Bruno

"It might look like poop and sex jokes, but there’s a reason why they work. Also, the guy is literally putting himself in harm’s way to highlight homophobia. It’s clear his heart is in the right place."

Bruno. The hugely talked about and very anticipated "sequel" to Sasha Baron Cohen's "Borat" style film. "Borat" was considered a fresh new take on comedy and it's no news to announce it was a huge box office hit.

But what now of "Bruno"? It is slated to offend scores of new minorities, but will it succeed? "Bruno" not only stabs at gays, but Mexicans, Austrians and the list will go on.

Here is an article where two homosexual men talk about the film. I found it to be very interesting, being that the movie is mocking gays, and the critics were not offended. Though they do mention a part of concern: "I will say, though, that there is one aspect of the movie that has me kind of concerned. And that is the vision of Bruno as a nightmare gay parent who has sex in front of his adopted child."

Transformers Box Office

Variety is reporting that "Transformers 2: revenge of the Fallen" has grossed the second highest Wednesday through weekend box office of all time. Coming out on Wednesday at 12:01 am, It pulled in 201.2 million over the next five days. This is second only to "The Dark Knight" (though, DK opened on a friday and raked in 203.8 million - just over the

weekend!)

The other film opening this weekend was Cameron Diaz's "My Sister's Keeper" which fell short in fourth place with approx. 12 million. "The Proposal" came in second with "The Hangover" in third.

The full article can be read here.

Dress My Nest

This is LA, you will find people all over the place that you know. For a while, it seemed that I was seeing people left and right that I knew in reality dating shows, which was kind of funny. It has been a while since someone I recognized was the spotlight of a reality dating show (or whatever), but a friend/coworker just posted the first few minutes of her "Dress My Nest" episode on her Facebook page. I have never heard of the show before, but here it is.

Screenplay

I thought I needed to throw in a little update about what I'm doing (it isn't much at the moment). I am in the process of having preliminary reads of my screenplay to iron out some kinks in plot and grammar. Once I get back three more reads, I will be having a live reading of the story. At that point I will be on the lookout for an agent. Then, hopefully.... work will come.

When I get all my feedback from the first round of reads, I will let you know what the feelings about the story are.

Stay tuned!

"They will take you"

"This is purely a man-on-a-mission movie, but one well-crafted and suspenseful enough that it diverts our attention away from the fact that it isn't really about anything."

"Taken" is a roller coaster. Most of it is a crazy ride, the beginning and end however, seem out of place.

When the movies starts, we get an awkward divorced couple debating about whether or not to let their daughter travel to Paris alone. Upon her arrival, she and her friend are kidnapped.

The rest of the movie is about Liam Neeson going postal in Paris trying to find her. The story is great. Much like Harrison Ford's "Frantic" (yes, once upon a time, he was in good movies), this movie is nonstop. But the ending is, awkward. In fact, I thought the final few scenes of the film were so bad, that they should have just been cut.

Not to mention a few of the subplots.... were really out of place. Neeson's daughter wants to be a singer... and somehow that is tied into the story. And as you guessed, it wasn't done very well. I usually agree with HD Digest, but their review seems a bit more harsh than usual. I think I'd say a 4/5 stars for story, personally. But you have to expect that it isnt a story that is groundbreaking, new, or complex. Its about a guy with some serious fight left in him.

Anyways, though it doesnt sound like it, I recommend seeing it. It was a great story, and Liam Neeson is (as usual) pretty awesome throughout.

Michael Jackson

Unless you live in the mountains cut off from all communication, then you already know the "King of pop", Michael Jackson, died today. It is unclear of how it happened at this point, but I have no doubt his publicist will make something clever up. I wouldn't be at all surprised if it was suicide after his last few years...

The past decade of Jackson's life was not one many people envied and it will never be forgotten. He was ridiculed for his extreme lifestyle, appearance, and rumors of multiple molestation charges.

