Oh Roman...

Roman Polansky is once again in the hot seat. Well... He has kind of been in the hot seat for 31 years now.

If you are unaware of what im talking about, let me explain.

Lets travel back 31 years to Jack Nicholson's abode. There, Roman Polanski was enjoying sex with a younger woman. And they were doing things that many couples do while not wearing clothes (I dont need to go into specifics, if you need more definition, look it up). Low and behold, Polansky was slapped with a rape charge. Why? Because the girl, who was younger, was actually MUCH younger. Being only 13.

Ok, now that you have gotten back up from falling out of your chair, lets move on. Polanskipleaded guilty to this charge, and was sentenced to 42 days in a Chino State Prison to be examined for psychiatric abnormalities. Anyways, when he was out, the judge deemed he was fit to stand trial.

But here's the rub. Wasnt that already his sentence? I mean, he probably expected to pay some fines and take some counciling, but he already served time. Now the judge wanted him to stand trial? So Polanski decided to break bail and fly to London way back in 1978. He has not been back to the US since.

I think that as far as the story goes... its the judges fault. Not that Im ok with Polanski's choice to mess around with someone just hardly a teenager, but the Judge should have been more clear when sending him to prison all those years ago. I have never heard of anyone going to prison, only to serve time deemed by a judge and then have to come back to court... ugh... im sick and all this hurts my head. Bottom line, the whole situation is as messed up as it gets. Anyways, now Polanski has been arrested in Zurich, and facing being extradited to the US. Polanski is no doubt going to get in some trouble for running and breaking bail, but what of the actual case? What do you think should happen? And what should happen with his most recent film that had to be halted mid-production?

The Fourth Kind

So, check out this trailer. I dont have much of an opinion, but it looks like its up my alley. Kinda scary, but we'll see...

Blu Ray releases!

This week on Blu-Ray there are two releases that I am quite excited about. The first, "Wizard of OZ" the 70th anniversary edition. I cannot wait to read a review on how this one looks. And next, "The Dark Crystal", which I have actually never seen as well as "Labyrnth" (which successfully scared the living crap out of me).

Everyone says that I would really enjoy "The Dark Crystal", which is probably true. When I was out at Jim Henson studios, they had a few creatures from the film (many were ruined over the years), but they looked pretty cool. So, what better chance to see this film than now in high definition?!

And speaking of which, "OZ" will no doubt be amazing as well considering I havent seen that film in like 10 years.

But if you have a Blu-Ray player, I suggest waiting to buy OZ down the road. The version that is being released today is a collectors edition with books, extra disks and special packaging is going to set you back almost 85 bucks! For me... I can wait. And while Im waiting... Ill watch "The Dark Crystal"

A Whole Bunch of New Stuff...

So! Here is where I just give out a whole bunch of new information. I wrote recently about how there is going to be a "Pirates of the Caribbean 4", well Geoffery Rush (one of my top 3 favourite actors - who plays Barbosa in the Pirates franchise) did a little talking about it. Rush said that the script isnt quite finished because the screenwriters are trying hard to get something that is fresh and interesting for the audience (perhaps he was just as thrilled with how rushed the story felt from pirates 2 & 3 as I was.)

Here is the full interview:

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

Next up: Venom.

Really? I thought he was dead... but hey... thats the fun about comics. You can kill anyone and find some crazy way to bring them back. Anyways, Paul Wernick, who I suppose is writing the script for "Venom" said that Marvel is "pushing forward" the script, but declined to elaborate whether or not it was going to tie into Spider-Man 4 which is due out May 6, 2011. Interesting...

Then! Ole Sam Sam Rockwell did some talking as well. Rockwell, who is playing weapon competitor Justin Hammer, said that he teams up with Mickey Rourke to take Stark down. But is kind of the brains behind the operation, as Rourke is the one who does all the fighting and "kicking ass in the film". He also noted that this film has a larger scope, more characters and is much more action packed. This could be a good, or very bad thing. In my opinion, when too many characters are added, a film becomes diluted because youre trying to remember each character and what they are doing and why they

are doing it. Hopefully, John Favreau keeps his head above water and doesnt deliver an X3 or Batman & Robin.

