Category Archives: movies

movies, sports

Film Review: 42

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Starring: Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford, Christopher Meloni

Directed by: Brian Helgeland

Today, I decided to go hit the movies for something to do. Since there is currently no movie theater in the Wilton Mall, I’ve been going to a different mall that does have a theater. There’s a couple of good movies out that I wanted to see currently. They were: “Oblivion” w/ Tom Cruise, “The Place Beyond the Pines”, and “42”. So, out of the three choices, I ended up going for the baseball movie, “42”. I wanted to see something real and something serious. So here is my review…

Plot/Synopsis: This tells the life story of professional baseball legend, Jackie Robinson, who is one of the all-time greats. It is set around the time when blacks wasn’t being accepted in this society. It also depicts the MLB signing their first African-American. Thanks to Branch Rickey (played by Ford) who helped make that happen and changed history forever in professional baseball. 

One thing to keep in mind before you go see this film is that this isn’t really a Jackie Robinson biopic film. This film doesn’t depict his entire life. It is set around the time he first signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers. I am not much of a baseball fan. I used to be when I was a kid. I used to be obsessed with baseball but gave up watching it over the years. After watching this movie, made me start to appreciate baseball again. They titled this movie, “42” instead of “The Jackie Robinson Movie” for a reason. It’s not just a movie about, Jackie. It’s about changing history in sports. It’s about welcoming black people into the sport of professional baseball.

I was pretty impressed on how this movie was filmed. It was filmed like a historical sports show like you would see on TV. The cinematography was good. The casting was good, and was well-acted by everyone.

Speaking of the casting, I was pretty impressed with the film’s leading star, Chadwick Boseman who played Jackie. Chadwick is an unknown actor who I’ve never heard of, and this film will indeed make him a huge star. Christopher Meloni (former star of “Law and Order: SVU”) had an interesting role. Like usual most of Chris’s roles were short-tempered characters and he had a short-temper kind of character in this film once-again.

I was most impressed with Harrison Ford’s performance, though. His performance is going to grab everyone’s attention. I think Harrison’s performance is Oscar award worthy, for sure. In Harrison’s roles over the years in his career, his acting has always been the same — nothing new — but Harrison’s acting was something different in this film. This film really showcased Harrison’s talent and I know that his acting has been critical by people over the years. Yes, Harrison still plays a grumpy old man in this film but they made him look a lot older. His acting really was something special, and I think he’s got some awards coming his way.

Other than that, this was a very entertaining movie — all the way through. I wasn’t bored a bit, and this film makes me want to watch MLB a lot more. It definitely does have Oscar potential. I loved this film, very much. I thought this was the best baseball movie since Costner’s “Field of Dreams” (which is also my favorite baseball movie). I’m glad I decided to see this film today, and I’m definitely buying the BluRay when it comes out. This film, “42”, can have some different emotions, though. It can go from enjoyable, sad, and funny. Yes, there are some comical scenes in the film to add a bit of humor. It was a pretty amazing film and so far, the best film this year. Two thumbs up.

Kev

movies, music

Report: Metallica’s 3D movie, “Through The Never” to hit Imax theaters…

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Metallica’s 3D live-concert movie, “Through The Never”, will be hitting Imax theaters all across North America, during the week of September 27th. The regular release of the film will be hitting theaters nationwide, Oct. 4th. The concert filmed in the movie was the three day concert in Vancouver, last August. The concert will feature: pyrotechnics, floating coffins, and planned malfunctions. Of course, I’m sure the concert will feature all kinds of unique stage lights and smoke machines to help give the 3D effects. Maybe the movie will even show backstage footage and interviews with the band, who knows.

More on the story, here.

As a die-hard Metallica myself, I’m really looking forward to this.The band is probably getting a lot of haters accusing the band of doing this for a quick cash-grab or being sell-outs, but angry fans call the band sell-outs on pretty much everything they do. After a 30 long year career, releasing 9 successful studio albums — yes, St. Anger, Load, and Re-load were very successful albums — , and being the biggest live-selling band in the history of music; the band deserves this film.

I’ve always stayed loyal to Metallica. Even stood by them for the “St. Anger”, “Load”, and “Re-load” stuff. I don’t feel ashamed of enjoying those albums ’cause they are good albums, if you give them a chance. Metallica is just like every other band, ya know? They just want to change and evolve. Bands don’t like staying in the same style of music so they need to be diverse and versatile. “St. Anger” may have been the band’s most hated album, but I’m probably one of the very few who actually loved it. It’s a pretty sick album if you actually listen to it. The album has some of James’s best rhythm playing and singing.

Love Metallica or hate them… they are the kings of metal, no matter what you think of them. I too am hoping they will start working on their 10th album if they’ll ever get to it. This band is not about pleasing everyone for sure. They’re not afraid to do what they want to do, not giving a shit about what anyone else thinks. That’s why Metallica still has my respect.

