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Prometheus
Karen Posada
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2012/10/09 at 12:00am

Movies

Prometheus

10.9.2012 | By |

‘Prometheus’ is not a film for the squeamish, but if you can get past that it’s a mysterious adventure that will surely keep you glued to the screen. The 3D shots are beautiful, crisp and shocking at times; it is definitely worth the extra bucks. The film poses and teases us with intriguing questions about our origins in a semi scientific setting, without a doubt it will give you and your friends tons to talk about and discuss once it is over.

 

Set in the not so distant future in 2089, a group of scientists exploring caves prompt a space exploration that takes place a few years later in 2093. On board of the amazing sculpted ship named Prometheus we meet David (Michael Fassbender), a robotic man who gives us a tour of the ship. In the journey we meet the first in command, Meredith Vickers (Charlize Theron), a controlling woman who is cold and seems to hold a grudge against all for no apparent reason. We learn that Peter Weyland (Guy Pearce) funded this trip, convinced by scientists: Elizabeth Shaw (Noomi Rapace) and Charlie Holloway (Logan Marshall-Green) to find an answer to humanity’s origins. The rest of the crew is: geologist Fifield (Sean Harris), Millburn (Rafe Spall), the ship’s captain Janek (Idris Elba). Together they venture into a new world searching for answers and end up finding more than they bargain for.   

 

You will be captivated not only by the storyline, but also by the images of landscapes, alien scenarios and especially of Prometheus; the ‘Star Wars’ like spaceship. One thing to remember is that this film by Ridley Scott is based indirectly on his ‘Alien’ movie, but mainly on Damon Lindelof script; this man is best known for his work in the TV series ‘Lost’, a show that kept many entertained and was an expert in posing unanswered questions. That’s said as a warning about the product these two men created together, an entertaining two hours that will leave you with more questions than answers.

 

Fassbender easily steals the film; he is such an amazing actor that has slowly, but surely shown his versatility and skills in plenty of worthwhile movies, including this one. I was a bit disappointed by Theron’s placement in the movie, as she’s mainly just a background annoyance and I know she can be so much more. Pearce’s transformation is well done, he’s also hard to identify. Finally, Rapace seems to combine some of her best acting skills into this character, but mainly more so because of her determination and actions than what comes out of her mouth.

 

There’s no denying that the script lacks in certain places, whether it’s apathy or answers; but most of all it starts getting foggy and muddled, such as with some scenes that seem random and revelations from characters that come out of nowhere and don’t seem to follow a pattern. There are also some typical movie scenes, where some characters want to be the heroes and some make poor unintelligent choices.

 

Above all that, what moves the story is the mystery behind it, which although at points it gets frustrating it somehow works; probably also thanks to the amazing imagery and well done graphics. The reason why ‘Prometheus’ is worth seeing is because any good film leaves you talking and thinking about it afterwards, and this one fulfills that job.   

"Charlie Brown: The Movie" to be released Nov 15, 2015
Mack Chico
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2012/10/09 at 12:00am

Movies

"Charlie Brown: The Movie" to be released Nov 15, 2015

10.9.2012 | By |

"Charlie Brown: The Movie" to be released Nov 15, 2015

It was just a matter of time before Hollywood made Charlie Brown into a film franchise. It is now officially happening. According to Deadline.com, Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Ice Age makers Blue Sky Studios will release PEANUTS the film on November 25, 2015. That date commemorates the 65th anniversary of the comic strip, and the 50th anniversary of the TV special A Charlie Brown Christmas.

For now, all that is being reported is that it will be an animation and not a live-action film like The Flintstones were. At some point, the discussion will be about who the kid voices will be – will they be unknowns or stars like Elle Fanning or Joel Courtney.

The screenplay will be written by Craig Schulz and Bryan Schulz son and grandson of Charles Schulz.

Peanuts is read daily by 355 million people in 75 countries, and has previously been adapted into TV episodes and specials.

