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Movie Reviews and Ratings

Namreta Kumar

By

2010/07/13 at 12:00am

Saint John of Las Vegas

07.13.2010 | By |

Rating: 1.5

Rated: R for language and some nudity.
Release Date: 2010-01-29
Starring: Hue Rhodes
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: No disponible

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There are some films that you love instantly, and others that you hate; this film does not fit either category. Saint John of Las Vegas is distinctly unmemorable.

John, played by Steve Buscemi, is a “recovering” gambling addict, whose journey starts and ends in Las Vegas. The film follows John from his unexciting job in insurance, back to Vegas. Along the way we meet the typical boss, Mr. Townsend, and some particularly peculiar characters that drive along the fraud investigation of a car “accident.”

I really cannot find anything to say about this film, neither good nor bad; and unfortunately that in itself is bad. Everything about the film is mediocre. Steve Buscemi does a convincing enough job playing John, however it is nothing we haven’t seen before. The story is too reminiscent of every other film of its genre and the characters albeit quirky aren’t altogether new either.

The hundreds gambled at a gas station that form the crux, and narrate the larger story, are perhaps the best moments of the film. Luckily they are spread out intermittently to form a strong writing arc and keep the story moving. Unfortunately though it makes the feature film feel like an addition to a better short.

This character based film lacks character. First time writer/director Hue Rhodes’ attempt at creating another independent comedy of manners is grossly unoriginal. Saint John of Las Vegas is a film that can be missed for better films of the same genre.

Jack Rico

By

2010/07/13 at 12:00am

Our Family Wedding

07.13.2010 | By |

Rating: 3.0

Rated: PG-13
Release Date: 2010-03-12
Starring: Wayne Conley, Malcolm Spellman
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.ourfamilyweddingmovie.com

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Jack Rico

By

2010/07/13 at 12:00am

Greenberg

07.13.2010 | By |

Rating: 2.0

Rated: R for some strong sexuality, drug use, and language.
Release Date: 2010-03-26
Starring: Noah Baumbach, Jennifer Jason Leigh
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.filminfocus.com/focusfeatures/film/greenberg

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Jack Rico

By

2010/07/12 at 12:00am

Free tickets to ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ in New York!

07.12.2010 | By |

Free tickets to 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' in New York!

From the creative team that brought you “NATIONAL TREASURE” comes THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE, an exciting epic comedy adventure about a sorcerer and his unfortunate apprentice.

THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE starring Nicolas Cage hits theaters July 14.  It’s the coolest job ever! For your free ring tone text MAGIA to DISNEY (347639) to apply. Message and data rates may apply. If you are under 18, get your parents’ permission first.

In theatres July 14.

Enter-to-win advance screening passes to THE SORCERER’S APPRENTICE, starring Nicolas Cage. To win complimentary tickets please visit email _____________.

Rated PG.

DISNEY.COM/SORCERER

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

Please arrive early. Seating is first come, first seated. No one will be admitted late. The screening may be overbooked and seating is not guaranteed. Theatre and promoter are not responsible for overbooking. We may refuse, revoke or limit admission in our sole discretion at any time. One admit-two pass per person.

Jack Rico

By

2010/07/12 at 12:00am

Gene Hackman’s Hollywood return!

07.12.2010 | By |

Gene Hackman's Hollywood return!

Whatever happened to Gene Hackman? If you have ever seen him in The Conversation, Unforgiven, The French Connection or even Superman, you’ll know he’s one of the best actors Hollywood has ever bestowed upon us.

So where did he go and why? The last movie he did on record was the real bad comedy Welcome to Mooseport with Ray Romano in 2004. Not the best way to leave your legacy, but sounds like he wants to make amends with himself and his fans.

So read on you “Hacks” (Hackman fans), our good friend Casper Martinez over at LatinoFilmChatter.com has the exclusive scoop on his comeback.

 

 

Jack Rico

By

2010/07/09 at 12:00am

The Tony Awards moving to Washington Heights?

07.9.2010 | By |

The Tony Awards moving to Washington Heights?

