I don't know about everyone else, but if I saw a book entitled "The Perks of Being a Wallflower", I would have purchased it immediately. Perks? Really, there are perks to being a shy kid? You could have fooled me because I didn't encounter any when I was the one leaning against the cinder block wall of my school's gymnasium hoping no one would notice me. Or being petrified of being called on in class to answer in front of everyone. *Shivers* Yes, I was one of those awkward teenagers that just didn't seem to fit in with any crowd, so I kept to myself or hung out with a friend or two who also seemed to be a bit of an outcast.
Recently, I saw the preview for the film adaption for The Perks of Being a Wallflower starring Logan Lerman (of Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lighting Thief) and Emma Watson (of the Harry Potter films.)
From the preview the film looks very interesting, but we will just have to see. Due out September 14th, 2012
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Preview: SCREEN
Alright TOP fans, I have a teaser trailer for you to see today. SCREEN
This is a horror, thriller film by David Paul Baker. You all know I love a good thriller, but I am bit of a chicken when it comes to horrors. However, I saw his first film: Mission X (2009) recently and really liked it (review to follow soon). So, I am pushing the chicken in me aside and watching SCREEN. (If you would like to view this film, go to the website and see how to there.)
Click on the Mission X link to view preview and film. It's a great preview - doesn't show too much, YAY!!
I would like people to know a bit more about this filmmaker. He is creating movies from very small budgets, using crowdfunding, not going a Hollywood route and has a drive that will inspire anyone who has a dream. Here is something I just found, an episode of a doc web series, from the filmmaker on YouTube that will explain a little bit more about how he created his first couple of films.
Enjoy!
This is a horror, thriller film by David Paul Baker. You all know I love a good thriller, but I am bit of a chicken when it comes to horrors. However, I saw his first film: Mission X (2009) recently and really liked it (review to follow soon). So, I am pushing the chicken in me aside and watching SCREEN. (If you would like to view this film, go to the website and see how to there.)
Click on the Mission X link to view preview and film. It's a great preview - doesn't show too much, YAY!!
I would like people to know a bit more about this filmmaker. He is creating movies from very small budgets, using crowdfunding, not going a Hollywood route and has a drive that will inspire anyone who has a dream. Here is something I just found, an episode of a doc web series, from the filmmaker on YouTube that will explain a little bit more about how he created his first couple of films.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Monthly Wrap-Up June 2012
Reviews:
Rock of Ages
Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
Snow White and the Huntsman
Darling Companion
Men in Black 3
Reviews on Expats Post:
Prometheus
Seeking a Friend For the End of the World
The Intouchables
Previews:
Ruby Sparks
Seeking a Friend For the End of the World
Dogs Lie
Safety Not Guaranteed
Reboot
Hysteria
Extras:
Movies released the year I was born...
Happy Father's Day
Monthly Wrap-Up May 2012
Monthly Wrap-up April 2012
Sunday, July 22, 2012
The Amazing Spider-Man
Question: What was your first reaction when you heard
Hollywood was rebooting Spider-Man? Honestly, I thought, “Why? It’s only been a
decade since Tobey McGuire came out as the friendly neighborhood
Spider-Man. A decade!!” And then I got really
annoyed but I can’t control what Hollywood does and nor do I want to, but this
seemed like a waste to me.
I may have mentioned,
a time or two, how much I dislike remakes, reboots and just the general
laziness I think Hollywood is taking regarding movies and the mass production
of uninteresting films or films that ALREADY HAVE BEEN MADE!!! So, I won’t bore
you again with another full-on rant, but this one really threw me as to why or who decided to make this so quickly after such a well-made and beloved franchise.
But then I thought of my son and how much he
wanted to see it after I read on the internet they were redoing the series. After watching the trailer, and despite my apprehension, I saw the HUGE smile on his face and I knew right then and there I would take him to see it. He LOVES Spider-Man, from
his Spider-Man covered bed sheets, to his, at least, five Spider-Man action
figures and other Spidey games and toys; Spider-Man is always near him in one
form or another. It is the one superhero he always asks for when it’s birthday
or Christmas time. Oh, I forgot to mention he has a ton of the web slinger’s comic
books. The Amazing Spider-Man went on the must-see list, his not mine, and I knew he would enjoy the film – no matter
what.
