Common Guy's Film Reviews Blog

Real Milwaukee - Oscar Nomination Talk

2012-01-24T21:15:00.000-06:00

What did I say on Real Milwaukee this morning? Well here's the video! Take a peek and if you like it make sure you let us know!

Quick Oscar Noms Thoughts

2012-01-24T10:45:00.000-06:00

Had a quick stop at Real Milwaukee to make this morning so Iapologize for the delay in getting this posted online.

My quick thoughts as this goes live…

- A lot of love for Extremely Loud &Incredibly Close – and that’s not a bad thing. Other than that, Best Picturelooks as many envisioned it would.

- Best Actor looks to favor George Clooney (andgood for him…love love love The Descendants). Demian Bichir surprised, but ifyou haven’t seen A Better Life do yourself a favor and see it, it’s REALLY agreat performance.

- Best Actress has all the heavyweights there PLUSthey included ROONEY MARA!!!! Yes I’m a fan, her performance rocks The GirlWith The Dragon Tattoo!

- Best Supporting Actor surprised me by leavingthe ultra cool role for Albert Brooks out of the mix. But then it surprised mewith Jonah Hill in the mix. All signs point to Christopher Plummer though.

- Supporting Actress features lots of surprises.Melissa McCarthy was wonderful in Bridesmaids and the Academy saw that while TheHelp gets both Jessica Chastain and Octavia Spencer on board. (Could this beOctavia’s Spencer’s night?)

- Other quick comments…

- Two animated features that no one in the generalpublic has heard of?

- Only TWO nominees for Best Song???? (Man orMuppet PLEASE)

- Documentary Feature Hell and Back Again is ONDVD Today!

- TWO nominations for John Williams this year…TintinAND War Horse in the Original Score category.

- I love the screenplay category – but disappointednothing for 50/50 or Martha Marcy May Marlene. ECSTATIC that Bridesmaids,Margin Call and A Separation all showed in Original Screenplay AND did you seethe list in Adapted Screenplay (a who’s who of some of the best of the year).

Now we wait – until the end of Feb to see who wins – get yeto a theater or DVD player and start catching up on some of the year’s bestnow!

Get the full list at www.oscar.com and it will be posted here later this evening.

More thoughts will be posted later today!

Home Screening Room - Real Steel is a 50/50 bet

2012-01-24T00:00:00.000-06:00

This Week’s Big Releases

50/50 – Rated R (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Seth Rogen,Bryce Dallas Howard)

One of themost underrated movies of 2011, this is a must see. Deals with a tough topic,cancer in a young man, and the life he and his friends lead after diagnosiswith humor and a heavy dose of reality in a way like nothing that I can quiteremember.

Paranormal Activity 3 – Rated R (Katie Featherston, SpragueGrayden)

Yep, PA3…needI say more?

Real Steel – Rated PG-13 (Hugh Jackman,Evangeline Lilly, Dakota Goyo)

Another mustsee from 2011, this truly surprised me. A film about the new sport of boxingthat brings a father and son together, Real Steel is more than a new version ofRock ‘em Sock ‘em Robots. It rocks.

Also new this week…

Another Happy Day – Rated R (Ellen Barkin, KateBosworth)

Hell and Back Again – Rated NR

The Lie – Rated R (Joshua Leonard, JessWexler)

Restless – Rated PG-13 (Mia Wasikowska, HenryHooper)

Tales of an AncientEmpire – Rated R(Kevin Sorbo, Michael Pare)

The Whistleblower – Rated R (Rachel Weisz, Monica Bellucci)As a police officer working as a peacekeeper in Bosnia she uncovers thecorruption beneath the surface.

And Finally

Revenge of the ElectricCar – Rated PG-13

A coupleyears back the doc was Who Killed the Electric Car? And now….it’s time…..theRevenge of the Electric Car.

Check out thetrailer below.

Pick of the Week

Man, I love50/50…one of my favorite films in 2011 (made my top 25 list). And Real Steelwas a nice surprise for something that I truly didn’t expect.

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn,Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to SaveMe A Seat!

A Special Sneak Preview of Man On A Ledge

2012-01-23T17:00:00.000-06:00

Hey there,

Just thought I'd share something Summit just sent over -- a peek at the new film Man On A Ledge. Take a look.

Home Screening Room - The Ides of March lead to a Courgeous Abduction

2012-01-17T00:01:00.000-06:00

This Week’s Big Releases

Abduction – Rated PG-13 (Taylor Lautner, AlfredMolina)
What happenswhen you find out your life’s a lie. Taylor Lautner’s Nathan finds out justthat and now that he has this knowledge, there are killers searching for him.

Bucky Larson: Born to Bea Star – Rated R(Nick Swardson, Christina Ricci)

When you havetwo parents that are adult film stars you think that is your legacy. That’swhat Bucky believes and he sets out to take the next step.

Courageous – Rated PG-13 (Alex Kendrick, KevinDownes)
They’ve takenan oath to protect and serve, but it is nothing compared to fatherhood. Ittakes everything they have to do the most important part of your life and theywill have to come together with each other and God to make it through.

The Ides of March – Rated R (Ryan Gosling, GeorgeClooney, Evan Rachel Wood)

A movie thatmade my it to #9 on my 2011 Best Films list, The Ides of March is a great filmfor political junkies of all types. George Clooney directs and lets RyanGosling steal the show in this look behind the scenes of a campaign and a scandalthat rocks all the camps involved.

Also new this week…
Kevin Hart: Laugh At MyPain – Rated R(Kevin Hart) His 2011 comedy tour.

Killing Bono – Rated R (Ben Barnes, Robert Sheehan)
Yes – it’sthat Bono. The story of a young Irish rock band who watches as their schoolfriends become the biggest band in the world (U2).

Undocumented – Not Rated (Scott Mechlowicz)

WWE TLC: Tables, Laddes& Chairs 2011

And Finally

Bombay Beach – Rated NR

Director AlmaHar’el delivers a touching and extremely poignant look at a community that isoutside of the mainstream. With a solid soundtrack and some amazing tales youcan’t help but fall in love with this effort. An incredibly moving and realfilm, documentary films that want to see life…should see this film!

Check out thetrailer below.

Pick of the Week

The Ides ofMarch made my best of 2011, so you can bet that will be here. Also – Good MorningVietnam has a 25^th Anniversary BluRay out today as well as a newBluRay of Dead Poets Society.

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn,Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to SaveMe A Seat!

17th Annual Critics' Chice Movie Awards

2012-01-16T17:05:00.003-06:00

Did you miss the 17th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards??? Well courtesy of VH1 -- you can watch it below...Enjoy!

Get More: 17th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards

2012 Critics' Choice Movie Awards - Recap

2012-01-13T13:00:00.000-06:00

2012 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards – Recap

So sometimes, the best laid plans don’t work out.

While I had planned to share lots and lots during the show…priorities changedand an under the weather wife and a daughter who needed help with homework anda little snowstorm had me watching, but not commenting.

So here is my quick takes on the awards last night.

- 4 wins for The Artist sets us up a definitefront runner for the Best Picture award at the Oscars.

- The Help with 3 solid awards sets the film up asa solid contender in the race.

- Viola Davis had an extremely touching speech andreally showed a good America who she is.

- Christopher Plummer’s win surprised me – reallywas pulling for Albert Brooks but was happy with Plummer’s win.

- George Clooney is still the man everyone wantsto be, and the man every woman wants. I really want to meet him some day. (Plushe’s in the best film of the year).

- Octavia Spencer, was she surprised or what? Goodfor her!

- Thomas Horn winning in the Best Young Actorcategory showed youthful innocence in his original response.

- Bridesmaids WAS the Best Comedy released thisyear.

- Paul Scheer and Rob Huebel were really decenthosts, funny without being mean. (Though that Tree of Life joke, fell a bitflat…)

- Good packages (love the Source Code referencesin the fictional characters we lost).

- Drive won Best Action Movie – but I STILLinsist…although it was a very COOL movie…it was NOT an action film (outside ofsome scenes).

- Loved the appearance by Statler and Waldorf,classic…though the timing was off on the package.

- Maybe next year we need a best adult filmcategory to sit at the “naked” table. HA!

- Would have loved to have had a little moreattention to the tech awards, some of us take it very seriously and would loveto see a bit more time to recognize the winners…even if not individually.

- Martin Scorsese is a class act all the way. Welldeserving of his award and his nominations.

- Documentary to Scorsese just seems like nothingcompared to Shine A Light or some of the other music films he was a part of. Istill missed The Interrupters, Senna or some of the other docs in thatcategory.

- What a wonderful and gracious group of starsthat were out at the awards.

- I better be smart, and make it to the 18^thAnnual Critics’ Choice Movie Awards…next January. See you then!

Critics' Choice Movie Awards -- Live tonight

2012-01-12T09:30:00.000-06:00

Tonight On VH1 you can find out -- as I do -- who are the winners in each of the categories. What goes on backstage you ask???? Here's a peek...courtesy of the hosts Rob Huebel and Paul Scheer.

Get More: 17th Annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards

8PM ET/PT on VH1 -- TONIGHT, January 12

Critics' Choice Movie Awards - Predictions and Preview Part 3 - The Films

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000-06:00

The last of the previews -- here ya go! Tomorrow some things to watch as we get ready for the show.

BEST FOREIGN LANGUAGEFILM
In Darkness
Le Havre
A Separation
The Skin I Live In
Where Do We Go Now

One of those categories that is hard to predict in our group. I’mguessing it is between A Separationand The Skin I Live In based on whatI know. But what do I know? I DID cast my vote the way of A Separation…if that means anything.

SHOULDWIN: A Separation

WILLWIN: The Skin I Live In

BEST DOCUMENTARY FEATURE
Buck
Cave of Forgotten Dreams
George Harrison: Living in the Material World
Page One: Inside the New York Times
Project Nim
Undefeated

The documentary category is missing my two favorites of theyear, so I’m going to be honest…SHOULD WIN is The Interrupters, hands down. The film, unfortunately, was notshortlisted by the Academy also didn’t actively campaign for our award, butanyone who has seen it agrees with me. Was also a big fan of Senna which fell short of our list aswell. This is a category that is hard to predict in our group. Everyone shouldhave seen all of these films and for me I really liked Page One, but I’m a media junkie so that could have something to dowith it.

SHOULDWIN: The Interrupters(hands down…but…it’s not here) or Senna(but, it’s not here either)

WILLWIN: ????? (I really have NO IDEA)

BEST ACTION MOVIE
Drive
Fast Five
Hanna
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Super 8

Action Movie is one of those categories that is unique at theCCMA’s. Really weird the nominees that are here as the group seems to miss someof the big titles of the year, action wise. DriveIS a great film but Drive is NOT anaction movie in my mind. Fast Five ispure unadulterated action fun. Hanna is another that I probably wouldn’t callaction. Rise of the Planet of the Apeshas a real chance here and Super 8 hassome amazing action sequences from the summer. I think the best action film ofthe year isn’t here, Mission Impossible:Ghost Protocol. For whatever reason, Paramount didn’t screen it before ourdeadlines. I really think it would have made it and MIGHT have won this award.Out of this batch, the love seems to be there, critically, for Rise of the Planet of the Apes DESPITE avery late campaign on it.

SHOULDWIN: Mission Impossible: GhostProtocol (or in this case Rise of thePlanet of the Apes)

WILLWIN: Rise of the Planet of theApes

BEST COMEDY
Bridesmaids
Crazy, Stupid, Love
Horrible Bosses
Midnight in Paris
The Muppets

Another category that should be awarded more often is BestComedy. It’s one of the hardest things to do well. The reason most of the WORSTof the year come from comedy ranks is…when you miss it you REALLY miss it. All thesemovies are funny in their own right but it seems like the race will come downto Bridesmaids, Midnight in Paris and TheMuppets. The odds on favorite is Bridesmaids,the adult, original and funny film that stole the summer. Midnight in Paris has the Woody Allen factor going for it. Lastly, The Muppets could surprise, if anythingwould here. I have to believe that Bridesmaidswill get the nod here though.

