Establishing Shot Review

NEW SITE IS UP AND RUNNING

2010-09-28T11:15:00.002-04:00

Forgot to post here when it was live, but here you go:

http://thesemovingpictures.wordpress.com

UPDATE!

2010-08-19T02:11:00.002-04:00

Hi everyone,

So here's the deal: I'm working on moving everything over to wordpress. I'm hoping to get this done ASAP so that I can get back to making posts. I'm hoping to revamp the site, with more television reviews, music video reviews (finally!) and DVD reviews. I've been considering contests as well. I plan to archive all the old reviews and such as well, so that's going to take a bit of time. I'll post here when the new site is up!

Thanks,

Kelly

Dreams, Gravity Defying Stunts, and an Oscar-Worthy Triumph

2010-08-03T13:08:00.005-04:00

Inception

Directed By: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Cillian Murphy

Rated: PG-13

2 hrs. 28 mins.

Cobb (DiCaprio) is an expert thief in the realm of dream extraction. Saito, who Cobb believed was merely one of his marks, actually uses the extraction as a guise to audition a new team to perform a difficult and near impossible mission. When the new team is gathered, they must perform an inception by planting an idea into the mind of a target, in this case Robert Fischer (Cillian Murphy). Once this last job is performed, Cobb may finally be able to return to the US and to his family.

The plot is a familiar one. A man must perform one last job that will eventually allow him to return to his family. However, Inception's story is much more complex than that simple plot bit, turning a cliche plot into something classified as never-before-seen. The idea of being able to manipulate and exist within dreams and the subconscious is mind-blowing. Add to that thrilling action and suspense and you have an Oscar-worthy film.

The effects and cinematography are stunning. The best scene, which makes you question, "How in the world did they do that?" occurs in a hotel within the dreamspace of Robert Fischer. Arthur (Gordon-Levitt) battles a man in during a moment in which gravity within the dream has disappeared. The halls flip and turn as Arthur flies around mid-air.

It will be a shock if Inception is not nominated for a slew of Academy Awards next year.

Emmy 2010 Nominations!

2010-07-09T13:38:00.004-04:00

The Primetime Emmy nominations were announced yesterday morning. There are tons of awards, so I'll post the most notable/recognizable ones here.

Note: Many of the nominations will have a program name (italicized), the network, the production companies, and the episode for which the nomination is for (in quotes).

Outstanding Animated Program

Alien Earths - NGC - SkyWorks Digital, Inc.

Disney Prep & Landing - ABC - Walt Disney Animation Studios

The Ricky Gervais Show - "Knob at Night" - HBO - W!ILDBRAIN and Media Rights Capital in association with HBO Entertainment

The Simpsons - "Once Upon a Time in Springfield" - FOX - Gracie Films in association with 20th Century Fox

South Park - "200/201" - Comedy Central - Central Productions

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper - The Big Bang Theory - CBS

Larry David as Himself - Curb Your Enthusiasm - HBO

Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester - Glee - FOX

Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk - Monk - USA

Steve Carell as Michael Scott - The Office - NBC

Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy - 30 Rock - NBC

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Bryan Cranston as Walter White - Breaking Bad - AMC

Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan - Dexter - Showtime

Kyle Chandler as Eric Taylor - Friday Night Lights - NBC

Hugh Laurie as Dr. Gregory House - House - FOX

Matthew Fox as Jack Shephard - Lost ABC

Jon Hamm as Don Draper - Mad Men - AMC

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie

Jeff Bridges as Jon Katz - A Dog Year - HBO

Ian McKellon as Two - The Prisoner - AMC

Michael Sheen as Tony Blair - The Special Relationship - HBO

Dennis Quaid as Bill Clinton - The Special Relationship - HBO

Al Pacino as Dr. Kevorkian - You Don't Know Jack - HBO

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Lea Michele as Rachel Berry - Glee - FOX

Julia Louis-Dreyfuss - The New Adventures of Old Christine - CBS

Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton - Nurse Jackie - Showtime

Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope - Parks and Recreation - NBC

Tina Fey as Liz Lemon - 30 Rock - NBC

Toni Collette as Tara Gregson - The United States of Tara - Showtime

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Kyra Sedgwick as Deputy Chief Brenda Johnson - The Closer - TNT

Glenn Close as Patty Hewes - Damages - FX

Connie Britton as Tami Taylor - Friday Night Lights - NBC

Juliana Margulies as Alicia Florrick - The Good Wife - CBS

Mariska Hargitay as Det. Olivia Benson - Law and Order: SVU - NBC

January Jones as Betty Draper - Mad Men - NBC

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or Movie

Maggie Smith as Mary Gilbert - Capturing Mary - HBO

Joan Allen as Georgia O'Keefe - Georgia O'Keefe - Lifetime

Dame Judi Dench as Miss Matty - Return to Cranford - PBS

Hope Davis as Hillary Clinton - The Special Relationship - HBO

Claire Danes as Temple Grandin - Temple Grandin - HBO

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel - Glee - FOX

Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson - How I Met Your Mother - CBS

Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell - Modern Family - ABC

Eric Stonestreet as Cameron Tucker - Modern Family - ABC

Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy - Modern Family - ABC

Jon Cryer as Alan Harper - Two and a Half Men - CBS

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman - Breaking Bad - AMC

Martin Short as Leonard Winstone - Damages - FX

Terry O'Quinn as John Locke - Lost - ABC

Michael Emerson as Ben Linus - Lost - ABC

John Slattery as Roger Sterling - Mad Men - AMC

Andre Braugher as Owen - Men of a Certain Age - TNT

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Movie

Michael Gambon as Mr. Woodhouse - Emma - PBS

Patrick Stewart as Ghost/Claudius - Hamlet - PBS

Jonathan Pryce as Mr. Buxton - Return to Cranford - PBS

David Strathairn as Dr. Carlock - Temple Grandin - HBO

John Goodman as Neal Nicol - You Don't Know Jack - HBO

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester - Glee - FOX

Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy - Modern Family - ABC

Sofia Vergara as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett - Modern Family - ABC

Kristen Wiig as Various Characters - Saturday Night Live - NBC

Jane Krakowski as Jenna Maroney - 30 Rock - NBC

Holland Taylor as Evelyn Harper - Two and a Half Men - CBS

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Sharon Gless as Madeline Westen - Burn Notice - USA

Rose Byrne as Ellen Parsons - Damages - FX

Archie Panjabi as Kalinda Sharma - The Good Wife - CBS

Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart - The Good Wife - CBS

Christina Hendricks as Joan Harris - Mad Men - AMC

Elisabeth Moss as Peggy Olson - Mad Men - AMC

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie

Kathy Bates as Queen of Hearts - Alice - SyFy

Julia Ormond as Eustacia - Temple Grandin - HBO

Catherine O'Hara as Aunt Ann - Temple Grandin - HBO

Brenda Vaccaro as Margo Janus - You Don't Know Jack - HBO

Susan Sarandon as Janet Good - You Don't Know Jack - HBO

Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program

Phil Keoghan - The Amazing Race - CBS

Ryan Seacrest - American Idol - FOX

Tom Bergeron - Dancing With the Stars - ABC

Heidi Klum - Project Runway - Lifetime

Jeff Probst - Survivor - CBS

Outstanding Comedy Series

Curb Your Enthusiasm - HBO - HBO Entertainment

Glee - FOX - A Ryan Murphy TV Production in association with 20th Century Fox TV

Modern Family - ABC - Twentieth Century Fox Television

Nurse Jackie - Showtime - Showtime Presents, Lionsgate Television, Jackson Group Entertainment, Madison Grain Elevator, Inc & Delong Lumber; A Caryn Mandabach Production

The Office - NBC - Deedle-Dee Productions and Reveille LLC in association with Universal Media Studios

30 Rock - NBC - Broadway Video, Little Stranger, Inc. in association with Universal Media Studios

Outstanding Drama Series

Breaking Bad - AMC - Sony Pictures Television

Dexter - Showtime - Showtime Presents, John Goldwyn Productions, The Colleton Company, Clyde Phillips Productions

The Good Wife - CBS - CBS Productions

Lost - ABC - Grass Skirts Productions, LLC in association with ABC Network and Studios

Mad Men - AMC - Lionsgate Television

True Blood - HBO - Your Face Goes Here Entertainment in association with HBO Entertainment

Outstanding Miniseries

The Pacific - HBO - Playtone and Dreamworks in association with HBO Miniseries

Return to Cranford - PBS - BBC/WGBH in association with Chestermead

Outstanding Made for Television Movie

Endgame - PBS - Channel 4, Target Entertainment Group and Masterpiece present A Daybreak Pictures Production

Georgia O'Keefe - Lifetime - Sony Pictures Television for Lifetime Television

Moonshot - History - Produced by Dangerous Films LTD for History

The Special Relationship - HBO - A Rainmark and Kennedy/Marshall Production

Temple Grandin - HBO - A Rubu Films, Gerson Saines Production in association with HBO Films

You Don't Know Jack - HBO - Bee Holder, Cine Mosaic and Levinson/Fontana Productions in association with HBO Films

Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Series

The Colbert Report - Comedy Central - Hello Doggie, In. with Busboy Productions and Spartina Productions

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart - Comedy Central - Central Productions, LLC

Real Time with Bill Maher - HBO - Bill Maher Productions and Brad Grey Television in association with HBO Entertainment

Saturday Night Live - NBC - SNL Studios in association with NBC Studios and Broadway Video

The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien - NBC - Conaco & NBC Universal

Outstanding Reality Program

Antiques Roadshow - PBS - WGBH Education Foundation

Dirty Jobs - Discovery Channel - Produced by Pilgrim Films and Television, Inc. for Discovery Channel

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution - ABC - Ryan Seacrest Productions and Fresh One Productions

Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List - Bravo - A 4 Aces and a Kicker production in association with Picture This Television and Bravo Media

Mythbusters - Discovery Channel - Produced by Beyond Productions Pty. Ltd. for the Discovery Channel

Undercover Boss - CBS - Studio Lambert

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program

The Amazing Race - CBS - World Wide Race Productions, Inc.

American Idol - FOX - FremantleMedia N.A., Inc. & 19TV Ltd.

Dancing With the Stars - ABC - BBC Worldwide Productions

Project Runway - Lifetime - The Weinstein Company, Miramax Films, Bunim-Murray Productions and Full Picture

Top Chef - Bravo - Magical Elves, Bravo

For the complete list, check http://www.emmys.tv.

Trailer: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2010-06-30T11:31:00.003-04:00

This week the trailer for the extremely highly-anticipated final two Harry Potter films was released.

Synopsis:

As Lord Voldemort's power grows stronger, especially with his control over the Ministry of Magic and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the world is in its most perilous position yet. Harry, Ron and Hermione intend to finish what Dumbledore started and destroy Voldemort's horcruxes, items each containing a bit of his soul, in order to finally take down the Dark Lord.

In Theaters:

Part 1 - November 19, 2010

Part 2 - July 15, 2011

To tell the truth, the trailer gives me chills, especially having been a Harry Potter fan since I was a kid. It's going to be a tough wait between the two films but in the end will be worth it. The sad part will be leaving the theater after Part 2 has ended.

What do you think? Are you looking forward to seeing it?

In Theaters: June 30 - July 2

2010-06-30T10:56:00.003-04:00

A couple of movies hit theaters a little earlier than Friday, so this week's In Theaters is a bit early as well. Let's take a look at what is being released.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30

Opening in wide release:

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Director: David Slade

Stars: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner

Rated: PG-13

Watch the Trailer

The third of four installments, and touted as the biggest movie of the summer in all the TV spots, Eclipse has Bella (Kristen Stewart) stuck choosing between sparkly-vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and Six-Pack-Ab shapeshifter/werewolf Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner). Plus, foe Victoria (Bryce Dallas Howard, who replaces Rachelle Lefevre in the role) has built an army of "newborn" vampires with the intent of destroying Bella and the Cullens in response to Edward and his family destroying her own mate, James. Now comes the part where there is an epic battle with lots of CG wolves and high-flying super-vamp effects.

Opening in limited release:

Love Ranch

Director: Taylor Hackford

Stars: Helen Mirren, Joe Pesci, Bai Ling, Taryn Manning

Not Rated

Watch the Trailer

THURSDAY, JULY 1

The Last Airbender

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Stars: Noah Ringer, Dev Patel, Nicola Peltz, Jackson Rathbone

Rated: PG

Watch the Trailer

Based on the popular Nickelodeon cartoon, the Fire Nation wages war the Air, Water, and Earth nations. This continues until Aang (Noah Ringer) discovers he is the last person with the ability to manipulate all of the elements. Now, with the help of a Waterbender and her brother (Nicola Peltz and Jackson Rathbone) he will try to stop the Fire Nation and restore peace among the four nations once again.

FRIDAY, JULY 2

Great Directors

Director: Angela Ismailos

Stars: Bernardo Bertolucci, David Lynch, Stephen Frears, Agnes Varda

Not Rated - Limited release

Watch the Trailer

Pretty much everyone and especially everyone's mother has heard about the release of Eclipse, unless maybe you are a 65-year-old male or live in a cave somewhere with no internet or cable. I'm looking forward to seeing The Last Airbender, actually, despite never once having seen the cartoon. The trailer pulled me in.

What are you looking forward to seeing this weekend?

A Daring Escape, Mr. Pricklepants, and A Blast of Nostalgia

2010-06-28T11:47:00.007-04:00

Toy Story 3

Directed By: Lee Unkrich

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty

Rated: G

1 hr. 43 min.

In the third installment of Toy Story, the toys, including Woody (Tom Hanks) and Buzz (Tim Allen), are mistakenly sent to the Sunnyside Day Care during the bustle of Andy packing for college. But when the toys try to bust out of Sunnyside and return to Andy, they find that other toys are determined not to let them leave. Now they must embark on a big escape to make it to Andy before he leaves home.

The opening scene pulls the audience in to the imagination of Andy as a child to a new degree that we did not get in the first two installments. It takes you back to the wild stories you created in your imaginations when you played with your own toys as a child.

The plot is simple, the toys have to get back to Andy before he leaves for college on Friday, but other elements make it more than just a time-sensitive mission. The toddlers who play with the toys aren't playing with them calmly, Sunnyside's resident toys refuse to let them leave, and Woody becomes separated and ends up in a little girl's home with her other toys, including a stuffed theatrical porcupine named Mr. Pricklepants.

Toy Story 3 is one of those animated movies that is appropriate and enjoyable for children and adults alike. Every adult will be able to recall their own childhoods or that time when he or she finally went off to college, but those who were children when the original Toy Story debuted will get an extra shot of nostalgia, and will surely be emotional by the end.

Grade: A+

In Theaters: June 25

2010-06-25T11:58:00.004-04:00

Here are some of what hits theaters this weekend.

Opening in wide release:

Grown Ups

Director: Dennis Dugan

Stars: Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Chris Rock, David Spade, Rob Schneider

Rated: PG-13

In this comedy, five school friends reunite after the passing of their high school basketball coach. They decide to bring their families all together for a Fourth of July holiday.

Knight and Day

Director: James Mangold

Stars: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard

Rated: PG-13

A woman (Cameron Diaz) gets pulled into the world of a secret agent (Tom Cruise) after a fateful meeting on a flight.

Opening in limited release:

Restrepo

Director: Sebastian Junger

Not Rated

Wild Grass

Director: Alain Resnais

Stars: Andre Dussollier, Sabine Azema

Rated: PG

Dogtooth

Director: Giorgos Lanthimos

Stars: Christos Stergioglou, Michele Valley

Not Rated

I'll probably end up seeing Grown Ups at some point, but Knight and Day just looks dumb. Tom Cruise or no Tom Cruise, the trailer doesn't exactly pull me in. Not to mention I'm no Cameron Diaz fan. I saw an episode of The Ultimate Trailer Show on HDNet which highlighted Restrepo, and it definitely looks interesting.

There are some releases coming up on Wednesday, including one movie I'm sure most of you will loathe. More info will be posted next week.

What are you looking forward to seeing?

On on Blu-Ray and DVD Today (June 22, 2010)

2010-06-22T11:48:00.002-04:00

Take a look at some of what is out on Blu-Ray and DVD today:

Remember Me

Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 53 min.

Official Site

My Review of the Film

She's Out of My League

Rated: R, 1 hr. 44 min.

Official Site

The Last Station

Rated: R, 1 hr. 52 min.

Official Site

Green Zone

Rated: R, 1 hr. 55 min.

Official Site

A Star is Born: Blu-Ray

Rated: PG, 2 hrs. 56 min.

TiMER

Rated: R, 1 hr. 39 min.

Official Site

My Review of the Film

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightening Thief

Rated: PG, 1 hr. 48 min.

