A chat with Charlize Theron
09.21.2009 | By Jack Rico |
Charlize Theron chats up our own Jack Rico on winning the Oscar and her desire to win another one with a Latino filmmaker!
09.21.2009 | By Jack Rico |
Charlize Theron chats up our own Jack Rico on winning the Oscar and her desire to win another one with a Latino filmmaker!
09.19.2009 | By Jack Rico |
Rated: PG for brief mild language.
Release Date: 2009-09-18
Starring: Judi Barrett, Ron Barrett
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Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/cloudywithachanceofmeatballs/
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Gluttony to the umpteenth degree is what parents should expect from this farcical 3D animation that is strictly for kids’ excessive and hyper yearnings. I’d like to say, “fun for the whole family”, but the story is too infantile for adults to be truly bothered. Watch out for Mr.T’s character throughout the film – he is hilarious for all ages.
‘Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs’ is based on a children’s book from Judy and Ron Barrett which follows inventor Flint Lockwood (voice of Bill Hader) and brainy weathergirl Sam Sparks (voice of Anna Faris) as they attempt to discover why the rain in their small town has stopped while food is falling in its place. Meanwhile, lifelong bully Brent (voice of Adam Samberg) relishes in tormenting Flint just as he did when they were kids, and Mayor Shelbourne (voice of Bruce Campbell) schemes to use Flint’s latest invention–a device designed to improve everyone’s lives–for his own personal gain. Mr. T. voices by-the-books cop Earl Devereaux, and James Caan voices Flint’s technophobe father, Tim.
For those of you that might be going for the 3D animation experience, “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” produces a sharp, crisp picture, with no visible imprecision between the matches of the images. There is clear definition between closer and further elements. In terms of technical quality, this is the best I’ve seen so far along with G-Force from Disney.
09.19.2009 | By Jack Rico |
‘The Burning Plain’ is a bleak film which is heavy on the visceral drama and light on substance. The script isn’t compelling nor are the characters and last I heard, the idea behind creating a movie is to entertain audiences to some degree, not make one miserable and despondent.
Three stories about three women swing back and forth in time and place, gathering apparently disconnected and twisted scenes into a monotonous tale of betrayal, love, and death. The film stars Charlize Theron, Kim Basinger and a new crop of actors.
Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga, now turned director, is a magnificent penman who creates scenes that bring the best out of actors and his director. Regrettably, as his fourth work shows, he has reached a repetitive, one-dimensional plateau where he can’t seem to free himself from. Once again, Arriaga tells a story of various characters paralleling each other. He began with this structure in ‘Amores Perros’ and continued in ‘21 Grams,’ ‘Babel’ and now ‘The Burning Plain’. When I spoke to him, Arriaga contested that he felt the composition and story of this film are completely different than anything he has done before. He needs to take a closer look at his films and pick up on the recurring patterns – multi-narratives and gut-wrenching, emotional dramas. There isn’t anything wrong with Arriaga continuing along this trademark path, but isn’t variety the spice of life? Versatility is where you prove yourself to be better than just one style and I am hoping to see something distinct and fresh for his next project.
This is a Hollywood indie intertwined with a Latino story. For Hispanics, the decision to watch this heavy film for the sake of supporting a fellow patriot is ignorant. You make your decision based on the quality of the script and the acting. In this case, the script is banal, too serious and melodramatic and the acting, though arguably strong, is not compelling and lacks believability. I recommend you wait for his arch nemesis, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s new film ‘Biutiful’ starring Javier Bardem for a more enjoyable experience at the movies in December.
09.18.2009 | By Alex Florez |
Rated: R for sexuality, bloody violence, language and brief drug use.
Release Date: 2009-09-18
Starring: Diablo Cody
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Country: USA
Official Website: http://www.jennifersbody.com/
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‘Jennifer’s Body’ is a failure on so many levels: as a horror film, a comedy and its acting, but it does manage to be a good teen film due to Diablo Cody’s authentic and irreverent script and dialogue. It is so sumptuous that I haven’t been this excited to HEAR just dialogue since her first work in ‘Juno.’
The premise is simple yet loses its path many a times. When small-town high school hottie Jennifer (Megan Fox) is possessed by a hungry demon, guys who never stood a chance with her, take on new luster in the light of Jennifer’s insatiable appetite.
Oscar award winning screenwriter Diablo Cody is a teenager trapped in a woman’s body. Her uncanny way to capture and tap into the teen angst of today is an onerous task that she pulls off effortlessly… once again. Nevertheless, there is no excuse for some of the tawdry moments the movie provides. Its pacing, in particular, lacks a natural rhythm, the acting is descent at best and Megan just doesn’t bring it; she’s not good enough to carry the movie. The film overall struggles with a sense of identity. It doesn’t know whether it wants to be campy or a little less flamboyant, but it never finds the right balance. It’s never truly scary or funny. If you’re going to see the film in theaters just to get off on Megan Fox, there are other ways to do it, such as waiting for it on DVD in 4 months
Watch out for the lesbo scene, it might just shock the horror from you.
