The Latest in ShowBiz News

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

01.27.2009 | By Alex Florez |

Rating: 3.5

Rated: PG-13 for mature thematic material involving sexuality, and smoking.
Release Date: 2008-08-15
Starring: Woody Allen
Director(s):
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Film Genre:
Country:USA, Spain
Official Website: http://vickycristina-movie.com/

Not so long ago, New York based director (at that time, anyway) Woody Allen once confessed to us that the reason there are never any prominent hispanic characters in any of his films is because he sticks to what he knows.Â Meaning of course, old Jewish families, upper class Manhattanites and chaotic love affairs that usually flirt with death.Â So what does Allen now know about Catalonia and Spanish culture in general that prompts him to set his latest film on the mediterranean coast? Other than that they will finance his films?

To answer my own question, I think the appeal for Allen has been the idea that such sexual promiscuity and emotional confusion also exists outside the realm of New York and in practically every single corner of the globe.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona, his first and most likely last film to be set in Spain, pits Scarlett Johansson (Cristina) and Rebecca Hall (Vicky) as two American friends who decide to spend their summer in Barcelona.Â Cristina, more of a wandering spirit, is always on the lookout for adventure, while Vicky on the other hand, is much more sensible and committed to her fiance back home.

But their radically different attitudes towards love are tested when they meet Spanish painter Juan Antonio (Javier Bardem) and his volatile ex-wife Maria Elena (PenÃ©lope Cruz).

A case can be made that Allen has made this same film 35 times over (excluding the â€˜early funny onesâ€™). As usual, youâ€™ll find plenty of sarcasm, infidelity and yes, a few rounds fired from a gun.Â But the plot only sizzles when Penelope Cruz joins the cast.Â Her turbulent behavior is wildly reminiscent of Judy Davisâ€™ brilliant performance in Allenâ€™s Deconstructing Harry (1997).Â

Unfortunately, in this film, Cruz is the catalyst for an event that never arrives. The sense that something absurd, tragic and utterly hilarious would take place in the end, the way it did in Crimes and Misdemeanors (1989) for instance, kept building throughout the film. Instead, it moves right along, one lustful scene after another, wondering what sort of statement it wants to make about â€˜loveâ€™ that it hasnâ€™t already.

Â Then thereâ€™s the mysterious voice over which threads the film together. Totally unnecessary given that it doesnâ€™t really explain anything nor does it provide any insight from an omniscient point of view.

The movieâ€™s funniest moments, without question, rely on the chemistry between Bardem and Cruz, giving way to the little momentum the film manages at times – making Johansson and Hall seem out of touch with the whole â€˜Woody Allen genreâ€™.

Hispanics however, will marvel at how well Allenâ€™s neurotic language translates in Spanish. While most of the film is spoken in English, the few scenes where Bardem and Cruz exchange a few words in, are hysterical.Â More evidence that these days, the international community seems to get Woody more than we do.

2009/01/27 at 12:00am

RocknRolla

01.27.2009 | By Jack Rico |

Rating: 3.0

Rated: R for pervasive language, violence, drug use and brief sexuality.
Release Date: 2008-10-31
Starring: Guy Ritchie
Director(s):
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Country:England
Official Website:

2009/01/27 at 12:00am

Pride and Glory

01.27.2009 | By Jack Rico |

Rating: 3.0

Rated: R for strong violence, pervasive language and brief drug content.
Release Date: 2008-10-24
Starring: Joe Carnahan, Gavin O’Connor
Director(s):
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Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.prideandglorymovie.com/

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‘Pride and Glory’ is one of the better cop films to come out in a long time. It’s still not as good as the films from the 70’s, but it can sure pack a punch in the drama and acting department. The choice of using the streets of Washington Heights and a large urban latino cast, gave the film its grit and authenticity. The film even gave us a return to Spanish speak for Ed Norton since his early work in ‘Keep the Faith’.

This story is centered around a family of New York City Police officers. The family’s moral codes are tested when Ray Tierney (Edward Norton), investigates a case that reveals an incendiary police corruption scandal involving his own brother-in-law (Colin Farrell). For Ray, the truth is revelatory, a Pandora’s Box that threatens to upend not only the Tierney legacy but the entire NYPD.

The last two good cop films I saw were ‘Narc’ with Ray Liotta and ‘Gone Baby Gone’ starring Casey Affleck, Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman. Yes, I’m not mentioning ‘The Departed’ since it wasn’t that good and you know it. Since then, every film of that nature has been monotonous, recycled and just plane ol’ stale. They just don’t make them like they used to back in the 70’s. Movies such as Bullit, Serpico, The French Connection, have stood the test of time and set the measuring bar way too high for any to reach, just ask Pacino who has not been able to replicate his own successes.

