The Latest in Latino Entertainment News

Guillermo del Toro, Cameron pair up for ‘Madness’!

2010/07/29 at 12:00am

Guillermo del Toro, Cameron pair up for ‘Madness’!

07.29.2010 | By Jack Rico |

Mexican director Guillermo del Toro will direct “At the Mountain of Madness,” adapted from the novel by HP Lovecraft, with the production help of James Cameron, director of “Avatar.”

The plot tells the story of an expedition to Antarctica in the 30s, during which a group of scientists found a mysterious and ancient city. According to Deadline Hollywood, the movie will be made in 3D.

Del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, Hellboy) will create a fantasy and horror film, which will require a substantial budget.

By Ted Faraone

2010/07/28 at 12:00am

Movie Reviews Movies

Get Low (Movie Review)

07.28.2010 | By Ted Faraone |

Sometimes quirky works. So it is for Aaron Schneider in “Get Low,” his feature film directorial debut. Unfortunately for auds, “Get Low” is getting only limited US release beginning July 30 — almost a year after its bow at the Toronto Film Festival. This is the picture “Winter’s Bone” could have been if anyone working on it had a sense of humor. It will end up as an art-house feature stateside, but it should work wonders for Schneider’s nascent career.

What sets “Get Low” apart from typical indie fare is a fantastic cast of household names from back in the day, tight writing, economical editing (Schneider also gets editing credit), and a firm hand at the throttle. What holds it back is an over-reliance on the owners of perfectly restored Model A Fords.

Pic, set about 1930, stars Robert Duvall as Felix Bush, an aging, noted Tennessee hermit largely hated by the residents of his nearby town. Bush has a guilty secret. His revelation thereof provides pic’s action, and it is a credit to writers Chris Provenzano (screenplay) (story), C. Gaby Mitchell (screenplay), and Scott Seeke (story) that stretching it out over 100 minutes does not detract from the suspense. Instead they tease auds with shreds of revelation the way some tantalize a hungry dog with a series of Milk-Bones. Exposition is woven seamlessly into the plot. The only knock on this score is a slow-moving opening reel featuring a man on fire running from a burning house followed by Bush’s shotgun wielding “deterrence” of small boys who throw stones at his windows. Seemingly disconnected at first, the fire sets up pic’s denouement. Ten minutes in, pic gains steam. Other than Bush’s over-the-top character, the only clue at the outset that this is more comedy than drama is the casting of Bill Murray as Frank Quinn, the P.T. Barnum of undertakers. Murray’s Quinn is by turns cynical, a con-man, creative, and empathetic. He also gets pic’s best punch lines — including one that your critic knows is dead wrong. “Nobody steals hearses” is not true. The funeral of your critic’s great uncle, a noted Communist and atheist, was graced by the theft of the hearse during the service. Fortunately Uncle Mariano was not in said hearse when it was stolen. The irony of holding a Catholic Mass for the Dead for an atheist was not lost on your critic.

Bush has decided to “get low”, which means getting his affairs in order and planning his own funeral. The process starts out serious with a visit to Rev. Gus Horton (Gerald McRaney). The two don’t see eye-to-eye. A visit to the Rev. Horton by Quinn’s assistant, Buddy (Lucas Black) at the same time provides the excuse to bring Murray on screen. Not enough people die in the one-horse town to keep the Quinn Funeral Home afloat, he complains. Bush is a Godsend. The catch is that he wants a “funeral party” while he is still alive, a party at which he invites anyone to say about him whatever they know. Quinn and Buddy get right to work on it with the latest 1930 publicity methods including a radio broadcast in which Bush says that the highlight of the event will be a raffle, $5 for a ticket, in which the winner will get his huge tract of virgin timber untouched for 40 years. Ticket money pours into the Quinn Funeral Home.

Enter Sissy Spacek as Mattie Darrow, a charming widow who returned to the town after her husband’s death in St. Louis. She is pic’s only townsperson who has anything nice to say about Bush. It is a joy to see her on screen, totally convincing. The revelation of the nature of her relationship to Bush is pic’s only difficult plot twist to follow. It seems that Bush’s secret is something that she would have known — he was dating her 40 years earlier when he fell in love with her married sister, but the realization does not strike Mattie until she see’s her sister’s faded photograph on Bush’s wall. At that point she nearly strikes Bush. Note to guys: do not hit on girlfriend’s sister.

