Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Where the Wild Things Are trailer
I've heard about the ambitious Where the Wild Things Are movie project for awhile now. Reportedly, Spike Jonze resisted the obvious temptation to use CGI and animation for this project. He instead used costumes which obviously delayed the film, but the quality and effectiveness of his vision is easily apparent.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Year One Trailer
When I first saw the teaser trailer for Year One, I wasn't impressed. The movie actually reminded me of that horrible eighties movie Caveman starring Ringo Starr.
This trailer shows more potential than the teaser did and also some of the comedic chemistry between Michael Cera and Jack Black.
This trailer shows more potential than the teaser did and also some of the comedic chemistry between Michael Cera and Jack Black.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Barack-Etology
March Madness began today and everyone is watching their brackets to see how they do this year.
Even our President, Barack Obama got in on the action.
The Tar Heels huh...not exactly going out on a limb.
Even our President, Barack Obama got in on the action.
The Tar Heels huh...not exactly going out on a limb.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Tyson Movie Trailer
Love him or hate him Mike Tyson is a fascinating person.
A new documentary film by director James Tobeck will attempt to shed light on the troubled ex-champion.
Also in case you haven't seen it yet. Mike Tyson appears in the film The Hangover directed by Todd Phillips.
Seriously, some hilarious stuff.
A new documentary film by director James Tobeck will attempt to shed light on the troubled ex-champion.
Also in case you haven't seen it yet. Mike Tyson appears in the film The Hangover directed by Todd Phillips.
Seriously, some hilarious stuff.
Monday, March 09, 2009
The Face of Shakespeare?
Apparently this is the face of William Shakespeare.
The portrait is dated around 1610, which would mean it was done about six years before his death. It was unveiled today to the press. It is believed to be the only painting of Shakespeare made during his lifetime. The image also reportedly sheds some more light on who the Bard actually was. According to experts, the image contradicts previous notions that he was a struggling artist. Reportedly the garment that Mr. Shakespeare is wearing in the portrait is the clothing of someone of upper class, not working class. The intricate lace on the collar supposedly being the main clue of his wealth.
Also Shakespeare has previously been seen in portraits as balding. Such as this famous drawing which was made AFTER his death.
Maybe people remembered him wrong? Jealousy maybe?
Who knew? Turns out Shakespeare did resemble Joseph Fiennes after all.
Which should make the ladies happy.
Here's the full pic.
Handsome devil. Don't you think?
The portrait is dated around 1610, which would mean it was done about six years before his death. It was unveiled today to the press. It is believed to be the only painting of Shakespeare made during his lifetime. The image also reportedly sheds some more light on who the Bard actually was. According to experts, the image contradicts previous notions that he was a struggling artist. Reportedly the garment that Mr. Shakespeare is wearing in the portrait is the clothing of someone of upper class, not working class. The intricate lace on the collar supposedly being the main clue of his wealth.
Also Shakespeare has previously been seen in portraits as balding. Such as this famous drawing which was made AFTER his death.
Maybe people remembered him wrong? Jealousy maybe?
Who knew? Turns out Shakespeare did resemble Joseph Fiennes after all.
Which should make the ladies happy.
Here's the full pic.
Handsome devil. Don't you think?
Sunday, March 08, 2009
The Watchmen - Review
I've acknowledged in the past that I have a soft spot for comic book movies and westerns. So it shouldn't come as any surprise to the reader that I enjoyed The Watchmen.
Except it WAS a surprise...to me.
If there is such a thing as an unfilmable graphic novel, The Watchmen would be it. Originally a 12 issue limited-series, The Watchmen novel has an unprecedented following. The book is considered by most comic book aficionados as the Hamlet of the industry and as such, any alteration or compression of the story is usually considered sacrilege.
Although probably unbeknownst to most comic book fans, Shakespeare's works are routinely edited, re-arranged, and brutally altered for presentation on stage and film. We're talking poetry too, iambic pentameter. So cutting a line can have a tremendous impact on the flow of the script.
As an actor and stage director I've experienced the success and failures of Shakespeare adaptations multiple times.
So when I heard the criticism and buzz about literary aspects changed in the film. I considered it Much Ado About Nothing. I've learned through experience that the editing and the changing of a literary work isn't necessarily a bad thing.
That was the least of my concerns.
Judging from leaked footage and trailers, the look of the film seemed too bright, attractive and glossy for The Watchmen universe. The assembled cast seemed like a group of network television mini-series guest stars. I also was not a huge fan of Zack Snyder's previous film 300. Then of course, on top of all that there is the obvious visual and story telling challenges that the work presents.
Suffice it to say I went into the movie with low expectations.
I even attended an IMAX screening for my initial viewing of the movie so that if I were disappointed by the film, at least I wouldn't be disappointed by the presentation.
I am happy to report that the movie is the first legitimate GREAT film of the year.
The motion picture succeeds and triumphs on most fronts. The griped about changes in the plot did not compromise the overall powerful themes of the piece.
My only complaint is that I wanted more.
But that is a situation that is going to be remedied in the Blu-Ray release of the film.
As for the cast, much of the positive buzz has landed on Jackie Earle Haley.
Which is deserved.
But the performance that stood out for me the most was the work of Billy Crudup. Crudup was faced with the challenge of portraying a character with little emotion, not to mention the challenge of working behind the most special effects of any character in the film. Crudup couldn't even work with his eyes. Dr. Manhattan's eyes are a consistent white glow. Despite all these obstacles Dr Manhattan's story arc and Crudup's performance was the most powerful aspect of the film for me.
