Thoughts on a Tragedy

As someone that is excited about The Dark Knight Rises as a film, it's tough to see the tragedy that unfolded in Colorado.

First and foremost, my heart goes out to everyone in Aurora, CO. I have many friends that I have developed throughout the years in the Denver area.

It saddened me to see the brutal and senseless attack of moviegoers as they were simply settling in to see the film that many were anticipating for years.

Now in the aftermath, after reflecting on the situation, I'm just angry.

I'll admit, I was a junkie for coverage. I listened to the KUSA feed out of Denver for most of the morning. I watched the twitter notes come through from film critics that I generally enjoy. Waiting every minute to see the nuggets of information and hoping that it was just a mirage. Still knowing, that any result was going to be worse than one could imagine.

This was an attack on friends. People who loved the movies were targeted by a crazed killer. (I don't want to mention his name in this piece as he doesn't deserve that notoriety that he searches to attain.)

This was an attack on young people who have come to enjoy the Batman series. This was an attack on fans of movies.

While the thoughts should be focused on the individuals that lost their lives, were injured, or had to run to survive the media (mainstream and bloggers alike) went the place where they put the focus on themselves, their agendas, and their political motivations.

Immediately after the violence a mainstream outlets started claiming the suspect had ties to the Tea Party. Then another web based outlet said he was a registered Democrat. Both outlets tried to push their agendas. Even after any later retraction...it's evident what they wanted to be true. And does it really matter? The Tea Party doesn't advocate what happened and Democrats as well as Republicans are equally horrified at the results.

Then bloggers I read on a regular basis tweeted thing craziness about the need for gun control, without knowing all the facts. The Mayor of New York half a country away started releasing details on a case that confused instead of helped heal. Everyone wanted to blame everything and everyone except for the man who pulled the trigger on that night.

Their was a blogger who even claimed a film that was made about gangsters that happened to have a trailer on the front of The Dark Knight Rises should NEVER HAVE BEEN MADE because it had a scene where gangsters shot up a movie crowd. I guess that crystal ball was broken that she expected the studio to make.

Sure the next time I have a screening and the lights go down, I'll think twice. I'll remember those who did nothing but buy a ticket for a movie they wanted to see and instead found their lives cut short.

I could go on, but I've struggled with this for the weekend. What to say, when to say, and where to go from  here.

There will be a time for some discussion on other issues and there are issues that should be discussed. For now though, the only one to be blamed should be the shooter. And everyone else will need our love and support. May God be with the families of those that lost someone.

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Review - The Dark Knight Rises

THIS is Why We Love Summer Movies

As the lights go down, we wait with anticipation to see if The Dark Knight Rises to save Gotham City yet again. It is then that we embark on a journey lasting nearly three hours to a place that we have seen before. It is then that we immerse ourselves in a world that  director Christopher Nolan has created. It is then that we remember why we love summer movies.

Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) has become a recluse. He remains a wealthy integral part of Gotham City, but when a set of pearls is taken under his nose, he meets the gorgeous Selina Kyle (Anne Hathaway). This “cat” burglar could prove to be a really ally as she helps to get Batman back into the game.

While Bruce mulls his future, a new villain has surfaced. Bane (Tom Hardy) has come to take over Gotham City or demolish it while trying.  

I could go deeper into the plot, but you’ve got 2 hours and 44 minutes worth of fun to look forward to at the theater.

But did I like it?

NO!

I LOVED IT!

Director Christopher Nolan has done a fascinating job of weaving together characters from an iconic series and crafting a beautifully illustrated film. Never did I feel bored, or disinterested in what was developing – in fact I sat waiting for the next thing to develop with the excitement of a child on Christmas morning preparing to tear into his next gift.

Christian Bale continues his successful run as the tormented Bruce Wayne. The anger from his parents murder still runs in his blood and his love for the city he calls home is still evident at every turn. Bale is the cog that has held Nolan’s three films together and in fact is under-praised for these films because of the crazy good performance from Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight. Make no mistake, The Dark Knight Rises is Bale’s film as he struggles with himself. And Bale delivers.

The supporting cast is always a welcome sight in the franchise. Regulars from the franchise Michael Caine, Gary Oldman, and Morgan Freeman deliver their always-stellar portrayals here. It is amazing that such great talent surrounds all of the franchise.

Tom Hardy as the villain Bane is a physical specimen that exudes the menace inside his character. Yes, his voice is hard to understand at times. But it’s a lot like a think accent in a film that you haven’t adjusted to, once you tune into him. – it comes easier and easier. (Still there are some things I’ll have to catch what he said on a second go around to be sure.)

