The entertainment world has lost so much great talent over the last year. This weekend two talents have been lost to the hollywood stars.
Gary Coleman died on Friday, May 28 after a serious fall at his home in Utah. He was 42 years old. In memory of the Diff'rent Strokes star, the Broadway musical Avenue Q dedicated their May 28 performance to the late actor who is parodied in the play. According to the NY Time, the character will remain in the musical, but the writing will under go some revisions.
On Saturday, May 29 Dennis Hopper died at the age of 74 after a long battle with prostate cancer. Hopper's career spans a wide range of films and television series, as well as writing and directing credits. Dennis Hopper was one of those actors that I loved to watch no matter what role he was playing, and it all began when I was introduced to Easy Rider.
I find it interesting when filmmakers present the "unthinkable" to an audience and we are asked the question of "How far are you willing to go?" Some writers choose to present the unthinkable in horror films like the Saw franchise, some choose to ask the question as a psychological thriller like the German film Das Experiment (USA remake scheduled to hit theaters some time this year), and others present the idea as a social commentary like Unthinkable. But the question still remains -- How far would you go? And who really is the "bad guy" when things get a little out of control?
Unthinkable is a rehashed storyline with modern relevance. Using a recognizable plot, writer Peter Woodward and director Gregor Jordan give us an amazing social commentary. I personally had not thought much about what would happen if a terrorists was truly to hit us at home, and the extent at which our government would go to get the answers needed to keep us safe. Yet if we really were in danger, I don't know how I would feel if the measures taken in this film came to light. I don't know if I would feel ok with "doing whatever is needed to get it done" and watching the cast struggle with their choices and actions make me question what I would do if I had to make a decision of that magnitude.
I will say that I am saddened to see that Unthinkable has not yet, and most likely will never see a large theatrical release as it presents ideas and questions that are relevant for our current time. As this film will be released on DVD June 15, I would highly recommend that you go out to your local Blockbuster or other video rental shop to see if they carry the film and rent it. Even check your local Redbox to see if they will be carrying this psychological thriller that will surely leave you with mixed feelings and something to talk about.
Unthinkable is a film of the time and the cast chosen to portray the characters did an amazing job with such a difficult topic. Of course we have all seen Samuel L. Jackson play some serious badass characters, but his portrayal of 'H' is like no other character he has played before. The choices and actions he is forced to make as he aids the FBI and US government to keep the American people safe are choices that are 100% unthinkable. I do not envy a person who is faced with such choices, and watching his own internal battle to justify his actions makes this character "real". I believe whole heartedly that 'H' is out there somewhere makes these difficult decisions. Along side Jackson, Carrie-Ann Moss (The Matrix) plays Agent Helen Brody who becomes H's moral compass. It is Agent Brody that not only helps H get through the 4 days that the 97 minute film covers, but he looks to her to see how far is too far. None of this would be possible if we did not have an antagonist. The suspected terrorist Younger is played by the amazing English actor Michael Sheen (Frost/Nixon, New Moon and Underworld). The ensemble cast is full of talent and gives you a believable tale of events that are unthinkable.
I give Unthinkable a 4.5 out of 5. Please look for it on June 15 and check it out for yourself. You will not be sorry.
So it may not be the Oscars, but it is one of the funnier nights on cable television. This year's MTV Movie Awards is quickly approaching and the promos are starting to make their way onto the web. Check out the Aziz and Justin Bieber Movie Award promo video below and check back for updates, photos and videos as I will be there working in the backlots of Universal Studios at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.
Tune in on Sunday, June 6 when the show airs with some wild and crazy happenings beginning at 8pm EST for the Red Carpet Pre-show and a 9pm EST LIVE show. You won't believe what the MTV team has planned.
Sunday afternoon I received an email with an invite to the world premiere of Sex and the City 2. I never thought that I would attend a red carpet event like that. It's not about walking the carpet, but more a collective appreciation of talent and crew that leaves me fascinated with the idea of a premiere event. But don't get me wrong, I did walk the line to see if I could see any of the stars were visible from across the street before going in and getting my seat.
Radio City is a beautiful theater and the "red" carpet that lined 51st Street screamed class and elegance that only SatC is able to do for New York City. But no number of props or set dressings could stand beside the class shown by SatC writer Michael Patrick King. It was a privilege to hear him speaking to his peers in the manner he opened the screening. Introducing and thanking those returning to the "Sex family" and those that were just joining. It really felt like a family affair.
