Thursday, September 2, 2010

World of Warcraft: Cataclysm

If you're looking for a place to find all the latest news about the upcoming expansion of World of Warcraft, Cataclysm, then check out the site http://www.wow-cataclysm.us/ . Here you can find all the latest information and gossip for the upcoming game

Taylor Lautner pushup challenge!


The possessor of an RV dealership sued by Taylor Lautner over a customized vehicle challenged a "Twilight" star Monday to play with his muscles instead of his lawyers over this suit.


Brent McMahon, who owns McMahon's RV in Irvine, Calif., challenged Lautner with a competition of muscles in a push-up contest to descend the breach of development charge that Lautner filed Aug. 23 claiming the dealership botched in the release of a $300,000 RV on scheduled arrival for use as a changing room on this actor's hottest new movie release.


McMahon and even his attorney denied wrongdoing & additionally said they will vigorously defend a suit in quad if Lautner, 18, doesn't take this challenge.


Lautner's attorney Robert Barta said a challenge was an indicative of problems with the entire dealership.


"McMahon RV's retort with our client's legitimate assert extra demonstrates this require as in professionalism which Mr. McMahon, his firm combined with his employees have exhibited from the outset, which compelled this filing of this particular lawsuit given the initial spot," a record note.


The push-up contest was a "teasing feedback," it said.


A dealership said Lautner's camp had required a $40,000 settlement to resolve this issue, primary into the unorthodox scheme by McMahon. The 47-year-old businessman said if he won the contest, he can donate this settlement money to Children's Hospice as in Orange County.


Barta's record said a issue might be matured whether McMahon created a $40,000 donation on to a donations as in Lautner's choosing.


Lautner's grievance also claimed this RV wanted additional function after it was eventually delivered. Barta's record claimed the vehicle wasn't in a anodyne, drivable provision when it had become handed some.


Finally it was doubtful what upgrades Lautner sought. McMahon said the vehicle was given a custom paint task.


Lautner gained fame for his function as Jacob Black active in the "Twilight" picture string. He are presently filming "Abduction" additionally may reprise his task as Black at the two-part "Twilight" finish.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Takers (2010)

Takers... Yeah, a convicted felon and a woman beater in a movie together.. How fun!

"Takers" is the usual buzz about a team of capable, high quality thieves who meticulously propose their robberies a year in an advance. They take their jobs seriously in addition to entrust little span for slips. The takers have no one shining star in their crew. This has moved balance between the members played by younger Hollywood stars such as Hayden Christensen, Paul Walker and as well Michael Ealy.

We are tossed inside two different action sequences that come from the start with no explanation of why we are seeing these scenes. It's like waking up in the internal of a confined struggle then breaking punched active in the back set by the control additionally the skin simultaneously. After the disorientation, the journey starts to filmy up and furthermore things found upcoming into focus. This flash as in clarity arrives and then you are from a movie.

After the aperture stockpile robbery we are introduced to the party as in Takers. These guys are debonair plus have knowledge of the right way to present themselves. Sort of like studying a group of several "Esquire" magazine models relax after a difficult day at the task (if which bureau specialized in tier robberies). These all erode classy suits, slurp high-end halt plus smoke punish cigars. These each leave to their own slice as in heaven in relax. The executive (John Luessenhop, I don't be informed of who he are moreover) spends many time shop their view through a measured sign reunion before these go into their own secretive stick. Targeted possessing only just done a array job thinking they appear in party within gentleman bonding in addition to handshaking wholly extensively.

That lifetime of the Takers might seem too good with be exact using finding out conflict. That is certainly why we are introduced to Ghost (played by Tip T.I. Harris) an ex-member after the Takers crew who is being released from prison. Seems which college students 2004 these guys did a task where Ghost was shot together with sent with prison. He's not mad about it although, in fact he has one last massive gain for his old crew.

Meanwhile, as well as detectives (Dull Dillon and additionally Jay Hernandez) assigned to the Takers' stockpile burglary jump gathering the information they need to footprint reading this crew lower. We revolve towards the classic "cops and therefore robbers" formula and need seen it before.

This Takers dawn receiving prompt for the heist whereas greater is being naked about their private lives. These face stories group a picture distant that come from the surplus the movies at your genre. More it is a close family affiliate that gives Gordon (played by Idris Elba) a sense with take my heist but it really also gives him many troubles.

Family are also bountiful this detectives harms. Jack Welles (Dillon), a detective, can be a sole dad who is possessing evils departing through his separation. This immediately brings us back into the normal cop drama. Why is it which almost every show cop in LA are split? Fatally, I think Danny Glover's makeup in "Lethal Bludgeon" was this last detective who because capable to bust bad guys, capture hundreds as in bullets to chest and in addition still keep his wedding consideration.

This account progresses at a good tread until the high-quality action fueled save heist. There was a little too greatly set by the shaky camera syndrome. Remark with Hollywood - we feel certain of what you are burden, discontinue it. A shaky camera action sequences don't work every decade. Brake it down also try something else; it's bountiful us a headache.

Caution, cooks need seen a heist scene before in a prior pictures, I won't say which one yet somehow that period these didn't play with Minuscule Coopers for the action system. Rather it was an elongated beginning follow which seemed to last targeted hours. Another tone to Hollywood - most Olympic athletes can't plunge from a tall house, be stricken by a bus and then gallop for one 1/4 mile whereas dodging bullets so don't try creating us strongly believe that Chris Russet might pull it off and then still take a look great liability it.

