This Means War

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This film follows FDR Foster and Tuck, two CIA operatives, who are best friends in the field. They come across the same woman, Lauren Scott. They both decide to chase after her and tell her not tell her that they know each other. It soon turns into spy against spy as they continue to fight the love of the same woman. 

This film was directed by McG. This film doesn't follow the general norm of most cinematic films. There is a blend between the two genere's romantic comedy and spy action flick. However, this does more focus on the romantic comedy aspect instead of the spy action. Which only sucks for the villain. This film also had very different comedy than what has been seen in most recent films-its actually got some mind to it. There also isn't any toilette humour-shocking. Now granted, the story itself with the characters isn't full of heart. You have one girl dating two guys at once, and two spies who are trying to out do one another to win her affections. It's practicably impossible to make these characters lovable, as is expected in romantic comedies. There is some minor action, but not enough to make it an action film. There's only about ten minutes of fighting because a random villain was thrown into the mix. However, I think the spy villain was only added to remind the audience that they're spies. Apart from the small snag of non-lovable characters needed for a romantic comedy, and not enough action to make it spy action, that story itself is good. It takes a twist on the modern cinema films. There is also some predictability to it in that you know who wins aout midway through the film. 

The cast was good, but not great together. Chris Pine played the role of FDR Foster. He is the standard playboy of the film. He was good in creating the playboy image, but didn't too well changing his character style when he falls in love. He made the playboy struck by love appear a little too cheesy. Tom Hardy played the role of Tuck. He was good in his role being the straight up romantic. He kept a realism to it that was good. Reese Witherspoon played the role of Lauren Scott. She did good being a character who testing the waters of romance. There wasn't much that could've been done with this character, but what she did was good. She kept the character realistic and somewhat kind. Chelsea Handler, Trish, was good. She didn't have enough time to create a dynamic character, but she did good in bringing some humorous energy to the film. Til Schweiger, Heinrich, was good being the villain. He was only given an opportunity to be moderately mincing.  It also sucks that he had such a sucky death sequence in the film.

I give this film... 4 out of 5 stars! It's mix of genre's was good, but not great. The lack of lovable characters and lack of action hurt the film. Either the film had to eliminate the villain Heinrich, or up the likability its characters. 

Answer to last blog: Roger Jackson has been the ever popular voice for Ghostface for all four of the Scream films. 

Que: What other film has actor Chris Pine starred in?

Terminator Salvation

Just My Luck

Just Like Heaven

Inception

Scream IV (SCRE4M)

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This is the fourth installment of the Scream franchise. Sidney Prescott, one of the survivors from the first three incidents, has now published a novel about her own experiences. She returns to Woodsboro to promote the novel but finds her book tour haunted by the presence of Ghostface. Deputy Dewey, Dwight, Riley and Gale Riley (Weathers), try to help Sidney and her cousin Jill Roberts survive this new killer. 

This film was directed by Wes Craven. This film carries on a legacy that had been officially ended with a trilogy. This film pays plenty of homage to the original combining ironic humour, scares, and twisting horror movie slasher cliches. However, I think several audience's have come to an expectation of what is going to happen in this series, and therefore this can't surpass the original. Other than this being a fourth installment it still keeps to a great story with good characters. This film has more of a character development than Scream 2. However, it is slightly obvious whose going to die. There is the shock of Neve's character actually getting hurt in this film. This film keeps the comedy that was missing from Scream 3, and keeps the film's basis of it being a slasher parodying slashers. It opens with the current horror debate of gore fests, torture porn, remakes of originals, and asian horror ghost films that are appearing in cinema's. I do like how this choose to be a sequel instead of a remake. I also enjoyed how it kept up to date with current technology and current popular high school culture. 

The surviving cast returned to this film, which was also great to see. The original cast was met with a fresh new set of young faces that gave the film its more current feel. Neve Campbell returned to her role as Sidney Prescott. She was great showing why her character has survived this long through the franchise. It's not from luck, but mostly from being intelligent. She also continued to give her 'victim' character heart for the film. Courteney Cox returned to her popular role of Gale Riley (Weathers). She didn't return to her satire of popular media, but she did return as the unofficial detective. This film changed her character from being a bitch to a more heartfelt character. It is good to see the changes her character has gone through from Scream. David Arquette returned to his role of Sheriff Dewey, Dwight, Riley. His character remains the same from the other films. He is good brining his light hearted nature to this film. Emma Robert played the role of Jill Roberts. This role takes her from being a child actress into a teenage actress for popular audiences. She is good in this role giving the damsel character a new face. Hayden Panettiere plays the role of Kirby Reed. She was great in bringing a truly young vibe to film. She also did great in making a satire of the new horror generation. Britt (Brittany) Robertson, Marnie Cooper, was good. She kept to the lightheartedness of Arquette. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a good film that pays homage to its original roots. It's slightly predictable, but its mixture of humour and horror is great. 

