The Big Screen Bulletin 04.02.07: News That Walks the Walk, and Talks the Talk
Posted by Chad Webb on 04.02.2007
A nightmare on "Spring Break", the box office results, a sequel to "Grindhouse" in the works?, a "Mortal Kombat" reboot, Wahlberg's new projects, new DVD releases, quickees, trailers, and much more!
The Big Screen Bulletin: News That Walks the Walk, and Talks the Talk
Straight to Video Nightmares
National Lampoon's Spring Break
Starring: Nikki Ziering and Bryan Shukoff
Directed By: Donald R. Beck and Jonathan Downs
Release Date: March 13, 2007
Running Time: 70 minutes
Unrated
It's official. National Lampoon has lost all of their marbles, if they had any to begin with. I went into the video store looking for a Direct-to-DVD movie, and decided to avoid Steven Seagal's latest trash because I remembered this was released fairly recently. I didn't read the back cover. I regret that I didn't. I just rented it and thought nothing of what the film was about. I was under the impression that this was the latest corny college comedy starring Nikki Ziering. I was wrong. This does indeed feature Nikki Ziering from American Pie 3, but she is the host, not a character. She takes us to various hot and sexy spring break locations like Las Vegas, Cabo San Lucas, and South Padre Island. Two-thirds of this torturous atrocity is watching college kids getting drunk and partying. Yep, that is it. Now take a harder look at the cover above. I thought this looked like a regular National Lampoon's cover. Don't you? I had no idea that this was only a lame project of watching people get wasted. Perhaps I missed something when I picked this up, but unless you carefully read the back cover, you will be fooled by the contents. I am sure that was National Lampoon's intention. This is best comparable to the Girls Gone Wild series. One day National Lampoon and Girls Gone Wild will merge, and it will be a match made in Heaven, or maybe Hell is more appropriate. It seems like the next course of action for the Lampoon bunch. This proves they don't care at all what their employees approve and distribute for stores. They film a bunch of girls getting naked, and abracadabra, they have a DVD that people will pay money for. This company needs to be shut down…Now.
I can't really write a whole lot about this. I will say that this can (and will) be treated like a normal straight to video nightmare because acting is definitely attempted. Earlier I stated that 2/3's of this agonizing and idiotic abomination is simply viewing drunken college kids. The remaining third follows Brian and Diego, two losers who have a streak of bad luck as they try score dates and have fun during Spring break. It is truly amazing how dreadful such minor performances can be, but these two dorks show us how incredibly dumb the staff at National Lampoon strives to be. In addition, it is evident that Nikki Ziering had scripted lines also. She has lines like "creaming your jeans" and "anything bigger than 9 is too much for me." I kid you not. The outtakes at the end reveal how lucky she was to ever receive any acting jobs. She struggles with sentences that a 2 year old could do in one take. I could do better in my sleep. Toni Petinunas is responsible for the writing. Just so everyone knows that name in the future. I can't imagine a reality where this person gets hired as a screenwriter anywhere else.
Ok, so some of the young ladies featured are attractive, but I do feel sorry for them. This DVD is now out there for the whole world to see, and some of them will be embarrassed at how they are exposed. When we are not watching repetitive, boring, and redundant dancing segments filled with body shots and bad rap music, the kids participate in several games that National Lampoon has set up called the "Greek Games" where guys sport togas. Make no mistake, the trailers on this disc, and this film itself exhibit that National Lampoon desperately want to make another Animal House. Anyway, a poker tournament is held, slip n' slides are laid out, and another contest involves a guy and girl assuming various sexual positions (with clothes on) to break balloons.
A few years ago, I did the whole spring break vacation along with the senior week excitement, but who the hell would want to watch, or dare I say buy, a DVD that shows other people dancing on vacation? Not only is this a complete waste of time, but the directors and editors compiled the footage as if they were just as sloppy drunk as the students. On many occasions the exact same camera shots are shown for no apparent reason. Absolutely no thought or creativity went into this process. I'd be willing to bet the people who made this don't even know what creativity means. I cannot believe I sat through this. Don't worry, I got a lot done around the house, as this did not require me to watch very closely. I plan on visiting the rental store and demanding my money back. I think I deserve it. I probably could have been much crueler towards this dirt, but I can promise this is the last National Lampoon disc I look twice at. If you have the attention span of a gnat, would rather watch people having fun on spring break than do it yourself, and crave ridiculously gratuitous nudity, this is the DVD for you. Everyone else, when you walk through the video store you can talk about how I'm the only person on Earth who spent time on this.
