Earth Review

With Earth Day just a few days ago, Disney decided to release their very ambitious project creatively entitled Earth. For anyone who viewed the BBC mini series narrated by the always lovely Sigourney Weaver, a lot of the footage from that will also be seen in this much shorter (at about an hour and a half) big screen version.

The good news is that even if you are very familiar with the Planet Earth miniseries, you will still be very thrilled to see this very exquisite footage on the huge big screens of the theaters. The shots really are breathtaking, and especially on this grand scale. The shots of the snow capped forest in the beggining really are breathtaking. And who doesn't love watching penguins waddleing their way across the ice? The polar bear cubs are very cute too. Heck, all the animials are adorable! ;)

Earth is narrated by the ever amazing James Earl Jones. And as far as documentaries goes it is pretty decent. It basically tries to follow three different families as they migrate and try and survive. We have the polar bear mother and her two cubs, the elephant mother and her baby, and the humpback whale with her baby. Although flawed, it does do a fairly nice job of keeping this theme throughout. And most people will be going to see some of their favorite animals in the wild, and therefore you will not be disappointed. The shots really are amazing.

As an added bonus, Disney will plant a tree for every ticket that is purchased.

21

The theme of coolness definitely seemed to be the main objective in Robert Luketic's high energy 21. I actually saw this almost a year ago today when it was first released. I bought the DVD when it came out (I think it even came with a nifty deck of cards), and watched it again upon buying it. I kind of remember liking it better when I had first seen it on the big screen, so after this one viewing of the DVD I decided to put it back on my shelf. And on my DVD shelf it sat, until last night. :)

21 is the based on the true story tale of a group of MIT students who decide to live out their every fantasies by counting cards in Las Vegas on the weekends. What starts as an almost hobby though, soon becomes an addiction that's hard to quit.

Ben Campbell, a young hopefully trained doctor, decides to take up this unique opportunity to suffice his needing of cash to pay for his schooling at Harvard. He's smart, and has everything going for him...well, except that he needs his tuition cost.

This time when watching it, I enjoyed it again. It's an ultra cool, slick look at life living out the high rollers every dream.

I think what I like most about 21 is this sense of friendship and an almost family between these few students. Maybe it's my own wanting to put myself in their group that I identify with? Who knows. I doubt I could really cut it as a card counter anyway. ;)

Jim Sturgess is more then nice to look at, and gives a very honest portrayal of Ben. I quite liked Kate Bosworth too in her role. Kevin Spacey adds his own charm as usual, but nothing really else. This role seemed easy for him. Same goes for Laurence Fishburne too. The two standouts for me are Liza Lapira and Aaron Yoo (you may recognize him from Disturbia). They are fun, witty, and looked as if they were truly having the times of their lives.

Is this the most amazing film I have ever seen? No, and yes, it does sort of run on the slow side at times. But it is a fun entertaining film, with a killer soundtrack. I give it a 7/10.

The DVD features include a few featurettes and a filmmaker commentary. This film is rated PG-13 and runs 123 minutes.

2009 Oscar Winners

Aw, the 2008 film season is over. All that Oscar buzz is behind us...well, at least until next year. ;)

But how did you all enjoy this year's Oscars? I for one thought they were a tad on the long side, and it seemed like every two seconds there was a commercial break - but, oh well, I suppose they had to pay for that little celebration somehow. ;)

Hugh Jackman did a nice job of hosting, he really is no stranger to the stage, as we all know. There were some oddly funny bits as well, like who could forget the Joaquin Phoenix impersonation by Ben Stiller?? Haha, wow, that was, uh...interesting. :)

Well, here's a quuick wrapup of all this years' winners.

Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire

I was actually really happy with this choice - it's a great film, and probably the best out of the nominees. (Although Frost/Nixon comes in a close second for me).

Best Actor in a Leading Role: Sean Penn, Milk
Great choice. I was mostly rooting for Mickey Rourke, but Sean Penn was a great choice. I very much enjoyed his acceptance speech as well.

Best Actress in a Leading Role: Kate Winslet, The Reader

Loved this one! She deserved it. Brilliant actress, in a great role. I'm very happy for her.

