Prince of Persia

Due to be released May 2010, "Prince of Persia" a Disney production will hit screens. Disney has released two promotional pictures, which are certainly well done. I never played the video game, but am already hoping that it will not end up as unfortunate as so many game-to-movie titles.

The flick is starring mister Jake Gyllenhaal so hopefully that will give it a little more 'umph'.

NIMH

So, maybe im just getting old because I'm thinking no one will remember this movie but me..... But MGM is doing something I never expected to happen. They are making a live action/computer graphic remake of the 1982 animated film "The Secret of NIMH". Youre saying, "Huh?" "What?"

The story is about a rat, Mrs. Frisby (who... for whatever reason is being renamed to Mrs. Brisby) who is looking for a way to get her family to escape her the farmers plow as her son falls more and more ill. She gets help from former lab rats who soon get her involved in a much larger plot.

I remember the film being creepy. Im sure they will dumb it down for todays audiences.

"Warcraft" film

Oh Sam Raimi. The mastermind behind countless horror films, the Spiderman trilogy (we will attempt to ignore the atrocity that was "Spiderman 3") and soon the "World of Warcraft" film. Its true. Raimi is taking on the latest in the string of films that stem from video games. It is tough to go about making a movie based on a game truly successful. A new story has to be created that doesn't seem too familiar to game players, but not different enough to seem like something entirely new and different ("Super Mario Bros."). I admit, I know nothing of the game, aside from seeing people play it briefly (and my brother's attempt to get me into it). Game players should be happy they got a big director to stand behind it, at least you know the action and graphic will be worthwhile. But don't get too excited just yet. There is no release date yet. And production has yet to start, as Raimi is going to release "Spiderman 4" before "Warcraft", and spidey doesn't come out till May 6, 2011. So, want to or not, you're set to do some waiting.

Thor

An "Avengers" movie is on the way. The superhero group includes leader Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), and Hulk (Edward Norton). All of whom have been in movies. The group also consists of Ant-Man, Wasp, Captain America, and Thor - who is next in line for having their own blockbuster.

For those of you unfamiliar to comics, Thor is another of the characters in the world of mutants, who doesn't identify as being so. Nor is he human. He actually identifies himself as a god. The god of thunder, actually. He is a punished warrior who is sent to earth after re-igniting an ancient war.

I know nothing of Thor. The only think I can think of when this character comes to mind, is "I wonder who would win in a battle between Thor and Storm". Nerdy? Oh yes.

But what does excite me about this film is the casting. Thor is being played by Chris Hemsworth, who had a brief but great scene in this summers titan "Star Trek" as Kirk's father. Then, on an even more fun note, is that his love interest Jane Foster, is being played by Natalie

Portman. And as the villain, Loki, is being taken by Tom Hiddleson (who I don't know of)

Anyways, this film is no doubt going to continue tying in the characters from the Avengers and will no doubt someday create a movie (though I have no idea how they plan to pay all these actors and still have a budget). "Thor" is due out on May 20, 2011... so we have some time to think about an epic battle between him and Storm....

District 9

Return of the King! Peter Jackson is coming back, and apparently doing it in style only fitting to him!

This August, we are to be treated to his return (though as a producer) with the film "District 9". If you havent seen the trailer yet, check it out. Its great how it starts with a documentry like feel, then switches half way through. Certainly catches your attention....

And if you liked that, what do you make of the new promotional poster just released?

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....)

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:

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?

Paying Attention to Detail

Not all movies get their names in lights.  Or a big premiere.  But all the main actors of 'Bottle Shock' have had that experience before.  

Most of them have seen the red carpet.  Their names scrolling in credits.  And their faces across the silver screen.  (Basically I'm saying they are all accomplished actors.)

But, unfortunately, 'Bottleshock' is an easy movie to pass over at your local movie rental shop.  Honestly, I would not have picked it up if I hadnt seen a billboard for it, and known Alan Rickman was in it.  It is a phenomenal take on mixing, not only culture with wine, but dry English humor with American- not so dry humor.  

I actually loved the story.  I thought the acting was really quite remarkable.  Bill Pullman has been around forever, and this is the first time I really noticed him as a good actor.  He gave this film his all.  As did Alan Rickman, Chris Pine, and Rachael Taylor (from Transformers).