Nevertheless, Pride and Glory is darn good, I wouldn’t call it great just because I can’t see Ed Norton being a bad ass cop. As great an actor as he is, there are just somethings I can’t see him in and this is one of them. Jon Voight does his typical solid work and Farrell does his best job in years.

The performances of the Latino cast in the film composed of John Ortiz, Manny Perez, Ramon Rodriguez, Rick Gonzalez and Max Hernández were credible and sound. I particularly like the work of John Ortiz who keeps on getting better with time.

‘Pride and Glory’ is worth your time and money at the movies this weekend. It’ll remind you of a time when cop movies were something to be excited about. Let’s hope Hollywood keeps them coming.

2009/01/27 at 12:00am

The Lucky Ones

01.27.2009 | By Jack Rico |

Rating: 3.5

Rated: R for language and some sexual content.
Release Date: 2008-09-26
Starring: Neil Burger, Dirk Wittenborn
Director(s):
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Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.theluckyonesmovie.com/

I canâ€™t believe Iâ€™m going to say this, and probably never will again, but this is one of those rare times that I found a soldier film to be â€˜delightfully lovableâ€™. Yes, I said it. It is due in part to an endearing story concocted by director/writer Neil Burger and a great group of actors who turned on the charm.

In â€˜The Lucky Onesâ€™, three wounded soldiers come back from the war cherishing to return to a life of normalcy, or at least what is left of it. With flight delays threatening to hinder their plans, they rent a car to St. Louis where they hope the cityâ€™s airport will have a batch of planes ready to depart to Las Vegas. The road trip back home is where the true journey begins for these three servicemen.

Tim Robbins is a wonderful every-man’s actor. He manages to capture the reality of daily living in all his characters. Michael PeÃ±a continues to deliver solid performances demonstrating a range of emotion in his roles, even if they are confined in lawmen and soldier characters. I mustnâ€™t dismiss though, the unexpectedly comical, yet solemn performance of Rachel McAdams, who in my mind, was the star of the film. I would dare say, this is an Oscar nominated performance. She is not known for her comic timing, nor delivering amusing lines with deadpan expressions, but McAdams not only proved she is actually funny, she showed she can carry and steal a movie from under the nose of a proven veteran actor such as Robbins.

If you are feeling lucky and in the mood for a small, independent, but very good film in the tradition of Little Miss Sunshine, do yourself a favor and see â€˜The Lucky Onesâ€™.

By Mack Chico

2009/01/27 at 12:00am

Lakeview Terrace

01.27.2009 | By Mack Chico |

Rating: 2.5

Rated: PG-13 for intense thematic material, violence, sexuality, language and some drug references.
Release Date: 2008-09-19
Starring: David Loughery, Howard Korder
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/lakeviewterrace/

Lakeview Terrace is the latest thriller from Neil LaBute. LaBute began his filmmaking career with the scathing In the Company of Men, but his previous effort was the deservedly reviled remake of The Wicker Man. While Lakeview Terrace isn’t as horrendous as The Wicker Man, it’s nowhere close to the level LaBute attained with his debut. The first two-thirds of Lakeview Terrace offer a little more subtlety and complexity than the seemingly straightforward premise would afford, but the climax is loud, dumb, generic, and over-the-top. Those hoping for something more interesting will be disappointed by the level to which the filmmaker stoops to get an unearned visceral rush. In pandering to Hollywood standards about how stories like this should unfold, LaBute has lost his edge.

The story goes like this: a young couple (Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington) has just moved into their California dream home when they become the target of their next-door neighbor, who disapproves of their interracial relationship. A stern, single father, this tightly wound LAPD officer (Samuel L. Jackson) has appointed himself the watchdog of the neighborhood. His nightly foot patrols and overly watchful eyes bring comfort to some, but he becomes increasingly harassing to the newlyweds. These persistent intrusions into their lives ultimately turn tragic when the couple decides to fight back.

The film’s last fifteen minutes are so over-the-top that they’re almost impossible to take seriously and Abel’s motivation during a critical sequence near the conclusion is difficult to fathom. It’s the kind of thing that results from a screenwriter not knowing how to end a movie. Considering that the screenwriter in question is David Loughery, the man who was in part responsible for Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising. Meanwhile, Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington are okay as the couple in the crossfire but, in comparison to Jackson, they’re boring. That’s the problem with sharing the screen with a man who’s a force of nature.

There are times when Lakeview Terrace seems to be striving for something more interesting than the basic “cop from hell” movie, but any pretensions it may have of escaping this orbit come crashing down as the script veers more and more into generic territory. Going in, you might think you know how it’s going to end, and you’d probably be right. If LaBute sews some doubts along the way, it’s a testament to the way the first half of the film is constructed. It’s too bad the movie’s moderately intriguing qualities are buried under the final half-hour’s avalanche of predictability.