The introduction of Anne Hathaway, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Marion Cotillard to the mix just solidifies the talent that is attracted to smart summer blockbusters. Hathaway is sexy and smart, proving to be the perfect portrayal of the cat that always has Bruce’s eye. While Gordon-Levitt’s youthful enthusiasm injects Bruce and Commissioner Gordon with a new lease on life.

I couldn’t help but think there was about 30 minutes more of story that Nolan would have liked to deliver that was missing from the film. I’m extremely satisfied that the studio decided to keep this to one longer movie, instead of splitting in two like some other franchises tend to do. But I just kept feeling there were some cuts that were made to keep things moving where the was more to be said. And believe it or not, even at nearly 3 hours…I would have LOVED to experience the additional exposition.

Although there is no charismatic villain here, at least not to the level of Heath Ledger’s performance, the story is more about Batman and his struggle that is raging inside of Bruce Wayne. The villains Bruce is struggling against are more difficult than any physical villain you can battle and complete a beautiful arc in the character that is Bruce Wayne.

The Dark Knight Rises ISwhy we go to summer movies. It’s the rare film that combines the explosive action sequences and special effects that we crave with a cohesive plot that interests and develops dynamic characters. Christopher Nolan proves once again that summer movies can be truly special. THIS is why we love summer movies.

A / A-

The Dark Knight Rises

Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Christopher Nolan

Cast: Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Tom Hardy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Gary Oldman, Marion Cotillard, Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, some sensuality and language

Runtime: 2 hours 44 minutes

Home Screening Room - Time for a Reunion

Home Screening Room – Time for A Reunion

No big new releases last week so I took the 4^thof July week away from the screening room, but we are back for the new week and we’ll even mention some of the smaller titles that we may have missed from last week. Let’s get to it!

This Week's Big Releases

American Reunion- Rated R (Jason Biggs, Alyson Hannigan, Seann William Scott)
Years later the whole gang is back in town for their high school reunion. Life is different now for the group. There are kids, relationships and Stifler (wait, he hasn’t changed has he?)

Being Flynn - Rated R (Paul Dano, Robert DeNiro)
Time for a father to reconnect with his son.

The Flowers of War  - Rated R (Christian Bale)

Bale is seeking refuge in a church during the Japanese invasion of China in 1937 Nanking.

Also New This Week

All In: The Poker Movie – Not Rated (Kenny Rogers, Chris Moneymaker, Matt Damon, Phil Hellmuth Jr.) I love Poker....so of course this one makes some sense to me.

Black Limousine – (David Arquette, Bijou Phillips, Vivica A. Fox)

The Glades: The Complete Second Season

The Hunter – Rated R (Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill)

iCarly: The Complete Fourth Season

Mac and Devin Go to High School – Rated R (Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa)

Margaret –Rated R (Anna Paquin, Matt Damon Mark Ruffalo)

Swinging With the Finkels – Rated R (Mandy Moore, Martin Freeman)

And Finally

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars – Not Rated

(Nia Vardalos, Jade Pettyjohn, Ian Ziering)

McKenna is a gymnast that is searching for success that is coming at the expense of her schooling. Can she balance the two? And be successful? McKenna is 2012 Girl of the Year® within the America Girl® collection and kids will be flocking to this one. That means a review is forthcoming from my daughter, but while we work on that…take a look at the trailer below.

DVD/Blu-ray Tidbit of the Week

In case you didn’t hear it elsewhere already – though you probably have because this is OLLLLLD news…. The Avengers looks to land on Blu-ray/DVD on September 25.

Pick of the Week

Of course, American Reunion, for fans of the American Pie movies you need to complete your set…right?? Right???

Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to Save Me A Seat!

Random Monday Thoughts

The Amazing Spider-Man opens to an impressive $140 million on the extended opening. Crazy that $140 million can be considered “disappointing” but that’s how it’s being spun (no pun intended).


Ted continues to chug along with over $32 million in week 2 and
now it has grossed over $120 million over 2 weeks – methinks Universal should send Paramount a card to tell them thanks for opening up the 6/29 release weekend so they could bank this much money in front of Batman.

Imagine if Ted stayed at 7/13 – they would have been swarmed under by The Dark Knight Rises and probably grossed about ½ of the total they will bring in.

Katy Perry brings in about $10 million last week – not great – but I think the fans had a good time.

Oliver Stone’s new one Savages musters 4^thin the first weekend out there. Disappointing for Stone, but that’s a solid number for a hard R rated film.

The Dark Knight Rises onslaught has begun – have seen a ton of ads/cross promotions and the like hitting the airwaves – with a little more than a week before I get a chance to see it, I MAY start going into radio silence on that one so the experience is what I hope it will be.


Speaking of The Dark Knight Rises --- 2 hours and 45 minutes of goodness. Yes, this is the one I’ve been waiting for this summer.