Nonetheless, I was still less than excited to see this
version, but I was interested in seeing Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker. The
actor has already proven his acting chops in The Social Network and Never Let Me Go. Two films where I thoroughly enjoyed his performances. So I was curious, a little.
Well, the movie came out a few weeks ago and it took me a
little while to convince myself I could sit through it. Yes, I know I sound
like I went in with a preconceived notion about the latest Marvel film, but
many of us do. I am a movie fan first and a critic second, and I was NOT a fan
of seeing a reboot. However, I kept my mind open and my mouth shut as the movie
started.
All in all, I found the reboot to be a mediocre film….and
with that said, I really don’t want to make this a long review and pick it
apart. Although despite my earlier prejudices, I did enjoy some of the movie.
Andrew Garfield did a wonderful job, and I didn’t find myself comparing his
performance to Tobey McGuire’s, which surprised me. So I am giving it points there. Also, the casting of Martin Sheen
and Sally Field as Peter Parker’s Uncle Ben and Aunt May was a perfect match.
A lot of the film, or story line, was different from what I
know about Spider-Man, and in case you are going to see it, I will keep the
differences to myself. But I will say, some I liked and some I didn’t.
The special effects were good, of course, but that hardly
makes a movie for me. If the story isn’t there, then you lose me as a fan. This
Spider-Man lost me on the overall story between the hero and the villain – and that’s
all I will say about that. However, my son really enjoyed the film: the
effects, the villain, the jokes, etc….He smiled throughout the entire film but
he did say Spider-Man 2 was still his
favorite Spidey movie as we were walking out of the theatre.
But to be a good reviewer, I just wanted to check and see if that was still accurate. So I asked him again, just now, and he’s already changed his mind and said The Amazing Spider-Man was the best of all the Spider-Man films. And he added that Tobey McGuire didn’t really fit the part once he saw Andrew Garfield’s performance. (I might be raising a future movie reviewer…haha.) Maybe Hollywood does know something about these reboots, remakes, and comic book heroes, oh my.
But to be a good reviewer, I just wanted to check and see if that was still accurate. So I asked him again, just now, and he’s already changed his mind and said The Amazing Spider-Man was the best of all the Spider-Man films. And he added that Tobey McGuire didn’t really fit the part once he saw Andrew Garfield’s performance. (I might be raising a future movie reviewer…haha.) Maybe Hollywood does know something about these reboots, remakes, and comic book heroes, oh my.
My favorite thing: Andrew Garfield. He really is an amazing actor.
My least favorite: The villain and his story with Spider-Man.
Directed by Mark Webb, Columbia Pictures, 2012.
Starring: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, Sally Field and Martin Sheen.
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Thriller
Rating: PG-13
Length: 136 minutes
Review: 5 out of 10
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Safety Not Guaranteed
Question: If you could go back in time, what time would you
return to and why? Normally I answer, or vaguely answer, my own questions in
these reviews but I’m not going to on this one. I am not an overly nostalgic
person unless it has to do with a film or a band. Plus, after seeing Safety Not Guaranteed this past weekend, I learned a valuable lesson.
Download soundtrack:
Sorry if this confuses anyone but you will just have to see Safety Not Guaranteed to understand what
I am referring to….or trying to, at least.
I have wanted to see
this film for a long time. There was just something about the story that drew
me to it – not too long ago I even posted the preview on here; and I save those
posts usually for films that I think will be interesting, unique or that tell a
story that will move me. This one did, not drastically, but enough to get me
out of my writer’s block (fingers crossed) and make me contemplate parts of my
life.
That’s what I want from most films, art, books, etc…an
opportunity to think; notice something you hadn’t before; and look upon an idea
with a fresh perspective, etc… Safety Not
Guaranteed took on an age-old idea: looking back on your past with regret
and hoping you can change things so you wouldn’t be unhappy now. And the
filmmakers made a charming, perfectly decent film that will just make you smile.
