Some Blah

Alright, haven't watched any new films yet so my movie round-up will be a bit late this time around. On my side, I've just finished exams, and I am hell worried about ARCHORG. Can't keep my mind off it. On the plus side it has a way higher chance of passing than my Calculus debacle a term ago. the bad side? If I fail this I am totally delayed. As in totally. So yah, I'm scared. Still I think I did well in the finals so cross your fingers.

Anyway, in other news, there came out a story that a 9-year old kid named Alec Greven wrote a book titled "How to Talk to Girls" where he gives out tips on how to, that's right, properly woo a girl. Damn, the kid's a genius, I'd have thought that after centuries worth of evolution, guys have yet to discover the mystery that is women. Gosh this kid showed, me. Where was he three years ago?!



But still, pretty cool stuff for the kid, I must presume he's gonna be one for the ladies, for which I can only appeal to his better nature and please take me as his disciple @_@.

Also, on to movie news, this poster was just realeased. And judging from the trailer that came out some time ago, this has got to be one of the dumbest ideas for a film ever. How in the world did they actually think that a movie version of this anime would actually work!? And the least they could do was get a decent looking cast. Emma Rossum is always a swettie, but judging from thes posters.... WTF!? @_@ (thats short for What the Fettucinni by the way. This is a clean site).





Finally it was announced earlier this week that Hugh Jackman will be hosting the Oscars this year. Pretty cool actually. Did you know that he once hosted the Tony Award and actually won one? Yah me neither. This might be an interesting year for the Oscars. That's All for now.

P.S. At 40 years old and with a body like that, all he needs is take his shirt off during the ceremony and they're golden. In fact, team him up with 9-year old Alec Greven and we males could finally dominated the female half of the population! Bwahahahah..... probably...

Movie Roundup 12-9-08

MOVIE REVIEW OF THE WEEK

BOLT
Directed by Byron Howard and Chris Williams
Starring John Travolta and Miley Cyrus


When I first saw the trailer to this film I rolled my eyes. Don't get me wrong, I love Disney, their old cartoon movies were very important to my childhood (yes, I admit... I loved Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast). And while today I may not bother watching those animation classics anymore, they are still a symbol of how Disney was the undisputed king of animation.

Not anymore, Pixar has taken that throne with stunning 3d works that not only boast state of the art graphics, but stories that cater to kids, very mature and even philosophical in nature, while always remaining humorous in an adorable way. We got instant classics such as Toy Story Finding Nemo, Incredibles, Ratatouille and Wall-E. From Disney? We got Chicken Little and Meet the Robinsons, hardly oscar worthy.

Bolt seemed set on continuing Disney's downward spiral in giving us quality animated movies. It proved me wrong. And it did so by bringing in Pixar's John Lasseter (the genius behind Toy Story). While we may never know the full extent of John's input, word has it he made a huge overhaul or at least editing of the movie, adding in very Pixar-like trademarks to the story. It shows.

Bolt's storyline is by no means original, unlike all of Pixar's film. In fact it's very predictable, and that alone means it'll never compare to Pixar's best. But it's the execution in which the film shines. The movie is funny, as in funny even for adults as all Pixar movies are. Yet it always manages to show a deeper and more meanigful side, a more thought-proviking and eye-watering aspect that is also another Pixar trademark.

Bolt never sacrifices authenticity of characters for some cheap laughs and even with its humor it makes sure it's never too childish. The characters are both lovable and real. They display emotion well and bring the story along with force despite its predictability. The characters make the story work, and unlike the previous efforts of Disney they refrain from being just a wee bit annoying. Travolta's Bolt is great, Mittens is lovable in a sarcastic way and who wouldn't adore the fanboyish Rhino the Hamster. Even Miley Cyrus does a decent job as Penny.

The animation is an admirable effort. It's certainly no Pixar, and even Dreamwork's Kung Fu Panda was more impressive. But at the very least it isn't a slouchy effort by Disney *cough* Chicken Little *cough*.

Who knows what Bolt would have been without Pixar's help. But with input from John which ranges from subtle to the downright obvious (there's a Nemo joke in there somewhere), Bolt has elevated itself to Disney's best 3D effort so far. It could have cemented my loss of faith in Disney, and while at best it can only compare to the weakest of Pixar's efforts, it's still a sign of hope for what was once the greatest animation company on Earth. Now excuse me while I secretly watch reruns of The Lion King.