Final Rating = 0.0/10.0
The News Bulletin
Blades Gets All the Glory
Will Ferrell skated past his competitors to take the gold medal at the North American boxoffice with his new comedy "Blades of Glory," according to estimates released Sunday. "Blades" sold $33 million worth of tickets since opening Friday. The three-day sum beat the most optimistic forecasts by $3 million, said the film's distributor, Paramount Pictures. The opening ranked as Ferrell's second-best, behind last summer's equally absurdist sporting romp "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," which raced to $47 million during its first weekend. Ferrell and Jon Heder ("Napoleon Dynamite") play the world's first competitive male pairs figure skaters in an irreverent comedy that enjoyed widespread critical acclaim -- an increasing rarity for box office champs these days. Paramount is a unit of Viacom Inc., and the film was produced by its corporate siblings DreamWorks and MTV Films. Also new on the boxoffice chart was Walt Disney Co.'s animated comedy "Meet the Robinsons," which opened at No. 2 with $25.1 million, roughly in line with relatively modest expectations. The film was extensively reworked by John Lasseter, who took charge of Disney's struggling animation operations last year, after Disney bought the cartoon powerhouse Pixar Animation Studios, where he was the creative chief behind blockbusters like "Finding Nemo" and "The Incredibles."
I guess I should have seen Will Ferrell coming out on top, but I thought maybe Disney would prevail anyway. It got second so I was close at least. Elsewhere, 300 is still going really strong with a gross of $180 million, and TMNT takes a big drop to #4. Amazingly, Wild Hogs continues to pull in cash at #5 with $135 million in total now. Many of the releases from last week are holding up the rest of the top 10, and I am pleased to see that the superb Reign Over Me is hanging in there at #10. Next week is very interesting. Two family films come out (Are We Done Yet?, Firehouse Dog), as well as The Reaping, a horror thriller. I am going out on a limb and voting for Grindhouse even though it is Rated R and 3 hours long. I am hoping Tarantino and Rodriguez do well at the box office.
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Back to the "Grindhouse"?
Remember a few months back when Quentin Tarantino announced that he'd like to shoot an old-school Kung Fu movie, complete with Mandarin subtitles, sometime? Well, seems that sometime will be sooner rather than later – soon in Tarantino terms usually means between two and three years – and it'll be released under the label "Grindhouse 2". A stand-alone Tarantino feature is something he could procrastinate over for years – I mean, where's the long-planned "Inglorious Bastards" and "The Vega Brothers"?, Yep, still just titles on a blank Final Draft document me thinks – while a "Grindhouse" sequel could be on the cards as early as next year; especially if the Weinstein's make a pretty penny on this first installment.
Yep, before the international media have all been shown the first film – a two-part B-flick orgasm co-directed by Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez – the funky filmmaker and his Texan pal are already talking sequel. For his half of the next film, Tarantino says he'd like to the abovementioned Mandarin Kung-Fu film. This "Grindhouse" sequel will be totally separate from the spin-off film that the guys also have planned – the one that will feature on Danny Trejo's "Machete" character (from the faux trailer within the film). Meantime, Variety reminds us that "Grindhouse" will be split into two separate films for non-English-speaking markets. Tarantino said he's working on a longer version of his "Death Proof" segment that looks to be headed to the Croisette.
Given Tarantino's Cannes history, it's possible "Death Proof" could land a competition slot at fest's 60th edition this year. He won Cannes' top prize in 1994 with "Pulp Fiction." "Reservoir Dogs" (1992) and "Kill Bill: Vol. 2" (2004) were shown out of competition, and he served as president of the jury in 2004. "He could do a two-hour version of it if he wanted," said Eli Roth, who directed one of the fake trailers featured in "Grindhouse" and also played the role of libidinous cad Dov in "Death Proof." "Monday was the first time he saw it with an audience, and it played really well, so I honestly don't know how Quentin is going to feel."