The hype and energy from the carpet just did not translate to the big screen. Being an avid fan of the series, catching re-runs at home and re-watching full seasons with my college girlfriends whenever we needed a Big pick-me-up. We were just like every other group of 20-somethings that had become hooked on the series, each trying to figure out who was most like Carrie, Samantha, Miranda or Charlotte. I even got my mom to come with me when the first movie hit theaters. Sex and the City 2 lived up to its name in body, but not in soul.
The sexy ladies of the city give us a familiar glimpse into their city, but they also introduce us to a whole new city. Abu Dhabi is the city they take us in name, but the amazing landscape and vibrant colors belong to Morocco. I loved watching the film from the opening scene with a hip Liza Minnelli that gives a performance that will force today's generation a reason to remember her name. Stanford and Antony's wedding is the highlight of the film, I just wish the energy lasted straight through the entire 146 minute running time. Once the wedding scene is over there is still another two hours remaining that just seem to go from one sex joke to another. Don't get me wrong, it is one of the things that makes Sex and the City such "good Sex", but I felt it took the classic Samantha-ness of the film and just blew it out of proportion. I still find Samantha to be my favorite character in the series, but half way through the film I wanted to beg her to stop.
Sex and the City 2 is a beautiful film to watch in locations and wardrobe. You could not ask for a more fashionable group of ladies and gents or a better ensemble cast, but it left little else for the original fans to enjoy. With a running time that was just too long, and sexual innuendos that had no end in sight, I feel this 'Sex' could have used a little work, just like Carrie's relationships. I still think fans will enjoy the film as these ladies do get better with age, but don't say I didn't warn you about the length.
I give Sex and the City 2 a 3.25 out of 5.
If you'd like to read more about the World Premiere check out my post on Hollywood Crush.
Last night I attended the world premiere of Sex and the City 2. But bigger than that I was given the opportunity to write a blog for MTV's Hollywood Crush page, which was just post. Please check it out.
It is only a few hours away and I am having a hard time sitting at my desk waiting for the days events to play out. Several years ago I was one of the girls outside but tonight will be a different story. I am so excited that I am even in the mood to tease what is about to come.
Just know that after having spent the last 2 years in the city, post growing up Sex in the City, this is bigger than Big.
I have always loved the story of Robin Hood. As a little kid Disney's Robin Hood was one of my favorite movies, and since then, it has been added to my wide array of films that have become staples in my film collection. Robin Hood is one of those characters that seem to captivate young children’s interest and continues to hang on through adulthood., with classics like the 1938 Errol Flynn The Adventures of Robin Hood, the 1991 Kevin Costner Robin Hood: The Prince of Thieves, Mel Brooks' hilarious 1993 Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and Sean Connery's 1976 Robin and Marian, as well as many, many other films based around the heroic outlaw of English folklore and his merry band of men. Robin is a character, who's heart and soul, and passion for the people has inspired generations, so much so, that even today it’s just as significant as an inspiration as it was when the name first appeared in literature, as early as the 13th century. It is a great task that director Ridley Scott and actor Russell Crowe took on, and I'm so happy to report that Robin Hood is a film that stands strong and holds true to the spirit of those films that came before it.
This Robin Hood tells a story from a different perspective than these earlier films. It presents Robin Hood in a darker, smellier and probably one of the most realistic characterization to life styles for his day. I found myself cringing as I watched the battle scenes play out, unable to get the pictures of bodies, blood, mud, and rats out of my mind. Even now, I can distinctively recall specific scenes and it sends chills through my body. But that is not what makes this film so appealing. It is not theBraveheart style battles, and/or the cinematic choices that draw you into the story, or even the history that may have occurred or may be just a myth. It is the collaboration of amazing talent in all the aspects of this film that bring to life a story that was meant to be told.
I'm always impressed with the worlds that director Ridley Scott creates. They are so full of life that it’s impossible not to be pulled right into the story. I loved running through the woods of Sherwood Forest with Robin and his men, and running right to the edge of the cliffs just before battle, the brutality of the warriors with their weapons and skills of archery, and of course the first real implication as to the weight of the armor worn by these historic warriors. This Robin Hood seemed so real that I felt all I needed to do was to reach out and touch him. The men were "real men" and the women showed a strength that is rarely seen outside of ‘The Tudors’. It was the perfect cast of actors to pull off the personalities portrayed in characters that make up this story of Robin Hood.