‘In the Heights’ is no longer just a Broadway show, but a reference to where The Tony Awards will be next year. As a passionate fan and advocate of Broadway and the arts for the Hispanic community, I’m exhilirated and yes, shocked as well, to hear that The Tony Awards, Broadway’s most prestigious and distinguished award show, is leaving Radio City Music Hall and moving to Washington Heights for 2011. Wow! I’m still pinching myself!

According to Michael Reidel of the New York Post, who broke the story, this is absolutely true. If so, this an exciting time for the Broadway community and the Hispanic one. Why? Because both groups need each other especially now when diversity is a key issue for every business, including The Great White Way. I think next year they should do it at The Apollo and expose their great event to the African American residents of Harlem. Soon we might be seeing them change their nickname to The Great Melting Pot of Broadway, who knows.

Reidel’s report says that the Tony’s new home will be The United Palace on 175th street on Broadway (that’s Washington Heights). Even though the area is historically a Caucasian neighborhood, culturally today, it is home to the largest population of Dominicans outside of the Dominican Republic. Funny enough, or just coincidence, Reidel never mentions the obvious relevance of the matter.

Broadway in Latino territory. Even though the visuals of these two are strange, we do live in the Obama world and Broadway seems to be making an effort to reach out and make new friends. I’ll tell you this much, I am going to be one of the first ones on line to this historic event and I am also sure that hundreds of Latino spectators will also be paying to see The Tony’s because it is in their backyard. A win win situation. Viva Broadway! (There’s a slogan they should go with!)

Jack Rico

By

2010/07/08 at 12:00am

Focus Features Films announces 2010/2011 line-up!

07.8.2010 | By |

Focus Features Films announces 2010/2011 line-up!

THE AMERICAN
Release: September 1
Director: Anton Corbijn (“Control”)
Writers: Rowan Joffe (“28 Weeks Later”); Based on the novel A Very Private Gentleman by Martin Booth
Cast: George Clooney, Violante Placido, Thekla Reuten, Paolo Bonacelli

Story: Academy Award winner George Clooney stars in the title role of this suspense thriller, filmed on location in Italy. Alone among assassins, Jack (played by Mr. Clooney) is a master craftsman. When a job in Sweden ends more harshly than expected for this American abroad, he reports to the Italian countryside, where he holes up in a small town and relishes being away from death for a spell. An assignment, as specified by a contact, Mathilde (Thekla Reuten of “In Bruges”), is in the offing as a weapon is constructed. Surprising himself, Jack seeks out the friendship of local priest Father Benedetto (Italian stage and screen veteran Paolo Bonacelli) and pursues romance with local woman Clara (Italian leading lady Violante Placido). But by stepping out of the shadows, Jack may be tempting fate.

 

IT’S KIND OF A FUNNY STORY                                                  
September 24 (select cities)
Writer/Directors: Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck (“Half Nelson,” Sugar”); Based on the novel by Ned Vizzini
Cast: Keir Gilchrist, Zach Galifianakis, Emma Roberts, Viola Davis, Zoë Kravitz, Lauren Graham, Jim Gaffigan
MPAA Rating: PG-13  

Story: In this New York City-set comedy-drama, 16-year-old Craig (Keir Gilchrist of “United States of Tara”), stressed out from the demands of being a teenager, checks himself into a mental health clinic. There he learns that the youth ward is closed – and finds himself stuck in the adult ward. One of the patients, Bobby (Zach Galifianakis of “The Hangover”), soon becomes both Craig’s mentor and protégé. Craig is also drawn to another 16-year-old, Noelle (Emma Roberts of “Valentine’s Day”). With a minimum five days’ stay imposed on him, Craig is sustained by friendships on both the inside and the outside as he learns more about life, love, and the pressures of growing up.

SOMEWHERE                                                                                
December 22 (select cities)
Writer/Director: Sofia Coppola (“Lost in Translation,” “The Virgin Suicides,” “Marie Antoinette”)
Cast: Stephen Dorff, Elle Fanning, Chris Pontius
MPAA Rating:R   

Story: From Academy Award-winning writer/director Sofia Coppola (“Lost in Translation,”  “The Virgin Suicides,” “Marie Antoinette”), “Somewhere” is a witty, moving, and empathetic look into the orbit of actor Johnny Marco (played by Stephen Dorff). You have probably seen him in the tabloids; .Johnny is living at the legendary Chateau Marmont hotel in Hollywood. He has a Ferrari to drive around in, and a constant stream of girls and pills to stay in with. Comfortably numbed, Johnny drifts along. Then, his 11-year-old daughter Cleo (Elle Fanning) from his failed marriage arrives unexpectedly at the Chateau. Their encounters encourage Johnny to face up to where he is in life and confront the question that we all must: which path in life will you take? Filmed entirely on location, “Somewhere” reunites the writer/director with “Lost in Translation” editor Sarah Flack and production designer Anne Ross. Stacey Battat (“Broken English”) is the costume designer, and Harris Savides (“Elephant”) is the director of photography, on “Somewhere.”