The simplicity of his performance, the way he was able to transition from childlike wonder and naivety to emotionally cold, distant and pompous within the same scene was just stunning.
For me it was the key to the character and perhaps the entire film.
I am also happy to report that previous knowledge of the plot did little to spoil the entertainment value of the film. I admit I was turned into a gleeful nerd, anticipating certain classic sequences from the novel.
Simply put the project delivers in every way.
Of course I can't vouch for the experience of the uninitiated. But I suspect if one goes into the film NOT expecting The Dark Knight, they will be pleasantly surprised.
Just like me.
Except it WAS a surprise...to me.
If there is such a thing as an unfilmable graphic novel, The Watchmen would be it. Originally a 12 issue limited-series, The Watchmen novel has an unprecedented following. The book is considered by most comic book aficionados as the Hamlet of the industry and as such, any alteration or compression of the story is usually considered sacrilege.
Although probably unbeknownst to most comic book fans, Shakespeare's works are routinely edited, re-arranged, and brutally altered for presentation on stage and film. We're talking poetry too, iambic pentameter. So cutting a line can have a tremendous impact on the flow of the script.
As an actor and stage director I've experienced the success and failures of Shakespeare adaptations multiple times.
So when I heard the criticism and buzz about literary aspects changed in the film. I considered it Much Ado About Nothing. I've learned through experience that the editing and the changing of a literary work isn't necessarily a bad thing.
That was the least of my concerns.
Judging from leaked footage and trailers, the look of the film seemed too bright, attractive and glossy for The Watchmen universe. The assembled cast seemed like a group of network television mini-series guest stars. I also was not a huge fan of Zack Snyder's previous film 300. Then of course, on top of all that there is the obvious visual and story telling challenges that the work presents.
Suffice it to say I went into the movie with low expectations.
I even attended an IMAX screening for my initial viewing of the movie so that if I were disappointed by the film, at least I wouldn't be disappointed by the presentation.
I am happy to report that the movie is the first legitimate GREAT film of the year.
The motion picture succeeds and triumphs on most fronts. The griped about changes in the plot did not compromise the overall powerful themes of the piece.
My only complaint is that I wanted more.
But that is a situation that is going to be remedied in the Blu-Ray release of the film.
As for the cast, much of the positive buzz has landed on Jackie Earle Haley.
Which is deserved.
But the performance that stood out for me the most was the work of Billy Crudup. Crudup was faced with the challenge of portraying a character with little emotion, not to mention the challenge of working behind the most special effects of any character in the film. Crudup couldn't even work with his eyes. Dr. Manhattan's eyes are a consistent white glow. Despite all these obstacles Dr Manhattan's story arc and Crudup's performance was the most powerful aspect of the film for me.
The simplicity of his performance, the way he was able to transition from childlike wonder and naivety to emotionally cold, distant and pompous within the same scene was just stunning.
For me it was the key to the character and perhaps the entire film.
I am also happy to report that previous knowledge of the plot did little to spoil the entertainment value of the film. I admit I was turned into a gleeful nerd, anticipating certain classic sequences from the novel.
Simply put the project delivers in every way.
Of course I can't vouch for the experience of the uninitiated. But I suspect if one goes into the film NOT expecting The Dark Knight, they will be pleasantly surprised.
Just like me.
Saturday, March 07, 2009
Chris Paul dribble through Jason Terry's Legs
Some things don't need a comment or a description.
Just a witness.
Nasty.
Just a witness.
Nasty.
Friday, March 06, 2009
Star Trek Trailer #3
The buzz has been generally positive for this third Star Trek trailer.
But in my humble opinion this trailer worries me. It feels too pretentious, almost bordering on melodramatic.
I know the trailer isn't the movie. So I'll continue to reserve judgment.
But in my humble opinion this trailer worries me. It feels too pretentious, almost bordering on melodramatic.
I know the trailer isn't the movie. So I'll continue to reserve judgment.
Thursday, March 05, 2009
The Limits of Control Trailer
Looks like 2009 is shaping up to be a fantastic year in movies.
Easily on my list for most anticipated films of the year is The Limits of Control
The film marks the return of one of my favorite directors, Jim Jarmusch. Not only that, the film features cinematography by the talented Christopher Doyle.
Great cast, great look, great premise, can't wait.
Comes out May 22, 2009.
Easily on my list for most anticipated films of the year is The Limits of Control
The film marks the return of one of my favorite directors, Jim Jarmusch. Not only that, the film features cinematography by the talented Christopher Doyle.
Great cast, great look, great premise, can't wait.
Comes out May 22, 2009.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Public Enemies Trailer
I think if someone had a way of going into the deepest recesses of my mind and plucking out an idea for a movie that I'd love to one day watch, Public Enemies would probably be the film to pop out.
The film stars two of my favorite actors, Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. It has guns, action, 1930's period gangsters and oh yeah....it's directed by Michael Mann.
If that doesn't sound like a dream line-up, I honestly don't know what is.
The film stars two of my favorite actors, Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. It has guns, action, 1930's period gangsters and oh yeah....it's directed by Michael Mann.
If that doesn't sound like a dream line-up, I honestly don't know what is.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Will Ferrell in Bat Fight
Here's a fun video for sports AND film fans.
Looks like they filmed this during the shooting of an episode of Eastbound & Down. Will Ferrell is sporting the ridiculous blonde wig of his character on the show. The video also stars Craig Robinson who makes appearances on the HBO comedy.
Looks like they filmed this during the shooting of an episode of Eastbound & Down. Will Ferrell is sporting the ridiculous blonde wig of his character on the show. The video also stars Craig Robinson who makes appearances on the HBO comedy.
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