SHOULDWIN: Bridesmaids

WILLWIN: Bridesmaids

BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
The Adventures of Tintin
Arthur Christmas
Kung Fu Panda 2
Puss in Boots
Rango

For the first year in recent memory we don’t have the Pixar filmto say this is a lock. The category could truly go ANY way. There is supportfor each of these films in the category. TheAdventures of Tintin brings motion capture to the category and an adventureplot. Arthur Christmas is a newChristmas classic that surprised. Kung FuPanda 2 revisits characters we really like as does Puss in Boots. Rango wasa spaghetti western – animated style. I have a feeling, and it’s just a feelingthat The Adventures of Tintinprevails.

SHOULDWIN: The Adventures of Tintin,Arthur Christmas

WILLWIN: The Adventures of Tintin

BEST DIRECTOR
Stephen Daldry – “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
Michel Hazanavicius – “The Artist”
Alexander Payne – “The Descendants”
Nicolas Winding Refn – “Drive”
Martin Scorsese – “Hugo”
Steven Spielberg – “War Horse”

Ok, getting down to it now…not much more to discuss on some ofthe best directors of the year. I wouldn’t be surprised here if the race isabout Hazanavicius versus Payne and Scorsese. If Hazanavicius wins, The Artist WILL win picture as well. I’mcould see the surprise with Martin Scorsese walking away a winner for not onlya great film, but the incorporation of 3D in his film like no one in years.(But I think some members didn’t get out to experience the film as thecampaigning felt muted…just a hunch). And to me, The Descendants is the best film of the year, so I would personallylean towards Alexander Payne.

SHOULDWIN: Alexander Payne

WILLWIN: Michel Hazanavicius

BESTPICTURE

The Artist
The Descendants
Drive
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse

Wow, with this list and our group it is interesting to see wherewe go. I’m guessing this will be the first of a series of lovefests for The Artist, but I would be happy to bewrong. It’s a pretty standard list. We’ll see on Thursday night, January 12 onVH1.

SHOULDWIN: The Descendants

WILLWIN: The Descendants OR The Help OR The Artist OR ?????

Bottom line, I can’t wait for the awards. I can’t remember arecent year when there were this many major categories up for grabs. It couldbe a surprising night at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards.

Home Screening Room - Moneyball says What's Your Number

2012-01-10T18:30:00.000-06:00

Wanted to give this a chance for space on its own - I'll have more to say about two of these later this week!

ThisWeek’s Big Releases

Killer Elite – Rated R (Robert DeNiro, Jason Statham, Clive Owen)

Full review coming soon

Moneyball – Rated PG-13 (Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill)

One of the best movies of the year; this is the storyof Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) and his rise to prominence with the Oakland A’s.Pitt is award worthy, and in fact is nominated for the Critics’ Choice MovieAward for Best Actor.

Read the review of the theatrical release.

What’s Your Number – Rated R (Anna Faris, Chris Evans, Martin Freeman)

Ahh, a romantic comedy with Anna Faris, yep I’ll seeit even though it didn’t screen for those of us in my area when it released intheaters.

Also newthis week…

Boardwalk Empire: The Complete First Season

Higher Ground – Rated R (Vera Farmiga, John Hawkes) Farmiga’sdirectorial debut.

A Mile in His Shoes – Rated PG (Dean Cain)

The Scorpion King 3: Battle For Redemption – Rated PG-13 (Ron Perlman, Billy Zane)

Saints and Sinners – Rated R (Sean Patrick Flannery, Tom Berenger)

TNA: Bound for Glory 2011

UFC 137

AndFinally

Saints and Sinners – Rated R (Sean Patrick Flannery, Tom Berenger)

Ok, so here he is…Tom Berenger (he’ll always be Jakein Major League for me…) But check out what new he has been working on, trailerbelow. And you can also watch the movie in full on YouTube throughStarzMediaVOD.

Pick ofthe Week

Moneyball should be added to your collection. And Iknow a LOT of fans of Boardwalk Empire out there would say tat should be theretoo!

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Bluand remember to Save Me A Seat!

Critics' Choice Movie Awards Preview / Predictions Part 2 (The Actors)

2012-01-10T09:00:00.000-06:00

Ok…so it’s time to look at the acting categories for this year’s Critics’Choice Movie Awards. Let me tell you, this is a fun batch of nominees.

BESTYOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS
Asa Butterfield – “Hugo”
Elle Fanning – “Super 8”
Thomas Horn – “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
Ezra Miller – “We Need to Talk About Kevin”
Saoirse Ronan – “Hanna”
Shailene Woodley – “The Descendants”

One of the coolcategories that the CCMA hands out is for Best Young Actor/Actress. Basicallythe nominees need to be under 18 for this category and it is a truly coolcategory to vote for. It’s great to get a chance to honor some of the stars oftomorrow performing at a high level today. Saoirse Ronan has been nominated forthis category multiple times and while her Hannacharacter was solid, it’s not the best here. Ezra Miller performs in the stillnew to many, We Need to Talk About Kevin.And Elle Fanning is the girl everyone wants to be around in Super 8, which is great..but not thisyear. The winner will come from the performances of Asa Butterfield in Hugo (Our group tends to love him),Thomas Horn in Extremely Loud &Incredibly Close (not everyone likes his portrayal, but those who do LOVEIT), and Shailene Woodley in TheDescendants (an actress I was actually talking about the second the filmwas over).

SHOULD WIN: Shailene Woodley, The Descendants

WILL WIN: Asa Butterfield, Hugo

BESTSUPPORTING ACTOR 
Kenneth Branagh – “My Week With Marilyn”
Albert Brooks – “Drive”
Nick Nolte – “Warrior”
Patton Oswalt – “Young Adult”
Christopher Plummer – “Beginners”
Andrew Serkis – “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”

Look, this is atalented group of men. Top to bottom it is solid. But the one performance thatreally blew me away this year was Albert Brooks in Drive. I felt equally afraid of his character as well as confidentthat he was the trustworthy father figure. Nolte back in the saddle with Warrior is a crowd favorite. PattonOswalt was truly one of my favorites, if not for Brooks. It is a solid changewith Serkis getting a nomination for his performance in Rise of Planet of the Apes; nice to see him alongside veteransBranagh and Plummer in this category.

SHOULD WIN: Albert Brooks, Drive

WILL WIN: Albert Brooks, Drive

BESTSUPPORTING ACTRESS
Berenice Bejo – “The Artist”
Jessica Chastain – “The Help”
Melissa McCarthy – “Bridesmaids”
Carey Mulligan – “Shame”
Octavia Spencer – “The Help”
Shailene Woodley – “The Descendants”

I would not bedisappointed by any winner here. Carey Mulligan is always good and BereniceBejo could ride a tidal wave for TheArtist. Chastain, if you could cover her roles in all her films might walkaway the winner here (I liked her in TakeShelter more than in this film). Octavia Spencer was fantastic in The Help as well, but with two actresseshere, that’s never an easy road to take to a win. McCarthy is loved here, andit may be the way for our group to award the fresh and funny Bridesmaids. For me…Woodley should winbut it is truly WIDE OPEN.

SHOULD WIN: Shailene Woodley, The Descendants

WILL WIN: ??? Maybe…MelissaMcCarthy?

BESTACTING ENSEMBLE
The Artist
Bridesmaids
The Descendants
The Help
The Ides of March

All five of thesemovies made my “Top 25” for the year. I’m not sure what everyone uses as theircriteria for voting in this category. Myself, I look for the whole of the cast.Not what is necessarily the best film, but which needed the whole “team” ofactors to make the film go. With that in mind, this is a pretty good list. Inthis group, I think it’s the place where the whole of the cast for The Help gets awarded. Just abouteveryone loved this film and it took all characters here to bring togethertheir varied roles and experiences to bubble your emotions to the surface.While the rest are all pretty darned good, some will have their day in othercategories.

SHOULD WIN: The Help

WILL WIN: The Help

BESTACTOR
George Clooney – “The Descendants”
Leonardo DiCaprio – “J. Edgar”
Jean Dujardin – “The Artist”
Michael Fassbender – “Shame”
Ryan Gosling – “Drive”
Brad Pitt – “Moneyball”

An interesting category here and it will be a look at where the rest ofthe night may go. If Jean Dujardin takes home the award, it might be a bignight for The Artist. However, Ithink there were better performances here. I would lean towards our group goingtoward Gosling, Pitt or Clooney. Gosling with the pure number of nominationsfor Drive, he has a lot of support,and could walk away with the top award. Clooney is a favorite for my favoritefilm of the year. And as of this writing, I STILL haven’t chosen between him andthe amazing performance of Brad Pitt in Moneyball.Yes I know Leo is nominated here too, but sorry Leo, not with this group. And…lestI leave him out…Michael Fassbender is really, really good in Shame so much so that I wouldn’t beashamed of him as the winner here. Oh and by the way…I think the rule was wehad to nominate actors from films with no more than two word titles…now that issome DEEP analysis!

SHOULD WIN: Brad Pitt or GeorgeClooney

WILL WIN: Brad Pitt

BESTACTRESS
Viola Davis – “The Help”
Elizabeth Olsen – “Martha Marcy May Marlene”
Meryl Streep – “The Iron Lady”
Tilda Swinton – “We Need to Talk About Kevin”
Charlize Theron – “Young Adult”
Michelle Williams – “My Week With Marilyn”

And finally for thislist, the ladies and I have to admit, I know not where our group will go. Heck,I know not where my vote will fall – so I naturally assume that people arehaving the same feelings as I am. (As an aside, it’s nice to have some racesthat truly could go any way right now..but back to the analysis.) Viola Davisis the heart and soul of The Help.Elizabeth Olsen was a revelation in MarthaMarcy May Marlene (though it’s a mouthful of a title). Meryl, well, she isMeryl and becomes Maragaret Thatcher in TheIron Lady. Tilda Swinton walks through the aftermath of pure horror in boththe before and after in We Need to TalkAbout Kevin. Charlize Theron was fun and depressing all in one film (Young Adult) and they let her look goodagain. And I know some who were in love with Michelle Williams in My Week With Marilyn. Who should I votefor??? I’m leaning toward Elizabeth Olsen, but I could change my mind any waybefore the ballot is in. This would be an EASY category for me if….Rooney Marawas nominated for The Girl With TheDragon Tattoo…my favorite performance by a female this year…but….

SHOULD WIN: ????? (Rooney Mara)

WILL WIN: Meryl Streep or ViolaDavis (Our group loves Meryl, doesn’t everyone?)

Ok – my vote’s goingin…and my final column is about ready – tune in here tomorrow for the picturesand who I think will win everything else.

Critics' Choice Movie Awards Preview / Predictions - Part 1

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000-06:00

Let’s start the week off with the non-actingand picture awards. This could be a very good indicator of what will be some ofthe best films of the year. Categories here that can be the best indicators ofthe rest of the night include, Best Cinematography and both of theScreenplays. I’m going to give you alittle analysis along with who WILL win and who SHOULD win.

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
“The Artist” – Guillaume Schiffman
“Drive” – Newton Thomas Sigel
“Hugo” – Robert Richardson
“The Tree of Life” – Emmanuel Lubezki
“War Horse” – Janusz Kaminski

Cinematography is a category that is given to beautifully shotfilms. And while all of the films in this category are absolutely special tolook at, to me, Emmanuel Lubezki’s visuals in The Tree of Life are second tonone. That said…The Artist, if it wins here, could be in line for a bigevening.

WILL WIN: The Tree of Life, Emmanuel Lubezki

SHOULD WIN: The Tree of Life, Emmanuel Lubezki

BEST ART DIRECTION
“The Artist” – Production Designer: Laurence Bennett, Art Director: Gregory S.Hooper
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” – Production Designer: StuartCraig, Set Decorator: Stephenie McMillan
“Hugo” – Production Designer: Dante Ferretti, Set Decorator: Francesca LoSchiavo
“The Tree of Life” – Production Designer: Jack Fisk, Art Director: David Crank
“War Horse” – Production Designer: Rick Carter, Set Decorator: Lee Sandales

Can I push for Harry Potter to at least win some awards, please?The film is great to look at and the production and sets made you feel like you were at Hogwarts.Although that is where I may want it to go, these nominees all have the look ofwinners.

