Casino Jack

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What happens when you mix greed, a few lobbyists, tribal gaming, greek off-shore gambling, one very pissed off ex-wife, and politics? One big disaster for the Elephant (Republican) Party. This follows the true story of Jack Abramoff, a DC lobbyist with the idea of grandeur.  After losing his job he takes on the task of continuing lobbying to create what he what he wanted to create.

This was the last film by director George Hickenlooper-he died shortly before this film's release. He did a great job with editing, and creating a presentation for the film. The opening sequence of Jack arguing with himself show's his character, and it also establishes the basic style of the film. If your a tribal person, or a very political person, then this film will just piss you off from the start. The script, by Norman Snider, is very financial and political based. So it's fast and fun to keep up with. Kevin Spacey, Jack Abramoff, has made a re-appearance in popular films. He does a great job creating the characters that people despise. Here is the Jewish lobbyist who believed that by stealing money, from tribal gaming and the greek gambling, to fund politicians being in office and open luxurious Jewish based business. His control over government placed the congress, and senate, in a hot situation. Naturally, they had power and he took the fall in the end. Barry Pepper plays the role of the slimy lobbyist Michael Scanlon. He's not only the one who cheats on his wife-making her reveal everything, but he also betrays all his friends. Jon Lovitz makes a return to film in this one creating a unique character, Adam Kidan. All these conspire together to steal vast amounts of money quickly. I was surprised to see Graham Greene in this film, but it was unfortunate that he is type-casted in Native American roles. He does a great job in this role. Rachelle Lefevre plays the role of Emily J. Miller, the pissed off wife. They all work together to tell a story of this corruption.

I give this film a 9 out of 10 stars! It's a great story, a great cast, and is well directed. However, its hard to find any protagonist in this film that audience's can easily cheer for. The script moves fast, and explains the financial aspects of this situation. It does apply to a certain film audience.

Answer to last blog: Director Robert Schwentke also directed the film The Tim Traveler's Wife.

Que: What other popular film featured both Graham Greene and Rachelle Lefevre starring in the same film?

Maverick
The Green Mile
New Moon
The Pool Boys

Red

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This film adaptation, from a comic mini-series written by Warren Ellis and drawn by Cully Hamner, begins with a man, Frank Moses, who is having trouble living his current life. To feel as if he belongs he constantly calls a woman, Sarah Ross, who is also living a life she hates. After a quick phone call to Sarah, Frank finds himself the center of an attack. Being a well skilled fighter he is able to take them out easily. This leads him on a mission to figure out the reason for his execution, and to keep Sarah alive. 


This is a great Bruce Willis film. If you've been following his previous films then you'll enjoy this one. Director Robert Schwentke has really come into his own as a director over the past couple of years. I haven't read the actual series, but I have heard that this film isn't too loyal to the series. There was a need to add more material to the story, and their humour replaces the serious tone of the comic series. Bruce Willis plays the role of Frank Moses who is a bad-ass agent. He plays his usual role, and does good in his style. Karl Urban plays Frank's counterpart, William Cooper-who is the agent sent to murder Moses. He does a great job creating a character who is believable. Morgan Freeman does perform his general role, but with a slight twist of lime. He is a bad-ass in his own right, but is still very respectable. Mary-Louise Parker plays the role of Sarah Ross. Essentially she is performing her general character type. Highly neurotic, and slightly gullible. John Malkovich plays a very paranoid nut named Marvin Boggs. Brain Cox plays the role of Russian agent Ivan Simanov. He does a great job creating a character that you suspect, but just love to watch. It's quickly seen that he's not a villain, but  a companion. Helen Mirren plays the role of Victoria. She's not only an older woman, but she kicks-ass with a gun. 


This is a rare film, because even if it's not loyal to the comic series its still a popular film. The humour in this film, and the likability of the characters is apparent. This film is great to watch for older, and younger, audience's alike. The creativity of the film photography is brilliant-showing location through post cards. It has slow-paced action that aids in telling the story better. It's only really fault is that most of the most of the actors are playing the familiars roles that they're known for. The action fits for the age of the actors, and the moderate-pace of the story. So, it doesn't have the fast paced action of most action films, and it doesn't rely on too many special effects. It's humour also isn't side splitting hilarious-its more for a good chuckle. 


I give this film a 10 out of 10 stars! It has a great plot, and a great storyline. The actors may perform the roles their known for, but it adds to their performances. The action is slow, but it fits with the film in general. 


Answer to last blog:


Que: What other popular film has director Robert Schwentke directed?


The Time Traveler's Wife
The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
The Notebook
Dear John

The Conspirator

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This is a historical film that follows the story of Mary Surratt-the first woman to be executed by the United States federal government. Mary Surratt was accused as a conspirator in the assassination plot against president Abraham Lincoln.

This film was created by The American Film Company. They create historical films, with as much accuracy as possible, to tell the history of the United States. It is unfortunate that not too many people enjoyed the film, but it does have a style unique to most modern films-it's set like a stageplay. Unlike most modern films, this film doesn't rely on fancy special effects. That also means that this films plays to a select audience. It tells a unique version of Lincoln's assassination.  This story is a good story to tell, and its well written with a great cast. However, its script is set around a court case, so at moments it can kind of lag. Visually its good, very luminescent backdrop (fitting for the era).

Director Robert Redford took a chance on this film. His experience in acting has lead him to begin directing. I believe that the historical honesty of this film does hurt it, but it also makes it a great story. Robin Wright (Penn) does a great job in the role of Mary Surratt. She creates a character that you can never fully know her guilt, or innocence, until the end. She shows a character who places family above herself. James McAvoy has begun to establish his acting name in several genre's of film. This is a different film that will establish him among dramatic audience's. In this film he does a great job presenting a conflicted Union soldier representing a Confederate woman in a court case. He is torn between the law, and his loyalties in war. I was also surprised to Evan Rachel Wood (Anna Surratt) and Justin Long (Nicholas Baker) in this film. Justin Long is beginning to change his acting persona around to be a serious actor. Wood is established as an actress, but isn't quite mainstream yet.

I give this film a 9 out of 10 stars! It's a great story, with a phenomenal cast. However, the script dragged in points. The honesty of this film is a slight hinderance.

Answer to last blog: Natalie Portman stared in the Renaissance film The Other Boleyn Girl (as Anne Boleyn).