Answer to last blog: Wes Craven's first slasher film was The Last house on the Left. 

Que: Who has been the ever popular voice of Ghostface?

Dana Farwell
Don LaFontaine
Movie Trailer Voice Over Guy
Roger Jackson

Scream III

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This film carries out to Hollywood on the set of Stab 3. Ghostface makes a reappearance, and threatens the cast of Stab 3 to try and learn of Sidney Prescott's hideout. This forces the survivors of the small town, and the college, to try and figure out who this new killer is before he murders off Hollywoods up and coming new actors, and themselves. 

This assumed ending to the trilogy was directed by Wes Craven. This film was, like the music industry, affected by the events in Columbine High School. Because of the media turning its attention to satanic messages in music, and the gore in films (because media is always to blame), this film toned down the gore in the film. This film attempted to satire trilogies, but failed to provided the ironic humour of the last two films. There is a good general humour based on the character themselves. It was surprising that this film had only one shocking death of its main characters, and it did not murder any big name celebrity stars. This film fell more into a very general 'whodunit' slasher film. It did have some cliches, but they weren't overtly horrible. This was a good ending to the trilogy. It established its characters in living new lives away from fear. This film did wear thin on its audiences as most trilogies tend to do if its not extremely original. 

Bringing back the orignal cast was great, but there really wasn't enough time to get attached to the new secondary characters. The unfortunate thing is that even the characters appeared to be shouting 'not again'. Neve Campbell returned to her role of Sidney Prescott. She was great reviving this role. She gave her character a lot of heart and courage. Courteney Cox returned to her role of Gale Weathers. Her character no longer has that media satire which would've been great in this film. In this film she takes on the role of detective trying to solve the murders as quickly as possible. David Arquette also returned to his role of Deputy Dewey, Dwight, Riley. His character remains the same, only this time he begins as slightly spiteful towards Gale. Liev Schreiber also returned to his role as Cotton Weary briefly. His character wasn't fully given a chance to be more than it was which was unfortunate. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It's a good alleged ending to the film franchise. It doesn't mimic its predecessor's, and instead takes it back to the original horror mystery slasher films. 

Answer to last blog: Actress Tori Spelling, who did a humorous cameo in Scream 2, lent her comedic talents to the Scream parody Scary Movie 2. 

Que: What was Wes Craven's first slasher film?

The Crazies
I Spit on Your Grave
Straw Dogs
Last House on the Left

Scream II

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The events that devastated a small town, two years ago, have now turned into a major film called Stab, based off the novel by reporter Gale Weathers. At the premier of Stab two unexpected deaths shock the premier. The attention quickly turns back to Sidney Prescott who is now attending community college in her hometown. Cotton Weary has been released due to the discovery of him not having been her mother's murderer. The killer quickly begins attacking Sidney, and the other survivors from the first serial murder. 

This sequel was directed by Wes Craven. This sequel directly plays off what the original film had established. It wasn't as original an idea, but its humour gave it a fresh view. This film's satire is based off of sequels, and of the never ending slasher genre. The humour was better established because it even made of it's first film, and its current sequel. This film did feature more gore in it, and it did focus on creating a higher body count than it predecessor. This kept from any true development for the new secondary characters. However, the primary characters that survived the first film are given a chance to further develop there characters. Without the secondary character development it also leaves the film open to any murder suspect. There were two surprise murders in this film. The first was from the popular actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, and the second was from Jaime Kennedy. Kennedy's death was deemed as a mistake, but it also left the film open to mystery. This film has much more ironic comedy than horror, but there is still an argument of this being better than the first. Ironically enough, the debate itself appeared in the film as well. 

It was good that most of the original cast returned for the sequel. This kind of dedication almost doesn't exist anymore. Neve Campbell reappears as the leading character Sidney Prescott. She really built on her character giving her more heart. In this film she learns to face her fears. Courteney Cox reappears as Gale Weathers. Her character took an interesting turn in that she became the news she was trying to report. She really got more time to open her character to a deeper emotional level than before. David Arquette reappeared as Deputy Dewey, Dwight, Riley. He has more time to show his character, but his character essentially remains the same from the first film. The only difference is his love entanglement. Jaime Kennedy, Randy Meeks, still remained the standard satire for slasher fanatics. It was unfortunate that he died in this film. Liev Schreiber, Cotton Weary, was a good twist for this film. His appearance gave the original characters a chance to open their characters more. Now for the secondary characters. Jerry O'Connell, Derek, is Sidney's new boyfriend. Timothy Olyphant, Mickey, is Derek's best friend. Elise Neal, Hallie, is Sidney's new closest friend.

I give this film 4 out of 5. It's a sequel that spends a lot of time mimicking its predecessor. This film spends a lot of tie focused on its original characters, creating more gore, and doubling the body count. Its still got a ironic story plot which is good.