Eleanor of Aquitaine who is played by Eileen Atkins (ColdMountain) is the perfect 15th century queen, and even though she is not in power during the time portrayed, she is still queen and still voices opinions that her stubborn son needs to hear. Oscar Isaac (The Nativity Story) plays Prince John and is the perfect mix of greed, immaturity, and utter foolishness that keeps true to previous portrayals. Matthew Macfadyen (Grindhouse) plays the Sheriff of Nottingham, and although I would have loved to seen a little more of him, he was the perfect Sheriff. The normally, deliciously evil Danny Huston (Clash of the Titans and30 Day of Night) played King Richard The Lionheart, and although his appearance is a little less than desirable in comparison to previous roles, he is a great king. Mark Strong (Kick-Ass andSherlock Holmes) steals the show in his role as Godfrey. William Hurt (Into the Wild) gives a strong performance as William Marshall, and of course the brilliantly funny Mark Addy (A Knights Tale andThe Full Monty) gives you a witty Friar Tuck who could have been a little more of a drunkard, but I guess we still haven't gotten far enough into the story to see that side of him. But the entire cast is not yet complete.
For me, Robin Hood was not only a great film full of A-list actors and a set of images given to us through the wildly vivid imagination of one of my favorite directors, but it was a film that felt like I was coming home to a group of friends. I know that sounds strange, but as I sat and watched the film I could not believe how many actors that I respect complemented this cast, let alone, have worked together on several previous films and have produced a chemistry that works. It felt like I was watching a group of great friends just hanging out and doing their thing. Cate Blanchett (Lord of the Rings andElizabeth) breathed new life into the role of Maide Marian. She was not just the woman that Robin loves, but she was a strong warrior just like the men of the hood. I never considered that for the character before, at least not to the degree that the talented Cate Blanchett takes the role. I could not get enough of it. But truly it was Robin that sold the film for me. I may not be the biggest Russell Crowe (Gladiator) fan, but this role was meant for him to play. The story of how Robin of the Hood came to be, an untold story, and the courtship of Marian was all I needed. Bring in Little John who is played by Kevin Durand (Lost, Legion andMystery, Alaska) and William Scarlet played by Scott Grimes ("ER" andMystery, Alaska) you have the perfect match for the group of outlaws that gave Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham a run for their money. I loved watching Robin, Will and Little John up on the screen together again. They were the perfect match for the merry men of Nottingham.
Robin Hood is a brilliant mix of history, folklore, and movie magic. So long as you go into the screening keeping an open mind and not expecting the same old story, I guarantee that you will enjoy this film. From the opening sequence through to the final scenes I was on the edge of my seat, running along side Robin and his men, and once the credits started rolling all I wanted was more. There is so much story left to be told that I hope Ridley Scott might consider taking on the next chapter and sharing with us his amazing visions on the story of Robin Hood. I give this film a 4.5 out of 5. The only thing I wanted was for a slightly shorter, stockier man (or for Russell Crowe to have kept a little of his weight) as I remember being told that the real Robin Hood was a Scandinavian man about 4'10" and Little John, being a not so little, was a man of around 7'4". But all in all I loved the film and would highly recommend checking it out this weekend. Another film of Robin Hood that follows some of this same grittiness, of the character that you might want to view as a follow-up to this film is the Sean Connery Robin Hood and Maide Marian which is Robin Hood in his twilight years. FEATURETTE
In the eyes of true love, is there a time limit for how long love lasts? Is there an expiration date on love? What if the timing just wasn't right during that first meeting, what then? How long can love hold on? And who would you ask for help with these questions? Letters to Juliet is a heart warming romantic comedy that takes you on a journey through the Italian countryside in search for a woman's true love.
Letters to Juliet is every chick's perfect flick. The story is cute, the country is beautiful, and there's a hottie with a foreign accent. What girl wouldn't fall head over heels in love and straight into a romanticoma?
Well, even though the story is very enjoyable I struggled with the pacing and length of the film. Keep in mind it follows the story of a woman who waited 50 years to goes back in search of her true love after receiving a letter from secretaries of Juliet telling her "It's never too late!" The film appears to have some difficulty keeping the story moving, but with the help of the beautiful Vanessa Redgrave and the young starlet Amanda Seyfried the story is a fun film for a mother/daughter or grandmother/granddaughter day-out. Personally I would not recommend Letters to Juliet for a date film as the comedic side to this romantic comedy is much lighter than your typical romantic comedy. I did find the chemistry between Amanda Seyfried (HBO's Big Love) and her love interest played by Aussie hottie Christopher Egan (NBC's Kings) to be believable in a very Shakespearean influenced love story with two happy endings.