Que: What film cemented James McAvoy, as an actor, to popular film audiences?

Eagle Eye
Live Free or Die Hard
Wanted
Across the Universe

Your Highness

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers! This Also Contains Som Adult Content!


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This story follows Prince Thadeous, who is second in line to become a king. He is forced to quest with his brother, Prince Fabious, after Fabious' bride-to-be is reclaimed by an evil wizard known as Leezar. Together they must prevent the Fuckening (that is what it's called) when the two moons are going to combine and allow Leezar to impregnate Fabious' bride with a powerful dragon. 


Did the story tell you what this film mainly jokes about? Weed isn't the primary humour-this focus' more on sex. I shouldn't have to say this, but this film isn't for children-Rated or Unrated. Okay, this film makes fun of sex and epic renaissance tales-it's an odd mix for most audiences. The opening credit sequence was hilarious and really opened the characters Prince Thadeous and Courtney (his personal slave). The special effects are good, but often become too cheesy. It works for this satire though. The sex jokes quickly become repetitive, but are pretty funny. There is physical humour, and there are those moments of did they go there? One major moment was the trophy choice Prince Thadeous claims from the minotaur. I can't see very many people walking around with a minotaur's dick as a necklace. The entire film sequence with Marteetee, John Fricker, is very disturbing, and weird, and yet kind of funny. Director David Gordon Green didn't do too bad with this film in general. He has worked with most of the actors in other films. The editing of this film adds to the unconventional dark humour.


Danny McBride stars as Prince Thadeous. He does a great job bringing the humour to a renaissance character. There is some heart in his acting, but you have to sort through his ignorance first. This is a good way for actor Rasmus Hardiker to become better established among popular film audience's. James Franco performs the role of Prince Fabious. He really pokes fun at the ideal prince who could possibly be gay, but has a gullible honor to his character. Natalie Portman plays the role of Isabel, a bloodthirsty vengeance seeker. She kind of goes a bit overboard with the character a few times, but is able to tail it before it goes to far. Zooey Deschanel plays the role of Belladonna, Prince Fabious' Bride-to-be. She is the typical damsel in distress eager for sex, and naive in the ways of popular culture. She does good at some moments, but at some moments looses the mark. Justin Theroux plays the role of the evil sorcerer Leezar. He's a villain who is still a virgin, and is highly dependent on his three mother's assistance. He oddly does a great job as the villain-he's fun to watch. 


I give this film a 7 out of 10 stars! It's funny to watch for its shock moments, but it does play to a specific comedic audience. Sometimes the actors go overboard with their characters, but manage to pull back before going too over the top. Its also very adult in humour.


Answer to last blog: Brad Dourif is infamous for voicing the character Chucky/Ray Charles in the Child's Play franchise.


Que: In what other renaissance film has Natalie Portman stared in?

Elizabeth
The Duchess
Marie Antoinette
The Other Boleyn Girl

Priest

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This film has a simple intricate plot. This is a loose film adaptation from a Korean comic series Priest, or Manhwa, originally created by Hyung Min-woo. It follows the story of Priest, portrayed by Paul Bettany, who was once a man called to help the Catholic cause. For centuries mankind had fought against a massive horde of vampires, and even with the sunlight millions of humans perished in the war. In the end the church built protected cities for the remaining human population to survive. Years later, to better fight the war the Catholic church made warriors who were forced to sacrifice everything for this war. They managed to destroy most all of the vampires, and their hives, but the warriors were forced to rejoin society as normal citizens who must obey the church.  


This is a unique film that has the more animalistic version of vampires-another words, not Twilight! They are eyeless, soulless, beasts that tear humans apart. There is some gore in this film, but its not overplayed. Religious persons probably won't enjoy the idea's that can become associated with this 87 minute film. It's a very fast paced action science fiction horror-thriller film. There is some basic story, but its kept to a minimum. Some things aren't fully explained, but can easily be figured out if you pay attention. Familiars (I'm not a 100% on this but from what I gathered) are humans who became infected, either by choice or by force, with the vampire venom. This is the start of their mutation into vampirism. If vampires had venom it wasn't really explained-it's my assumption-as is the idea of what a Familiar actually is. I can't say how loyal it is to the comics-I can only go off of what I heard. Paul Bettany does a good job in this role, but I think he could've gone a bit more with it. For some reason I found it hard to relate with his emotions. However, he is awesome in the fighting sequences-which is most of the film anyway. Karl Urban, portraying the role of Black Hat (guy), does a great job as a villain. He is kind of a sly sinner type which works for this film. Cam Gigandet is a great supporting actor in the role of Hicks. He's really beginning to establish his career quite rapidly in Hollywood. He really pulls out the emotion from Bettany even if he it isn't much. Maggie Q is rather interesting. She only has one real fight scene, and in it she's pretty bad-ass. I really loved her character's weapon choice-it's sexy. She does a good job in this role-oddly, I felt more emotion from her than I did from Bettany. I don't know how other audience's feel about it. I was surprised to see Brad Dourif in this film. I think this film was a little too rushed, and could've been explored more in depth.


I give this film a 7 out of 10 stars! It had a really good basis, good action, but it was too rushed. Aesthetically it's kewl, but some of the emotion was lost.


Answer to last blog: Cesar Millan made a special guest appearance in the film The Back-Up Plan.


Que: What popular horror icon is Brad Dourif famous for?

Freddy Krueger
Leprechaun
Chucky
Candyman

The Back-Up Plan

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This film follows Zoe, a female New Yorker who has one thing on her mind. It's not falling in love-it's having a baby. Shortly, after having been artificially inseminationed, she meets the man of her dreams in a fight for a taxi cab. They must build up their new relationship while preparing for twin babies. 


This film was written by Kate Angelo, most known for television, while she was out on maternity leave. So, that should give you an idea of how honest this film is about pregnancy. The script had an instant pull for producer/director Alan Poul, and actress/singer Jennifer Lopez. This is a great come-back film for Jennifer Lopez, because she had just recently returned to work after having taken some time off to be with her own twin children. It also is a romantic comedy which is was well known for (Maid in Manhattan & The Wedding Planner). She does a great job bringing out the realness of the character in this film, and making you feel for her plight of love. Alex O'Loughlin, is beginning to be a more well known actor for film audience's. He does a great job playing the role of the man who is madly in love with a woman (not a stalker), and a man dealing with the idea of being an expectant father. Michaela Watkins is great in the role of supporting best friend without a filter. She is beautiful, and very open about everything, and everyone, around her. Anthony Anderson does a great job making the playground dad role into a memorable role. He comes in to be the voice of reason for O'Loughlin's character, Stan, but in some ways quickly becomes more entertaining to watch. I was also glade to see Linda Lavin and Tom Bosley showing that you don't have to be young to find love. Nuts, a really odd name I know, was an adorable handicapped dog. 