‘Taken 2’ kicks butt at the box office
Karen Posada
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2012/10/08 at 12:00am

Movies

‘Taken 2’ kicks butt at the box office

10.8.2012 | By |

'Taken 2' kicks butt at the box office

‘Taken 2’ opened at number one with $50 million dollars, it’s the third best opening for a film in the month of October. The film has received plenty of negative reviews, but it seems like no matter what people wanted to see what the second part had to offer. The film earned past its budget and more than the original.

‘Hotel Transylvania’ dropped to number two with $26.3 million dollars. This is still a good figure for Sony, which apparently has no problem holding the throne in kids’ movies right now, because ‘Frankenweenie’ didn’t even become a threat.

The ‘Glee’ like movie ‘Pitch Perfect’ got to the third spot with $14.7 million dollars. It already had gotten an impressive spot in the box office with the limited release the week before, so certainly many were curious to see what this melodic comedy that has received such good ratings was about.  

The Top 10 Movies in the Box Office are:

1. Taken 2 – $50 mil

2. Hotel Transylvania – $26.3 mil

3. Pitch Perfect – $14.7 mil

4. Looper – $12.2 mil

5. Frankenweenie – $11.5 mil

6. End of Watch – $4 mil

7. Trouble With the Curve -$3.9 mil

8. House at the End of the Street – $3.9 mil

9. The Master – $1.8 mil

10. Finding Nemo 3D – $1.6 mil

Taken 2
Karen Posada
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By

2012/10/04 at 12:00am

Reviews

Taken 2

10.4.2012 | By |

Taken 2

Some movies are able to better their material with a sequel, but most of the time they are unnecessary and are just a result of the studio’s greed; as is the case with ‘Taken 2’. I won’t deny that I was curious to see how this movie would turn out; I enjoyed the first one despite some of its obvious flaws, but in that one the action was on point and that helped carry it along and keep the audience entertained with an interesting storyline. This second part has an empty script, too much repetitiveness and too many flaws to consider it an upgrade from the previous one. In my opinion they should have just left the project alone instead of trying to make a couple of extra bucks with a second one.

 

In this part of the story retired CIA operative Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) is finishing up a job in Istanbul, where his ex-wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) and daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) come to join him. They don’t get to enjoy much of their time away from home when a gang of Albanians led by Murad (Rade Serbedzija) comes after them to avenge the deaths of all the men Mill killed when his daughter was kidnapped in Paris.

 

In our interview Neeson told me that being 60 he wanted to portray a man who is getting too old for all this havoc and it shows as some of the fight sequences seemed too programed and even when he’s running he barely seems like a threat. Although Grace has shown potential as an action star in ‘Lock-out’, here she reverts to the weak girl from the previous film; where although she’s able to do more to help the situation she still is completely lost in this world her father knows so well. There’s not much to say about Janssen’s character or her acting, as it is disappointing all around.

 

The biggest problem with this film is the storyline; it feels empty because it tries to base itself on the previous film and there’s just not enough material to do that. I did enjoy the humor this one had which lacked on the first one, even though at points it’s almost mocking itself as well as the first one. Although we finally see a break where the retired CIA agent is human and is exhausted, he’s still treated too much like a hero and the scenarios are no longer believable. The action becomes too repetitive to the point where it gets dull and you know there’s nothing more that the movie will provide to wake you up.

 

 My biggest advice to the Mills family is…stay on American soil! There’s actually a hint to perhaps a third part to the franchise and I beg the studio to please leave it alone. We go to the movies to visit worlds where unbelievable things happen and even though a lot of the things here are farfetched it’s no longer new, innovative, or captivating. This has a different director from the first one; French director Olivier Megaton who recently did ‘Colombiana’ says he doesn’t consider himself an action director and took on this project despite of agreeing that there was no need for a sequel. He tried to make a movie that would stand on its own, but he certainly didn’t achieve it. For me it’s hard too see talent like the one the cast has specially Neeson be wasted in projects like this one. You would do yourself a favor by watching ‘Looper’ a second time before going to spend 91 minutes on this one.    