Answer to last blog: Although actress Neve Campbell and actor Skeet Ulrich were not a romantic couple, like in Scream, they were both featured in the film The Craft.

Que: Actress Tori Spelling had a small cameo in this film. What other slasher film did she lend her comedy talents to?

Scream 3
Scary Movie
Clockwatchers
Scary Movie 2

Scream

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Casey receives a strange phone call from a mysterious voice one night. The voice  turns out to be a murder who murders Casey and her boyfriend (Steve). This sends the town into panic, and police are forced to question students from the local high school. Sidney Prescott, still recovering from her mothers death that is approaching its one year anniversary, soon finds herself the murders next target. She continues to receive strange phone calls as the murder count continues to grow. 

This film was directed by Wes Craven. It isn't too surprising that this twist on slasher films came from Craven. He had made a several twists in this genre, including  A Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984. This film took a very unique turn in the slasher genre. Its first shocker was having a popular actress become the first murder victim. The other shocker came in with its plot and self aware characters. It exposed how much the teenage modern culture has changed, and showed how desensitized the world is becoming. The teen culture is where most of its humour comes from. This film was a great satire to emerge in 1996, because it turned away from the popular 1980's horror sequels and, instead, started a franchise of its own. The plot is full of unexpected irony. There is also minor gore in the film, but its not overplayed and it doesn't take away from the film. The story mainly satire's the slasher genre without being too goofy. It was a great plot that needed to be done at some point. Keeping this film in a small town like setting was a great idea that really benefited the film.

The cast was great together. Neve Campbell played the leading role of Sidney Prescott. She was great in playing the role of the damsel without being to damselish. She also gave her character plenty of heart through deep emotional trama. Rose McGowan played the role of Tatum, Sidney's best friend. She was great in this role. She has the greatest satire death scene in the film. David Arquette played the role of Deputy Dewey, Dwight. He was great creating the clueless cop who is helpless trying to save lives by finding the killer. He managed to create this character making him appear friendly and not completely inept. Courteney Cox played the role of Gale Weathers. She was great being the obvious satire of current popular media outlets. She really pulled out the aggressiveness of the character. Jamie Kennedy, Randy, was great in his role. He was the satire of the film. He was the character who established the rules of a slasher film. Skeet Ulrich played the role of Billy Loomis. He was great being the character who you could never fully tell if he was sinister or good. Matthew Lillard played the role of Stuart, Stu. This was one of his early 1990's film that helped to start his career in Hollywood. He was great in his role of being Billy's best friend, and Rose's boyfriend.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It was a great film that changed the way slasher films were presented in modern cinema's.

Answer to last blog: Doctor Emmet Brown's dog, from Back to the Future Pt. 1, is named Einstein.

Que: What other film featured actress Never Campbell and actor Skeet Ulrich?

Wild Things
The Craft
Jericho
The Doom Generation

Back To The Future Pt. I

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Marty McFly is a teenager who assists Dr. Emmet Brown in his research. Doc takes a DeLorean DMC-12 and transforms it, so it can time travel. Doc tests it on his time machine using his dog, and through an unsynchronized clock Doc learns that he has successfully created a time machine. Before Doc can travel there is an attack by terrorists, and Marty uses the DeLorean to escape, but accidentally travels from 1985 to 1955. Marty soon finds himself changing the events of time for his small town, including his parents falling in love. 

This film was directed by Robert Zemeckis. Zemeckis comical and adventurish stye is obvious in this 1980's film. This film began a legacy that still remains highly popular among audience's to this day. This film also remains a perfect example of the popular 1980's science fiction style. The film's story combines science fiction with action and romance. It's also a film that children and parents can enjoy together. Most of the film's plot is set up in the first five minutes before Marty travels through time. After time traveling the plot unravels humorously building on what has already been established. This one of the rare films that relies heavily on its plot line, and not its characters. The idea is a bit fantastic, but its good for this type of film. There is no true scientific basis for this plot. The backdrop was good, it was especially good watching it change through the decades. Using the giant clock tower as the ket was great, it sort of became the fill's icon. This film is cheesy at some moments, and it is has a predictable plot.

The cast was good together. They really gave the film its comical feel. Michael J. Fox played the leading role of Marty McFly. He's great in this role. He creates a character who isn't a loner, or a nerd, but it is slightly cool. This really made the film popular among its target audience. Christopher Llyod played the role of Doctor Emmet Brown, or Doc. He was great playing the neurotic scientist that people could still enjoy watching. Lea Thompson played the role of Lorriane Baines. She was good in her role. She took the role of Marty's mother and turned the character around. She also created the damsel character. Crispin Clover played the role of George McFly. He played the nerd of the 50's character who finds himself during the course of events. He was good at taking a nerd and giving him heart. Claudia Wells, Jennifer Parker, was good in her small role. She didn't have much time to open her role as anything more than that. Thomas F. Wilson did great in his role of Biff Tannen. He was great in creating the asshole bully that everyone just despised.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars. This is a great family film that started a 1980's legacy. Even if its cheesy, and predictable, its still worth a single watch.