This is pretty obvious in plot design, with an obvious romantic happy ending. There is a lot of realism mentioned in this film when it comes to pregnancy. Since their is a lot of realism-there is a lot of mention of the word vagina in it. That might disturb some audience's if your not prepared for it-other audience's will just find it hilariously funny. So, yes it is for a special audience-new parents. I liked how they presented the New York attitude in this film as more of a side-note. There is also some other emotional problems in this film that the characters are forced to face-apart from just being pregnant. The chemistry worked well together in this film. There are some really weird moments in this film, which is mainly established from the weird persona's in this film, but that's where a lot of the humor comes from.

I give this film a 10 out of 10 stars! The characters are very relatable; even if the situation isn't. It's a film that a group of new mothers can enjoy, or even those women who are hoping to become pregnant soon.

Answer to last blog: The last popular film that Simon Pegg and Nick Frost worked together on was Hot Fuzz.


Que: Who made a special short cameo appearance in the film?

Victoria Stilwell
John Grogan
Jackson Galaxy
Cesar Millan

Paul

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This film follows the mishap adventure of two nerds, Graeme Willy and Clive Gollings. To commemorate their holiday for comic con, they set out traveling along the back roads of America's midwest to visit historic alien locations (Like, Area 51 and Roswell).  On their way, after upsetting two rednecks, they come across Paul. They decide to aid him in his quest to go North. Along the way they are pursued by the Big Man, and a very angry father. 


Okay, this is a funny film, but it's funnier if you know what their making fun of. In the first twenty-thirty minutes of films-they make several reference's to other popular science fiction films an television shows. This ranges from Klingon to E.T. If your not a science fiction nut, then you won't enjoy this comedy. In contrast, I enjoyed seeing an alien comedy versus all the horror/drama alien films that have been coming to theaters-a great change of pace. I was also glade to see Simon Pegg and Nick Frost working together again. They make a great team for comedy. Seth Rogen was a surprisingly good choice for the voice of Paul. He just fit well amongst the duo. They had two actors from Arrested Development appear in this film; Jeffrey Tambor and Jason Bateman. Which isn't to surprising since they had previously worked with director Greg Mottola. Kristen Wiig was also featured in this film. She has a great unconventional comic presence. She played the role of a shaken religious nut well. Sigourney Weaver made a surprising appearance. In this film she kind of makes fun of herself-which is good. It's great watching her star in various types of films. The animation of Paul was well done. There are some adult jokes in this film. Sometimes it got repetitive, and the ending was fairly predictable. 


I give this film a 10 out of 10 stars! It's great seeing Frost and Pegg working together once again. It's also pretty hilarious if you know what their making fun of. 


Answer to Last Blog: Keanu Reeves attempted to pursue the role of Dr. Manhattan. (I think they made the correct choice with Billy Crudup.)


Que: What was the last film actors Frost and Pegg worked on together before Paul?


Shaun of the Dead
Run Fatboy Run
Hot Fuzz
Pirate Radio

Watchmen

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This is a unique story among a comic series. This follows the story of masked hero's that fight to protect the people of a city. After a Keene Act was enacted, making all masked vigilante activity illegal, these six found themselves facing an early retirement. Each of them choose to do different things with retirement, and those choices have lead to this conclusion.

Okay, when I say this is unique to comic films/stories, I mean its unique. When this came out in 2009, film audience's weren't prepared for this. People who just watch films based off of comics weren't expecting this style. However,  you can quickly pick up on the style of film during the opening credit sequence. This film, directed by Zack Snyder, takes a look at what society would be like if masked hero's existed, and how this would effect society as a whole during the turmoil in the 1980's; and more importantly how living the life of a vigilante would effect the individuals living such lives. This film also hits on several dark notes; like the idea that to save humanity it must face its own deformities. Another words this film is psychological, sociological, and philosophical as far as story goes. I haven't read the actual comic series, but from what I've heard it's loyal to the actual story until it reach's the ending. Humorously, fans of the comic series agree that the film ending fits with the story better, but they hate it because its not the exact comic ending. All the action sequences were shown in the commercials, and seemed to be unusual in the film. Like insert action here sort of thing. The individual characters are amazing, and show different side of various masked hero's. 

There are several masked hero's mentioned in this film. They are mentioned and then quickly pushed aside. You can see them through the opening credit intro. Jackie Earle Haley performs the role of Rorschach. He does an amazing job playing a sociopath. Jeffrey Dean Morgan does amazing in the role of the Comedian/Edward Blake. He presents a character that you love to hate. Billy Crudup performs the role of Dr. Manhattan. He does an amazing job because of all of his subtleties in his acting. If you pay attention you can see the faint smiles, the shifting of the eyes, etc. Matthew Goode performs the role of Adrian Veidt/Ozymandias. He is truly unique as a character, and does a great job presenting this in his acting. He is a character driven by logic, and only logic. This is something rare among Hollywood characters. It is also rare that you'd find a logic character full of charisma. Finally, Malin Akerman performs the role of Laurie Jupiter/Silk Spectre II. She is a strong female character, but at the same time she is a slut. In the course of this film she fights and has sex. It's unfortunate that most strong female roles come off as butch, or as a slut. Anyway, she is still good in this film as an actress. Her, and her mother, present the idea of why women choose to dress sexy, and yet want to be seen as more than a sexual being. (There has to be a reason why female masked hero's dress in latex.)

The editing of this film isn't done to emphasize action. It instead emphasis story, and often times sex. Yes, there is plenty of sex featured in this film. The effect of Rorschach's mask is amazingly well done. It's subtle, and always changing to present different pictures. The visual effect of Dr. Manhattan is also well done aesthetically.  The only troubling feature is that he never seems to be wearing a costume, and there is moments of full frontal nudity. I was honestly glade to see a man naked in a film instead of the commonplace woman. For some reason this just annoyed most audience's. The computer generated Ozymandias's genetically altered cat is awesome. It is obviously CGI, but its awesome. The only bad part is that "Bubastis" only appears once in this film with no actual explanation. 