8 out of 10

PREVIEW OF THE WEEK

VALKYRIE

I so want this movie to rock. I have so much respect for Bryan Singer. The guy brought us the outstanding Usual Suspects and X-men 1 & 2. Then again he also brought us the lackluster Superman Returns (which was mercifully bearable at least). Now we have Valkyrie, which if done properly would poise the comeback of both the director and its somewhat fading star, Tom Cruise. The trailers have been very promising, and Singer really seems to know what he's doing. The movie follows the true story of a German officer who brings together all his Nazi little friends and well- out of the blue- decide to try and kill Hitler. I don't know, maybe they were bored or something. Still here's hoping. The nazi killing begins December in America. Here, of course, we get Anne Curtis falling in love with a Spaniard. Somehow that does not satisfy my craving.

Trailer-> Here

P.S. "Every problem in the world can be solved with the careful use of high explosives." That has got to be one of the cooles trailer quotes evaaah!

MOVIE POSTER OF THE WEEK

Slow week for posters, nothing that came out had been nice. So instead I'm showing youa month old picture of JOHNNY DEPP as the MAD HATTER in Tim Burton's next film, Alice in Wonderland. Some of you may have seen this already but I control this blog so go cry in your desolate corner of sorrow beside the toilet. I love Johnny Depp as an actor, and despite the less than stellar Pirates of the Carribean 2 and 3, I welcome the news of him making a fourth, simply because they're finally moving away from the storyline of the first trilogy (or was it storylines? I think I recall there being around 10 of them or so in the third movie alone)

In fact this line in a blog I found described this picture perfectly.

"If Willy Wonka and Captain Jack had a baby, and Edward Scissorhands and Sweeney Todd had a baby, and by chance, their babies met and had a baby...it would something look like this."

What more can you add?


LOSER OF THE WEEK

Catherine Hardwicke


The director has lots to be proud of. She was given the privelege of adapting the ridiculously popular novel TWILIGHT to film. The movie marks the highest grossing film ever directed by a woman (though that's mostly due to the film's popularity than her skill behind the camera. In fact i think it's DESPITE her skill behind the camera). So yah, she has lots to be proud of.

Well except now that is. You see, the very day Twilight hit theaters they announced that they were officially going to do New Moon. When this news broke out, hell occured. The whole world rejoiced (well the female half at least), all natural disasters stopped halfway, Global Warming ceased to exist, lost polar bears were found, World Peace was finally found and a snake finally found a way to mate with an elephant.

Fast forward a week or two and now they've just announced they were kicking off Catherine Hardwicke for a more competent director (meaning someone who actually knows how to do action scenes Oh yeah!). What's worse for her is that unlike the time when Marvel thought of kicking out Jon Farveau out of Iron Man (in which case fanboys around the world went on hunger strike until the producers stopped going crazy), the fangirls in turn seem to have no problem with the loss of the director. In fact, some of them want her out. So much for girl power eh?

CS4! YAH!!!! and some sick sick cartoon...

Hello Everyone! Been playing around with CS4 recently and I have got to say it is absolutely awesome. The Content Self Awareness feature is magnificent. I cannot, for the world of me understand how they manage to do that. Then again I cannot for the world of me understand how worms procreate, so nature and me are even.

Here are some videos detailing some of the cool new features of Adobe Photoshop CS4. Even the new interface is jaw-dropping. It's clean, smooth and very organized.





Anyway, I have to go to a party later on, might drop by Promenade's Fully Booked to get The Beetle and the Bard. Slow day for news. Will update on some stuff soon.

BTW Jean showed me this cartoon. It's wicked sick, my eyes bled out and did the cha-cha on my tablet. true story. In fact it's so sick, I feel guilty having seen it. Still, it's hilarious so bring your kids, they don't wanna miss this!

Latest News and Booze (Well not really, but it rhymes!)

