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Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax
Karen Posada
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2012/08/11 at 12:00am

Movies

Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax

08.11.2012 | By |

I watched ‘Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax’ in a movie theater full of kids ranging from 3-10 years of age, which gave me the perfect audience with a mix of adults to get the right movie experience for this film. This movie exudes cuteness and the right amount of singing, the bits of comedy it has just made me smile and a couple of children laugh. There was no crying or chattering in the audience, which tells me the film’s 94 minutes are the perfect amount of entertainment for its target audience. The brilliant colors and clever shapes and storyline were even more fantastic in IMAX 3D, although ‘Horton Hears a Who’ achieved the same visual greatness without IMAX 3D.

 

The film begins by explaining in singing our setting, Thneedville, which is a city, made of plastic entirely, there’s no nature; trees are made in a factory and the most powerful man in town and the villain, Mr. O’Hare (Rob Riggle) made his millions by selling air. A 12 year old boy, Ted (Zac Efron) who is in love with a high schooler, Audrey (Taylor Swift) who dreams of seeing a real tree; decides to go on a quest to win the girl’s affection by getting her what she wants. He travels outside of the “capsule” that is his city to the contaminated world beyond in search of The Once-ler (Ed Helms) who according to his grandma Norma (Betty White) is the only person that can lead him to the free oxygen producing trees.

 

Here is when we being to discover the story of The Lorax (Danny DeVito) who speaks for the trees and cares for nature. What Ted finds in his journey not only changes his life but that of the whole town and the main message of the movie comes across, that each and single one of us makes a difference and we all need to care for our planet.

 

DeVito’s voice is perfect with that of the furry chubby Lorax, he’s a like a wise joke cracking grandpa that teaches just in the right tone. Efron is laid back and curious just the right amount to depict a 12 year old. White is the best character, the crazy grandma that is always covering for her grandchildren. Every voice created the characters depicted on the screen and together created a very pleasant movie to watch.

 

The environmentalist message of the film and the dangers of industrialism are very clear; that it takes one person to care so that we can come together as a whole to save the planet and the beauty it offers. I personally didn’t care for the “love story” in the film, but it was easy to over look it, with all the other more important stuff happening, even if it was what pushed the storyline. A children’s movie that has such an inspiring and important message with enough entertainment and color is a nice treat to both parents and children to see.

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Still on Top
Karen Posada
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By

2012/08/06 at 12:00am

Movies

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Still on Top

08.6.2012 | By |

'The Dark Knight Rises' Still on Top

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ is still king of the box office at number 1 with $36.4 million dollars, with a domestic total of $354.6 million dollars and a grand total of $733 million dollars worldwide. It’s doubtful that it will reach ‘The Dark Knight’ total neither domestically nor worldwide, which were $533.3 million dollars and $1.002 billion dollars respectably.

Len Wiseman’s remake of ‘Total Recall’ premiered at number two with $26 million dollars far from the amount it took to make which was around $140 million dollars, making it a big flop. This isn’t surprising since the main star Colin Farrell has been part of box office failures for most of his career; this one adds one more to his list.

‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days’ the third one of the ‘Wimpy Kid’ series opened at number 3 with $14.7 million dollars, the lowest debut for the film franchise. Since Fox spent only $22 million dollars on it, this won’t affect the studio much.

The Top 10 in the Box Office are:

1. The Dark Knight Rises – $36.4 mil

2. Total Recall – $26 mil

3. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days – $14.7 mil

4. Ice Age: Continental Drift – $8.4 mil

5. The Watch – $6.4 mil

6. Ted – $5.5 mil

7. Step Up Revolution – $5.3 mil

8. The Amazing Spider-Man – $4.3 mil

9. Brave – $2.9 mil

10. Magic Mike – $1.4 mil    

Batman goes to Mexico
Jack Rico
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2012/08/06 at 12:00am

Movies

Batman goes to Mexico

08.6.2012 | By |

Batman goes to Mexico

After finishing the promo tour for “The Dark Knight Rises”, Christian Bale is headed to Mexico to make a movie. He’s teaming up with “In the Bedroom” writer/director Todd Field for an adaptation of Boston Teran’s novel The Creed of Violence. “Set against a backdrop of intrigue and corruption,” the story takes place in Mexico in 1910 and centers on a criminal named Rawbone. 