A quiet week on DVD releases last week…hence no Home Screening Room column – but I’ve got one geared up for tomorrow…

Did you see the Total Recall contest that started at their website??? Check out my post with some really awesome prizes here.


That's it for now -- have a great time this week...at the movies and remember to "Save Me a Seat"

Review - Savages

A Savage Assault On The Screen

Ben (Taylor Kitsch) and Chon (Aaron Johnson) have the number one pot business on the west coast. In fact their weed is thought of as some of the best in the world. As business partners Ben is the muscle, while Chon is the businessman and business is good. But playtime is also good with O (Blake Lively)in their lives. There is an open relationship between the three. Everyone loves each other but their lives are about to get turned upside down.

As if ripped from the headlines, a Mexican cartel wants in on the best action on the coast. That cartel, headed by the mysterious Elena (Salma Hayek)is about to look for their piece of the pie. They know that their method of pure evil force will win most people over, but Chon and Ben are not most people.

As the cartel takes O, Ben and Chon start to come around. Now will they sell the business they worked hard to create or make a run for it? The extremely bloody truth is, no one really knows how to deal with savages.

Oliver Stone gives us a film that feels ripped from the headlines. Mexican cartels that use violence and brute force to get what they want and a drug that could one day be legal, but now is a cash cow for those that have the best of the bunch create a truly fascinating plot for the film.

Cast some great looking young actors like Kitsch and Lively alongside true pros like Del Toro, Travolta and Hayek and it seems like a winning combination. From an acting perspective it almost works.

But when the film gets hung up on trying to be too cool, it falls flat. A stylish swipe at the ending of the film just gets muddled and almost laughable. An attempt to work too many characters into the intricate plot means too many quality performances are left with unsatisfying ends. And the violence, yes the ENDLESS violence proves to be too much to take before the film reaches its climax.

While there is a true discussion to be had here, it felt like a first time director with the reins instead of the veteran stone. Unfortunately Savages somewhat savaged the plot and the viewer is left to sort out the carnage. It simply results in a savage assault on the screen.

 

B-/C+

Savages

Universal Pictures

Director: Oliver Stone

Cast: Blake Lively, Taylor Kitsch, Aaron Johnson, Benicio Del Toro, Demian Bichir, Salma Hayek, John Travolta

Rating: R for strong brutal and grisly violence, some graphic sexuality, nudity, drug use and language throughout.

Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes

Review - Katy Perry Part of Me

Musical Cotton Candy and I Like It

So many people know Katy Perry as “kissing a girl and liking it” but nothing else. Turns out she isn’t an overnight success with no history of hard work. There’s much more to Katy Perry than you know and Part of Me is going to fill you in on all the details.

Katy has always had musical abilities. From singing songs that she wrote with her first guitar in her hands to the present, she has known how to write songs from her heart. The daughter of a pair of preachers it wasn’t until a sleepover at a friend’s house that she was exposed to Alanis Morisette and a new world of music outside of the Christian music genre that was a pivotal part of her life. After an initial release of a Christian album, she headed to Hollywood to try to make it in the music business.

Years later, after a couple of failed attempts at putting records together she finally found a home, and the rest is history.

Part of Me follows Perry through a world tour that would test her strength, her mettle and her relationship. Touring around the world with few days off is tough enough, but when you are spending those few days off traveling half way around the world to be with your husband, it can get exhausting.

The film takes us behind the scenes of a show with incredible production values. This is a stage show that will take your breath away. Even if you aren’t a fan of Perry’s music, you can’t deny the visuals of her tour. You also see her relationship with husband Russell Brand and her attempts to make things work. On top of that you see the result of a stressful tour and personal relationship struggle.

I found myself immediately drawn to the story. Katy Perry really did work to get accomplish her goals. There is no overnight sensation here, instead it took years and struggles that most singers experience to get to the point of her “overnight” success.

Perry is extremely likable and you can’t help but invest yourself in her personal and professional developments throughout the film. Song choices are spot on and really enhance the journey.

My only criticism is, I would have liked to have seen more of the early years. The sound on her first two albums seems slightly different from the sound she has now, but still very intriguing. But there is only a taste of that Katy.

In the tradition of fun music documentaries that have been the trend lately, Katy Perry: Part of Me is a great time at the movies. Fans will love the flash, the music and the spectacle but they will also love the reality of who the woman she has become. This documentary should be a part of any collection.

B+

Katy Perry: Part of Me

Paramount Pictures

Director: Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz

Cast: Katy Perry

Rating: PG- for some suggestive content, language, thematic elements and brief smoking.

Runtime: 1 hour 37 minutes

Total Recall Puts You In The Experience

Total Recall Puts You In The Experience

Sometimes I get releases that cross my desk that make me…kinda excited…that I just have to share – and this is one of them that I’ve summarized below – GOOD LUCK.

