rob Marshall does with this film.
via: Ester Goldberg's Views from a Broad Blog The Weinstein Company has released a montage of so-called rehearsal footage from the upcoming musical "Nine." Billing aside, the dancing from the film's female-centric cast seems pretty polished. There are no shots of stars Kate Hudson, Penelope Cruz, Sophia Loren, Nicole Kidman, or Marion Cotillard making so much as one wrong step. Perhaps the studio is just saving that for the outtakes section of the DVD.
Whoever it was should be made to wear one of those shock collars. If they ever suggest anything like this again, just zap them.
So I'm flipping through pages of crap & come up to one about the male star of GLEE (FOX's highly rated tween show) Cory Monteith, is now the face of Five Four. A clothing line of some sort.
Let's be honest. They are capitalizing on the show's success. I get it. But please tell me the people behind this have some kind of warped sense of humor. Are they fucking with this kid? Trying to make him act like a model to sell cloths. This is sad.
I just couldn't let this slip by with out saying something about this Cheese-tastic "Winter Spread".
For some it maybe simple things they're frightened of. I wish that was my case. I'm frightened of sharks. I'm not going to flip out if I see one in a tank but I can tell you that if I saw one in the ocean I'd probably crap right there.
Well, a friend on Facebook posted a blog article last night about this newer spices they came across & I swear my heart sank. The last thing I want to know about is New Spices of Sharks out there. I've already got to contend w/ Jaws. Come on. :)
But here it is, a new spices called The Goblin Shark.
Really? A Goblin Shark? Oh Christ!
In all seriousness, they really do freak me out a bit. I'm very intrigued by them since they've survived millions of years with out much change, but who knows what they could evolve into. ????
My fear is they'll grow wings. If that day comes, expect me to stay indoors...forever.
Enjoy the article & videos.
Then someone else posted this video below his Facebook posting. GREAT, ANOTHER SHARK!
Hype can be a huge downfall for a release like this. People may be hesitant because of the amount of time it took to come out. Trust me, the money you put into this will be well worth it.
Trick 'r Treat is by far one of the best films to come out in this genre in 10 years at least. It's intelligent, fun, sexy and above all it offers you a great story.
Since Hollywood loves to shovel shit down our throats it's no surprise they were worried about placing a New Idea into the theatre's across America.
When it comes down to it, this film delivers. Brand new Characters, Brand new plots, brand new Actors (some of them). It's a breath of fresh air into the Halloween Horror Film.
I won't throw anything away as far as plot goes, but I have to admit, Director/Writer Michael Dougherty delivers a hit & the plot twists are superb.
I have been waiting the 2 yrs. to see this film, along with everyone else. Last Sunday, I was able to attend a screening at the New Beverly Cinema in LA presented by Bloody-Disgusting.com. Cast & Crew were in attendance along w/ a packed house of eager horror fans. What a great experience to feel the audience enjoying New Horror together.
I have to say the positive response to the film is completely accurate. You'll laugh & get a good scare all at the same time. Plus the character "Sam" is a great addition to horror. I figgin loved seeing the kid dressed up like this at the screening.
Pick up a copy at a store near you or bounce over to Amazon & order it!
Ester Goldberg (EsterGoldberg.com) landed an interview w/ the amazing Lainie Kazan. She is starring in the new film 'Oy Vey, My Son is Gay!'
It hasn't been theatrically released yet, but they are actively searching for distribution & I believe they should get it. The film is smart & relevant for this time.
Lainie plays the matriarch of the family & once she & her husband find out their boy is gay, well, they take you on a little journey of self discovery, acceptance & love.
Also Ester sat down w/ Mr. JoeNation himself for an impromptu interview. The talked women, drinking & pick-up lines. check out his website & all his Videos : http://www.joenation.tv/
Simple isn't it? Maybe to some, but starting a new blog is like going to the first day of school. You want to say all this brilliant shit, but you know someone will make fun of you just because.
Well, I needed a place to go all out.
MySpace used to be my place for updates & long winded blogs, but I just can't deal w/ half the stuff on that site anymore. I love it, for many reasons, but I'm starting to strongly dislike things & I want to remain friends w/ the space. Therefore, I needed this site, I needed a new outlet & a place to not have to worry about my shit being deleted before I hit publish.
I'm gonna throw up random things I Find interesting. It may be an article or a video, maybe a story or a film review. Who knows?!?!