THE EAGLE (formerly titled THE EAGLE OF THE NINTH)      
February 25, 2011
Director: Kevin Macdonald (“The Last King of Scotland,” “State of Play,” “One Day in September”)
Writers: Jeremy Brock (“The Last King of Scotland”); Based on the novel The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff

Cast: Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland, Mark Strong, Tahar Rahim
MPAA Rating: PG-13  

 

Story: A Roman epic adventure, based on the classic novel of the same name, set in the dangerous world of second-century Britain. In 140 AD, twenty years after the unexplained disappearance of the entire Ninth Legion in the mountains of Scotland, young centurion Marcus Aquila (played by Channing Tatum of “G.I.  Joe: The Rise of Cobra” and “Dear John”) arrives from Rome to solve the mystery and restore the reputation of his father, the commander of the Ninth. Accompanied only by his British slave Esca (Jamie Bell of “Defiance” and “Jumper”), Marcus sets out across Hadrian’s Wall into the uncharted highlands of Caledonia – to confront its savage tribes, make peace with his father’s memory, and retrieve the lost legion’s golden emblem, the Eagle of the Ninth.

JANE EYRE                                                                                            March 11, 2011 (select cities)
Director: Cary Fukunaga (“Sin Nombre”)
Writers: Moira Buffini (“Tamara Drewe”); Based on the novel by Charlotte Brontë
Cast: Mia Wasikowska, Michael Fassbender, Jamie Bell, Judi Dench, Holliday Grainger, Sally Hawkins, Tamzin Merchant, Imogen Poots

Story: Based on Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel, the romantic drama stars Mia Wasikowska (“Alice in Wonderland”) and Michael Fassbender (“Inglourious Basterds”) in the lead roles. In the story, Jane Eyre flees Thornfield House, where she works as a governess for wealthy Edward Rochester. The isolated and imposing residence – and Mr. Rochester’s coldness – have sorely tested the young woman’s resilience, forged years earlier when she was orphaned. As Jane reflects upon her past and recovers her natural curiosity, she will return to Mr. Rochester – and the terrible secret that he is hiding…

HANNA                                                                                                    April 8, 2011
Director: Joe Wright (“Atonement,” “Pride & Prejudice,” “The Soloist”)
Writers: Seth Lochhead, David Farr, Joe Penhall, Joe Wright

Cast: Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana, Jason Flemyng, Tom Hollander, Olivia Williams

Story: The title character of this adventure thriller, filmed in Europe, Hanna (played by Academy Award nominee Saoirse Ronan [“Atonement”]) is a teenage girl. Uniquely, she has the strength, the stamina, and the smarts of a soldier; these come from being raised by her father (Eric Bana of “Star Trek”), an ex-CIA man, in the wilds of Finland. Living a life unlike any other teenager, her upbringing and training have been one and the same, all geared to making her the perfect assassin. The turning point in her adolescence is a sharp one; sent into the world by her father on a mission, Hanna journeys stealthily across Europe while eluding agents dispatched after her by a ruthless intelligence operative with secrets of her own (Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett). As she nears her ultimate target, Hanna faces startling revelations about her existence and unexpected questions about her humanity.

ONE DAY                                                                                             
3rd Quarter 2011
Director: Lone Scherfig (“An Education,” “Italian For Beginners”)
Writer: David Nicholls; Based on his novel
Cast: Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess

Story: Adapted from the internationally praised bestselling novel, “One Day” charts an extraordinary relationship. Emma (Academy Award nominee Anne Hathaway) and Dexter (Jim Sturgess) meet on the night of their college graduation – July 15th, 1988. She is a working-class girl of principle and ambition who dreams of making the world a better place. He is a wealthy charmer who dreams that the world will be his playground. For the next two decades, every July 15th reveals to us how “Em” and “Dex” are faring, as their friendship ebbs and flows with the passing of the years. Through love and loss, heartbreak and success, hopes fulfilled and dreams shattered, they experience the grandeur of life. Somewhere along their journey, these two people realize that what they are searching and hoping for has been there for them all along.