Letters to Juliet is a breathtakingly beautiful film that will make you want to catch the next flight to Italy, however I found the idea of Juliet's secretaries to be truly the selling point for me. I love the idea that hope and second chances are being spread around the world as letters flood the Secretaries of Juliet in Verona. Yes, this is the romantic in me speaking, but to think that for all the time we girls spend shedding tears over a lover, and the number of pints of Ben and Jerry ice cream consumed after a breakup, the idea that there are women (maybe men too) giving hope and advice, the sympathetic ear on behalf of one of the greatest female heroines in literary history is a remarkable story all on its own. And after a little research not only did I discover that there is a club that actually exists call the Club of Juliet, but I read that leading lady Vanessa Redgrave and real life husband Franco Nero had a similar story of reconnecting many years later and marrying just adds another dimension to the story being told.
Letters to Juliet is a cute film about true love and how it is NEVER too late to go after it, though we now use the internet and have lost the romance and excitement that adds to the romance when waiting for the snail mail to arrive. With a cast full of such strong actors and some Shakespearean flavor this film will make your hear grow just a little. So if you are a mother/grandmother spending some time with your daughter/granddaughter this weekend I would recommend this film. I give Letters to Juliet a 3.5 out of 5.
(A Personal Note: In writing this I also found that event he not famous rekindle their true love, as I discovered while writing this that my very own parents had crushes on each other in high school, but didn't marry until 15 plus years later after they reconnected.)
Yes this is a little different for this blog, but I am sharing Maggie Stiefvater's trailer for her upcoming book Linger. If you are into werewolves, and are interested in YA lit than I high recommend Shiver which is the first in the Wolves of Mercy Falls series. Linger is scheduled to hit book shelves this July.
There is something about comic book movies that just gets my heart pumping. Most likely is it the geek within that is so excited to experience a character come to life and blast off the pages that I have become so used to seeing them appear on. Iron Man 2 however was not one of those films.
In 2008 I stood in line for 6 hours, waiting with baited breathe for Iron Man. I practically ran to the theater opening day just to see the rockin' film. Marvel Studios unveiled a smash hit and put them on the page as a force to be reckoned with in the world of comic films. I was so excited when the first Iron Man 2 trailer hit the cyber world. The hard hitting, action packed trailer had me bouncing in my chair as I could not wait to see the film. I am saddened to say, that Iron Man broke my heart.
This sequel only lives up to the sad reputation that many of the sequels that have come before have earned as not being as good as the original film. Iron Man 2 is a let down as we are stuck suffering through just under 2 hours of an "emo" Iron Man. It takes almost 3/4 of the film before there is any action that comes close to the standards of the sequences seen in the first film. There was little introduction as to who the new players are that if you do not have prior knowledge of the Iron Man characters and stories, some movie goers may forget who the players are and what side they are batting for. But even more than that, I was disappointed that the fight scenes shown of Black Widow (Scarlotte Johansson) and Whiplash (Mickey Rourke) are so quick that they were almost insignificant. For there be so little action throughout the entire film, I at least expected these characters to have more than one, or at least a slightly longer fight sequence to show just how badass these characters are.
Mickey Rourke is one of those actors that just oozes with talent and I love watching him on the big screen. I was so happy to see him playing along side Robert Downey Jr, but the initial introduction during the drag race scene was such a let down that I did not find Whiplash as a character all that believable as far as comic book characters go. And I do not just say that because he is actually a mixture of characters from the comic book. Even Scarlotte Johansson as Black Widow was less effective due to her short amount of screen time. With all of the characters and the increasing number of villians making an appearance all I got out of the action flick was a whiny Tony Stark moping around for the first hour of the film. And making me wait to the last 30 minutes for an actual fight in true Iron Man style is just so wrong. I expected more from you Tony. I expected more from you Marvel Studios. I wanted Iron Man to rock just as hard as the 2008 flick, and you did not give me that.
Iron Man 2 might entertain you. It may leave a slightly sweeter taste in your mouth than it did for me. But in my opinion, the trailer gave away all the highlights from the film and left you with nothing more than scraps on the table. I wish my feelings for this film were the complete opposite, but I am stuck with a feeling of unease as I think as to whether or not I would pay to see this film again. I am still in limbo on the decision as my dad asks me what film we should go see this week. I am tempted to suggest going to Kick-Ass for yet another round, but still wander if just maybe a second chance will change my mind on Iron Man 2. Currently I am stuck. I rate Iron Man 2 a 2 out of 5. So best of luck in your pickings this weekend.