I think that (especially now after 'Star Trek') it is a good time to mention Chris Pine's acting talent.  He is a terrific actor.  I have only seen him in 'Star Trek' and 'Bottle Shock' but in each, he showed extreme capabilities.  I look forward to good acting almost as much as good directing or cinematography.  And even though I think Alan Rickman is one of the best around, or that Rachael Taylor is perhaps one of the most beautiful/yet talented actresses around.... 

you Mr. Pine, are doing your job quite well and shine above the rest.  Cheers.

Star Trek

We are all on the same page at this point, Star Trek is taking over theaters everywhere! And if you have not yet seen it, you are missing out. J.J. Abrams has again created something entirely new out of an old concept and did not disappoint.

Being someone who has never before seen anything Star Trek (No joke. Nothing.) and only have knowledge of the shows references through television shows like Family Guy, I was throughly impressed.

It seemed, thought I cant speak for them, that it was exciting not just for fans but newcomers, such

as myself, as well. Critics are loving it, even hailing it as "the best prequel ever made" - Boston Globe. Yahoo! Users have raited it a solid 'A', and with almost 5000 viewers to make that average, you know its quality. Even my mom, queen of the romantic comedy/drama, liked it and wants to take my dad to see it.

The graphics were beautiful, the sound was intense, acting - noteworthy and the story true quality. Im not sure if it is necessisarily setting up for the television show because, well... it ends up being a bit unclear, meaning I'm not sure it is a true prequel. But it was a great see the development of characters that you (mainly meaning myself) only hear of.

It is really a captivating storyline. From the very first scene, you know that Abrams is going to take you for a wild, often hand held shaky/camera, thriller that somehow ensnares a brilliant story mixed with dialogue. Its no secret that filmmakers of my age know what he is typically going for, and to work with him at Bad Robot (his production company) over on Cloverfield (the street as well as the name for his movie) would be a dream. Speaking of "Cloverfield" the movie, I loved that movie. I hope another one in the form of a sequel/prequel comes about. J.J. Abrams is certainly someone who deserves respect from the film world. If you dont like his movies, you at least have to appreciate his determination to do something fresh.

But back to "Trek", there was some odd casting, I just have to note. Winona Ryder as Spock's mother was not really as odd as Tyler Perry as Admiral Barnett, who sorta seemed in charge of Starfleet...or something. Both were a little strange, distracting for some. And John Cho (we know as Herald from "Herald and Kumar") commanded giggles from audience members when they saw the preview, but actually did a terrific job making the transition

from comedy.

AND! I am going to add something here. 'The people I know' section. In LA, you see people

you know all over the place. In movie trailers, as extras (even I have been in a few shows), and whatever. Today, I'm pointing out my friend Bill, who made his very own cameo (as an extra) in Star Trek. Yay Bill!

So, the question is, do I recccomend this? yes. Big duh. Though I know I wont, this movie made me want to pick up an old Star Trek television season or maybe movie. But again, cheers Mr. Abrams, from all of us out in the world of struggling movie makers.

The Reader & The Wrestler

I recently watched both 'The Wrestler' and 'The Reader'.  Both are excellent movies.  

I'll Talk about 'Reader' first. 

'The Reader' is a coming of age story in Nazi Germany.  It centers around Michael Berg (played by 18 - at the time- year old David Kross) and Hanna (Kate Winslet).  Ralph Fiennes plays the older version of Michael and was directed by Stephen Daldry.

Winslet won an oscar for her performance, so we dont need to talk about its brilliance.  But someone to mention is David Kross.  At only 18, Kross's performance was outstanding.  He is really someone I expect we will see more of now in America.  

The movie itself is a thoughtful look at how one might live with their secrets.  It's very shocking in itself, being that both Winslet and Kross spend a good deal of the movie naked.  But over all, such a wonderful film.

Then there is The Wrestler.  Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei were both outstanding.  But, the Oscars already told us all about the acting.  I wanted to see the performances, but what I went in to this film not knowing, was what a great overall movie it was.  I loved it.  It was a real story, with real people, in a very real world.  (minus the Hollywood ending).  But I loved it.  