Demían Bichir, Jude Law to star in ‘Don Hemingway’
Mack Chico
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2012/10/04 at 12:00am

Movies

Demían Bichir, Jude Law to star in ‘Don Hemingway’

10.4.2012 | By |

Demían Bichir, Jude Law to star in 'Don Hemingway'

Recently seen in Oliver Stone’s ‘Savages,’ Mexican actor and Oscar nominee, Demián Bichir, will play a crime boss in black comedy called “Dom Hemingway”. Richard Shepard will direct Bichir, Jude Law, Richard E. Grant, Emilia Clarke, Jumyan Hunter, Madalina Ghenea who will be making up the cast. 

Law plays Dom Hemingway, a larger-than-life safecracker who’s back on the streets of London after twelve years in prison and eager to collect for keeping his mouth shut. Things take a turn when he sets off to visit Bichir’s capo in the south of France. 

Lionsgate will be the US studio distributing the film. Shooting starts Oct. 15 in the south of France. Bichir will next be seen in Robert Rodriguez’ “Machete Kills” and Paul Feig’s “The Heat”. 

 

‘An Enemy of the People’: Broadway Review
Karen Posada
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2012/10/04 at 12:00am

Movies

‘An Enemy of the People’: Broadway Review

10.4.2012 | By |

'An Enemy of the People': Broadway Review

‘An Enemy of the People’ is a very interesting political thriller, which although it was written in 1882 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen it easily resonates with today’s politics and society.  The Manhattan Theatre Club’s production gave it a new spin thanks to Rebecca Lenkiewicz’s new version. The first part of the act was the most entertaining to me, as it developed what the story is about and who the characters are in a very simple but yet captivating way. The second part really deals with the core of the play giving it more dynamism and a lot more for the public to think about. This Broadway show wisely explores corruption in politics, morals, family vs. community and even democracy.

This two hour Broadway show, which had its opening night on September 27, 2012, takes place in a coastal town in southern Norway. Where Dr. Thomas Stockmann (Boyd Gaines) discovers that the biggest income to his community, which is very appealing to tourists is toxic. As an important member of his town he soon tell his brother, Mayor Peter Stockmann (Richard Thomas) who believes the news will make the town go into chaos. The difference of opinion creates a political confrontation of will and personal ethics. 

A rotating stage was used for this play; most of the scenes take place inside the house of Dr. Thomas Stockmann. As the stage rotates we get to go from the Dr.’s living room/dining room to his study, a newspaper printing press and a town hall. Director Doug Hughes Tony Award winner knows how to use the Samuel J. Friedman Theater properly as he even uses the main corridor for one of the scenes, where the public gets to be an interactive part of the play.

The main two actors: Gaines and Thomas are terrific! Gaines has the soul of a fighter and the character of a mad scientist that’s willing to put his job on the line for his ethics and beliefs. Thomas is your typical politician who isn’t afraid to step over anyone’s head as long as he gets his way. Maïté Alina (Petra Stockmann) is given the opportunity to be a strong woman in a world where very few are considered academics but certainly not equals; she gives a solid performance as a daughter and a feminist. Kathleen McNenny (Catherine Stockmann) gives the most balance to the play, since she’s torn between what’s right for her family or her community and she makes the transition quite smoothly.

John Procaccino (Hovstad) plays a very interesting role as a liberal whose ideas are shaky, he represents someone many people might know in their own lives and this is what makes him interesting. Gerry Bamman (Aslaksen) surprisingly brings a lot of comedy to the play, while at the same time representing the majority of the people.

Honestly I enjoyed the first act the most since I was easily submerged into the story and although there’s a moment where you don’t quite know what’s going on, when the act reaches its highest point it’s hard to let go. The second part has a lot more humor in it, while it is also darker and more brutal. The story is able to play with your mind and make you question your own ethics as it raises a lot of questions about what’s best for a community and the principles of democracy. It shows how easily the masses are swayed, especially under the wrong leadership. The struggle between the individual and the multitude are appealing as it is relevant in any period of human history.