Never have I cared much for the gossip of MJ. It was like Brittany Spears, you just think "oh they are so crazy" and get over it. Personally, I think he was very disturbed, different, and perhaps compensating for being robbed of his childhood by stardom. And I use "different" very loosely here. He has been in the spotlight for almost 50 years, and it did something to him. Who knows what, but even so, he became a celebrity who had the most record sells of all time (Thriller in '82) but also was perhaps the most mocked of anyone, ever.

To me, I think it was too easy to make fun of someone like MJ to really care. If he really did molest people's children, why did we not blame the parents who let their kids hang out with him unsupervised? But we only blame him. Don't get me wrong he was disturbed and if he wasn't getting it, Jackson probably needed help. He certainly was nothing near being an innocent man. He was an odd one for sure.

Anyways, what I'm trying to say here is that for me Michael Jackson will always be....and always has been, "the king of pop". Not just a freak.

I say it now and probably sound like Im just making this up because he's gone now.... But, I have stood up for the man in the past, regardless of being the less favored side of the argument. And do I care about his personal life? No. Never have. I cared about his music. Let the lawyers care about his personal life.

But he's dead now, and hopefully we can all forget his past and remember his music.

To me, Michael Jackson will always be what my brother, sister and cousins listened to as we had dance competitions when our parents were out. Namely 'Bad'.

To my dad, Jackson's Thriller tape (yes... it was a tape in '82) will always be music that he loved so much, gave him chills upon the first time hearing it.

What's yours?

Cheers Mr. Jackson.

Farrah Fawcett

I knew something was up last night when I walked past Farrah Fawcett's star on the walk of fame and a news crew was filming around it...

Its a sad thing when a celebrity dies slowly. Their private moments are followed by media so closely, but the must assume that is what would happen. Just another price to fame.

Fawcett, one of the biggest pinup girls of all time and known for her role on the television show "Charlie's Angeles" ended her battle with cancer. She was diagnosed with cancer back in 2006, and it ended her life at 62. Far too young.

Fawcett will always be remembered in Hollywood.

Cheers Ms. Fawcett.

So, something I forgot to mention. 'Alice in Wonderland' is not the retelling of the classic tale.

Check this out, Alice is being played by 19 year old Mia Wasikowska (a little old to play Alice you say?). This time around the story is about Alice returning to Wonderland years after her first two experiences.

Im not exactly sure if I prefer that to the original story, but regardless... Im excited to see how Tim Burton handles a sequel to the story. Obviously from the concept art pictures he is headed in a direction that finally seems to catch Carroll's twisted (and not so Disney) vision.

Overly Hip Robots and Good/Bad reviews

If you like movies. Want to work on movies. Be in movies. Or just love movies and need a vacation.... Come to LA. There is always a movie coming out and the Arclight movie theatre on Sunset Blvd. really tries rolling out (literally) all the stops, mostly in the form of film props, to get people coming in.

One of the biggest regrets I had was not going to the theatre when they had the batmobile and bat-pod from 'Dark Knight'. I no doubt would have wet myself.

This time around they brought in the truck from 'Transformers'. Optimus, in the movie.

Check out the pictures I took...

'Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen' has hit theaters. In its first opening night of midnight screenings, it earned $16 million. But is it even worth seeing? Most critics at this point say no, as the 14 reviews posted by yahoo rated it at an average of a C-. On the other hand, Yahoo! users have deemed it worthy of an A-. Ive yet to see it, but do not anticipate something miraculous on the screen.

Im not going to lie though, now that the film has been called racist (by some- in regards to the 'jive-talking' robots), it makes me want to see what all the hullabaloo is about.

I'm mainly curious to see if Michael Bay has learned anything from situations like the crows in Disney's 'Dumbo'...

Dont Get Excited Just Yet...

I wish I could be excited about another M. Night Shyamalan film, but I'm at the point where I think the guy has had too many failed chances. Maybe he should just be a writer, his ideas are good... but poorly executed.