Only one other living person knows Bush’s story, Rev. Charlie Jackson (Bill Cobbs), an elderly Illinois preacher whose church Bush built. Duvall’s Felix Bush is a noted carpenter whose work impresses everyone with its elegant simplicity. Plot ultimately hangs on Rev. Jackson’s reluctance to speak at Bush’s funeral.

The payoff, when it comes, is emotionally satisfying largely due to the sympathy Duvall has engendered from auds as his Felix Bush was slowly revealed to be far more gentle and complicated than anyone would have imagined. The flaw, if it can be called that, is that the guilty secret, when finally exposed — and there is a question until almost the last minute whether Bush will speak for himself or wimp out and let Rev. Jackson tell his story — is more the result of the law of unintended consequences than of any other cause. Turning one’s back on society and becoming a hermit for 40 years seems like a penitent over-reaction. Duvall, Cobbs, and Spacek are so compelling, however that this conclusion does not enter one’s mind until well after the closing credits.

One more tip of the hat to Duvall: He plays a number of scenes with an utterly charming mule. To his credit, the mule does not steal them.

“Get Low” is rated PG-13 for some language, largely uttered by Murray. No grammar school child will be unfamiliar with it. It is told with respect and dignity. Have no fear of taking the kids. They may enjoy it.

By Jack Rico

2010/07/27 at 12:00am

Movies

Repo Men

07.27.2010 | By Jack Rico |

Rating: 0.0

Rated: R for strong bloody violence, grisly images, language and some sexuality/nudity.
Release Date: 2010-03-19
Starring: Garrett Lerner, Eric Garcia
Director(s):
Distributor:
Film Genre:
Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.repomenarecoming.com/

Â Go to our film page

By Jack Rico

2010/07/26 at 12:00am

Movies

4 New ‘Green Lantern’ Posters!

07.26.2010 | By Jack Rico |

For those of you that are fans of the Green Lantern and have seen the EW magazine cover of Ryan Reynolds as the green hero, I’m not sure how you feel about these new posters, but I must say I’m rather dissappointed. These bland and unimaginative illustrations hopefully are not a sign of things to come.

One thing I am glad about is that the DC, Marvel wars are starting to heat up. The Dark Knight was one of the highest grossing films ever, Superman is on its way back with Christopher Nolan consulting and now GL makes his awaited appearance.

But getting back to the posters, couldn’t someone else have done a better job? We recently unveiled Juan Doe’s new Machete comic cover, and he would have been the ideal candidate since he did DC’s Batman: The Joker’s Asylum Part IV: Scarecrow cover… and as one commenter stated about his work, “sick!“, we support that effervescent clamor! Below is his Scarecrow cover, cool huh?

Who did the Green Lantern posters? Oh well, no use crying over spilled milk. The film has a release date of June 17th, 2011. Perhaps there might be new posters before its due date in theaters.

Read the official synopsis before you check out the posters WB sent us and let us know what you think in our comments section below:

“In a universe as vast as it is mysterious, a small but powerful force has existed for centuries. Protectors of peace and justice, they are called the Green Lantern Corps. A brotherhood of warriors sworn to keep intergalactic order, each Green Lantern wears a ring that grants him superpowers. But when a new enemy called Parallax threatens to destroy the balance of power in the Universe, their fate and the fate of Earth lie in the hands of their newest recruit, the first human ever selected: Hal Jordan. Hal is a gifted and cocky test pilot, but the Green Lanterns have little respect for humans, who have never harnessed the infinite powers of the ring before. But Hal is clearly the missing piece to the puzzle, and along with his determination and willpower, he has one thing no member of the Corps has ever had: humanity. With the encouragement of fellow pilot and childhood sweetheart Carol Ferris (Blake Lively), if Hal can quickly master his new powers and find the courage to overcome his fears, he may prove to be not only the key to defeating Parallax…he will become the greatest Green Lantern of all.”

By Mack Chico

2010/07/26 at 12:00am

Movies

Inception: #1 at the box office!

07.26.2010 | By Mack Chico |

It was close, but not close enough. Leonardo Dicaprio established who the true superstar is against Angelina Jolie’s ‘Salt’.