2009/01/27 at 12:00am

If you read Spanish, take a look at our exclusive review of the film. Beware of the spoilers!

‘Watchmen’ Spanish posters released!

01.27.2009 | By Jack Rico |

After going one on one with 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros. is going out to conquer the Hispanic market with its legally owned and distributed film ‘Watchmen’!

We just received these 6 Spanish posters that are sure to be reaching Spain, Mexico and Argentina.

It only makes sense for them to go after an international community since they see this movie crossing over into all languages and cultures.

Check them out and leave us some comments of what you think of the posters.

Jennifer Lopez to star in ‘In the Heights’?

2009/01/27 at 12:00am

Jennifer Lopez to star in ‘In the Heights’?

01.27.2009 | By Jack Rico |

According to Page Six today, Lopez met with producer Meryl Poster, who as we understand, will be producing the film version of ‘In the Heights’, a Latino musical about the joys, heartbreaks and bonds of a Latino community struggling to redefine home.

The question is can her ‘talents’ handle Broadway? The truth is her singing voice is frail, her speaking voice is soft and she’s a mediocre actress at best, so how do you explain her success? Jennifer Lopez is an extremely charming woman on camera, with reporters and fans alike. The phenomenon is called compensation. People who are average at a specific task have to work harder at achieving their dreams and goals through other means. She does this amazingly well!

An artist in order to be successful needs to understand and be aware of their strengths and limitations. Lopez, who has made great decisions throughout her career, has to recognize her shortcomings, and I’m assuming she realizes that the demands of being on Broadway is too much for her voice day in and day out. A limited run on 2008’s Best Musical ‘In the Heights’ wouldn’t be appalling, but she’ll fully expose her artistic weaknesses if she does any time longer than a month.

Here’s the Page Six article:

“COULD Jennifer Lopez be trying to restart her acting career by hitting Broadway? Insiders say Lopez is interested in starring in “In the Heights,” the musical about Washington Heights. She went to the show twice last week and accompanied the producer, Meryl Poster, to dinner Friday evening at Nobu 57, where they discussed roles. Another insider said Lopez might be more interested in a movie version, as Broadway shows are exhausting and time consuming, and Poster also produced the screen version of “Chicago.” A rep for Lopez said, “She loves the play but is not Broadway bound.”

A cinematic hip-hop Latino musical for Lopez would be a sage choice, but I’m not sure at her age (39 at the time of this article), she can play any of the young leads.

We’ll have to see what exchange of ideas were discussed at this dinner meeting. Nevertheless, this charming woman still has a lot to offer the entertainment world and all will patiently await her next move.

Complete list of winners of the 15th annual SAG Awards

By Mack Chico

2009/01/26 at 12:00am

Complete list of winners of the 15th annual SAG Awards

01.26.2009 | By Mack Chico |

“Slumdog Millionaire” won best ensemble cast at the 15th Screen Actors’ Guild Awards Sunday in Los Angeles, while lead roles went to Sean Penn in “Milk” and Meryl Steep in “Doubt.” “I didn’t even buy a dress,” a surprised Streep said upon winning.

Penn who portrayed slain gay politican Harvey Milk said “as actors we don’t play gay/straight, we play human beings.”

He said it was a myth that actors are pitted against one another. “We’re all so proud and challenged by eachother.”

Heath Ledger won posthumously for his final role as the Joker in “The Dark Knight” while Kate Winslet won for best supporting actor in “The Reader” — a role which was nominated this week for best actress in the Academy Awards, for which she had previously won a Golden Globe for the supporting role.

Here’s the complete list of winners of the 15th annual Screen Actors Guild Awards:

Movies:

_Cast: “Slumdog Millionaire.”

_Actor in a leading role: Sean Penn, “Milk.”

_Actress in a leading role: Meryl Streep, “Doubt.”

_Supporting actor: Heath Ledger, “The Dark Knight.”

_Supporting actress: Kate Winslet, “The Reader.”

_Stunt ensemble: “The Dark Knight.”

Television:

_Drama series cast: “Mad Men.”

_Actor in a drama series: Hugh Laurie, “House.”

_Actress in a drama series: Sally Field, “Brothers & Sisters.”

_Comedy series cast: “30 Rock.”

_Actor in a comedy series: Alec Baldwin, “30 Rock.”

_Actress in a comedy series: Tina Fey, “30 Rock.”

_Actor in a movie or miniseries: Paul Giamatti, “John Adams.”

_Actress in a movie or miniseries: Laura Linney, “John Adams.”

_Stunt ensemble: “Heroes.”

Life Achievement: James Earl Jones.

‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop’ is #1 at the box office, again?

By Pau Brunet

2009/01/26 at 12:00am