Regardless, there are those who continue to have faith in him, as 'The Last Airbender' is due out next summer.

I wont hold my breath for greatness...

Speaking of not holding ones' breath, there is a new trailer out for 'G.I. Joe'. And with each new trailer... it continues to look terrible.

And Down The Rabbit Hole We Go

Im surprised by how much attention these pictures have received. They are almost everywhere!

And so, if you havent heard, Tim Burton is directing a live adaptation of 'Alice in Wonderland' due out March next year. These pictures were released in USA Today, keep in mind that most of these are concept shots. Everything about it looks wonder-ful.

2012 pt2

So, it was just a week ago I was saying there was hardly any info on this movie... ironically... the theatrical trailer was released.

Im not sure what it is about disaster movies, but I love/hate them (probably because they look awesome/hate the feeling of not being in control) and cant wait to see this one.

Looks pretty insane.

My Parents Acting debut

Ok, Now this is hilarious. This is a video of my mom, step dad, and our family friend Karen all did for their friends company. Im not exactly sure what its promoting, but whatever. My mom is the lady who stands up first.

Anyways, Its cute. Check it out.

Inkheart

Due out in two weeks (June 23,2009) is the family/fantasy film "Inkheart" on DVD and Blu-Ray (read High-Def Digest's review here). I saw "Inkheart" in theaters before I started writing this site so I never talked about it.

I found "Inkheart" to be appealing, but nothing special. Its special effects were fun, but there was almost no strong climax. The story came and went without leaving much of an impresson. Would I watch it again? Yes. Do I think that casting Brendan Fraizer in it was a poor decision? Yes. How about the casting of Helen Miren, Andy Serkis, Jim Broadbent, Rafi Gavron, and Jennifer Connolly? No. All of the supporting cast was great. I love Serkis, Broadbent, Miren, Connolly, and now newcomer Gavron - who I am sure you will hear from in the near future.

What really made the film fall, I believe, was the climax. There was a good deal of tension which lead to anticipation of something big and magical to happen. Which never really did. All in all, it really was a slow film. There were two scenes that were supposed to be the first and second climaxes. They were the tornado (that ended up being boring) and the crazy shadow monster/finale... who kinda just stood there for about ten minutes and did nothing but loom over a very obvious soundstage (Imagine Sauron - before the ring was cut off - but without the mace and on some serious downers).

But, oddly enough, I would say that this movie is certainly watchable. It just not one I would

recommend to people looking for some great action. Good kids movie.

Here is the trailer, which certainly got me excited to go out an see it. But it is one of those situations where the trailer is more exciting than the actual movie.

Also, the soundtrack (done by Javier Navarrete - whose work on "Pan's Labyrinth" was amazing) leaves a lot to be desired... Dissapointing...

Nine

Wow. I watched this trailer earlier today and was shocked at not only being unaware of the story already existing on broadway, but the cast for the film adaptation.... it just builds and builds throughout the trailer. Really, it is a pretty amazing group of people. All celebrities that have made tremendous influences in Hollywood (And managing to keep away from being consistent tabloid cover stories).

The story is apparently based off of Federico Fellini's film (arguably my favorite film of all time) "8 1/2" which was made into a broadway musical called "Nine" (something I never heard of until earlier today).

To put it plainly... the movie is about... well... I suggest just going to see it. Then read about it. There is so much within that film and stating it is fascinating does not give it justice.

Here is the trailer for "Nine", which is directed by Rob Marshall and looks wonderful.

More HP6

More and more Harry Potter.... EVERYWHERE. Im serious. Warner Bros. is promoting the 'you know what' out of this flick. As they should! It has taken them so long to get it out that people are most likely forgetting what even happened in the previous.

But, with the film exactly a month away... (whoo hoo! the countdown has now begun...) Im seeing far more advertising than for the Transformers sequel (which is less than two weeks from its debut).