Answer to last blog: Director James Watkins, director of The Woman in Black, also directed the film Eden Lake. 

Que: What is the name of Doctor Emmet Brown's dog that appears in the film?

Einstein
Doc
Newton
Darwin

The Woman In Black

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This film is based off a horror story written by Susan Hill with the same title, and was adapted into a stage play (1987), and then into a television film (1989). Arthur Kipps, is a man trying to get over his wife's death and raise his son. His firm sends him on an assignment to handle the estate of Alice Drablow, the Eel Marsh House. He boards a train, leaving his son, Joseph Kipp for a few days. Arthur arrives in a town that is plagued by superstition about a woman dressed in black. Arthur goes to the Eel Marsh House to finish the paperwork, and quickly learns that there is more to the town's superstitions. 

This film was directed by James Watkins. He's a director whose placing roots in the horror genre. This film doesn't have excessive amounts of gore, it really doesn't even show a ton of blood. This film more shoots for chills, and a great dramatic story. I can't say how loyal this film is to the novel, or the stage play, or the televised film. This film isn't Paranormal Activity and it isn't the Grudge, but it is the first film in a while that is made just to terrify its audience instead of feeding a recent gore fetish. The town's plague is that every time someone see's the woman in black she takes away someone's child (by convincing them to kill themselves). The effects were well done, and they were kept brief and simple. The ghostly effects were great. Creepy and it didn't mimic the recent stylings of the Grudge. Placing the film during the Edwardian Era (1901-1910) was a great idea. It gave the film a much more classic horror film feel. I was also surprised that they managed to find the creepiest classic toys of the era. 

This film has a good cast, and Daniel Radcliffe has made an appearance away from Harry Potter. Daniel Radcliffe played the leading role of Arthur Kipp. He is great in this role. It does show that he can play other roles. It's also interesting how Daniel's face is changing rapidly. Ciaran Hinds plays the role of Sam Daily. He is great in his role. He is the character who maintains the idea that it's just superstition, and nothing more. He is the voice of reason through all the chaos, and he manages to keep his character's heart. Janet McTeer plays the role of Elizabeth Daily. She is good being the spiritual medium who is suffering from her own loss. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It is a good horror film that returns to the original roots of haunting horror films. There isn't a lot of gore in this film, but it does offer a lot of chills.

Answer to last blog: Writer, for Chronicle, also wrote the episode for Masters of Horror Deer Woman.

Que: What other film did James Watkins direct?

Eden Lake
The Descent: Part 2
My Little Eye
Tideland

Chronicle

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This film is based off a story by Josh Trank and Max Landis. Teenager Andrew Detmer makes a decision to start videotaping his life. Shortly after, his cousin Matt Garetty takes him to a school rave party. Matt and a friend, Steve Montgomery, discover a strange crater a few feet away. They convince Andrew to bring the camera to record their discovery in the crater. They find a crystal like item, and something strange happens to them. They find themselves gifted with telekinetic powers. They begin forming a friendship as they build their powers. However, for Andrew his discovery begins to turn more sinister as time progresses. 

This film was directed by Josh Trank, and was written by Max Landis. This film was shot in handheld camera's, and handheld camera devices. This has become a norm for several horror films, after Paranormal Activity. This is the first dramatic film to be shown in such a style. I think this film would've done much better if it wasn't filmed this way, because any true dramatic heartfelt secondary story is neglected to be told appropriately. There was some things  left unexplained in full detail. The story is very basic, but its stil good. Its main focus is that too much power is bad. The quick jump between camera's does become slightly strange, but its effective in making it feel less like a documentary until the end. The way this film is shot its just three teenage boys causing trouble who get super powers. It is science fiction and it is a superhero origins film. The effects are great, beginning very subtle and then going grander as the film progresses. The music was good keeping the songs popular in modern culture. 

The acting was good, they were convincing as three teenage boys. Dane DeHaan played the leading role of Andrew Detmer. He did good being the societal high school outcast. He made his character believable, and very creepy. Alex Russell played the role of Matt Garetty. He was all right in his role. He didn't get much opportunity to create a fully developed character. Michael B. Jordan played the role of Steve Montgomery. He was great in his role playing the misjudged hero. He gave the film a humorous and heartfelt personality as well. Ashley Hinshaw, Casey Letter, was good being the female heroine character. She basically adds a female figure in to the film. 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! This film is a good general film, but it lacks any deep story to it. The special effects were great for this film. 

Answer to last blog: Actress Lily Collins, from Abduction, got her acting start from the film The Blind Side. 

Que: What Masters of Horror episode/film did writer Max Landis write? 

Dreams In A Witch-House

Dance of the Dead

Pick Me Up

Deer Woman

Also look for the review for the woman in black to come soon.