Should you watch my movie? Yes, it will keep the notice also most of the action is believable. There is sincere poise and so chemistry amid the characters. This boss did try something other diverse by putting a twist that is in a inner with all the film rather of at the end. He gets points in the. He also gets points for the elaborate cast out scene; I applaud his range of series instrument background song combined with need of loud gun noises in convey it a vast effect. Presently if you can relieve me, I am off with store for only a different ensemble.

The American (2010)


Anton Corbijn's "The American," starring George Clooney, is an immaculately shot review of loneliness and additionally misanthropy in one dismal killer effective a task in Italy.


It does targeted ravaged men what "Up in the Air" did for frequent-flying corporate terminators, minus the comic smack. Once again, a melancholic middle integrity is usually a man who awakens to possibility of adore and as well connection with another person being. Once again, Clooney slackens his skin using ill-defined nevertheless overwhelming distress. Only reading this period, he's a killer named Jack hauling a other diverse kind as in suitcase.


The prospect series is an absolute together with almost wordless bombshell. At a result, Jack are planned with aloofness in Italy, whereas expediting a task that doesn't need his trigger name. On the other hand, he uses his hands to build a custom bludgeon for an inscrutable female murderer (Thekla Reuten). He does reading this patiently, methodically, spotlessly: Someway, for all his work with machinery, his nails are never dirty.


"This American" has rain as in a thriller, on the other hand isn't one. Anybody who walks in expecting non-stop action will be sorely disappointed: That's, don't overlook, a film about a depressed guy cooling his heels in a weird Italian village. A whole lot of espresso-sipping unfolds. In adapting Martin Booth's "A Somewhat Secret Gentleman," Rowan Joffe has formed a screenplay notable for its extra dialogue and so minimalist plotting, than a windblown narrative shorthand has a downside. A supporting characters all adhere to Spaghetti Western stereotypes, and also the tale is about because predictable because they come.


Yet, Corbijn's initially facet since the Joy Divide biopic "Command" is one fine-looking also extraordinarily thoughtful picture, dr agatston scenes laid out using fastidious custody. Using Martin Ruhe's tranquil cinematography and even his own photographer's eye, Corbijn exploits lighting, focus as well as camera angles to illuminate or conceal the tragedy at dr agatston spirit. Clooney's sad mug occupies almost every prospect - almost every enclose. Jack's suppressed emotional burnout may possibly heart from your item, as well as the star from your covering.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Lindsay Lohan released from rehab early


Actress Lindsay Lohan is a free woman after being released early from a rehabilitation center on Tuesday recently 22 days into a court-ordered three-month program.Lohan's early discharge following media reports that doctors treating a "Freaky Friday" actress do not believe this 24-year-old suffers of drug or psychiatric problems that were previously diagnosed.Celebrity news web site Radaronline.com said a actress was escorted far removed from this Los Angeles hospital unit's back door into a waiting limousine on Tuesday afternoon, while TMZ.com said Lohan were to receive outpatient care of presently on.A court hearing was scheduled to take place on Wednesday at 8:30 a.m. PT, still Lohan was not usual to attend. Court and furthermore prosecution officials said Tuesday these did not be informed of what would be discussed during the hearing. Los Angeles county district attorney's spokeswoman Jane Robison said prosecutors should abide by whatever doctors evaluating Lohan recommended.Lohan was also released early of jail earlier this month after serving 13 days of a 90-day sentence for violating her probation in a 2007 drunk driving combined with cocaine possession charge. She was released relating to the grounds as in better behaviour and also in aid alleviate overcrowding.She immediately entered a residential rehab program in Los Angeles for that 90-day stint ordered by the court as part of her sentence.Yet this prosecutor in her case said two weeks ago which health care professionals were likely in recommend an early release targeted Lohan, with follow-up therapy because an outpatient.TMZ.com has reported which doctors strongly believe Lohan was wrongly diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, for which she has been taking medication for several years.TMZ said she was also incorrectly diagnosed more recently using bipolar disorder.Lohan admitted in 2007 which she was addicted to alcohol as well as drugs, in addition to went in rehab three period. She was ordered to wear an alcohol monitoring anklet in Can this year and in addition was jailed targeted missing multiple alcohol education classes imposed as part of her probation 3 years ago.This career of the classic once promising actress, who starred in "Mean Girls" together with "The Parent Trap," has foundered from a past several years, with Lohan hitting a headlines repeatedly targeted nights across the town combined with bizarre behavior.Her mother Dina has blamed a "hardball" judge targeted over-reacting and even sending Lohan in jail. She has also said her daughter plans to return to Different York of Hollywood once she leaves rehab.Lohan's legal troubles have delayed shooting on her next movie in which she will play 1970s porn star Linda Lovelace. She was last in movie theatres because of the 2007 flop "I Feel certain of Who Killed Me."