I’m looking forward to this movie and will be there to see it if it’s playing in my local mall.

Kev

movies

Netflix Pick (streaming): Bully

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Last night on Netflix, I watched the Lee Hirsch directed documentary titled, “Bully”, which was also produced by the Weinstein Co. Ever since this movie came out in theaters a few years ago, I avoided this movie for a few reasons: 1) This was going to bring back bad memories to my own childhood school days 2) It would be too painful and uncomfortable to watch. Now that the film is finally available for Netflix streaming, I decided to check it out. While it was a really great documentary as expected, it really was a bit too painful and uncomfortable to watch but I’m glad I did watch it finally.

This is a pretty important film that everyone needs to see. Especially, those who are parents and have kids. This film does a good job giving people a wake up call on bullying. This film is not just about gay kids being bullied in school, it is directed at kids of all types. The movie tells different stories of kids being bullied in school. It tells the story of Alex Libby, Ja’Meya Jackson, Kelby Johnson and others. The stories of Alex, Ja’Meya and Kelby were the main parts of the documentary. Alex was a young kid who is a loner and was being picked on because of his looks. Ja’Meya is a young black girl who pulled a loaded gun at a bunch of students on the bus and that earned her a bunch of charges by the police which were later dropped because she defended herself. Kelby is a young lesbian girl who is being picked on because of her orientation and she’s the type when you can’t tell whether she’s a boy or a girl.

I’m actually glad I watched this documentary ’cause it was pretty inspiring to me. The film kind of moved me. Pretty powerful flick. I hate most documentaries but this is a pretty good one.

Yes, I was a victim of bullying throughout my school years so I know what it is like. So, I had similar experiences with the kids in this film. People in school made fun of me ’cause of my appearance; my scoliosis and other insecurities I have. Other kids made fun of me ’cause they mistakenly viewed me as a mentally retarded person which is far from the truth. I’ve always believed that’s not what I am, I assure you of it. I may have physical disabilities yes, indeed, but not mental disabilities. Big difference between the two. Yep, I dealt with all of it. Getting picked on in class and on the bus. Gotten punched and kicked, sure. Even was threatened to get into fights with other kids after school. All that stuff.

Make no mistake though, I’ve had my share of bullying other kids myself!

Bullying has gotten out of hand in America, whether in school or out. Online and offline. I even still get bullied by people to this very day; online and offline, but you know what? I just learn to ignore what people have to say about me and learn to be tough. People can campaign to stop bullying all they want to — that’ll help — but they need to do more. Putting an end against bullying also requires great parenting skills. Training your kids not to be violent and hateful. Training your kids to stand up for yourself. Keep kids away from violent movies and video games. All that stuff. If I ever get kids of my own, I’ll keep all of this in mind so they don’t become victims of bullying.

This is a pretty important documentary that’s worth a viewing. If you have Netflix, please do check it out.

Kev

movies, WWE news

Report: Dwayne Johnson has abdomen surgery since after getting injured in match with John Cena at WM-29…

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Professional wrestling maybe fake and scripted, yes, but not all of it. You can still get injuries for real and this is proof. During the match with John Cena at Wrestlemania 29, The Rock, tore off his abdomen and abduction muscles. Tore them right off the bone. So he just had a successful surgery today.

Read more on the story, here.

The Rock is already done with the surgery as he just posted a pic of himself in the hospital, see it here…

Keep in mind that professional wrestling is a very physical job. Even though it’s fake wrestling, and you can’t really hurt each other, you can still get injuries by accident. You can still get injured in professional wrestling just like you can get injured in any sport or on any job. Yes, professional wrestling is fake and scripted but still can be very dangerous.

Dwayne is a cool guy though, I’ve always looked after him. I wonder if the surgery will hold back his movie career a little bit? He’s gonna have to do a lot of resting and healing so he may have to take a break from acting in movies for a while.

He is a beast, though. He’s gotten even more ripped and jacked than ever before. People will probably blame his physique on steroids but again, all bodybuilders get accused of using ‘roids. It’s just old and tiresome — I just ignore the steroid accusations. It is idiotic and unfair how bodybuilders get blamed for steroids — I can tell you that right now.

Kev

movies

Cool Video: Michael Shannon reads the Insane Delta Gamma Sorority letter…

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Hollywood actor, Michael Shannon, is seen here reading Rebecca Martinson’s crazy & insane letter to the Delta Gamma. I don’t know much about this Rebecca Martinson story, since I haven’t been following it, but I just had to post this video ’cause of Michael Shannon alone. Michael Shannon is such a great actor. This video he made proves it too. Almost every movie role Michael Shannon plays, he almost always plays a menacing asshole type of character that you want to hate. This guy has a temper that makes you want to get scared of him while he screams at you and he does a very good job of it. So if you ever got to meet Michael Shannon in person, better not mess with him. You wouldn’t like it when he’s angry! HA!