Best Directing: Danny Boyle For Slumdog Millionaire

I love Danny Boyle, really stand-up guy. I'm glad he's getting some recognition! =) I will never forget the night I met this truly amazing guy!! =)

Best Foreign Language Film: Departures (Japan)
Best Original Score: Slumdog Millionaire, A.R. Rahman
Best Original Song: ''Jai Ho,'' Slumdog Millionaire
Best Editing: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Sound Editing: The Dark Knight
Best Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Documentary Short: Smile Pinki
Best Documentary Feature: Man on Wire
Best Actor in a Supporting Role: Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Best Actress in a Supporting Role: Penélope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Best Live Action Short: Spielzeugland (Toyland)
Best Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Costume Design: The Duchess
Best Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Animated Short: La Maison en Petits Cubes
Best Animated Feature: WALL-E
Best Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire, Simon Beaufoy
Best Original Screenplay: Milk, Dustin Lance Black

Crossing Over Review

Wow. I have truly found my favorite film of 2009. I went to an advanced screening of it last night, and it is still all I can think about. It truly affected me in quite a powerful way.

Yes, this film i am speaking of is Crossing Over. No, it's not about that guy who talks to the dead. ;) Instead, it's a powerful collection of little stories that make up a bigger picture, yes much like that of the amazing Crash. And the theme? Immigration in Los Angeles.

Harrison Ford plays immigration officer Max Brogan. Max is the exact person we all hope to be working on this side of the force. He is compassionate, but still gets the job done. Most of his story is spent trying to right a mistake he may have made early on in this film. He's quest for justice and truth is very admirable. I found myself being quite moved by his character. He brings light in the darkness.

His partner Hamid, played by the always amazing Cliff Curtis, gives a slightly different approach to things, although towards the end, we see his compassionate side as well. His battle with family and doing the right thing is beautifully portrayed.

Ashley Judd as the Immigration Lawyer is also a shed of light amongst all this darkness and sadness.

Her husband, however, is not so much on this quest for righteousness. He, played by Ray Liotta, gives an all new meaning to the word sleazy.

The most tragic of these tales, is most definitely the one involving a Muslim family. It's just brutally wrong what happens to this young 15 year old Islam girl. It will break your heart. Ttruly.

The story of the young Australian actress is not much better. Her desperation soon becomes all too depressing. Her only light comes from a young Jewish man also trying to find his way. He is played with amazing charm by Jim Sturgess. We can't help but love this guy on his trek to stay in this country.

I could press on with the story, but, I think the best way to truly enjoy this amazing film is to go in not knowing a whole lot about it. It will move you, and haunt you. And this is why it is my ultimate top film choice, thus far, in 2009. Wayne Kramer has given us a truly unique gift of cinema. And I absolutely loved every minute of it. I'm hoping to try and catch it again when it opens in limited release this Friday, 27th of February, 2009. I give it a 9/10. This film is rated R.

Happy viewing everyone! =)

In The Cut

So, in my vast attempt to watch every single DVD that I own in possession (and believe me, it's quite a lot), I decided to put on In The Cut last night. I really wasn't expecting too much, I bought it for like 2 bucks at Big Lots one rainy afternoon, and the story seemed kind of bland. The DVD box makes it seem like just another erotic thriller...but, I thought I would give it a chance anyway. And, like I said it's in my collection, so I decided to watch it.

I must admit, I was quite surprised at what I got. From the very opening, this seemed like something different. Instead of entertainment values, this was starting to look like a modern art piece. And that's really what it is. It kind of gets under your skin. And you just can't seem to look away. It's intoxicating, really. The poetry on the subway was a nice touch. And the shots of her parents ice skating in Central Park gave an interesting take.

The essential story is about a teacher (Meg Ryan) who watches this couple one night, and then somehow finds herself amongst a serial killer's line of contact. She then becomes involved with the detective working on the case (Mark Ruffalo).

I think the real beauty of this film is that we can never quite figure all these characters out. It's like, I cannot see how she would want to be with this guy, but then again, I cannot see how she wouldn't. Does that make sense?? Well, hopefully you all get the idea. ;)

While it's not the most brilliant film I have ever seen, I will definitely give it props for quite possibly being the best 2 dollar DVD investment I have made to this date. Very intoxicating, and in my mind worth the two hours spent in viewing it. I give it a 8/10.

