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The Latest in ShowBiz News

This Means War
Jack Rico
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2012/02/17 at 12:00am

Reviews

This Means War

02.17.2012 | By |

This Means War

Making a successful romantic comedy has become quite a critical ordeal for the Hollywood studio system. Their new effort, ‘This Means War,’ an action rom-com, is clumsy in almost every way. ‘This Means War’ fails to reach a peak in any of the aforementioned genres, resulting in absolute mediocrity.

The plot tells the story of two friends who are spies, inseparable since childhood, until life circumstances have them both falling madly in love with the same woman (Reese Witherspoon). Due to the jealousy between them, the city of Chicago will become a  battle zone of gigantic proportions with the goal of one man standing with his future wife.

I can’t quite put my finger on where the responsibility lays with ‘This Means War’ – is it McG’s direction, the script by Timothy Dowling and Simon Kinberg, or the chemistry issues amongst the ledas – but what I can say is that it it’s a sum of all its parts.

From the standpoint of directing, McG is a filmmaker who has a reputation for focusing more on the visuals of a film rather than the quality of the story. Just take a look at Terminator: Salvation. His philosophy is to amaze the eyes, not the brain. ‘This Means War’ is a perfect example of that.

Meanwhile, our protagonists: Reese Witherspoon (Water for Elephants, How Do You Know, Four Christmases) comes to this film with her star dimmed. Her charisma and sensuality is obvious but it is completely lost here. The two leading men, Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises, Warrior, Inception) and Chris Pine (Star Trek, Unstoppable) are supposed to be best friends at odds, and even though their little game works, it’s not substantial enough to keep you tied to your chair.

The objective behind ‘This Means War’ is to entertain, and though some scenes do, one pays money to experience entertainment from beginning to end, not in doses. If so, than I’d rather pay to see the trailer which will give me all I want, no disappointments.

Gael Garcia Bernal chosen as the new ‘Zorro’!
Jack Rico
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2012/02/17 at 12:00am

Movies

Gael Garcia Bernal chosen as the new ‘Zorro’!

02.17.2012 | By |

Gael Garcia Bernal chosen as the new 'Zorro'!

When I asked Antonio Banderas, arguably the most popular of all the Zorro’s, who he thought should be the new Zorro for the new generation, he said, “I would naturally recommend a Hispanic actor, because I think the character is very Hispanic”.

His comments came true because 20th Century Fox has officially chosen Mexican actor Gael García Bernal to play the iconic mustached Spanish hero. Now you know it was between him and his best friend Diego Luna. Diego must be pissed.

The film will be called ‘Zorro Reborn’ and it will be a futuristic reboot of the Zorro mythology that will take place in a remote place, I’m thinking dusty and desolate. Zorro will be bent on revenge and perhaps not as charming and romantic as we’ve seen him in past reincarnations

Glenn Gers wrote the script along with “Harker” screenwriter Lee Shipman and Brian McGreevy.The question now is… who is going to direct this film?

Gael Garcia Bernal, who next stars opposite Will Ferrell and Diego Luna in the Spanish-language comedy ‘Casa de mi Padre’ and alongside Kate Hudson in ‘A Little Bit of Heaven,’.

Latinos keep on making their marks in Hollywood and we are happy to see it happen.

Check out our video player to the left to look at Banderas’ Spanish answer on Zorro a few months back…

DVD Reviews: Valentine’s Picks, Human Centipede 2
Jack Rico
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2012/02/14 at 12:00am

Movies

DVD Reviews: Valentine’s Picks, Human Centipede 2

02.14.2012 | By |

DVD Reviews: Valentine's Picks, Human Centipede 2

This week from Miami, on the Enrique Santos Morning Show, Jack Rico reviews the new DVD releases: the horror film THE HUMAN CENTIPEDE 2, and THE RUM DIARY with Johnny Depp

You can hear our DVD review segment in Miami on the ‘Enrique Santos Morning Show’ every Tuesday at 7:25 AM and 9:25 AM by Univision Radio ‘MIX98.3FM‘ in Miami or the global network by visiting: http: / / www.enriquesantos.com/

Sparkle: Whitney’s last film
Jack Rico
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2012/02/14 at 12:00am

Movies

Sparkle: Whitney’s last film

02.14.2012 | By |

Sparkle: Whitney's last film

Before her sudden death at age 48, the legendary singer Whitney Houston made her last film – Sparkle. The film has an official release date for August 17, 2012 and sure to be now one of the most anticipated films of the year. Not much is known about Whitney’s character except she will play a single mother whose daughter has high aspirations of becoming a music superstar.

