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2012/08/03 at 12:00am

Total Recall

08.3.2012 | By Karen Posada |

The remake of the 1990 film â€˜Total Recallâ€™ is not such a fun summer film, although it does have amazing special effects and action scenes, the dialogue and some of the twists ruin what could have been quite an interesting film. Granted no one is going to watch this movie for the dialogue but it uses guns, technology and fighting sequences to cover what it lacks to be a more entertaining, which it could have easily achieved given the storyline but clearly the new scriptwriter should have worked harder. The original movie was a smashing success, hence the reason why a remake was done; those that loved the original may not be happy with some the changes but will surely enjoy the CGI it uses. Will this one be as successful as the original? I highly doubt it, especially seeing that the main star Colin Farrell is not one to lead a blockbuster film, but thatâ€™s beside the point.

In the future most of the earth is inhabitable except for what is known as the United Federation of Britain where it seems that most of the rich people live and jobs are available and the Colony, where most of the poor people live. Douglas Quaid (Colin Farrell) is a factory worker who travels daily from The Colony to the UFB, despite of having a caring wife; Lori (Kate Beckinsale), his monotonous life makes him unhappy. When he hears about a lounge called â€œRekallâ€ a place where he can escape his frustration by implanting memories of a life he wishes he led, he decides to give it a try. Unfortunately, his escape becomes a nightmare when his fantasy of being a spy seems to become a reality and the police persecute him.

There are a lot of intriguing conversations in the film about what reality is and how illusions work, but it is just inserted in between dialogues that have no depth which is unfortunate as this could have taken the film to a higher level. Thereâ€™s also a similarity to the world we live in as thereâ€™s talks of revolution, oppression, wanting more, terrorism and a government that seems unstoppable; again all interesting but just thrown about and not exploited to its maximum.

The technology and special effects are amazing, that canâ€™t be denied; from flying cars, a roller coaster like metro called â€œThe Fallâ€, high-tech cellphones, to a city built in layers and robot like police officers. The movie has a â€˜Matrixâ€™ like feel to it theory wise as well as the look of it in some scenes, which is a bit unsettling but understanding knowing its origins and its more modern audience. While it stays true to the original it certainly isnâ€™t an exact copy of it, except for some of the twists and main plot. Â Â

It has a slow beginning and there are pauses in between scenes that seem to be too long without reason and scenes that ridicule the film such as a shoot out brought on by “jelousy” and others where the girls seem to be asked to pucker their lips and flip their hair at the camera. Many of the moments of suspense are laughable and pass quickly.

Although Farrell carries himself well, specially in the action scenes and in no way tries to be like Arnold Schwarzenegger in the original; his alter ego is a much more interesting character than the one he plays throughout the movie and heâ€™s easily maneuvered in a way that makes him seem almost like a secondary character. Beckinsale sure kicks butt and she plays her die-hard role perfectly, the only thing that takes away from her performance is the one-liners she delivers. Jessica Biel plays Melina, although her name isnâ€™t mentioned; sheâ€™s another one that is perfect for action films but thereâ€™s not much we are told about her character so it is a bit tough for the audience to connect with her. Finally, Bryan Cranston as an evil politician would have been perfect except for the script he was handed, Cranston seems to play the same character in most of the latest movies heâ€™s in which doesnâ€™t show the true acting skills he possess.

This movie didnâ€™t take advantage of what it had: the potential of a good interesting solid storyline based on the original, stunning special effects, engaging action scenes and actors that could have done much more with their roles. You can appreciate the special effects this film shows from the comfort of your home, without missing out on much. But, If you want to see a movie that has a spy who doesnâ€™t know his identity, I say wait one more week for â€˜The Bourne Legacyâ€™ which although it probably wonâ€™t deliver the special effects this one does it sure will give a more solid storyline that doesnâ€™t get lost in weak dialogue and corny one-liners. Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â

Official: Bill Murray will not be back in "Ghostbusters 3"

2012/08/03 at 12:00am

Official: Bill Murray will not be back in "Ghostbusters 3"

08.3.2012 | By Jack Rico |

In an interview with Metro newspaper in London, Dan Aykroyd has confirmed that Bill Murray will not be in “Ghostbusters 3” and that he is moving forward with a new generation of characters.