I give this film a 10 out of 10 stars! I know several would disagree, but I really enjoyed this film. I loved how it presented these varying ideals of philosophy, sociology, and psychology. True, they had to fit a lot of story within a 3 hour film, so it can be a bit overwhelming. There is also a lot of subtleties in the story that aren't picked up on the first timing watching the film.

Answer To Last Blog: Andy Fickman has worked with Dwayne Johnson in two other films; apart from You Again.

Que: Who originally tried to perform the role of Dr. Manhattan?

Keanu Reeves

Christian Bale

Jake Gyllenhaal

Jackie Earle Haley

You Again

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This film follows the story of Marni. She wasn't popular in high school, so she left her hometown and, with a few simple changes, began a new life. Now, her brothers wedding brings back an old nemesis from her high school years. However, this wedding also brings back an old nemesis for Marni's mother, Gail, as well. Now they are just trying to survive the wedding without killing each other.

This film is a straight up chick flick. It's girl world at its worst. This film directed by Andy Fickman, explores the idea of what can happen after high school. Kristen Bell performs the role of Marni. I give her props for taking her beauty and being willing to turn it into a nerd style. It also goes to show what a few small changes can do. She does a great job making audiences feel sympathetic to her character-even when she's at her worst. Odette Annable, Joanna, is Marni's nemesis. She also manages to pull of the kindess with a lemon twist to it. It works well for this film though. I was surprised to watch both Jaime Lee Curtis, Gail, and Sigourney Weaver, Ramona, star opposite each other in a film. They're both amazing actress' in their own right, but in this film they get to duke it out. They're still a joy to watch, and come very close to stealing all the spotlight from Bell and Annable. I was also surprised, and glade, to see Betty White, Grandma Bunny, in this film. Together they all have an chemistry that works for a romantic comedy. I well also say I was really surprised to see Dwayne Johnson, the sky marshal, appear in this film for only, like, 2 minutes.

This film takes a unique turn on femme reviles. It also shows the varying levels of how high school is just a place of torment for several people. It balance humor with drama in a nice way. The dance practice scene was hilarious, and slightly unusual in the way it was shot. It was shot to appear as humorous dance battle, but it kind of comes off as chaotic. At the pre-wedding rehearsal, it was just plain weird to see pregnant women dancing and singing. Although, it is funny-and true most of the time, that the group of popular girls end up being pregnant and a housewife. The characters are relatable, and entertaining to watch. It was a bit much, but still funny, to add in that Grandma bunny had her own arch rival (Helen, Cloris Leachman).

I give this film a 10 out of 10 stars! It was pretty fun to watch-even for all its tiny quirks. It's now one of those films to watch while eating a bowl of ice cream.

Answer to last blog: Dave Guggenheim also directed the documentary An Inconvenient Truth.

Que: On how many other films has director Andy Fickman worked with Dwayne Johnson?

1
4
2
5

Waiting For Superman

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Okay, what is 2*4? This is a documentary that follows parents, from different communities, to see how the education system is failing current students. This was directed by Davis Guggenheim. I really enjoyed this documentary because, for once, it presented the problem and proved an effective solution (it's been tested and skyrocketed beyond expectations). The situation if very real, and should be placed as a priority among parents and students. The title was a bad choice, but the small link between them makes sense. The idea is where is the Superman who will save the education system?

It opens with the idea of school academics remaining stagnent from the 1970's to recent times. Even though the government is offering schools about double the income per child. It also explains how many people have no choice, but to send their children to a failing public system. These public school systems are referred to as drop out factories by many. This is disheartening because it is believed that college=career-a whole new argument with current economic strife. Many people within jailhouses were people who dropped out school systems. This is costing the government twice as much money.

It goes on to explain how there is a confusion within the idea of No Child Left Behind Act. There is a standard that changes from district to district because of confusion between state and government. There is no set standard that is the same within all the overall united states. Now, why isn't there an education reform? Parents want it, our country needs it, but politicians are terrified of change. One change would be tenure for teachers-this was established by the teacher's union to secure a teacher's job. However, this has been set in place soo good that no teacher will ever get fired. This means that bad teachers will stay put, while good teacher's won't receive any salary increases. The teachers union now believes in the idea that all teachers are the same-no differentiation. Even if the teacher doesn't teach. So, as a response public schools will do a type of dance. They will send their bad teachers to a different school district, and this will continue among all the districts, so that way they hope they can have a better teacher than their previous one. In New York, however, they have one large building of teachers, on tenure, who have done so horribly that they aren't teaching. They are placed in a room, and paid to sit around and read. Keeping them in this room is costing government roughly 1 million.

Current systems refuse to accept reform as a plausible solution. An experiment was opened some years ago-character schools. These schools operate from government funds, but without all the regulations that stand in the way of a regular public school system. Since most schools are failing, parents desire to send their children to public school because of it high marks. However, since there are so few successful character schools open their are very long waiting lists. So, a lottery system is established for those parents-the only fair way to decide which students can be accepted into these schools. Interestingly enough, with out failing academics being the worst in the world we still have the highest confidence level in the world (American Idiot by Green Day *wink*-good choice).

Now, some public schools systems have a tracking system. This system is created to decide which students are on their way to success. It was established in the 1950's to create a suitable workforce. Those who are made to become lawyers, doctors, etc. go up high. Then there are those who are meant to work menial jobs like secretary and business man. The lowest is being manual labor jobs. This system no longer works because the world has changed around the education system. Now, it is believed that by 2020 50 million Americans will not be qualified to work within any jobs. This doesn't just apply to disadvantaged children either. Rich economic communities are facing the same problems as a the slums. There was also a charter school opened in one of the worst neighborhoods imaginable (Kipp), and yet they're academics rose above the par of stagnate education.

Sadly, it is my opinion that some colleges aren't up to par with what should be academically acceptable. This is probably a while different documentary altogether.

I give this film a 10 out of 10 stars! This is a very real situation that should be taken into account. Its follows families, and explains their problems with education. It also goes on to present solutions for change if the union, and government, would ease up a bit.

Answer to last blog: Zack Galifiankis portrayed the character Alan in the Hangover Pt. 1 and 2.