‘Sparkle’, is loosely based on the 1976 musical film that tells the story of Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) a girl who strives to become a music star, while trying to overcome the problems that are destroying her family. She comes from a wealthy neighborhood in Detroit, where she lives with her single mother (Whitney Houston). In the midst of her personal difficulties, Sparkle tries to balance a new romance with music manager, Stix (Derek Luke), while she and her two sisters (Carmen Ejogo and Tika Sumpter) face unexpected challenges in trying to become a dynamic group of singers during the golden era of Motown.

The only photo that exists so far of Houston in the movie is the one below. In it we see a Whitney holding her daughter in the film, Jordin Sparks, with a glamorous dress. She looks young, healthy and beautiful.

At the time of this publication, it is unknown when exactly the official premiere of the trailer of ‘Sparkle’ will be released or how much screen time Houston will have. So remember, August 17 we will see on the silver screen the last picture of one of the most unique voices of the 20th century.

‘The Vow’ is #1 at the box office
Karen Posada
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2012/02/13 at 12:00am

Movies

‘The Vow’ is #1 at the box office

02.13.2012 | By |

'The Vow' is #1 at the box office

This pre-Valentine’s day weekend put the romantic drama, ‘The Vow’ in the first place with $ 41.7 million. It seems like this predictable romance with Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum will stick it through post the romantic holiday.

The upbeat action thriller ‘Safe House’ earned $39.3 million dollars at the second spot. This one might fight for first place soon, since many are excited to have Denzel Washington doing what he does best.

Dwayne Johnson’s family movie, ‘Journey 2: The Mysterious Island’ took third place with $27.6 million dollars. It is followed by ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace 3D’.

 

 

The Top 10 in the Box Office are:

1. The Vow- $41.7 million dollars  

2. Safe House -$39.3 million

3. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island -$27.6 million

4. Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace 3D – $23 million

5. Chronicle – $12. 3 million dollars

6. The Woman in Black -$10.3 million

7. The Grey – $5.1 million

8. Big Miracle -$3.9 million

9. The Descendants – $3.5 million

10. Underworld: Awakening – $2.5 million dollars

 

‘Chronicle’ fights hard for the #1 spot
Karen Posada
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By

2012/02/06 at 12:00am

Movies

‘Chronicle’ fights hard for the #1 spot

02.6.2012 | By |

'Chronicle' fights hard for the #1 spot

Surprisingly ‘Chronicle’ and ‘The Woman in Black’ went head to head for the number one spot and weren’t that far off from one another. But the sci-fi thriller about 3 young men that unexpectedly get superpowers, ‘Chronicle’ placed itself there with $22 million dollars.

‘The Woman in Black’ a movie of a whole other genre, horror, came second with $21 million. Daniel Radcliffe has a strong following which might help keep it on the top three long enough to make up for the $14million spent in advertising alone.

‘The Grey’, Liam Nesson’s action film dropped to the third spot with $9.5 million dollars. The family film ‘Big Miracle’ and the horror action film ‘Underworld Awakening’ follow it.

 

The Top 10 in the Box Office are:

1. Chronicle – $22 million dollars

2. The Woman in Black -$21 million

3. The Grey -$9.5 million

4. Big Miracle -$8.5 million

5. Underworld Awakening -$5.6 million

6. One for the Money -$5.2 million

7. Red Tails -$5 million

8. The Descendants -$4.6 million

9. Man on a Ledge -$4.5 million

10. Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close -$3.9 million 

 

Chronicle
Karen Posada
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By

2012/02/04 at 12:00am

Reviews

Chronicle

02.4.2012 | By |

Chronicle

‘Chronicle’ makes great use of the “found footage” technique many movies have used such as ‘Cloverfield’ did, this makes the public feel like part of this crazy journey. So, there’s mainly just a handheld camera that’s used, but the use of security cameras as well give it a nice twist. This isn’t just a movie about super powers, but also about friendship and self-growth. We see what power does to people and how easily the lines between right and wrong are crossed when there’s nothing to stop you. Despite of the fact that this is an action/Sci-fi film, there’s a genuineness to it that makes aspects of the film, such as having superpowers almost seem possible.