Look for the film Review for chronical to come soon.

Look

Abduction

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This film follows Nathan/Stephen who is living the dream life in high school, except for having the perfect girlfriend. He gets assigned to work with his crush on a school assignment about missing children. He discovers his face in a list of missing persons, and sends in a reply hoping to get an answer. Everything begins to spiral out of control as Nathan learns that his life is a lie. He sets out to save his own life, and Karen's, and begins to learn the truth about his parents. 

This film was directed by John Singleton. Taylor Lautner is a film other than Twilight.... yay... This film was different the director in that it centered around a teenager instead of an adult. This is pretty much how the film felt. A film made more for fans of Lautner. The story is a teenage flick with some action in it. It is the first time a film about someone being abducted that ins't dramatic, or horror. The idea is good, and fairly original. It has a lot of potential just none of the heart that was needed to make this film great. The story itself presented Lautner as an angry child, and didn't allow enough time to see the emotional side of the character. This made it hard to feel sympathy for the character. A lot of camera angel's, and music cues, gave away the film's plot too early. The action was good. It stayed true to a teenager thrown into this type of situation.

This film had a unique group of actors. They had some decent chemistry together, but it often times got slightly cheesy. Taylor Lautner played the leading role of Nathan. Lautner was decent in this role, but there was some confusion that appeared on the screen. He's gotten used to playing Jacob that he doesn't how to play any other character. He can act, but he just needs more practice in varied roles. Lily Collins played the role of Karen. This is her third film to hit theaters. She's good in this role. Alfred Molina played the role of Burton. He was decent in his role, but it was hard to get a feel for his character.

I give this film a 2 out of 5 stars! It had a lot of potential, but the story failed to contain any heart.

Answer to last blog: Actor Liam Neeson and director Joe Carnahan also worked together on the film the A-Team (along with The Grey).

Que: What film did actress Lily  Collins get her acting start from?

Valentine's Day
The Blind Side
The Last Song
Mean Girls 2

The Grey

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This film is based off the short story "Ghost Walker" by Ian MaKenzie Jeffers. This film follows the story of John Ottway, who finds himself facing the darkest moments of his life. He works on an Alaskan oil drilling company killing off the wolves that threaten to attack the workers. Ottway boards an plane that unexpectantly crashes somewhere in Alaska. Ottway gathers the few survivors together, and helps them to fight for survival. The fight for survival becomes more challenging when a pack of wolves begins to stalk them. 

This film was directed by Joe Carnahan. This film has a great story about man vs. nature and man vs. self. The story is also good because of the philosophical undertones about life and god. Some pure action fanatics will not like the philosophical viewpoints of the film. I really enjoyed it as a change from the hardcore fast paced action. However, the end really left audience's hanging on their last breath's. There is an after the credit five second clip, which only adds to the cliff hanger. It's nice because it'll leave the ending in a dramatic, and powerful, ending sequence (although the five second clip kind of ruins it). This film played with camera disorientation and sound manipulation very well. The camera distortion made the chaos feel realistic. The sound manipulation did hurt the ears, but it also gave each scene it's feel. There was also slight grainy affect to the film. It added to feeling of being caught in a snow storm, but it did take away from the brief indoor sequences. The wolves had some slight alterations mostly to their faces to make them appear more agressive. The faces were overdone, but the rest was well done. The alpha wolf was way too big. He was a wolf on steroids. The film generated some controversy because of an article that said four wold carcass' were used during filming. Wildlife organizations have protested the film because of this article, and because they hated the negative viewpoint on wolves. However, this film worked in cooperation with the Sierra Club. (In truth for their protection it is not hard to believe that wolves would attack.) This film does have some gore, but not too much of it. 

The cast was great together. They brought out the realism of survival in the Alaskan wilderness. Liam Neeson played the leading role of John Ottway. He was great in this role, he really gave his character emotional strength. The only bad part was the too slight Irish accent. It was there, but it was so slight that it was unnoticeable. Frank Grillo played the role of Diaz. He was great opposing Neeson's battle against self. Dallas Roberts played the role of Hendrick. He was great being a sympathetic friend, but his character wasn't fully explored as the others. Dermot Mulroney played the role of Talget. He was great at creating an character full of depth. 

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It's a great action film with emotional depth. The cast was great together, and Liam Neeson was great in his role. 

Answer to last blog: Orson Welles is known for his acting role in Citizen Kane. 

Que: What other film did actor Lion Neeson and director Joe Carnahan work together on?

Unknown

The A-Team

Smokin' Aces

Abduction

Me and Orson Welles

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This film is based off the novel, with the same title, written by Robert Kaplow. In 1937, Richard Samuels feels the pull of modern art surrounding him (music, art, writing, and even the stage). He sets out one day to get hired by Orson Welles for his 'modern style' production of Julius Caesar at the Mercury Theater. By showing off his quick wit and talent he gets hired to play the small role of Lucius in the stage production. Richard meets Sonja Jones, the theater's secretary, and she is set to help bring him learn his character. It doesn't take long for Richard to learn how neurotic the life of the stage is, and to fall in love with Sonja.    