I'm actually finding it really impressive how much they are promoting 'HP6' here in Los Angeles. Posters lining the sides of buildings, every bus stop showcasing some hero or villain, and billboards all over the place. And what is really interesting, is that all the advertisements are different. They must have like 15 different ads. And you know what is really neat, the ads dont actually say "Harry Potter" on them. Its written in the background but also cut off. Its to the point where the characters are so well known that everyone just assumes its the next HP film. I think that is neat.

Here is one I took a picture of, just off of Hollywood Boulevard, showcasing the heros (though not far away is a building sized poster showcasing the villains).

One thing... I just have to mention.... Is what I read is being omitted/added from/to the film. I found out recently, that a very important scene is being taken out. I understand that you cant possibly include everything from the book (Tom Bombadil), but the HP franchise has taken out so much.

And be warned... Not a lot of action happened in this book... so why cut out stuff... and add other stuff... no clue.

Wikipedia is reporting that the Dursleys have been cut out, the final battle omitted, Dobby/Kreacher both gone, Fudge/Scrimgeour.... and another final scene... which I wont go into for 'spoiler' purposes. But then... director David Yates is adding scenes. WHY? I have no flipping idea. *Grumble*. Hopefully, some nerd got on wikipedia and changed everything.

Lets keep our fingers crossed that this movies turns out... (all the sudden I'm much less excited....)

2012

I saw this trailer months ago. And just now remembered it. With the Mayan calendar ending in 2012, and all the disastrous predictions, you had to have guessed someone was going to try cashing in. Yet, I have heard nothing, NOTHING, about this since I originally saw the trailer. So I did a little digging.

This film has a good group of actors, John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Danny Glover, Oliver Platt, Woody Harrelson and Directed by Roland Emmerich.

Ive been to quite a few movies this summer, and not once has this been advertised. From what I've read, it sounds similar to all other global disaster movies. But then again, I havent even found much to read.

The film is due out this November. What do you think of the teaser?

Screenplay

More news on my screenplay. It is still in the editing process. But it has now left my hands. It is finished, copywritten, and now being edited before my first round of corrections are to be made. The most exciting aspect is that people are now entering the world (this story) that I was once the only one with knowledge of. That sounds a little bizarre, but when you have written something for a long time and are the only one who knows about it, its a trip to have others be able to finally talk to you about it.

As always, I'll keep you up to date....

Shutter Island

Perhaps one of the most under-appreciated directors (if you count appreciation by number of Oscar wins in comparison to nominations), Martin Scorsese will release his next highly anticipated film Oct 2, 2009. This one seems like a horror film, almost, which is a very interesting change of pace for the only man with eyebrows comparable to my own.

None the less, take a peek at the trailer:

Iron Man 2

So Mickey Rourke is playing the new villain, Whiplash, in Iron Man 2, due out May 2010. It brings back Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow, but also adds Scarlett Johansson who will be playing Black Cat (who may or may not portray a villain).

On a side note. I watched two interviews with Rourke yesterday online. Both of them make him seem like one of the most 'real' actors around. He seems tremendously thankful to be back, and I am very eager to see his career continue moving forward.

Interviewing?

We all are interviewing in this industry!  ALWAYS we promote ourselves.

Yahoo posted this article yesterday about what to, and what not to do at an interview.  I thought it was relevant because I noticed one thing that I, myself, do.  

I preface my emails.  Which apparently is a big 'yuck' to employers.  I say things like "I spoke to 'blank' and they recommended I get in touch with you.  Im new to LA and..." bla bla bla.  This is apparently called 'Short cutting introductions'.

After reading this, it seems clear that you dont want to ever start an email doing something like that.  But hey, I didnt really realize I did it.  Maybe there is something you do and dont know it...

Check the page out 'Link'

Harry Potter 6... MORE DELAYS!?!?

Hitler would not be happy... (if you dont get it, read past articles).

So the Chief Exec. of Imax theatres has now confirmed, that due to Warner Bros. being indecisive about when to release their flick 'Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince' it has messed up Imax's schedule.  As a consequence for Imax fans, this movie will not be released until two weeks after its initial release in theaters.