Paris Hilton 'intruder' arrested


Paris Hilton yesterday got a terrifying visit of an unwelcome guest -- a hulking intruder wielding kitchen knives and furthermore banging the back windows at her Los Angeles domicile,the star and therefore police said."So Spine-chilling, just got woken up together with a guy trying with break into my home holding 2 big knifes. Cops are here arresting him," Hilton tweeted on Twitter under a photo she posted as in police busting this stranger.Hilton, 29, woke up into the window-banging and therefore her dogs barking at around 6:30 a.m. She then spotted the man on her security cameras and therefore frantically dialed 911.
This NOT-SO-SIMPLE LIFE: LA cops yesterday arrest Nathan Lee Parada, in a photo posted by Paris Hilton on Twitter. Her barking dogs alerted her at the armed invader.
"[The cops] found him proper regarding the spot," LAPD Officer Gregory Baek spoke on A Post.The suspect, Nathan Lee Parada, 31, had been busted less than a month ago targeted burglarizing a Kohl's department store, of which he swiped $14,000 in jewelry, police said.After the incident at Hilton's home, he was handcuffed and therefore taken to the local Van Nuys jail, Baek said. It appears that Hilton may not be cognizant of him, a officer said.Hilton was spoke on that he was "armed and thus dangerous" and this she was "lucky" he didn't receive a inside, sources told TMZ.Parada was charged with felony crime additionally are being held in lieu of $50,000 bail."What a hair-raising sight with wake up in," Hilton later spoke on RadarOnline. "I can't strongly believe he was carrying. Thank God, a police arrived quickly."Hilton's publicist confirmed in a statement that "an armed man with two kitchen knives attempted in break in with [her] house to she was sleeping."Paris are naturally shaken by the events, although is unharmed and also well," the rep said.A incident are at least the next time that Hilton has reportedly had to control a knife-wielding man.In 2006, an armed man pretending with be her fiancé allegedly showed up at her dad's office in need of her."I've had a lot of stalker incidents, then I usually might handle them . . . [But] which was freaky," she said at the time.

Monday, August 23, 2010


Eminem’s single ‘Love The Way You Lie’ is sparking controversy over both the song’s and furthermore video’s portrayal set by the relationship between love and as well violence. The video features a couple, one minute making love and the next engaged in domestic violence. A chorus sung by Rihanna goes “That’s all proper because I like the practice it hurts.” Many people feel, in contrast, that it is not all proper.



Nonetheless others are praising this video as an honest and thus accurate depiction after the relationship between love in addition to violence. “The most important thing the video is doing are raising the topic of dating violence in young people,” said executive director as in sexual assault and therefore trauma resource center Day One, Stephanie Nilva.


A video was also defended by actor Dominic Monaghan, who stars alongsideMegan Fox in a video. “I think we tried because hard because we could in not glorify this violence, to try also explain that this was a relationship that can be by no means ideal in addition to a relationship that probably should have ended a lot sooner than it did,” he said. “The concept of ‘Love The Way You Lie’ was essentially a look at the relationship which Eminem was in regarding his wife, Kim, so I kind as in felt such as I thought i was using Eminem a little bit, additionally Megan Fox was kind as in using Kim.”


Kick Ass (2010)


BOTTOM LINE: Entertaining then exciting with a tiny slick action sequences, "Kick-Ass" bring a real 'kick' to qualify for the superhero genre to pardon the pun, although a profanity and additionally violence employed by the child characters can offend few who cannot see a humour in it.


THE GOOD: Superhero movies have been done to death with seemingly just about every comic book getting its own film at the moment. In this particular sense "Kick-Ass" are no diverse, however, this feisty not to mention witty nature inside the characters and as well story, not to mention that the heroes website are teenagers at their oldest who manage in inflict part of violent harm additionally swear profusely create that a different kettle as in chicken altogether. Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson) is a geek who wonders why no one has tried to be a superhero given the whole set of publicity afforded these heroes active in the fictional universe. He decides to try together with be one with surprising results. Despite almost getting killed in his first attempt to defeat bad guys, he quickly that specializes in developing an internet following as 'Kick-Ass' additionally finally gets this girl as in his dreams Katie (Lyndsy Fonseca), albeit in a round-about measure. Nonetheless, he quickly becomes embroiled in a fight with crime boss Frank D'Amico (Mark Strong) and therefore discovers there exists other superheroes out there, but ones who in fact be acquainted with back as they are doing. Much entertaining are had using character as in Dave, and his interactions with other superheroes Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) and also Hit Girl (Chloe Moretz), while using the latter just about stealing a show with her action-packed, no nonsense character that manages at your end in demolish most as in D'Amico's goons in a fantastic finale, albeit utilizing help of Kick-Ass. This action sequences in that film are top notch, and also are arguably better than what you would watch in a $200 million superhero film, despite a fact which that film came nowhere near to costing that much. "Kick-Ass" is really a feisty, action packed fun ride that manages to show up innumerable films as in dr agatston ilk.


THE BAD: The film has generated controversy, particularly with this 11-year old character of Hit Girl, for its play with of profanity and then violence. I can see which several people might be offended by to see watch in that film, but yet then, they are probably missing a point. If anything, this film seems to be satirising that aspect of our culture of a rowdy youth influenced by these things in our society. One excellent example is when Ravaged Girl uses night vision goggles in take out D'Amico's bad guys in one particular scene. Because we view her point of view, it feels like a first-person shooter game which seems in mirror the game using of many kids of violent video games. Nonetheless, people who cannot look in to these things included in the film will just write it off child disgusting and as well reprehensible film which is a shame because the film can be a lot of entertaining as well as reflects aspects about youth, culture, violence plus yes, profanity in society.


Hot Tub Time Machine (2010)



To enjoy a time travel movie, you gotta put aside the inevitable probe on how the time travel paradox will come to jinx your enjoyment. One of my favourite time travel movies have got to be Back to the Future, additionally hey, Crispin Glover is cast in this film as well, in what should possibly be the funniest character given the responsibility to carry on and so sustain his own running gag using the narrative, which speaks wonders after the actor's impeccable comic timing.