Was passing by National Book store and I saw this. Almost shelled Five hundred pesos just to bring it home that day.
I think it's pretty damn awesome that they're giving proceeds to charity. I'm very curious though to how Rowling would fare in non-Potter books. I came out with this instead
Awesome cover if I must say. In the world of movies I just heard that MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE singer Gerard Way is doing the finale song for The Watchmen. The band is a hit or miss for me, but still, its a great choice, very fitting. The song is called Desolation Row. Now THAT's a title!!
I cannot friggin wait for this movie!!! Speaking of which, I heard that the Dark Knight is going to be re-released in theaters in the US. As of now it's 77 million short of Titanic's $600 m record. Now our fave bats actually stands a chance of getting toe-to-toe with Leo and the gang (punch that snotty lover's teeth out!). Also, it's 4 million short of being the 4th movie to reach a billion dollars worldwide. That's practically guaranteed by now.
And then there's the oscars, which are coming up. I'm pretty hopeful that Heath gets what he deserves with the oscar nod. But I am also hopeful, but doubtful, of a best picture nod.

A grassroot campaign by nerds came up and here it is. Pretty cool. It's called Dark Campaign.

Finally here's some final images on the campaign. The first is an awesome spoof of the Obama poster called The Audacity of Joke. The second is just some awesome poster they made to get Dark Knight some props for the oscars. Keep your fingers crossed!

Movie Roundup 12-3-08

Sorry about the late post, but I've had a pretty busy week with my INROSE project and ARCHORG departmental exam. Anyway, here's this week's post, featuring none other than the estrogen-induced Twilight.

MOVIE REVIEW OF THE WEEK

Twilight
Directed by Catherine Hardwicke
Starring Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson

Let me tell you my dirty little secret about the book. I am, despite all of my better senses, completely infatuated with the book. In terms of structure, pacing and even characters, it was highly uneven. In fact, a literary major would have spat on it and did all sorts of nasty things with the pages (toilet humor comes to mind). But the secret to the book's success did not lie in its literary quality, but in its undeniable power to infatuate and addict you in its tale of love. The mere words of Meyer, the author, made the romantic scenes so faint-inducing (at least to the eyes of a modern day teenager) that its appeal was undeniable despite all of its flaws. I do not love the book because it was a great book, instead i do so despite it being a pretty mediocre one. And that's the secret behind the book.

The movie adaptation lacks that very aspect. All the scenes were rushed, poorly handled and awkwardly shot. There were instances were I felt hints of the macabre love fest so temptingly hinted by the book, and at times I felt that the movie was about to finally find its stride. But every single time it did so followed it by completely losing its momentum. It tries very hard to capture the appeal of the book, so much so to a fault that it focuses on faithfully adapting every scene that it failed to leave room to its own creative inputs. A movie and a book are two completely different things. Following word-per-word does not make a good adaptation, as this movie clearly shows.

Finally the characters. Robert as Edward, for example, has been a bit of a mixed reaction. He's had quite a huge fanbase by now yet some are criticizing the pick. Well for me, he has the potential. There is something actually very appealing about him that may resonate to an Edwaresque vibe. You see, the key to the book as is to the film has to be the two lead cast. And indeed the two actually show potential in terms of looks. But their acting is mediocre at best, so much so that much of the sizzle is lost in the transition.

Long time fans of the books may be disappointed but inevitably will be clammoring for more in the end. I, for one, think that the movie had outlived way past its bearable point half way through the first film. So much for immortality.

6 out of 10

PREVIEW OF THE WEEK

Star Trek

I'm no Trekkie. I could never understand much of the appeal of the series, but then again I never watched them either except for the last couple of horrid Next Generation films. So conisder me basically a blank slate. So with this new trailer out, color me slightly impressed. I've liked JJ Abram's works so far and this trailer seems bursting with Trekkie goodness and shows it in an awesome cool new light that I've never seen before on any Trek installment. So yes, I am hopeful.