Que: What other documentary has Dave Guggenheim directed?

An Inconvenient Truth
The Business of Being Born
This Film Is Not Yet Rated
Who Killed the Electric Car

Due Date

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This film follows the story of Peter Highman. He's an expectant father who is traveling from Atlanta, Georgia to Los Angeles, California to see his child being born. He stumbles upon Ethan Tremblay/Ethan Chase who is a stoner slacker. From a major misunderstanding, both are placed on a no flying list forcing them to go on a road trip. Without his wallet, or any valid identification, Peter is forced to accompany Ethan on a road trip to Los Angeles, and try to get there in one piece.


Okay, this should be classified as a road trip film. This was directed, and produced, by Todd Phillips. His comic style is obvious especially if you've seen the Hangover. Verbal antics, or verbal confusion, leads to some major physical blow-up. Robert Downey, Jr. is a good actor, but in this film he plays the character way too uptight. He becomes slightly unapproachable, but because of it audience's can get a real laugh when he suffers some physical injury. Zack Galifiankis fits the role really because he's had plenty of practice with similar characters. He's fun to watch, but can get annoying at moments for some. I was surprised to see Jamie Foxx in this film-even if it was for a short bit of film. This style of comedy definitely plays to a certain audience. However, this style has become quite popular in recent years. A lot of the segments of the film were kind of random, but came together has a whole. Its drop from comedy to drama happens suddenly, like flipping a switch. 


I give this film a 9 out of 10 stars! It has a heart warming story, that is pretty funny in most moments. However, the characters were too extreme in their roles. 


Answer to last blog: King Kong fell from the Empire State Building in the ending of the film.


Que: What is the name of the character that Zack Galifiankis portrays in the film the Hangover Pt.'s 1 and 2?


Stu
Alan
Doug
Phil

King Kong (2005)

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This is a film remake from a 1933 original king Kong film. This film is so classic that in some ways everyone knows this epic story. The story takes place during the 1930's-the Great Depression in America. Ann Darrow agree's to star in a film directed by Carl Denham, and is written by legendary playwright Jack Driscoll. They travel to Skull Island to create an ideal backdrop for the film. While there they encounter the island natives who capture Ann. She is offered as a sacrifice. However, Kong grows to like her, and does all he can to protect her from harm in his jungle. The crew that followed Denham goes into the jungle with him, and Driscoll, to save Ann from the beast. After Driscoll takes her to safety, Kong follows and is attacked and taken to New York City where he is forced to become the eight wonder of the world.


"No, it wasn't the airplanes... It was Beauty that killed the beast." (Carl Denham)


This is directed by epic director Peter Jackson. He has become known for making epic tales for nerdy audience's that have no become pop culture phenomena's. If you dont' believe then look into the films he going to Produce-Halo (the film) and the prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy (yes! Finally!)... However, his take on these tales are amazing to watch. This remake was pretty loyal to original 1933 classic film with some enhancements added in. Kong has more of a personality in this film causing audience's to want to see him survive. The opening of the film-following the lead character Ann Darrow, Naomi Watts-really places the audience's in an era (Depression). The visual effects are amazing in this film, and highlight the classic era visually. The idea is kind of unusual-a giant ape who falls in love with a human woman. However, the modern representation of this tale really entices film goers. Kong looks more like a gorilla in this film. He is also presented as compassionate, and a bit childlike at times. The battles on Skull Island were well developed. Kong fights off several dinosaurs that are trying to make an appetizer of Ann Darrow. In the end Kong shows why he's king of his jungle. The humans trying to fight off giant insects was well done, and believable. It did get kind of humorous when there was a dinosaur dog pile though. The ending sequence's in New York City really make you feel for Kong's struggles. It also shows what greed and fear can do to an innocent creature. At the same time audience's can rejoice in that Jack Driscoll accomplishes his goal of keeping Ann alive, and getting the girl.

Naomi Watts does an amazing job as Ann Darrow. She spends most of the film acting with a green screen, and manages to make Kong a believable character. Her interactions with him were the most crucial for making this story believable, and heartfelt. She also has an amazing scream-which is good because screaming is makes up several of her lines. Adrien Brody performs the role of playwright Jack Driscoll. He's the man who is in love with Ann, and will risk anything to save her. This places him in a conflict with Kong. His stealing her away makes him Kong's arch nemesis. He foes a great job in this role because he doesn't cause audience's to hate Kong, and yet audience's can sympathize with his plight. I was truly surprised to see Jack Black in the role of Carl Denham. He turned out to be a surprisingly good choice for this part. His style of acting fits well with the idea of a neurotic film producer/director. He is the villain without really being a villain. He found a way to make money, and in some way settle his increasing emotion of guilt as people die around him. Kyle Chandler plays the role of actor Bruce Baxter. He is the general action star hero who finds out that he can do more than just act like as a hero.

I give this film a 10 out of 10 stars! It's a great film to watch for young and old audience's.

Answer to last blog: The Mad Hatter's, Johnny Depp's, hair was done to represent the idea of mercury poisoning  This was a dilemma that most hatters suffered from around this era.

Que: What famous New York building does King Kong climb, and ultimately meet his downfall?

The Chrysler Building
The Woolworth Building
The Manhattan Municipal Building
The Empire State Building

Alice in Wonderland

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This is a film adaptation from the popular children's novel 'Alice in Wonderland' written by Lewis Carroll. Alice Kingsley has had the same dreams almost every night for as long as she can remember. Now, a young woman she finds herself facing the expectations of a Victorian high class society, and her desires. At a pivotal moment, a decision of marriage, she runs. She quickly finds herself falling down a familiar rabbit hole, and landing in a strange world. One where cats grin, where flowers talk, and a caterpillar smokes the hookah. 

Okay, this film came to theaters at a great time for me, because I found myself doing a project on Lewis Carroll and his novel 'Alice in Wonderland'. Naturally, researching something either makes you never want to hear about it again, or you become somewhat obsessive. I became obsessive-the story has that kind of hook that you get attached to. However, and this is the same for the film, if you don't know the story of Alice, or Tim Burton asa director then you'll be asking yourself what the hell am I watching? Naturally, this is made for a special audience that enjoys watching unusual things. It's also a children's film, but it does have some dark segments. Some children could get nightmares, but what fairy tale story doesn't give children nightmares.