I can’t say I agree with some of what is stated by the characters in the play, but I do appreciate the fact that it makes you think, because it dares to push the envelop by speaking directly to the public. It makes you look at the way our society is now, even if this is a play from 1882 written in a Scandinavian nation it fits in perfectly in any political setting in the world.

MTC’s ‘An Enemy of the People‘ is playing in The Samuel J. Fiedman Theater for more info go to:

http://www.ilovenytheater.com/sp/show.php?show=368

http://anenemyofthepeoplebroadway.com/tickets.html

 

The 6 Must See Movies of October!
Jack Rico
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2012/10/01 at 12:00am

Movies

The 6 Must See Movies of October!

10.1.2012 | By |

The 6 Must See Movies of October!

October is upon us and awards season will begin its stride. However, there aren’t enough Oscar worthy films this month to excite us. However, October will provide us with one gem, one which will probably go down as the Best Picture of 2012 – “Argo” by director Ben Affleck (yes, the guy from Gigli). Also, we cannot forget it is Halloween month, a month where Hollywood exhibits its slew of cheesy but fun horror films. Movies like “Friday the 13th,” “Nightmare on Elm Street” and “Halloween” are no longer a part of the October lineup, but instead, we are being introduced to intriguing new indie fright efforts from new directors and writers. Here, we select what we think are the best of the bunch (and we’re not including Paranormal Activity 4).

 

6. The House I Live In (Documentary, October 5th, No Rating)

Plot: From the dealer to the narcotics officer, the inmate to the federal judge, a penetrating look inside America’s criminal justice system, revealing the profound human rights implications of U.S. drug policy.
Why you should see it: With a US presidential election coming up in November, if you are at all interested in your social landscape, the new doc ‘ The House I Live In’ (I keep on thinking of the Frank Sinatra song and ten minute short he won an Academy Award for back in 1946) is a must see movie that analyzes our government’s status on the war on drugs. No other documentary has targeted the topic on the business of the US drug more than this film. It’s insightful yet discouraging. What you think you know is nothing compared to the reality of it. 

5. Frankenweenie (Comedy, Animation, Horror, Sci-Fi, October 5th, Rated PG)

Plot: Young Victor conducts a science experiment to bring his beloved dog Sparky back to life, only to face unintended, sometimes monstrous, consequences.
Why you should see it: Tim Burton hasn’t really been at the top of his game since “Big Fish” in 2003. Great creative minds usually got through a slump that sometimes can last a decade or even more. But now, Burton seems to be waking up from his with his new animated 3D movie “Frankenweenie”. Riffing off the classic tale of Frankenstein, this is a story he’s been devising ever since he was a kid. The result today is everything that made you remember why Burton was one of the more respected directors of our generation. He desaturates all color from this film to concentrate and tackle the deep emotions a child goes through with friendship, death and moral responsibility. To say “Frankenweenie” isn’t his best work in years would be a flat out lie. The animation is crisp and razor sharp and the 3D is crystal clear. When you think about a perfect Halloween film for kids, not too scary and with a great message, you will from now on think of Tim Burton’s “Frankenweenie”. An Oscar nomination in the Best Animation category is guaranteed. 

4. The Sessions (Drama, October 19th, Rated R)

Plot: A man in an iron lung (John Hawkes) who wishes to lose his virginity contacts a professional sex surrogate (Helen Hunt) with the help of his therapist and priest (William H. Macy).
Why you should see it: When it comes to indies, it’s hard to find a better actor than John Hawkes. He is by far one of the more underrated actors in Hollywood. Every time he has appeared on screen, whether it’d be on television or film, he has left an indelible mark on many who have seen him perform. The most memorable is perhaps his performance in “Winter’s Bone” where his face became almost synonymous with that of American rural poverty. This time he exercises his versatility to play someone completely different – a clean cut invalid looking to lose his virginity with a surrogate. Many are calling this true story crazy, but many are also applauding it’s honest and genuinely touching journey without the saccharine. Fantastic spirited performances also accompany the film that only enhance the quirky yet poignant narrative to a crowd pleasing result. 