Like Time Travel films, the premise can be two ways. Bring in the profits involves the protagonists (or victims if you will) having to pursue just one sole objective, also that's to head home. Everything is done deliberately to avoid upsetting the space-time continuum. The other will involve a purposeful change so that the future is actually swung in favour, though that comes with a degree of danger since your next jump back to the future can turn things into something not quite expected. Alternate realities come into play, and therefore if one only has one single chance in generating things proper, then it's which tremendous leap of faith to be taken.

Which is what Hot Tub Time Machine are all about, because of the titular machine being the means to journey wished to time, given an opportunity for the characters to either act out their history faithfully to avoid each drastic change, which means to revisit a tiny painful teenage issues all over again, or grasp which opportunity to produce bold changes, since life has given them a second chance to try and work out things proper. This is the dilemma with which the characters grapple with, in between jokes coming in view of their past lives being revealed towards audience to elicit laughter.

John Cusack heads the pack as Adam the unofficial ringleader through the group of unsuspecting travellers who head back to the 1980s by accident (or otherwise, since Chevy Chase's cameo has a hand in this as well). He's an insurance agent who's getting nowhere in life, and as well is reeling from a recent breakup. His nephew Jacob (Clark Duke) the nerd who lives Adam's basement addicted to Second Life, is that the brains behind the quartet whose very existence are hanging which are balance for he's in a time where he's not born yet, so anything that doesn't go according to plan, may end up with him disappearing forever.

Then there's Nick Webber (Craig Robinson) the one time band member who had given up his dream targeted his wife, only to find himself being one hen-pecked kind of guy, then with one group, there's the obligatory crude loudmouth, with Rob Corddry using Lou for the representative, then resident horny, alcoholic bastard whose idea of a good time is often a threesome, gambling, also just about every vice you may think of. Needless to say, this explosive time-bomb of a character is probably the one who will get you to laugh at, then laugh along with his antics. That, and in addition together with what director Steve Pink found it difficult not for you to do each time the characters pass by a mirror - to show their CG-ed youthful selves to great hilarity.

The usual themes about the value of friendship not to mention selfishness within the group members acquired a explored, especially since they each have their own agenda then mission to complete, and furthermore find themselves being at conflict with their personal demons. Targeted those who grew up in the 80s, that film will contribute you that additional bang for the buck since your soundtrack is full of 80s music, and then the visuals here will immediately transport you back to which era, with just about every production set screaming at you targeted attention as nostalgia starts to kick in. References come fast as well as furious as well, so you're likely to have a field day to catch them all.

Hot Tub Time Machine doesn't go for the cerebral, on the other hand it kept things simple, and also created them entertaining. There's no big plot twist and so no big revelation, offering an easy form of escapism and additionally to allow you to worry about just what you can would like to change, or not, should you suddenly find yourself transported back when you are having which bath. With friends. Drunk.

3D EVERYTHING!?!



The movie studio's additionally TV manufacturers are really pushing 3D because the young "must see" experience not to mention "must have" accessory. Is that 3D thing really all its cracked up to be?


People with small children understand the reach and as well impact within 3D blockbuster marketing machine. Nowadays it seems to be that every young animated family film is out in 3D. To this I have to pose the question: After the cool previews and as well first five minutes after the film, do you even think about the fact that the film is 3D? Aside from the annoyingly geeky glasses, of course.


Targeted me at least, once I'm engrossed after the movie, I find myself completely forgetting that what I'm watching happens to be a 3D formatted film. So that $10 premium I just paid, (times four if you have a wife and even two children in tow) begins to really look with the casino bad investment for the incremental entertainment value it brings.


After all, isn't the main purpose of a movie to get you engrossed within the long run storyline? After the incremental advancement from reel-to-reel projectors to DLP, the level of immersion from DLP to 3D is marginal at finest, particularly after the first 5 minutes when viewng the film when you are really paying greater attention included with the effects than the storyline.


Now, with your certain extent, great visuals help with immersion, however, is 3D separation really needed? And perhaps at a 10-15 dollar premium regarding standard ticket prices? I have to say, targeted me at least, the answer is a solid "No"!


My kids still would like to see the 3D version given the 2D version of each "blockbuster" summer film that comes along. However, I'm never too sad when the 3D version is sold out and also now we need to settle for the lowly digital DLP version within the movie. Also my kids still have the same level of 5D entertaining retelling every memorable scene, with cash left over for one few rounds of 3D gaming after the movie. Now that's the real future of 3D.


Sunday, August 22, 2010

Starcraft II !??!?!?!

Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty

YOU READY!?!
It's about time that the boys over there at blizzard finally released the game that everyone's been waiting for over this last decade.
Jumping straight into it, this game is much faster than the the original, and with that is a high sense of urgency while playing, which for some may be that added kick they were looking for, but for many it'll feel a bit rushed. This is the first game I can remember in a long time that had me yelling "What!?" "Wow!" and "No WAY!" at the screen while playing. It's that good. The graphics are great (and my laptop isn't "high-end"). The game play is intense and cerebral. The campaign missions are very diverse (and extensive, there's as many in this one installment for one race as there was in the original SC for all three) and the story is gripping. All the updates and additions feel very natural and true to the original.
It's an incredible game. I'm not ready to say it's the best game ever, but it is certainly amazing. You can soak it up and enjoy, or you can knit-pick and not get anything. It's your call. 4/5

Monday, August 16, 2010

Avatar (2009)


Avatar is the story of Jake Sully, a paraplegic marine, who replaces his brother on a secret mission to infiltrate the Na' vi, the colony of beings that sit on the planet of Pandora, where there is a precious ore, that sells at a ridiculous amount. When Jake learns the ways of the Na' vi, his feelings and learning's will put him and the people he trusts in dangerous jeopardy.