The synopsis goes as follows:

Mexico, 1910. The landscape pulses with the force of the upcoming revolution, an atmosphere rich in opportunity for a criminal such as Rawbone. His fortune arrives across the haze of the Sierra Blanca in the form of a truck loaded with weapons.

But Rawbone’s plan spins against him, and he soon finds himself at the Mexican-American border and in the hands of the Bureau of Investigation. He is offered a chance for immunity, but only if he agrees to proceed with his scheme to deliver the truck and its goods to the Mexican oil fields while under the command of Agent John Lourdes. Rawbone sees no other option and agrees to the deal—but he fails to recognize the true identity of Agent Lourdes, a man from deep within his past.

Set against a backdrop of intrigue and corruption, The Creed of Violence is a saga about the scars of abandonment, the greed of war, and America’s history of foreign intervention for the sake of oil.

The producers have offered Bale $5 million for the movie, but Bale’s asking for $10 million and he deserves it, but this means it’s far from a done deal.

The plan is to start production early next year in the American southwest and parts of Mexico. Universal Pictures will distribute.

Total Recall
Karen Posada
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By

2012/08/03 at 12:00am

Reviews

Total Recall

08.3.2012 | By |

Total Recall

The remake of the 1990 film ‘Total Recall’ 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 that’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 “Rekall” 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. There’s also a similarity to the world we live in as there’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 can’t be denied; from flying cars, a roller coaster like metro called “The Fall”, high-tech cellphones, to a city built in layers and robot like police officers. The movie has a ‘Matrix’ 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 isn’t an exact copy of it, except for some of the twists and main plot.   

 

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 he’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 isn’t mentioned; she’s another one that is perfect for action films but there’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 he’s in which doesn’t show the true acting skills he possess.

 

This movie didn’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 doesn’t know his identity, I say wait one more week for ‘The Bourne Legacy’ which although it probably won’t deliver the special effects this one does it sure will give a more solid storyline that doesn’t get lost in weak dialogue and corny one-liners.         

John Leguizamo casted in Kick Ass 2, The Counselor
Jack Rico
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2012/08/03 at 12:00am

Movies

John Leguizamo casted in Kick Ass 2, The Counselor

08.3.2012 | By |

John Leguizamo casted in Kick Ass 2, The Counselor

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.

Guatemalan Oscar Isaac talks Coen Brothers movie
Jack Rico
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By

2012/08/03 at 12:00am

Movies

Guatemalan Oscar Isaac talks Coen Brothers movie

08.3.2012 | By |

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

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

2012/08/03 at 12:00am

Movies

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

08.3.2012 | By |

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

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.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
Karen Posada
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By

2012/08/02 at 12:00am

Reviews

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

08.2.2012 | By |

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

‘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.

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ is #1
Karen Posada
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By

2012/07/30 at 12:00am

Movies

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ is #1

07.30.2012 | By |

'The Dark Knight Rises' is #1

‘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 

Ruby Sparks
Jack Rico
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By

2012/07/29 at 12:00am

Reviews

Ruby Sparks

07.29.2012 | By |

Ruby Sparks

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, it’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 – 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 Allen’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 (It’s Complicated, Meek’s Cutoff), the screenwriter and lead actress in this movie has made a writer’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 García Márquez in his many works. Spark’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, aren’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. 

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 man’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. He’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 writer’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. 

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 (it’s not always true of couples on screen), but it’s her narrative that shines. Kazan and Dano had met while doing a play together and previously acted together in Kelly Reichardt’s western Meek’s Cutoff. Recognizing their real life chemistry as a vital resource, directors Dayton & Faris (Little Miss Sunshine) tapped into Dano and Kazan’s romance to present real emotion and it worked. On the acting side, Kazan is the  heart  of  the movie. She’s free spirited, sexy, brave and imperfect – all from a fictional person come to life.

Antonio Banderas plays a small role as Mort, Dano’s mother’s boyfriend. He’s a man who embodies  this  kind of overt sexuality and free form, anti-establishment playfulness. He’s effusive and loving, but it is what  makes Calvin, who is wound pretty tight, resist him. It is the first time Banderas works with dual directors, but it didn’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 Allenism’s. Durign or after the movie, you’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.

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