I see this being either a good or very bad thing. On one hand, people might be more tempted to see it twice, especially with the highly anticipated graphics and ending that will be in 3D.  But then again, it is a recession and people might be holding back on spending 18 dollars... or whatever it is... to see movies again.

Here is the link to the very awesome HP site and the article: 'The Leaky Cauldron'

Clint Eastwood

Hope you all had a nice weekend!  I was talking about Clint Eastwood last night, then today came across this article.  I thought it was interesting.  Take note that Eastwood seems to have a tremendous grasp on what it takes to make a movie, do it well, and stay ahead of schedule and below budget.

Eastwood's Article

Heres Some More Advice

When is it ok to talk about the people you work with to the public? Is it ok when the movie/show is wrapped? What about eleven years after?

That is what Tom Kapinos, runner of the show 'Dawson's Creek' way back in 1988 and current writer/producer for show 'Californication', waited. Kapinos is a successful writer for television and he recently chose to blast the four main stars of the show: Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams.

This is what he wrote:

"The experience was miserable," he continued about Dawson's. "But it was a four-year boot camp. It was like going to TV grad school and learning how to run a television show. Anybody on that show who could make a decision was allowed to run it at some point. I inherited the very awkward college years, and I almost ran the show into the ground. But I learned everything that I needed to know about how to run a show."

Then went to to elaborate what was the biggest challenge:

"It was the four monstrous actors at the core of it. They were very young, and they got very famous, and they made life miserable for any writer or producer on the show."

Now, I have had very interesting/personal experiences with celebrities. Some bad, some good. But I would never, NEVER, bring any of it to the attention of the public. No matter how big someone comes, no one should ever come out against another they work with. Its a respect for the actor and the craft.

This is the reason why I was so annoyed by whomever leaked the recording of Christain Bale during the 'Terminator: Salvation' shoot. It is an extremely close experience working a set. People have meltdowns and expect others to understand that they are simply trying to do their job to the best of their ability.

So, really... what I'm saying, is that I find it in poor taste to speak out against anyone you work with. If you feel the urge to vent. Vent to your spouse, mother/father, or bathroom mirror.... NOT the media. I think this kind of behavior is a sign of someone becoming so big headed, that they dont think their actions warrant consequences.

David Carradine

Best known for the television show "Kung Fu" from the 1970s, and of course as Bill in the more recent 'Kill Bill' series, David Carradine made a career as a character of martial arts films.  

Sadly, Carradine (at age 72) was found dead in his Bangkok hotel room.  Sources cannot determine when or how he died, but an unidentified police source claims it was suicide by hanging.  

Whatever the case may be, it is very sad to see him go.  Carradine leaves a very loved history of various films and roles behind him.

Cheers Mr. Carradine.

Land of the Lost

On another note (That is no doubt adding to the lack of everything intelligent this page stands for yet is quickly dissipating from since the previous post was actually added...) tonight I saw an advance preview of "Land of the Lost' staring Will Farrell.  

Honestly, I would never go see this film on my own (and pay) but it was free... so whatever.  But after seeing it, I thought the (what was promoted as a kids movie....yet meant for adults) flick was totally entertaining.  Was it a good movie?  No.  Was it funny.  Oh yes.  

Its the story of a doctor who proves himself right about time warps and travels to a alternate universe.  The previews make the movie seem about Will Farrell running from a dinosaur for an hour and a half... (and even though the plot doesn't seem to start until about half way through) the movie has a bunch of funny moments.  And that is kind of what the movie is based on, or seems to be.  Funny moments, turned into scenes, then having some sort of plot tie it all together.  

Graphics are bad.  Acting is bad.  Story is bad.  But.... the movie is somehow funny.  The audience was laughing the entire time.  So, (Yesterday I would believe I would be writing this) I totally think people should see this movie.  Its a good stupid... take a group of friends with you-half buzzed... movie.