3. V/H/S (Horror, October 5th, Rated R)

Plot: When a group of misfits is hired by an unknown third party to burglarize a desolate house and acquire a rare VHS tape, they discover more found footage than they bargained for.
Why you should see it: Found footage horror films have become all the rage since “The Blair Witch Project” premiered in 1999 at the hands of Hispanic director Eduardo Sánchez. “ V/H/S” might be one of the best ones on a Top 10 list. The first sequence is so tough to get through, many are said to have almost walked out. With its creepy, archaic VHS quality visual and style, 10 directors make 10 vignettes that are sure to make you not only pee in your Levi jeans, but arguably, hurl onto someone’s head in front of you. Now that’s horrific! 

2. Sinister (Crime, Thriller, Horror, Rated R, October 12th)

Plot: Found footage helps a true-crime novelist (Ethan Hawke) realize how and why a family was murdered in his new home, though his discoveries put his entire family in the evil path of a supernatural entity.
Why you should see it: This is hands down the horror film we’ve all been waiting to see this year! Ethan Hawke has been making some good films as of late (Daybreakers, Brooklyn’s Finest, Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead) and this one looks like no exception. The cinematic quality and the effective “sinister” construction of the harsh suspense will leave many who see it unsettled after they walk out of the theatre. The differentiating factor of this horrible nightmare experience compared to many other terror movies is that it develops its main character well, thus, creating a story that not only sucks you in, but truly scares you from the very first shot. Get ready to cry, scream and be utterly frightened!

1. Argo (Drama, Thriller, Rated R, October 12th)

Plot: As the Iranian revolution reaches a boiling point, a CIA ‘exfiltration’ specialist (Ben Affleck) concocts a risky plan to free six Americans who have found shelter at the home of the Canadian ambassador.
Why you should see it: After ‘The Master’ and ‘The Life of Pi’ premiered in festivals to lukewarm receptions, the political thriller ‘Argo’ is the one film looked upon to salvage the 2012 year as its Best Picture. With humor, drama, action and magnificent performances, actor/director Ben Affleck has fine tuned his directorial craft to create a sharp, astutely enjoyable cinematic experience that goes down as his best work yet and arguably unrivaled this year. This well-rounded film exceeds expectations on almost every level and even leaves you fully entertained. The Oscar will no doubt nominate this film for various awards and will be no surprise if it wins Best Picture and Best Director for Ben Affleck. 

‘Taken 2’: Exclusive interview with Liam Neeson!
Karen Posada
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By

2012/10/01 at 12:00am

Interviews

‘Taken 2’: Exclusive interview with Liam Neeson!

10.1.2012 | By |

Liam Neeson is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood and a terrific actor, so I was thrilled to get a chance to get to meet the legend. His next movie the action, crime, drama ‘Taken 2’ comes out on October 5th and surely his fan base as well as those that enjoyed ‘Taken’ are excited to see what the sequel has to offer. This second part directed by Olivier Megaton takes place in Istanbul, where retired CIA agent Bryan Mills (Liam Neeson) who raised hell in Paris to save his daughter, finds himself finishing off an assignment. His daughter Kim (Maggie Grace) and ex wife Lenore (Famke Janssen) go to join him for a getaway, but little do they know that they will fall prey to the revenge that Murad (Rade Serbedzija) has planned for killing most of the Albanian mob his son belonged to. Read More

‘Hotel Transylvania’ tops the box office
Karen Posada
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2012/10/01 at 12:00am

Movies

‘Hotel Transylvania’ tops the box office

10.1.2012 | By |

'Hotel Transylvania' tops the box office

The Adam Sandler/Selena Gomez family film ‘Hotel Transylvania’ premiered at number one with $43 million dollars. The film about Dracula and his 118-year-old daughter, which takes place in a resort for monsters, certainly had a lot of pull at the box office and brought in great numbers for Sony.