Okay, this film has a great plot-like most all Tim Burton films do. Many of the character persona's are over the top, but it adds to the ideals that are contained within the story. Audience's just need to be prepared for it. Mia Wasikowska plays the role of Alice Kingsley. She really does a great job portraying a confused teenage girl whose on a path of self-discovery. She's an enjoyment to watch. This film, being a Tim Burton film, has the two actors Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. Johnny Depp plays the Mad Hatter, and does a very unique version of the crazy hatter. He does a great job performing this role with all of its unusual quirks. However, his vibrant orange hair is a but much of a contrast to his purple outfit and white face paint. This fits in with the film, because its full of sharp color contrasts, but its something that some people might have problems getting over. Helena Bonham Carter performs the role of the Red Queen. I found it funny that her inspiration for this role was her daughter. I found it funnier that it was an amazing choice for this character. Audience's can hate her, but feel sympathy for her as well-which is good. Anne Hathaway performs the role of the White Queen. I can see where she meant to go with the character, but it was too over the top. The idea of darkness hidden under grace is a great choice, but it didn't come through as great as it could have. Crispin Glover does the role of Stayne, or the Knave of Hearts. I give him high props for doing everything in CGI, but he really didn't need to be all CGI in this film. His costume being CGI was a too much CGI. 

As visually stunning as this film is, it didn't find the appropriate balance between CGI and live action. Everything is pretty CGI-except for the Futterwacken dance. The only CGI added was the body and head spinning-otherwise it was performed by an actual performer (not Johnny Depp). Visually its like watching a moving portrait; however, Burton's style is obvious. He tends to keep the same style for most of his films. That's why he has a select film audience that enjoys seeing this style. Nearly every actor is wearing tons of white face paint. The three creatures: the JubJub Bird, Jabberwocky, and the Bandersnatch come out really great in CGI. The Jabberwocky looks amazing, and is equally frightening for some people. The other animal characters: The Cheshire Cat, the Dormouse, The White Rabbit, The Caterpillar, and The March Hare are well done. They still look like animals, but have more apparent humanistic traits. The voice actors do a great job with the animated characters. 

I give this film a 10 out of 10 stars! It has a great visual style, and a great storyline. This is something several film audience's can enjoy. 

Answer to last blog: Director Peter Segal has often worked with the actor Adam Sandler in several comedies.

Que: What was the reason for The Mad Hatter's, Johnny Depp's, orange hair?

None. It was done by chance.

Mercury Poisoning. 

Personality Disorder.

Color Blindness.

(Cheshire Cat-We're all mad here.)

Get Smart

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This is a film adaptation of a 1960's television show that aired on NBC-TV. Maxwell Smart is a office analyst for the secret government  agency known as Control trying to stop Chaos from destroying the world. Once Control becomes infiltrated, Chaos gains access to all of  Control's secret field agents. In desperation Max is promoted to his long awaited goal of becoming a field agent. He teams up with a returning agent, 99, to try and learn Chaos' current plans for destroying the world.


Director Peter Segal is highly known, as a director, for his heartfelt comedies. It clearly comes through in this film. No matter how many times I watch this film it makes me laugh. It has several unexpected humorous moments that fit in well with the plot line. However, this means that several of the jokes are somewhat predictable. Even if it becomes a moment of-did they go there? Some audience's might not enjoy this type of comedy, but that's the same with any style of comedy. It gets a little over the top at times for some people, but that's why I enjoyed it. Steve Carell plays the role of Maxwell Smart. His take on the humorous moments makes it all the more funny. He grins at his own downfalls-which makes him an enjoyment to watch. Anne Hathaway takes on the role of agent 99. In 2008 she was really turning away from princess films, and showing that she can act in all types of roles. This role showed that she could perform comedy as easily as drama. She doesn't come off as a bitch-as some actress' would've done in this role; instead she comes off as strong and sensitive. Dwayne Johnson did a great job portraying the role of agent 23. He uses his usual bad-ass character persona and turns it into humour. Terrence Stamp (Siegfried), and David S. Lee (Krstic) are the two major villains in this film. I enjoy watching their take on villainy.

 I give this film a 10 out of 10 stars! This is a great comedy that'll keep you laughing every time you watch it. This film might have some adult jokes that might inappropriate for young children, but it's great for teenagers.

Answer to last blog: Director Juame Collet-Serra also directed the film Orphan.

Que: What popular actor has Director Peter Segal worked with on several of his other directed films?

Adam Sandler
Steve Carell
David Spade
Rob Schneider

Unknown

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This is a straight forward action story. Dr. Martin Harris is on a trip in Berlin with his wife Elizabeth Harris. They are about to check into a hotel, but Dr. Harris forgets something and heads back in a taxi. The taxi meets an unfortunate accident and falls over a bridge, and some head trauma cause's Dr. Harris to lose his memory. He slowly begins to remember a few things, but no-one else around him can verify his identity. 


Okay, this is a unique story for action. It's also unique in that Liam Neeson, Dr. Martin Harris, doesn't start out as a bad ass character. His character builds up to being a full blown action star. Most of his character changes are very subtle, you have to watch to catch them. Diane Kruger, Gina, and does a great job with this role. She's not Dr. Harris' wife, but she was the taxi driver who saved Harris from drowning. January Jones performs the role of Mrs. Harris, and does a great job in this film. She's really beginning to become a household name. Director Jaume Collet-Serra has a talent for these action/horror thriller films. This film has a lot of plot twists, and plenty of action. It's probably not the type of action most audience's are used to, but it's still great to watch. It's not a family film, but it's not too bad. It doesn't have too much gore, and not a ton of sex in it. 


I give this film a 10 out of 10 stars! It's a great action film to watch. The actors do a great job brining the characters to life, and making you feel for them.

Answer to last blog: Director Danny Boyle also directed the film 28 Days Later.

Que: What other film has Director Juame Collet-Serra directed?

The Stepfather
Obsessed
Case 39
Orphan

127 Hours

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This is a straight forward based off an autobiography 'Between a Rok and a Hard Place' by Aron Ralston. He went mountain climbing in Wayne County, Utah to Blue John Canyon in 2003. While he was climbing down the slot canyon a loose boulder fell forward and collided with his hand. Aron Ralston's hand became caught between the boulder and the canyon wall. He finds himself trapped here for five days with little water and even less food. To make matters worse he is well out of ear shot from any nearby hikers.