Trailer-> HERE

POSTER OF THE WEEK
There was a motion poster that came out recently and it featured a psoter that actually moved and played music. Though I doubt they'd ever use it outside the web, it's still pretty cool. The final screenshot of it, however is displayed above and even on its own static self it's still pretty kick-ass. So yah, pretty nifty stuff. You can find the full motion poster in all its cool glory here. Courtesy of Aintitcool

Movie Roundup 11-23-08

I've decided that making single posts for all movie reviews, previews and such is too much of a hassle these days. So i've decided on quick weekly roundups that have several small aspects. Movie of the Week where I make a quick review of a film. Movie Preview of the Week, where I preview a movie to watch out for and its trailer (HD and youtube link). We'll then have poster of the week where I show the best looking poster released this week. Finally we have some occasional big stuff for the end of the months like Movie of the Year, Star of the Year etc... So let's get started shall we?

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

Quantum of Solace

Directed by Marc Forster

Starring Daniel Craig

Quantum of Solace is disappointing, considering Casi

no Royale was a brilliant piece that reinvented the series as a serious film where heart-stopping action was merely means to a plot and not the other way around. It also happened to feature the arguably one of the best bonds ever cast since Connery. 

Quantum is not so bad as the awful last films of Brosnan, in 

fact it is quite good. It lies in one of the upper batch of Bond films and is in fact very well made. The action is superb, but it does go a bit overboard by putting confusing Bourne-like scene after another. It borrows heavily from Bourne which is fine if I wanted a Bourne action film. I don't, however, prefer it for my Bond films and still like the cleaner actio

n sequences of Casino Royale.

While the films is not nearly as good as its predecessor, Craig is st

ill just as excellent as Bond, if only he had been given more material this time around. Still, it drowns Bond in a slew of emotional self-finding, with revenge in mind Craig is by far the most ruthless Bond yet. 

This movie is good, and while indeed disappointing, it still makes for an excellent film experience. Casino Royale was a huge leap in the right direction for the franchise, think of Quantum as a followup jog in the same direction.

8/10

PREVIEW OF THE WEEK

Wrestler

This trailer made me tear up. Now a movie has to have a lot in it to make me tear up, much less cry. This single trailer did what few movies could do. It is brilliant and Mickey Rourke seems poised to make the performance of his career. Watch the trailer because it is definitely going to be one of the highlights of the year.

 

HD-> CLICK HERE

YouTube-> CLICK HERE

POSTER OF THE WEEK 

Benjamin Button is about a man born old and grows younger as he ages. Some my find the backward poster gimmicky, but I find it kind of smart. Plus Pitt's eyes just keep staring at you like that, it's unnerving in a way. Good poster, not great though. Still, nice idea.

OBAMA

Haven't written anything in quite a while, and as since I'm in the lab at this moment, it's as good a time as any to write a little tidbit.
And if there's anything I'd like to make a quick note about, it's about Obama.
In case you don't know, I've been following the exploits of the man in his exploits for the presidency ever since the start of the year, when he went toe-to-toe with the Clintons. And I have been mesmerized by him ever since I first heard him speak.

So just in case you haven't heard, the man is now President-Elect Obama, winning a landslide victory over Senator John McCain. Now I can go on about how John McCain lost (erratic behavior, dirty tactics, Sarah Palin) but the fact of the matter is John is a pretty good candidate. In fact, if it had been John Kerry's or some other less formidable campaign, he could have very well won. But it wasn't he who lost the battle, it was Obama who won it.

The man for one thing is a man of substance, and someone who can weave it into a speech that inspires. His high-flying rhetoric was once his greatest strength until McCain likened it to being a celebrity. Nonetheless it was his initial speeches that inspired more than anything else and he got back into it in the latter days, but this time with more meat on the bones.

He also happens to be so cool and disciplined, and this reflects in his entire campaign. Every gaffe or mistake was handled decisively, corrected and then put aside. The main focus of the campaign always revolved around Change and Hope, and never did they strayed from that.

But the most inspiring of all is his story and what he did to achieve this. This is not a man who became a president despite being black, but regardless. That is because he is a man filled with intelligence, charisma and the inherent desire to do what is right. I've come to realize this whenever he has tried his best to uphold a clean campaign. And sure, no campaign is ever squeaky clean, but he never struck back below the belt.

Even his choice for VP, Joe Biden, shows that he cares more about doing it right in the White House than getting enough popularity to get there. You have to realize that Joe was almost invisible compared to Palin but the fact of the matter his he is more than qualified and Obama has consistently done this throughout his campaign (and even after as is evident in Chief of Staff pick Rahm Emmanuel).