“Inception” remained the No. 1 movie for the second-straight weekend with $43.5 million, according to studio estimates Sunday. Sony’s spy caper “Salt” premiered a solid No. 2 with $36.5 million. The movie stars Jolie as a CIA operative who goes rogue after she’s accused of being a Russian sleeper agent.

Coming in at No. 3 with $24.1 million was Steve Carell’s family hit “Despicable Me.” The animated comedy raised its domestic total to $161.7 million.

The weekend’s other new wide release, 20th Century Fox’s family comedy “Ramona and Beezus,” took in $8 million to finish at No. 6. The movie is based on Beverly Cleary’s children’s books about a teenage girl and her accident-prone little sister.

“Inception” hung in strongly in its second weekend, its total down just 31 percent from its $62.8 million opening. During the busy summer, top hits often drop 50 percent or more in the second weekend and rarely repeat as the No. 1 movie.

The film will quickly shoot past the $200 million mark at the domestic box office and has a good shot at topping $300 million, said Dan Fellman, head of distribution at Warner Bros.

The ticket sales are estimates for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released today.

Sony Pictures’ Amy Pascal Talks Up Hispanic Movie Audiences

Sony Pictures’ Co-Chairwoman Amy Pascal

By Jack Rico

2010/07/23 at 12:00am

Movies

Sony Pictures’ Amy Pascal Talks Up Hispanic Movie Audiences

07.23.2010 | By Jack Rico |

TheWrap.com’s editor-in-chief Sharon Waxman had a chance to sit for a big in-depth interview with Sony Pictures Entertainment co-Chairman Amy Pascal about the business of movies. In the middle of the interview, Ms. Waxman asked Pascal about Hispanic movie audiences. Below is the excerpt and I couldn’t agree more with it! Read More

Guillermo Del Toro to direct ‘The Haunted Mansion’!

By Mack Chico

2010/07/22 at 12:00am

Movies

Guillermo Del Toro to direct ‘The Haunted Mansion’!

07.22.2010 | By Mack Chico |

Disney Pictures just sent out a press release to all media outlets announcing that Mexican director Guillermo del Toro will be directing The Haunted Mansion.

Below is the actual text from the release:

Guillermo del Toro surprised the 6,500 fans gathered today at Comic-Con with the announcement that he is currently developing a new film for The Walt Disney Studios based on the classic Disney theme park attraction, The Haunted Mansion.

“Dark imagery is an integral part of the Walt Disney legacy. After all, Disney himself was the father of some really chilling moments and characters – think Chernabog from Fantasia or Maleficent as the Dragon or the Evil Queen in Snow White,” said del Toro. “I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of my own adaptation of the original theme park attraction Walt envisioned and that remains- for me- the most desirable piece of real
estate in the whole world!”

“Millions of people from around the world visit The Haunted Mansion each year, but no one has ever had a tour guide like Guillermo del Toro,” said Rich Ross, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. “Guillermo is one of the most gifted and innovative filmmakers working today and he is going to take audiences on a visually-thrilling journey like they’ve never experienced before.”

Since August 1969, foolish mortals have dared to trespass on the macabre grounds of Disney’s Haunted Mansion. A hallowed landmark in Disneyland’s New Orleans square, it’s the dwelling place of 999 happy haunts dying to meet new visitors each day. The plantation-style of the mansion’s facade is a sweet deception for visitors. Inside, ghostly doom buggies line the hallways. Since its construction, the mysteries of the mansion have transcended the attraction with stories surfacing about horrifying encounters with the supernatural. Versions of the daunting edifice have been built at other Disney theme parks in Orlando, Tokyo and Paris.

By Karen Posada

2010/07/21 at 12:00am

Movie Reviews Movies

Salt (Movie Review)

07.21.2010 | By Karen Posada |

Salt is THE summer’s action flick. No other actress can do an action film like Angelina Jolie, she gives an amazing performance in this one. We haven’t seen a movie by her since Wanted and that was pretty much a preview to what you can expect from her in Salt. The script was made originally for a male lead, it is rumored that Tom Cruise turned it down, which is a good thing because I doubt a male lead would have made it as successful. The movie will keep you guessing the entire running time up to the end. The one question running through your mind at every turn of the movie is: how will she get out of this one?