This film is rated R and runs 119 minutes.

Happy viewing everyone! =)

Catching Up With Johnny Depp

Aw Johnny Depp. He's a true artist, and definitely one of my all time favorite actors. I even liked him way before his Pirates' status made him a favorite to all. So, let's see what the brilliant Edward Scissorhands and Ed Wood actor have in store for us all next...


Public Enemies:
Directed By Michael Mann
Cast: Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Billy Crudup, Giovanni Ribisi, David Wenham...wow, there are a lot of good actors in this one! =D
Release Date: 1st July 2009
Plot: The Feds try to take down notorious American gangsters John Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson and Pretty Boy Floyd during a booming crime wave in the 1930s.

The Verdict?: Michael Mann is a brilliant director. I cannot wait to see how he and Mr. Depp work together. Also anything dealing with mafia stories sounds good to me! =) This cast will be fun to watch.

The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
Directed by Terry Gilliam
Cast: Johnny Depp (well, obviously), Heath Ledger, Colin Farrell, Jude Law, Christopher Plummer, Tom Waits
Release date: 24th September 2009
Plot: A traveling theater company gives its audience much more than they were expecting

The Verdict?: Well, with a cast such as this, it hopefully won't disappoint. Johnny Depp is sure to be amazing in a setting such as this! This will be Heath Ledger's last performance (although he did not get to finish) Also Terry Gilliam has been pretty good to us so far. He did well with Mr. Depp before ;).


Alice In Wonderland:
Directed By: Tim Burton
Cast: Johnny Depp, Michael Sheen, Anne Hathaway, Crispin Glover, Alan Rickman, Christopher Lee, Helena Bonham Carter, Mia Wasikowska
Release Date: 5th March 2010
Plot: A live-action and CGI version of the classic "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" story

The Verdict?: For me, anything involving Tim Burton + Johnny Depp is magic for me. I will gladly see this, and hope it will be a visual treat! =) And again, look at this cast!!!! Should be bloody brilliant!

Rango
Directed By Gore Verbinski
Cast: Johnny Depp, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin
Release Date: 18th March 2011
Plot: Animated film of a household pet going on an adventure to discover its true self.

Verdict?: Well, let's just hope he's doing this one for his kids ;).

The Rum Diary
Directed By Bruce Robinson
Cast: Johnny Depp, Amber Heard, Aaron Eckhart
Release Date: 2010
Plot: 1960. Divorced alcoholic and struggling novelist Paul Kemp decides to kick around San Juan until his ship comes in.

Verdict?: Well, if it's half as good as the book, I'm down. ;) Johnny Depp does well with this kind of material. =)

Other Upcoming Rumors...

The Three Stooges and Sin City 3.

Stay tuned for much more info on this brilliant actor!! =)

Happy viewing everyone!

Aw, Christian Bale Flips Out...

It's sad that in today's day and age, people in Hollywood just cannot get a break. ;) (Oh, is that sarcasm I'm sensing???) ;)

But, but seriously, if you have access to the internet, I know you have all witnessed Christian Bale's little outrage in his most recent set. I will admit, that upon first hearing it, I was shocked that someone would actually do that, but then he went on KROQ here in California and apologized, and so on.

Just last week I was reading an article about the incident, and they actually stated that this would hurt his career forever, just like it did with Russell Crowe's. Now, A, I was not aware Russell Crowe was having a problem...I mean he was in American Gangster and Body of Lies...to me it really doesn't look like that guy's hurting. And B, I highly doubt this will hurt Christian Bale's work either. I mean Christian Bale is a phenomenal actor, and to be honest, when I worked with him, I thought he was a really stand-out guy. Very nice, polite, mostly kept to himself. He didn't even get mad when he dropped his iPod in a puddle. Now granted though, this was a few years ago, so maybe fame has gotten to him? But in all honesty, I think the guy was just having a really bad day. No excuse to treat someone like that, I know. But come now, we all make mistakes. No one's perfect.

But what do you all think? Will this really hurt his further career?

This incident has sparked some rather hilarious spoofs though. Like this one from last Sunday's Family Guy... Enjoy! =)


Happy Viewing Everyone! =)