But the most striking thing also happens to be the most touching. Seeing the Obamas walk up on stage, a family very different from previous first families. But there they were, the epitome of goodness, of what people strive for. Here was a man who came out of nowhere, with a skin, a name and cultural roots very different from everyone else. But there he was. The scenes of people crying, shouting out how the never thought they'd ever see this day in their lifetime: it all amounted to one thing. This was Change in its utmost being, this was hope for the future and for every person who dared think that they could not achieve their dreams simply because they were born in the wrong race, culture or social class.

This is a story for the ages, not just because of a black man becoming president, but because of how he did it. It makes me glad that I was alive to see this, to see history in the making, and it fills me with hope. It makes me wish that I could have voted, because as you see I'm not even American. But that's not to say I hate my country, I just wish we could do so here too. I wish we could have the sense of unity and hope that America just showed the world, and the pure desire to see our country rise. America love their country, most of us have abandoned ours. But then again if Americans can unite under the banner of a black man to change the world for the better, then we should be able to unite under the banner of any man with an honest desire for change and unity. We don't need another people power, we just need true leadership to get us out.
I do not hope for our Obama, because he is one-of-a-kind. But after watching him, I do hope for our country.

My Top 10 Most Anticipated Fall Movies

Summer is over. With it leaves one of the most explosive and memorable summer in movie history. No I'm serious. Quite a lot of my previous choices in my Top 10 Summer Movies list did not disappoint and some of them far exceeded expectations. With a beginning like Iron Man and a climax like The Dark Knight, it seems pretty impossible for Hollywood to follow it up with the rest of the year.
Add the fact that Harry Potter has now been delayed all the way to next year, and this fall seems less poised in bringing in the big bucks more than ever. Still, I do have a list of movies I just can't wait for this Fall, and while most of them can't ever compete financially, these are the kinds that make Oscar history. Well, except maybe my number one choice, which I'm sure maybe just as biased and uneven as my choice in my Summer Movie list. But then again, Dark Knight is now the second highest grossing movie of all time.

P.S. I INCLUDED TRAILER LINKS FOR THOSE THAT HAVE EM!

10.) THE ROAD



Based on the post-apocalyptic themed novel by Cormac McCarthy (not to mention Pulitzer-prize winning), this movie still pretty much keeps to itself. There's no big bang of hype, no slew of intriguing posters, no red-hot trailers being leaked. Still, I guess it comes to show that with great material comes great confidence. Confidence meaning I'm pretty confident that this film will be oh-so-good. Starring the always magnificent Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn from LOTR), the story follows a father trying to guide his son through, well, a road in a world filled with anarchy, hate and bloodlust. This story features cannibalism for goodness sake, and that's actually one of the cleaner parts. This is a blood-soaked, cynical and depressing take on the world, and anyone with a weak stomach or disgust for all things dark and depressing should keep away. This movie promises to be scary, heart-breaking and will make you leave the theater feeling like someone just bashed you brains in. If you feel, however, that you can take it, then by all means give it a shot.

9.) DEFIANCE


To be honest, this list was poised to feature four World War II films, but The Miracle of St. Anna gets bumped off for Lee's atrocious attitude (I'm sure the movie's great, but I just can't bring myself to eagerly anticipate a movie from such a hypocritical bastard). That said, Defiance seems like a good, solid choice for another World War II epic. The story is based on real events about a Jewish man who gathers all his fellow Jews and wages war against the Germans in test of survival and unity. The fact alone that it's all about the Jews should get this movie up there in some pretty powerful hands. Add the fact that we have here Daniel Craig in a role that if done correctly, could get him into the "brilliant actor" category. He was amazingly brutal and vulnerable as this age's new James Bond. I can't wait to see how he handles himself in a dramatic and heavy role such as this one. Who knows, maybe an Oscar could be just around the corner?