Kruger...

The movie that scared me the most when I was little (that and "Critters") is back! And surprisingly produced by none other than Michael Bay! So... does that mean it will be PG-13, have lots of explosions, and a cheesy song over the credits? Hope not.

As for me, I hate gory movies but love scary movies. Though I never go out of my way to see them. So, I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. Looks good, very reminiscent of the original...

Patrick Swayze

2009 is not the year for those considered famous. We lost another face known by all in the entertainment world. Patrick Swayze died Monday after fighting pancratic cancer for nearly two years.

The actor was known for films such as "Dirty Dancing", "Ghost", "Point Break" and yes... "Too Wong Foo". At only 57, Swayze might have had a prosperous career ahead of him.

Heres to you, for making us laugh, cry, and occasionally be envious as you tore up the dance floor.

Cheers Mr. Swayze.

Scrooge and Vampires!

New Trailers! First off, we get Robert Zemeckis's newest film. And as he continually seems to outdo his previous attempts of CGI, we are getting a new take on the most over-redone film of all time.... "A Christmas Carol". (If you have no idea what this story is about and care to find out... you'll have plenty of films to choose from). So, take a look.

Maybe, youre like me and am thinking.... "wow... I know this story far too well to see it again." Especially as it seems that Jim Carey is playing like... EVERY CHARACTER. lame. Perhaps it will do well, considering it is on IMAX 3D.

And then we come to the next thing for me to complain about.... a new "Twilight" trailer. I havent watched it yet. So... lets do so together....

OK.... ooooook. Aside from everyone NEEDING to be shirtless... that looks pretty good (minus the graphics seem sub-par)... Damnit....

Oh Kanye...

I hate awards shows (usually) they seem less and less fun over the years. They seem less and less about the great moments of winning. (anyone remember Cuba Gooding Jr.'s academy award, or Julia Roberts) It should be fun. And sometimes you get to see how some celebrities really are. I wont soon forget how some people take their awards as though they expect them. Or how others act when they dont win them.

Its an award. Being nominated should be enough of an honor.

Im not really going to talk much on the Kanye thing, because everyone is in the same boat (at least everyone I've heard mention anything). But, I seem to remember that it wasnt all that long ago when ole West was speaking about how he needed to calm down the cockiness. Apparently, he had to put that goal on hold and again prove what is wrong with some celebrities. I mean, seriously, the poor girl.

There is plenty that I do appreciate about this situation. The backlash. Pink, Kelly Clarkson, the usually lame Speidi, and more all had something to say. And I think the biggest kick in the balls for Kanye was when Beyonce let Swift back on stage to finish.

As Americans, we tend to forget things like this quickly, so I hope this one is remembered. I would not mind seeing Kanye fail from this point on. Even if he came back in ten years.... Just for him to be reminded of how fragile fame and success can be. That moments like this should (and hopefully will) warrant backlash.

Pink said it perfectly, 'hes getting what he wants, people are talking about him'. So lets all stop and focus in another way....

Here is my proposition, dont buy his stuff (I certainly wont be) and support the other artists. And if you find yourself needing one of his songs or albums on a playlist... find an alternate method of obtaining said material (not that Im SUGGESTING the art of stealing).

And finally, I wanted to post Pink's discussion of what happened from eariler today on The Today Show. She has always been a favorite of mine.... and I wouldnt mind seeing her lay down the law on Kanye. Rock on girl, you're awesome.

Inglorious Bastards

Weird. I saw "Inglorious Bastards" and had just assumed I wrote a review. Apparently, I lied... to myself.

Tarantino's new film is gold. But we should just know to expect that from him by this point. There is no other director that can continually create successful art forms the way he does.

The film does not rely on gimmicks (aside from another amazing soundtrack). Nor special effects. It is another perfect example of a Tarantino story that is completely character driven using unparalleled dialogue.

It certainly is not afraid to show you some gore. So beware of that. But, if youre feeling like watching a brilliant new take on WWII-Tarantino style, then get out to a theatre now.