Official Site

Entourage: The Complete 6th Season

Rated: TV-MA

Official Site

I'm considering getting a copy of Remember Me, because, despite it starring Robert Pattinson, I actually liked it. The Last Station is an Oscar-nominee, so I'd like to see that.

What are planning on buying or seeing?

In Theaters: June 18th

2010-06-17T14:40:00.005-04:00

Take a look at some of what hits theaters this weekend.

Opening in wide release:

Toy Story 3

Director: Lee Unkrich

Stars: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack

Rated: G

The long-awaited and highly-anticipated third installment of Toy Story finally arrives. Woody, Buzz, and the rest of our favorite toys get dumped off at a day care center as all-grown-up Andy packs for college. Now the toys must escape from the sticky fingers of the toddlers at the day care and find their way back to Andy.

Jonah Hex

Director: Jimmy Hayward

Stars: Josh Brolin, John Malkovich, Megan Fox

Rated: PG-13

In this film based on a comic book, the U.S. Military gives bounty hunter Jonah Hex (Josh Brolin) a bargain: in exchange for freedom from warrants against him, he must find a terrorist (John Malkovich) who plans to unleash Hell on earth (like any good evil nemesis).

Opening in limited release:

I Am Love

Director: Luca Guadagnino

Stars: Tilda Swinton, Flavio Parenti

Rated: R

Cyrus

Director: Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass

Stars: John C. Reilly, Jonah Hill, Marisa Tomei

Rated: R

Let It Rain

Director: Agnes Jaoui

Stars: Jean-Pierre Bacri, Jamel Debbouze, Agnes Jaoui

Not Rated

Of course, having actually been a child when the first Toy Story came out, I'm probably more excited to see Toy Story 3 than most children today. I'll be skipping Jonah Hex, though. Megan Fox's horrible accent seems grating, and her acting seems flat. Not to mention the plot itself doesn't much appeal to me.

What are you looking forward to seeing?

MTV Movie Awards Winners

2010-06-06T23:08:00.003-04:00

Here is the complete winner's list for tonight's MTV Movie Awards.

BEST MOVIE

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE

Kristen Stewart, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE

Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

BEST BREAKOUT STAR

Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air

BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE

Zach Galifianakis, The Hangover

BEST VILLIAN

Tom Felton, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

BEST FIGHT

Beyonce Knowles vs. Ali Larter, Obsessed

BEST KISS

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

BEST WTF MOMENT

Ken Jeong, The Hangover - Naked Trunk Surprise

GLOBAL SUPERSTAR

Robert Pattinson

BEST SCARED-AS-SH**T-PERFORMANCE

Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer's Body

BIGGEST BADASS STAR

Rain

MTV GENERATION AWARD

Sandra Bullock

Unsurprisingly, Twilight Saga: New Moon swept the night, winning in every category it was nominated. As much as I love the Harry Potter series, I was disappointed that Tom Felton won over Christoph Waltz. Tom Felton (AKA Draco Malfoy) would have been my second choice from these nominations. I would have preferred Emma Watson over Kristen Stewart for Best Female Performance, since Kristen doesn't really perform all that well. The "Best Fight" award was not broadcast, and inexplicably Beyonce vs. Ali Larter won (people actually saw Obsessed?). Tonight's broadcast had some funny moments (host Aziz Ansari did a fairly decent job), but it also had many moments that had me scratching my head (Russell Brand and Jonah Hill fighting over Team Jacob or Team Edward). I was more excited about the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows preview than I was about most of the awards, really, but the preview was short and left me wanting more. Then again, that's what it's meant to do. My favorite part of the night was Sandra Bullock accepting her Generation Award, because she continued being her fun, lively, amazing self.

What are your thoughts on tonights awards show and the winners?

Out on Blu-Ray and DVD Today (June 1, 2010)

2010-06-01T13:42:00.004-04:00

Here is a bit of what is out on Blu-Ray/DVD today:

Alice in Wonderland

Rated: PG, 1 hr. 48 min.

Available in Blu-Ray, DVD, and combo pack with digital download.

Official Site

My Review of the Film

The Wolfman

Rated: R, 1 hr. 43 min.

Personally, I found the movie boring and trite, so I would suggest renting this before buying just in case. Better yet, just go find the original from 1941.

Official Site

Tony Manero

1 hr. 37 min.

Official Site

Der Rote Baron (The Red Baron)

Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 46 min.

Official Site

Rescue Me: The Complete Fifth Season

Rated: TV-MA

Official Site

Burn Notice: Season 3

Official Site

I've already bought my copy of Alice in Wonderland (the blu-ray, DVD, digital copy combo pack) and I would suggest you do the same. However, I would recommend you just rent the original The Wolfman instead of buying the new version, or at least rent it first.

Ogres, Rumpelstiltskin, and a Fun Final Chapter

2010-06-01T13:02:00.006-04:00

Shrek Forever After

Directed By: Mike Mitchell

Starring: Mike Meyers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy, Antonio Banderas

Rated: PG

1 hr. 33 min.

Everyone's favorite green ogre returns in the "final chapter" of the Shrek fairy tale. Shrek (Mike Meyers) is worn down by his hectic life with the wife Fiona (Cameron Diaz), his three ogre babies, tourists invading his swamp, and not getting a moment to himself. Fed up, he explodes at the triplets' first birthday party, and cunning Rumplestiltskin (Walt Dohrn) overhears. Rumpelstiltskin tricks Shrek into a contract where he trades a day from his early life to have a day for himself. It backfires, as magical contracts do, and Shrek is thrust into an alternate world where Rumpelstiltskin is King of Far Far Away, Fiona is the leader of a renegade war group of ogres planning a rebellion, Donkey has no clue who Shrek is, and Puss (Antonio Banderas) is a pampered fat cat. Shrek has one day to figure out how to break the contract, or he disappears...forever.

The first Shrek film is fun, and a personal favorite of mine. However, the second and third films' stories felt thrown together for the sake of having two popular sequels. Shrek Forever After brings back a lot of the fun and originality of the first, probably because it is almost a complete reworking of the first film's plot. Plenty of funny moments for the whole family occur, particularly with lazy Puss. Actually, the immature child in me cracked up every time Rumplestiltskin's pet goose appeared on the screen.

Despite being slightly ridiculous at times and a basic reworking of the first film, and despite having a neatly-tied-up ending, Shrek Forever After is a great way to wrap up the Shrek story and a wonderful family film.

Grade: A-

In Theaters: May 27, 2010

2010-05-27T12:08:00.007-04:00

Take a look at what is opening this weekend.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Director: Mike Newell

Stars: Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley

Rated: PG-13

Based on the video game, the titular prince Dastan (Jake Gyllenhaal) joins up with Tamina (Gemma Arterton) to safeguard a dagger holding the Sands of Time in an effort to keep it from an evil ruler who plans to use the Sands of Time to destroy the world.

Opening in Wide Release:

Sex and the City 2

Director: Michael Patrick King

Stars: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Kim Cattrall

Rated: R

The sequel to the first Sex and the City, as well as to the television show, follows the lives of Carrie, Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha. This time the film follows them from New York all the way to Abu Dhabi.

Trailer:

Opening in Limited Release:

George A. Romero's Survival of the Dead

Director: George A. Romero

Stars: Alan Van Sprang, Kenneth Walsh, Richard Fitzpatrick

Rated: R

See my review of this film here.

Micmacs

Director: Jean-Pierre Jeunet

Stars: Dany Boon, Andre Dussollier, Nicolas Marie, Jean-Pierre Marielle, Yolande Moreau

Rated: R

Obviously I enjoyed Survival of the Dead, so I suggest that if it is playing in your city, go see it. I hope to see Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time. As far as Sex and the City 2 goes, well, I'll probably be skipping that one.

What are you looking forward to seeing?

Slow-Moving Zombies, Hatfield and McCoy Feuds, and the Return of a Legend.

2010-05-26T22:11:00.005-04:00

George A. Romero's Survival of the Dead

Directed By: George A. Romero

Starring: Alan Van Sprang, Kenneth Walsh, Richard Fitzpatrick

Rated: R

1 hr. 30 min.

In the latest of George A. Romero's "Dead" Series, a small group of soldiers hope to find a place to get away from the current zombie scourge. They meet up with a boy who shows them a video by Patrick O'Flynn, AKA Captain Courageous (Kenneth Walsh), who advertises Plum Island. When the group meets up with O'Flynn, they find out the truth behind Plum Island, and the Hatfield-and-McCoy-style feud between the O'Flynns and the Muldoons. The soldiers and the boy become thrust in the middle of this battle between families over what is to be done about the zombies shuffling around the island.

The previous "Dead" film, Diary of the Dead, is a bit of a disappointment, which is shocking considering what a legend Romero has become. However, Survival of the Dead completely makes up for it. The plot is not one you find in most zombie films, once again proving what an ultimate storyteller Romero is. While not necessarily frightening, it still manages to create suspense in moments throughout. Because Romero masterfully makes us care about the characters, we care what happens to them as they are forced to join a side in the Plum Island battle.

Survival of the Dead does have its share of cheesy moments and dialogue. The zombies themselves, the classic slow-moving type, are rather ridiculous and make for a good laugh, especially when one of them manages to remember to start his car, only to have the ability to go forward and backward on the deck of a ferry. It is the cheesy campiness, though, that makes a horror film, or a Romero film, the greatest. Although a small bit of the acting is lackluster, the overall film is still completely brilliant.

Grade: A

Survival of the Dead hits theaters Friday, May 28th, but you can see it now on HDNet on Demand.

MTV Movie Awards Nominations

2010-05-13T00:50:00.002-04:00

The nominees for the MTV Movie Awards are out!

BEST MOVIE

Alice in Wonderland

Avatar

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

The Hangover

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

BEST FEMALE PERFORMANCE

Amanda Seyfried, Dear John

Emma Watson, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Kristen Stewart, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Sandra Bullock, The Blind Side

Zoe Saldana, Avatar

BEST MALE PERFORMANCE

Channing Tatum, Dear John

Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Taylor Lautner, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Zac Efron, 17 Again

BEST BREAKOUT STAR

Anna Kendrick, Up in the Air

Chris Pine, Star Trek

Gabourey Sidibe, Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

Logan Lerman, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief

Quinton Aaron, The Blind Side

Zach Galifianakis, The Hangover

BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE

Ben Stiller, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian

Bradley Cooper, The Hangover

Ryan Reynolds, The Proposal

Sandra Bullock, The Proposal

Zach Galifianakis, The Hangover

BEST VILLIAN

Christoph Waltz, Inglourious Basterds

Helena Bonham Carter, Alice in Wonderland

Ken Jeong, The Hangover

Stephen Lang, Avatar

Tom Felton, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

BEST FIGHT

Beyonce Knowles vs. Ali Larter, Obsessed

Hugh Jackman and Liev Schreiber vs. Ryan Reynolds, X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Logan Lerman vs. Jake Abel, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief

Robert Downey Jr. vs. Mark Strong, Sherlock Holmes

Sam Worthington vs. Stephen Lang, Avatar

BEST KISS

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson, The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning, The Runaways

Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds, The Proposal

Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner, Valentine's Day

Zoe Saldana and Sam Worthington, Avatar

BEST WTF MOMENT

Betty White, The Proposal - Cops a Feel

Bill Murray, Zombieland - Bill Murray?! A Zombie?!

Isabel Lucas, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen - Unexpected Transformation

Ken Jeong, The Hangover - Naked Trunk Surprise

Megan Fox, Jennifer's Body - Vomits a Mysterious Black Ooze

GLOBAL SUPERSTAR

Robert Pattinson

Kristen Stewart

Taylor Lautner

Johnny Depp

Daniel Radcliffe

BEST SCARED-AS-SH**T-PERFORMANCE

Alison Lohman, Drag Me to Hell

Amanda Seyfried, Jennifer's Body

Jesse Eisenberg, Zombieland

Katie Featherston, Paranormal Activity

Sharlto Copley, District 9

BIGGEST BADASS STAR

Rain

Angelina Jolie

Channing Tatum

Sam Worthington

Chris Pine

The last three categories (Global Superstar, Best Scared-As-Sh**t Moment, Biggest Badass) are brand new this year. Pretty dumb names for categories, but this is the MTV Movie Awards. You can expect Twilight to win big here, and maybe Avatar as well. We can only hope Zombieland is able to win (anything is better than Jennifer's Body, though).

What do you think of the nominations?

The awards will be broadcast on MTV Sunday, June 6th, at 9P.M. For more info and to vote on the nominees go to http://www.mtv.com.

Trailer: Inception

2010-05-10T16:24:00.002-04:00

Here is the new trailer for Inception.

Synopsis:
Dom Cobb (Leonardo DiCaprio) is an expert at extracting secrets from a person's subconscious during the dream state. This gift lands him in the position of international fugitive. He is offered one last job that could bring him home, but it's his biggest job yet.

In Theaters:
July 16, 2010

In Theaters: April 30, 2010

2010-04-29T17:06:00.007-04:00

Here's a look at what is opening this weekend.

Opening in Wide Release:

A Nightmare on Elm Street

Director: Samuel Bayer

Stars: Jackie Earle Haley, Rooney Mara, Katie Cassidy

Rated: R

In this reboot of the original A Nightmare on Elm Street (Directed by Wes Craven, 1984), the infamous serial killer wielding the gloves with blades who kills you in your dreams, stalks a group of teenagers who reside on Elm Street.

Trailer:

Furry Vengeance

Director: Roger Kumble

Stars: Brendan Fraser, Brooke Shields

Rated: PG

A real estate developer faces a protest from the local woodland creatures as he tries to carry out his plans for a new subdivision that would wipe out their homes.

Trailer:

Opening in Limited Release

The Good Heart

Director: Dagur Kari

Stars: Brian Cox, Paul Dano

Rated: R

Harry Brown

Director: Daniel Barber

Stars: Michael Cain, Emily Mortimer

Rated: R

The Human Centipede

Director: Tom Six

Stars: Dieter Laser, Ashley C. Williams

Rated: Not Rated

Mercy

Director: Patrick Hoelck

Stars: Whitney Able, Bre Blair, James Caan

Rated: Not Rated

Please Give

Director: Nicole Holofcener

Stars: Rebecca Hall, Catherine Keener, Elizabeth Keener

Rated: R

Overall, I want to see A Nightmare on Elm Street to see how it stacks up against the original. Seeing as the original is so classic, I'm fairly sure the remake is not going to cut it. Also, Furry Vengeance looks like more of a nightmare than A Nightmare on Elm Street, in the sense that it looks absolutely ridiculous. I know it's a family movie, but it almost looks like only the children will enjoy that one. We'll see. As far as those limited release films, The Human Centipede looks absolutely ridiculous as well.

What do you all want to see?

Trailer: George A. Romero's Survival of the Dead

2010-04-29T16:42:00.004-04:00

I saw the trailer for George A. Romero's Survival of the Dead for the first time today.

Synopsis:

A group of National Guardsmen travel to a remote island, hoping that it is the last safe, zombie-free place on Earth. What they find, instead, are two feuding families. What's the feud? They're fighting over what to do about the zombies: kill them or try to tame and save them.

In Theaters:

May 28, 2010

Personally, I think the film looks rather lack-luster. The story doesn't really grab me. Diary of the Dead was a disappointment, so I'm hoping this film redeems the "Dead" series for me.

What do you all think?

Blogger Update

2010-04-29T16:26:00.004-04:00

Hey followers and regular readers,

This, indeed, is primarily a review site, but I'm planning to do more than just write reviews here so that it doesn't get boring. Here's what I have planned for the future:

Of course, I will continue writing reviews as I see new films in theaters, including hopefully the remake of A Nightmare On Elm Street this weekend.
I will get back to doing television reviews as soon as finale time rolls around. I also plan to write reviews of high profile episodes, including Glee's upcoming Lady Gaga-centric episode (despite the fact I am not a Lady Gaga fan) as well as other themed episodes in the future.
I will finally begin writing reviews of music videos in the near future.
I will also begin writing my thoughts on trailers for upcoming films.
Every Thursday or Friday, I will provide information and thoughts about films to be released that weekend.
Every Tuesday, I will provide information and thoughts about the DVDs released that day.
I hope to bring back the Horror Film of the Week, and eventually move on to other genres for the Film of the Week.
Occasionally, there will be specialty updates, such as the one I did on the top films to watch on Halloween.
I will continue posting awards information, including nominee lists and winner lists. This includes the upcoming MTV Movie Awards.

I hope this keeps all of you coming back for more! I also want to thank you for continually checking in here. I apologize that I have not been updating as much. I haven't had the money or time to go see anything in theaters, plus I have my UNCW graduation fast approaching so it's been pretty busy lately.