Now this isn't really a sequel in every sense of the word, but what I have always liked about Tarantino is that he usually doesn't do them (unless you count Kill Bill Vol. 2). If anyone can make a kick ass old school kung fu movie, it's Tarantino, who supposedly has an outstanding collection at home. What bothers me is that I want to see Inglorious Bastards before I die. It is such an intriguing sounding premise (click here to read), but it has been sitting on the Tarantino sidelines for years now. I am totally against The Vega Brothers idea btw. These double feature ideas are right up my alley, but before he goes crazy with sequels, I hope he decides on a project by himself. On a side note, a "Machete" spin-off sounds great.
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Wahlberg's New Projects
M. Night Shyamalan has cast his leading man for his next movie, a thriller entitled "The Happening." Oscar nominee Mark Wahlberg will star in the Fox pic, which will film in Philadelphia this August. Wahlberg will play Elliot Moore in a story about a family on the run from an apocalyptic threat to humanity. Shyamalan wrote the original screenplay, and produces with Sam Mercer and Barry Mendel. "Mark has a unique blend of charisma, humanity, authenticity and skillfulness as an actor," Shyamalan said in a statement. "All of which coalesced at this moment in his career, making him the perfect person to take on the role of Eliot Moore, the science teacher at the center of this event." The "Lady in the Water" helmer sealed a spec deal earlier this month for "The Happening." The film will be co-financed by Fox and Indian company UTV. Fox is distributing the film worldwide, except in India, where UTV will handle its release. Fox will open the film on June 13, 2008 -- that's right, Friday the 13th. Wahlberg will likely next shoot "The Fighter", co-starring Matt Damon and directed by Darren Aronofsky, provided all parties approve Paul Attanasio's rewrite.
Generally, I support all of Mr. Wahlberg's upcoming projects. He usually chooses great sounding scripts, but I hope he is aware of the gamble he is making with his career by joining up with Shyamalan. Shyamalan's films have gradually become worse, and Wahlberg is capable of continuing to rise, but if this fails, like The Village and Lady in the Water did, it could only be bad for Marky Mark. Shyamalan has another hit somewhere inside of him, but I don't know if we'll ever see it in our lifetimes. As for The Fighter, Damon and Wahlberg teaming up again with Darren Aronofsky should be spectacular. I think Scorsese was pondering this one, but Aronofsky is a fine selection also. Aronofsky directing a boxing movie? It should be interesting.
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The Return of "Mortal Kombat" to the Big Screen
It seems you can forget about seeing "Mortal Kombat III." Instead, the whole franchise will reportedly be getting the reboot treatment, a la "Casino Royale" and "Batman Begins." "The movie is not going to be a prequel, sequel, or in any form be related to the previous 2 movies. Pretty much like "Batman Begins", is going to restart the series with new concepts, stories, etc.," a scooper informed Moviehole.net. The report adds, "The reason it is taking so long is the script, so many parts are involved. The team at Threshold (the ones that holds the right to MK) are constantly writing drafts (along with the director), which they have to send to Midway (makers of the game) so the creator of the game (Ed Boon) adds notes and some input to the draft, then to the studio (rumored to be Lionsgate at this moment)."
Moviehole also points out that the film's director, Mink, has apparently been posting comments about the long-awaited project over at the IMDB.com message boards. In his post, Mink revealed, "Casting adjourned for the moment before we got that far. As I have said in other posts we went back to the script after the initial movement on the project and have been rewriting (per the parties involved Threshold, Studio, Midway) since so no additional casting thoughts and or processes were even continued. As soon as the script is done we will proceed with casting again and all options in all casting areas are still on the table 100%." The helmer reportedly confirmed that he has approached "MK" vets Christopher Lambert and Robin Shou about the film.
I see they have compared this reboot plan to Batman Begins. What separates that successful reboot from this one is that they didn't cast anyone from the previous Batman offerings. This says that they want Christopher Lambert and Robin Shou. Those two did not really carry the original Mortal Kombat disasters. They contributed to the suckage in my mind. I realize the first one made money, but why bother re-doing a concept if you aren't going to start entirely from scratch? Note to Lionsgate: Don't bother trying Mortal Kombat again. No one cares. It was a bad idea then, and it is even worse now that the game's popularity has diminished. I'm not sure what to think seeing as how some of this info is coming from the IMDB message boards. Please don't torture us with another piece of trash!