WILL WIN: The Artist

SHOULD WIN: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

BEST EDITING
“The Artist” – Michel Hazanavicius and Anne-Sophie Bion
“Drive” – Matthew Newman
“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” – Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
“Hugo” – Thelma Schoonmaker
“War Horse” – Michael Kahn

Editing to me is harder than ever with a good action film. Butthat doesn’t mean it can’t be amazing on a much subtler film. The Girl With theDragon Tattoo should win every category possible, but I don’t see it being awinner with this group. My colleagues REALLY liked Drive so who knows if thisaward finds its way there. And Thelma Schoonmaker, well, a legend can I sayanything else?

WILL WIN: ????
SHOULD WIN: Thelma Schoonmaker

BEST COSTUME DESIGN
“The Artist” – Mark Bridges
“The Help” – Sharen Davis
“Hugo” – Sandy Powell
“Jane Eyre” – Michael O’Connor
“My Week With Marilyn” – Jill Taylor

Costumes can make a film and in the nominees for this award thisyear we were transported to different eras in a flash. It would be interestingto see The Help win here as it really deserves some awards on this evening. I’malso a big fan of Hugo for this award.

WILL WIN: The Artist
SHOULD WIN: Hugo

BEST MAKEUP
Albert Nobbs
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
The Iron Lady
J. Edgar
My Week With Marilyn

I should mention at this point – should win DOES NOT necessarilymean I voted for that. Just that I thinkit SHOULD win. On to Makeup! Really nice job throughout the category. MerylStreep BECOMES Margaret Thatcher, Leo looking like J. Edgar and Glen Close.Those three together with Marilyn Monroe AND Harry Potter. Well who wins????

WILL WIN: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (Though….TheIron Lady could win)

SHOULD WIN: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Super 8
The Tree of Life

Visually these are five stunning films in each of their ownways. I know our group really likes Rise of the Planet of the Apes and Super 8.Plus Hugo reigned with a slew of nominations…so don’t coulnt it out.

WILL WIN: Hugo

SHOULD WIN: Super 8 or Harry Potter

BEST SOUND 
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Super 8
The Tree of Life
War Horse

How about Super 8? Can we give it something…please? Although abeautiful set of statues for Harry Potter would be nice as well.

WILL WIN: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

SHOULD WIN: Super 8

BEST SONG
“Hello Hello” – performed by Elton John and Lady Gaga/written by Elton John andBernie Taupin – Gnomeo & Juliet
“Life’s a Happy Song” – performed by Jason Segel, Amy Adams and Walter/writtenby Bret McKenzie – The Muppets
“The Living Proof” – performed by Mary J. Blige/written by Mary J. Blige,Thomas Newman and Harvey Mason, Jr. – The Help
“Man or Muppet” – performed by Jason Segel and Walter/written by Bret McKenzie– The Muppets
“Pictures in My Head” – performed by Kermit and the Muppets/written by JeannieLurie, Aris Archontis and Chen Neeman – The Muppets

Ok…sure there are other songs nominated – but is there anyonewho thinks The Muppets don’t win? The only question is which one.

WILL WIN: Life’s a Happy Song, The Muppets

SHOULD WIN: Man or Muppet, The Muppets

BEST SCORE
“The Artist” – Ludovic Bource
“Drive” – Cliff Martinez
“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” – Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
“Hugo” – Howard Shore
“War Horse” – John Williams

TrentReznor and Atticus Ross are amazing! And we have some different competition inhere this year. I could see our group going for Drive as well. And of course veteranslike Howard Shore and John Williams are alongside Ludovic Bource, whose scorereally set the tone for the otherwise silent, The Artist.

SHOULDWIN: Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo

WILLWIN: Ludovic Bource, The Artist

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
“The Artist” – Michel Hazanavicius
“50/50” – Will Reiser
“Midnight in Paris” – Woody Allen
“Win Win” – Screenplay by Tom McCarthy, Story by Tom McCarthy & Joe Tiboni
“Young Adult” – Diablo Cody

Ahh…screenplays…One of my favorite categories in the awards. TheOriginal Screenplay seems loaded, much as adapted is this year. The originalidea behind the Artist is solid..but personally I love Diablo Cody’s tone inYoung Adult and 50/50 is something truly special and personal.

SHOULD WIN: Diablo Cody, Young Adult or Wil Reiser, 50/50

WILL WIN: Michel Hazanvicius, The Artist

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
“The Descendants” – Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
“Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” – Eric Roth
“The Help” – Tate Taylor
“Hugo” – John Logan
“Moneyball” – Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin, Story by Stan Chervin

Man I like all these films. And part of the reason I like thisset of movies…great screenplays. I could see any of thee films walking home awinner.

SHOULD WIN: The Descendants

WILL WIN: The Help

Totally unscientific, and really out there...but some things I feel confident of...others are WIDE open.

Tomorrow – a look at all the acting and directing categories.

Home Screening Room - Contagion and Shark Night

2012-01-03T23:53:00.000-06:00

This Week’s Big Releases

Contagion – Rated PG-13 (Matt Damon, KateWinslet, Jude Law)

What happenswhen the world is faced with an outbreak like nothing they have seen in years?The healthy are dying and the living can’t work fast enough to find a cure, allwhile conspiracy theories abound. Number 4 on my top films of 2011 summary.
READ THE FULL THEATRICAL REVIEW

Don’t Be Afraid of theDark – Rated R (KatieHolmes, Guy Pearce)

A scarymovie, or so they tell me, with the lovely Katie Holmes.

The Guard – Rated R (Brendan Gleeson, DonCheadle)

Brendan Gleesonleads the way in this part comedy, part mystery film.

I Don’t Know How SheDoes It – Rated PG-13(Sarah Jessica Parker, Greg Kinnear, Pierce Brosnan)

Sarah JessicaParker plays the woman who just seems to balance everything perfectly, but isit really the case?

Also new this week…

Justified: The CompleteSecond Season
Puncture – Rated R (Chris Evans, Michael Bienhn)

And Finally

Shark Night – Rated PG-13 (Sara Paxton)

Can I sayanything beyond…it’s a LAKE with Sharks? Do you need to know more? Well, doyou? Sharks at the lake! Check out the trailer.

Pick of the Week

I love Contagion – I really do! Pick it up today.

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to Save Me A Seat!

Top 25 Movies of 2011

2011-12-31T13:32:00.002-06:00

Another year has closed andthat means it’s time for year-end lists!
(I reserve the right to amendthis list if there is a movie that I DIDN’T catch in 2011 yet – but do later)

First, a couple movies Ireally dug, but didn’t include on my final list –

We Need to Talk About Kevin (Although it muddled for a bit, it packs areal punch and at the end I was wowed!), The Beaver (People are so anti MelGibson they didn’t give this the chance it deserved – and that’s too badbecause it’s a good film), My Week With Marilyn (I thoughtMichelle Williams was great, better than the movie itself), GiveUp Tomorrow (The story of Paco was moving and I personally found myselfdisgusted at his treatment – check out http://freepaconow.comfor more), Page One: Inside The New York Times (For a media junkie likemyself, this hit it out of the park with a fascinating look at the NY Times), Super8 (An action movie, a weird crash, kids making movies – all fun)

25 Movies I really dug in 2011

25. MissionImpossible: Ghost Protocol

Ok, virtually no critic willput this on a list, but look – it’s amazing on IMAX or Ultra Screen so get outand see it with the biggest screen and loudest sound you can find. Yes, TomCruise is back!

24. YoungAdult

Charlize Theron and PattonOswalt are spectactular and not just because they hit my target age group here.Diablo Cody has written a witty and fun script that will have you laughing aswell as crying inside for Charlize’s character. And Jason Reitman, well….isstill the man.

23. MarginCall

One of those that just wasn’tmarketed and distributed very well. This is an amazingly timely andstar-studded film dealing with the financial crisis; if you at all likefinances you need to see this movie. Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Irons, Paul Bettany,Zachary Quinto and more are featured here.

22. TheArtist

Sure I like it; I’m just notoverwhelmed with this silent, black and white effort that seems to be takingeveryone else by storm.

21. WinWin
Underrated film from early2011 featuring a stellar performance from Paul Giamatti (but that is expectedthese days). It’s one of those snapshots of life that will really grab you.

20. TheWay
Ok, very few people saw thisEmilio Estevez written and directed film starring his father Martin Sheenplaying his father. It’s a poignant tale of a father coming to grips with theloss of his son, all while coming to grips with his own personal struggles. Ajourney both physically and spiritually that is worth checking out.

19. CedarRapids

You may have missed itearlier this year, but you shouldn’t have. Ed Helms teams with John C. Reilly,Anne Heche and Isiah Whitlock Jr. to give us a look at small town insurance inthe big city of Cedar Rapids. You’ll laugh a lot and won’t be disappointed bythis one.

18. TakeShelter

Michael Shannon. Seems likeall I need to say about this movie is his name. He’s such a solid actor thatanything he touches turns into something special. Here he is dealing with aspiral into mental illness before your very eyes, or is he? Jessica Chastainstars as his wife in just ONE of her great performances of the year.

17. TheHelp

Speaking of Jessica Chastainshe is here alongside a spectacular ensemble including Emma Stone, Viola Davis,Octavia Spencer and Bryce Dallas Howard. This may be the best ensemble in amovie this year. It’s a film that will disgust you when you think of where wewere as a society. It will also uplift you in ways you never imagined with thecourage of a few to step out of the “norm” of the time.

16. Senna

Why this wasn’t on the shortlist for the Academy Awards is beyond me. Of course, I like racing, but even ifI didn’t this story of driver Ayrton Senna and his rise in Formula 1 plays likea gripping novel. You can’t wait to turn the next page some of which will makeyou smile, but eventually will break your heart. A man so revered, whose lifewas cut short way too soon, gets a special film to remember him.

15. 50/50

This one really surprised me.I didn’t expect the depth that I got. Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars along SethRogen and deals frankly and openly with a startling diagnosis. At 27 he hascancer despite living the “right” life. Coping with cancer at 27 is tough butthis is a very straightforward and frank film filled with humor and heart.

14. TheAdventures of Tin Tin

I wasn’t the first to callattention to it, but I think it’s true. This is like an animated Raiders of the Lost Ark film. I thinkthat may be some of the reason Steven Spielberg was so passionate aboutbringing it to the screen. The motion capture works and I can’t wait to see thenext stop for Tin Tin.

13. WarHorse

Speaking of Spielberg, WarHorse is the way filmmaking used to be. Despite being a touch long, it is anemotional story that reminds you of epic films of days gone by. It is a sharply crafted film that isbeautiful to look at and evokes memories of classic American films.

12. MarthaMarcy May Marlene
Cults are fascinating to me.How one man can have so much control over some lost souls is just amazing. HereElizabeth Olsen delivers an amazing turn as one of those lost souls trying tobreak away from the leader of a cult. John Hawkes is patient, calculating andoh so devious as the leader and will make your skin crawl at times which is, ofcourse, a perfect emotion to feel after this film.

11. Hugo

As a film critic I trulyadored this film. As a film lover I truly adored this film. But I think it hasa hard market to find and that may be its downfall. No matter about that, itstill is one of the best films of the year unfolding like a lyrical opera.

And now – to the Top 10…arethese films necessarily the best made or technically superior to everythingelse, maybe not…but these 10 films were the ones that really worked for me.

10. TheMuppets

It’s time to start the music;it’s time to light the lights! TheMuppets came back this year and were amazing. Jason Segel brings a truelove of the characters to his script and Amy Adams just makes you smile nomatter what she does. The music works and the smile that was on my face when Ileft the theater, and even watched after watching it for a second time, wereear to ear.

9. TheIdes of March

Ok, I’ve admitted to a lot ofthings in this list and here’s another one – political movies, when done well,get etched in my memory. George Clooney’s film that stars Ryan Gosling ismemorable as a glimpse inside political campaigning. (the good, the bad, andthe ugly) With a cast that includes Paul Giamatti, Phillip Seymour Hoffman,Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood and others, Clooney has assembled talent that helets work. A marvelous political thriller, don’t miss it.