Thanks for reading!

-Kelly

Whimsical Worlds, Scene-Stealing Hatters, and Spectacular 3D Visuals.

2010-03-14T23:55:00.005-04:00

Alice in Wonderland

Directed By: Tim Burton

Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter

Rated: PG

1 hrs. 48 min.

Tim Burton puts a new spin on the classic tale of a girl named Alice and her adventures in a whimsical world called Wonderland. In this updated version, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) falls through the rabbit hole to find the creatures there have been waiting for her arrival; she also comes to find that this isn't the first time she's been down the rabbit hole, either. Alice's return has been foretold, as she is the only one who can slay the Jabberwocky on Frabjous Day and return their world to the hands of the White Queen (Anne Hathaway).

Despite the story not being the exact same as the original, it's a pleasing and refreshing version of it. There are even references and characters that appear in the story written by Lewis Carrol, such as the Caterpillar (named Absolem here, and voiced by Alan Rickman). Alice in Wonderland even features the Jabberwocky as a major part of the plot line, despite being a creature from a separate poem by Carroll (although the song in Disney's version of Alice in Wonderland that the Cheshire Cat sung is the first verse of the poem).

The fantastical scenery of Wonderland is beautiful and impressive. One can see not only the vision of Carroll within the world, but Tim Burton's flair is prevalent as well. The 3D effects are spectacular as well, bringing the characters and the world alive wonderfully.

Wasikowska's portrayal of Alice is fresh, and she plays the now 19-year-old character with a mix of maturity and child-like curiosity. It is Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter that, as Depp seems to do so well, steals scenes. Flip flopping between a lisp-enhanced British accent in mostly light moments and an odd Scottish drawl in mostly serious and dark moments brilliantly expresses such an entrancing, and likable, madness. In fact, all of the actors' performances are stunning and unique.

Alice in Wonderland is a must see for old and young alike. Take the family, take a boyfriend or girlfriend, take your parents, or take your friends and try to catch this great film in 3D (multiple times, if possible).

Grade: A+

A Typical Love Story, Surprisingly Impressive Acting, and a Twist.

2010-03-14T23:31:00.005-04:00

Remember Me

Directed By: Allen Coulter

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Emilie de Ravin, Chris Cooper, Pierce Brosnan

Rated: PG-13

1 hrs. 53 min.

Remember Me is the love story of college students Ally (Emilie de Ravin) and Tyler (Robert Pattinson) in New York City, set in 2001. While Ally is the type of girl to live life as if everyday could be her last, Tyler is an introverted, brooding, poetic type; the traits of both lovers come from having seen death of loved ones (for her, the murder of her mother, and for him, the suicide of his older brother). However, the circumstances that brought the two of them together, involving an incident between Tyler and Ally's father that she knows nothing of, threatens to ends the relationship.

The story itself is rather cliche. The entire time the relationship unfolds, the audience knows what the climax of the relationship will be. The other issue with that climax is how long it takes to occur. It is not too unbearable, though, so the pacing of the film is tolerable. What is most shocking about Remember Me is the ending, which you will not likely see coming. The moment in which you realize what will happen is a moment of impact to say the least. Remember Me is definitely a tear-jearker, so don't forget the tissue. In fact, something is wrong if you don't get choked up at least a little.

Surprisingly, Robert Pattinson proves that he does actually have some talent. One would never guess upon seeing the Twilight films that he could actually act, but his performance here is good. He does have his monotoned flat moments, but the emotionally charged high moments more than make up for them. The performances by the other actors are wonderful as well, including Tate Ellington as Tyler's roommate and best friend Aiden, the typical male college student who is a partier and loves to sleep in.

Overall, while the main love story is something seen in any number of other romantic films, Remember Me does offer a great deal of original elements and an unexpected ending. The performances also make this a film to see.

Grade: B+

2010 Academy Award Winners!

2010-03-08T00:11:00.005-05:00

Exciting night, and the Best Director winner was a history-maker! Here are the winners from tonight:

Actor in a Leading Role:

George Clooney, "Up in the Air"

Colin Firth, "A Single Man"

Morgan Freeman, "Invictus"

Jeremy Renner, "The Hurt Locker"

WINNER: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"

Actor in a Supporting Role:

Matt Damon, "Invictus"

Woody Harrelson, "The Messenger"

Christopher Plummer, "The Last Station"

Stanley Tucci, "The Lovely Bones"

WINNER: Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"

Actress in a Leading Role:

Helen Mirren, "The Last Station"

Carey Mulligan, "An Education"

Gabourey Sidibe, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"

Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia"

WINNER: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"

Actress in a Supporting Role:

Penelope Cruz, "Nine"

Vera Farmiga, "Up in the Air"

Maggie Gyllenhaal, "Crazy Heart"

Anna Kendrick, "Up in the Air"

WINNER: Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"

Animated Feature Film

"Coraline," Henry Selick

"Fantastic Mr. Fox," Wes Anderson

"The Princess and the Frog," John Musker and Ron Clements

"The Secret of Kells," Tomm Moore

WINNER: "Up," Pete Doctor

Art Direction

"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" Art Direction: Dave Warren and Anastasia Masaro; Set Decoration: Caroline Smith

"Nine" Art Direction: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Gordon Sim

"Sherlock Holmes" Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer

"The Young Victoria" Art Direction: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Maggie Gray
WINNER: "Avatar" Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair

Cinematography

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," Bruno Delbonnel

"The Hurt Locker," Barry Ackroyd

"Inglourious Basterds," Robert Richardson

"The White Ribbon," Christian Berger

WINNER: "Avatar," Mauro Fiore

Costume Design

"Bright Star," Janet Patterson

"Coco before Chanel," Catherine Leterrier

"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," Monique Prudhomme

"Nine," Colleen Atwood

WINNER: "The Young Victoria," Sandy Powell

Directing

"Avatar," James Cameron

"Inglourious Basterds," Quentin Tarantino

"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Lee Daniels

"Up in the Air," Jason Reitman

WINNER: "The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow*

*NOTE: First female to win this category.

Documentary (Feature)

"Burma VJ," Anders Ostergaard and Lisa Lense-Moller

"Food, Inc.," Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein

"The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers," Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith

"Which Way Home," Rebecca Cammisa

WINNER: "The Cove," Louie Psihoyos and Fisher Stevens

Documentary (Short Subject)

"China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province," Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neil

"The Last Campaign of Governer Booth Gardner," Daniel Jung and Henry Ansbacher

"The Last Truck: The Closing of a GM Plant," Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert

"Rabbit a la Berlin," Bartek Konopka and Anna Wydra

WINNER: "Music by Prudence," Roger Ross Williams and Elinor Burkett

Film Editing

"Avatar," Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua, and James Cameron

"District 9," Julian Clarke

"Inglourious Basterds," Sally Renke

"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Joe Klotz

WINNER: "The Hurt Locker," Bob Murawski and Chris Innis

Foreign Language Film

"Ajami," Israel

"The Milk of Sorrow," Peru

"Un Prophete," France

"The White Ribbon," Germany

WINNER: "El Secreto de sus Ojos," Argentina

Makeup

"Il Divo," Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano

"The Young Victoria," Jon Henry Gordon and Jenny Shircore

WINNER: "Star Trek," Barney Burman, Mindy Hall, and Joel Harlow

Music (Original Score)

"Avatar," James Horner

"Fantastic Mr. Fox," Alexandre Desplat

"The Hurt Locker," Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders

"Sherlock Holmes," Hans Zimmer

WINNER: "Up," Michael Giacchino

Music (Original Song)

"Almost There" from "The Princess and the Frog," Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

"Down in New Orleans" from "The Princess and the Frog," Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

"Loin de Paname" from "Paris 36," Music by Reinhardt Wagner, Lyric by Frank Thomas

"Take It All" from "Nina," Music and Lyric by Maury Yeston

WINNER: "The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart" from "Crazy Heart," Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett

Best Picture

"Avatar," Producers: James Cameron and Jon Landau

"The Blind Side," Nominees to be determined

"District 9," Producers: Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham

"An Education," Producers: Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey

"Inglourious Basterds," Producer: Lawrence Bender

"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Producers: Lee Daniels, Sara Siegel-Magness, Gary Magness

"A Serious Man," Producers: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

"Up," Producer: Jonas Rivera

"Up in the Air," Producers: Daniel Duniecki, Ivan Reitman, and Jason Reitman

WINNER: "The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier and Greg Shapiro

Short Film (Animated)

"French Roast," Fabrice O. Joubert

"Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty," Nicky Phelan and Darragh O'Connell

"The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la Muerte)," Javier Recio Garcia

"A Matter of Loaf and Death," Nick Park

WINNER: "Logorama," Nicolas Schmerkin

Short Film (Live Action)

"The Door," Juanita Wilson and James Flynn

"Instead of Abra Cadabra," Patrik Eklund and Mathius Fjellstrom

"Kavi," Gregg Helvey

"Miracle Fish," Luke Doolan and Drew Bailey

WINNER: "The New Tenants," Joachim Back and Tivi Magnusson

Sound Editing

"Avatar," Christopher Boyes and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle

"Inglourious Basterds," Wylie Stateman

"Star Trek," Mark Stoeckinger and Alan Rankin

"Up," Michael Silvers and Tom Myers
WINNER: "The Hurt Locker," Paul N.J. Ottosson

Sound Mixing

"Avatar," Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson, and Tony Johnson

"Inglourious Basterds," Michael Minkler, Tony Lamberti, and Mark Ulano

"Star Trek," Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson, and Peter J. Devlin

"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers, and Geoffrey Patterson

WINNER: "The Hurt Locker," Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett

Visual Effects

"District 9," Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros, and Matt Aitken

"Star Trek," Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh, and Burt Dalton

WINNER: "Avatar," Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, and Andrew R. Jones

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

"District 9," Written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell

"An Education," Screenplay by Nick Hornby

"In the Loop," Screenplay by Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, and Tony Roche

"Up in the Air," Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner

WINNER: "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher

Writing (Original Screenplay)

"Inglourious Basterds," Written by Quentin Tarantino

"The Messenger," Written by Alessandro Camon and Oren Moverman

"A Serious Man," Written by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

"Up," Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Doctor; Story by Pete Doctor, Bob Peterson, and Tom McCarthy

WINNER: "The Hurt Locker," Written by Mark Boal

Not too many surprises tonight, but it did make history as the first time a female director has won the Best Director Academy Award. It was also the first time since the year Casablanca won Best Picture, 1943, that there were 10 Best Picture nominees. Congrats to the winners! What do you think of tonights awards?

Academy Awards 2010: Predictions

2010-03-07T02:34:00.005-05:00

Tomorrow night is the Academy Awards! I thought I would list my picks for the winners alongside who I think will actually win.

If you need to catch up on the nominees list, check them out here first.

Actor in a Leading Role:

SHOULD WIN: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"

WILL WIN: Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"

Though I haven't seen it, he looks to be giving an amazing performance solely from the trailers. Plus, based on the amount of awards he's already won, safe to say it's a good bet.

Actor in a Supporting Role:

SHOULD WIN: Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"

WILL WIN: Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"

Waltz completely stole every scene he appeared in, so it's no surprise that he's won so much already and it won't be a surprise this time. What would be surprising is if anyone else won! Plus his speeches are so deep and really make you pay attention so I can't wait to hear what he has to say this time.

Actress in a Leading Role:

SHOULD WIN: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"

WILL WIN: Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"

It will be close with Meryl Streep in the running, but I think Sandra will pull on ahead of her.

Actress in a Supporting Role:

SHOULD WIN: Anna Kendrick, "Up in the Air"

WILL WIN: Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"

While Kendrick's performance blew me away completely and is deserving of this award, I think Mo'Nique will take it. I have yet to see the film but I hear great things about her performance, especially winning all the awards she has so far.

Animated Feature Film

SHOULD WIN: "Up," Pete Doctor

WILL WIN: "Up," Pete Doctor

Up is definitely one of the best animated films of all time.

Art Direction

SHOULD WIN: "Sherlock Holmes" Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer

WILL WIN: "Avatar" Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair

Although I was not a fan of Sherlock Holmes, its sets were impressive and extremely detailed and accurate, and just the art direction in general blew me away. However, Avatar is everyone's new favorite epic, so it will probably take this one. Don't get me wrong, the graphics are amazing, but I just am not feeling like Avatar should take it.

Cinematography

SHOULD WIN: "Inglourious Basterds," Robert Richardson

WILL WIN: "Avatar," Mauro Fiore

The cinematography of Tarantino's latest is ingenious and wonderfully stylistic, but yet again I think Avatar will probably take this one.

Costume Design

SHOULD WIN: "The Young Victoria," Sandy Powell

WILL WIN: "The Young Victoria," Sandy Powell

Having seen photos of the costuming from these films, the one that impresses me the most is The Young Victoria.

Directing

SHOULD WIN: "The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow

WILL WIN: "Avatar," James Cameron

The Hurt Locker is such an amazing film, and while I want it to win, Avatar was definitely a huge undertaking that was years in the making. I have to admit, Cameron deserves it and will get it.

Documentary (Feature)

SHOULD WIN: "Food, Inc.," Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein

WILL WIN: "The Cove," Louie Psihoyos and Fisher Stevens

I haven't seen these films except for Food, Inc. so that makes it tough to pick a winner, but Food, Inc. really made me think about what it is I'm eating and where it comes from. However, I've heard so many great things about The Cove that I think it will win.

Film Editing

SHOULD WIN: "District 9," Julian Clarke

WILL WIN: "Avatar," Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua, and James Cameron

District 9's documentary-style editing is mind-blowing and brilliant, which made the film seem so realistic despite the content matter and plot. However, Avatar will probably take this one too.

Music (Original Score)

SHOULD WIN: "Up," Michael Giacchino

WILL WIN: "Up," Michael Giacchino

The score for up was a part of the story in itself, and only enhances the already amazing film.

Music (Original Song)

SHOULD WIN: "The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart" from "Crazy Heart," Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett

WILL WIN: "The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart" from "Crazy Heart," Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett

Visual Effects

SHOULD WIN: "Avatar," Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, and Andrew R. Jones

WILL WIN: "Avatar," Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, and Andrew R. Jones

I may not be the biggest fan of Avatar in the world, but I definitely agree that the visual effects were innovative and down right stunning.

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

SHOULD WIN: "Up in the Air," Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner

WILL WIN: "Up in the Air," Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner

I've never read the book, but the script of Up in the Air is phenomenal.

Writing (Original Screenplay)

SHOULD WIN: "Up," Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Doctor; Story by Pete Doctor, Bob Peterson, and Tom McCarthy

WILL WIN: "Inglourious Basterds," Written by Quentin Tarantino

I'll state it right now: I could be wrong, but my gut is telling me Inglourious Basterds may steal this one. It is a tough choice between this, The Hurt Locker, and Avatar as the one taking the prize.

Best Picture

SHOULD WIN: "The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier, Greg Shapiro

WILL WIN: "The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow, Mark Boal, Nicolas Chartier, Greg Shapiro

Although it will be close, I believe The Hurt Locker will take this one, and rightly so.

What are your thoughts? Who do you think will take the night's awards?

The Academy Awards air tomorrow night at 8pm eastern/ 5pm pacific on ABC.

Out on DVD Today (February 2nd)

2010-02-02T14:26:00.004-05:00

Here is a bit of what is out on DVD today:

Zombieland

Rated: R, 1 hr. 21 min.

http://www.zombieland.com/

http://establishingshotreview.blogspot.com/2009/10/rules-for-survival-twinkies-and-bill.html

Love Happens

Rated: PG-13, 1 hr. 49 min.

http://www.lovehappensmovie.com/

New York, I Love You

Rated: R, 1 hr. 43 min.

http://www.newyorkiloveyouthemovie.com/#/home

Amelia

Rated: PG, 2 hr.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/amelia/

The House of the Devil

Rated: R, 1 hr. 33 min.

http://www.houseofthedevilmovie.com/

http://establishingshotreview.blogspot.com/2009/11/cucalorus-film-festival-house-of-devil.html

I recommend Zombieland. I also recommend that you avoide The House of the Devil unless you enjoy not-so-scary-and-slow-moving horror films. I myself am looking forward to seeing Amelia.