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Details on Sandler's Newest Comedies
Adam Sandler, fresh off his more serious turn in "Reign Over Me", is getting back in touch with his goofy side for his next two projects. Sandler next toplines the Sony comedy, "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry", which hits theaters in July from director Dennis Dugan. The story follows two straight firefighters from Brooklyn who pretend to be gay so they can get domestic partner benefits. Now, the Hollywood Reporter tips that Dugan, who has worked with Sandler before on "Happy Gilmore", and "Big Daddy", will reteam with him for the forthcoming Happy Madison comedy, "You Don't Mess With the Zohan", for Columbia Pictures. The film, "THR" says, centers on a Mossad agent (Sandler) who fakes his death so he can move to New York and become a hairstylist. Nice. Sandler co-wrote the script with Judd Apatow and Robert Smigel. Sandler pal Rob Schneider will reportedly play an East Yistannen taxi driver in the comedy. Zohan is expected to start shooting this summer in Los Angeles and New York with an eye towards a 2008 release.
I love when Sandler does comedies, but I keep waiting for him to land a serious role so damn good that he proves every one of his haters wrong. From the looks of this news bit, that will not occur anytime soon, unless he receives some Oscar recognition for his stellar work in Reign Over Me next year. I doubt that would happen. I think I've heard of this Chuck and Larry storyline before. Both of these projects sound funny, but it remains to be seen how well they turn out. Sandler usually is great for laughs, but I just think he should display his versatility more often.
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Jesus Christ: The Teenage Years?
It was pretty big news when Anne Rice, author of "Interview with a Vampire" and countless other gothic-themed novels, wrote "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt", a story about the childhood years of Jesus. Now the best-selling tome is headed to the big screen, and a casting search is on for the boy who will play the young messiah in the film. No talent is attached to the project at this time, but announcements are expected in the coming months. The production is being staged by a company called Good News Holdings, backed by Christian church researcher and author George Barna. It remains to be seen whether the production will be a legitimately artistic venture, a la Mel's Passion, or a strictly subcultural cheesefest like the Kirk Cameron-led "Left Behind."
The movie will film on location in Israel this October. David Kirkpatrick, co-founder of Good News Holdings said, "It was always important to Anne Rice that we make every effort to be authentic to the cultural context in which Jesus grew up. We felt the best way to match her exhaustive background research on Jesus' life and times was by shooting the film in Israel." "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt" tells the story of Jesus Christ at age seven as he and his family depart Egypt to return home to Nazareth. Told from his childhood perspective, it follows young Jesus as he grows into his religious identity. The production company hopes to have the film in theaters in Fall 2008.
I always wanted to read this book because I have heard some positive things about it, but I have never had the chance. Maybe this news will propel me finally get the book. I certainly hope that whoever becomes attached to direct this decides on approaching it like The Passion of the Christ, and not The Nativity Story. It would make a huge difference. If they want to make that release date, they need to get the ball rolling rather quickly though. To me, this could really be something special if the right talent signs on with a suitable filmmaker. Obviously we can't expect Mel Gibson or Martin Scorsese (The Last Temptation of the Christ) to accept this, but hopefully the studio has their eyes on someone decent. If they play things too safe just to avoid complaints, it isn't even worth our time.
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Snyder Digs For Zombies
Zack Snyder ("300") and Warners are re-teaming on are on zombie action-thriller "Army of the Dead," based on an original story by Snyder. He's producing with wife Deborah Snyder (aaaaah, isn't that nice) through their recently launched shingle, Cruel & Unusual Films, based at Warners, says Variety. Snyder and Warner have set Joby Harold, who penned the upcoming "Awake" for the Weinstein Co., to pen the script for "Army." Set in a quarantined Las Vegas in the not-too-distant future, "Army" revolves around a father who tries to save his daughter from imminent death in a zombie-infested world. "I feel like there hasn't been a zombie movie on the scale that we want to do it," Snyder said from the Bahamas, where he is shooting a commercial. He said it's too early to say how "Army" will be shot -- "300" was filmed entirely in front of a green screen -- but that the project is likely to borrow some of the same techniques.