Plus, they added the idea of time travel. Who wouldn’t like that, right?
So, I ask again, would you want to go back in time and why?
For most, I believe, the reasoning will involve another person: a partner,
girlfriend, boyfriend, parent or someone with whom you hurt or they did something
that haunts you, still. We all make mistakes. Mistakes are thrust upon us. We
fall in love with the wrong person, or the right person, and hearts get broken
no matter what. Also, we can be cruel to another. Admit it – we have ALL been
there. We are human. Safety Not
Guaranteed represented several aspects of people’s regret and/or searching
for the cure to change their current situation. And I think most will be able
to relate.
Now the next question(s): Could we fix it? Should we fix it?
Would we be better off if we changed these brief, few moments of the past? Or
are we where we are supposed to be? Thinking about regrets is enough to drive
you a little mad. And that’s how the
actor in this film, Mark Duplass’ character, is portrayed. Someone who must be
insane because he puts a classified ad in the paper requesting a partner go back in time with him. He
declares it will be dangerous and your safety will not be guaranteed. His ad intrigues
a magazine editor – enough to send a writer and two interns to check the story
out.
There are a couple other character in this film that display
the same sort of desire to change their present by reaching towards the past: The young intern, Darius, played by Aubrey
Plaza and her boss, Jeff, played by Jake. M. Johnson. Both these characters
represented the vast differences on why someone would want to go back in time.
I liked both characters, a lot. In fact, Jeff was one that kept the comedy
going in this film. He’s the type of guy you don’t want to like but he evokes
sympathy when you aren’t expecting. Darius is a sarcastic girl that has a deep,
hidden secret on why she is unhappy now.
As for the rest of the story, no more details. Just go see
this film. It is slated as a comedy, and it was absolutely funny at parts but
it is not slap stick or a joke every few minutes type of film. The humor is
subtle and well placed. Safety Not
Guaranteed showed real humor, the humor we all have in our lives. The
absurdity that is ever present – that’s what makes it a comedy. However, I
would categorize this as a drama as well. And that’s a compliment.
Bottom line: Just give me a good story, tell it well and
with respect (especially for the audience), and you’ve got a fan in me. Safety Not Guaranteed
did all three.
Well done!
My favorite thing: There might too many things to list here. I just really, really liked this film. Okay, I laughed OUT LOUD when Jeff raises his fists in the air. His reaction to what was happening just kept me smiling and smiling.
My least favorite thing: I got nothing this time.
Directed by Colin Trevorrow, Big Beach Films, 2012
Genre: Comedy
Starring: Aubrey Plaza, Jake M. Johnson, Mark Duplass, Karan Soni, Jeff Garlin and Kristen Bell.
Rating: R
Length: 86 minutes
Review: 9 out of 10
Download soundtrack:
Friday, July 13, 2012
Preview: Compliance
I keep reading and hearing about the new indie film, Compliance. So, I finally took a look at the trailer. WOW! This one is based on true events and bizarre ones to boot. Many seem to believe that this couldn't actually happen. I suppose it made some uncomfortable. Who knows?
Genre: Drama, thriller
Written and directed by Craig Zobel. Due out August 2012.
Genre: Drama, thriller
Written and directed by Craig Zobel. Due out August 2012.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Puncture
Question: Are you afraid of needles? I am, never in my life
have I ever been able to handle needles. When I was a child, my fear was so
intense that when I would get a cavity filled I would forgo the Novocain
because the huge metal syringe looked like a torture device. I would just raise
my hand when the dentist hit the nerve. Then he could continue drilling. I know
it’s not logical, at all, but something about the huge needle coming at me
scared me to death.
Of course, over time I have learned to tolerate (hide) my
fear; but I still have a small, silent panic attack whenever I see a needle
during any doctor’s visit. And I just finished watching the film, Puncture, and now have a more elevated fear of needles. That does not mean it was a bad movie or story. On
the contrary, I am glad I watched it and learned something about needle use and
manufacturing in our country.