The Academy Award Nominations 2010

2010-02-02T12:42:00.003-05:00

Today the 82nd Annual Academy Awards nominations were announced. Here is a complete list of the nominees:

Actor in a Leading Role:

Jeff Bridges, "Crazy Heart"

George Clooney, "Up in the Air"

Colin Firth, "A Single Man"

Morgan Freeman, "Invictus"

Jeremy Renner, "The Hurt Locker"

Actor in a Supporting Role:

Matt Damon, "Invictus"

Woody Harrelson, "The Messenger"

Christopher Plummer, "The Last Station"

Stanley Tucci, "The Lovely Bones"

Christoph Waltz, "Inglourious Basterds"

Actress in a Leading Role:

Sandra Bullock, "The Blind Side"

Helen Mirren, "The Last Station"

Carey Mulligan, "An Education"

Gabourey Sidibe, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"

Meryl Streep, "Julie & Julia"

Actress in a Supporting Role:

Penelope Cruz, "Nine"

Vera Farmiga, "Up in the Air"

Maggie Gyllenhaal, "Crazy Heart"

Anna Kendrick, "Up in the Air"

Mo'Nique, "Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire"

Animated Feature Film

"Coraline," Henry Selick

"Fantastic Mr. Fox," Wes Anderson

"The Princess and the Frog," John Musker and Ron Clements

"The Secret of Kells," Tomm Moore

"Up," Pete Doctor

Art Direction

"Avatar" Art Direction: Rick Carter and Robert Stromberg; Set Decoration: Kim Sinclair

"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus" Art Direction: Dave Warren and Anastasia Masaro; Set Decoration: Caroline Smith

"Nine" Art Direction: John Myhre; Set Decoration: Gordon Sim

"Sherlock Holmes" Art Direction: Sarah Greenwood; Set Decoration: Katie Spencer

"The Young Victoria" Art Direction: Patrice Vermette; Set Decoration: Maggie Gray

Cinematography

"Avatar," Mauro Fiore

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince," Bruno Delbonnel

"The Hurt Locker," Barry Ackroyd

"Inglourious Basterds," Robert Richardson

"The White Ribbon," Christian Berger

Costume Design

"Bright Star," Janet Patterson

"Coco before Chanel," Catherine Leterrier

"The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus," Monique Prudhomme

"Nine," Colleen Atwood

"The Young Victoria," Sandy Powell

Directing

"Avatar," James Cameron

"The Hurt Locker," Kathryn Bigelow

"Inglourious Basterds," Quentin Tarantino

"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Lee Daniels

"Up in the Air," Jason Reitman

Documentary (Feature)

"Burma VJ," Anders Ostergaard and Lisa Lense-Moller

"The Cove," Nominees to be determined

"Food, Inc.," Robert Kenner and Elise Pearlstein

"The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers," Judith Ehrlich and Rick Goldsmith

"Which Way Home," Rebecca Cammisa

Documentary (Short Subject)

"China's Unnatural Disaster: The Tears of Sichuan Province," Jon Alpert and Matthew O'Neil

"The Last Campaign of Governer Booth Gardner," Daniel Jung and Henry Ansbacher

"The Last Truck: The Closing of a GM Plant," Steven Bognar and Julia Reichert

"Music by Prudence," Roger Ross Williams and Elinor Burkett

"Rabbit a la Berlin," Bartek Konopka and Anna Wydra

Film Editing

"Avatar," Stephen Rivkin, John Refoua, and James Cameron

"District 9," Julian Clarke

"The Hurt Locker," Bob Murawski and Chris Innis

"Inglourious Basterds," Sally Renke

"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Joe Klotz

Foreign Language Film

"Ajami," Israel

"El Secreto de sus Ojos," Argentina

"The Milk of Sorrow," Peru

"Un Prophete," France

"The White Ribbon," Germany

Makeup

"Il Divo," Aldo Signoretti and Vittorio Sodano

"Star Trek," Barney Burman, Mindy Hall, and Joel Harlow

"The Young Victoria," Jon Henry Gordon and Jenny Shircore

Music (Original Score)

"Avatar," James Horner

"Fantastic Mr. Fox," Alexandre Desplat

"The Hurt Locker," Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders

"Sherlock Holmes," Hans Zimmer

"Up," Michael Giacchino

Music (Original Song)

"Almost There" from "The Princess and the Frog," Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

"Down in New Orleans" from "The Princess and the Frog," Music and Lyric by Randy Newman

"Loin de Paname" from "Paris 36," Music by Reinhardt Wagner, Lyric by Frank Thomas

"Take It All" from "Nina," Music and Lyric by Maury Yeston

"The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart" from "Crazy Heart," Music and Lyric by Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett

Best Picture

"Avatar," Producers: James Cameron and Jon Landau

"The Blind Side," Nominees to be determined

"District 9," Producers: Peter Jackson and Carolynne Cunningham

"An Education," Producers: Finola Dwyer and Amanda Posey

"The Hurt Locker," Nominees to be determined

"Inglourious Basterds," Producer: Lawrence Bender

"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Producers: Lee Daniels, Sara Siegel-Magness, Gary Magness

"A Serious Man," Producers: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

"Up," Producer: Jonas Rivera

"Up in the Air," Producers: Daniel Duniecki, Ivan Reitman, and Jason Reitman

Short Film (Animated)

"French Roast," Fabrice O. Joubert

"Granny O'Grimm's Sleeping Beauty," Nicky Phelan and Darragh O'Connell

"The Lady and the Reaper (La Dama y la Muerte)," Javier Recio Garcia

"Logorama," Nicolas Schmerkin

"A Matter of Loaf and Death," Nick Park

Short Film (Live Action)

"The Door," Juanita Wilson and James Flynn

"Instead of Abra Cadabra," Patrik Eklund and Mathius Fjellstrom

"Kavi," Gregg Helvey

"Miracle Fish," Luke Doolan and Drew Bailey

"The New Tenants," Joachim Back and Tivi Magnusson

Sound Editing

"Avatar," Christopher Boyes and Gwendolyn Yates Whittle

"The Hurt Locker," Paul N.J. Ottosson

"Inglourious Basterds," Wylie Stateman

"Star Trek," Mark Stoeckinger and Alan Rankin

"Up," Michael Silvers and Tom Myers

Sound Mixing

"Avatar," Christopher Boyes, Gary Summers, Andy Nelson, and Tony Johnson

"The Hurt Locker," Paul N.J. Ottosson and Ray Beckett

"Inglourious Basterds," Michael Minkler, Tony Lamberti, and Mark Ulano

"Star Trek," Anna Behlmer, Andy Nelson, and Peter J. Devlin

"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen," Greg P. Russell, Gary Summers, and Geoffrey Patterson

Visual Effects

"Avatar," Joe Letteri, Stephen Rosenbaum, Richard Baneham, and Andrew R. Jones

"District 9," Dan Kaufman, Peter Muyzers, Robert Habros, and Matt Aitken

"Star Trek," Roger Guyett, Russell Earl, Paul Kavanagh, and Burt Dalton

Writing (Adapted Screenplay)

"District 9," Written by Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell

"An Education," Screenplay by Nick Hornby

"In the Loop," Screenplay by Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Iannucci, and Tony Roche

"Precious: Based on the Novel 'Push' by Sapphire," Screenplay by Geoffrey Fletcher

"Up in the Air," Screenplay by Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner

Writing (Original Screenplay)

"The Hurt Locker," Written by Mark Boal

"Inglourious Basterds," Written by Quentin Tarantino

"The Messenger," Written by Alessandro Camon and Oren Moverman

"A Serious Man," Written by Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

"Up," Screenplay by Bob Peterson, Pete Doctor; Story by Pete Doctor, Bob Peterson, and Tom McCarthy

Source: http://www.oscars.org/awards/academyawards/82/nominees.html

Not too many surprises in the nominees for this year's awards. What do you think of the nominees?

The 82nd Annual Academy Awards will occur on March 7, 2010 from the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California.

Excellent Acting, Lovely Visuals, and a Disappointingly Flat Story.

2010-02-02T12:22:00.004-05:00

The Lovely Bones

Directed By: Peter Jackson

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Mark Wahlberg, Rachel Weisz, Stanley Tucci

Rated: PG-13

2 hrs. 15 min.

The Lovely Bones is told by 14-year-old Susie Salmon (Soairse Ronan), murdered in December of 1973, as she watches her family struggle in the time after her disappearance from a place called "The In-Between." She must find closure with her death before she may move on to heaven.

The acting by lead Saoirse Ronan is absolutely superb. She is able to project her own fears, frustrations, and countless other emotions on the audience rather well. Mark Wahlberg plays the role of a father in search for answers to perfection, and we root for him to find the answers he desperately seeks for the sake of his murdered daughter. Stanley Tucci's creepy version of George Harvey also stuns. In fact, all of the acting is utterly impressive, but those three in particular stand ahead of the rest.

As brilliant as the acting may be, it does not account for the fact that the story itself lacks. While it is true that films based on books will never logistically be able to include everything that the book does for the sake of time, there were so many elements missing from the film. Moments in the story that were important to the integrity of the original plot were completely cut; these moments are also essential to the emotion behind the story. Even a friend who had never read the book stated that there seemed to be something missing.

It seemed as though the director was more focused on making the film visually spectacular as apposed to trying to keep the story well-rounded. That may pass in epics like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Peter Jackson, but that does not fly in emotion-based dramas such as The Lovely Bones.

Overall, it is a good attempt, but even the strong acting cannot save the story from completely falling flat.

Grade: C+

2010 SAG Award Winners

2010-01-23T23:13:00.001-05:00

The SAG Awards were held tonight. Here's the final list of winners!

THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

Jeff Bridges - Bad Blake, "Crazy Heart" (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

Sandra Bullock - Leigh Anne Tuohy, "The Blind Side" (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Oustanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Christoph Waltz - Col. Hans Landa, "Inglourious Basterds" (The Weinstein Company/Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

Mo'Nique - Mary, "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" (Lionsgate)

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (The Weinstein Company/Universal Pictures)

Daniel Bruhl - Fredrick Zoller

August Diehl - Major Hellstrom

Julie Dreyfus - Francesca Mondino

Michael Fassbender - Lt. Archie Hicox

Sylvester Groth - Joseph Goebbels

Jacky Ido - Marcel

Diane Kruger - Bridget von Hammersmark

Melanie Laurent - Shosanna

Denis Menochet - Perrier LePedite

Mike Myers - General Ed French

Brad Pitt - Lt. Aldo Raine

Eli Roth - Sgt. Donny Donowitz

Til Schweiger - Sgt. Hugo Stiglitz

Rod Taylor - Winston Churchill

Christoph Waltz - Col. Hans Landa

Martin Wuttke - Hitler

PRIMETIME TELEVISION

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries

Kevin Bacon - Lt. Col. Michael R. Strobl, "Taking Chance" (HBO)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries

Drew Barrymore - Little Edie, "Grey Gardens" (HBO)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series

Michael C. Hall - Dexter Morgan, "Dexter" (Showtime)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

Julianna Margulies - Alicia Florrick, "The Good Wife" (CBS)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series

Alec Baldwin - Jack Donaghy, "30 Rock" (NBC)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series

Tina Fey - Liz Lemon, "30 Rock" (NBC)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

MAD MEN (AMC)

Alexa Alemanni - Allison

Bryan Batt - Salvatore Romano

Jared S. Gilmore - Bobby Draper

Michael Gladis - Paul Linsey

Jon Hamm - Don Draper

Jared Harris - Lane Pryce

Christina Hendricks - Joan Holloway (Harris)

January Jones - Betty Draper

Vincent Kartheiser - Peter Campbell

Robert Morse - Bertram Cooper

Elisabeth Moss - Peggy Olson

Kiernan Shipka - Sally Draper

John Slattery - Roger Sterling

Rich Sommer - Harry Crane

Christopher Stanley - Henry Francis

Aaron Staton - Ken Cosgrove

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

GLEE (FOX)

Diana Agron - Quinn Fabray

Chris Colfer - Kurt Hummel

Patrick Gallagher - Ken Tanaka

Jessalyn Gilsig - Terri Schuester

Jane Lynch - Sue Sylvester

Jayma Mays - Emma Pillsbury

Kevin McHale - Arty Abrams

Lea Michele - Rachel Berry

Cory Monteith - Finn Hudson

Heather Morris - Brittany

Matthew Morrison - Will Schuester

Amber Riley - Mercedes

Naya Rivera - Santana Lopez

Mark Salling - Puck

Harry Shum, Jr. - Mike Chang

Josh Sussman - Jacob Ben Israel

Dijon Talton - Matt Rutherford

Iqbal Theba - Principal Figgins

Jenna Ushkowitz - Tina

SAG HONORS FOR STUNT ENSEMBLES

Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture

Star Trek (Paramount Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series

24 (FOX)

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Betty White

So what do you think of the winners?

Airplanes, Aerial Shots, and Scene Stealers.

2010-01-18T00:22:00.003-05:00

Up in the Air

Directed By: Jason Reitman

Starring: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick

Rated: R

1 hrs. 49 min.

George Clooney stars as Ryan Bingham, the man your big chicken boss hires to fire you for him. As his company moves on into the digital world and threatens to ground him from flying across the country as he so loves to do, thanks to a program developed by new team member Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick), his whole world may just be about to change.

The story alone is absolutely superb, and the script is brilliantly brought to life by the three stars of the film. All three (Clooney, Farmiga, and Kendrick) provide knockout performances; however, no one steals scenes like Kendrick does. She is even better than--dare I say it--Clooney.

The film also contains some of the most beautiful shots I've seen in a while. One such shot is a beautiful silhouette shot of Clooney and Kendrick in front a huge airport window waiting for their flight; others include some beautiful aerial shots and landscapes.

On top of the outstanding script, award-worthy acting, and exquisite composition (and of course directing by Reitman), the music and score throughout ties the story together.

Grade: A+

A Classic Detective, a Shining Doctor, and a Story That's a Bit of a Drag.

2010-01-18T00:00:00.005-05:00

Sherlock Holmes

Directed By: Guy Ritchie

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel Adams

Rated: PG-13

2 hrs. 8 min.

Robert Downey Jr. takes on the role of the popular titular character in this new Sherlock Holmes tale in which the detective from Baker Street must stop the supposedly resurrected Lord Blackwood.

The plot of the film is engaging for the most part, however the film becomes a little boring in some spots. The story could have been condensed a little, making it drag less. Robert Downey Jr. is impressive as Sherlock, though, and portrays the detective differently from the clean cut, organized, leader-type Holmes has been in the past. Jude Law's Dr. Watson also shines, possibly even more so than Downey Jr. Unfortunately, Rachel McAdams is monotoned and seemingly disinterested in her role, which is a little off-putting considering she is usually such a talented actress. Maybe she was a little bored, too.

Overall, the action is fun but the caper (and Rachel McAdams, for that matter) could have been a lot more exciting.

Grade: C+

Golden Globe Awards 2010 Winners

2010-01-17T23:40:00.003-05:00

So tonight on NBC the Golden Globes aired. There were some expected wins and big surprises! In case you missed it, here is the complete list of winners.

BEST MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA:

Avatar (Lightstorm Entertainment; 20th Century Fox)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA

Sandra Bullock - The Blind Side

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA

Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart

BEST MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

The Hangover (Warner Bros. Pictures)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Meryl Streep - Julie & Julia

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Robert Downey Jr. - Sherlock Holmes

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

Mo'nique - Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

Christoph Waltz - Inglourious Basterds

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

Up (Walt Disney Pictures/PIXAR Animation Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

The White Ribbon (Das Weisse Band - Eine Deutsche Kindergeschichte) (Germany) X Filme Creative Pool/Les Films Du Losange/Lucky Red; Sony Pictures Classics)

BEST DIRECTOR - MOTION PICTURE

James Cameron - Avatar

BEST SCREENPLAY - MOTION PICTURE

Up in the Air - Written by Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - MOTION PICTURE

Up - Composed by Michael Giacchino

BEST ORIGINAL SONG - MOTION PICTURE

"The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)" - Crazy Heart (Music & Lyrics by: Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett)

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA

Mad Men (AMC) (Lionsgate)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA

Julianna Margulies - The Good Wife (CBS)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA

Michael C. Hall - Dexter (SHOWTIME)

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Glee (FOX) (Twentieth Century Fox Television)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Toni Collette - United States of Tara (SHOWTIME)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Alec Baldwin - 30 Rock (NBC)

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Grey Gardens (HBO) (Specialty Films and Locomotive in association with HBO Films)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Drew Barrymore - Grey Gardens (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Kevin Bacon - Taking Chance (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES, OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Chloe Sevigny - Big Love (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES, OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

John Lithgow - Dexter (SHOWTIME)

CECIL B. DEMILLE AWARD

Martin Scorsese

Distant Planets, Stunning Visuals, and The Next Big James Cameron Masterpiece.

2009-12-26T00:22:00.004-05:00

Avatar

Directed By: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver

Rated: PG-13

2 hrs. 32 min.

James Cameron returns to blockbuster filmmaking with his latest (an expensive) effort, Avatar.