Mack Chico

By

2010/07/01 at 12:00am

Elvis Presley returns to the big screen!

07.1.2010 | By |

Elvis Presley returns to the big screen!

It is funny how Hollywood is always trying to revive Elvis Presley every other year. This time there is a remastered version of “Elvis on Tour: 75th Anniversary Celebration.”

The film will be shown July 29 at more than 460 movie theaters across the country. The movie will feature remastered footage of Elvis on tour and in concert as part of the 75th anniversary of his birth.

The film also will include performances and interviews from the 1972 documentary “Elvis on Tour” and a retrospective from his former wife, Priscilla Presley.

Some of the tour footage has not been released. The event also will include sequences produced by director Martin Scorsese showcasing Elvis’ early movies.

I am excited to see this one. Let’s hope the remasterization is really good.

Jack Rico

By

2010/07/01 at 12:00am

Andrew Garfield is the new ‘Spider Man’!

07.1.2010 | By |

Andrew Garfield is the new 'Spider Man'!

So the search is finally over. After auditioning various candidates for almost one year, Sony Pictures has its new star. His name is Andrew Garfield. Who? That’s what I said, but let’s hope he doesn’t end up like Brandon Routh (Superman Returns). It’d be a pity.

Deadline.com released a press release from Sony regarding the matter:

CULVER CITY, Calif., July 1, 2010 – After a comprehensive worldwide casting search, Andrew Garfield has been chosen to portray Peter Parker when Spider-Man swings back onto the screen in 3D on July 3, 2012.  The new film will begin production in early December directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay by James Vanderbilt.  Laura Ziskin and Avi Arad will produce the film from Columbia Pictures and Marvel Studios.

Today’s confirmation culminates what has been one of the most eagerly anticipated casting announcements in recent memory. Bloggers, pop culture speculators, and everyday fans have pored over and analyzed every conceivable online rumor in an attempt to discover the identity of the next actor to play Peter Parker. Garfield will immediately begin preparing for the coveted role.

The Spider-Man franchise is one of the most successful in film history and the three previous motion pictures have collectively grossed more than $2.5 billion in worldwide box office.

On selecting Garfield, director Marc Webb said, “Though his name may be new to many, those who know this young actor’s work understand his extraordinary talents. He has a rare combination of intelligence, wit, and humanity. Mark my words, you will love Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker.”

Commenting on the announcement, Amy Pascal, co-chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Matt Tolmach, President of Columbia Pictures said, “Spider-Man is a classic superhero — a young man who balances his responsibility to serve humanity and crush evil with the shyness and normalcy of someone struggling to find himself. The role demands an extraordinary actor. You need someone who can magically transform himself from Peter Parker into Spider-Man. An actor who will  depict the vulnerability of youth and the strength and confidence of a legendary figure at the same moment. We have found that actor in Andrew Garfield. From the first time we saw him in the upcoming film The Social Network, to his glorious screen test, which floored all of us, we knew that we had found our new Peter Parker.”

Producer Avi Arad added, “I’m incredibly excited about Andrew Garfield. In the Spider-Man tradition, we were looking for a smart, sensitive, and cool new Peter Parker who can inspire us and make us laugh, cry, and cheer. We believe we have found the perfect choice to take on this role and lead us into the future.”

Producer Laura Ziskin said, “We are thrilled to have Andrew Garfield for this new incarnation of Spider-Man under Marc Webb’s direction.  We were fortunate enough to meet with a group of fantastically talented young men.  In the end, we all agreed that in addition to being an extraordinary actor, Andrew had the right mix of humor, youth, and pathos, along with an underlying sense of strength and power necessary to bring Peter Parker and Spider-Man to life on screen.”