TRAILER CLICK HERE

8.) THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON



David Fincher is one of the modern day greats. No, really, with a resume boasting of Seven, Fight Club, Zodiac and Panic Room, this man is one of the most consistenly brilliant diretors out there. Still, I can't help but scratch my head over this choice. I mean, to be honest this seems more like the kind of film Tim Burton would make. Still, the mere fact alone that he is finally reuniting with Brad Pitt makes me all giddy inside me. Add in the fact that the plot is all kinds of weird and interesting. The movie follows the strange case of a man named Benjamin Button who was born as an old man. And as he grew up, he grew younger, and younger and younger even as everyone else grew older. While not necessarily the kind that would please the Award guys, this movie just screams, "Come watch me!!!" Which I will, of course. Besides, Brad Pitt seems to have been doing increasingly brilliant work ever since getting hitched with Angelina. That girl is a miracle worker, and I'm not just talking about those adopted kids.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

7.) AUSTRALIA


I've always wondered what in the world happened to Baz Luhrman. The man gave us a twisted and modern take on Romeo and Juliet, which was both very entertaining and very... unusual. But the man's biggest feat was single-handedley reviving the Musical genre with Moulin Rouge (Sorry, Chicago. Baz did it first). And while the movie was void of original songs or Oscar Awards, it did nontheless feature a lot of the fun, quirky weirdness that Baz seemed to inject into his movies. But after that brilliant hit, the man just disappeared. Fast forward about a decade and now we have him back with Kidman in Australia, and joining him is the always charming Hugh Jackman. I'm still skeptical of whether Luhrman's still got it after all these years if inactivity. Still, I'm very curious how this plays out since the trailer actually shows nothing of Baz's usual pastel style. Has he gone soft? Or has he simple embraced a more dramatic and poignant side of himself? Only time will tell. Oh, this is also my second WWII film on this list.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

6.) THE DUCHESS


Keira Knightley stars in this film, which is yet again ANOTHER period piece from her. I mean, she did the Pirates of The Caribbean trilogy, King Arthur, Pride and Prejudice, Silk and Atonement. And her next film is another take on the Shakespearan classic King Lear! Well I'm not complaining, mostly because she just does it so well. But if she isn't careful she may be stuck doing this kinds of films all her life, not that I doubt she'd mind. This movie is based on the true story of a Duchess who defied the calls of soicety on her time demanding that she be nothing more than a baby-making machine for her cheating husband all her life. She then goes off and does dramatic things which calls for another Hollywood period piece. The trailer looks classy, actually, and I have to say I'm actually more interested in this than I was of Atonement, which was amazing but also underwhelming at the same time (how it managed to do those two is beyond me). By the way, kudos to Keira Knightley for absolutely refusing the suggestion of the movie's head honchos that they enlarge her breasts in the poster. A.) Her breasts look fine. They are small, but not ugly, and as she says, women should be proud of their bodies. And B.) This is a friggin Oscar movie, who the heck thinks that breast enlargement calls for good marketing for these kinds of movie. You go, girl!

TRAILER CLICK HERE

5.) THE SOLOIST



I'm actually very surprised that this movie placed so high on my list. I'm surprised because save for a few photo stills, there's virtually nothing coming out about this film aside from the plot. It follows a journalists efforts to understand the life of a schizophrenic and homeless musician. And yet again, this is our third film in the list that is based on a true story. Add the fact that we have here Joe Wright (Atonement) as director and Oscar winner Jamie Foxx as the musician. But there's only one man that really makes me want to see this film and that's Hollywood's hottest star right now, Robert Downey Jr. After a megahit comeback with Iron Man, the man is virtually everywhere and finally getting the attention he deserves. And with a piece like this, I'm estatic to see if the man can finally pull off a box office hit with Iron Man AND an oscar nod for this one, the director is certainly fitting enough. Yes, Robert Downey has that much star power right now.

4.) APPALOOSA


Now this one came out of nowhere. Not until recently, I had not even heard of this movie. Yet here we are with Viggo Mortensen's second movie in this list. With names like Ed Harris, Jeremy Irons and Renne Zelwegger, this blood-thirsty and drama heavy Western comes as this year's 3:10 to Yuma, only with much much heavier themes. The trailer alone looks amazing and I can't wait to see this, mostly because while Westerns have followed the way of the Musicals and have recently made a much desired comeback, they have yet to garner the same kind of power. I mean, there have been a few excellent Westerns to come out now, but the fact is that they are still pretty few, and hopefully this movie will finally kick the gear into overdrive. The talent is certainly there, and the script just screams Western Classic. Let's see if star/director Ed Harris can pull this one off eh?