Paraplegic marine Jake Sully (Sam Worthington) heads to a distant planet called Pandora to complete an important mission. He must travel in a humanoid avatar body which resembles the natives, the Na'vi, who have their own unique language and culture. Upon becoming in tune with that local culture and one particular Na'vi, Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), Jake becomes torn between his duty and his heart. When the head honcho of the marine force decides to take abrasive action. Jake must stand with the people of Pandora to save the fate of the planet.

Avatar is one truly outstanding film. If there are any people who had doubts that James Cameron could pull off another large hit like he did with Titanic, then this could be the film to change their minds. Although at first glance the story seems cliche and overdone (the military comes in, messes with a native "savage" culture, and mayhem and bombs and even love ensues), it is actually quite refreshing. Cameron has created an entirely new world and we can easily believe it and its inner workings. Some parts of the story do get a little boring, mostly parts where there is a little too much voice over by Jake or they are doing the same thing over (more flying, running around, etc); however, it never stayed boring for long and it is easily bearable (which is probably due to the stunning visuals).

The visuals are absolutely breathtaking. The animated bits seem real, and the colors are so bright and cool. There are many striking unique things about the flora and fauna of Pandora, such as the way some things glow in the dark as if they have been stuck under a black light. Overall, it is hard to tell where the live-action starts and the animation begins.

With sweeping visuals, mind-blowing effects and animation, and brilliant acting, Avatar is a must see for any movie goer, be it a sci-fi fan or not. Even though there are scenes that seem a little lagging, it is only for the shortest bit and by the time the action or story picks up you hardly remember you were even the slightest bored. I recommend, if it is feasible, seeing the film in 3D, and I guarantee you won't be bored then.

Grade: A

Screen Actors Guild Awards 2010 Nominations

2009-12-18T01:13:00.003-05:00

The nominations for the Screen Actors Guild Awards were announced today. Here they are (from the SAG official website):

THEATRICAL MOTION PICTURES

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role

Jeff Bridges - Bad Blake, "Crazy Heart" (Fox Searchlight Pictures)

George Clooney - Ryan Bingham, "Up in the Air" (Paramount Pictures)

Colin Firth - George Falconer, "A Single Man" (The Weinstein Company)

Morgan Freeman - Nelson Mandela, "Invictus" (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Jeremy Renner - Staff Sgt. William James, "The Hurt Locker" (Summit Entertainment)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role

Sandra Bullock - Leigh Anne Tuohy, "The Blind Side" (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Helen Mirren - Sofya, "The Last Station" (Sony Pictures Classics)

Carey Mulligan - Jenny, "An Education" (Sony Pictures Classics)

Gabourey Sidibe - Precious, "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" (Lionsgate)

Meryl Streep - Julia Child, "Julie & Julia" (Columbia Pictures)

Oustanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role

Matt Damon - Francois Pienaar, "Invictus" (Warner Bros. Pictures)

Woody Harrelson - Captain Tony Stone, "The Messenger" (Oscilloscope Laboratories)

Christopher Plummer - Tolstoy, "The Last Station" (Sony Pictures Classics)

Stanley Tucci - George Harvey, "The Lovely Bones" (Paramount Pictures)

Christoph Waltz - Col. Hans Landa, "Inglourious Basterds" (The Weinstein Company/Universal Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role

Penelope Cruz - Carla, "Nine" (The Weinstein Company)

Vera Farmiga - Alex Goran, "Up in the Air" (Paramount Pictures)

Anna Kendrick - Natalie Keener, "Up in the Air" (Paramount Pictures)

Diane Kruger - Bridget von Hammersmark, "Inglourious Basterds" (The Weinstein Company/Universal Pictures)

Mo'Nique - Mary, "Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire" (Lionsgate)

Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture

AN EDUCATION (Sony Pictures Classics)

Dominic Cooper - Danny

Alfred Molina - Jack

Carey Mulligan - Jenny

Rosamund Pike - Helen

Peter Sarsgaard - David

Emma Thompson - Headmistress

Olivia Williams - Miss Stubbs

THE HURT LOCKER (Summit Entertainment)

Christian Camargo - Col. John Cambridge

Brian Geraghty - Specialist Owen Eldridge

Evangeline Lilly - Connie James

Anthony Mackie - Sgt. J. T. Sanborn

Jeremy Renner - Staff Sgt. William James

INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS (The Weinstein Company/Universal Pictures)

Daniel Bruhl - Fredrick Zoller

August Diehl - Major Hellstrom

Julie Dreyfus - Francesca Mondino

Michael Fassbender - Lt. Archie Hicox

Sylvester Groth - Joseph Goebbels

Jacky Ido - Marcel

Diane Kruger - Bridget von Hammersmark

Melanie Laurent - Shosanna

Denis Menochet - Perrier LePedite

Mike Myers - General Ed French

Brad Pitt - Lt. Aldo Raine

Eli Roth - Sgt. Donny Donowitz

Til Schweiger - Sgt. Hugo Stiglitz

Rod Taylor - Winston Churchill

Christoph Waltz - Col. Hans Landa

Martin Wuttke - Hitler

NINE (The Weinstein Company)

Marion Cotillard - Luisa Contini

Penelope Cruz - Carla

Daniel Day-Lewis - Guido Contini

Judi Dench - Lillian

Fergie - Saraghina

Kate Hudson - Stephanie

Nicole Kidman - Claudia

Sophia Loren - Mamma

PRECIOUS: BASED ON THE NOVEL "PUSH" BY SAPPHIRE (Lionsgate)

Mariah Carey - Ms. Weiss

Lenny Kravitz - Nurse John

Mo'Nique - Mary

Paula Patton - Ms. Rain

Sherrie Shepherd - Cornrows

Gabourey Sidibe - Precious

PRIMETIME TELEVISION

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries

Kevin Bacon - Lt. Col. Michael R. Strobl, "Taking Chance" (HBO)

Cuba Gooding, Jr. - Ben Carson, "Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story" (TNT)

Jeremy Irons - Alfred Stieglitz, "Georgia O'Keefe" (Lifetime)

Kevin Kline - Cyrano de Bergerac, "Great Performances: Cyrano de Bergerac" (PBS)

Tom Wilkinson - Salter, "A Number" (HBO)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Miniseries

Joan Allen - Georgia O'Keefe, "Georgia O'Keefe" (Lifetime)

Drew Barrymore - Little Edie, "Grey Gardens" (HBO)

Ruby Dee - Mrs. Harper, "America" (Lifetime)

Jessica Lange - Big Edie, "Grey Gardens" (HBO)

Sigourney Weaver - Mary Griffith, "Prayers for Bobby" (Lifetime)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series

Simon Baker - Patrick Jane, "The Mentalist" (CBS)

Bryan Cranston - Walter White, "Breaking Bad" (AMC)

Michael C. Hall - Dexter Morgan, "Dexter" (Showtime)

Jon Hamm - Don Draper, "Mad Men" (AMC)

Hugh Laurie - House, "House" (FOX)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series

Patricia Arquette - Allison Dubois, "Medium" (NBC/CBS)

Glenn Close - Patty Hewes, "Damages" (FX)

Mariska Hargitay - Det. Olivia Benson, "Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit" (NBC)

Holly Hunter - Grace Hanadarko, "Saving Grace" (TNT)

Julianna Margulies - Alicia Florrick, "The Good Wife" (CBS)

Kyra Sedgwick - Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson, "The Closer" (TNT)

Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series

Alec Baldwin - Jack Donaghy, "30 Rock" (NBC)

Steve Carell - Michael Scott, "The Office" (NBC)

Larry David - Himself, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (HBO)

Tony Shalhoub - Adrian Monk, "Monk" (USA Network)

Charlie Sheen - Charlie Harper, "Two and a Half Men" (CBS)

Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series

Christina Applegate - Samantha Newly, "Samantha Who?" (ABC)

Toni Collette - Tara Gregor, "United States of Tara" (Showtime)

Edie Falco - Jackie Peyton, "Nurse Jackie" (Showtime)

Tina Fey - Liz Lemon, "30 Rock" (NBC)

Julia Louis-Dreyfuss - Christine Campbell, "The New Adventures of Old Christine" (CBS)

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series

THE CLOSER (TNT)

G.W. Bailey - Lt. Provenza

Michael Paul Chan - Lt. Mike Tao

Raymond Cruz - Det. Julio Sanchez

Tony Denison - Lt. Andy Flynn

Robert Gossett - Commander Taylor

Phillip P. Keene - Buzz Watson

Corey Reynolds - Sgt. David Gabriel

Kyra Sedgwick - Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson

J.K. Simmons - Asst. Police Chief Will Pope

Jon Tenney - FBI Special Agent Fritz Howard

DEXTER (Showtime)

Preston Bailey - Cody

Julie Benz - Rita Bennett

Jennifer Carpenter - Debra Morgan

Courtney Ford - Christine

Michael C. Hall - Dexter Morgan

Desmond Harrington - Joey Quinn

C.S. Lee - Vince Masuka

John Lithgow - Arthur Mitchell

Rick Peters - Elliot

James Remar - Harry Morgan

Christina Robinson - Astor

Lauren Velez - Lt. Maria Laguerta

David Zayas - Angel Batista

THE GOOD WIFE (CBS)

Christina Baranski - Diane Lockhart

Josh Charles - Will Gardner

Matt Czuchry - Cary Agos

Julianna Margulies - Alicia Florrick

Archie Panjabi - Kalinda Sharma

Graham Phillips - Zach Florrick

MacKenzie Vega - Grace Florrick

MAD MEN (AMC)

Alexa Alemanni - Allison

Bryan Batt - Salvatore Romano

Jared S. Gilmore - Bobby Draper

Michael Gladis - Paul Linsey

Jon Hamm - Don Draper

Jared Harris - Lane Pryce

Christina Hendricks - Joan Holloway (Harris)

January Jones - Betty Draper

Vincent Kartheiser - Peter Campbell

Robert Morse - Bertram Cooper

Elisabeth Moss - Peggy Olson

Kiernan Shipka - Sally Draper

John Slattery - Roger Sterling

Rich Sommer - Harry Crane

Christopher Stanley - Henry Francis

Aaron Staton - Ken Cosgrove

TRUE BLOOD (HBO)

Chris Bauer - Andy Bellefleur

Mehcad Brooks - Eggs

Anna Camp - Sarah Newlin

Nelsan Ellis - Lafayette Reynolds

Michelle Forbes - Maryann Forrester

Mariana Klaveno - Lorena

Ryan Kwanten - Jason Stackhouse

Todd Lowe - Terry Bellefleur

Michael McMillian - Steve Newlin

Stephen Moyer - Bill Compton

Anna Paquin - Sookie Stackhouse

Jim Parrack - Hoyt Fortenberry

Carrie Preston - Arlene Fowler

William Sanderson - Bud Dearborn

Alexander Skarsgard - Eric Northman

Sam Trammell - Sam Merlotte

Rutina Wesley - Tara Thornton

Deborah Ann Woll - Jessica Hamby

Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series

30 ROCK (NBC)

Scott Adsit - Pete Hornberger

Alec Baldwin - Jack Donaghy

Katrina Bowden - Cerie

Kevin Brown - Dot Com

Grizz Chapman - Grizz

Tina Fey - Liz Lemon

Judah Friedlander - Frank Rossitano

Jane Krakowski - Jenna Maroney

John Lutz - Lutz

Jack McBrayer - Kenneth Parcell

Tracy Morgan - Tracy Jordan

Keith Powell - Toofer

CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM (HBO)

Larry David - Himself

Susie Essman - Susie Greene

Jeff Garlin - Jeff Greene

Cheryl Hines - Cheryl David

GLEE (FOX)

Diana Agron - Quinn Fabray

Chris Colfer - Kurt Hummel

Patrick Gallagher - Ken Tanaka

Jessalyn Gilsig - Terri Schuester

Jane Lynch - Sue Sylvester

Jayma Mays - Emma Pillsbury

Kevin McHale - Arty Abrams

Lea Michele - Rachel Berry

Cory Monteith - Finn Hudson

Heather Morris - Brittany

Matthew Morrison - Will Schuester

Amber Riley - Mercedes

Naya Rivera - Santana Lopez

Mark Salling - Puck

Harry Shum, Jr. - Mike Chang

Josh Sussman - Jacob Ben Israel

Dijon Talton - Matt Rutherford

Iqbal Theba - Principal Figgins

Jenna Ushkowitz - Tina

MODERN FAMILY (ABC)

Julie Bowen - Claire Dunphy

Ty Burrell - Phil Dunphy

Jesse Tyler Ferguson - Mitchell Pritchett

Nolan Gould - Luke Dunphy

Sarah Hyland - Haley Dunphy

Ed O'Neill - Jay Pritchett

Rico Rodriguez - Manny Delgado

Eric Stonestreet - Cameron

Sofia Vergara - Gloria Delgado-Pritchett

Ariel Winter - Alex Dunphy

THE OFFICE (NBC)

Leslie David Baker - Stanley Hudson

Brian Baumgartner - Kevin Malone

Creed Bratton - Creed Bratton

Steve Carell - Michael Scott

Jenna Fischer - Pam Beesly

Kate Flannery - Meredith Palmer

Ed Helms - Andy Bernard

Mindy Kaling - Kelly Kapoor

Ellie Kemper - Kellie Erin Hannon

Angela Kinsey - Angela Martin

John Krasinski - Jim Halpert

Paul Lieberstein - Toby Flenderson

B.J. Novak - Ryan Howard

Oscar Nunez - Oscar Martinez

Craig Robinson - Darryl Philbin

Phyllis Smith - Phillis Lapin-Vance

Rainn Wilson - Dwight Schrute

SAG HONORS FOR STUNT ENSEMBLES

Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Motion Picture

Public Enemies (Universal Pictures)

Star Trek (Paramount Pictures)

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Paramount Pictures)

Outstanding Performance by a Stunt Ensemble in a Television Series

24 (FOX)

The Closer (TNT)

Dexter (Showtime)

Heroes (NBC)

The Unit (CBS)

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Betty White

The SAG Awards will air Live simultaneously on both TNT and TBS on Saturday, January 23rd, 2010 at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT/6 pm MT from the Los Angeles Shrine Exposition Center.

http://www.sagawards.org

Frogs, Jazz, and a Classic In the Making

2009-12-16T00:09:00.003-05:00

The Princess and the Frog

Directed By: Ron Clements and John Musker

Starring: Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos

Rated: G

1 hr. 37 min.

Disney returns to the classic 2d animation style with a new twist on the classic tale The Frog Prince. Tiana, a waitress in 1920s New Orleans, dreams of owning a restaurant. Prince Naveen comes to town to attend a masquerade held by the richest man in town, and ends up under a spell, transformed into a frog by local voodoo priest Dr. Facilier. When Tiana gives the Frog Prince a kiss in hopes that he will transform back into a human, things do not go quite as planned...

It is about time a Disney film wasn't completely CG animated; the studio finally successfully returns to the style of animation that made it the empire it is today. The colors within the film are dazzling and the music, which includes gospel and jazz influences, is sensational. All of the songs are sure to be sing-a-long favorites along with the classics such as "Under the Sea" and "Bibbity Bobbity Boo."

The Princess and the Frog is a classic-in-the-making, and is sure to be among the group of already-classics like "The Little Mermaid," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," and "The Lion King." While the ending is predictable, one must consider the fact that this is typical for a Disney film and is, after all, intended for families and children of all ages. Hopefully there will be more animated features such as this in the future.

Grade: A-

Golden Globe Awards 2010 Nominations

2009-12-15T23:01:00.003-05:00

The nominations have been announced for the 2010 Golden Globe Awards. Here is the list of nominees:

BEST MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA:

Avatar (Lightstorm Entertainment; 20th Century Fox)

The Hurt Locker (Voltage Pictures; Summit Entertainment)

Inglourious Basterds (The Weinstein Company/Universal Pictures/A Band Apart/Zehnte Babelsberg GmbH Production; The Weinstein Company/Universal Pictures)

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (A Lee Daniels Entertainment/Smokewood Entertainment Group Production; Lionsgate)

Up in the Air (Paramount Pictures)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA

Emily Blunt - The Young Victoria

Sandra Bullock - The Blind Side

Helen Mirren - The Last Station

Carey Mulligan - An Education

Gabourey Sidibe - Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - DRAMA

Jeff Bridges - Crazy Heart

George Clooney - Up in the Air

Colin Firth - A Single Man

Morgan Freeman - Invictus

Tobey Maguire - Brothers

BEST MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

(500) Days of Summer (Watermark Pictures; Fox Searchlight Pictures)

The Hangover (Warner Bros. Pictures)

It's Complicated (Relativity Media, Scott Rudin Pictures; Universal Pictures)

Julie & Julia (Columbia Pictures; Sony Pictures Releasing)

Nine (The Weinstein Company/Relativity Media/Lucamar Productions/Marc Platt Productions; The Weinstein Company)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Sandra Bullock - The Proposal

Marion Cotillard - Nine

Julia Roberts - Duplicity

Meryl Streep - It's Complicated

Meryl Streep - Julie & Julia

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Matt Damon - The Informant!