This film was directed by Richard Linklater. This film was different from his earlier films in the 1990's, and yet it has many similarities. This manages to capture the magic of working to put on a theater production, and it glimpses the spirit of 1930's New York. This film feels like it moves at a fast pace, but a lot of that is the speed of working on a show. This film is more for people who are fans of Orson Welles or film's about the stage. The story is centered around a teenage boy who decides to chose the theater over his eduction denotes some teenage rebellion for the 1930's. This film's story is also a historical fiction of Welles' "Caesar".  Now, I'm not a history buff but I've read that there are trickles of historical truths. Now, this film is meant to be a historical fiction on Orson Welles. However, the stories focus comes from the teenager who is more focused on the performing in the play. There are several moments when audience's are given a glimpse into the neuroticness of Welles brilliance.

This film has a great assortment of actors that has some surprisingly great chemistry on set. Zac Effron plays the leading role of Richard Samuels. It is surprising that he performed in a good film in between the High School musical sequels. He was great in this role, creating a rebellious character that audience's could root for. Christian McKay plays the role of Orson Welles. He was amazing in this role. In the few moments he appears on screen he makes such a powerful character. It is easy to see why a teenager would look up to him. Claire Danes plays the role of Sonja Jones. She was great in this role. She created the woman who toys with mens hearts and was also a sweetheart. This type of character is hard to pull off, and be likable.

I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! It was great whimsical film about the stage and slightly about Welles.

Answer to last blog: Actress Zoe Saldana got her acting start from the film Pirates of the Caribbean (as Anamaria).

Que: What film role is Orson Welles known for?

A Charming Man
Citizen Kane
Ball of Fire
Face the music

Colombiana

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This film follows Cataleya Restrepo, who lived with her parents, in Colombia. Her father, Fabio, worked for Don Luis-a drug lord, and had chosen to leave his service. Don Luis sends Marco to eliminate Cataleya's family. She watches both her parents get murdered at gunpoint, and barely manages to escape from there attack. She goes to an American Ambassador and hands them a valuable piece of information, and uses it to trade for an American passport. Once in America she locates Emilio Restrepo, like her father had instructed, and decides that she wants to learn to be an assassin. Emilio trans her to be a lethal femme fatal. Cataleya quickly uses her abilities to begin her revenge on Don Luis. 

This film was directed by Olivier Megaton, and was written by Luc Besson and Robert Mark Kamen. This film face some controversy because of its stereotypical negative outlook on the country Colombia. Many have chosen to hate the film because of this. This is the latest in female action films (which is slowly becoming more popular), and is the latest femme fatal by Besson and Kamen. This film is mainly centered around the fast paced action surrounding Cataleya, and her ability for revenge. The story is limited to the parameters of the action, but it is still present enough to give Cataleya a human side. The action for Cataleya was highly unique, in that she doesn't do any head on battles. She crawls through walls and floor boards, and ensures her prey. This gave the action a different aspect that isn't common in films. The film was predictable, and the story was decent. 

The acting was great, especially from Saldana. Saldana's performance kept the film from collapsing. However, the characters are generic to this style of film, and aren't allowed to be otherwise. Zoe Saldana played the leading role of Cataleya. Amandla Stenberg played the child version of Cataleya. Amandla was good in her short performance. She did some action in the beginning, and this showed Cataleya's fighting style of hide and surprise. Although it was odd watching her sit emotionless as her parents were shot in front of her. Zoe was amazing her role. She created a highly complex character, and this gave the film its following. Cliff Curtis, Emilio Restrepo, was good in his role. He gave Cataleya a soul, but he didn't get a chance to expand his character beyond the general gangster father. Jordi Molia, Marco, was good in his role. He created a great opposing villain for Cataleya. Beto Benites, Don Luis, was ok in his role. His character was confusing to begin with-is he the villain or the whiner? He sends people to kill for him, and his role diminishes as the film progress'. 

I give this film a 4 out of 5 stars! The action was great for this film, but it lacked a kind of originality to its story. The fighting sequences are unique to the film, and Zoe's performance is incredible. 

Answer to last blog post: Actress Rachel Weisz also starred in the film The Mummy (as well as Dream House). 

Que: What film gave actress Zoe Saldana her start in Hollywood?

Avatar

The Haunted Mansion

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Dreamgirls

Dream House

Caution: This Might Conatin Spoilers!

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Will Atenton has decided to leave his job as an editor to spend more time with his family. They have purchased a new house out, and are renovating it. However, Will quickly discovers that there had been a brutal murder in his home where a wife and two little girls were murdered. It was believed that the father had murdered his family, and he was sent to psychological institute, but was released because of lack of evidence. Will decides to fight to protect his family. 

