Since Universal Studios dropped, “The Dark Tower” by Ron Howard and Stephen King, Warner Bros. is close to a deal with HBO. HBO may release the three “Dark Tower” films to theaters and they will also air the TV series on their station as well.
I’ve always thought HBO would be a great home for them. This would be good competition against, “Game of Thrones” and “Boardwalk Empire”.
I’m looking forward to the Dark Tower series coming to the big screen and the small screen. I’m a huge fan of the books. Lets hope Ron does justice with them.
Starring: Jean Dujardin, Berenice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell Directed by: Michel Hazanavicius
Today, I have seen the movie, “The Artist”. The movie that won, “Best Picture”, at this year’s Oscar awards show. I just had to see the film for myself so I can find out why it won, “Best Picture”.
Before the movie, I did pick up, “Game of Thrones – Season 1” on DVD and the new Springsteen album, “Wrecking Ball”. On with my review…
Plot/synopsis: This movie is set in Hollywood between the years 1927 – 1932 (back in those days, it used to be called, “Hollywoodland”). Silent film star, George Valentin (Jean Dujardin), celebrates the release of his film, “A Russian Affair” at the premiere. There, he meets a young woman named, Peppy Miller (Berenice Bejo), who is a big fan of Valentin’s acting career. The next day after, the two of them find themselves on the cover of Variety where Peppy gives a kiss on George’s cheek. Peppy drew a lot more attention than George and his new film instead. Peppy later, auditions for a role for a film as a dancer as she is of course, hired on the spot.
George began to fall crazily in love with her, but she has become a bigger star than him as years went along. As the 1930’s gets closer, sound film is introduced (movies with talking). As sound film is introduced, this began to turn George Valentin’s life upside down.
After seeing this film finally, I can now see why this film won, “Best Picture”. It certainly deserved the win. This was a beautifully made film. While this is the return of “silent film”, it’s not all the way a “silent film”. Not trying to give spoilers, but get the hint of “sound film” being introduced. That’s what the film is, it’s an introduction of “sound film”, movies with talking.
I was blown away with this film. So far, it’s the best film of 2012. Everything about this film is perfect. The writing, the acting, the musical score, etc. I wasn’t even bored one bit, and was entertained all the way through. Silent film may seem boring, but if you actually give this film a try, you won’t be bored at all. It was very enjoyable, and heartfelt. Powerful.
I was impressed with Jean Dujardin, so he definitely deserved the “Best Actor” win for the Oscars. John Goodman and James Cromwell was great as well. The real star we’re talking about here, is that dog in the film. The dog is what made the movie enjoyable. Without the dog, the film wouldn’t have mattered.
I love silent film. It’s beautiful art, so this deserves to make a comeback. This movie was filmed just like it was a real silent film. After watching this movie in theater, I kind of felt like I was in the 1920’s years. This film totally made you feel like what it would be like to watch a movie in theater like that back in those days. This movie, I believe, was a homage to Hollywoodland.
This film was definitely a masterpiece. Like I said once before, after this film, I can see Hollywood making more new silent movies. I hope Hollywood does make more. Could silent film over shadow the comeback of 3D movies??? That’s what I’m kind of hoping ’cause silent film is better than 3D, in my opinion.
Definitely check this movie out soon before it stops playing.
Score for “The Artist” = (**** “4 stars” as in Excellent)
Over the weekend, I watched 3 movies on DVD, so I thought I would give them a brief review:
“Hugo” – This is the new Martin Scorsese directed film, which is set in the 1930’s in Paris, which is about a boy named Hugo Cabret who lives in the walls of a train station. He fixes clocks and other things. He doesn’t have anything else in his life but the automaton that doesn’t work, and it needs a heart shaped key to get fixed. There is this mystery building with the automaton and his father. On with my thoughts on the film, I think this is a very different film for Martin Scorsese who is one of my favorite directors of all time. Over the years, Scorsese almost always did films for the adults. He never did films for children until now. It’s about time he’s done something for kids and he did a good job at it too. I loved, “Hugo”, definitely one of the best films of 2011. Told a good story and the visuals were amazing. Definitely see this if you haven’t.
Super 8 – This is the new JJ Abrams directed, Steven Spielberg produced collaboration, that stars Kyle Chandler in the leading role. This movie is set in 1979 in a small town of Ohio, where a group of kids get together to film their own low budget zombie movie. While filming the movie at a train station, the train mysteriously crashes for no reason, and now a mysterious alien is out on the loose. This movie was pretty good and entertaining but not the best ever. The movie was a bit too predictable, the writing could be improved. What I liked most about it, was the action, the musical score, and Kyle’s character (it was different than Coach Eric Taylor for sure). It was no surprise that the alien turned out to be a lovable & friendly one, but hey, it’s a Spielberg movie too. I’m sure he gave that idea to JJ.