Daniel Day-Lewis - Nine

Robert Downey Jr. - Sherlock Holmes

Joseph Gordon-Levitt - (500) Days of Summer

Michael Stuhlberg - A Serious Man

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

Penelope Cruz - Nine

Vera Farmiga - Up in the Air

Anna Kendrick - Up in the Air

Mo'nique - Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire

Julianne Moore - A Single Man

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A MOTION PICTURE

Matt Damon - Invictus

Woody Harrelson - The Messenger

Christopher Plummer - The Last Station

Stanley Tucci - The Lovely Bones

Christoph Waltz - Inglourious Basterds

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs (Columbia Pictures and Sony Pictures Animation; Sony Pictures Releasing)

Coraline (Laika Inc.; Focus Features)

Fantastic Mr. Fox (American Empirical Picture; Twentieth Century Fox)

The Princess and the Frog (Walt Disney Pictures/Walt Disney Animation Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

Up (Walt Disney Pictures/PIXAR Animation Studios; Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

Baaria (Italy) (Medusa Film; Summit Entertainment)

Broken Embraces (Spain) (El Deseo SA; Sony Pictures Classic)

The Maid (La Nana) (Chile) (Forastero; Elephant Eye Films)

A Prophet (Un Prophete) (France) (Chic Films/Page 114/Why Not Productions; Sony Pictures Classic)

The White Ribbon (Das Weisse Band - Eine Deutsche Kindergeschichte) (Germany) X Filme Creative Pool/Les Films Du Losange/Lucky Red; Sony Pictures Classics)

BEST DIRECTOR - MOTION PICTURE

Kathryn Bigelow - The Hurt Locker

James Cameron - Avatar

Clint Eastwood - Invictus

Jason Reitman - Up in the Air

Quentin Tarantino - Inglourious Basterds

BEST SCREENPLAY - MOTION PICTURE

District 9 - Written by Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell

The Hurt Locker - Written by Mark Boal

Inglourious Basterds - Written by Quentin Tarantino

It's Complicated - Written by Nancy Meyers

Up in the Air - Written by Jason Reitman, Sheldon Turner

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE - MOTION PICTURE

Up - Composed by Michael Giacchino

The Informant! - Composed by Marvin Hamlisch

Avatar - Composed by James Horner

A Single Man - Composed by Abel Korzeniowski

Where the Wild Things Are - Composed by Karen O and Carter Burwell

BEST ORIGINAL SONG - MOTION PICTURE

"Cinema Italiano" - Nine (Music & Lyrics by: Maury Yeston)

"I See You" - Avatar (Music by: James Horner and Simon Franglen; Lyrics by: James Horner, Simon Franglen, and Kuk Harrell)

"I Want to Come Home" - Everybody's Fine (Music & Lyrics by: Paul McCartney)

"The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart)" - Crazy Heart (Music & Lyrics by: Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett)

"Winter" - Brothers (Music by: U2; Lyrics by: Bono)

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA

Big Love (HBO) (Anima Sola Productions and Playtone in association with HBO Entertainment)

Dexter (SHOWTIME) (Showtime Presents, John Goldwyn Productions, The Colleton Company, Clyde Phillips Productions)

House (FOX) (Universal Media Studios in association with Heel and Toe Films, Shore Z Productions and Bad Hat Harry Productions)

Mad Men (AMC) (Lionsgate)

True Blood (HBO) (Your Face Goes Here Productions in association with HBO Entertainment)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA

Glenn Close - Damages (FX NETWORK)

January Jones - Mad Men (AMC)

Julianna Margulies - The Good Wife (CBS)

Anna Paquin - True Blood (HBO)

Kyra Sedgwick - The Closer (TNT)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - DRAMA

Simon Baker - The Mentalist (CBS)

Michael C. Hall - Dexter (SHOWTIME)

Jon Hamm - Mad Men (AMC)

Hugh Laurie - House (FOX)

Bill Paxton - Big Love (HBO)

BEST TELEVISION SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

30 Rock (NBC) (Universal Media Studios in association with Broadway Video and Little Stranger Inc.)

Entourage (HBO) (Leverage and Closest to the Hole Productions in association with HBO Productions)

Glee (FOX) (Twentieth Century Fox Television)

Modern Family (ABC) (Twentieth Century Fox Television)

The Office (NBC) (Universal Television Studios, Deedle Dee Productions, Reveille LLC)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A TELEVISION SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Toni Collette - United States of Tara (SHOWTIME)

Courtney Cox - Cougar Town (ABC)

Edie Falco - Nurse Jackie (SHOWTIME)

Tina Fey - 30 Rock (NBC)

Lea Michele - Glee (FOX)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A TELEVISION SERIES - MUSICAL OR COMEDY

Alec Baldwin - 30 Rock (NBC)

Steve Carell - The Office (NBC)

David Duchovney - Californication (SHOWTIME)

Thomas Jane - Hung (HBO)

Matthew Morrison - Glee (FOX)

BEST MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Georgia O'Keefe (LIFETIME) (Sony Pictures Television)

Grey Gardens (HBO) (Specialty Films and Locomotive in association with HBO Films)

Into the Storm (HBO) (Scott Free and Rainmark Films Production in association with the BBC and HBO Films)

Little Dorrit (PBS) (Masterpiece/BBC Co-Production)

Taking Chance (HBO) (Motion Picture Corporation of America and Civil Dawn Pictures in association with HBO Films)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Joan Allen - Georgia O'Keefe (LIFETIME)

Drew Barrymore - Grey Gardens (HBO)

Jessica Lange - Grey Gardens (HBO)

Anna Paquin - The Courageous Heart of Irena (CBS)

Sigourney Weaver - Prayers for Bobby (LIFETIME)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MINI-SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Kevin Bacon - Taking Chance (HBO)

Kenneth Branagh - Wallander: One Step Behind (BBC)

Chiwetel Ejiofor - Endgame (PBS)

Brendan Gleeson - Into the Storm (HBO)

Jeremy Irons - Georgia O'Keefe (LIFETIME)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES, OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Jane Adams - Hung (HBO)

Rose Byrne - Damages (FX NETWORK)

Jane Lynch - Glee (FOX)

Janet McTeer - Into the Storm (HBO)

Chloe Sevigny - Big Love (HBO)

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE IN A SERIES, MINI-SERIES, OR MOTION PICTURE MADE FOR TELEVISION

Michael Emerson - Lost (ABC)

Neil Patrick Harris - How I Met Your Mother (CBS)

William Hurt - Damages (FX NETWORK)

John Lithgow - Dexter (SHOWTIME)

Jeremy Piven - Entourage (HBO)

CECIL B. DEMILLE AWARD

Martin Scorsese

The Golden Globe Awards air on Sunday, January 17th, 2010 at 8 pm ET/5 pm PT on NBC from the Beverly Hilton.

http://www.goldenglobes.org

A Classic Tale, Motion Capture, and Many Jim Carreys

2009-12-15T22:45:00.005-05:00

A Christmas Carol

Directed By: Robert Zemeckis

Starring: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth

Rated: PG

1 hr. 38 min.

The classic Christmas tale by Charles Dickens is retold again through a new Disney animated feature by the director of The Polar Express.

The animation seemed to have been improved a little bit from The Polar Express, in which the people looked slightly creepy and unreal. Through motion capture, the animators have successfully caught Jim Carrey's caricatures of Ebenezer Scrooge and the three Ghosts of Christmas who visit him. Carrey is a delight in each of the characters he portrays; each character has a unique personality and a different look.

This new take on the classic tale is another brilliant retelling, and should be remembered along the lines of the version featuring George C. Scott.

Grade: A

Sparkling Vampires, CGI Wolves, and Romantic Cheese

2009-11-20T03:16:00.004-05:00

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Directed By: Chris Weitz

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Robert Pattinson

Rated: PG-13

2 hrs. 10 min.

Stephenie Meyer's Twilight Saga continues with the second installment, New Moon. It's Bella's birthday, and she's a little upset that she's now, God forbid, one year older than the eternally-seventeen Edward Cullen. After an incident with Edward's brother Jasper Hale at her birthday party, Edward is convinced the safest thing for Bella is if the Cullens left town. After his departure, Bella remains in a state of depression, and the only person able to take her out of it is her sunny Quileute friend Jacob. However, Jacob Black has a secret of his own. And now, with a pack of wolves in the forests of Forks, there's more danger lurking. But are the wolves the real danger? And when Edward is mistaken about Bella's fate, what does he do in response?

It's no surprise that the first installment of this series, Twilight, was a huge success, despite the fact that, in all honesty, it was terrible. The acting lacked, the cinematography was amateur and just as cheesy as the dialogue. Of course, the cheesiness is part of the teen romance formula. New Moon is certainly a great improvement. The direction of Chris Weitz is exponentially better than Catherine Hardwicke's. The boring blue tint is gone, replaced with a warm brown tint. The acting has improved, albeit only slightly in the case of franchise stars Kristen Stewart (Bella) and Robert Pattinson (Edward). Taylor Lautner holds his own surprisingly well as Jacob Black, even having to be shirtless for the majority of the film. The actors playing the roles of The Volturi were creepy yet quirky.

The writing is another improvement. There are less lines that make you cringe, but being based on the book, it still has its fair amount of cheese. The special effects are also slightly improved. The sparkling effect imposed on the vampires when they step into sunlight was re-imagined, and even in the flashbacks to the first movie one can see that in post-production the sparkling was tweeked. The CGI wolves were a little lack-luster; the animators could probably have spent a little more time making finer adjustments to the fur and the movements of the wolves, but they were satisfactory.

Overall, New Moon is a great improvement over Twilight. One can only hope the third installment, Eclipse, out June 2010, surpasses it.

Grade: C+

CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL: Shadow Billionaire

2009-11-19T21:44:00.005-05:00

Shadow Billionaire

Directed By: Alexis Spraic

1 hrs. 26 min.

This documentary feature explores the mysterious death of DHL founder and self-made billionaire Larry Hillblom and the subsequent court battle over his estate between Hillblom's power-hungry business partners and Philippine women who claim to be the mothers of his illegitimate children.

Shadow Billionaire is a brilliant film. Spraic has crafted a mystery story into a thrilling legal piece that represents a David and Goliath tale; the poor Philippine women and their cunning lawyer are David, and the rich and established business partners and big-time lawyers are Goliath.

The viewer starts out believing that these women are out for money because of the destitute state they are in, but as we learn the truth behind Larry's supposed friends, we easily see who is telling the truth. That truth and how the headstrong Philippine lawyer discovers it are shocking.

Shadow Billionaire is a masterpiece.

Grade: A+

CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL: The House of the Devil

2009-11-19T21:21:00.003-05:00

The House of the Devil

Directed By: Ti West

Starring: Jocelin Donahue, Tom Noonan, Mary Woronov, Greta Gerwig

Rated: R

1 hrs. 33 min.

Co-Ed Samantha, in need of money to pay her rent on a new apartment, takes a baby-sitting job that is more than she bargained for.

The House of the Devil is obviously meant as an homage to horror flicks of the 70s and 80s; unfortunately, it unwittingly comes off as a spoof. The opening sequence creates a good knowing laugh for fans in the know, but every throwback after just seems like a joke.

Ti West certainly enjoys a slow burn rather than constant chills and thrills, and slow burns are truly effective in creating unease and tension in a viewer. In this case, the slow burn just sort of fizzles out. It seems as if the entire film drags on for incredibly too long. True, in Samantha's situation, one would snoop around the house of a brand new baby-sitting employer, but as a sequence it just does not work to pull tension. The ending also lacks the punch expected after the rest of the drawn out scenes.

Despite the lack-luster story, the acting is brilliant by leading lady Jocelin Donahue. No matter how frankly boring the scenes can be, she still keeps you in your seat just to see her performance as Samantha. Another actor that steals every scene in which she appears is Gwen Gerwig as Samantha's best friend Megan. Gerwig plays the role so believably, she reminds you of that one outstandingly sarcastic and witty person in your own circle of friends.

No matter how stellar the acting within it, The House of the Devil is unable to stir the fear one hopes for from a horror film.

Grade: D

CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL: That Evening Sun

2009-11-19T20:44:00.003-05:00

That Evening Sun

Directed By: Scott Teems

Starring: Hal Holbrook, Ray McKinnon, Carrie Preston

Rated: PG-13

1 hrs. 50 min.

Abner Meecham (Hal Holbrook, All the President's Men, Into the Wild) leaves a retirement community to return to his Tennessee farm, only to discover that his son has rented it out to a family whose father, Lonzo Choat (Ray McKinnon, Deadwood), is a notable low-life. In order to get his home back, Abner resolves to stand his ground, literally, in hopes of forcing the family out.

That Evening Sun, which is based on a short story by William Gay entitled I Hate to See That Evening Sun Go Down, is a true masterpiece. Not only is the adapted script well written, but the film in its entirety is beautifully crafted. It portrays the life of an aging man gracefully without coming off as condescending. Countless breathtaking compositions make up each scene, with some of the most wonderful cinematography that some Oscar contenders, past and present, cannot even compete with.

The camera work is not the only aspect of That Evening Sun that deserves recognition; tall of the actors are truly inspiring. Hal Holbrook deserves an Oscar nomination, if not a win, for his triumphant leading performance. He is able to make any viewer of any age sympathize with his situation and truly feel for Abner as a character. Ray McKinnon is also a bright star, supported brilliantly by Carrie Preston (True Blood), as his soft-spoken yet headstrong wife, and by Mia Wasikowska (In Treatment, the upcoming Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland) as his daughter Pamela.

That Evening Sun is truly a must-see; it is a film which deserves distribution throughout the country. It is currently open only in New York City, and will be open Friday, November 20th, in Los Angeles. Hopefully it will make it into theaters nationwide, because it deserves to be seen by all audiences. It speaks on many levels about the troubles of aging and is a perfect display of the South in all its glory.

Grade: A+

CUCALORUS FILM FESTIVAL: TiMER

2009-11-19T20:10:00.004-05:00

TiMER

Directed By: Jac Schaeffer

Starring: Emma Caulfield, John Patrick Amedori

1 hrs. 39 min.

The TiMER counts down until the day you meet your soulmate. Oona's (Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Emma Caulfield) TiMER, however, is blank, which means her soulmate has yet to get his installed. She's constantly dating guys without TiMERs and accompanying them to get their TiMER installed in the hope she's finally found The One. Desperate, Oona breaks her own rules and dates grocery store cashier Mikey (John Patrick Amedori, Stick It), who already has a TiMER that is slowly counting down from four months.

TiMER is a particularly charming romantic comedy. It attempts to re-examine our reliance on technology in a new way, as Oona struggles to decide if she should really rely on a clock implanted in her wrist to tell her when she is in true love. Emma Caulfield is delightful in the role of Oona, but its Michelle Borth as her free-spirited step-sister Steph who steals every scene in which she appears. Borth has an energy that makes you wish she were in your own family.

As enjoyable as the film is, however, the ending is not only predictable, but a little disappointing. Considering the message about our reliance on technology that the film sends, even though I knew what would happen in the end, I still feel it fell back on its intended message. Either way, TiMER is a fun film.

Grade: B+

Cucalorus Film Festival 2009

2009-11-10T00:12:00.003-05:00

The Cucalorus Film Festival kicks off its 15th run in Wilmington, NC on Wednesday and ends on Sunday, November 15th. I will be attending a few of the screenings and reviewing those films right here, so be on the look out for those.

Check here for more information on the Cucalorus Film Festival.

Jumps, Ouija Boards, and a Hand-Held Camera

2009-11-09T23:38:00.004-05:00

Paranormal Activity

Directed By: Oren Peli

Starring: Katie Featherston, Micah Sloat

Rated: R

1 hrs. 26 min.

Twentysomething couple Micah and Katie are plagued by unexplainable phenomena in their shared home in San Diego, California. Katie believes an entity has been following her since childhood, and Micah purchases a camera to capture its activity. When noises and shadows, among other frightening things, are captured, Micah brings in a Ouija board, against Katie's wishes, to contact the spirit; Micah only succeeds in making their situation exponentially worse.