 

Our main cameraman is Andrew (Dane Dehaan), a senior in high school who’s basically an outcast, there’s bullies coming at him not only in school, but also in the streets and even at home. For whatever reason he decides to start documenting his life and the camera becomes witness to everything he goes through. His only friend is Matt (Alex Russell) who has his own quirkiness but yet the aura of a cool guy. Unexpectedly, Steve (Michael B. Jordan) one of the most popular guys in school enters the picture and the three of them find a suspicious cave that not only gives them superpowers but also forms a strong bond between them. Their friendship starts growing as they explore their newly given powers, which for some of them are too much to take to the point that all their lives spin out of control.

 

Dehaan is for sure the biggest asset to the movie, not only because he’s the main character, but also because he’s able to go through every single emotion throughout the film naturally. One of the things the film does best is combine a mundane life like the one of Andrew, with a special event without loosing grip on reality, although it manages to lose this element a bit towards the end. The fact that the audience is able to go through most of the journey step by step with them makes it more believable.     

 

‘Chronicle’ is a spin on superhero movies, this is more like: what would an everyday person do if they suddenly had superpowers? Throughout the film you are waiting for something to happen, seeing the boys play around with their telekinetic powers is interesting but it starts dragging and when the big boom happens it scales too quickly and makes it a little too over the top. The ending doesn’t leave much to be desired, it’s like we experienced a car crash and then we are expected to go home like nothing happened. Perhaps this is the way of putting the audience back on the ground and reminding us that after all it was just a film.

Mexican Gerardo Naranjo to direct Fox’s ‘Mountain’
Jack Rico
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By

2012/02/02 at 12:00am

Movies

Mexican Gerardo Naranjo to direct Fox’s ‘Mountain’

02.2.2012 | By |

Mexican Gerardo Naranjo to direct Fox's 'Mountain'

For anyone who has rebuked mainstream America for not giving Latinos opoortunities to showcase their talents, then how do you explain Gerardo Naranjo? Yeah, I know what you’re saying… “a good agent and being Hispanic is in vogue.” You might be right, but it’s happening. It’s becoming an American reality, an a normalcy we need to get used to.

According to Deadline.com, 20th Century Fox and Chernin Entertainment are negotiating with Gerardo Naranjo to direct The Mountain Between Us, an adaptation of the Charles Martin novel.

For those of you who don’t know who Gerado Naranjo, he’s coming off Miss Bala, Mexico’s Best Foreign Language Film Oscar submission. It is executive produced by Mexican heavyweights Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna and tells the story of Laura, a young woman whose aspirations of becoming a beauty queen turn against her, delivering her into the hands of a gang that’s terrorizing northern Mexico. Although Laura succeeds in winning the beauty queen crown, her experiences as an unwilling participant in Mexico’s violent war leave her shaken and transformed.

From what we understand, The Mountain Between Us, is adapted by J. Mills Goodloe, and is both a harrowing tale of survival and a love story. Ashley is a writer catching a flight from Salt Lake City and heading East for her wedding. Ben is a doctor returning from a medical conference. When a their flight is cancelled due to a broken de-icer, the strangers agree to charter a ride, only to see the pilot suffer a heart attack and crash into a desolate snowy mountain region. He breaks ribs and she suffers a leg fracture. Fortunately, aside from a doctor he’s an avid climber, and as he struggles to get her down from the mountain in harsh weather, she begins to realize that maybe she was headed to marry the wrong guy.

How will Naranjo fair in his debut? Only time will tell, but we’re rooting for him to establish a reputation of quality work worthy of awards.