8. ExtremelyLoud and Incredibly Close

Although many have yet to seethis Stephen Daldry film that rolls out in mid-January nationwide, it is atruly special film. A film starring Tom Hanks and Sandra Bullock that reallyfocuses most of the scenes on a young boy is a risk, but works. Thomas Horn asyoung Oskar may annoy some, but I believe he fits the role here beautifully.That persona is exactly what his father fostered within him and what makes himspecial. A film dealing with the horrifying realities around life after 9/11 istough and you will have watery eyes before it ends.

7. Bridesmaids

The funniest film of 2011 byfar. I was fortunate to see this one about 3 weeks before it was released tothe public and was blown away. The women here do things that have always beenreserved for men, and it’s about time. Kristen Wiig leads a funny and talentedgroup of women that will have you laughing for days after the film ends.Original, witty and extremely funny – Bridesmaidsis a hit with this groom.

6. TheInterrupters

The best documentary of 2011that I had the pleasure of seeing, period! It’s a film that will live with youfor ages after seeing it. The men and women that try to step in between theviolence that rips apart family and friends is truly life-changing. There areindividuals that are alive today because of their efforts and this film fromSteve James (Hoop Dreams) will make you want to thank them, personally.Please, please, please see this film!

5. HarryPotter and the Deathly Hallows Part II

Is this the best film of theyear? No. But it IS the perfect end to such a solid series. Even the lesserHarry Potter films held a bar up that was higher than most films could meet.The conclusion has everything, action, effects, drama and great characters thatwe know and love. It was the perfect end to the series and what fans wanted tosee.

4. Contagion

This is on virtually noradars as I can tell, but Steven Soderbergh’s tale of a virus gone wild is ascreepy as anything that I’ve seen this year. With a cast this big, you can onlyimagine that not all will make it to the end of the movie alive, and it doesn’tdisappoint. You will wash your hands more, and look twice at that doorknob youopen for weeks and even months after seeing this film.

3. Moneyball

Sure this is a mainstream film starring one ofthe most popular actors on the planet. Sure it’s got Jonah Hill in a lesscomedic role than we’ve seen from him before. But it’s got a heart and soullike nothing else this year. Pitt knocks it out of the park as General ManagerBilly Beane in his task to be the general manager of the Oakland A’s. JonahHill works wonders as the stat man behind the man. Money Ball is not just asuccessful baseball movie, it’s a great film…period.

2. TheGirl With the Dragon Tattoo

When I left my 2 hours and 20odd minutes with Lizbeth I just had to breathe. David Fincher deliverssomething that is absolutely amazing at every turn. Rooney Mara stars in a starmaking role as Lizbeth. Fincher’s direction left me stunned as one minute I wassickened by what was happening to Lizabeth onscreen. And later – I found myselfaroused when I witnessed a much healthier encounter. It’s dark yet sleek. Andthe story makes you wonder all along just what will be found. If you likedSilence of the Lambs – you will love this film as well.

1. TheDescendants

Since the first day I saw thisAlexander Payne film, I compared everything to it. The film delivers a range ofemotions like nothing else this year. When I laughed, I laughed loudly. When Icried, the tears were real emotion. George Clooney dials his look back justenough that you believe everything he’s going through. On the backdrop of thebeautiful Hawaiian Islands, even the set pieces are amazing to watch onscreen.I cheered for George to make it through the life changing events that were seton his life. And the revelation here is – Shailene Woodley, as George’sdaughter. She deserves every accolade that will come her way as does this film.This is truly amazing and marks another satisfying encounter with Payne.

There ya have it – Hope youenjoyed the list! What would you add? What would you delete? What can’t youwait to see? Let me have it!

Here’s to a wonderful 2012.

Real Milwaukee - 12/23/11

2011-12-23T11:17:00.000-06:00

Visited Real Milwaukee this morning -- here's the video -- PLUS if you want to see the full video of my daughter and I reviewing The Adventures of Tin Tin -- here's that link....

http://commonguyfilmreviews.blogspot.com/2011/12/review-adventures-of-tin-tin.html

Review - The Adventures of Tin Tin

2011-12-21T11:41:00.000-06:00

Yes, my daughter Alexandria joined me for a review this time and it's a video look at The Adventures of Tin Tin.

Please take a peek --

Review - Young Adult

2011-12-20T09:30:00.000-06:00

Young Adult is Grown Up

Thirty seven year old Mavis Gary (Charlize Theron) is stuck. She’s anauthor of young adult fiction, only it’s not under her name that the books arepublished. When her high school boyfriend Buddy Slade (Patrick Wilson) and his wife send an announcement for their newchild, Mavis becomes stuck on rekindling the old flame and heads to herhometown.

Upon arriving in the smallMinnesota town, she finds the happily married Buddy a challenge that she wantsto take on. As she’s ingesting liquid courage at the local watering hole,another of the guys that went to high school with Mavis says hi. Matt Freehauf (Patton Oswalt) is one of those guysthat people like Mavis ignored in high school. Mavis as a popular girl wouldnot have given Matt the time of day, but this is 20 years after high school andtimes have changed.

Mavis wanders through her “returnto glory” and even though Matt can see she might not be able to swing thingsthe way she once did, it is hard for Mavis to come to the same realization. Butit is Matt, the man who she once wouldn’t give the time of day to, that showsher a friendship that a girl could only imagine.

Sometimes, coming to grips withwho you really are is harder than the situation you are in. Mavis is broken,but believes she is meant to be with Buddy Slade. But can she regain hisaffections despite his marriage and the new baby. Or will reality give her the wakeupcall that is long overdue?

Written by Diablo Cody, Young Adultis fresh, witty and snappy all while smacking the viewer with a dose ofreality. Charlize Theron gets a chance to show her chops in this tale that willbe relatable to anyone who has ever tried to hold on to their youth. She iswonderfully quick with her lines and is able to turn it on at a moment’snotice, all while struggling with life and where it has taken her.

Starring with Theron, PattonOswalt delivers another solid performance. He makes you feel the pain that heexperiencing both inside and out. Oswalt shows you how much emotion existsinside the other kids as they grew up.

Couple two actors at the top oftheir game with a witty script and solid direction from the amazing JasonReitman and you are bound for success. Young Adult will teach you that everyoneneeds to grow up sometimes, no matter how painful it may be.

A-

Young Adult
Paramount Pictures

Director: JasonReitman
Cast: Charlize Theron,Patton Oswalt, Patrick Wilson

Rating: R forlanguage and some sexual content.

Runtime: 1 hour 34minutes

Review - Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

2011-12-19T23:00:00.000-06:00

A Fun Game Is Afoot, Again

Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr.) is continuing hiscrime stopping ways. He’s after a mysterious man who has bombed a number ofestablishments with no trace left behind. And just when he thinks he’s gettingto the bottom of it, and getting down to it with the lovely Irene (Rachel McAdams) everything changes.

Now the game is really afoot asdespite the impending nuptials for Dr. Watson (Jude Law), Sherlock has other plans and starts digging deeper forclues. Even though it’s Watson’s bachelor party, Holmes finds a clue with thelovely Madam Simza (Noomi Rapace)that gets him deeper into the understanding that his foe is as intelligent asany he has ever faced.

Professor James Moriarty (Jared Harris) will be one of Holmes’toughest foes as he thinks ahead as quickly as Holmes does. What is the planfor this mastermind? He’s trying to incite a war so he can be the supplier andmake money from those involved. The criminal plan is almost perfect, but Homesand Watson are on the case.

The second film featuring DowneyJr. and Law picks up with a bit of action that actually is quicker and tighterthan the first film. Robert Downey Jr. looks effortless as he goes back to thedisguise changing wise cracking sleuth. And with Jude Law at his side, DowneyJr. makes for a likable hero. With the disguises and wisecracking I wonderaloud if they every remake Fletch, how about Robert Downey Jr. in the role? ButI digress...

Overall the film moves faster andthe action rolls at you in scene after scene. There are witty and fun linesthat bring the characters back to life in a way that will leave everyonesatisfied. The game is afoot once more and I enjoyed playing along.

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

Warner Brothers Pictures

Director: Guy Ritchie

Cast: Robert DowneyJr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris

Rating: PG- 13for intense sequences of violence and action, and some drug material.

Runtime: 2 hours 9minutes

Very Behind...

2011-12-18T22:23:00.001-06:00

Since I'm very behind in posting full reviews -- let me get you some links....

Talk on New Year's Eve with Mark Reardon and I from 12/9

http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2011/12/09/mark-on-movies-new-years-eve-the-sitter/

Talk on Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows and Young Adult.

http://stlouis.cbslocal.com/2011/12/16/mark-on-movies-sherlock-holmes-mission-impossible-4/

And I'll be back on Real Milwaukee for a preChristmas appearance on December 23 to talk Mission Impossible, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, The Adventures of Tin Tin, War Horse and more... It's a busy week!

Check back all week for an updated Home Screening Room and full reviews of all of the titles this week and the last 3 weeks.

p

Critics' Choice Movie Awards -- Nominations

2011-12-13T08:10:00.000-06:00

Sothe last year worth of movie viewing comes down to this, the release of theCritics’ Choice Movie Awards (CCMA). I’m a member so I’m part of the group thatselected these nominations. I will say there are some omissions here from whatI would have liked, but overall it’s not a bad list.

Takea look…

NOMINATIONSFOR THE 17th ANNUAL CRITICS’ CHOICE MOVIE AWARDS

BESTPICTURE

TheArtist
TheDescendants
Drive
ExtremelyLoud & Incredibly Close
TheHelp
Hugo
Midnightin Paris
Moneyball
TheTree of Life
WarHorse

BESTACTOR

GeorgeClooney – “The Descendants”
LeonardoDiCaprio – “J. Edgar”
JeanDujardin – “The Artist”
MichaelFassbender – “Shame”
RyanGosling – “Drive”
BradPitt – “Moneyball”

BESTACTRESS

ViolaDavis – “The Help”
ElizabethOlsen – “Martha Marcy May Marlene”
MerylStreep – “The Iron Lady”
TildaSwinton – “We Need to Talk About Kevin”
CharlizeTheron – “Young Adult”
MichelleWilliams – “My Week With Marilyn”

BESTSUPPORTING ACTOR

KennethBranagh – “My Week With Marilyn”
AlbertBrooks – “Drive”
NickNolte – “Warrior”
PattonOswalt – “Young Adult”
ChristopherPlummer – “Beginners”
AndySerkis – “Rise of the Planet of the Apes”

BESTSUPPORTING ACTRESS

BéréniceBejo – “The Artist”
JessicaChastain – “The Help”
MelissaMcCarthy – “Bridesmaids”
CareyMulligan – “Shame”
OctaviaSpencer – “The Help”
ShaileneWoodley – “The Descendants”

BESTYOUNG ACTOR/ACTRESS

AsaButterfield – “Hugo”
ElleFanning – “Super 8”
ThomasHorn – “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
EzraMiller – “We Need to Talk About Kevin”
SaoirseRonan – “Hanna”
ShaileneWoodley – “The Descendants”

BESTACTING ENSEMBLE

TheArtist
Bridesmaids
TheDescendants
TheHelp
TheIdes of March

BESTDIRECTOR

StephenDaldry – “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close”
MichelHazanavicius – “The Artist”
AlexanderPayne – “The Descendants”
NicolasWinding Refn – “Drive”
MartinScorsese – “Hugo”
StevenSpielberg – “War Horse”

BESTORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

“TheArtist” – Michel Hazanavicius
“50/50”– Will Reiser
“Midnightin Paris” – Woody Allen
“WinWin” – Screenplay by Tom McCarthy, Story by Tom McCarthy & Joe Tiboni
“Young Adult” – Diablo Cody

BESTADAPTED SCREENPLAY

“TheDescendants” – Alexander Payne and Nat Faxon & Jim Rash
“Extremely Loud& Incredibly Close” – Eric Roth
“The Help” – Tate Taylor
“Hugo” – JohnLogan
“Moneyball” – Steven Zaillian and Aaron Sorkin, Story by Stan Chervin

BESTCINEMATOGRAPHY

“TheArtist” – Guillaume Schiffman
“Drive”– Newton Thomas Sigel
“Hugo”– Robert Richardson
“TheTree of Life” – Emmanuel Lubezki
“WarHorse” – Janusz Kaminski