Paranormal Activity is a brilliant horror flick that pulls inspiration from previous films such as The Blair Witch Project, both in the way it was promoted (through heavy internet marketing) and in the way it was filmed. Shot for only $11,000 in the director's home on hand-held video camera, Paranormal Activity feels shockingly real and that makes it seem even more frightening. The two main actors even used their actual names, and title cards at the beginning and end suggest it is based on a true story.

Seeing Paranormal Activity is a must for any fan of horror flicks. The thought of something out of your control occurring in your home while you sleep is absolutely terrifying. The sounds that occur in the quietest moments creates perfect tension. There are moments that are quiet and suspenseful, and there are moments that will make you jump. Everything builds towards the shocking ending that will leave you in fear of sleeping alone in the dark.

As truly exceptional as the film is in its scares, there are moments that seem unnecessary or too drawn out. The beginning seems to drag on, and it doesn't get interesting until phenomena begin occurring in the house. Two or three of the "nights" shown could more than likely have been condensed in order to leave room for more actual paranormal activity.

While the beginning is a little too slow building, Paranormal Activity is an overall spectacular horror film.

Grade: A-

Top 5 Films to See on Halloween

2009-10-31T12:46:00.014-04:00

Since today is Halloween, in lieu of the Horror Film of the Week, I'm posting a list of the top 5 films to watch tonight.

1. Halloween (1978)

Director: John Carpenter

Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Donald Pleasance

There is a reason why Halloween is one of the most iconic Halloween films of all time, and it's not just because of the title; the film follows the classic slasher formula, with a slow, creeping killer in the form of Michael Meyers, infamous theme music that is simple yet terrifying, and lots of teenage girls dying. If you are planning a horror movie-fest for the holiday, Halloween should be at the top of your list.

Fun Fact: The mask Michael Meyers wears was actually a William Shatner mask. It was modified to give it that iconic blank and frightening look.

2. The Exorcist (1973)

Director: William Friedkin

Starring: Linda Blair, Ellen Burstyn

What is truly more frightening than the thought a person being possessed by the devil himself? Many films deal with this kind of story, but none are as infamous or do it as well as The Exorcist. The film has many scenes that resonated with audiences over the years, such as the scene when Regan's (Linda Blair) head twists around on the neck to face backwards. At the time The Exorcist came out, audiences in the theaters were so terrified by the film that many ran out.

Fun Fact: The dig site in the beginning of the film is actually the site of the ancient Assyrian city of Nineveh in present-day Iraq.

3. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Director: Wes Craven

Starring: Heather Langenkamp, Robert Englund

Freddy Kreuger is another elite horror villain. With just a simple description of him, anyone can recognize him and recognize just how frightening he is: knives on his fingers, scarred and burned face, and torn and ragged red and green striped-sweater. The fact that he can kill you in your dreams will be enough to keep you up at night.

Fun Fact: Nancy watches The Evil Dead on television while trying to stay awake.

4. Night of the Living Dead (1968)

Director: George A. Romero

Starring: Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea

Night of the Living Dead is one of the most prolific zombie films of all time and the one that started legendary filmmaker George A. Romero's "dead" series. There are many great scares and tons of suspense in Night of the Living Dead, as well as gore, which are all the things you want in the typical horror film.

Fun Fact: The zombies in the film are actually eating roast ham covered in chocolate.

5. The Shining (1980)

Director: Stanley Kubrick

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall

With the winning combination of director Stanley Kubrick, star Jack Nicholson, and the fact that the film was based on a Stephen King novel, it would be pretty hard for The Shining to go wrong. The fact alone that it is based on a novel by the Master of Horror himself should make anyone want to see it. Also, Jack Nicholson's performance is chilling.

Fun Fact: Jack Nicholson actually ad-libbed the infamous line from the film, "Here's Johnny!" This is Ed McMahon's introduction for Johnny Carson on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

Scream Awards 2009

2009-10-27T23:53:00.004-04:00

The Scream Awards were aired tonight on Spike TV. Here are the winners and the other nominees they beat out.

THE ULTIMATE SCREAM

Drag Me to Hell

Let the Right One In

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Twilight

WINNER: Star Trek

BEST HORROR MOVIE

Dead Snow

Friday the 13th

Let the Right One In

My Bloody Valentine 3D

Splinter

WINNER: Drag Me to Hell

BEST SCIENCE FICTION MOVIE

Knowing

Moon

Outlander

Terminator Salvation

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

WINNER: Star Trek

BEST FANTASY MOVIE

Coraline

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Watchmen

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

WINNER: Twilight

BEST TV SHOW

Battlestar Galactica

Dexter

Fringe

Lost

Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles

WINNER: True Blood

BEST HORROR ACTRESS

Jennifer Carpenter, Quarantine

Jaime King, My Bloody Valentine 3D

Alison Lohman, Drag Me to Hell

Monica Potter, The Last House on the Left

WINNER: Anna Paquin, True Blood

BEST HORROR ACTOR

Bruce Campbell, My Name is Bruce

Michael C. Hall, Dexter

Kare Hedebrant, Let the Right One In

Justin Long, Drag Me to Hell

Ryan Kwanten, True Blood

WINNER: Stephen Moyer, True Blood

BEST FANTASY ACTRESS

Anna Friel, Pushing Daisies

Scarlett Johansson, The Spirit

Jaime King, The Spirit

Rhona Mitra, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Emma Watson, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

WINNER: Kristen Stewart, Twilight

BEST FANTASY ACTOR

Ed Asner, Up

Hugh Jackman, X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Michael Sheen, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

WINNER: Robert Pattinson, Twilight

BEST SCIENCE FICTION ACTRESS

Moon Bloodgood, Terminator Salvation

Eliza Dushku, Dollhouse

Lena Headey, Terminator: Sarah Conner Chronicles

Katee Sackhoff, Battlestar Galactica

Zoe Saldana, Star Trek

WINNER: Megan Fox, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

BEST SCIENCE FICTION ACTOR

Nicholas Cage, Knowing

Josh Holloway, Lost

Shia Labeouf, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Zachary Quinto, Star Trek

Sam Rockwell, Moon

WINNER: Chris Pine, Star Trek

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

Ashley Greene, Twilight

Carla Gugino, Watchmen

Evanna Lynch, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Shirley Manson, Terminator: Sarah Conner Chronicles

Rutina Wesley, True Blood

WINNER: Jennifer Carpenter, Dexter

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

Simon Pegg, Star Trek

Leonard Nimoy, Star Trek

Taylor Kitsch, X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Rupert Grint, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Nelsan Ellis, True Blood

WINNER: Ryan Reynolds, X-Men Origins: Wolverine

BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE - FEMALE

Anna Torv, Fringe

Zoe Saldana, Star Trek

Lorna Raver, Drag Me to Hell

Lina Leandersson, Let the Right One In

Malin Akerman, Watchmen

WINNER: Isabel Lucas, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

BREAKOUT PERFORMANCE - MALE

Sam Trammell, True Blood

Taylor Kitsch, X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Robert Pattinson, Twilight

Chris Pine, Star Trek

Will.I.Am, X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Sam Worthington, Terminator Salvation

WINNER: Taylor Lautner, Twilight

BEST CAMEO

Kate Beckinsale, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Helena Bonham Carter, Terminator Salvation

Arnold Schwarzenegger's Face, Terminator Salvation

Patrick Stewart, X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Rainn Wilson, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

WINNER: Winona Ryder, Star Trek

BEST ENSEMBLE

Battlestar Galactica

Lost

Star Trek

True Blood

Twilight

Watchmen

WINNER: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

BEST DIRECTOR

Tomas Alfredson, Let the Right One In

Michael Bay, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Pete Doctor and Bob Peterson, Up

Duncan Jones, Moon

Sam Raimi, Drag Me to Hell

WINNER: J.J. Abrams, Star Trek

BEST FOREIGN MOVIE

Dead Snow (Norway)

Eden Lake (England)

Martyrs (France)

Pontypool (Canada)

Timecrimes (Spain)

WINNER: Let the Right One In (Sweden)

BEST SEQUEL

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Punisher: War Zone

Terminator Salvation

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

WINNER: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

BEST F/X

Drag Me to Hell

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Star Trek

Terminator Salvation

Watchmen

WINNER: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

SCREAM SONG OF THE YEAR

"War Zone" by Rob Zombie, Punisher: War Zone

"Other Father Song" by They Might Be Giants, Coraline

"Desolation Row" by My Chemical Romance, Watchmen

"Decode" by Paramore, Twilight

"Bad Things" by Jace Everett, True Blood

WINNER: "New Divide" by Linkin Park, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

BEST COMIC BOOK ARTIST

Tony Harris & Jim Clark, Ex Machina

Eric Powell, The Goon

Frank Quitely, All-Star Superman, Batman and Robin

Ivan Reis, Green Lantern

John Romita Jr., Amazing Spider, Kick-Ass

WINNER: Steve McNiven, X-Men: Old Man Logan

BEST VILLAIN

Eric Bana as Nero

Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange

Cam Gigandet as James

Lorna Raver as Mrs. Ganush

Liev Schreiber as Victor Creed/Sabretooth

WINNER: Alexander Skarsgard as Eric Northman

BEST SUPERHERO

Ray Stevenson as The Punisher

Taylor Kitsch as Remy Lebeau/Gambit

Jackie Earle Haley as Rorschach

Billy Crudup as Doctor Manhattan

Malin Akerman as Silk Spectre II

WINNER: Hugh Jackman as Logan/Wolverine

BEST SCREAM-PLAY

Coraline

Let the Right One In

Moon

Star Trek

WINNER: Drag Me to Hell

MOST MEMORABLE MUTILATION

Splinter

Watchmen

Drag Me to Hell

Dead Snow

Let the Right One In

WINNER: Saw V

FIGHT SCENE OF THE YEAR

Drag Me to Hell

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

Dead Snow

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Watchmen

WINNER: Star Trek

HOLY S***! SCENE OF THE YEAR

Let the Right One In

Knowing

Drag Me to Hell

Star Trek

Watchmen

WINNER: Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

BEST COMIC BOOK

Hack/Slash

Kick-Ass

Thor

The Walking Dead

Wolverine: Old Man Logan

WINNER: The Green Lantern

BEST COMIC BOOK WRITER

Brian Michael Bendis

Joe Hill

Grant Morrison

Mark Miller

Brian K. Vaughan

WINNER: Geoff Johns

BEST COMIC BOOK MOVIE

Dragonball Evolution

Punisher: War Zone

The Spirit

X-Men Origins: Wolverine

WINNER: Watchmen

HONORARY TRIBUTES:

Comic Con Icon Award: Stan Lee

Rock Immortal Award: Keith Richards

Mastermind Award: George A. Romero

Breakout Movie of the Year: Zombieland

Most Anticipated Science Fiction Film: Iron Man 2

Most Anticipated Fantasy Film: Alice in Wonderland

Farewell Tribute: Battlestar Galactica

In addition: behind the scenes footage of New Moon, the trailer for Shutter Island, an extended scene from Star Trek, and a scene from V were all shown.

The winners were expected for the most part: lots of True Blood, a spackling of Twilight. I was happy to find that Let the Right One In won Best Foreign Movie, but it deserved more recognition in my opinion. The first time it was mentioned during the show, no one cheered, and I was shocked. If anything, I recommend everyone see it; it's a beautifully crafted film.

What are your thoughts on the show and winners? Post them in the comments!

Horror Film of the Week: The Fog

2009-10-24T23:18:00.003-04:00

The Fog

Directed By: John Carpenter

Starring: Adrienne Barbeau, Jamie Lee Curtis, John Houseman, Janet Lee, Hal Holbrook

Year of Release: 1980

Rated: R

1 hrs. 30 min.

One hundred years after an accident at sea, the sleepy town of Antonio Bay honors the accident with a candlelight vigil and the unveiling of a statue. However, the local priest discovers the truth behind the "accident," and when the fog rolls in, the dead sailors return for revenge.

The Fog is a great classic horror film from renowned director John Carpenter, creator of one of the most notable horror films in movie history, Halloween (also starring Scream Queen Jamie Lee Curtis). The exposition is introduced creatively in the form of a scary campfire story told by a an old sea-weary man to a group of local children. It is an interesting way to introduce us to the legend of the boating accident that efficiently draws us into the narrative.

Almost from the get go creepy things happen: car alarms sounding for no apparent reason, glass bottles in the grocery shaking in the refrigerators, and televisions flicking on. The action quickly calms down, however, giving the the film a nicely balanced pace. The Fog also gives us those great crunching, crisp sound effects that are typical of horror classics of the 1970s and 1980s. The fog also creeps into frame every time it makes its arrival like any human villain such as Jason Voorhies or Michael Meyers.

The Fog is another classic horror film from the brilliant mind of John Carpenter. With great moments of suspense, action, and a chilling plot, this is another must-see for all movie fans.

Blogger's Note

2009-10-24T23:16:00.003-04:00

Hi guys.

So I'm a couple weeks behind on episodes of Vampire Diaries and Community. School along with other things have taken up my time and I've not been able to see the shows. I will be catching up on what I missed and will be back with reviews for the new episode either this week or next week. Also starting next Friday I will be posting info on new movies in theaters.

Thanks,

Kelly

Horror Film of the Week: Suspiria

2009-10-19T01:13:00.005-04:00

Suspiria

Directed By: Dario Argento

Starring: Jessica Harper, Stefania Casini

Year of Release: 1977

Rated: Unrated

1 hrs. 38 min.

American ballet student Suzy Bannion travels to Europe to attend a prestigious dance academy. On the rainy night she arrives, Suzy witnesses a girl fleeing from the building. After a subsequent couple of deaths, and the disappearance of a friend, Suzy begins to realize that the noises she hears at night may not be the norm at this school.

Dario Argento masterfully mixes the supernatural with slasher and psychological horror. Not only does Suspiria make you think, but it also gives you chills. Argento knows how to brilliantly build tension in short amounts of time. Each death scene gives you want you want out of a good horror film: anticipation, chase, and gruesome murder.

The plot aside, the aesthetics alone are worth seeing. Argento uses rich colors masterfully in so many ways. There are deep reds, hard greens, bright blues, and so on. He uses the color scheme brilliantly to create suspense in certain sequences. During the first death scene, the contrast of the whites of the floor and the light all around against the vibrant red blood and the brightly colored glass of a broken window make each shot in the sequence simply exquisite.

There are many more brilliant spots in Suspiria, including use of shadow and the chillingly dramatic music. It is a truly classic film and certainly one I recommend to any person, horror fan or not. If this film is to your liking, you'll be happy to know there are two sequels, Inferno (1980), and La Terza Madre (The Mother of Tears)(2007). Together they make the "Three Mothers" trilogy.

Horror Film of the Week: High Tension

2009-10-12T03:02:00.003-04:00

High Tension

Directed By: Alexandre Aja

Starring: Cecile De France, Maiwenn Le Besco, Philippe Nahon

Year of Release: 2003

Rated: R (Unrated on DVD)

1 hrs. 31 min.

Two college friends, Alex and Marie, travel to the home of Alex's parents for a weekend of heavy studying on the peaceful farm. As the family, including Alex's mother, father, and young brother, and Marie prepare to sleep, a home invasion turns the night upside down.

High Tension is brutish, gory, and bloody good. It has all the gross blood and graphic violence you expect from a true adrenaline-rush-inducing horror film. The way the film toys with the audience, using sound and long drawn out moments, creates suspense so terrifying I was nearly pulling my hair from the roots.

The film opens at what is essentially the end of the story. Marie runs through the woods and emerges onto a road, screaming for help, and we see glimpses of her in the hospital. We are then taken back to the beginning to see what happened to get Marie to the point of the opening scene. It's an interesting choice for sure, opening with the ending. As the audience, we can't help but feel like the filmmakers have read us the last paragraph before actually starting the novel from chapter one. However, the last great twist is much more shocking than you can imagine. You're almost guaranteed to scream, "Are you serious?!" And aren't the plot twists just as important a part of a horror film as the gore itself?

The intensity of the suspense is the real killer...that is, for the audience. The main idea is to scare you through extreme tension, and the filmmakers pull it off beautifully. From the very beginning, the audience is expected to be fraught with tension, because we are immediately thrown into Marie's situation, and we immediately feel the threat without having any establishing information.

The moments without dialogue are the most frightening, because the sound design of these scenes is what makes the story truly terrifying. In one scene, Marie walks outside to have a smoke. She walks around in the dark alone, sitting on a single swing several feet away from the house. There is no dialogue; the scene is eerily silent, save for the creak of the swing and her exhales as she smokes. The camera focuses her in a close up and nothing but darkness lies behind her. The viewer feels a creeping sensation, expecting someone to walk up behind her or for something big to occur. Yet, nothing happens. If the film can make us feel tense in an essentially harmless moment, then how do you think it feels in the moments of real danger?