The selection of Garfield was revealed at a press event in Cancun, Mexico for international journalists attending a media tour promoting upcoming films from Sony Pictures Entertainment. B-roll footage of the announcement will be available via satellite later this evening — see uplink times coordinate information below.

Garfield is fast becoming one of the most respected and sought-after young actors working in the industry today. In a short career, spanning only five years, he has already been directed by, and starred alongside, some of the greatest names and received a BAFTA for a role that won him international praise.

Garfield most recently worked with director David Fincher on the upcoming film The Social Network.  He previously starred for Spike Jonze on his robot love story I’m Here, which premiered at Sundance this year.  He plays the lead male opposite Keira Knightley and Carey Mulligan in Mark Romanek’s Never Let Me Go, due for release later this year.

Other notable screen credits include Terry Gilliam’s The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus playing opposite Christopher Plummer, Johnny Depp, Colin Farrell, Jude Law and the late Heath Ledger, Robert Redford’s Lions For Lambs, where he starred alongside Redford, Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep; Revolution Films’ “Red Riding Trilogy – 1974” directed by Julian Jarrold, where he lead a stellar cast including Rebecca Hall and David Morrissey, and his unforgettable portrayal of a young ex-con in John Crowley’s “Boy A,” for which he earned the best actor BAFTA in 2008.

Garfield’s career began in theatre and in 2006 his performances in “Beautiful Thing” (Sound Space/Kit Productions), “The Overwhelming,” and “Burn / Chatroom / Citizenship” (Royal National Theatre) won him the Milton Shulman Award for Outstanding Newcomer at the Evening Standard awards and the Jack Tinker Award for Most Promising Newcomer at the Critics Circle Theatre Awards.  Other notable theatre credits include “Romeo and Juliet” (Manchester Royal Exchange) and “Kes” (Manchester Royal Exchange), for which he received the Most Promising Newcomer Award at the Manchester Evening News Awards 2004.

Namreta Kumar

By

2010/07/01 at 12:00am

The Last Airbender

07.1.2010 | By |

The Last Airbender

M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender does not live up to any hype. Not for fans of Shyamalan or for fans of the series. Unlike M. Night Shyamalan’s other films this is an adapted concept and thus not his usual cup of tea.

It shocked me to learn how short the film was but watching the film it is obvious how an approximate twenty-hour season fit into a less than two-hour film. For those of you that do not know the story it is about Aang, played by Noah Ringer, and his journey of becoming the Avatar. The first season or Book One is about Aang taking the first step of understanding his destiny and learning the second of four elements as the Avatar: Water. The film does not cover the intricacies of the characters involved in his journey or build narrative comparatively. It seems that as a writer Shyamalan failed to capture The Last Airbender.

Some of the blame of the writing process is shared with the editing process. Whether it be editing within the screenwriting process or in post too much of the crux of the film is cut or altered making it hard to follow or enjoy. The reprise here is in M. Night Shyamalan’s direction. As the screenwriter, Shyamalan was able to control much more of his characterization and his directorial touch shines through Dev Patel, as Prince Zuko. Zuko is Aang’s antithesis and without him Aang’s destiny is not complete. M. Night Shyamalan centers a great amount of this film on establishing the base for that relationship.

Dev Patel and Noah Ringer both play their parts very well. Ringer is M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender. As Aang he does not share the same carefree attitude characteristic of his television counterpart; but he excels as Shyamalan’s troubled Aang. Patel as Prince Zuko brings the spirit of the television series with him. He is the perfect balance of the powerful, troubled, confused, but fair Prince looking for his destiny. Patel outshines the others who seem to still be finding the right niche in comparison.

With the exception of the opening credits the role that 3D plays in the film is lost on me; it is not required for a film that never develops beyond its narration. The cinematography is best on location, from there it starts to become apparent that the remainder of the film is shot on sets and the production value starts to dwindle. To much of the film relies on the authenticity of production but the audience looses that to the concept of 3D and the editing too often.

Unfortunately expectations of M. Night Shyamalan films are always high and The Last Airbender just does not live of to his other body of work. Shyamalan has a great story here and his vision is clear within his direction, but the production does not make the same impact. He clearly needed to work on the editing process of the film and focus on his storytelling strength more than the high-end production value. This does not exemplify M. Night Shyamalan’s potential but more over seems to be crushing him.

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