The performances here, in the sense of reacting, becoming, and understanding what Cameron has written are astounding. Not to be confused with a sensational bravura performance from some of the centuries best such as Marion Brando, Tom Hanks, or Diane Keaton; these actors along with the director inhabit these visual transformations with special effects as if they are have lived these beings all their lives. This is all based on character movements and reactions. Sam Worthington, as Jake Sully, is an actor who's on his way to becoming a star. Though he has problems with his Aussie accent often enough in the film, he gets the job done. Zoe Saldana, who plays Neytiri, a Na' vi huntress, is thrilling and electrifying. Stephen Lang, as the rock hard Colonel Miles, takes on a villainous turn to a new level in science fiction. He offers actual emotion and emotes evil to the audience and gains our hatred easily. Sigourney Weaver as the beautiful Dr. Grace, is sufficient enough to have on screen again teamed with Cameron. She lives inside her role with effortless ease, but suffers from some of the typical James Cameron cheesy lines.

Narratively the film works perfectly on the cinematic level. The first forty minutes or so require patience and hope as it is the weakest part of the film and offers some dreariness, but when the second act takes off, it's sky high with no limits for James Cameron. Avatar delivers the best action sequences put on film of all time. That is the boldest statement I have ever made in all my years of criticism. I sat on this for two days before charging it out, but I mean it. It is the best visual experience of my life, period.

Other than those visuals, the film pops with all the other technical aspects thrown into one. Art Direction is killer as the two worlds blend in perfectly for an acceptable time. The Film Editing is the crowning achievement of the film as it also offers the perfect blend of the two worlds, enticing the viewer and shifting us around. Mauro Fiore is the threat for a Cinematography Oscar this year. It was if the viewer sat down in a chair, put on glasses, and was literally placed on Pandora, spaceships, and floating mountains. The viewer can feel so engulfed by the imagery, you feel like you can smell the leaves from the trees. Avatar is utterly hypnotizing. James Horner's score is some of the best work done in his career. It offers a variable of devastation that moves the viewer to near tears. It goes back to his work on Titanic, where the musical instruments lifted the material immensely. The entire sound team is also locked and loaded for Oscar recognition as the feeling of animals, machines, and arrows buzzing by your head leave you imprisoned in Cameron's exquisite film.

James Cameron has come back home ladies and gentlemen Cameron is back, bigger, badder, and mature in his crowning work of his career. Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Titanic do not even compare anymore. This is the film that can blend the fans of those two films together and lock Cameron into your heart. He's a definite spoiler for a directing bid for the Academy Awards. You have admire the raw, natural talent the man has. How could you ever conceive such an experience and put that much effort and work into it and have it pay off? The box office success will surely keep him in the minds of voters for various critics' awards. His screenplay, leaps and bounds better than 1997's Best Picture Winner, is primed, developed and ripe for the taking. Though, you do acquire the tacky and atypical dialogue you expect from a science fiction director of this caliber, you can appreciate the effort and the honesty of it all. James Cameron is everything Michael Bay wishes he was, to put it bluntly.

Avatar will bring also great actors putting their best foot forward such as Giovanni Ribisi, who is as underrated as they come. Michelle Rodriguez who exudes sexy like any woman starring in a sci-fi epic. Joel Moore, showing his range outside of his comedic work in Dodgeball: An Underdog Story. And the classy veteran actors, CCH Pounder and Wes Studi, who just simply don't work enough.

Avatar is one of the best films of the year. The most exciting, thrilling, and superb work you'll feast your eyes on in any theater this century. Cinema, forever, will remember the benchmark that James Cameron placed not only for himself, but for any man, daring to change the game, the way Cameron did. Avatar is a movie experience to be remembered, and please experience in a movie theater first.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Katy Perry reveals album struggles


The 'California Gurls' singer explained that she was still fine-tuning her sophomore record weeks before its release, in order to achieve its intended sound.

"I literally was just looking through the lyrics, making sure they're all head-to-toe, A-to-Z perfection because they're putting the copy in the actual booklet now," she told Reuters. "We're in the thick of it, people!"

The 25-year-old singer also stated that she intended to create a more up-tempo and exciting album than her debut record One Of The Boys, in order to make live performances more enjoyable for both her and the fans.

"I really love going to shows where I'm sandwiched between people, and you don't know if the sweat on you is yours or the person's next to you," she said. "I love that feeling, and when I was on tour I would see that I was missing that a bit."

Perry also credited long-time collaborators 'Dr Luke' Gottwald and Max Martin with helping her pen tracks for Teenage Dream of which she could be proud.

"I love what I got out of them. It's just pure, unabashed pop, and they definitely have the Midas touch when it comes to radio," she said.

However, Perry confessed that putting the album together wasn't always a pleasurable experience.

"I'm in the studio fighting with them to change the melody or I'm fighting for the best lyric at all times. I think we rewrote 'Teenage Dream' five times for ten days straight. On the last day, I was so happy to finally get somewhere that we all agreed on."

Perry has also hit out her own record label for their reluctance to back some of her more controversial songs.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)


THE FIRST shot of the Eclipse movie is overwhelming. It is dark, violent and perfectly blending with Howard Shore's score. But just after that, the graph falls down, and near the end, your thoughts for the film are as same as other two Twilight films - Bland and boring.