Since the beginning we realize that CIA officer Evelyn Salt (Jolie) is a tough female, the movie begins with her capture by the North Korean government, they try to beat the loyalty out of her, but can’t. We shortly meet Ted Winter (Liev Schreiber)her boss at the CIA and friend, he’s along on her side throughout most of the movie trying to help her. After we get a brief backstory on Salt’s life both the private and professional sides of it, we are in Washington D.C. in CIA headquarters where we meet Peabody (Chiwetel Ejiofor). As a CIA counter-intelligence agent he is not sympathetic to anyone specially to Salt after she is accused of being a sleeper Russian spy and she runs away to avoid being captured. This is when the action begins and where we are left to wonder: ‘who is Salt?’

Salt is married to an entomologist who is fully aware of her career path and the risks that are involved. He is one of the few reasons we ever see this character be soft, the rest of it is all tough CIA training from the fights to her assertive actions.In fact, this female character is the one that carries all the action of the movie, the other two secondary characters Winter and Peabody do very little physical work. Salt’s independence and kick-ass attitude is what keeps her going.

Jolie prepared for this character by talking to former CIA agents such as Melissa Boyle Mahle who worked for the force for 16 years. She spoke of Jolie’s relentlessness of getting every aspect of the character right, asking her how she felt and what she went through; she learned how spies live. Although Mahle says Jolie in the film makes it look way more fun and glamours than it really is. Oleg Kalugin a former KGB member and spy said Salt is very real, and she is tough like a Russian spy. Tom Ridge former Secretary of Homeland security spoke of the realities of the film as seen by current events and how the government has dealt with it since the Cold-War.

If you are into action films this one is for you, it is pure entertainment. There’s bits and pieces of romance in the way but it doesn’t disrupt the action. You can compare it to current events but remember this is hollywood, which means that nothing is to be taken to heart. The main subject here is loyalty, towards family, country, beliefs etc; which is what keeps the movie going and will keep you wondering.

EXCLUSIVE! Robert Rodriguez’s ‘Machete’ comic cover unveiled!

By Jack Rico

2010/07/21 at 12:00am

Movies

EXCLUSIVE! Robert Rodriguez’s ‘Machete’ comic cover unveiled!

07.21.2010 | By Jack Rico |

Breaking news! Director Robert Rodriguez in conjunction with publisher IDW has teamed up with über comic artist Juan Doe to execute the covers for the new Machete comic based on the “Mexploitation” film of the same name.

The first Machete comic, issue #0, will be released in September, with issues 1-5 breaking in December.

Robert Rodriguez and his long time producer Aaron Kaufman wrote the story with Stuart Sager handling the artwork and Zach Howard doing coloring.

Enter Juan Doe. A renowned comic artist, he has drawn a variety of high-profile projects, including the first bilingual Marvel comic in history (Fantastic Four: Isla de la Muerte!), as well as works for DC (Batman: The Joker’s Asylum Part IV: Scarecrow) and Image (24/7, Popgun Volume #3).

Aside from the Machete covers, he is also working on a spate of projects, including the third groundbreaking installment of “Fantastic Four in Puerto Rico“, a series of Iron Man Legacy covers and a top secret project that will be unveiled at the NYC Comic Con in Oct. Talk about busy! Stay tuned for the ShowBizCafe in-depth interview with Juan Doe himself!

So for all you Juan Doe fans, feast your eyes on the first official comic cover of Machete below!

Let us know what you think in the comment section below or on Twitter!

Gael Garcia Bernal is on ‘The Loneliest Planet’

By Jack Rico

2010/07/21 at 12:00am

Movies

Gael Garcia Bernal is on ‘The Loneliest Planet’

07.21.2010 | By Jack Rico |

Deadline.com is reporting that Gael Garcia Bernal, the Mexican-born star of Y Tu Mama Tambien and Amores Perros, will star with Hani Furstenberg in The Loneliest Planet, an independently financed thriller that will be directed by Julia Loktev.

According to the site, shooting will begin July 26 in the Republic of Georgia.

The synopsis of the film centers around a young couple backpacking through some mountains in Europe. Their relationships is tested when they hire a local guide to to get them through the wild landscapes of nature.

Gael Garcia Bernal will next be seen starring in a comedy with Kate Hudson, Whoopi Goldberg, Peter Dinklage and Kathy Bates in Earthbound, about an ill woman who finds out she’s dying of cancer, but when she meets her soulmate, the threat of falling in love is scarier than death. He’s also casted to star in Even the Rain, Pedro Paramo and untitled Cesar Chavez project.