09.15.2009 | By Jack Rico |
Rated: PG-13
Release Date: 2009-05-01
Starring: David Benioff
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Country:USA
Official Website: http://www.xmenorigins.com/
Is the bootleg online version of ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ better than the cinematic experience? If you already saw the illegal downloaded version, should you spend your money to watch it in a real movie theater? I personally haven’t seen the unauthorized edition, but from the feedback I’ve received from those who have and with my take from the theatrical version – yes, you should see it in theaters only if you enjoyed what you saw. It would enhance the experience that director Gavin Hood intended to originally put forth, but, if you didn’t like the story to begin with, odds are you won’t like it after you see in the big screen.
‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’ is set prior to the events of the original X-Men films, sometime in the 1970s. It begins principally with Wolverine and partially with a few other legends of the X-Men universe. Some highlights include characters and story lines that have been long anticipated. The movie also explores Logan’s romance with Kayla Silverfox. Kayla’s fate triggers Logan’s involvement with the ominous Weapon X program, a top secret, billion-dollar military experiment, in which Wolverine obtains his indestructible metal skeleton.
The film had several problems ranging from blatant gaps in the story, underwhelming performances by new characters, to the unacceptable, second-rate CGI effects throughout the film (in particular a cameo done by a CGI Patrick Stewart). Unfortunately, these critical factors in particular, were too distracting for me to overcome. In its defense, there were many laudable moments such as Hugh Jackman’s performance of Wolverine (I can’t see anyone else ever playing him) and Liev Schrieber as his archenemy brethren, Sabretooth. Ryan Reynolds, who has been bashed by some bloggers for being casted as Deadpool, was likable in playing the wise cracking sword killer.
Overall, you have the good and the bad making ‘Wolverine’ an average film. Brett Ratner’s “X-Men: The Last Stand” turned out to be a better films on all levels. On a separate note, watch out for two clips after the credits, one scene immediately after the credits begin and the other at the very end of all the credits. These will reveal some of what may come in the next sequel.
09.13.2009 | By Pau Brunet |
Incandescent filmmaker Tyler Perry’s latest family comedy “I Can Do Bad All By Myself” opened in the top place in North America’s ticket booths this weekend, with an estimated 24 million dollars in ticket sales during three days beginning Friday, preliminary estimates provided by North American boxoffice authorities Sunday show.
The PG-13 rated Lionsgate film was Perry’s second number one debut of the year, and the fifth among his eight movies released in just 4 1/2 years. It leads a pack of weak contenders during the traditionally one of the most sluggish weekends. Adopted from one of Perry’s plays, the film tells the story about an alcoholic singer who finds healing in church and family. Madea, a pistol-packing granny, has become a phenomenon with the screening of Perry’s latest two films, with the first being “Madea Goes to Jail,” which opened to a personal best of 41 million dollars in February. His low-budget films have been especially popular among black women moviegoers. He was rated one of Hollywood’s top ten money makers in 2009. With the debut of this hilarious flick, he is destined to continue with his golden trail.
“9 (Animated)” debuted in second place, with an estimated 10.9 million dollars in sales. The film, an animated sci-fi/action film from Focus, is a post-apocalyptic tale of some creepy-looking rag dolls. It got an early start on the competition by opening on Wednesday, and its total stands at 15.3 million dollars. Based on Shane Acker’s Academy Award-nominated short film of the same name, it is directed by Acker and produced by Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov, and stars Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly and Jennifer Connelly.
The WWII saga “Inglourious Basterds” from Weinstein Co. and featuring Hollywood’s top headliner Brad Pitt, slipped one place to third standing. It has fetched 6.5 million dollars this weekend and grossed a total revenue of 104.3 million dollars over four weeks.
Rounding out the top five films in North America over the weekend are: “All about Steve,” a comedy produced by Sandra Bullock from Fox debuting with 5.8 million dollars, and 21.8 million dollars over two week; “The Final Destination,” a horror flick from Warner Bros., with 5.5 million dollars this weekend and58.3 million dollars over three weeks after standing two weekends in a row as number one.
| # | TITULO | Recaudación | Descenso | # Salas | Prom/Salas | Acmdo. |
| 1 | I Can Do All Bad by Myself | $24M | – | 2,255 | $10.654 | $24M |
| 2 | 9 | $10,8M | – | 1,661 | $6,530 | $15,2M |
| 3 | Inglourious Basterds | $6,5M | -44% | 3,215 | $2,028 | $103,2M |
| 4 | All About Steve | $5,8M | -49% | 2,265 | $2,558 | $21,8M |
| 5 | The Final Destination: 3D | $5,4M | -56% | 2,732 | $1,976 | $58,2M |
| 6 | Sorority Row | $5,2M | – | 2,665 | $1,951 | $5,2M |
09.10.2009 | By Jack Rico |
Rated: R for violence, grisly images, brief strong language and some nudity.