TRAILER CLICK HERE

3.) VALKYRIE


This movie must have some kind of curse. Plagued with a slew of delays, reshoots and controversy, not to mention the publiscized splitting of company United Artist, this movie seemed to be on the edge of being made into scrap metal at every turn. Indeed, there was even a time when they had moved it into the danegerously bland February screening before thankfully bringing it back to December. And I really don't know why. Here we have Tom Cruise in a race to revive his falling career and based on the trailer alone he just might. But we also have here Bryan Singer, the man behind X-Men 1 and 2, Superman Returns and the classic Usual Supects (plus he also gave us the wonderful show House). Now he finally reunites with his Usual Suspect writer in what is not only the 3rd WWII film on this list but also the 3rd movie based on true events. This time it's about a high-ranking German officer who orchestrated the legendary failed assasination attempt on Adolf Hitler. The trailer looks loads good and the few who have seen the film are heaping praises on it. How it could land into so much trouble is beyond me.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

2.) BURN AFTER READING
After their highly successful No Country for Old Men finally won these guys their first Oscar, the Coen Brothers follow up their scary drama with a no-nonsense comedy. Say what? Well, I'm just as surprised about it as you are. But wait, despite the fact that this movie in no way boasts the same award-generating power of NCfOM, it will no doubt be much more enjoyable (not to mention understandable) to watch. The trailer alone makes me want to scream and holler out with joy and anticipation. The cast itself is remarkable, with Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Tilda Swinton and John Malkovich in the mix. The story follows your everyman getting his hands on a secret CIA cd, and I can't beleive how brilliantly refreshing this movie seems to be. Sure it may not have a psycopathic Angon, but it's doing loads to pique my interest.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

1.) QUANTUM OF SOLACE



I'll admit righ here and now that it's the inner fanboy in me that put James Bond above all those heavy dramas. But, I just can't beleive how incredibly psyched I am about the new direction the franchise is taking. No offense to Pierce Brosnan but his last few Bond films were quickly detriorating in quality. Que Daniel Craig in a role that changed his status forever. Casino Royale was remake via the style of Batman Begins which take our hero back to his roots. And what we get is a new, refreshing take with a no-nonesens type Bond who doesn't care whether his martinit is shaken or stirred. There's no fancy gadgets, just pure old hard core action. And Bond is brought out as a vulnerable man, broken by tragedy that turns him to cold-blooded killing machine. While it's only a matter of time before fans demand for the gadgets back, I am loving this new take. Now with the strange but exciting choice of Marc Forster (Finding Neverland) as the director, and the Second Unit Director of Bourne Ultimatum (which features Bond rival Jason Bourne), this movie is shaping up to be the movie event of the fall. Plus the new trailer is all sorts of cool. Let's hope that this British superspy rise above expectations.

TRAILER CLICK HERE


THE BEST OF THE REST

Let's face it, most of you got bored with many of my picks in the Top 10. Heck I was bored myself, so I decided to add in some extra effort by showing you some other movies to watch out for, what's good about them and what's bad. And yes, High School Musical 3 and Twilight is on this list.

HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3: SENIOR YEAR


THE GOOD:
To be honest, High School Muscial wasn't nearly as bad as I claimed it to be. Burning up a musical passion in the hearts of all tweens everywhere, this might actually be pretty fun. Who knows, it might translate better in the big screen.

THE BAD:
While the first was charming, the second was highly overrated. Plus the actors are getting less endearing with every installment (a topless Hudgens and Tisdale goes for a nose job).

TRAILER CLICK HERE

EAGLE EYE


THE GOOD:
Shia is Hollywood's new golden boy. Even Stevens guy? Really? Yah I'm surprised myself, but this movie does give off a cool thriller feel to it.

THE BAD:
The movie is a bit too Matrix-wannabe for my liking.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

IGOR


THE GOOD:
It actually looks very interesting. The animation seems very charming and Igor is very adorable. I'm as enthusiastic about this as I am with Disney's bolt.