However, I am slightly angry at the moment. Right after the
film I was almost numb because it was based on true events that shocked me. Then I began to really
think about the story, in its entirety, and a wave of annoyance slowly crept
in. Corporate greed and government corruption or manipulation, whatever you
want to call it, is at the base of Puncture.
To be honest, when the film began I had presumed it had a completely different plot.
Chris Evans stars in it, and I believe I saw a preview for it awhile back but
just saw that he was a lawyer (Mike Weiss) with a drug problem so I assumed the movie was about him and his issues. I was wrong.
Now I won’t go into detail about the film, as per my usual, but I will say you will learn about safety syringes in Puncture; and you will be glad someone invented them. The lead actor, Chris Evans, deserves the main focus of this review because many are used to him playing superheroes and not this type of role. He plays a character that I didn’t like and liked at the same time. That is very difficult to pull off, and he did it so well that I am still trying to figure out if the like outweighs the dislike or vice versa.
Now I won’t go into detail about the film, as per my usual, but I will say you will learn about safety syringes in Puncture; and you will be glad someone invented them. The lead actor, Chris Evans, deserves the main focus of this review because many are used to him playing superheroes and not this type of role. He plays a character that I didn’t like and liked at the same time. That is very difficult to pull off, and he did it so well that I am still trying to figure out if the like outweighs the dislike or vice versa.
Bottom line, Chris Evans plays a drug addict. A fairly
functional drug addict but he had more vices that will just rub you the wrong
way. For example, he’s unfaithful, selfish, and arrogant. Plus, he’s a charmer,
an ability that you know he uses to make people deal with his negative
attributes whether they want to or not. Anyway, he and his partner take on a
new client and his character’s drive to “win” the lawsuit is where everything
gets muddy. As you watch Mike Weiss (Chris Evans) pursue his case, it is
unclear what drives him to win the case: obtaining justice or he just has to win
because he is so competitive. Or was it the drugs?
Watching someone doing his job high as a kite on pain
killers and cocaine and unable to quit was disheartening. Chris Evans was so good in this role that I
forgot about the other characters he has played. There was one scene when he is
in a politician’s office and his reaction to their words gave me goose bumps.
Despair, desperation and conviction were all portrayed within the short scene and it was very powerful; and Chris Evans deserves some accolades for this part. Puncture
wasn’t an easy watch but worth it.
There is a line in this film that really stuck out for me, “Sometimes
the brightest light comes from the darkest places.” A wonderful line that I
hope inspires people as it inspired me.
Directed by Adam Kassen, Mark Kassen, Cherry Sky Production, 2011
Starring: Chris Evans, Mark Kassen, Vinessa Shaw, and Brett Cullen
Genre: Drama
My favorite thing: Chris Evans. He was truly wonderful in this film. A great performance.
My least favorite thing: That this story is true - especially about the needles.
Rating: R
Length: 100 minutes
Review: 7 out of 10
Watch Instantly: Puncture
Directed by Adam Kassen, Mark Kassen, Cherry Sky Production, 2011
Starring: Chris Evans, Mark Kassen, Vinessa Shaw, and Brett Cullen
Genre: Drama
My favorite thing: Chris Evans. He was truly wonderful in this film. A great performance.
My least favorite thing: That this story is true - especially about the needles.
Rating: R
Length: 100 minutes
Review: 7 out of 10
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Preview: The Sessions
As you know I am always on the hunt for indie films and/or films that try something new and different. Today I hit the jackpot! I went to my normal sources to find some up coming movies and found The Sessions. I had no idea about this film. I hadn't even seen or noticed one thing about it in all my social networking research prior to this; but when the preview started, and I saw it won Audience Winner for Sundance 2012, I was immediately intrigued.
The preview starts and I hear William H. Macy's voice, a huge fan of his. Then I see John Hawkes is in it. Last year I saw him in Martha Marcy May Marlene and he quickly went on my list to find more of his films. His performance in Martha Marcy May Marlene was brilliant, so it was nice to see he is in the lead on the new film by Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Take a look.
Ben Lewin wrote and directed this film. It stars John Hawkes, Helen Huntand William H. Macy
The Sessions is due out for release in October 2012 in limited release so you will need to hunt for it.