The Q&A went like this:

Is Ghostbusters 3 finally happening?
Yes, we’ve got a brilliant new writer on it and we’ll be passing the torch on to a new generation. We’re working on it to make it just right to satisfy our fans. I’m confident we’ll be in production in the next year.

It’s been a long process, hasn’t it?
Yes, but now we’ve got the studio on side. We’ve tried a few concepts which weren’t right but now we’ve got a good structure and will make it happen.

Is Bill Murray doing it?
No, I can tell you he won’t be involved.

How do you feel about that?
It’s sad but we’re passing it on to a new generation. Ghostbusters 3 can be a successful movie without Bill. My preference would be to have him involved but at this point he doesn’t seem to be coming and we have to move on. It’s time to make the third one.

If you ask us, 3 out of the 4 original Ghsotbusters will make a brief appearance in the film as they hand their Ghostbuster equipment and knowledge to either their sons or young friends. Who knows, but looks like the studio is supporting whatever they’re pitching.

Guatemalan Oscar Isaac talks Coen Brothers movie

2012/08/03 at 12:00am

Guatemalan Oscar Isaac talks Coen Brothers movie

08.3.2012 | By Jack Rico |

Guatemalan actor Oscar Isaac recently revealed important tidbits about “Inside Llewyn Davis”, the new Coen Brothers period movie set in the heart of the early 1960s folk music revolution in Greenwich Village. The Latino actor stars as Llewyn Davis in an original screenplay inspired by real-life folk singer Dave Van Ronk’s life.

Isaacs said he was psyched to work with the famed directors of ‘No Country for Old Men,’ “It was bliss. It was complete bliss. I play a guy that’s down on his luck, but it was very hard to feel that way because I was just always had a smile from ear to ear. I was elated just to be there.” Read More

John Leguizamo casted in Kick Ass 2, The Counselor

2012/08/03 at 12:00am

John Leguizamo casted in Kick Ass 2, The Counselor

08.3.2012 | By Jack Rico |

Finally! Colombian actor John Leguizamo (Ice Age) has just signed onto two films: “Kick-Ass 2” and “The Counselor.”

According to Deadline, Leguizamo will play a man named Javier in “Kick-Ass 2,” and will be the lead bodyguard of Red Mist, the film’s main villain. The movie will see the return of Aaron Johnson (“Savages”), Christopher Mintz-Plasse (“Fright Night”), Chloe Moretz (“Texas Killing Fields”) and Nicolas Cage (“The Rock”).

His role in Sir Ridley Scott’s “The Counselor” has been revealed to be that of a low-level drug dealer. The film is about a lawyer living on the Texas border who tries to play a little in the drug game to make some extra money.

The Counselor is quicky becoming the superstar Latino movie to be in with Cameron Diaz, Penélope Cruz and Javier Bardem and Rosie Perez already on board. That is a total of five Latino names in one movie. Hollywood is definitely making headway with Latino actors, especially directors from Spain and Mexico. Let’s hope they keep it up.

2012/08/02 at 12:00am

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

08.2.2012 | By Karen Posada |

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days’ is not very different from the last two films of the series; it is simply yet another chapter full of mishaps and quirky moments. One thing that is nice about these films for pre-adolescent kids is being able to follow the same set of characters throughout different stages of their lives. These are the kind of movies you can let your kids watch from home, as going to the theater might bore adults with the story, since there is not much intellect that drives it.

This movie combines two books from the wimpy kid series The Last Straw and Dog Days; here Greg (Zachary Gordon) is ready for summer but not being the outdoorsy type he plans on spending it playing videogames with the curtains drawn. His plans change as his dad Frank (Steve Zahn) tries to get him to enjoy the summer by playing sports and joining a camp. Thanks to his friend Rowley (Robert Capron) he’s able to escape from his dad by joining him in a country club, where he bumps into his crush Holly (Peyton List) and his summer plans quickly begin to change.

The thing I disliked most about the film is how much Greg prefers videogames to being outdoors, and while this is an attitude most kids unfortunately undertake nowadays, it almost seems like the movie is promoting it. I don’t have much of a problem with Greg’s dependency but more so with his actions, and although this might be realistic I think it might teach bad habits. The simple plot will easily bore adults; it is mainly aimed at its younger audience who will probably enjoy it from either following the books or the movie series.