The Way – Well the Emilio Estevez directed and Martin Sheen starred movie is finally out on DVD. It was an independent released movie so it wasn’t shown in that many theaters in the US. This movie is about a man named Tom, whose son has died while travelling to the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of Saint James. It’s a pilgrimage route to the Cathedral, where apostle Saint James is buried. Yes, you bet, this is a pretty religious movie and a pretty good one too. I enjoyed it. Martin Sheen’s performance was great. Even though Emilio didn’t play in the film much, he did a good acting job too. The film was funny and entertaining. It was also a sad movie too. “The Way” was actually pretty enjoyable, and I believe Martin Sheen was snubbed of the Oscars for Best Actor as well.
Since Peter Berg is serious on bringing the, “Friday Night Lights”, TV show to the big screen, everyone is wondering if Taylor Kitsch will be reprising his role as, Tim Riggins. Well, Taylor himself finally responds and he said he will do it if the script for his character is worthy enough to come back. In other words, it must be good. He said he was proud of how his character ended the show, so he may or may not come back at all.
That’s understandable if he doesn’t want to come back ’cause he is becoming a much bigger star than ever before. He wasn’t in the last season of FNL that much, he only appeared for a few episodes. It’ll be cool if Taylor comes back but if he doesn’t, that’s fine too.
I’m hoping the big screen movie will be good too, so hopefully Mr. Berg does a good job with the film.
This is not exactly a “Psycho” remake. What this is, it’s a biopic film of Alfred Hitchcock making the movie, “Psycho”. Scarlett Johansson has been signed to play Janet Leigh, where she’ll be doing her version of the legendary shower scene in the film. James D’ Arcy will play, Anthony Perkins, the actor who played, Norman Bates.
I wonder who they’re gonna get for Alfred Hitchcock? Phillip Seymour Hoffman, maybe?
Honestly, I’m kind of skeptical of this project. I love the Psycho movies. “Psycho” was already remade in “1998”, that starred Vince Vaughn and Anne Heche. We don’t need another remake. This new film claims it’s a “biopic”, but it still feels like a remake to me.
Maybe the trailer will prove us wrong so we’ll have to wait and see.
Today, I saw the war action movie, “Act of Valor” and here is my review…
Plot/Synopsis: A group of active-duty Navy Seals, go on a mission to rescue a kidnapped CIA, agent. This film is based on real life events.
That’s it. That’s the plot of the movie, there’s really nothing much to it. The main characters, the Navy Seals, are nameless. This was a pretty interesting film. While the action scenes were pretty breathtaking, yes, they were a fuckin’ blast to watch! WOW! The only thing I didn’t like about the action scenes was that it was filmed as if you’re playing a first person shooter video game. It almost felt like I was watching, “Call of Duty: The Movie”. The film had pretty unique filming and cinematography. Most of the movie was action packed until toward the end, it got very sad and emotional.
I was also impressed with the sound effects. This movie is going to sound badass on your home stereo surround sound system. While the plot was kind of simple, the writers wanted to keep it mysterious. That’s why the Navy Seals didn’t get named. I believe that’s how it is in real life. When Navy Seals go on missions like that, they have to go anonymous.
This isn’t the best war movie out there. I’ve seen better, but “Act of Valor” was an entertaining film. I liked it. It wasn’t amazing or mind blowing. Nothing Oscar worthy, but it’s just a fun film, that’s all it is. There are no big name actors at all in this film. The movie is full of unknowns.
The thing with this movie is, it wasn’t made to entertain people I believe. This film was a tribute to the fallen. Honoring those Navy Seals killed in action. That’s the message the film is trying to get out.
It is a film worth checking out though. You should check it out yourself.
Score for “Act of Valor” = *** (“3 Stars” as in good)
When the film, “The Artist”, first came out, it first premiered at Cannes Festival. Then it made it’s way to theaters in the US in Feb. I don’t think it was shown in that many theaters then, now the film has won “Best Picture”, the film is playing everywhere this Friday. Yes, my local movie theater at the Wilton Mall will be getting, “The Artist” Friday. So I’m thinking of going to the mall again this weekend to see it.
I’m seeing “Act of Valor” today, I’m thinking of seeing, “The Artist” this weekend. The Oscars got me interested in, “The Artist”. Looks like a good film.
The writers behind the film, “Horrible Bosses”, John Francis Daily and Jonathan Goldstein, are in negotiations with New Line studios to write the script for the, “National Lampoon’s Vacation” reboot. The next “Vacation” film, will focus on a full grown Rusty Griswold, taking his family on a vacation. Chevy Chase himself, have teased many times in interviews that there is a new “National Lampoon’s” movie in the works. Look like he isn’t lying after all!
It would make a lot of sense if they can get Anthony Michael Hall, to reprise his role as Rusty. Anthony is a full grown adult now. I hope they can get Anthony. I also hope, Chevy will reprise his role as Clark in some way. Give Clark Griswold a small appearance, at least, ’cause I can’t see a Vacation movie without the great, Clark Griswold. I love the vacation movies. Especially the first one.