Shouldn't it be a law that any zombie title containing the words "of the dead" can only be used by George A. Romero? Honestly, this storyline doesn't really sound all that terrific. If Romero was doing it I would say otherwise, but he is busy with his Diary of the Dead film. I understand that Snyder is extremely popular right now, but I think he should leave the zombies alone for the time being. The fact is, we have 28 Weeks Later and Romero's project in the future. That is enough. Yes, his Dawn of the Dead remake was ok, but I still don't care for this proposal. Now that I've seen 300, it would most beneficial for him if he stuck with graphic novel adaptations. He has Watchmen coming out, and if that is good, he will be golden in Hollywood, and with the fanboy nation.
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The Worst of the Worst
With the "Dallas" and "I Dream of Jeannie" films deferred, Columbia has spotted a windowpane of opportunity to get another ‘TV show cum film' off the ground. The Culver City gang have locked in Bernie Mac and Nick Cannon to star in a big-screen version of the classic TV sitcom "Sanford and Son". The film version – again fixing on the misadventures of a cantankerous junk dealer and his frustrated son – has been in development for a few years now actually. It's been playing musical chairs with several studios – ultimately landing at Sony. No word on when this'll get up, nor who's brave enough to direct it (surely Dennis Dugan's available?) – but that's the word on the littery streets.
Oh my how excruciatingly awful does this sound? I saw this, and knew I had to write about it. When is Hollywood going to learn that these television show adaptations are so horrible and painful to endure? If moviegoers would stop paying money to see them, maybe the trend would cease. This will not happen unfortunately. Can you imagine Bernie Mac and Nick Cannon in this? Talk about casting the two worst possible actors for these parts. I am just amazed at how bad this is shaping up to be. It blows my mind.
The 20 Second Sermon
A remake of Sam Peckinpah's Straw Dogs is in the works. This is a joke. No one will ever be able to recreate that unforgettably disturbing rape scene the way Peckinpah did. So Johnny Depp and Antonio Banderas are rumored for Sin City 3. This would be fabulous, but we need to see Sin City 2 first. National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets is shaping up to be better than expected as Helen Mirren and Ed Harris have probably joined the cast. This would be interesting. Even though Wild Hogs did excellent numbers, John Travolta has not agreed to an inevitable sequel yet. I'm proud of him. Hopefully his schedule fills up so he can't do it. I am very pleased to see Ray Winstone joining Indiana Jones 4. He is fantastic and underrated.
What's Coming to DVD….Buy or Avoid?
DVD Headline of the Week
The Good Shepherd - Well this was on my top 10 movies of the year, and it is without a doubt the film I would want everyone to see this week. Buy
Charlotte's Web - I was torn on whether or not to buy this, but take one look at all the extras. This is loaded, so it is worth shopping for. Buy
Twin Peaks – The Second Season - At long last the second season gets released on DVD. I don't remember much of the second season, so I can't say if it's any good or not.
Entourage – Season Three, Part 1 - I love this show, and I have not seen this season yet, but I will definitely be picking this up. You should too.
Volver - Director Pedro Almodovar has a lot of fans, but I am not one of them. I thought this was way overrated, and not near as compelling as it could have been. Avoid
Black Christmas - In the middle of the December rush, this was not on my list of films to see. It is a remake that was unnecessary. That is all.
Bedazzled (1967) - I liked this Stanley Donen original, and I liked the remake with Brendan Fraser. At a low price, this is a nice purchase it I think. Buy
Copying Beethoven - This was a limited release movie that got mixed reviews so I didn't make time to see it. I will look more into it and decide if it's worth renting.
Godzilla Raids Again - I am a huge monster movie fan. I had the Godzilla doll as a child. I am excited that these movies are being re-released, but would buy the next one before this. Avoid
Mothra vs. Godzilla - This is where they start to get B-movie goofy, but some are quite fun. This is one of them. Buy
Reign Over Me - Give Adam Sandler a chance. This is a terrific film. For all my thoughts, read my full review by clicking here.