One important thing it teaches is how much interaction and bonding between the parents and children are needed no matter how it’s done, since it helps to create a more understanding relationship. Another important thing is how it shows that even when things don’t go as expected the world isn’t over and there’s always a way to see things positively and to have fun.

I think director David Bowers has made it so that anyone can easily watch the film whether or not you’ve followed the books or movies, as you can easily get the characters and the familiarity that surrounds the film. These movies can easily work as a TV series and hence the reason why I think it best to watch it from home, since it doesn’t offer anything out of the ordinary to force you to spend the extra money at the movie theater.

2012/07/30 at 12:00am

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ is #1

07.30.2012 | By Karen Posada |

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ continues at number one with $64.1 million dollars, this is below the expectations and is less than ‘The Dark Knight’ had earned at the same point. Unfortunately, because of the current events in Colorado and with the London Olympics 2012 it’s had a rough time and about a 60 percent drop since its opening day.

‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’ remains at number two with $13.3 million dollars, giving it the lowest domestic total of any of the ‘Ice Age’ films of $114.8 million dollars. This is not to say that Fox is unsatisfied as surely this one will stay in the top 10 for a while longer.

Fox’s comedy ‘The Watch’ premiered at number three with $13 million dollars, the poorly scripted film had very few interested. The set backs the film had in pre-production with changing the original title of ‘Neighborhood Watch’, as well as its advertising technique had nothing to do with the sum it earned, as critics have agreed it’s not worth watching.

The Top 10 in the Box Office are:

1. The Dark Knight Rises – $64.1 mil

2. Ice Age: Continental Drift – $13.3 mil

3. The Watch – $13 mil

4. Step Up Revolution – $11.8 mil

5. Ted – $7.4 mil

6. The Amazing Spider-Man – $6.8 mil

7. Brave – $4.2 mil

8. Magic Mike – $2.6 mil

9. Savages – $1.8 mil

10. Moonrise Kingdom – $1.4 mil

2012/07/29 at 12:00am

The Watch

07.29.2012 | By Jack Rico |

Los mejores momentos de la comedia de ciencia ficción, The Watch, se encuentra en los avances. El resto del filme es un refrito de varias películas como Men In Black, que conduce solo al aburrimiento. Cuando una película une a Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, Jonah Hill uno espera carcajadas a la libra, pero ellos son víctimas de un guión flojo y sin inspiración por parte de Seth Rogen y compañía. Nuestros protagonistas no tienen que comprobarse ya que su trayectoria de grandes logros hablan por si mismos (excepto por Richard Ayoade). Por lo que vi, se nota que los actores querían hacer más, pero no hay donde ir con esta ordinaria trama.

La premisa se desarrolla en un barrio en el que se crea una patrulla de vigilancia tras aparecer asesinado uno de sus habitantes. Al final, sus integrantes terminarán descubriendo una trama alienígena para destruir el mundo.

El gran problema con esta cinta son los chistes y su desordenada confabulación. El director Akiva Schaffer no es un maestro del arte de reír y fracasa penosamente aquí. En lugar de entregarnos una película fresca al estilo “Ghostbusters”, experimentamos una historia sin rumbo, alejandose de la historia principal en momentos, por ejemplo, cuando los muchachos repentinamente se encuentran en una orgía y otro sobre Stiller incapaz de preñar a su mujer. ¿Que tiene que ver esto con alienígenas? Sólo Hill y sus improvisaciones le traen un poco de vida a este problema cómico.

“The Watch”, igual que otro film de Stiller, “The Heartbreak Kid”, contiene momentos latinos. En esta ocasión un guardia de seguridad (Joe Nuñez) de la tienda de Stiller acabó de recibir sus papeles de ciudadanía, pero lo que no se espera es que sea devorado y destrozado por un extraterrestre. Luego de la muerte del hombre, Stiller se le ve deprimido escuchando a una canción mexicana en su carro a solas. Muy gracioso. Pero hay que notar que Stiller ve al cultura latina como graciosa y siempre merecedor de chistes, estereotipos. ¿No hay algo errado con eso?

No todo es terrible, pero los momentos jocosos son tan ocasionales que ¿en verdad vale pagar dinero para ver un producto así? Claro que no, especialmente cuando uno aun puede ver en cartelera y bluray las dos mejores comedias del año – “Ted” y “21 Jump Street” respectivamente. Mejor vean esos, y no se deje engañar por el trailer de ésta que debería de ser esperada en DVD.