New director David Slade tries too hard to improve the film. He does succeeds in some parts, but the disastrous script of the disaster book never improves. Maybe the screenwriter, Melissa Rosenberg is to be blamed as she is too faithful to the book. The story of the film is the same - Edward wants Bella not to turn into Vampire and constantly telling her cons of becoming a vampire, Jacob insisting Bella to choose him as he is much more human than Edward apart from showing his six packs and Bella, this time, being confused about choosing Edward or Jacob.

The film has prolonged dull and boring dialogs and most of the characters spend most of their time talking, wandering in the forests and kissing.

For sake of story, the film has a one, pretty much about Victoria and her new-born Army of Vampires, which hunt down Bella to avenge her boyfriend. The whole of army and Victoria appear near the end, and gets defeated within five minutes. Then again, talking continues until the final minute of the film.

The reoccurring problem in Twilight series is its weak storyline, and shallow and irritating characters. Bella is most irritating of them. Characters of Edward and Jacob are out of this earth - they fight over a girl who has nothing special.

Anyways, the only good thing about the film is its better pacing then New Moon. New Moon was unwatchable piece of crap, but this one finds better footing. It drags, but comparatively less than its predecessor. Another good thing was decent cinematography by Javier Aguirresarobe, who made this film watchable. Much anticipated score by Howard Shore was average, and no where near his top scores. I would also like to praise David Slade, who did a lot of hard work on the film, but you really can't do anything if you have the wrong script to work with. Acting has also somewhat improved, and Kirsten Stewart is now bearable. Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner are on the same level, anyways.

First Twilight film was below average, the second one was bad and the third is exactly the same - bad. It hardly takes the story ahead, and its all about the same thing - Bella willing to become Vampire, Edward doesn't wants Bella to change into Vampire, Jacob arguing with Edward for Bella and Bella telling both of them to stop fighting over her. Hopefully some one tells Summit to either stop, or write good scripts with a lots of changes from the book. Otherwise, the problem will persist for other two parts and the whole saga will be eclipsed forever.

The Book of Eli (2010)


At first glance - 'The Book of Eli' may look like another typical post-apocalyptic film in the style of such classics as the 'Mad Max' saga and the excellent anime feature "Fist of the North star" and in some ways it is similar in nature. The deserted open desert style landscapes, the leather-clad fashion accessories and lack of technology/resources are all present - but what really sets 'The Book of Eli' apart from those other films is it's story.

If you have not yet seen this film, I suggest you stop reading this review right now as i am about to go into plot details and touch on the "twist" so uh; "SPOILER ALERT":

'The Book of Eli' is essentially about a blind (that's the "twist" part) man who wonders the plains of a post-apocalyptic (possible result of a nuclear war as briefly mentioned in the film) landscape by himself with a single book in his possession. The "book" of Eli turns out to be none other than The Good Book - as in 'The Bible'. Not only is it 'The Bible', it also happens to be the very last 'Bible' on earth!

Eli's 'mission' given to him direct from the voice of God is to take the book West, so the film focus's on Eli's journey and the characters he meets/confronts throughout.

Denzel is good in the title role and brings enough overall substance to his character to make him believable and never over does or over acts any of his lines. I've also read he did all his own stunts and fight scenes for the film which scores extra points in my book!

Gary Oldman plays the lead villain role and his purpose is to take the book (Bible) from Eli and use it for his own personal methods of control. Gary is born to play villains so you can imagine that he is also superbly cast in his role.

Mila Kunis provides eye-candy and gives a very testosterone fueled film a very much needed female injection. I must say for someone who doesn't bathe (with soap at least) or wear any make-up in this post-apocalyptic future - she looks pretty fine to me!!!

Overall the films pace plays out well and there is enough plot, dialogue and action sequences to please most people who would bother seeing a film such as this one.

Now as for the "twist": So it turns out Eli is blind and the Bible is written in brail. This is only revealed to the viewer at the end of the film. However, there are many hints to Eli's blindness scattered throughout the film and off the top of my head - having seen this film only once, I can think of the following:

* When Eli first encounters the bandits at the start of the film, he lures them into the shadows to fight them indicating that he does not need sight to take out his opponents and that they will be at a dis-advantage in the dark. * Eli's sense of smell and hearing is re-remarkably good and obviously heightened as he smells the bandits when they are hiding and often sounds are louder in particular scenes indicating that this is how he hears things. * Though Eli wears sunglasses through the majority of the film, the bright desert sunlight does not seem to effect him as in one scene - he walks out of a darkened area into the sunlight and does not put his glasses on straight away. * Eli is mistaken for being asleep by Solara (Kunis) when he in fact he is not.

I'm sure there are more clues than that which will be easily identified on a second viewing when the viewer is looking for them.

All up, a very entertaining film with a decent plot and solid acting from the cast.

A must-see for fans of post-apocalyptic films!

Date Night (2010)


The director Shawn Levy sadly doesn't inspire a lot of enthusiasm going into one of his movies. At best he's competent at what he does, and some years back made a halfway clever and original 'movie'-comedy (Big Fat Liar), but mostly has kept to Fox studio commercialism like Cheaper by the Dozen and the Night at the Museum movies. And yet, he (or just the studio) must have had the insight to put together two of the funniest people working right now- not to mention with shows back-to-back on Thursday nights on NBC- Steve Carrel and Tina Fey, because they help elevate anyone's work by a longshot. This isn't to say that Josh Klausner's script may not have some laughs, but where exactly I can't be sure, since most of his contributions would appear to come from the super-conventional story aspects (as my own mother put it, "I don't know, looks like The Out of Towners, or that Blind Date movie from the 80's").