BESTART DIRECTION

“TheArtist” – Production Designer: Laurence Bennett, Art Director: Gregory S.Hooper “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” – Production Designer:Stuart Craig, Set Decorator: Stephenie McMillan
“Hugo” – Production Designer:Dante Ferretti, Set Decorator: Francesca Lo Schiavo
“The Tree of Life” –Production Designer: Jack Fisk, Art Director: David Crank
“War Horse” –Production Designer: Rick Carter, Set Decorator: Lee Sandales

BESTEDITING

“TheArtist” – Michel Hazanavicius and Anne-Sophie Bion
“Drive” – Matthew Newman
“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” – Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
“Hugo” – ThelmaSchoonmaker
“War Horse” – Michael Kahn

BESTCOSTUME DESIGN

“TheArtist” – Mark Bridges
“TheHelp” – Sharen Davis
“Hugo”– Sandy Powell
“JaneEyre” – Michael O’Connor
“MyWeek With Marilyn” – Jill Taylor

BESTMAKEUP

AlbertNobbs
HarryPotter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
The Iron Lady
J. Edgar
My Week WithMarilyn

BESTVISUAL EFFECTS

HarryPotter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Super8
The Tree of Life

BESTSOUND

HarryPotter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Super 8
The Tree of Life
War Horse

BESTANIMATED FEATURE

TheAdventures of Tintin
ArthurChristmas
KungFu Panda 2
Pussin Boots
Rango

BESTACTION MOVIE

Drive
FastFive
Hanna
Riseof the Planet of the Apes
Super8

BESTCOMEDY

Bridesmaids
Crazy,Stupid, Love
HorribleBosses
Midnightin Paris
TheMuppets

BESTFOREIGN LANGUAGE FILM

InDarkness
LeHavre
A Separation
TheSkin I Live In
WhereDo We Go Now?

BESTDOCUMENTARY FEATURE

Buck
Caveof Forgotten Dreams
GeorgeHarrison: Living in the Material World
Page One: Inside the New York Times
Project Nim
Undefeated

BESTSONG

“HelloHello” – performed by Elton John and Lady Gaga/written by Elton John and BernieTaupin – Gnomeo & Juliet
“Life’s a Happy Song” – performed by Jason Segel,Amy Adams and Walter/written by Bret McKenzie – The Muppets
“The Living Proof”– performed by Mary J. Blige/written by Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman and HarveyMason, Jr. – The Help
“Man or Muppet” – performed by Jason Segel andWalter/written by Bret McKenzie – The Muppets
“Pictures in My Head” – performedby Kermit and the Muppets/written by Jeannie Lurie, Aris Archontis and ChenNeeman – The Muppets

BESTSCORE

“TheArtist” – Ludovic Bource
“Drive”– Cliff Martinez
“TheGirl With the Dragon Tattoo” – Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
“Hugo” – HowardShore
“War Horse” – John Williams

Check out the awards airing January 12, 2012 on VH-1.

Whatcha think?

Home Screening Room - Cowboys, Aliens and The Help

2011-12-06T15:45:00.000-06:00

This Week’s Big Releases

Cowboys and Aliens – Rated PG-13 (Daniel Craig, HarrisonFord, Olivia Wilde)

Who couldn’tenjoy cowboys in a movie with aliens? The premise is there, the team is thereand everything sounds so like a lot of fun. It’s a solid movie, but it doesfall a touch short of expectations. That said…I’d still pick it up and take apeek. READ THE FULL THEATRICAL REVIEW

The Debt – Rated R (Sam Worthington, HelenMirren)

The retiredmembers of the Mossad are back to relive one of their biggest missions ever.Can you imagine Helen Mirren playing the role. Yep I knew you could.

The Hangover Part II – Rated R (Bradley Cooper, ZachGalifianakis, Ed Helms)

It’s TheHangover…in Thailand! The sequel brings the characters you like backtogether for another wild night. READ THE FULL THEATRICAL REVIEW

The Help – Rated PG-13 (Emma Stone, Viola Davis)

Undoubtedlyto soon have a spot on many critics’ top lists of 2011 releases, this is one ofthose films that many will see. In 1960s Mississippi there are some rules thatneeded to change.

Mr. Popper’s Penguins – Rated PG (Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino)

Jim Carreyand penguins … YES!!! In an apartment how can you raise penguins? Jim Carreycan.

Also new this week…

Big Love: The CompleteFifth Season
Biggest Loser: At HomeChallenge
Cake Boss: Season 4,Volume 1
A Christmas Wedding Tail – Rated PG (Jennie Garth, Brad Rowe,Tom Arnold)
Law and Order: The NinthYear
Spongebob Squarepants:The Complete Seventh Season
UFC 135

And Finally

The St. Louis Cardinals:2011 World Series Champions

The WorldSeries champion dvd is finally available and this one pains me as a Milwaukee Brewersfan…but for the St. Louis faithful…this is your moment, pick up the officialvideo of the series win over the Texas Rangers in a thrilling seven games.

Pick of the Week

To purelyblow out the Blu-ray player – I say Cowboys & Aliens will put your systemto the test. The Hangover 2 will be one of the films that is rewatchable as acomedy, though there are better comedies out there.

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn,Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to SaveMe A Seat!

Real Milwaukee Visit -- 11/23/11

2011-11-27T21:43:00.001-06:00

I made a rare Wednesday visit with the Real Milwaukee family on Wednesday, yes I'm behind in posting links with the holiday...

So check out what I said about The Muppets, Arthur Christmas, Hugo and that film that keeps making lots of money with Vampires and Werewolfs and .... (oh yeah...Twilight).

Let me know what you think.

Why...why????

Trailer - Titanic 3D

2011-11-27T17:36:00.001-06:00

Meant to share this last week, but a bit behind on things --

Check out the trailer for Titanic 3D below -- doesn't Leo look young!

What do you think?

p

Review -- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

2011-11-21T15:01:00.000-06:00

It Just Breaks My Heart – And Not In AGood Way

It’s time forthe wedding of the century. Bella (KristenStewart) and Edward (RobertPattinson) have decided to make it official; they’re getting married. Andthat means that within one minute Jacob (TaylorLautner) will be running without a shirt through the woods in anger. This,folks, is The Twilight Saga: BreakingDawn Part 1.

So our basicstory begins with Bella having some mild cold feet about the impendingnuptials. She’s having some pretty wild dreams about how the whole thing mightgo down. I mean, come on, she’s marrying into a vampire family.

The wedding isjust the first step, for this film as soon after the drama surrounding thewedding, it’s off to the honeymoon on a remote island. Bella and Edward canfinally consummate their marriage and it is a bit wild. They also get to havesome fun playing chess on the beach. But Edward is worried that sleeping withBella will harm her and he tries to stay away. Bella will not be denied, andthe result is a pregnancy between a human and a vampire.

Now the two mustcope with hiding this strange occurrence from family and friends as only theCullen’s will understand. Now, staying with the Cullen’s, they will work tofind out what happens next and keep everyone alive. With Jacob there to help,can the Cullens figure out who or what is growing inside Bella and keepeveryone safe? And how will we ever prepare for Part 2?

I’m not thetarget market for the Twilight films;that’s a given! But I can lead you to a good film from time to time, even if it’snot in my wheelhouse. Twilight is notonly NOT in my wheelhouse; it’s not in the wheelhouse of passable goodfilms. I know many enjoy the heckout of these films, but I don’t get it.

The acting isall marginally set in a soap opera feel that I just couldn’t quite handle.Music goes over the top and sequence looked better suited to a televisionscreen than on the big screen. So what is it; what will draw people to this film.

I understandthere is a love story that is running rampant here. The triangle betweenJacob/Edward and Bella is ready to meet its end, but really it doesn’t end withthe wedding of Edward and Bella. The over the top performances and lines arejust a bit weird. And there were many sequences that left me a bit baffled.

This willproceed to make millions; there is no question about that. I would like tounderstand. I would like to know what is so special about this series. Manywould compare me to a vampire with the schedule I keep, but I still don’t getit. If you are a fan, don’t let me stop you from seeing this film. If you aren’ta fan; don’t start here. The TwilightSaga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 just breaks my heart, and not in the way theauthor and director intended.

Someone PLEASE explain the attraction here to me...I really want to know!

The Twilight Saga: BreakingDawn Part 1

SummitEntertainment

Director: Bill Condon

Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner

Rating:PG-13 for disturbing images, violence, sexuality/partial nudity and somethematic elements.

Runtime: 1 hour 57 minutes

Review - Happy Feet Two

2011-11-21T15:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Feet Two Keeps You Moving

Mumble (Elijah Wood) is back and this time he’sall grown up. With his female penguin Gloria (Pink) in tow, they are now raising their son Erik (Ava Acres).Erik is having trouble trying to find his place in the world. He’s not a bigdancer and even though the song and dance that fills his home is infectious; heremains unmoved.

So Erik sets offwith two of his friends on a journey away from his home. As they meet up withthe lovable Ramon (Robin Williams)they find out; penguins can be special in very different ways.

The journey thattakes them to look for who they are leads them to a “different” kind of penguinnamed The Mighty Sven (Hank Azaria). Hecan do things penguins have only dreamed of for years. He can fly! And hisprophet like quality is looked up to within the herd.

Now while Erik is trying to find himself, and Mumble is looking for Erik, theEarth has moved and Gloria and the rest of the penguins are trapped. It willtake some quick thinking and real unselfish behavior to get them free. Canthey?

Happy Feet Twois quite frankly, just as enjoyable as the first film. Where the first filmwent wrong was delivering its heavy-handed eco message after a light andenjoyable film. Here there is definitely a message, but it’s pepperedthroughout and is a lot of fun.

Songs anddancing are just a lot of fun here and everywhere. But probably my favorite aspectsof Happy Feet Two were the Krill (Matt Damon and Brad Pitt). It’s toobad these guys didn’t have more chance to shine, but they are set for their ownadventure!

Overall, it waspleasant enough and a decent time at the theater. Happy Feet Two will keep yourfeet tapping and more.

Happy Feet Two

Warner BrothersPictures

Director: George Miller

Cast: Elijah Wood, Robin Williams, Pink (Alecia Moore), BradPitt, Matt Damon, Hank Azaria

Rating: PGfor some rude humor and mild peril.

Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes

Review - Jack and Jill

2011-11-14T09:30:00.000-06:00

Did Jack and JillBreak Adam Sandler’s Crown?

Jack Sadelstein (Adam Sandler) is working hard to keephis business afloat. As a commercial producer, he is full of clients but aboutto lose one of his biggest accounts, Dunkin Donuts. He needs to land Al Pacinofor their new product or they will walk.

As he starts his quest to land thebig fish, he needs to welcome his twin sister to town for some “twin time”.Yes, his twin, Jill is also played by Sandler. So Jack and Jill don’t go up thehill much in this film, it’s more of the tumbling down the hill that takesplace.

As Jack tries to bond with his hard to get along with sister; he finds out thatAl Pacino is in love with Jill. Wellthere is the opening he can’t miss as he would easily sell his sister down theriver for an account, but in this case, the guy really likes Jill!

How can the man who dislikes hissister so much get her to see the man who might be his only chance to keep hisbusiness afloat? Can he be civil with her, or will this be the end of hisrelationship with his twin AND his business?

When I first saw a trailer on thisfilm a while back, I really wondered if it would be a good move for Sandler. I’mone of those critics that really likes him, yeah I know, memberships are beingrevoked everyone for me as you read this. But it’s true; Sandler knows how toget at my funny bone. Jack and Jill swung and not only missed the funny bone,it missed more than that.

I was amazed at the small roles inthis film, and that is what did have me laughing. A birthday party for thetwins sees the likes of Jared Fogle(The Subway guy), Vince Offer (TheSham-Wow guy), and even Billy Blanks(Tai-Bo Master). I had the most laughs there during the entire movie. Sure thenormal standbys show up as well including DavidSpade as, well his/her own version of Jill, named Monica. But instead ofbeing filled with laughter it came up short.