2012/07/29 at 12:00am

Ruby Sparks

07.29.2012 | By Jack Rico |

One of the best movies you will see this year is called Ruby Sparks. It is in my top 10 films of 2012 so far, but the Academy might debate me on that. This is an engrossing romantic dramedy, full of originality, humor, metaphysical layers and packed with an emotional punch-to-the-gut at times. The performances are wonderful, the script is ingenious – reminiscent of Woody Allen – and even though it might drag a bit in the middle, itâ€™s hard not to acknowledge that this movie is a refreshing take on a love story.

Calvin (Paul Dano) is a young novelist who achieved phenomenal success early in his career but is now struggling with his writing â€“ as well as his romantic life. Finally, he makes a breakthrough and creates a character named Ruby who inspires him. When Calvin finds Ruby (Zoe Kazan), in the flesh, sitting on his couch about a week later, he is completely flabbergasted that his words have turned into a living, breathing person.

For whomever has watched Woody Allenâ€™s Annie Hall and the Marshall McLuhan scene, along with Marc Webb‘s (500) Days of Summer or Marc Foster‘s Stranger Than Fiction, you can appreciate Ruby Sparks vivid and colorful imagination. Zoe Kazan (Itâ€™s Complicated, Meekâ€™s Cutoff), the screenwriter and lead actress in this movie has made a writerâ€™s film and the deep and connected relationship that an author has with his character. With influences of the Pygmalion Greek myth and magical realism, Kazan uses it to prove a point, express an idea and convey a message. This is also a style perfected by Colombian Nobel prize-winning author Gabriel GarcÃa MÃ¡rquez in his many works. Sparkâ€™s essence is based on this literary and cinematic aesthetic style that engages the interest and provokes a desire to see more of it. We, unfortunately, arenâ€™t exposed to much from our American writers but Webb and now Kazan seem to be indulging us with it in the last few years.Â

Paul Dano, a mostly indie actor, has impressed me with two particular films as of late: Being Flynn, and the subject at hand, Ruby Sparks. In both, Dano taps into a gritty, real manâ€™s persona as if he was one – not an actor – but an everyday man plucked from the streets of New York to play a part. Heâ€™s pretty authentic, depressing, fragile and vulnerable mostly, but authentic. Here he drowns in anguish as Calvin Weir-Fields, an author so fixated on the complexities in life, that he develops writerâ€™s block. He nails the plight of someone consternated by too many questions and thoughts. Then, we see his delight of being in love to only see the gloom of loss. He pulled it off and it was a pleasure to see.Â

Zoe Kazan, granddaughter of Elia Kazan, one of the most influential directors in Broadway and film, wrote the script which she stars in with her real life boyfriend – Paul Dano. Surprise! The chemistry between both are evident (itâ€™s not always true of couples on screen), but itâ€™s her narrative that shines. Kazan and Dano had met while doing a play together and previously acted together in Kelly Reichardtâ€™s western Meekâ€™s Cutoff. Recognizing their real life chemistry as a vital resource, directors Dayton & Faris (Little Miss Sunshine) tapped into Dano and Kazanâ€™s romance to present real emotion and it worked. On the acting side, Kazan is theÂ Â heartÂ Â ofÂ Â theÂ movie. Sheâ€™s free spirited,Â sexy, brave and imperfect – all from a fictional person come to life.

Antonio Banderas plays a small role as Mort, Danoâ€™s motherâ€™s boyfriend. Heâ€™s a man who embodiesÂ thisÂ kind of overt sexuality and free form, anti-establishment playfulness. Heâ€™s effusive and loving, but it is whatÂ makes Calvin, who is wound pretty tight, resist him. It is the first time Banderas works with dual directors, but it didnâ€™t seem like he had any problems with it.

The pacing of the movie begins with an upbeat tempo, but 45 minutes or so into it, it begins to drag a bit, hanging on to emotional intricacies that can fatigue the mind. It picks up again to the eventual and heartbreaking denouement.

Overall, Ruby Sparks is for moviegoers who enjoy high concept indie stories, romantic films and Woody Allenismâ€™s. Durign or after the movie, youâ€™ll be asking yourself whether Ruby Sparks was for real or not. That just adds to the charm of this small gem of a film.

2012/07/25 at 12:00am