Remember the film Total Recall?

Well this summer we have a re-imagined look the action thriller. Colin Farrell is Douglas Quaid and his wife is Kate Beckinsale. Plus we get Bryan Cranston as Cohaagen and Jessica Biel as a rebel fighter.

Now if you remember the plot. Rekall was there to put you into your fantasy. Come on, we all have them, dreams…fantasies and the like…

Well now, to celebrate the release of Total Recall on August 3, Sony Pictures wants to help you to REALLY live out your dreams.

Visit www.WelcomeToRekall.comto enter to win.

Check this out.

Wanna be a Sports Anchor?

You could spend the day at ESPN headquarters to get the full experience of a day in the studio (Provided by ESPN)

How about a Rock Star?

Think about hanging with Green Day, attending a sound check with back stage access (Provided by Pandora)

Are you a Fashionista?

Meet Heidi Klum and her stylist in LA (Sponsored by AOL)

Like playing Secret Agent?

Attend Stiletto Spy School or the M16 Academy (Sponsored by Yahoo! Movies)Total Recall

Hit the Octagon as UFC Champion.

Train with pro fighters and sit octagonside with the trainer (Sponsored by UFC)

Prefer the Celebrity lifestyle?

Attend a red carpet event in Los Angeles. (Sponsored by Wonderwall)

Mix it up as a DJ

Get DJ lessons from a high-profile DJ (Sponsored by Complex)

Are you a Video Gamer at heart?

Travel to Microsoft headquarters to meet a game developer and receive the chance to battle it out with a pro (Sponsored by Microsoft)

And come on…everyone wants the Millionaire dream.

You’ll get 1,000,000 Sony Rewards points to spend on things like movies, games, electronics and once in a lifetime experiences. (Sponsored by Sony Rewards)

Plus there is more fun if you enter with your Facebook info waiting for you at their site.

I’d love to win any and all of these myself…so get to it!!! I want to know some of you that live your dreams. And if you do win…I want to talk to you for a column right here. Good LUCK!

Remember -- enter to win on the Total Recall website.

Total Recall is in theaters August 3 from Sony Pictures.

Review - The Amazing Spider-Man

What Will They Sling Next?

 

When the reboot of the Spider-Man franchise was announced, I like many folks was skeptical of the outcome. But color me pleasantly surprised that the reimagining of a classic story actually works.

Peter Parker (Andrew Garfield) is a college student that is smart and involved. Taking pictures and documenting high school life as it happens leads him to make some friends, and other “enemies”. He has always been attracted to the exciting Gwen Stacy (Emma Stone). Gwen is one of those girls that has it all. She’s not only attractive but intelligent to boot.

Parker’s dad had left him when he was young with his Aunt May (Sally Field) and Uncle Ben (Martin Sheen). When he is looking deeper to find out what happened to his dad he is drawn to Dr. Curt Connors (Rhys Ifans). Connors was a friend of his father and Parker finds a way to get close to him. Gwen happens to be his assistant and Peter and Gwen are able to get close.

So without going into much more on the plot at this point…Peter’s bitten by a spider, and love. Gwen’s bitten by love. And the city is bitten by a giant lizard. Oh and let me mention that Denis Leary is a police chief that doesn’t like Spider-Man, even though he is trying to help. Now will Spider-Man save the city? Will he get together with Gwen? And just who is this “lizard” character?

Everyone will compare this film to the Sam Raimi effort as they are so close together and telling the same story. But let’s take a minute and just look at this film. Andrew Garfield is well cast in the Spider-Man role. When he puts on the mask, his voice fits what I imagine in my head for Spider-Man. The dialogue is snappy and you can’t wait for the next thing to come out of his mouth.

Garfield shares the screen with the lovely Emma Stone. The only problem I had with Stone’s performance was I didn’t totally buy her in high school. Maybe it’s the grown up student from Easy A, but I always saw her as older than what she was playing. That said the chemistry between Garfield and Stone works magically.

Because we are dealing more with the origin story, the action was a bit lacking for a good part of the movie. But never fear fans, that action does get made up for as we progress through the movie.

Overall, I was caught in the web that Spider-Man cast. I’m a fan of the genre, I’m a fan of Spidey and I’m a fan of Marc Webb. I can’t wait to see what they’ll sling at us next.

B

The Amazing Spider-Man

Columbia Pictures

Director: Marc Webb

Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, Sally Field

Rating: PG-13 for sequences of action and violence.

Runtime: 2 hours 16 minutes

Alex Cross trailer

The Alex Cross trailer is now available -- check it out below. Starring Tyler Perry and Matthew Fox. What do you think???