At least with this kid at heart, Jackand Jill didn’t live up to the family friendly PG rated romp of the season. Thepremise took away from the whole film and the simple demeaning of everythingaround the ridiculously played Jill made things feel a bit mean spirited attimes. Jack and Jill didn’t break Adam Sandler’s crown – he’s still a veryfunny guy, it just tarnished it a bit.

C-/D+

Jack and Jill

Columbia Pictures

Director: Dennis Dugan

Cast: Adam Sandler, Al Pacino,Katie Holmes

Rating: PG for crude and sexual humor, language, comicviolence and brief smoking.

Runtime: 1 hour 31 minutes

Real Milwaukee Visit -- 11/11/11

2011-11-14T09:05:00.001-06:00

Yes I popped up at Real Milwaukee last Friday...talked about Jack and Jill and some of the family friendly fun coming the next couple of weeks to theaters...Take a look --

Real Milwaukee Appearance - 11/4/11

2011-11-07T22:02:00.000-06:00

Last Friday I dropped by Fox 6 in Milwaukee for a look at Puss in Boots and Tower Heist -- plus new DVDs like Cars 2, Winnie the Pooh and MORE....take a look at the appearance below...

Review - Tower Heist

2011-11-07T14:00:00.000-06:00

Tower Heist Steals Some Laughs

Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) is themanager of the luxurious Tower in New York.

The Tower is the place to be forsome of the highest rollers in the city, and Josh knows how to treat them withthe utmost respect and discretion. He demands the same type of attitude fromhis entire staff, understanding and catering to every need of the residents ofthe building.

When the FBI takes one of Josh’stenants into custody, everything changes. Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda) is this filmsBernie Madoff. He has “invested” the money of a number of individuals and thereis nothing to show for it. But there is a bigger problem at the tower, he alsohas all of the retirement accounts of all the employees there as Josh hadinvested it with him.

Now, it’s personal, especiallyafter reality hits the employees that have lost everything. Josh can’t lookbeyond these indiscretions any longer. After confronting Shaw, he finds himselfjobless. He knows that if it weren’t for his trust in Shaw’s character, the employeesof the Tower would not be out all of their retirement.

He recruits a crack team of criminalsto get the money back for his employees. Unfortunately only one of them has anycriminal background and Slide (Eddie Murphy) hardly knows any of the crew. Canthey reclaim what is there’s? Or will this be just another crash and burnexperience for Josh?

First and foremost let’s get thisout of the way; Tower Heist will make you laugh. I know many of my criticalbrethren will look at this film and immediately discount it. But they can’tknock the fact that it’s funny.

We’ve waited for years for EddieMurphy to have some of the restraints taken off of him to return to hisfunniest and although this doesn’t go far enough to really unchain him, it DOESgive a glimpse of that old school Murphy humor.

It’s not only Murphy, with a castlike this, you can’t help but find a variety of funny moments. From roles forCasey Affleck and Matthew Broderick to the “villain” Alan Alda and small momentsfor Gabourey Sidibe and Tea Leoni, this film is loaded with talent.

Some uneven sequences do exist and I have problems with the structure of thefilm at times, but this isn’t Citizen Kane, nor does it pretend to be.

Tower Heist is a solid funny buddyfilm that will have you giggling until the end all while yearning for someoneto really let Eddie Murphy go again.

Tower Heist

Universal Pictures

Director: Brett Ratner

Cast: Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy,Casey Affleck, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick

Rating: PG-13 for language and sexual content.

Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes

50 Movies in 50 Days -- Movies, Movies, Movies

2011-10-31T18:00:00.000-05:00

50 Movies in 50 Days– Movies, Movies, Movies

Day 5 (10/26)

My theatrical fun for the week was done with Anonymous. Butthat doesn’t mean I’m done this week, OH NO!

First up, I was perusing the selections on HBO GO and cameacross a documentary I had missed that I really wanted to check out, DirtyDriving; Thundercars of Indiana. For those of you who know me, you know I lovedocumentaries on every subject imaginable. And in my past I’ve seen a number ofshort track races…this was fascinating and quick. Just under 70 minutes ofbumper to bumper action (both on and off the track) in a town that lovesracing. It’s set up to go off HBO GO on 10/31 but hopefully it will takeanother run, or you can find it elsewhere.

Followed that up with another HBO GO title, one I haven’tseen in awhile and it helped me get in the mood for Halloween, the original TheAmityville Horror. The overbearing music, the creepy happenings and JamesBrolin’s wild facial hair are the stars in this creepy film. I still rememberreading the book as a kid and being creeped out for days! The movie holds upok, but I can definitely recommend it.

Day 6 (10/27)

Time to check out a classic, Caddyshack. I love to revisitthis film at least once a year, and with a lull in titles (Since Fox didn’twant to show In Time) I was game.

Day 7 (10/28)

Two titles for the day…first up was a chance to revisit theboys. You know the boys who had RE-premiered a day earlier on MTV.Beavis and Butthead Do America. Hard to believe that the film is 15 years old,but most of the jokes are just as inane and funny as they were then! Some falla little flat, but to spend some time with the Great Cornholio in search oftheir TV and scoring….well was pretty fun!

Second up one that surpised me (tried to watch Your Highnesson BluRay rental from Blockbuster – but Universal Blu – Ray rental disc neverwork right in my PS3….so moved on instead to Legendary. You know the movieabout wrestling and coping with John Cena from the WWE. Oh, you don’t know?Well this was a bit better than one could hope for as the talented PatriciaClarkson starred with Danny Glover and Cena in this one. Sure its formula, butit was solid for the most part.

Day 8 (10/29)

An outdoor viewing took place of How To Train Your Dragon –as part of a Halloween party. Great outdoor viewing with good friends…despitebeing REALLY COLD I enjoyed sitting with my daughter and watching – though shequickly headed for the fire!

Then we had to leave (they had Frailty up next – one of myFAVORITE scares…but my daughter is 7 and it was approaching 9PM…couldn’t doit). But my wife showed an interest in a scary movie – dug up Carriers whichwasn’t as scary as one might hope for, but a decent little horror flick for theend of a long day.

Day 9 (10/30)

It’s a Sunday – God rested, and so did I! No movies, alittle football, a little trick or treat, some light reading but no movies….butI started Day 10 (Halloween) with a movie at MIDNIGHT CT – more on that nexttime.

Summary – Through Day 9 (11 Movies Viewed - Puss in Boots, The Double, Monte Carlo,Anonymous, Dirty Driving: Thundercars of Indiana, The Amityville Horror,Caddyshack, Beavis and Butthead Do America, Legendary, How To Train YourDragon, Carriers)

Review - Puss in Boots

2011-10-31T12:00:00.000-05:00

Puss Purrs in Small Doses

One of the most lovable charactersthat came out of the Shrek series of films was Puss in Boots (AntonioBanderas). It’s only logical that we get to hear all about the back story ofwhat made Puss in Boots into the man, errr…cat he is today.

Long ago, Puss was an orphanedlittle kitty. Left with an orphanage, taken in and cared for by his adoptivemother; Puss tried to get along with everyone. One of his best friends was theoft picked on Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis). Humpty searched the world overfor the magic beans that would allow him to find the goose that produced goldeneggs. That goose would fund the whole village.

Then, Humpty decided to startbreaking laws and dragged Puss in kicking and screaming. The friendshipdissolved as Humpty was left to take the “fall” for his crime.

Now, Puss is heading back and getsinto a scrap with Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek). Only later does he learn thatthis is all part of Humpty’s plans to acquire the magic beans that Jack andJill have in their possession. Could this be the end of Puss? Or is it just thebeginning?

I loved Puss in his small doses inthe Shrek films. He brought something to the table that was a touch of mysteryand courage like none of the other characters. But I struggled with Pusscarrying an entire film.

The film felt very pastedtogether, as if there were a lot of ideas but no steady stream to tie themtogether. For ease they try to use flashbacks to tell an origin story thatseems a bit disjointed. There are funny moments within the story, I only wishthey were tied together better.

Kids will enjoy the journey, forthe most part. It’s characters we like, voiced by talented actors, and actionthat rolls for the entire 90 minutes. It just seems like there should have beenmore here.

In small doses, Puss purrs, but inthe bigger picture, it’s hard to tell if the audience will be purring as theyleave or just thirsty for a different saucer of milk.

B-

Puss in Boots

Paramount Pictures / Dreamworks

Director: Chris Miller

Cast: Antonio Banderas, SalmaHayek, Zach Galifianakis

Rating: PG for some adventure action and mild rude humor.

Runtime: 1 hour 30 minutes

Review - Anonymous

2011-10-31T11:55:00.000-05:00

Is He To Be Or Not To Be?

Imagine if you will, WilliamShakespeare did not write all the Shakespearean works that exist. What if thoseworks were the labors of someone else, but William Shakespeare just took creditfor them? Are you thinking now??? This is the premise of the new film,Anonymous.

The Earl of Oxford (Rhys Ifans)had a love of writing. This, despite the fact, that the household in which hegrew up was not appreciative of art of this kind. In fact they banned him fromwriting, as it was the work of the devil.

Though discouraged, he sets out towrite and he is also drawn to the young Queen Elizabeth (Joely Richardson). Thetwo start an affair that leads to a child. And despite the attempts to staytogether, they are pushed apart.

Now The Earl is expressing himselfthrough plays. Writing down some of the most incredible works the people haveseen, but staying in the shadows as an unknown actor named William Shakespearerises up to take the credit for writing the works that made a legend.

So will we ever see who really haswritten these works? Or is this just another fable put together to distractfrom the greatness of a talented writer?

I’ll admit it. I’m not a hugeShakespeare fan. There I said it. So a movie with the premise that Shakespearereally wasn’t Shakespeare is a bit intriguing, yet with working in the period Iworry it could be tedious. Instead, director Roland Emmerich gives us a storythat’s part mystery, part theory and part crazy but always fascinating. Thepremise, while on the surface seems crazy, is put together in such a way thatwill make you enjoy the period in which Shakespeare composed his works(whomever Shakespeare really is).

Actors that are perfectly castinclude Rhys Ifans and the wonderfully talented Vanessa Redgrave. Redgraveespecially is pleasing to see back onscreen in all her glory as the elder QueenElizabeth. And Ifans works well with her in the later meetings and during hisquest to write like he never has before.

As a whole the film works and Ifound myself glued to my seat in anticipation of what light through the nextscene would break. Sure, it’s a film outside of my comfort zone, and one that Ididn’t think I would like. But alas, I hath found peace with Shakespeare.Although I still don’t know if he be or not be…

Anonymous

Columbia Pictures

Director: Roland Emmerich

Cast: Rhys Ifans, VanessaRedgrave, Rafe Spall, David Thewils, Joely Richardson

Rating: PG-13 for some violence and sexual content.

Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes

Review - The Double

2011-10-31T11:50:00.000-05:00

The Double Keeps You Guessing

Cassius has been one of the mostelite Russian spies American has known. He has ruled over the Russian forceswith an iron fist and remained secretive to American intelligence sources. Oneman, Paul Shepherdson (Richard Gere), has been closer than any Americanoperative. He has tracked this man in his former career with the CIA, so it isunderstandable that he is brought back from retirement when evidence mountsthat the spy has resurfaced.

He’s paired with a young FBI agentthat thinks he understands the mind of Cassius named Ben Geary (Topher Grace).Ben is someone who has risen to his rank with his theories and research on theelusive Russian. Together they will try to stop Cassius before he carries outhis mission, whatever it may be. Why has Cassius resurfaced? What does he haveplanned for his next mission and can Ben and Paul stop him in time.

The Double is a solid little film,for the most part. It deals in some cliché at time, but overall tends to workwith the pairing of the young buck (Grace) with the wily veteran (Gere). Thoughthe feeling here for me is Grace is coming harder at his role than Gere, andthat is what makes this a notch below what you expect from a film like this.

I love Odette Annable and justwish she could be used more in films, but both she and Martin Sheen take a backseat to Gere and Grace.

Twists abound and some aren’t as obviousas others, but this is still an enjoyable little ride. Somewhat formula, but adecent ride nonetheless. How much of what I’m saying is true though, hmmmm, Ican’t be a double agent…gotta say what I believe. But; The Double will have youguessing until the end.