High Tension is a brilliant horror film; it goes beyond gore and blood and violence into the realm of psychological thriller. The only thing to be aware of before checking out this piece of horror art is that it is a French film: it is dubbed in English. My recommendation is to set the DVD up so that it is in its original format without the dubbing, and set the subtitles. Having to read throughout the film will certainly not take anything from the experience, because, as I've stated previously, the tension is what moves the story, not the dialogue. A part of the performance is lost to the dubbing, so it's best to go with the subtitles when you check out this one.

Rules for Survival, Twinkies, and Bill Murray

2009-10-06T01:26:00.011-04:00

Zombieland

Directed By: Ruben Fleischer

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin

Rated: R

1 hrs. 20 min.

A college student referred to as Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg) narrates as he deals with the zombie apocalypse. His main goal is to make it all the way from Texas to Ohio to see if his parents are still alive. Along the way he meets up with a man called Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson) who is on a mission of his own: to find the last remaining Twinkies in America. On the journey east they meet Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), two con girls who are also on a mission, which is to make it to Pacific Playland amusement park in California, a place rumored to be zombie-free.

This film was a lot of fun. It definitely fits into the same category as Shaun of the Dead as a comedy zombie film (a zom com if you will). The running gag is the voice over narration given by Columbus in which he gives his rules for surviving the zombie apocalypse. At first I thought the voice over was going to get old, as voice overs usually tend to do when used excessively, and it did seem a little bit too much a couple times. For the most part, however, the narration was interesting and entertaining. Columbus is such an amusing character and someone you tend to identify with so easily, despite his tendency to be really awkward. The rules he lists throughout are funny and, to be honest, some pretty good rules that I would be following if I were in the same situation. These survival rules are referred to multiple times each, but I still laughed every time, especially with the rule "Double Tap."

Woody Harrelson is easily the best part of Zombieland. Tallahassee is a crazy guy who lets off steam by smashing the windows on mini vans and celebrates finding a stash of weapons and a Hummer by shooting off guns. Most of the best lines come from him, such as "Thank God for rednecks!" His enthusiasm as he spouts off to Bill Murray (yes, Bill Murray has a cameo) how much he loves him and his movies makes for a great laugh-out-loud scene.

Zombieland is definitely a must see. It's not just a movie for zombie film enthusiasts, its a movie for everyone, although zombie fans will probably enjoy it just a little more since Columbus's rules reference so many zombie film conventions. There are awesome zombie killings including a glimpse at one of the coolest "Zombie Kills of the Week" and the therapeutic crushing of a clown zombie, tons of outrageous lines, and surprisingly touching moments. While younger audiences and/or zombie fans may like it just a little more, anyone can enjoy it.

Grade: A -

Horror Film of the Week: The Omen

2009-10-03T02:28:00.004-04:00

The Omen

Directed By: Richard Donner

Starring: Gregory Peck, Lee Remick

Year of Release: 1976

Rated: R

1 hrs. 41 min.

When the child of US Ambassador Robert Thorn and his wife Katherine is stillborn, Robert reluctantly adopts a baby boy whose mother died in childbirth without telling his wife that the child is not their biological son. Years later the family relocates to London and holds a birthday party for the boy, Damien. At the party an incident occurs which sets in motion a series of deaths and odd events which lead Robert to search for the truth behind who Damien really is and where he came from. The truth is more frightening than Robert could ever have imagined.

The Omen is wildly chilling. Nothing is more frightening than a child being a truly powerful force of evil, especially when it is a child you think is your own. Harvey Stephens portrays Damien brilliantly, with his vacant stares and devilish grins. Gregory Peck is just as strong a performer in this film as he is in the literary classic To Kill a Mockingbird. As Robert Thorn, he wonderfully portrays the role of a father torn between the love for a boy he claims as his son and his desire to find the evil truth of that boy's existence.

The film has so many seemingly beautiful aspects. The Oscar-winning score is the perfect tool, causing tension and suspense at all the right moments with haunting Latin choral chants. You will get chills every time you hear one of these dark pieces of music. There are also camera shots and editing devices which are compelling and lyrical while still keeping the film in the realm of dark and frightening. In one shot, a single fish bowl falls silently and slowly from a balcony and shatters on the hard floor below. At another moment, a gun goes off and, in slow motion, we watch the bullet leave the gun and float through the air amidst the gunpowder emitted from the shot. Moments such as these two are part of what makes The Omen such a classic; its not just about the scary moments (such as the iconic scene where Damien's nanny hangs herself), its the beautiful cinematography, editing, and acting.

And besides, the name "Damien" is cleverly similar to the word "demon." Is there a better name for an evil child than that? If you are a character in a horror film and you name your child that, you're just asking for trouble.

The Omen is most definitely one of the horror elite. No single person can call himself or herself a true horror fan, or a fan of film in general, without having seen this masterpiece.

Horror Film of the Week: Pet Sematary

2009-09-27T00:26:00.005-04:00

Pet Sematary

Directed By: Mary Lambert

Starring: Dale Midkiff, Denise Crosby, Brad Greenquist, Fred Gwynne

Year of Release: 1989

Rated: R

1 hrs. 43 min.

The Creed family moves to a beautiful house off of a country highway that is frequented by big rigs. A kindly neighbor named Jud (Fred Gwynne) shows the family a pet cemetery in the woods nearby. An accident occurs over the Thanksgiving holiday that is only the beginning of a much larger event.

Right from the beginning the audience is pulled into the film; its eerie opening sequence puts the viewer in the right mood for a horror movie. The camera creeps through the titular cemetery, giving us a peek at each of the tombstones of beloved pets from the past, and it is backed by dark music consisting of children's voices. And what's creepier than children when it comes to horror films?

Pet Sematary is a brilliant masterpiece that is a darkly wonderful comment on the concepts of death, afterlife, and grief. It is able to pull you into more emotions than just fear; you feel sadness, loss, joy, and shock, all in one movie. Plus, there is the added bonus of the presence of Fred "Herman Munster" Gwynne as the kindly neighbor.

Intrigued yet? If not, there are two words that can only make this even better: Stephen. King. The script for Pet Sematary was written by the Master of Horror himself, and was based on his 1983 novel of the same name. There are many reasons why Stephen King has earned his title of Master of Horror, and Pet Sematary is one.

"Spanish 101"

2009-09-26T21:32:00.003-04:00

Community

Starring: Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Chevy Chase

Network: NBC

Thursdays at 9:30pm

"Spanish 101" is the second episode of NBC's new comedy following The Office on Thursday nights.

In this episode, something Britta says to Annie and Shirley inspires them to hold a protest. Pierce tries to win the friendship of Jeff by partnering with him on a Spanish assignment. In the end, Jeff's willingness to accept Pierce may or may not impress Britta, the girl whose affection Jeff is trying to win.

It seemed as though the comedy level dropped a bit from the Pilot episode. While the jokes were not as funny as they were in the premiere, there were definitely some great lines and moments (such as Pierce's toast in which he says "To the powerage of words," and to which Jeff responds, "To the irony of that sentence.").

This time, however, it was The Hangover's Ken Jeong who stole the episode as Señor Chang (apparently also known as "El Tigre Chino"). His over-the-top character created laughs in every scene he inhabited. Hopefully there will be a lot more of Señor Chang in the future.

Grade: B+

"Friday Night Bites"

2009-09-26T17:34:00.004-04:00

The Vampire Diaries

Starring: Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder

Network: The CW

Thursdays at 8pm

The plot thickens in Episode 3 of the CW's new teen vampire drama The Vampire Diaries, "Friday Night Bites."

The episode opens the morning after Caroline's rough night with Stefan's older brother Damon. And he won't let her leave just yet. Later on at school, Elena convinces Stefan to try out for the football team despite the fact that the coach is the history teacher who now hates his guts for showing him up in class, and despite the fact that a couple of the players already don't like him (including Elena's ex). Elena tries to rejoin the cheerleading squad and finds it harder to adjust than she imagined, and Bonnie's witchy senses are tingling about Stefan. All of this plus Damon starts to move in on Elena, while Stefan tries to convince himself there's still humanity left in his brother.

The acting has improved ever so slightly in the third episode. There is still something a little lacking with some of the dialogue, but I blame that more on the writers than anyone else. This episode also packed a little less cheese than its two predecessors; cheese is still abounds in the smallest amounts however, because after all, its a CW show and they tend to be a little overdramatic sometimes.

Bonnie and Elena are finally starting to figure out there's more to the Salvatore brothers than people think. It's only a matter of time before the weird occurances catch up to them and the girls figure out what the guys really are. And with another death in town on game night, I'd say it isn't long before people start pointing their fingers at Stefan and Damon.

As for the "diaries" part of "Vampire Diaries," the show isn't going overboard with Stefan and Elena's diary voice overs. We get an entry or two in each episode so far, and it's just the right amount. If they were constantly reading us entry after entry it would get old, but the writers are giving the audience just the right amount to still be able to call it "The Vampire Diaries."

I'm definitely sticking around for episode 4.

Grade: B+

Horror Film of the Week: The Evil Dead

2009-09-19T01:16:00.006-04:00

The Evil Dead

Directed By: Sam Raimi

Starring: Bruce Campbell, Ellen Sandweiss, Hal Delrich, Betsy Baker, Sarah York

Year of Release: 1981

Rated: NC-17

1 hrs. 25 min.

In this classic horror film from the now renowned filmmaker Sam Raimi, five friends travel to a cabin in the woods. Upon exploring the cabin their first night they come across a Book of the Dead and a recording of a man's research and readings of demonic incantations. Upon playing the recordings they unwittingly release an evil in the woods. One by one the characters are possessed and become zombies. Will any of them make it to see the sun rise?

The Evil Dead has everything you expect from your classic horror movie: lots of blood, gore, cheesiness. Despite being a non-Hollywood chillfest, the film, like any great classic, has many a great scare and thrill in it, from a brutal attack on one girl by the trees and roots in the forest to the iconic scene in which a possessed zombie girl stabs her friend in the ankle with a pencil.

The film went on to spawn two sequels, Evil Dead II and Army of Darkness, a stage musical, and a comic book series. There is even a fourth film in the works. Hey, if Bruce Campbell returns in the fourth film, then that is also sure to be a classic as well.

This is one film that is not just a must see for the film buffs and horror aficianados. Anyone and everyone should see The Evil Dead, but be prepared for the occasional cheesy moment and bad acting. But isn't that what makes so many of our favorite horror films so classic?

Pop Culture References, Asperger's, and Chevy Chase

2009-09-17T22:00:00.008-04:00

Community

Starring: Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Chevy Chase

Network: NBC

Thursdays at 9:30pm

Tonight the Pilot for NBC's new comedy Community premiered after the season premiere of The Office.

We open on a bright sunny day, students are milling around, and things look like your typical college campus. Then the clock tower we think we hear is revealed to be a boom box accompanying a fumbling Community College Dean at a podium, who then gives one of the worst speech since "I did not have sexual relations with that woman."

Enter Joel McHale as Jeff Winger, new student at this fine school. His main objectives this episode? Get answers to all the tests he will be taking this semester and get a date with the hot girl from Spanish class. Sounds like your average high schooler, actually.

While all this may sound cliche, its actually a rather refreshing show. The humor was pretty good, with the occasional corny lines and immaturity, such as when students Pierce and Troy giggle over the pronunciation of the word "Asperger's." There were plenty of pop culture references all the way from Bill Murray to the Breakfast Club (including a dedication at the end to John Hughes, gotta give props for that). And as an added bonus, you get Chevy Chase as the creepy old guy student.

Joel McHale seems to be able to carry off the job of being the one under the spotlight for the show as well, with sarcastic quips and jokes as good as the ones he makes about reality tv on The Soup. I'm half expecting a few jibes at Ryan Seacrest this season.

All in all, a great start and a good choice to follow NBC titan The Office.

Grade: A-

"The Night of the Comet"

2009-09-17T20:57:00.000-04:00

The Vampire Diaries

Starring: Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder

Network: The CW

Thursdays at 8pm

Tonight was Episode 2 of the CW's new attempt at the vampire genre The Vampire Diaries, "The Night of the Comet."

This time there was a small improvement on the acting from the pilot episode. I actually believed the characters this time, minus any scene with Ian Somerhalder as Damon. He's trying too hard to be the bad guy and everyone else is too stupid to realize how extremely creepy Damon really is.

There was no less cheese than there was in the pilot. There was still mist, crows, and bad lines. But that's the epitome of CW television shows, so should we expect any less?

That being said I find myself oddly addicted to this less than spectacular series. I'll be tuning in next time.

Grade: B+

More Vampires, Rolling Fog, and ...Another Hit for the CW?

2009-09-10T22:22:00.000-04:00

The Vampire Diaries

Starring: Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder

Network: The CW

Thursdays at 8pm

Tonight was the premiere of the CW's new vampire drama The Vampire Diaries, based on a book series by L.J. Smith.

Elena returns to school after losing both her parents in May. Now her brother's dealing drugs, her friend thinks she's turned psychic (has she really? it's quite possible...), and her ex-boyfriend is apparently still pining for her.

Enter the new (hot) guy in school.

But the new guy is more than meets the eye. No, he's not a transformer. Turns out he's a vampire.

There's something else coming into town, as we see two people murdered by a vampire at the get go. Is he the murderer? When another girl is attacked and survives, questions will certainly be raised.

The acting wasn't too bad in this Pilot episode (certainly better than the acting in Twilight, to which the show is already being compared to despite being based on books written previous to the Twilight Saga). And we already know Elena and the new guy Stefan are headed for romance, the question is, "What's the deal with Stefan's brother Damon?" There were certainly some cheesy moments, like the typical thriller movie raven flying around and crowing and the fog rolling in (apparently a product of the vampires in this series).

All in all, I would call the pilot episode mediocre. But since it's the first episode, there's time for it to grow, so we'll just have to see.

Grade: B

Blazing Guns, Tough Guys, and Weird Sort-Of Robot Dancing by That Dexter Guy.

2009-09-10T21:56:00.001-04:00

Gamer

Directed By: Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor

Starring: Gerard Butler, Amber Valletta, Michael C. Hall, Kyra Sedgwick

Rated: R

1 hrs. 35 min.

Death row inmates participate in a live action video game. 30 games and they are free. Guess who is dangerously close to 30? Kable (Gerard Butler). Not only are they in real life war situations with explosions going off around them and guns a-blazing, but they are controlled, through new neuro-technology developed by Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall), by outside gamers. In Kable's case, its a 17 year old rich kid. Kable wants the kid to cut him free so he can control himself and find his wife and child in the outside world. Is he able to do it?

The plot is engaging (for the most part) and the action is fun. Gamer has everything you expect from your typical action film: tough guy, guns, explosions, car chases, random nudity and sexuality that has nothing to do with the central plot. However, the plot thins out the closer to the end of the film and the ending comes to quickly and easily.

By far one of the best things about this film: Michael C. Hall. He steals the scenes he is in, and plays an amusing villain who you actually like. Plus in one scene he shows off a few moves while controlling some semi-minions in a sort of dancing/fight (no, not in a Jets/Sharks kind of way, don't worry).

So while it isn't the best thinker's film, stuff gets blown up, there's lots of cool action, and Butler is a tough action hero you can actually stand and who you actually hope succeeds in getting what he wants.

Grade: B -

Bear Jews, Re-envisioned History, and Brad Pitt's Mustache.

2009-08-24T20:26:00.001-04:00

Inglourious Basterds

Directed By: Quentin Tarantino

Starring: Brad Pitt, Melanie Laurent, Christoph Waltz, Eli Roth, Diane Kruger

Rated: R

2 hrs. 32 min.

Another hit from Tarantino? Definitely.

Inglorious Basterds has everything you would expect from a Tarantino film, from the music to the slow-mos, down to even the divisions of the story into chapters. Yes, even the quirky humor is there.

Pitt does a phenominal job as the leader of the title outfit whose job is “killing Nazi’s.” Though his Tennessee accent seems rather caricature at times, it still works for the character, who is rather a caricature himself.

The band of “Inglourios Basterds” are a spectacular group of “Nazi Killers,” including a Freek and Geek, a member of The Office, and Eli Roth as a much feared character among the Nazis.

While the actor who plays Hitler himself, Martin Wuttke, and Diane Kruger, as the German actress Bridget Von Hammersmark, play their roles with their own gloriousness (and in Wuttke’s case, with much satire and humor) it’s Waltz as Col. Hans Landa who steals every scene he is in. He succeeds in making Landa a character you hate, right from the get go, and plays the “villian” role to a T.

If you love Tarantino movies, this is a must see. If you love Brad Pitt movies, this is a must see. If you love movies in general, I suggest you head out now and see it. There’s definitely nothing too “inglourious” about it.

Grade: A