The opening and closing segments of the random groups of people threw me off at first. It quickly gains focus on the story shortly afterwards. From what I've read online-the film is pretty close to the truth. The beginning part where he shows the two female hikers-Kristi and Megan (Kate Mara & Amber Tamblyn)-where a hidden pool of water is was altered from the truth, but the rest is very factual. The camera angel's really play with the small limited space of the canyon. The music is slightly random, but it fits well because we're essentially seeing what he see's within his mind. James Franco does a great job portraying this character with heart, and pulling the film audiences into the enveloping chaos surrounding him. Director Danny Boyle did a great job with the all the limits, and challenges that would be faced during filming this story. Essentially it's one actor, and one location to shoot for several hours. I will admit that during the premonition sequence I didn't know it was a premonition. I thought it was his childhood self, but I soon found out I was wrong. Overall this is a really great film, but the ending sequences might become somewhat gruesome to some audiences. Of all the things to use on the China pocket knife he used the tiniest dullest blade to remove his arm-however props for stubbornness and the willingness to survive. 


I give this film a 10 out of 10 stars! This film might not be for the faint of heart, but it's got a really heartfelt dramatic story. It's well worth it to view the film at least once.


Answer to last blog: Brandon Routh played the staring lead in Superman Returns. He also co-starred with Sam Huntington which they both appeared again in Dylan Dog: Dead of Night.


Que: Other than Slumdog Millionaire, what other film is director Danny Boyle well known for?


28 Days Later
Spider Man
Sunshine
The Fountain

Dylan Dog: Dead of Night

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This is a film adaptation from a 1986 Italian comic series created by Tiziano Sclavi. The story begins with the murder of an old man by a werewolf. A card is left at the scene, and Dylan Dog is called onto the scene. He's a human entrusted with the secret that monsters exist, and must protect the monsters from themselves and from humans. A zombie creature has been running around killing humans, and vampires, and werewolves-and has an unknown involvement with the murder case. Dog goes on this case unwillingly to try and figure out why so many are dying.

Okay, this is a unique story idea, but if you're into the occult-well you're probably not going to enjoy this too much. If you really love Romero's zombies-then you'll definitely hate this film. This is more a parody of entertainment stories like Supernatural, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Lost Boys-but to be fair this is an old comic series. This film was directed and produced by Kevin Munroe. He has also written a few other films, but he seems to always pull double duty in his film projects-which isn't a bad thing. Anyway, this is a film that'll help get Munroe better known to film audience's. Brandon Routh portrays Dylan Dog who oddly looks like a cookie cutter version of Tom Cruise. He's known for a few other films, but he's still getting his name established as a popular actor. In this film he also acts a lot like Tom Cruise. Sam Huntington performs the role of Marcus-Dylan's zombie best friend and work associate. Sam is somewhat known for starring in low budget comedy films. This is an odd role to perform, but he does a good job at it. He really makes some of the most unusual moments humorous. Anita Briem is also getting her name established, but she might be better known than some of the other actors. It is unfortunate that some of the camera angel's made her look too muscled-which didn't compliment her at all. Otherwise, well, she could've done a better job at acting the role. It wasn't horrible, but there were moments when the feeling just didn't seem to be there. Taye Diggs performs the role of the villainous vampire Vargas. He's an established actor that has only managed to get small roles in popular films.

Okay, this film doesn't bring glory to the monster. It's a film made to be a dark supernatural comedy that takes place in Louisiana. It's got a somewhat low budget, and didn't manage to make the difference in film sales. The werewolf transformation was cleverly done, but they could've looked better. The werewolf looked like it was wearing a well done Halloween mask. The vampires alternate form looked very good-it was better than what you'd see in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It wasn't over done, and it still made them look attractive. The zombie didn't change-they just developed yellow skin, dull eyes, and would fall apart. They are presented as cowards who have to eat worms or rapidly deteriorate. The older zombies looked gross, but what else can be expected. The whole body shop thing (body part replacement for zombies) was awesome. If zombies were real-that's something that would probably happen. The demon looks great. Ghouls were interesting-people who get a high from inhaling vampire blood. The other effects were cheesy. The scene where a ghoul inhales some blood, and this red smoke comes from his mouth was just silly.

I give this film a 6 out of 10 stars! It's got a unique storyline, but it takes it a bit too far on the cheesy side. The effects could've been done much better. If you really like horror movie monsters-then you'll hate this film. However, if you wanting a laugh at horror movie monsters than you'll enjoy this film.

Answer to last blog: Michelle Tractenberg is well known for her character Dawn in Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Que: What other popular film starred Brandon Routh as the leading man?

Mission Impossible III
Snake On A Plane
Superman Returns
Poseidon

17 Again

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This film is a unique look at teen movies. Mike O'Donnell gave up a promising future in basketball to marry his pregnant high school sweetheart. Years later, he has grown into a man full of regret for his choices. He has lost his wife and his children to his regret. A janitor turns out to be a spiritual guardian who sends Mike through a portal that transforms him back into his 17 year old self. Mike goes on a journey back into high school to try and learn why this happened to him. 


As I'm sure you can tell, or probably already now, Zac Efron is the central actor portraying the character Mike. This was created at the height of his career, and sadly seemed to mark the ending of it. Surprisingly though, he does a great job portraying a confused father figure placed back into modern day high school. He makes it believable that  Mike was a fully grown man trapped in the body of a 17 year old boy. Thomas Lennon, and Tyler Steelman, portrays his nerdy best friend in this film. It's odd that a basketball star is best friends with a Dungeons & Dragon's nerd, back in 1989. However, it did present a current trend forming among popular culture-Lord of the Rings, video games, etc. Leslie Mann performs Scarlett O'Donnell-Mike's wife, and Michelle Tractenberg performs the role of Maggie O'Donnell-Mike's daughter, and Sterling Knight performs the role of Alex O'Donnell-Mike's son. They create the typical modern family-a lot of disorder and misunderstandings. There are some moments were the misunderstandings get bizarre in a comical way. The story is really heartfelt full of quirky humor. It's interesting that this film used a lot of unpopular actors-except one in this film. 


I give this film a 8 out of 10 stars! It's a great, and unique, story idea. However, this is a film for teenage audience's-possibly some adults. I think the confusion of who the audience was meant to be was lost in among several audiences-sadly. He's too teen to be adult, and too adult to be teen.