My review of Martha Marcy May Marlene.
The preview starts and I hear William H. Macy's voice, a huge fan of his. Then I see John Hawkes is in it. Last year I saw him in Martha Marcy May Marlene and he quickly went on my list to find more of his films. His performance in Martha Marcy May Marlene was brilliant, so it was nice to see he is in the lead on the new film by Fox Searchlight Pictures.
Take a look.
Ben Lewin wrote and directed this film. It stars John Hawkes, Helen Huntand William H. Macy
The Sessions is due out for release in October 2012 in limited release so you will need to hunt for it.
My review of Martha Marcy May Marlene.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Remember the past....Fame
There are just certain movies that will never leave you. They make permanent imprints
somewhere in your subconscious. Years, perhaps decades, go by and you think you
forget about them but deep down the feelings it evoked, the emotions it would
change, and the freedom it allowed you to have for a few short hours resonate
somewhere off in the distance. And then one thing can happen like a hearing a
tune, or a specific line or even something as little as one word, and the memories
come flooding back. WOOSH! Then you start recalling specifics, smiles emerge.
More scenes pop in and you rush to your laptop, like I am doing right now, to
go to YouTube and look up those scenes to see if you remember them correctly.
Minutes pass
quickly as you play scene after scene. Now maybe 30-45 minutes pass
but you don't notice because you have been transported back to when you were 12
years-old and all the dreams you had then have fill current space and time.
It's hard not to smile, even giggle, because you might remember what you used
to wear because the film inspired you. Perhaps the film lent you a catch phrase
you'd say when you wanted to make someone pay attention. Maybe the memory comes
back of you sitting in front of the mirror alone in your room,
singing along with the soundtrack trying to picture yourself as one of the
characters because you thought they were more interesting than you.
Thousands of
memories, too many to describe, but I know each and every one of you have dozens
of films floating around in your brain right now, and maybe not at this
instant, but soon, a spark will occur and you will be transported back to the
past.
Tonight, I am sitting on
the chaise lounge, in the dark, with headphones on and I am listening to a few
songs from a movie that just popped in head. I was actually trying to sleep,
something that is never easy for me to do because my mind wonders, usually
about films. Then it happened. The phrase, "on my own" tripped across
the random thoughts and stopped there. Three words just stood there, almost floating
above my head, eyes shut, tossing and turning. Then it began...the memories. I
hear a single piano starting to play. I
tossed the sheets back, grabbed my laptop, clicked on the YouTube icon and I
found it:
Yeah, yeah this was one of the
"mirror songs" for me; and I have a feeling for a few of you out
there as well. Go ahead, admit it. I won't tell anyone.
Okay, now that
we're all in a sullen mood let's bring on the smiles and perhaps a little
toe-tapping.
Anyway, after I
finished "Out Here On My Own" from the original Fame, I went searching for
other songs and scenes from this film. And I came upon this one....
"Shady Sadie,
southern lady...." Who's groovin' now? I am personally sitting here
slightly shifting my shoulders, trying hard to type but still keep up with the
beat of the song. It ain't easy.... ha-ha...Love the lunch ladies....Okay,
sorry I have to let the song finish before I continue....whew. That was fun.
Fame was one of my childhood go-to soundtracks and VHS tapes. I
felt more mature when I watched the film. Heck, I wasn't even in high school
when it came out. I was only 10 years old but saw it a few years later once it
was released on video.
There was just
something about the aura of a school of the arts, the struggle of
artists, who were just kids, trying to learn their craft. Some realizing they
didn't have enough talent, while others had the talent but trusted the wrong
people. Fame took on many controversial topics for
1980. Homosexuality, suicide, pornography, abortion, poverty, etc…Also,
it showed just how hard it was to find a career in the arts. Hollywood loves a
happy ending, especially when it comes to films about certain talents like
singing and dancing, but Fame showed a grittier side, probably a
more realistic side than most films. (Okay, maybe not everyone dances on
top of cars when a song starts playing out of taxi but, hey, it was still just
a movie. There's got to some level of fantasy, right?)