Like...Seriously

This has nothing to do with the entertainment industry.... instead perhaps endorse prop 8 and tolerance. 

So here it is... In an apparent attempt to be the most popular of the three... Joe Jonas has released this video... for apparently NO REASON (granted... I could not endure the entire thing and might have missed the point).   Now, I might not understand the appeal as I have never listened to their music... But... as an outsider... Im just confused.  Anyone care to help me out?

Film Promotion

Since I started writing this page, I began to take more interest in film as a whole. Note: I studied film, so I always have paid attention to film as a whole- but now a different aspect is catching my attention. Trailers are much more elaborate than they were ten years ago, as film posters have quickly followed suit. Just a few years ago we would get a poster or two for a movie. Now there are posters of each character, and multiples of them- at that. Not to mention, they are much more stylized in appearance and simpler than those of the early 2000s and before.

What do you think of this summers choices? Notice any similarities (focus on characters? color schemes? placements?)? Anything you like/dislike?

UP:

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen:

Terminator:Salvation:




Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince:

Pixar's Next Big Move... and something else....

Pixar just released the trailer for their next movie and only (thus far) franchise, 'Toy Story 3'.  I love the Toy Story movies, and look forward to the next, but would love to see some more Incredibles, Nemo, or Monsters Inc.  Alas, the next movie will be 'Cars 2', which... I dont think I could care less about (maybe I should re-watch it).  

Anyways, enjoy the trailer!

 And then... on a less exciting note, the next film in the Twilight series.... "New Moon" just released a new trailer.  What do you think?

MTV Movie Awards

The MTV Movie Awards showed the other night.  I did not watch.  And the only highlight I gave time for was the Bruno/Eminem exchange (which was apparently staged).  Reason as to why I dont care about this award show?  Lets start with the fact that 'Twilight' took 5 awards.  INCLUDING best movie!  BEST MOVIE?! There is a different category called "Best WTF Moment Winner" and next year, they should just use "Twilight"'s win as that category's winner.

This awards show is based on votes from the public.  So, saying that 'Twilight' is the winner of best picture... is almost insulting to the other films out there.  Im not saying that 'Slumgdog' should be the winner, but to not argue that 'The Wrestler' or 'Doubt' or 'Milk' or 'Dark Knight' were the best winner contenders.... makes me feel like Americans just have no clue.  And how the vampire nonsense won... is beyond me.

'Twilight' was not a good movie.  It was actually borderline terrible.  But it was a popular movie.  This doesnt make it best picture.  Every year movies come out that I like more than the Oscars top picks.  But that doesnt make them best picture.  Ugh.  Then!  Kristin Stewart and Rob Pattinson both were awarded with best performance/breakout performance!?!?!  Both of them were rather terrible, ESPECIALLY Pattinson.  Why not just award Channing Tatum early for his role in 'G.I. Joe'?  

Ledger won as best villian, but... I cannot actually think of any other stand out villians.... Nor would they deserve the win over him.

I guess, what to take away from the MTV Movie Awards, is to not take them at all seriously.  I mean, 'Bruno' basically stuck his ass in Eminem's face and Kristin Stewart... dropped her award!  A whole bunch of "Yikes".  

Although, I do respect each win, I do not agree with most.  **Grumble**, maybe I should vote next year.

Michael Giacchino

I didnt talk much about the actual movie, "Up" the other day, because all Pixar films are excellent and need no acceptance from me (or the general public).  One thing about the movie I want to point out was the music.  Michael Giacchino suprised me when the credits rolled.  I had always known him as the go to guy for J.J. Abrams, but didnt know that he was chosen to do the Pixar film.  Not only that, but it was not his first film for the company, he also composed "The Incredibles", and "Ratatouille".  

This new soundtrack is very memorable, as it nails the emotional scenes.

If you find you like this, or if youre interested in new soundtracks, check out Giacchino's 'Star Trek'.  That and 'Ratatouille' are both very good.