‘Evita’ on Broadway gets first TV commercial
Jack Rico
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2012/02/01 at 12:00am

Movies

‘Evita’ on Broadway gets first TV commercial

02.1.2012 | By |

'Evita' on Broadway gets first TV commercial

If you were to ask any theater fan what is the show they are most looking forward to seeing this year, a large majority will probably tell you ‘Evita’. Why? One name. Ricky Martin. Word of mouth has been so widespread on his co-starring role that any advertising would be almost unnecessary. Nevertheless, and to be on the safe side, producers have launched their PR minions to let those who have been sleeping under a rock that – “Ricky is coming, Ricky is coming!”

The marketing blitz began on radio approximately 2 weeks ago and has expanded now onto TV. Thanks to Youtube, we got our hands on the :15 second commercial that shows Martin, nicely shaved and tan, with the other two talented leads in Argentine actress Elena Rogers and Broadway veteran Michael Cerveris (Sweeney Todd). Even though the ad is brief, it’s haunting. The musical is gaining momentum and by the time it opens on April 5th, it’ll become an event.

Have a look below at the first ‘Evita’ on Broadway television commercial starring Ricky Martin.

Synopsis: Eva Perón used her beauty and charisma to rise meteorically from the slums of Argentina to the presidential mansion as First Lady. She won international acclaim and adoration from her own people as a champion of the poor, while glamour, power and greed made her the world’s first major political celebrity. EVITA tells Eva’s passionate and tragic story through Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most dazzling and beloved score, which includes “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,” “Another Suitcase in Another Hall” and “High Flying Adored,” together with “You Must Love Me,” the Oscar-winning hit from the film EVITA.

The Woman in Black
Karen Posada
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By

2012/01/31 at 12:00am

Reviews

The Woman in Black

01.31.2012 | By |

The Woman in Black

Daniel Radcliffe made an incredibly surprising move by choosing this movie as his first project after his life legacy of ‘Harry Potter’.The Woman in Black’ is a decent horror film that uses old formulas that work, but at times it’s too predictable to make you loose sleep. The film has an elegance and beauty that keeps you entertain up to a certain point; fortunately the length of the film also helps it be more likeable. This film reaches close to the level of ‘The Ring’, but it will only scare those that truly believe in the supernatural and can overlook the clichés of it.

 

A young English lawyer, Arthur Kipps (Daniel Radcliffe), who’s trying to overcome the death of his wife is sent to a small town to sell a mansion, that holds a deadly secret and with this prove that he has what it takes to keep his job. Kipps arrives in this grey town where he is only able to make one friend, Daily (Ciarán Hinds), who doesn’t believe in the supernatural rubbish and wants to help him carry out his task. In the meantime, Kipps must fight the vengeful ghost of a woman, who will never forgive what was done to her and he must also fight the townspeople who want the outsider to go away for reasons they don’t explain to him until it’s too late.   

 

Radcliffe carries this entire film on his shoulders and he does a good job at interpreting a man who is trying to make sense of things he doesn’t believe exist. Interestingly enough in our interview, he told me he doesn’t believe in ghosts or the supernatural, which makes me wonder even more, why take upon a project that has to do entirely with just that? To be fair his character does try to come up with a somewhat logical yet wacky solution. Although Radcliffe denies he’s not trying to escape from his ‘Harry Potter’ persona, now I’m more inclined to believe the opposite than before.

 

There is no doubt this film contains all the right creepy ingredients: porcelain dolls, toys that play lullabies, zombie- ghost children, lonely mansion in a secluded area, unfriendly towns people, and of course a ghost who doesn’t accept apologies and makes no exceptions. Despite that, I have to say that my experience with horror films helped me predict the outcome of some of the scenes, which takes away from it but I have to give some credit though to the weird unpredictable creepy twist and the semi unexpected ending.   

 

For people that don’t believe in the supernatural such as myself, it is very hard to have a horror film such as this one make me loose sleep, I enjoy horror films don’t get me wrong. After all we go to the movies to see unimaginable and incredible things, but this one didn’t traumatize me to the effect of ‘The Grudge’. If you want to see a good old hunted house film, then this is the one you’ve been waiting for. If you are into more hard-core horror/violent films this one is a bit more psychological and less graphic.

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