I didn't attend a
school of the arts, although my school had a fantastic drama department. (That's
another story - one I'll tell you about someday when I actually acted in a few
plays.) And I didn't have a talent like dancing, singing or acting even though
I just mentioned I attempted to perform on stage. Fame taught me about
conviction the students had, the level of self-esteem and belief in their
abilities - that they could do something with their lives. Sure, they all
struggled from self-doubt but they kept on trying and that inspired me, and
still does today.
I hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane. Now I am off
to go find a photos of me in legwarmers…
P.S. Yes, I watched the television show.
P.S. Yes, I watched the television show.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
People Like Us
Question: Do you ever go into a movie, you like it at first,
then something happens that you can’t quite put your finger on, but something is just off? A semi-bad
feeling hazes over your opinion of the film, and you hope it gets to the point
or something because you are losing interest, and fast. However, you stay in
the theatre and continue on hoping it will get better. It finally finishes and you
sink deeper into the seat, perplexed at what the filmmakers were thinking. And
then you realize you just didn’t like the film. Honestly, I hate it when that
happens and it happened with People Like Us.
I am still confused about the movie. It did start off well.
Chris Pine plays a salesman, of sorts. He’s a fast talking, smooth dude who can
charm anyone to do business with him. I liked his character immediately. Then
we meet Jon Favreau, his boss, and they have a funny conversation and I relax
into the story. All is good and then the
pace slowed down and never quite picked back up.
Bottom line, the story is about one particular family, how the children were raised, death of a parent, not
really knowing what certain family members did or did not do, and being bitter about it all. I had no problem with all that. Many films
take on the "family misunderstood" theme and can tell a heart-warming story with decent
resolutions. However, in People Like Us,
the filmmakers kept trying to tug at the heartstrings and it became redundant.
By the middle of the movie, I was bored and a little annoyed but I stuck it
out. Unfortunately, the movie never got back to an authentic voice and I just
didn’t care for it.
Most of the acting was appropriate to the story-line, I think. Chris Pine did a fine job with his character, but
there was something off with Michelle Pfeiffer’s character or the way she
played it. She portrays Chris Pine’s mother and most of her scenes were with her son. The mother/son relationship,
although strained, was just hard to comprehend. I am still unclear how a mother
could treat a son, even a selfish one like him, with such disdain, or what I
took as disdain. See, I am still confused. I know family members don’t get
along, for whatever reason, but the “reason” for all the strife in the family
in People Like Us was bland and
unendearing.
Elizabeth Banks was also in the film and she did a good job with what she was given. As I have said in past reviews, she normally takes on comedy roles, but her dramatic side is getting quite good. I think I understood her character the most. I won't say why but to hint at motherhood isn't an easy deal, so I could relate to some of her responses. However, her connection to the others in the film just pushed the over abundance of forced dilemmas in People Like Us to bore me.
Directed (and co-written) by Alex Kurtzman, DreamWorks SKG, 2012.
Starring: Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jon Favreau, and Olivia Wilde.
Genre: Drama
My favorite thing about the film: The scene between John Favreau and Chris Pine in the beginning.
My least favorite part: The mother/son relationship. Plus, part of it reminded me of Rain Man. I just wanted something more original, I suppose.
Rating: PG-13
Length: 115 minutes
Review: 3 out of 10
Elizabeth Banks was also in the film and she did a good job with what she was given. As I have said in past reviews, she normally takes on comedy roles, but her dramatic side is getting quite good. I think I understood her character the most. I won't say why but to hint at motherhood isn't an easy deal, so I could relate to some of her responses. However, her connection to the others in the film just pushed the over abundance of forced dilemmas in People Like Us to bore me.
Directed (and co-written) by Alex Kurtzman, DreamWorks SKG, 2012.
Starring: Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Michelle Pfeiffer, Jon Favreau, and Olivia Wilde.
Genre: Drama
My favorite thing about the film: The scene between John Favreau and Chris Pine in the beginning.
My least favorite part: The mother/son relationship. Plus, part of it reminded me of Rain Man. I just wanted something more original, I suppose.
Rating: PG-13
Length: 115 minutes
Review: 3 out of 10
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