Answer to last blog: Tony Curran is well known for his role of Marcus from Underworld: Evolution. 


Question: What popular television series is Michelle Tractenberg known for?


Lizzie McGuire
Clueless
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Dawson's Creek

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

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This is a film adaptation from a comic book series written by Alan Morre and illustrated by Kevin O'Neill. This film features popular classic novel characters are joined within a league to try and solve the problems that are attacking England (along with the rest of the world). The character's, Allan Quatermain, Captain Nemo, Mina Harker, Rodney Skinner (The Invisible Man), Tom Sawyer, Dr. Henry Jekyll/Edward Hyde, and Dorian Gray become involved in a plot to cause a global world war created from fear. 


This features a wide cast of characters, and actors to portray them. Sean Connery portrays Allan Quatermain (the main whom Africa refused to let die). Sean does a great job in this film-even if it's out of his usual acting preference's. He is the main character that we follow through the story. He fits the stereotypical english man who has been has been hurt from his time spent in the war effort. The audience's really does feel for this character in the end.  Nasseeruddin Shah portrays Captain Nemo; he's an actor from India brought into American Cinema's. He's does a phenomenal job presenting this popular character, and making him relatable to American audience's. Shane West portray's Tom Sawyer in all his American hero glory. In this story he has grown to become an American special agent who was sent to assist in this English case. He truly adds the standard American flare to an English film. The American flare is very subtle, and fits well within the storyline. Peta Wilson portrays Mina Harker in this story. Her beautiful voice, and deep eyes, make her perfect for the role of a vampire action chick. She just fits into the role, and make its believable. Jason Flemyng creates a unique look at Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde. He presents this character as a man conflicted with his self image, and what he wants to be, and what his elixir actually makes him into. Tony Curran is the humor within this story, and he portray's Rodney Skinner (The Invisible Man) in this tale. He really makes audience's laugh during serious moments. Stuart Townsend portays Dorian Gray, and oddly fits the role perfectly. He is able to present an innocent/guilty man and make it oddly sexy-for some audience's. Richard Roxburgh creates the character M-the main villain in this tale. Okay, now that I got through the large cast...


Okay, this has a great basis for an excellent plot. The special effects are good, but often come out quirky. Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde was interestingly done. It paid homage to old style filmmaking by using cut shots to show different stages of his transformation (instead of the current smooth computer graphics that show the complete transformation from start to finish). It shows chaos created by the character, and it fits the film style well. Captain Nemo's technological equipment looks amazing in this film. However, the super massive version of Mr. Hyde-after an enemy takes too much of the elixir-is weird looking. The red giant guy just looked like a bad representation of the Hulk. The effects of Dorian Gray becoming his portrait could'be been better animated. The action sequence's are well done, and fits the character's style well. I think this is a great film for action science fiction audience's. I think it was hard for some people to see their favorite classic novel character's represented in such a new light, and the average audience wasn't yet prepared for this type of story line-not entirely anyway.

Without further adu, I give this film a 9 out of 10 stars! Some of the effects could've been better, but the overall story was great. 

Answer to last blog: Arcana Cabana was the name of the store in the film The Sorcerer's Apprentice.

Que: What other role is Tony Curran popular for?

Marcus from Underworld: Evolution

Count Vladislus Dracula from Van Helsing

Marcus De Romanus from Queen of the Damned

Ashe Corven from The Crow: City of Angels

The Sorcerer's Apprentice

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Okay, first off-my review is going to be different from what I've read of other reviews. Just going to let you know in advance, because I enjoyed this film.

 The story begins with a tale. Morgana and Merlin were two opposing forces that are at war with each other. Merlin had three apprentice's; Balthazar Blake, Veronica Gorloisen, and Maxim Horvath. Horvath betrays Black and Gorloisen. In a desperate attempt to stop Morgana Gorloisen does a spell to combine Morgana's soul into her body; therefore, allowing Blake to entrap them within the Grimhold (a Russian stacker doll). Maxim is given Merlin's ring in hopes of finding the Prime Merlinian (Merlin's heir). Centuries later a young Dave Stutler finds himself in a magical store where he first encounters Blake. This ends in disaster as Horvath is set free, and Blake traps him inside a magical urn for 10 years. 10 years later, Blake and Horvath re-emerge to try and find the Grimhold.

Okay, the original-original story is based off a 1797 poem by Goethe. The story within the poem is well presented in Disney's Fantasia Musical in 1940. The Musical score was composed by Paul Dukas. Now the poem and the story have become fused in American culture as being one and the same. However, it says something that this short has inspired so much over the years. You have Fantasmic!-a water show at Disneyland parks, and now this film. From that short came this story.

This film is unique in several ways, story wise and special effects wise. Instead of the magic being passed through a hat-as was the case in Fantasia-it's passed through jewelry (rings mostly). This uses a different form of magic that most audience's aren't accustomed to-scientific magic. (Not as much of a contradiction as one would think-Alchemy would be the closest). The characters Nicolas Cage (Blake) and Jay Baruchel (Stutler) are an odd mix, but it does work for the film's overall story. The two are meant to be opposites because of timeframe and mentor/master relationship. The humor between the character's is well timed and really presents the character's relationships with one another. I also liked Veronica's, performed by Monica Bellucci, exotic look. She looked like she could've been in Britain, but was probably from a different location. This film seems to be directly up director Jon Turtletaub's, and producer Jerry Bruckheimer's, alley.

The special effects play off the idea of scientific magic and combat magic. I loved the car chase scene just because it was so unique. Cars that can change on a whim of thought (imagine if they had that ability in the Fast and the Furious), is truly unique. It was also adorable with the wolf puppies. In the bonus features they used trained wolves, so in the film they had to digitally make them scarier. The wolf puppies couldn't stay awake during the filming, because they were newborns. The steel eagle and the bull (from Battery Park)were nicely placed. This film does have a scientific basis, but it's still meant to be taken as fiction. So, don't expect it to be realistic all the time.

I give this film a 10 out of 10! It's a good family film, and it's nothing like Prince of Persia. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer knows how to choose his films.


Answer to last blog: Director Steven R. Monroe is more well known in Hollywood, and television, as a camera operator.

Que: What was the name of the magical shop owned by Blake in the beginning of the film?

Archena Cabaner
Arcana Cabana
Abra Cadavra
Arcra Cavedra