This psychological thriller film was directed by Jim Sheridan. This film isn't so much a psychological thriller, as it was labeled, but is more of a dramatic thriller. The film moves at a slow pace, that can annoy people in a fast moving world. I enjoyed watching the effects appear as the mystery beings to unravel. It really gave an illusion of a distorted reality. There was also an amazing subtle change in the film's tone when Will makes his great discovery. The effect was amazingly done, but risky. Changing a film's tone midway through can through it off balance. The mid change does hurt the film in that all unpredictability disappears, but it works in that it places you inside Will's head. The story, best fits the drama of a man trying to save himself and his family. The story is thought provoking and highly emotional. 

The cast was good together. This film is mostly carried by a single person, Daniel Craig. Daniel Craig played the leading role of Will Ateton. He was great in creating a deeply emotional man, but he could not give off the idea of being a potential murderer. Rachel Weisz, Libby, was great in her role. She managed to created a heartfelt character while keeping her acting without being acknowledged. Her performance really helped the film. Naomi Watts, Ann Patterson, was good. She made a general female character caught in a bad divorce, and in the Will's mystery. Taylor Geare, Trish, and Claire Geare, Dee Dee, were good in there roles. Their roles weren't extended on, but they were good. Marton Csokas, Jack Patterson, was okay in his role. In the end he was good, but during the film he ruined the film's mystery. His demeanor gave away his part in the mystery way to early. 

I give this film 4 out of 5 stars! I enjoyed the slowness of the film, and really enjoyed all the subtle effects that went into making this film. 

Answer to last blog post: Justin Timberlake got his acting start from the film Alpha Dog. 

Que: What other film did actress Rachel Weisz star in?

Mullholland Dr.

The Mummy

Road to Perdition

In America

In Time

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This science fiction film is set in a dystopian future where no-body ages over 25. Each person is born with a time clock on their left arm, and that clock represents there potential lifespan. Time can be is used as a form of currency, and it can be given or stolen. Will Salas lives in the ghetto where time is often stolen if anyone has over a day of time to spare. He lives with his mother, Rachel Salas, in an apartment. One night after work, Henry Hamilton walks into the bar offering a decade to anyone who wants it. Some Minutemen appear wanting to take the time for themselves. Will saves him, and in exchange Will is given a decade of life. After losing his mother, Will goes to New Greenwich, a place where time is available. Will meets Philipe Weis, and his daughter Sylvia Weis at a casino. Will and Sylvia share a quick attraction for one another, and met again at her father's party. Will is nearly arrested because Timekeeper's believe Will's time was stolen. Will kidnaps Sylvia, and the two set out to discover why "millions have to die to keep a few immortal". 

This film was directed by Andrew Niccol. Okay, this film has all the potential for an awesome science fiction film. The story idea is great, but the film feel inches short of the mark. This film did face some small controversy in that author Harlan Ellison claimed that the film plagiarized his short story; however, this was quickly settled out of court. The story is great, but is missing a true heart. Some of the effects are cheesy, like the car flipping over looked to pristine rolling down the hill, and people can't die from a shot to the shoulder. Most of the other action sequences were well done, and were great for the film's pace. The effect of the clocks on the arms was well done, and highly believable. Having to always watch time increasing and decreasing gave the film a rapid pace as well. It was kewl, to see in the film, the subtlety of everything being electric in this world. It also plays off the idea of corporations and government working against the betterment of the people. It also questions the idea of what is better for people? The problem with the story is that it tries to cover a lot of bases too quickly. One minute your here, then the next your somewhere else entirely. 

The cast was good together. They gave the film a certain futuristic look. Justin Timberlake played the leading role of Will Salas. He's come a long way from the Mickey Mouse Club, and the boy band 'N Sync. Now he's an actor with a good career in Hollywood. He creates a sympathetic bandit in this film. His character always finds himself burdened by what appears right at that moment. He does good at pulling the character emotions through. Amanda Seyfried, Sylvia Weis, was good. She was a great contrast to Timberlake in performance. The hair was slightly awkward, but it wasn't horrible and it changed her face immensely. Cillian Murphy, Raymond Leon, was great in this film. He wasn't fully a villain, but he wanted to maintain the order of time. He gave his character such deep emotion that he's hard to ignore in this film. 

I give this film 3 out of 5 stars! It's got good action, and a great story idea. It's fast paced motion keeps the film moving too fast and not slowing enough to get a deeper impact of the story. (And yes, I do believe I'm about to be shot for the stars given... *see the picture*) 

Answer to last blog: Elton John composed the opening song, Circle of Life, for the film The Lion King. (Tim Rice created the lyrics.) 

Que: What film gave Justin Timberlake is start in film acting?