So yeah, basic premise, married couple looking for a little change (their friends are splitting up), go out to 'The City' (NYC of course) and to a very nice restaurant. In a move that could come out of a Seinfeld episode, they can't get a reservation so Carrel overhears a waitress calling for someone else for a reservation and he decides they should take it since they're no-shows. The "Tripplehorns", as it turns out, have some shady dealings with some bad dues with guns, and so the Fosters, our confused heroes, go on the run in the city. Whenever the movie focuses on the core plot of all of this, it's by the numbers stuff, save for a climax that ratchets up the absurdity of everyone involved (including good actors playing decent-to-mediocre baddies like William Fichtner and Ray Liotta).

It's when Fey and Carrel are allowed to play loose with the script that it strikes the iron. Their timing is impeccable, and they have chemistry together, which is crucial. And when they come across some other supporting characters, like Mark Wahlberg's (VERY) shirtless ex-military guy with all of his high-tech equipment, or the "real" Tripplehorns played by James Franco and Mila Kunis, there's further hilarity that ensues from the interactions and precise timing. That's all you need sometimes in a comedy that's based in formula, is two character to at least semi care about (and, perhaps more wisely than a Hollywood rom-com can be given credit for, it has painfully normal characters here, nothing too complicated), and who are funny in semi-funny situations. Even a ridiculous car chase where the Fosters hit a cab and the two are connected bumper to bumper through the streets is funny just because of the acting. Given the right mood and timing they could read a census report and get a few chuckles from the pauses and inflections.

So, if you're looking for something masterfully done, look elsewhere. If you just want to see two stars who are funny be funny almost despite some of the limitations in the script, Date Night deserves a chance. At the least you get to see the two show off their "skills" in a strip-club scene, and, did I mention Mark Whalberg doesn't have on a shirt?

Pulp Fiction (1994)


One of the early scenes in "Pulp Fiction" features two hit-men discussing what a Big Mac is called in other countries. Their dialogue is witty and entertaining, and it's also disarming, because it makes these two thugs seem all too normal. If you didn't know better, you might assume these were regular guys having chit-chat on their way to work. Other than the comic payoff at the end of the scene, in which they use parts of this conversation to taunt their victims, their talk has no relevance to anything in the film, or to anything else, for that matter. Yet without such scenes, "Pulp Fiction" wouldn't be "Pulp Fiction." I get the sense that Tarantino put into the film whatever struck his fancy, and somehow the final product is not only coherent but wonderfully textured.

It's no wonder that fans spend so much time debating what was in the suitcase, reading far more into the story than Tarantino probably intended. The film is so intricately structured, with so many astonishing details, many of which you won't pick up on the first viewing, that it seems to cry out for some deeper explanation. But there is no deeper explanation. "Pulp Fiction," is, as the title indicates, purely an exercise in technique and style, albeit a brilliant and layered one. Containing numerous references to other films, it is like a great work of abstract art, or "art about art." It has all the characteristics we associate with great movies: fine writing, first-rate acting, unforgettable characters, and one of the most well-constructed narratives I've ever seen in a film. But to what end? The self-contained story does not seem to have bearing on anything but itself.

The movie becomes a bit easier to understand once you realize that it's essentially a black comedy dressed up as a crime drama. Each of the three main story threads begins with a situation that could easily form the subplot of any standard gangster movie. But something always goes wrong, some small unexpected accident that causes the whole situation to come tumbling down, leading the increasingly desperate characters to absurd measures. Tarantino's originality stems from his ability to focus on small details and follow them where they lead, even if they move the story away from conventional plot developments.

Perhaps no screenplay has ever found a better use for digressions. Indeed, the whole film seems to consist of digressions. No character ever says anything in a simple, straightforward manner. Jules could have simply told Yolanda, "Be cool and no one's going to get hurt," which is just the type of line you'd find in a generic, run-of-the-mill action flick. Instead, he goes off on a tangent about what Fonzie is like. Tarantino savors every word of his characters, finding a potential wisecrack in every statement and infusing the dialogue with clever pop culture references. But the lines aren't just witty; they are full of intelligent observations about human behavior. Think of Mia's statement to Vincent, "That's when you know you've found somebody special: when you can just shut the f--- up for a minute and comfortably enjoy the silence."

What is the movie's purpose exactly? I'm not sure, but it does deal a lot with the theme of power. Marsellus is the sort of character who looms over the entire film while being invisible most of the time. The whole point of the big date sequence, which happens to be my favorite section of the film, is the power that Marsellus has over his men without even being present. This power is what gets Vincent to act in ways you would not ordinarily expect from a dumb, stoned gangster faced with an attractive woman whose husband has gone away. The power theme also helps explain one of the more controversial aspects of the film, its liberal use of the N-word. In this film, the word isn't just used as an epithet to describe blacks: Jules, for instance, at one point applies the term to Vincent. It has more to do with power than with race. The powerful characters utter the word to express their dominance over weaker characters. Most of these gangsters are not racist in practice. Indeed, they are intermingled racially, and have achieved a level of equality that surpasses the habits of many law-abiding citizens in our society. They resort to racial epithets because it's a patter that establishes their separateness from the non-criminal world.

There's a nice moral progression to the stories. We presume that Vincent hesitates to sleep with Mia out of fear rather than loyalty. Later, Butch's act of heroism could be motivated by honor, but we're never sure. The film ends, however, with Jules making a clear moral choice. Thus, the movie seems to be exploring whether violent outlaws can act other than for self-preservation.