Shooter - It all comes down to how much you like Mark Wahlberg. I enjoy most of his films, so I thought this action thriller worked well because of his charisma and natural talent in basically any role. He was believable as Vincent Papale in Invincible, great in The Departed, and he's entertaining here. Wahlberg is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors as he has delivered multiple solid roles lately. Based on Stephen Hunter's novel Point of Impact, Shooter was directed by Antoine Fuqua, who knows how to keep audiences on the edge of their seat. Because I'm a guy, what I remember most is Kate Mara's see through tank top. Very nice. Anyway, the cast is all fine with Danny Glover, Michael Pena, Ned Beatty, and Rhona Mitra supplying some satisfactory performances. Wahlberg plays a character that viewers will find it is easy to connect. This is a movie my Dad would like, and that says something. I did notice some subtle political messages contained, but they are not overly profound. This is an intense, vigorous, adrenaline rush of an action movie. It is not perfect, but no one should have expected that. It works because of Wahlberg. Many other actors try to be action stars these days, but ultimately fail. This is the type of flick to pick up at Wal-Mart when it becomes $10. Final Rating = 8.0/10.0
TMNT - The turtles are back, but is it a happy return? To read all about the #1 movie, click on my review right here.
The Hills Have Eyes 2 - I thought the last movie, the Alexander Aja remake was very well handled. It was far from a masterpiece, but I appreciated his effort and directing style. This sequel was helmed by newcomer Martin Weisz, and he went for body count, quantity of blood, and that's about it. This movie was bad, but it didn't have to be. Aja took the time to examine the abandoned area these creatures were living in. Another aspect that made the last film average was that the family was pleasant, and actually worth watching. This group of military dorks in training are tremendously irritating. I remember one scene that was about to be very moving. It displayed one soldier accidentally shooting his superior officer due to the cannibals playing games. They have to move the wounded officer, so they gradually ease him down a mountain with the soldier that shot him. The soldier must face the man he killed. This could have been compelling, but the rope is cut, and both men drop to a gruesome death quickly. The whole movie runs this way. Spurts of potential that lead to nowhere. The audience does not get to know these evil psychos at all. We just watch them rape, torture, and kill. On top of the mundane plot, the dialogue is horrible beyond your wildest nightmares. One character has a line "shitman the barabarian!" after a man surfaces after being buried in a toilet. This was just bad, not the worst thing I have ever seen, but nothing that is worth anyone's time. Final Rating = 4.0/10.0
The Last Mimzy - I heard this was an exact replica of E.T.. I really had no interest in this, but after I read that, I really didn't care at all.
Pride - Unfortunately I only have so much time in the week, but judging by the 2.0 rating on IMDB, I don't think I missed much.
Movievision Weekly
Monday Man on Fire - Denzel Washington, Dakota Fanning, and Director Tony Scott join forces in this clumsy thriller. I want to give this a recommendation, but the headache inducing visual tricks, combined with some preposterous sequences made me just barely dislike this. If you do want to watch this, you can see it on FX at 8pm. **1/2
Forrest Gump - People say this movie hasn't aged well, and I think those people are dead wrong. This is a masterpiece that I never grow tired of revisiting. Tom Hanks is the man, and this is one of the many roles he proved it in. To catch Director Robert Zemeckis's lovely classic, tune your dial to TNT at 8pm. ****
Tuesday Next Friday - Before Ice Cube only chose dreadful parts, he had this franchise going. This sequel was funny enough that I would watch it again. It wasn't a great comedy by any means, but they did ok without Chris Tucker. The "bootleg snacks" line is still terrific. This will air on BET at 8pm. ***
Arachnophobia - This movie is still scary as hell if you ask me. The horror movies with plots that feel terrifyingly real are the ones I prefer, and this remains fantastic in my book. Jeff Daniels and John Goodman star. This will be on ENCORE at 8pm. ***1/2
Wednesday Open Range - Kevin Costner's gorgeous western is a forgotten treasure if there ever was one. Robert Duvall, Kevin Costner, Annette Benning, and Michael Gambon are wonderful, and I was mesmerized throughout the whole film. You can see this on AMC at 8pm. ***1/2
Spawn - This is one film I enjoyed when I first saw it, but looking back I think I made a mistake. Michael Jai White stars as Todd McFarlane's character, and this is semi-exciting, but the plot never really gets off the ground. Director Mark A.Z. Dippe makes a commendable effort, but executed nothing that will last. This is on FX at 8pm. **1/2
Thursday The Sentinel - Your might recall this political thriller starring Michael Douglas and Kiefer Sutherland. This was a standard, yet engaging ride from start to finish, and due to admirable performances from Douglas and Sutherland, I was not disappointed. This is definitely not worth buying, but go ahead and watch if it you have time. It is on Cinemax at 6:30 pm. ***
Escape from Alcatraz - I was always fascinated by this island prison, but this movie from Don Siegel is still a classic. Clint Eastwood is marvelous in the lead role, and the ending was totally accurate and thought provoking. I highly recommend this if you haven't seen it. This is on AMC at 11pm. That's a bit late, but it's worth it. ****
Movie Dictionary: Word of the Week
Method Acting - Method acting is an acting technique in which actors try to replicate in real life the emotional conditions under which the character operates, in an effort to create a life-like, realistic performance. "The Method" typically refers to the generic practice of actors drawing on their own emotions, memories, and experiences to influence their portrayals of characters.