Release Date: 2009-09-11
Starring: Erich Hoeber, Jon Hoeber
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Country: USA
Official Website: www.whiteoutmovie.com
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Before writing this criticism, I read some reviews from some major outlets spewing diatribes about this film. I just want to say their statements are greatly exaggerated. They just don’t get graphic novels. That is what ‘Whiteout’ is based on via the creative pens of Greg Rucka and Steve Lieber, This is a stomach churning action-thriller that journeys into the depths of ice hell in the Antarctica. Expect a balanced dose of action and drama, but it’s the slow, escalating tension that ultimately maintains you glued to your seat.
Carrie Stetko (Kate Beckinsale), the lone U.S. Marshal assigned to Antarctica, is investigating the continent’s first murder, which draws her into a shocking mystery. Now, with only three days until a calamitous winter, Carrie must solve the crime before Antarctica is plunged into darkness and she is stranded with the killer.
The movie has its deficiencies such as the dialogue (“Doc, this wasn’t an accident!”) and its shoddy denouement that will leave audiences cursing, but it needs to be applauded for creating a tense filled atmosphere through slow paced and eery scenes. I appreciated the twists and turns, which I felt, were unpredictable, yet plausible. Overall that is what going to the movies is all about, experiencing something far from the realities of life.
09.10.2009 | By Jack Rico |
Rated: PG-13 for violence and scary images.
Release Date: 2009-09-09
Starring: Shane Acker, Pamela Pettler
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Country: UK, USA
Official Website: http://9themovie.com/splash/
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‘9’ is an enjoyable, engrossing piece of cinema that will envelope you with its innovative animation, dark yet thought provoking storyline and compelling voice performances. Think of Wall-E meets Terminator Salvation. Its only flaw is that it lacks some depth, but it’s redeemed by the absorbing action sequences. Just WOW. With a slight running time of 80 minutes, ‘9’ does the trick for this post Labor Day weekend.
The film takes place in a world parallel to our own, in which the very legacy of humanity is threatened. A group of sapient rag dolls, living a post-apocalyptic existence find one of their own, 9 (Elijah Wood), who displays leadership qualities that may help them to survive.
The director is Shane Acker, who is making his feature debut. 9 is an expansion of his 2005 Oscar-nominated animated short of the same name. With Tim Burton and Tim Bekmambetov (Wanted) on board, getting A-list voice actors was not a problem. Of all the major stars – Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly, Martin Landau – only Christopher Plummer is immediately recognizable. The rest manage the critical component of effective anonymity, which can be important in an animated film lest the image of the actor overwhelm the character to which voice is being given.
For those looking for something different, new, mentally stimulating and a bit dark and sinister, ‘9’ offers all the Tim Burton traits without the hype.
09.4.2009 | By Jack Rico |
Back in February, we outscooped every news media outlet, with an EXCLUSIVE interview with Walter Perez from FAME. Take a look at the interview from back then and wait for a new one coming up on the week of the 14th.
If you don’t know too much about him, here are some tidbits… he who grew up in South Gate, California and is of Mexican descent, plays Victor Taveras in the new remake of ‘Fame’ out in theaters on Sept. 25th. We caught up with the Latin heartthrob to chat about the his experience on the set of his new film, the theater, NYC, his dreams and of course “FAME”!
Walter’s film credits include, HBO’s “Walkout”, “Emilio, “August Evening” which received the John Cassavetes Award, “Inhale” alongside Dermot Mulroney and Diane Kruger and “A Beautiful Life” opposite Dana Delany and Debi Mazar.
What you should also know is that he’s no stranger to television, Perez has made several guest appearances including, “CSI: Miami”, “The Closer”, “Free Radio” and a five episode arc on “Friday Night Lights” where he played Bobby “Bull” Reyes.
09.3.2009 | By Jack Rico |
All About Steve has to be one of the worst movies of the year and certainly the worst of Sandra Bullock’s career. To make matters worse, she also produced it. Double slap. The comedy is meant to be funny, but instead, it leaves viewers frustrated and irritated. This vapid, insipid story fails to engage and is a waste of a good cast.
The premise is awful and unoriginal. After one date with a CNN cameraman (Bradley Cooper), Mary Horowitz (Sandra Bullock), a brilliant crossword-puzzle constructor, decides he is her true love. As she alienates him by trailing him across the country, she bonds with a group of misfits who appreciate her eccentric nature.
If you’ve seen The Proposal, you know Bullock can shine in a much better comedy. That film was a box office hit on its release. So what happened here? It’s simply a case of a bad script. Nothing and no one can escape that “disease.” All About Steve is a train wreck from the very start, and you should avoid it at all costs.
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