Still, it's hard to find much of a larger meaning tying together these eccentric set of stories. None of the stories are really "about" anything. They certainly are not about hit-men pontificating about burgers. Nor is the film really a satire or a farce, although it contains elements of both. At times, it feels like a tale that didn't need to be told, but for whatever reason this movie tells it and does a better job than most films of its kind, or of any other kind.

Hancock (2008)


Alcoholic superhero Hancock (Smith) is offered a chance to redeem himself by an up and coming businessman, whose wife has a secret.

Superhero summer of 2008 was won by The Dark Knight, no question. In and amongst the Batmans, the Ironmans and the Hulks was a film made for profitability and to maintain the likable Smith summer Blockbuster saga, a film that is harmless fun and a film that tries but doesn't succeed in preaching. Hancock is bubblegum entertainment with that extra zest and surprise to make it likable.

Starting with the positives that multi million smash has a great selection of a cast that add the drama and point to the plot. Charlize Thereon adds a necessity to the romantic side with an unexpected twist and turn performance with a juicy underlining secret and vibe that every scene with her in gives the plot a much needed boost. Jason Bateman is sharp enough for the stereotyped content husband and ambitious but not determined enough convention guy. The business idea is actually laughable.

The big positive is that this film is told and shot with entertainment intention and baring in mind it is an action fantasy you don't want to take it too seriously. There is plenty of moments to enjoy including a whale in the sea, a mid air superhero fight and one of the most awful attempts at bank robbery you will ever see on screen.

To the negatives and with a heavy weight on my shoulders with this terrible burden, it has to be the central star. From the Fresh Prince to Independence Day Will Smith has brought us effortless comedy and zest with a new approach to humour styling, so where is it here? The grumpy voice, the slumped shoulders the effortless attempt to be funny.

And the repetition is dreadful, with the key example at the "good job" moments. And whilst this isn't labelled as a comedy there are moments when it should be funny for Big Will. This effortless portrayal at a superhero makes me sad as from a young age I grew up watching his films, and it does sicken me to write this.

Before all the blame gets shunted on the star it is significant to recall that he isn't a scriptwriter, so a large portion must be down to the plot. From flying through the air to a reinvented Superman theme to one of the world's worst reasons for superpowers the scripting is as dizzy as Hancock in the morning. It is never grounded, there are too many clauses and rules and regulations. Why can't it be as simple as get bitten and now you're a spider? This whole background base of Hancock whilst initially intriguing finds itself lost in clauses too deep to claw its way back, with an unbelievably cheesy ending.

The alcoholism isn't as serious as it should be but as before this is built for enjoyment and Peter Berg blends action and fantasy well enough with some well directed fights and whilst Smith and the plot could be better, this is still reasonable fun.

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Watchmen (2009)

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This is an adaptation of Alan Moore's great graphic novel. It takes place in an alternate universe in the 1980s when Richard Nixon is still president. Super hero groups have been outlawed by the president. The former Comedian (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is savagely killed. Another hero named Rorschah (Jackie Earle Haley) investigates and notices former super heroes AND villains are being killed. Nite Owl II (Patrick Wilson) and Silk Spectre II (Malin Ackerman) also know something is up. And the blue (and frequently nude) Dr. Manhattan (Billy Crudup) sees something apocalyptic approaching...

If you haven't read the novel you might have a problem with this. There's WAY too much happening in the book to cram into one movie so this moves through characters and situations at light speed. Some subplots are dropped completely and the depressing tone of the book is lightened. There's also some pretty funny lines added to lighten things up. My favorites came when the main villain says, "I'm not some comic book super villain" and someone says (when it's mentioned Ronald Reagan might be running for president), "Nobody wants a cowboy as a president". Even with the changes this might confuse people who haven't read the book. I've read it multiple times so I wasn't confused. I went with a friend who never read it and she wasn't confused either! I guess it just depends on the person.

The movie is 165 minutes--it's long but I was never bored. The visuals are impressive and the special effects are just great. I was exhausted and depressed by the end of the movie but I love it. It's that rarity--an adult film not dumbed down for teenagers. Yes, it involves super heroes in silly costumes (Nite Owl II in particular) but the fights aren't fun. They're violent, VERY bloody and brutal...especially when the Comedian gets involved. He enjoys the violence and the film shows him going full blast. There's also a rape scene which is actually more upsetting than the bloody battles! The only fight sequence that wasn't too bloody or upsetting was when Nite Owl II and Silk Spectre II invade a prison and basically knock down about 30 or 40 prisoners in a few minutes! Fights aside this is also a mystery about what's going on and why. It's well-done and keeps you guessing till the end. Then there's nudity--there's plenty of nude full-frontal shots of Dr. Manhattan. But seriously--what's the problem? It's a penis. So what? Every guy has one! Supposedly this has upset people but the movie IS R rated and it fits the character. When I saw it my audience was dead quiet. Nobody seemed bothered or unnerved by it. If you're so prudish that a nude guy bothers you then perhaps you shouldn't see the movie. Great soundtrack too.

The acting is excellent. Morgan has the hardest role but he pulls it off. Wilson and Ackerman are sympathetic and nice without becoming TOO syrupy. As for Crudup I can't say how good he is. It's his voice but Manhattan is all CGI. All I'll say is that his voice matches the character. Haley is good too but his voice was way too caustic for the character. Carla Gugino also shines in a supporting role. Only Matthew Goode (as Ozymandies) disappoints. He seems to be holding back for some reason...but he's not in the movie much.

So a very violent, long and adult super hero movie. It's not for everybody but I was fascinated. A 10 all the way.