Mainly an American school, "The Method" was popularized by Lee Strasberg at The Actors Studio and the Group Theatre, in New York City in the 1940s and 50s. It was derived from "the Stanislavski System", after Konstantin Stanislavski, who pioneered similar ideas in his quest for "theatrical truth." This was done through friendships with Russia's leading actors, as well as his teachings, writings, and acting at the Moscow Art Theater (founded in 1897).
Strasberg's students included many of America's most famous actors of the 20th century, including Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, Al Pacino, James Dean, Dustin Hoffman, Marilyn Monroe, Robert De Niro, and many others.
Method acting is apparented to and was influenced by the Stanislavski System, an acting technique introduced by Konstantin Stanislavski in which the actor analyses deeply the motivations and emotions of the character in order to personify him with psychological realism and emotional authenticity. However, using the Method, an actor will recall emotions or reactions from his or her own life and uses them to identify with the character being portrayed.
Some consider method acting difficult to teach. Partially this is because of a common misconception that there is a single "method." "The Method" (versus "the method" with a lowercase m) usually refers to Lee Strasberg's teachings, but really no one method has been laid down. Stanislavski himself changed his System constantly and dramatically over the course of his career. This plurality and ambiguity can make it hard to teach a single method. It is also partially because sometimes method acting is characterized by outsiders as lacking in any specific or technical approach to acting, while the abundance of training schools, syllabi, and years spent learning contradict this. In general, however, method acting combines a careful consideration of the psychological motives of the character, and some sort of personal identification with, and possibly the reproduction of the character's emotional state in a realistic way. It usually forms an antithesis to clichéd, unrealistic, so-called "rubber stamp" or indicated acting. Mostly, however, the surmising done about the character and the elusive, capricious or sensitive nature of emotions combine to make method acting difficult to teach.
Based on the Trailer…
Oceans 13 - This is the second trailer for this final installment. It still looks pretty good, but I have some doubts now. I'm hoping this is just as fun as the previous two, but also has some twists and surprises. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry - Boy does this look bad. I am sorry to say that, but I will only be seeing this because of Jessica Biel in her underwear. That is worth the price of admission. Otherwise this is the regular Sandler hijincks. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End - This looks awesome! This is a damn good trailer. It had just enough humor and action to get me excited. Johnny Depp's lines are fabulous, and the CGI looks great! Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
Stardust - With an all-star cast, this looks extremely bizarre. I'm not sure what I think yet, especially with Michelle Pfeiffer playing some ugly looking witch. It actually looks pretty bad after one viewing. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Next - Sporting a Tom Hanks Da Vinci Code hairdo, Cage leads Julianne Moore and Jessica Biel in this movie that actually looks really promising. I am a big fan of Cage, but Lee Tamahori is not the most revered filmmaker. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
Underdog - Jason Lee sounds funny as the voice of this dog, but the preview does not catch my fancy. I hope it isn't as awful as it appears. This and Firehouse Dog will not cause the dog genre to make a comeback I think. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Georgia Rule - Lohan might be a pain in the ass, but her choice of movies is usually intriguing. This could be worthwhile, you never know. Jane Fonda and Felicity Huffman are in it. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
Lucky You- Eric Bana and Drew Barrymore would make a delightful duo with Robert Duvall in the background. This should be average. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Nancy Drew - This new movie is based on the books in some way I guess. It seems molded to fit the teeny bopper audience. I am not impressed. Trailer Rating = 5.5/10.0
Pathfinder - Call me crazy, but this looks laughably bad. The trailer just irritates me. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
Surfs Up! - Well, it's about penguins so we know it will get nominated and probably win the Oscar if it's half good. I am sick of penguins. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