I love this video Michael did. I’ve been watching Michael’s movies for years. He is an extremely talented actor, and I can’t wait to see him as General Zod in “Man of Steel”. I haven’t been watching “Boardwalk Empire” but I’m planning on checking it out soon.

I’m sure Michael is a nice and down to earth guy in real life though. His short tempers are just part of his acting for characters in film. It does seem like he can be that kind of person in real life, though, that’s what makes him an awesome actor!

Check out the video here.

Kev

movies

Happy 75 years, Superman…

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Today officially marks the 75th Anniversary of Superman. The first Superman “Action Comics” was published: April 18th, 1938.

Superman is over hyped for a lot of reasons. First of all, the character means so much to so many people — including me. Secondly, the character just rules and he is the king of all superheroes. I loved Superman ever since I was a kid and still love him now. Watched all the Superman movies over the years, the George Reeves TV show, and all the Max Fleischer cartoons. Of course, I read a lot of comics as well.

What mattered to people the most was the Superman films; most notably, the films with Christopher Reeve who helped made the character more iconic. Chris Reeve will always be the best Superman of them all. Nobody will be able to top him ever. Not even Henry Cavill or Brandon Routh. I thought “Superman: The Movie” and “Superman II” were both amazing films but “III” was pretty good — “The Quest For Peace” was garbage. Then comes “Superman: Returns” in which Bryan Singer directed; that film was okay but needed a lot of improvements and the script was a mess.

Here comes the new Superman flick, “Man of Steel”, directed by Zack Snyder and produced by Christopher Nolan. The trailer was released this week to help celebrate the 75 years of Superman. I can’t wait for, “Man Of Steel”. I’m sure it will be a Superman flick that will make all of us fanboys happy.

I’ll post the trailer again.

Kev

movies

Cool Video: Full length, “Man of Steel”, trailer is finally here!!!

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This looks like a pretty amazing movie. Will we finally get a great Superman movie, we’ve all been wanting for years? Will Zack redeem himself with this one? So far, this film is looking pretty amazing. The music played through the trailer, is the new music composed by Hans Zimmer.

I love how Lois tries to give him the Superman name, but then they cut it to a different scene right before she said it. Look like we’ll have to wait for the movie itself for her to say the “Superman” name, in full.

It does look like a realistic approach to the character, though. It’s about time, too! Wish Christopher Reeve himself was still alive to see this movie going on. I’m sure he would have loved it too! Enjoy all! I’m psyched. I’m definitely gonna be there for this one.

Kev

movies

Report: Sly confirms Wesley Snipes is on board for Expendables 3??? Mel Gibson to direct and star???

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Sly tweeted that Wesley Snipes is officially on board to join the cast for, “The Expendables 3”. I went to Sly’s twitter page, but it looks like he removed it, for whatever reason. Sly then teased, that he plans on asking Mel Gibson to direct and have a starring role in the film too.

More on the story, here.

Well, it’s no surprise that Wesley Snipes would be returning to acting right away, after getting released from prison. He needs to get his financial income back in order somehow, since he refused to pay his taxes right? He’s probably broke, by now. Other than that, it’s great to see Sly and Wes team together again since 1993’s, “Demolition Man”.

As for Sly trying to ask Mel Gibson to direct and star? Heh, good luck on that one, Sly. I don’t think Mel would jump on board unless he gets a hand on writing duties. I can understand why Sly would want Mel since Mel is great at action films. Mel is a very talented director and screenwriter, but it seems that Mel does his own thing with directing. Mel is good at making violent and gritty scenes, and the Expendables could use something like this. Mel is still starring in violent action movies to this day, but I’m sure Mel is a difficult guy to deal with. If Sly can actually get Mel on board, that would be surprising, but I don’t see it happening. Mel would probably turn it down.

Kev

movies

Just finished re-reading, Stephen King’s “Carrie”… ***Spoilers beware***

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I just finished re-reading Stephen King’s, “Carrie”, novel. This was obviously the first novel, King has written in his career. The story was originally intended to be a short story for a magazine, but King has decided that this story was garbage, so he throw it out. His wife, Tabitha King, dug the story out of the trash, and she read it. She loved it too much that she begged him to finish it. Stephen finished it, but expanded it into a novel instead of a short story. Now look, where the book got him. He is the world’s most famous writer, all because of,”Carrie”. If he threw out “Carrie”, and if his wife haven’t found it, then King wouldn’t have gotten where he is today.

On with the story, I really hope the new “Carrie” film with Chloe Moretz, would stay more faithful to the book. I’m going to talk a little bit about the story, with spoilers of course.