Pulp Fiction

The Departed

Babel

Alpha Dog

The Lion King

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This film plays off the Biblical tales of Joseph and Moses, and plays off Shakespeare's Hamlet. It follows the story of Simba, a lion cub born in Pride Rock. He grows up in Pride Rock learning how to rule a kingdom, while his uncle, Scar, creates plans to take over the kingdom. Scar tricks Simba into living in exhile by causing him to believe that he had murdered his father. As time continues on, Simba grows into a young adult and realizes that he must save his old kingdom from his uncle. 

This film was directed by Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff, both whom had great careers working with Disney studios. This film is probably most adult film created by Disnet studios, but it is still a good film for children. It might've been made more to gather interest from an adult audiences. I didn't get a chance to see this film in 3D, but I did get the diamond edition and was glad I did. The film was remastered amazingly well. The sound was great, and the animation was so well enhanced. I also enjoyed watching the animation made to follow the voice acting bloopers.  This is a film that'll take people down memory lane. The music for the film is amazingly memorable, even though it almost didn't happen. The opening song title, and opening animation sequence, really gave the film its inspiring opening. The story is centered around the lesson of life, the mysticism of Africa, and kingship rule. It was unique to disney films because it wasn't a princess film, it wasn't a retelling, and it didn't follow the usual guidelines for disney action animated features. 

The voice actors did great in giving this film soul. Simba was voice by actors Jonathan Taylor Thomas (young) and Matthew Broderick (adult). They worked together surprisingly well. It is easy to believe that they are the same character. Thomas gave Simba a sympathetic, and  lovable. Broderick gave him a sympathetic role. Jeremy Irons was great voicing Scar. He created an intelligent villain that was frightening.  James Earl Jones was amazing as Mufasa. He gave the character so much power, and strength. Nathan Lane, Timon, Ernie Sabella, Pumbaa, and Rowan Atkins, Zazu, were great. They added humour to this dramatic film. Robert Guillaume, Rafiki, was good in his role. He gave the film its mythical feel. 

I give this animated film 5 out of 5 stars! It's a great animated featured created by Disney Studios. It's full of dramatic heart, and is a great family film. 

Answer to last blog post: Actors Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, and Madeline Kahn all starred in the film Yellowbeard (as well as Young Frankenstein). 

Que: Who composed the opening score for the Lion King?

Elton John

Danny Elfman

Tim Rice

Alan Menken

Young Frankenstein

Caution: This Might Contain Spoilers!

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This satire follows grandson, Frederick Frankenstein, as he is given his grandfather's old house in Transylvania. He gladly lives as a college medical professor whose engaged to Elizabeth. However, Frederick has spent his entire life trying to disassociate himself from the family name, and what it means to the world. He goes to Transylvania to see his father's homestead, where he meets Igor (his assistant), Inga (a laboratory assistant), and Frau Blucher (the home's caretaker). However, being back at the Frankenstein castle in Transylvania, it doesn't take long for the itch to start. The itch to reanimate life from the dead corpse of a man. This itch sends him on an unexpected scientific discovery. 

This Mel Brooks, directed, film is a satire on the Frankenstein genre. It was shown in black and white like the classical films. There was a challenge with the color scheme, because at this time color films were popular, but the decision was went through. It was unfortunate to miss some of the color contrasts, but it works for the genre of film. It was a great mix of heart, Gene Wilder, and comedy, Mel Brooks. This film has become a cult classic. It makes fun of al those highly dramatic scene's from the other Frankenstein films and coats it with suger to make it funny. This is a rare comedy that doesn't use toilette humour, and instead relies on the talent of the actors and the story. There is adult humour, but it works with the right characters. There is also hints of a dark undertone, but it's not the center of the film. The story was a great idea, because it toyed with all the sequels, and it toyed with the idea of someone not wanting to be Frankenstein. The song and dance "Putting on the Ritz" was a bit odd, but it worked in some strange way.

The actors had a great chemistry on set, and they truly enjoyed working together. They enjoyed it so much that none of them wanted to leave the set! Gene Wilder, Frederick Frankenstein, was great. He used his ability to go from extreme outbursts to a calm composure within seconds. It gave his character a neurotic feel. Marty Feldman, Igor, was brilliant and not because of his crazy eyes. He added large amounts of physical and verbal humour to the film. Peter Boyle, the monster, was great. He gave his character a great emotional depth without saying a word through the entire film. Teri Garr, Inga, was good. She was the one who centered all the dirty humour, but gave the film its heart. Madeline Khan, Elizabeth,  and Cloris Leachman, Frau Blucher, were good in there supporting roles.

So, without further ado, I give this film 5 out of 5 stars! its a great classical comedy film. It has heart and humour that no longer exists in modern comedies.

Answer to last blog post: Actor Warren Christie also starred in the film This Means War (other than Apollo 18).

Que: What other film feature actors, Peter Boyle, Marty Feldman, and Madeline Kahn?

Can She Bake A Cherry Pie
D.C. Cab
Yellowbeard
Easy Money