C+

The Double

Universal Pictures

Director: Michael Brandt

Cast: Richard Gere, Topher Grace,Martin Sheen, Odette Annable

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence,some disturbing images and language.

Runtime: 1 hour 38 minutes

50 Movies in 50 Days – The Lie

2011-10-26T12:00:00.000-05:00

Day 4

I promised I wouldn’t be updating every day…but I couldn’tresist this one. Last night I had the opportunity to see Anonymous. The moviefollows the thought of what if Shakespeare wasn’t really Shakespeare? What ifthe works of a master were really created by someone other than who they wereattributed to? An intriguing premise with a solid film behind it, but thatreview comes Friday and isn’t the “lie” that I’m referring to in the title.

My schedule had me to the theater for the screening quiteearly on this Tuesday night. I was the first to arrive and sit in the pressseats. About 10 minutes prior to the show I was still one of the only onesthere when two 40-50 year old women came up and said to me we are confiscatingor commandeering these seats. Well I politely asked, did you check with the repfor the studio and they said yes they did…so I thought….no big deal, theyweren’t bothering me (though I knew there were more people coming).

I bumped into another couple critics soon after and we allgot comfy together as the two women held down their seats. Then the rep cameback in and asked who they were…especially when she saw all of us crampedtogether. She promptly kicked them down a row out of the seats they “confiscated”and a glare or two were shot our way. Though we hadn’t said anything at all,they just assumed we were the “bad” guys.

The part that still baffles me is why they would lie to mein the first place. I’m a nice guy…I would have showed them who the rep was andthey might have found some open seats in the same row down the aisle. Insteadit was a sense of entitlement for these women as they mumbled (no one ever sitshere anyway – which is blatantly untrue….hello!!!)

Ugh…the movie went on and everything was good. Thanks to ourrep, she did her job properly. But when do you get to the point of just bendingand breaking every rule out there. Why not just take the other “available”seats in the theater? What makes you better than others? And why do you have tocompound matters by lying? And better yet…at what age should you have knownbetter?

That was the weird start to the night…that and the fact thata number of people brought young children to this film…why??? I have knowidea…though I give the one woman kudos for taking her child out IMMEDIATELYwhen he started acting up. But what would possess anyone to think a child wouldhave a good time with Anonymous is beyond me.

Ahh fun in the theaters – 50 Movies in 50 Days will havemore stories…I’m sure….but get me to day 5!

Summary – Through Day 4 (4 Movies Puss in Boots, The Double, Monte Carlo, Anonymous)

50 Movies in 50 Days - It Begins

2011-10-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

50 Movies in 50 Days– It Begins

So I’m doing it again…50 Movies in 50 Days as I plug throughawards season.

Some movies will be considered for awards, some will be justreviewed on their schedule and still others will just be for fun (personal orfamily).

There will be movies on DVD/Blu-ray and in Theaters.

Movies in screening rooms and streaming online and of coursemovies on premium networks and in the DVR.

All these viewings are leading up to the casting of myballot for the best of 2011 with the Critics’ Choice Awards ceremony in earlyJanuary.

I’ll commit to periodically updating you along the way…I’vetried to do it daily in the past, but if I can’t talk about a movie“officially” yet, things mainly center on stories that I can share. For thatreason, I think a couple postings a week will be sufficient. (Unless, ofcourse, you demand more!)

For now…I’ve got 3 days in the books and 3 movies on those 3days.

Day 1

It all started Saturday, 10/22, with Puss in Boots. Theadvance screening, before the theatrical release on 10/28 was a trip with thewhole family as the schedules worked in our favor. More on this title on the 28^th,but it was a nice diversion for the morning after drama class and before ourfirst excursion geocaching on a beautiful Saturday.

Day 2

The quest included a sneak peek at The Double starringRichard Gere and Topher Grace (opening 10/28 in theaters) that I will soon be abletalk about – how about Friday with that one as well.

Day 3

I got in Monte Carlo – the Selena Gomez starringvehicle that Fox put out earlier this year (now on DVD/Blu). Was happy to get achance to see it, because I don’t get to see virtually any Fox movies intheaters anymore prerelease. It’s like they just forgot some of us, but Idigress. Monte Carlo is nothing special from a film standpoint, but did youexpect it would be? What Monte Carlo is, is an enjoyable film in the genre itis made. Ok, so that’s almost a backhanded compliment…but it doesn’t mean thatI’m not trying to be nice here. Gomez is likable and that is part of the charm(though I didn’t buy her in the more difficult diva role for some reason.) Ican recommend this as a girl’s night movie selection (maybe a mommy/daughternight). It’s overall a tame but enjoyable and non-threatening movie.

So – Three days into this journey and I’ve seen threetitles. At this pace – I’ll have no problem getting to 50, even with a coupleof (ZERO movie days).

For sure day 4 will feature the new film Anonymousand day 11 is scheduled to include the new film Tower Heist. Get readyfor a fun ride. This season will wear you out, but it’s a lot of fun!

Summary – Through Day 3 (3 Movies Puss in Boots, The Double, Monte Carlo)

Review - Johnny English Reborn

2011-10-21T15:00:00.000-05:00

Here’s Johnny, Again

It was 2003 and a littlespy-comedy called Johnny English was released in theaters. Johnny was portrayedby Rowan Atkinson to decent response from critics and, more importantly, nearly$130 million dollars worldwide.

Fast-forward to today, and I NEVERwould have suspected a sequel to be released, but alas – Johnny English Rebornis now in theaters.

Johnny English is loyal to his joband the MI7 but he is a little less than coordinated some of the time. Anddespite the best of intentions, English finds himself in a variety ofprecarious situations.

He’s called back to MI7 to get tothe bottom of a ruthless trio of criminals that possess one of the most lethalweapons imagined. One of these individuals will only talk to English anddespite her better judgment, the director (Gillian Anderson) puts him back intocommission.

Now can English get to the bottomof this secret plot on the Chinese premier’s life? He must first get the weaponand get to the bottom of the group trying to alter the future by eliminatingthe premiere, but can he?

English is very similar to everymovie of this type. You won’t find new moments here, but you will get plenty ofpratfalls, mistaken identities, and crazy situations. But that’s enough to makeyou laugh here; just don’t think too much or you’ll be aware of some gapingplot holes.

Many enjoy Atkinson’s not verbal“Bean” character, but I tend to like him talking as he maneuvers through thisfilm. Supporting Atkinson, the lovely and talented Rosamund Pike sparkles inher small role and it’s been way too long since I’ve seen Gillian Anderson.

I’m not generally a fan of theBritish humor of Atkinson, but Johnny English Reborn had me chuckling atlength. No, there weren’t belly laughs, but Johnny English Reborn was able togive my funny bone a rebirth when it comes to pratfall fun.

C+

Johnny English Reborn

Universal Pictures

Director: Oliver Parker

Cast: Rowan Atkinson, RosamundPike, Gillian Anderson, Dominic West

Rating: PG-13 for mild action violence, rude humor, somelanguage and brief sensuality.

Runtime: 1 hour 41 minutes

Review - Footloose (2011)

2011-10-14T00:01:00.000-05:00

Kick Off Your Expectations, Footloose Is Toe-Tapping Fun

We have radio stations devotedentirely to the 80s. We’ve been remaking some of the best and worst movies ofthe 80s. Would I call the Footloose I saw as I was transitioning to high schoolone of the best of the 80s, nahhh, but it was one of the more fun films of thedecade.

The story is virtually identicalto the original; but let’s recap…shall we?

Ren (Kenny Wormald) is the bigcity kid who has come into a small town to stay with relatives. Coming from thecity, he’s not familiar with the restrictions that the law has in place here.No loud music, no alcohol parties and absolutely no dancing. Laws that were enactedafter a tragic accident seem outdated and out of place to all the kids in town.

The Reverend (Dennis Quaid) istrying to guide folks to the Promised Land. Little does he know, his daughterAriel (Julianne Hough) might well be the wildest child in the town. These lawswere in place to protect kids like her and yet all she wants to do is cut loose.

Ren leads the charge to get thelaw changed to let these kids experience all the dancing can be. But the battlewon’t be easy; there are those in this town that don’t want to relinquishcontrol. Will there be “Dancing in the Sheets” or anywhere?

Let’s face it, seeing an updatedversion of Footloose sends one to the theater with a bit of trepidation. Butthis film was released in 1984, so teenagers that grew up with it are now inthe 40’s. Tastes evolve, music evolves and this film evolves; just a littlebit. Director Craig Brewer keeps on a fairly consistent track and we have thesame characters in virtually the same situations. And that’s not all bad.

Wormald seems a little too nice inhis portrayal as Ren. I had a hard time buying the big city attitude he was tohave. Julianne Hough has a look that just screams like she could be that wildchild and she’s obviously got the dancing down, as does Wormald.

The dialogue is cheesy and outthere, but it was in the 80s as well. The soundtrack uses many of the samesongs that were made famous by the first film, with new and clever arrangementswhere possible. And before you get worried, Kenny Loggins is used…plus some ofthe others, in their classic form.

Here’s the thing about Footloose. Thisis a fun film for today’s generation. The story that is told doesn’t completelyupdate to today’s standards, but it will have today’s kids tapping their feetjust as those in 1984 did. Sure many expected me to “cut loose” on this onewith a scathing review. But I can’t. It was fun and will have a new generation “kickingoff their Sunday shoes”.

Footloose (2011)

Paramount Pictures

Director: Craig Brewer

Cast: Kenny Wormald, JulianneHough, Dennis Quaid, Andie MacDowell

Rating: PG-13 for some teen drug and alcohol use, sexualcontent, violence and language..

Runtime: 1 hour 53 minutes

Review Link - The Thing (2011)

2011-10-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Thing Is, I Had A Schedule Conflict and Didn’t See TheThing…but a friend did

No review here for me...thescreening came up at the same time as another film. Hopefully, I’ll be able tocatch it another time…but until then…I thought I’d give everyone a link to myfriend Justin Earl’s review – click the link below to open a new window and see whathe has to say. We do disagree sometimes…just sayin’!

Justin's Movie Reviews

The Thing (2011)
Universal Pictures

Director: Matthijs van HeijningenJr.

Cast: Mary Elizabeth Winstead,Joel Edgerton, Ulrich Thomsen

Rating: R for strong creature violence and gore, disturbingimages, and language.

Runtime: 1 hour 43 minutes

Milwaukee Film Festival 2011, A Recap

2011-10-05T15:00:00.000-05:00

Milwaukee Film Festival 2011, A Recap

For me, I began the festival with one goal in mind. Makethis MY Film Festival.

Based for me at the Ridge – it was different than if I spentthe days at the Oriental (Film Festival Central). But this was what was convenientfor me and allowed me to not only see movies, but also be the man my familydeserved during the festival.

I came up short on what I had hoped to see, but still endedwith 15 films/packages at the theater. (Got Milwaukee Brewers tickets on thelast day of the fest – thanks Bob and we had a dance class and Creek Crawl todeal with during the fest.)

That said, what did I see?

Make Believe, The Human Resources Manager, Give Up Tomorrow,Shorts: World’s Best Commercials, When the Drum is Beating, The Interrupters,Somewhere Between, Wish Me Away, The Redemption of General Butt Naked, The LastMountain, Bhopali, Page One: Inside the New York Times, The Flaw, Breaking andEntering, How Much Does Your Building Weigh Mr. Foster

So after spending nearly 30 hours of my last week or so atthe theaters what did I learn.