One of the best sci-fi thrillers of the year ‘Looper’ came in at number two with $21.2 million dollars. This mind-twisting storyline represented by class A actors such as Bruce Willis and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, might jump to number one with some help from those that have seen it.

Last week’s number one ‘End of Watch’ falls to the third spot with $8 million dollars. It’s surprising that this cop thriller has fallen so quickly from the top given all the high praise it has received, however it has been able to earn past its’ production cost.   

The Top 10 Movies in the Box Office are:

1. Hotel Transylvania – $43 mil

2. Looper – $21.2 mil

3. End of Watch – $8 mil

4. Trouble with the Curve – $7.5 mil

5. House at the End of the Street – $7.2 mil

6. Pitch Perfect – $5.2 mil

7. Finding Nemo 3D – $4.1 mil

8. Resident Evil: Retribution -$3 mil

9. The Master – $2.7 mil

10. Wont Back Down -$2.7 mil

Looper
Karen Posada
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By

2012/09/28 at 12:00am

Reviews

Looper

09.28.2012 | By |

Looper

I was completely blown away by ‘Looper’ although time travel is not an original concept the way it’s used here it’s jaw droppingly good, creative and entertaining. There’s nothing better than a good sci-fi action thriller that twists your mind without losing you, while keeping you completely alert and at the edge of your seat. There’s no doubt that this is one of the best movies I’ve seen all year, it has all the elements for a blockbuster starting with a mind-blowing storyline that even has a moral to it. 

 

In 2044 Joe (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) works as a “looper” for a futuristic mob that exist 30 years into the future and when they want to get rid of someone they send them into Joe’s present, where he shoots them and gets rid of the bodies. He follows the same work/play routine everyday until he learns the mob has started to close its loops and Joe’s future self (Bruce Willis) shows up at the end of his gun and decides to run away from his killer while changing future events.

 

Joseph Gordon-Levitt has already shown what a quality actor he is and despite the hiccup he had with ‘Premium Rush’, he completely redeems himself once more here. His character was made to look like a younger version of Willis, which is a bit disturbing, but despite his freaky transformation it’s easy to see how much effort he’s put into it as he even speaks in the same tone Willis does while still being himself. He gives an amazing performance here over and over again; his character has so many layers that he surprises us countless times. 

 

Willis doesn’t stay far behind, he also delivers and even goes ‘Die Hard’ at some point in the movie; a moment that everyone will enjoy without a doubt. He’s able to give us some of the most touching, violent and action packed moments in the film. The main lady of the film, Emily Blunt has shown how easily she can jump from genre to genre, because that’s how good she is. Her character here has a strong shell that’s hard to penetrate and she’s able to stand her ground providing a very important second layer to the story.

 

Everyone in the film just gives one hundred percent no matter how long their screen time is. Paul Dano’s character shows a more human side to the story, which is needed. Abe (Jeff Daniels) is one of the evil bosses and his appearance goes perfectly well with his actions and lines. I won’t say much about Cid (Pierce Gagnon) who almost steals the movie this kid is unbelievably good!

 

You will leave the movie theater talking and thinking about this movie, which is not completely perfect; when you begin to analyze it you will find holes in the story, some unanswered questions and some discrepancies. There is a slow part in the middle that if it would have been any longer it could have damaged some of the movie. The second part of the film almost seems like an entirely different movie and this is one of the things I enjoyed the most as we are shown the premise of the movie is bigger than itself.    

 

This movie has it all and some: drama, comedy, action, sci-fi and an astounding storyline that will leave you completely dumbfounded. This is certainly a movie you have to go see this fall, because these experiences are hard to come by nowadays as very few movies are able to reach and capture what director and writer Rian Johnson created here.

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