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The reason I hate Depalma’s version of “Carrie” so much is because for the most part, most of it didn’t follow the book. I thought most of that film was pretty whacky to begin with; even though, I thought Depalma’s version of the Prom scene was terrific. That was the only good part about that movie.

However, in King’s book, “Carrie”, Carrie White just didn’t go in total destruction mode of the Chamberlain High School. She destroyed the whole town. In the book, she already knew she had telekinetic powers, while the movie acted like she was trying to figure it out. At the end of King’s book, Carrie actually dies because she used way too much kinetic powers to kill Chris Hargensen and Billy in a car, (I think they showed the car destruction in the new “Carrie” trailer, that was just out). In Depalma’s version of the movie, they let Carrie survive at the end. Will they actually let “Carrie” die, in this movie?

In King’s book, the book ends with another girl named, Melina, having telekinetic powers, similar like Carrie’s. I wouldn’t be surprised if the new “Carrie” movie with Chloe Moretz, will let Carrie live at the end so there can be a sequel. This movie shouldn’t have a sequel ’cause King’s book didn’t end like that.

I’m hoping, and praying that the new “Carrie” film with Chloe will stay more true to this book, this time around, and looking at the new trailer, it looks like it might. While Depalma’s version with Sissy Spacek is a classic movie, indeed, it just didn’t work for me. I think Chloe’s version will make it just right, this time around.

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Kev

movies

Film Review: Evil Dead

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Starring: Jane Levy, Shiloh Fernandez, Lou Taylor Pucci

Directed By: Fede Alvarez

Well, earlier this afternoon, I finally got around to watching the new, “Evil Dead” movie, in a theater, this time! Here is my review:

Plot/Synopsis: Five young friends, go out vacationing, and they discover an old remote cabin in the woods, where they decide to stay at for a few days. Mia who is David’s sister, is a recovering heroin addict, and they investigate the cabin, whether it is safe to stay there or not. When they decided to stay, they discover the Book of the Dead in the basement. One of them decided to read the book and they accidentally summoned the Deadites living in the woods nearby. The group tries to fight off these Deadites for survival. 

When this project was first announced since last year, I was kind of skeptical of this film myself. I was even more skeptical when Diablo Cody, jumped on board to help write the script with these guys. Now that the movie is finally here, and I got to see it, I was pleasantly surprised. This is a true horror film, at it’s finest. I don’t mind an “Evil Dead” movie, without Bruce Campbell starring as Ash, but as long as the original team is still behind it, I’m all for it. This film was an absolute thrill ride. I had such a blast watching this film. I never felt like that watching a horror film. I’ve seen so many horror flicks over the years. Most of them don’t want to make you jump up and cheer. Get grossed out or even get scared a little bit. This film did all that. It was creepy and gory as hell, all the way through. Even though this film has nothing to do with Ash, as expected, there were plenty of Ash references, and they’re real easy to spot too!

A lot of people said that this film was very much like the original, the first one, but the way I saw it, this film was a mix of the first two Evil Dead movies. This film has a little bit of “Evil Dead II: Dead By Dawn” in there, as well. Even though Sam Raimi, didn’t direct this one, and he was one of the producers, this film was still done in his style. So Fede Alvarez, obviously had a lot of help from Sam in this movie. You’re not going to see too much comedy in this film. This film wanted to focus more on the horror part of things. The goal here was to make this film a true horror film, and it was!!! This film isn’t a remake or a prequel. It is actually a continuation, taken years after the first one. There are signs throughout the film, that Ash has been in the cabin previously. This film does a wonderful job explaining how the cabin turned out to be. Getting haunted by the Deadites.

For the sequel, I hope they don’t ignore the comedy stuff completely, ’cause it was the horror/comedy bits, that is what made these films work. Even though, this film was more focused on horror, there is still bits of humor here and there. Just not too much. It’s just a new EVIL DEAD movie, using today’s technology of filming. Just a word of advice though, this film is not for the weak stomach at all. There are some major gross outs that’ll make you almost want to throw up or look away from the screen. The gore looked pretty good and more realistic looking too. Most gore in horror films have been pretty bad, but this film makes the gore look good.

The cabin and set design is very similar of the first two Evil Dead flicks. The same place that Ash was at previously, until he got thrown into a different world (the Army of Darkness world where he got sent to). So it wouldn’t make sense at all if Ash did return to the cabin for this movie. That would be a problem. Other than that, this was a pretty amazing flick. Like I said, I haven’t had so much fun watching a horror film in a long time! It is a great introduction to the Evil Dead franchise. Whether you’re a longtime fan, or a newbie, this will attract new fans to the older movies, which is the goal here.

I’m already looking forward to the sequel here. Two thumbs up for this movie. I will definitely buy the Blu Ray when it comes out.

Kev