Bay vs. Fox - Round 4

OK, I love Megan Fox......'s look. She is very very pretty. But, damn.... I'm so sick of that girl and all the nonsense she has to say about everyone she has worked with in the past. It seems that now shes an "A-List actress" she has to bash each film she does... almost as an excuse for her terrible skills as an actress. I mean... most people in the film world have heard the rumors that Michael Bay is rediculous and that he is horrible to work with, but this girl is just not letting it go!

Now she is having a go at Karyn Kusama, director of "Jennifer's Body" saying (in regards to the script); "There are days (on set) when I said 'What the fuck does that mean?'" and then says that Kusama would say 'I dont know but lets shoot it anyways'.

Seems to me, that if Ms. Fox continues like this, no one will want to work with her. (which isnt a problem to me... I wouldnt mind seeing the girl just go into modeling and forget the screen).

Well, Bay has not minded slamming her right back. And this time has done so through his crew members. Who posted a response on Bay's website.

"We've had the tedious experience of working with the dumb-as-a-rock Megan Fox on both Transformers movies," the letter says early on. [Note: the grammar ansd phraseology are weak so I've cleaned up certain portions.] "We [work] in different departments, and can't give our names because sadly doing so in Hollywood could lead to being banished from future Paramount work. One of us touches Megan's panties, another has the often shitty job of pulling Ms. Sourpants out of her trailer, and the last of us is near the Panaflex camera that helps to memorialize the valley girl on film."

Unfortunately this also seems silly due to the poor grammar and sentence structure. But we get the point.

Pirates 4

So, back to the open seas we travel. Pirates 4 is rearing to go, Johnny Depp has officially signed on. Im not going to lie to a single folk out there... I really couldn't care less at this point. The previous two were so disastrous, a third sequel just sounds exhausting at this point.

And, as no executives have asked me my opinion... we are set to get a fourth. This one is titled "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides", which at first glance just sounds terrible. I mean... didnt we already watch three films with the crew going on stranger and stranger tides? Seriously, Pirates 3 brought them to the land of the dead where there were like 30 Johnny Deps running around like they had a crab in their pants.

If you want more of a breakdown of what this film MIGHT be about, check out what

Amazon.com has posted about Tim Powers novel oddly titled "On Stranger Tides".

"World Fantasy Award–winner Powers (Three Days to Never) demonstrates a precise control of complex narratives in this reprint of his rollicking and enchanting 1987 novel. Puppeteer John Chandagnac, bound for Jamaica to recover stolen money from his uncle, becomes Jack Shandy after pirates attack his ship and force him to join their crew. Shandy's struggle to accept his new life grounds the story for readers, even as Blackbeard and vodun magicians whisk everyone away to dreamlike lands where the Fountain of Youth itself awaits. The chaotic sea battles sing, though at times key events happen so quickly that they get lost in the shuffle as Jack tries to comprehend where he's going and what's at stake. This dark fantasy tale will appeal not just to pirate fans but also to anyone who appreciates Powers's talent for blending the most unlikely elements into a brilliantly cohesive whole."

Goats

So, this is "The Men Who Stare at Goats", George Clooney's comedy that makes a huge string of his films that is coming out over the next year. The guy has been busy. So check out this trailer. It looks hilarious.

You Tell Me About 3D

What are your thoughts on 3D? It is taking the cinema by storm. 3D isnt a new thing, but has been around for years. And now, we have reached a stage where watching movies in 3D is possible in our homes.

But for me, im not sold. When I see a movie, say "Coraline" or "Monsters vs. Aliens", I see a movie that is made with too many shots intended for 3D, simply to shock the audience. These same shots would look slightly odd to viewers watching the movie without 3D glasses.

These moments take me out of the story. Frankly, Im not a huge fan. And now we are seeing more and more films slated for being 3D ready. "Iron Man 2" for example.

Anyways, what do you think about all this 3D stuff? Is it fun? Something that should be reserved for animation? Or is it just distracting? You tell me.