The Condemned - Wow, a WWE films release that has an intriguing concept. I'm actually looking forward to seeing this. You never know, it might be good in that B-movie way. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Vacancy - This Luke Wilson thriller looks like it could be really bad, or at best a 3 star movie. We'll see. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
The Reaping - Hilary Swank's new supernatural flick about the destruction of a small town due to plagues. Ehh, this looks stupid. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Resident Evil: Extinction - This was an average teaser trailer. I'm still not sure how this will turn out though. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Talk to Me - Don Cheadle as a risky radio jockey. This looks to have potential, but it's not the role Cheadle is capable of shining most in. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
Mr. Brooks - Any movie with Kevin Costner in it catches my interest. This thriller looks like it might be worthwhile with William Hurt and Demi Moore, but Dane Cook in a serious role? Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Are We Done Yet? - Ice Cune is better than this. He needs to pick some films that don't look horrible. I have no reason to see this. Trailer Rating = 4.0/10.0
Balls of Fury - A new comedy with Christopher Walken. Some parts made me laugh, but overall I thought this looked dumb. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
The Invisible - This will likely be a film that relies on some big twisty ending. It doesn't look all that great, plus I have seen this trailer too many times. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
The Kingdom - If Chris Cooper is involved, I'm there. Oh yeah, Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner are in this Iraqui actioner too. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Meet the Robinsons - I've seen this trailer quite a few times now, and the dinosaur scene still makes me laugh. Otherwise, this looks like a dumb CGI offering. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
Perfect Stranger - A thriller with Halle Berry and Bruce Willis. They are not a good combo. I am not that impressed with this. My bet is that Giovanni Ribisi's character is behind it. Trailer Rating = 5.5/10.0
Bee Movie - This is the second trailer. It is much funnier. I can't wait to see this. It's not made by Pixar, yet it still looks good. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
Knocked Up - This actually looks hilarious with a couple former Freaks and Geeks stars combined with 40 Year Old Virgin director Judd Apatow. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Fracture - A mystery thriller with Ryan Gosling and Anthony Hopkins. Ehhh, it's too early to tell how good I feel about it. The trailer showed nothing new. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Delta Farce - This looks incredibly dumb. I don't think Larry the Cable Guy is as funny as everyone says. Trailer Rating = 3.0/10.0
Sunshine - This new film by Danny Boyle looks outstanding. I can't wait to see it. We could use some good sci-fi. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
Oceans 13 - This looks wonderfully slick and edgy. I can't wait for it. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Shrek the Third - This will make so much money, and rightfully so. It looks fantastic. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Live Free or Die Hard - This third sequel to the successful franchise does not look overly terrible. Maybe it will be shockingly good. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
The Simpsons Movie - I am not the biggest Simpsons fan, but this trailer is hilarious. Maybe this movie won't be all that terrible. Trailer Rating = 8.0/1.0
Hostel: Part II - If you have read my material for the past 10 months, you know how I feel about this. The first one sucked, and this one will also. Trailer Rating = 3.0/10.0
Evan Almighty - This sequel doesn't have strong plot. Evan is told to build and ark. Dumb, but Carrell is still funny. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Hot Fuzz - This is the new film from the Shaun of the Dead group. It looks very funny. I'm looking forward to it. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Grindhouse - The unique offering from Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez will most likely rock, but the trailer makes it look quite bizarre. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Spiderman 3 - Despite my dislike of the second one, this newer trailer is friggin awesome. I'll admit, I'm looking forward to this greatly. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Other Stuff to Read
411 March Roundtable - This month Matt Craggs gathers the readers thoughts on the March releases in the roundtable!
Fact or Fiction - Ben Piper gathers the thoughts of Al Norton and Bryan Kristopowitz this week!
Furious on Film - Arnold Furious gives you quick rundowns of interesting movies every week. OK we need to be angry with Arnold for not watching 8 ½ when he was supposed to. Just kidding. Anyway, I hope he enjoys it. I love that movie.