It would also be great if they bring back Bevery D’Angelo (Ellen), and Dana Barron (Audrey). Bring back the original cast!
The first Vacation movie by Harold Ramis, is one of my favorite comedy films of all time. Love the film too much, especially John Candy’s appearance at the end. Lets hope they do a good job with the re-boot.
Edit to add: Btw, the new film needs to open with it’s original theme song, Lyndsey Buckingham’s “Holiday Road”. If that song is not in the film, it’s not a vacation movie!
Kev
The Oscars gave all three of the LOTR a nod at the nominations, but “Return of the King”, actually won Best Picture that year. Harry Potter? Nothing.
Well, Harry Potter may have gotten small nominations over the years like best editing, sounds effects, makeup, etc. but Harry Potter franchise, never got any major nominations. Now that the Harry Potter franchise is all done and over with, there is no chance for Oscars. No chance for “Best Picture”, “Director”, “Actor/Actress”, etc.
While I do love all the Harry Potter films, none of them are best picture worthy. They could have been if they were written better and directed better. There are actually a few actors in the Harry Potter series that I wish could have gotten a nod like Richard Harris who played Dumbledore, and Alan Rickman who played Professor Snape should have gotten something too. I also thought Ralph Fiennes did a great job playing Voldermort.
I do agree that Harry Potter was snubbed a lot though. Sad, but that’s the way it is. It’s Hollywood.
I know last night’s Oscars are going to be questionable for some. Some people are going to think what the hell were they thinking, giving a movie with no talking, the most credit last night. The problem with that is, most young people of this generation, don’t understand what, “silent film” is. I never even heard of that film, “The Artist”, until last night. Never saw the trailers before. Since the movie was getting the most recognition last night, I had to look it up online for myself, and to me, “The Artist”, looks like a very interesting movie. I’m probably going to check the movie out when it arrives on DVD.
I love silent film. That is how movies and Hollywood all started back in the 1920’s – 30’s. Silent film was the beginning of movies. The makers behind, “The Artist”, just simply wanted to give the genre a comeback to the movie industry. If you call yourself a movie buff, and don’t understand silent film, then you’re not a true movie buff. Like I said, I love silent film. Silent movies like the original “Phantom of the Opera”, “Metropolis”, “Nosferatu”, etc. Ever hear of Charlie Chaplin? He was a legendary silent film actor, back in the day! Silent film deserves to comeback to the movies. After, “The Artist”, you can expect more silent movies to be made in the future.
As far as the rest of the Oscars go, it was okay. Billy Crystal’s opening segment, was kind of boring and not funny. He started off parodying other Hollywood movies in the opening segment, and then he came out on stage doing his usual song & dance thing, every time he hosted. I thought Billy was kind of boring, and it made me wish Eddie Murphy was hosting it last night instead of him. Eddie, I’m sure would have made the show more entertaining.
The movie, “Hugo” started to get the most awards last night. I haven’t even seen, “Hugo”, yet, but I want to. I love Martin Scorsese’s work and I’ll wait to see that film when it arrives on DVD.
Most of the Oscar winners were disappointing last night, to be honest with you. There were only a few that I agreed with. I’m happy for Octavia Spencer that she won for Best Supporting Actress for the movie, “The Help”, which is well deserved. Octavia actually got an emotional standing ovation from the crowd, and she deserved that as well. She was obviously, the best thing about that movie.
I’m glad that Meryl Streep finally won an award. Even though she holds the most record breaking nominations, she hasn’t won an award since “Sophie’s Choice” in 1982. So if you think she’s won a lot of awards, not true. She may have been nominated a lot, but out of all the nominations, so far, she won about 3 or 4 awards, I think. She’s an amazing actress who can play just about anything.
I am actually glad they didn’t give the “Best Actress”, award to Michelle Williams, ’cause “My Week With Marilyn”, looks like a terrible movie, in my opinion. Michelle doesn’t make a good portrayal of Marilyn at all, because Michelle looks nothing like Marilyn.
While Christopher Plummer is a great actor, I was disappointed with his win. Nick Nolte, got robbed for “Best Actor” for “Warrior”, he really should ‘ve gotten it.
As for the red carpet intro before the show, Sacha Baron Cohen was The Dictator was there but he had a couple of women with him. He was interviewed by Ryan Seacrest for the E! channel and I heard that Sacha dumped ashes all over Ryan. Of course, I find that fake, kind of a work. This Sacha vs. The Oscars feud, is kind of like a wrestling storyline. Kind of like what Andy Kauffman did back in the old days. Sacha wasn’t really banned from the Oscars, and proof of that, he showed up in the celebrity interviews during the Oscar show itself. I’m sure Sacha was there in the audience somewhere out of character watching the show, but he had to be there anonymously, so this publicity stunt won’t get ruined. This stunt is entertaining though and it’s good publicity for the film, “The Dictator”, that’s why they’re doing it. It is their way of marketing the movie.
Last night’s Oscars was okay. It should have been a little better.
Kev
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