THE BAD:
Pixar's raised the bar on every aspect when it comes to 3-D animation. Every other film seems to pale in comparisson, even the lovable Kung Fu Panda.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

BOLT



THE GOOD:
While hardly original, the movie does seem much cuter and fun than any of Disney's recent outings without Pixar.

THE BAD:
I'm still waiting for Disney to up their notch. The once king of animation is now second fiddle to Pixar and I doubt this movie does anything to change that.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

THE SPIRIT


THE GOOD:
Sin City was a blast, and who better to do a Sin City style comic movie than Sin City creator Frank Miller (he also created the 300 comics).

THE BAD:
As good a writer that guy is, he makes a lousy director. Even the trailer seems a far cry from Rodriguez's amazing Sin City adaptation. Plus, isn't The Spirit supposed to be lighthearted? It looks like a porno for God's sake!

TRAILER CLICK HERE

NICK AND NOAH'S INFINITE PLAYLIST


THE GOOD:
It's a great movie for all fans of romance and music. With crap like My Best Friend's Girl coming out, this seems like the only Romance flick that has potential

THE BAD:
Will it, however, work?

TRAILER CLICK HERE

W.



THE GOOD:
Set to release right before the November Elections, it seems to promise a very interesting look into the life of George W. Bush.

THE BAD:
Two words. Oliver Stone. The guys a genius when great but awful when bad (Alexander anyone?)

TRAILER CLICK HERE

ROCKNROLLA



THE GOOD:
Guy Ritchie makes another bloody British romp with King Lenoidas himself! Where do I sign up?

THE BAD:
British bloodbaths and humor are not exactly up to everyone's taste.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

BODY OF LIES


THE GOOD:
Ridley Scott upps the ante with a now brilliant Di Caprio and his go to man, Russel Crowe.

THE BAD:
To be honest, I'm still not getting this political thriller, at least that or it's just not upto par.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

YES MAN


THE GOOD:
I am really hoping Jim Carrey can be amazing again. And the trailer for this shows that he just might be truly back for good. Liar, Liar 2 anyone?

THE BAD:
This falls flat, so does Jimmy's career.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL



THE GOOD:
The remake of the 1951 classic seems at least intruiging. You might even say it seems a tad bit cool.

THE BAD:
Keanu Reeves still can't act.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

MAX PAYNE



THE GOOD:
The track record of Game to Movie adaptations have been lousy lately. But this movie might just change that. Both the style and the action seems up to par and even unique, and at the very least it gives me the feeling that actualy thought was put into making this.

THE BAD:
There has yet to be made a good video-game movie. Max Payne may be no different.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

PUNISHER WARZONE


THE GOOD:
Marvel heroes are hot right now. Could this movie benefeit from that?

THE BAD:
With a change of director and actor, this movie just screams lousy money-making garbage. But who knows?

TRAILER CLICK HERE

MADAGASCAR: ESCAPE 2 AFRICA


THE GOOD:
I like to move it move. I like to move it move it.

THE BAD:
Meh, funny, but where's that Kung Fu Panda sequel? Now that I wanna see.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

RIGHTEOUS KILL


THE GOOD:
Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in the same movie. Do you need any other reason?

THE BAD:
The two are way past their prime. And even the plot doesn't seem anything special.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS AND ALIENATE PEOPLE


THE GOOD:
Gotta love me some Simon Pegg. This may be one of the funnier films of the next couple of months. Plus Megan Fox is hot. Yes I'm that immature.

THE BAD:
Still a very viable hit-and-miss film. I'd rather put trust into a movie Pegg wrote himself.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

BLINDNESS


THE GOOD:
The plot that everyone in the world suddenly went blind could come up with very scary situations and global panic. This film could surprise everyone.

THE BAD:
Still, who really wants to watch a movie about a couple of blind guys walking about?

TRAILER CLICK HERE

CITY OF EMBER


THE GOOD:
It has the potential to be this year's Spiderwick Chronicles!

THE BAD:
Then again it could also be another god awful Eragon.

TRAILER CLICK HERE

TWILIGHT


THE GOOD:
Based on a novel too popular for its own good, this is the movie all teenage girls will demand their boyfriend take them to. And for those single like me, well boo-hoo.

THE BAD:
The book was good. The movie, however, can be a totally different case. It even seems that way.

TRAILER CLICK HERE