Also, I usually can stomach gore, but because of the realism in this film, I'd suggest preparing yourself for a little bit of blood because I was squirming.

Coming Soon!

Summer is nearly dawning.  And this means.... the theatres are about to see a massive increase in ticket sales.  Almost every week we have something new to look forward to!  Starting friday we get 'Xmen Origins: Wolverine' and just after that Trekies rejoice as 'Star Trek' is unveiled.  Then comes Angels & Demons (may 15), Terminator Salvation (may 21), & Up (may 29).  Almost a month of big movies!  Thats exciting, right?  

Not to mention the limited releases that are coming out way ('Little Ashes' -Twilights Pattinson as Salvador Dali & 'Rudo y Cursi' - with Gael Garcia Bernal & Diego Luna)

Then in June we are treated to Transformers 2 and Ice Age 3!  And further out.... HARRY POTTER!  

Now I wont tell you which I'm looking forward to most.... But I will allow you a single guess...  ;)

Carlos Lascano

I've mentioned Carlos Lascano before.  He is a great animator and I hope someday we will be treated to feature length works.  Here is a new(er) video he posted on his vimeo site:

•The Can

The Can from Carlos Lascano on Vimeo.

Rocky Dawuni - The Interview

Today, I had an amazing opportunity.  My friend Emily asked if I was interested in coming to her home and filming an interview with Rocky Dawuni.  You might recall I wrote about Rocky a few weeks ago after going to a show of his at the House of Blues.  

Not only is Rocky a fantastic musician, but he is also an incredibly insightful and captivating speaker.  As you can tell, it was no only extremely interesting, but very fun as well.  He also gave us a sneak performance of a song from his new upcoming album. 

 I have not yet started editing the piece, but here are some screenshots.  I did some very quick color correction, so they dont look as fantastic as I'm hoping the actual video to look.  But I'm excited to share it with you.  

Again, if you are interested in knowing more about Rocky and his music, check out his myspace: 

http://www.myspace.com/rockydawunimusic or find him on Itunes.

Also, we talked about Asa (who Ive written about before on here as well and grew up not far from Rocky did).... And he mentioned that the two of them singing on stage together might be something on the horizon.  That would totally rock my socks off!

Someone To Look Out For - A Little Bit of Asa

So! This entry is about music and my first in a series about people to keep an eye out for.  I would like to introduce you to (unless you have the pleasure of knowing her already) a musician (singer/songwriter) named Asa.  She is from Nigeria, and her name "Asa" means "Hawk" in Yoruba.  

I cannot carry a tune, play an instrument (tried piano for 7+ years, and if I was to sit in front of one now... MIGHT get away with chopsticks), or even begin to understand how a composer can create a soundtrack.  BUT, I love music.  I am always playing music, wherever I am.... my setting always has a soundtrack.  

Every so often, a singer or composer creates work that really takes me on a journey elsewhere.  Asa, was introduced to me by my friend Emily (whose blog "Get in Emily's Head" can be found on my list of blogs to read) and I cannot tell you enough how much I love Asa's work.  She recently won France's most prestigious music award, the Prix Constantin, and too many of us Americans have no clue who she is!  

So, if you like music that is relaxing, insightful, and fits perfectly with low lighting and a glass of good cabernet.... This is your girl.  Her album, titled "Asa" can be found on Itunes.  Check it out.  Everyone I introduce her music to, loves it.  She is really someone to watch out for, and  I have a feeling (not just a hope) that this girl will be big news.

Making a 'Love Story In Stop Motion' work

Carlos Lascano is one of my favorite short-film filmmakers. I think it is someone like Carlos that people would appreciate seeing doing feature length films.  This is mainly because, unlike so many films Hollywood rockets to the big screen, Lascano's films have real substance.  He has posted a few shorts online and they have all really made an impression on me.  Not only as a viewer, but as a storyteller.  Ill note two in particular:  Love Story In Stop Motion, and The Legend of the Scarecrow.  Take a minute and check them out!

Love Story In Stop Motion:

http://vimeo.com/877053

The Legend of the Scarecrow:

http://vimeo.com/811761