Chicago has a great group of individuals trying to make adifference in the violence of our neighbor to the south. (The Interrupters)

Paco needs to be freed. (Give Up Tomorrow)

Chely Wright is extremely talented, no matter what hersexual orientation is! (Wish Me Away)

If there is a record to be broken, there will be someone tobreak it. (Breaking and Entering)

Haitians are an extremely resilient group of people evenwhen you don’t count the Earthquake impact. (When the Drum is Beating)

Magic is alive and well with the youth of the world. (MakeBelieve)

Despite it’s title, The Redemption of General Butt Naked isnot a comedy. (The Redemption of General Butt Naked)

Love him or hate him, David Carr is tenacious! (Page One:Inside the New York Times)

Films can be projected poorly at film festivals. (The Flawat Ridge)

People will complain about anything and everything.(Rumblings in the crowd about having to drive all the way to New Berlin for oneof the films)

Directors and producers of even the smallest of films arepassionate about filmmaking and are fascinating to listen to at film festivals(Directors/Producers from Make Believe, Give up Tomorrow, When the Drum isBeating, Wish Me Away, Breaking and Entering all did Q & A sessions after their filmsat the Ridge)

Sure there are things that could be done better – but I’mnot here to focus on those right now…but if the Milwaukee Film Festival crewwants my ideas – I’m here! :-)

Overall, Milwaukee Film Festival was a real success. Attendanceup 17%, 22 sell-outs and over 35,000 people took in a film. Plus members ofMilwaukee Film more than doubled.

Actual festival winners were included in a previous post buthere are my picks from what I saw.

Best Film: The Interrupters

I mean it when I say this is the bar for all otherdocumentaries I’ll view before the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards gets my vote.

Most FUN film: Page One: Inside the New York Times, MakeBelieve (TIE)

Quite frankly, David Carr is the reason, but this film justhad a smile on my face throughout. And I just had a smile on my face throughoutthe magic film Make Believe.

Cause I didn’t know about, but am appalled now that I do:Give Up Tomorrow

Sure with films it takes a side, but the blatant differencebetween the passion we fight Casey Anthony and others could be used to helpPaco get freed with the ACTUAL evidence in his case.

Craziest Title: The Redemption of General Butt Naked

He really is naked at points in here…and he’s now a Christian…buthe had impacts in 20,000 deaths (by his admission).

Surprising Moment: Wish Me Away (Chely’s prayers)

I know Christians that would condemn Chely for no otherreason than her personal life that don’t pray as well as she admits to in thisfilm. To ask the Lord for peace is so much more effective than wanting a newcar, or a job to pay them more money.

Film I Missed that I Really Wanted to See: We Need To TalkAbout Kevin

Wanted to see this Tilda Swinton film but unfortunately,schedules wouldn’t allow it.

Home Screening Room -- Fast Five meets The Lion King

2011-10-04T21:36:00.000-05:00

This Week’s Big Releases

Transformers: Dark ofthe Moon (Released 9/30) –Rated PG-13 (Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley)

Even if youaren’t a fan of the series, these are the type of films to really stretch thelegs on your HD TV and Blu-ray setup. This one was an improvement on the lastfilm in the series, and even if there are a couple of gaping holes. The action,sound and visuals more than make up for the shortcomings.
READ THE FULLTHEATRICAL REVIEW

Fast Five – Rated PG-13 (Vin Diesel, PaulWalker, Dwayne Johnson)

The actionpacked sequel of the summer that will be cranked as loud as it goes on theBlu-ray setup. Pick this one up if you enjoy fast cars, fast women and fastaction!
READ THE FULL THEATRICAL REVIEW

The Lion King – Rated G (Matthew Broderick, JamesEarl Jones)

The boxoffice has been blown away with the 3D release of this timeless classic. Now –it comes home on the enhanced Blu-ray format. The 3D version is available aswell, watch for more on this one as the week goes on.

Scream 4 – Rated R (Neve Campbell, Courtney Cox)

SidneyPrescott lives on in the 4^th installment of this teen specialty.

African Cats – Rated G

Disney Naturetakes us out with the big cats in their newest installment of these top-notchnature films.

Also new this week…

Buck

The Heart Specialist – Rated R (Zoe Saldana)

Submarine – Rated R (Craig Roberts, SallyHawkins)

The Undefeated – Rated PG-13 (Sarah Palin) It’s thedocumentary that had the country talking on the left and the right, now checkit out in the comfort of your own home.

According to Jim: The Complete Fifth Season

Beavis and Butt-Head:Mike Judge’s Most Wanted– I have to admit…these guys still make me laugh.

The BionicWoman: Season 3

Bored to Death:The Complete Second Season

Boy MeetsWorld: The Complete Seventh Season

The Caller –Rated R (Rachelle Lefevre, Stephen Moyer)

Friday NightLights: The Complete Series

Friday the 13^thCollection

The Hills:Season Six

In Treatment:Season Three

The League:The Complete Season Two

Lie to Me:The Complete Final Season

The Presence –Rated PG-13 (Mira Sovino, Justin Kirk)

Teen Mom: TheComplete First Season

And Finally

Jig – Rated PG

I’ve sung the praises of this documentary forsome time now. It comes home on DVD/Blu-ray combo pack today or you can justpick up the DVD itself. Irish dancing has never looked so cool. READ THE ORIGINAL COMMENTS - OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Plus – here’s the trailer – can you tell I’m trying to convince you to give this little film a chance?

Pick of the Week

Lots to addto the collection this week – Transformersand Fast Five to blow out your systemare perfect. The Lion King for thekids (young and old) will be appreciated. I’m a huge fan of The League, Beavis and Butthead and Jig…ok,so there’s a lot worth spending money on this week. If I HAD to get pinned downto one….it would be the beautiful Diamond Edition of The Lion King.

Thanks!

Pop Popcorn,Do the Dew, and Bust out the Blu and remember to SaveMe A Seat!

Milwaukee Film Festival 2011 Winners Announced

2011-10-03T16:26:00.001-05:00

Ok, So I only got to 15 films this year at the fest -- family and other reasons for that...but I wanted to share the winners announced today!

(My thoughts coming Wednesday on the festival as a whole).

Allan H. (Bud) and Suzanne L. Selig Audience Awards

Feature: Louder Than A Bomb

Short: The Wheel

Cream City Cinema Award

Winner: Michael Hawkins-Burgos for the short film Don't Go

Fiction Competition

Nothing's All Bad

Documentary Competition

Somewhere Between

I missed Louder Than A Bomb -- was supposed to see that last night, but some a ticket to the Milwaukee Brewers game put me there instead.

I did see Somewhere Between -- solid film, solid choice -- the Documentary Competition had so many quality entrants (spent most of my viewing time with docs).

Review - 50/50

2011-10-03T10:53:00.002-05:00

It Beats The Odds

As a 27-year-old man, Adam (JosephGordon-Levitt) seems to have everything together. He does all the right things.He’s working hard. He’s working out. He has a girlfriend. And life in generalseems just fine. Until he goes in for a check on a sore back and his doctorfits the words “you have cancer” into the middle of the results. How could hehave cancer? He’s 27 and does everything he’s supposed to do; how could HEhave cancer?

Now that he has the news; it’stime to cope with things. He informs his girlfriend Rachael (Bryce DallasHoward) who promises to stay with him through the process. He lets his bestfriend Kyle (Seth Rogen) in on the news and Kyle promptly proclaims 50/50 oddsare really pretty good! He even tells his mom (Anjelica Huston) who promptlyproclaims that she is moving in. (Adam nixes that idea right quick).

Everyone seems to be lining up tohelp with the next chapter of Adam’s life. He even starts with a youngtherapist (Anna Kendrick) who is starting with him as one of her first patientssince graduating. She is using all the book knowledge she has learned andtrying, desperately, to personalize the battle.

With everyone lined up to help,things must go easy, right?

This film surprised me upon seeingit. I didn’t expect it to grab me the way it did. It deals with a serious,life-changing event that usually doesn’t impact young people. When we seemovies dealing with cancer, they deal with folks much older and learned. Thisis a great film for the youth of America to deal with.

Much of the stress is dealt within a real way. Humor is at the forefront, as if you don’t laugh at things youjust might cry. Seth Rogen wonderfully plays an understated comedic role thatis a bit different from most of the characters he takes on. Anna Kendrick playsher role to perfection and Bryce Dallas Howard shows she can really deliver.But the star here is still Joseph Gordon-Levitt. In the role of Adam you feelhis pain. You laugh, you cry and you progress as he does.

A touching, sweet and funny filmthat will stay with you; 50/50 delivers in every way. My diagnosis is thatthere is WELL over a 50/50 chance you will enjoy this film. 50/50 beats theodds and is quite enjoyable.

A-

50/50

Summit Entertainment

Director: Jonathan Levine

Cast: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, SethRogen, Anna Kendrick, Bryce Dallas Howard, Anjelica Huston

Rating: R for language throughout, sexual content and somedrug use.

Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes

Milwaukee Film Festival - Day 6 (Wish Me Away, The Redemption of General Butt Naked)

2011-09-30T13:21:00.003-05:00

Ahh…Day 6 of MY FILMFESTIVAL – That’s the Milwaukee Film Festival to the rest of you.

Today, feeling good butwondering aloud how many documentaries I can take. MORE, MORE!!!!

So it’s off to the Ridgewithout seeing my wife and daughter to take in two films that are reallydifferent….Wish Me Away and The Redemption of General Butt Naked.

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First up on this evening --the documentary Wish Me Away about country singer Chely Wright and her journeyto come out as a gay country singer. Lucky for those of us in attendance, we’dalso get a Q and A period after the show with co-directors Bobbie Birleffi andBeverly Kopf. But on to the film now.

Country music istraditionally the home for many god fearing, proud American military backingfans. Chely Wright is no different than those fans at all. But Chely has asecret that she has been hiding. She is gay.

Wish Me Away concerns itselfwith the days leading up to Chely’s announcement that will rock the countrymusic world. No one is out andperforming in front of this audience. Traditionally country music fans havebeen a more conservative lot than in other music segments, and the future in apost announcement word is truly uncertain.

The documentary follows thefact that Chely prayed to have this taken away from her when she was young. Sheavoided it as she plowed herself into her career. And then she promised herselfshe would come clean after a hit, then after a top 10 hit, then after a numberone; but she just couldn’t do it.

The journey has all led tothis point. And while some may question whether this is a publicity stunt,others know that in this genre of music it will hurt more than it will help ona professional level.

Filmmakers Bobbie andBeverly give you those intimate videos with Chely wondering if she can gothrough with it. They give you some of Chely’s family and how they handled theannouncement. And you’ll get a look at … at least one of the members of thecountry music community having comments.

The country music communityhasn’t embraced Chely, the gay community has embraced Chely somewhat – theyendorse her person, even if they don’t quite get the musical format.

What does the future holdfor Chely? Only time will tell. Personally she seems like a happier person, butprofessionally she’s still trying to find her new niche.

From a personal note…she isstill Chely. Gay, straight, white, black or whatever that doesn’t change hertalent. She was always gay; people just didn’t know it! If you are a fan of hermusic, why should it matter? Everyone deserves to be loved.

http://www.wishmeawaydoc.com

Remaining screenings for thefestival – Thursday, 9/29 9:30PM at North Shore and Saturday, 10/1 at 9:45PM atthe Oriental.

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Funny, true story – as WishMe Away was letting out…some of the crowd was talking about how FAR out in thesticks New Berlin (where the theater is) was. As a resident of the fair city…I just say…really?

Anyway, I digress – On tothe next film….The Redemption of General Butt Naked.

Yes – I giggled when I sawthe title too.

Two TOTALLY different films,back to back, Butt Naked is NOT a comedy.

It’s the story of a General who was in charge of a group that fought, buttnaked. Now years after the civil unrest in Liberia, Butt Naked has become aChristian and is trying to make amends to many of those whose lives he ruined.

We follow the newly known“Joshua” as he goes preaching the gospel to many of his victims. Theuncomfortable moments where he recounts having a role in 20,000 deaths in thecountry are mind boggling.

Not everyone buys the newJoshua; he’s still the mass murderer to some of the crowd. And folks wantjustice against him, to the point where he exiles himself from family to keeppreaching.

While stories of redemptionare nothing new – here it is hard to feel sympathy for a man with such a brutalpast. While as a Christian, I am happy he has found God and the love hepromises, I still can’t get by the past. Forgiveness is important in theChristian religion. But there is never a place where it says that also has tomean no punishment for your actions. Startling and graphic at times, TheRedemption of General Butt Naked will leave you conflicted no matter what yourbeliefs are.

http://www.generalbuttnakedmovie.com

No more showings during thefestival.

And the night was over –headed home late but satisfied with two more solid docs at the Milwaukee FilmFestival. (Thank goodness home is only 3-5 mins away!)