Thanksgiving Weekend Releases (11/26-11/30)
It’s the day after Turkey day. Santa has officially made his entrance for the holiday season to begin. You know it’s not the holidays until his sleigh rides up to Herald Square as the final moment in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, right?
So, with the holiday season upon us, Hollywood usually reserves this weekend to usher in the first wave of blockbuster films. However, wasn’t that last weekend? (Quantum of Solace, Bolt, and Twilight come to mind for some reason.) This weekend, viewers can check out several new releases - Four Christmases, Australia, Transporters 3, and Milk - to name a few.
Four Christmases stars Reese Witherspoon and Vince Vaughan as an unmarried couple seeking refuge from the annual holiday get togethers between four separate family households. Anyone married (or unmarried) that has been faced with similar situations will appreciate the story behind this film. For my family, it’s usually “three Christmases” so I personally, can’t wait to see the interpretation of this unconventional family tradition.
Australia, the much-anticipated…and sometimes referred to as the most-hyped…film starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman opened this weekend as well. It’s an epic story of epic proportions (in more ways than one). I like the work of both actors and that’s about the only thing that will get me to see the film at some point.
For thriller seekers, Transporters 3, launches into a theater near you. Starring Jason Statham (The Italian Job) and unknown actress Natalya Rudakova, the film centers around the transporting of the kidnapped daughter of the EPA of Ukraine from Marseilles to the Black Sea without getting caught. I didn’t see Transporters 1 or 2 and so I’ll leave it at that.
For those that love documentary-style story telling, there’s Milk, starring Sean Penn as the first Gay man to be elected into public office in America only to be assassinated a year later. I love Sean Penn. His films of late have been really good and his artistry equally so. I will take this one in at some point as well.
The thing is, all four of these films will compete with the already highly successful latest installment of all things James Bond- Quantum of Solace, the animated comedy - Bolt, and let’s not forget the vampire love story - Twilight. All three of those remain in the top 5 going into the weekend.
Because I’m in a Christmas-y kinda mood, I’ll probably take in Four Christmases before the holiday weekend is out. Review coming soon!
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa 
Oscars Scuttlebutt Already?
In Hollywood it’s never too early to talk Oscar noms. Heck, since I saw Batman: The Dark Knight this summer, I’ve been predicting Heath Ledger will be up for a posthumous Supporting Actor nomination (if not a win!). Seems everyone’s out there talking Oscar.
On Tuesday of this week, the News and Observer had a lengthy article on the upcoming Christmas release of the new Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet film, Revolutionary Road, that will be released just in time to be considered for a 2008 Oscar nomination. While I realize many of you are probably saying, “Oh no, there she goes again - Leo, Leo, Leo.” Leo may be one of my favorite actors of all time (haven’t I voiced that before?), when it comes to this particular film, it’s not so much about him as it is about the dynamic combination of Leo and Kate. The first time they were ever paired together, their film scooped the Academy Awards with 11 wins, including one for Best Picture. Perhaps you remember it. It was a little known film called Titanic. So, could their chemistry win out again? We’ll have to wait and see.
Going back to Batman: The Dark Knight, while there’s a great chance for Heath Ledger, there also seems to be an issue with the score - it has been disqualified from the nomination process…and all because of a technicality. According to Sizzling Popcorn which pulled it’s story from The Daily Variety, apparently the score’s cue sheet lists five different names, which is more than allowed by the Academy. Too bad because the score’s credit comes from none other than the multi-talented and oscar-winning composer, Hans Zimmer. WOW, what a snub!
There’s also talk that some additional candidates for Oscar nominations this year are box office blockbuster, Ironman, and Disney/Pixar’s highly successful WALL-E. According to MSNBC’s Test Pattern, the critics loved these three films - Dark Knight, WALL-E, and Ironman - and gave them high percentage points as a testament to their worthiness.
As the rest of 2008 plays out, we’ll see the likes of new releases - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (starring Brad Pitt), Australia (starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman), as well as Milk (starring Sean Penn). All potential contenders for Oscars race. Might make for a good time to hit the theaters this holiday season?
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa
Nights in Rodanthe - Read the Book
And that’s not a diss against the film either; just an observation. Surprisingly enough, I enjoyed Nights in Rodanthe, the film based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. But, I enjoyed it primarily because I had read the book and I understood the story, the background of the characters, the plot lines.
The film brings Diane Lane and Richard Gere together again. Remember the last time they shared the spotlight? It was in the adultress drama Unfaithful in 2002. Lane and Gere have great chemistry on-screen and at least in Rodanthe their story is about true love rather than marital distress.
Gere plays Dr. Paul Flanner, a world-renown plastic surgeon, who after leading an intensely demanding life in that arena, decides to give it all up to travel to a third world country to reconnect with his son but not before making a stop in Rodanthe, North Carolina, the tiny town on the Outer Banks to make a mends with a patient’s family, a patient who died on the operating table. Lane, plays Adrienne Willis, a 40-something mother of two who has her own issues to deal with, namely a cheating husband who realizes the error of his ways and wants to “come home”, a teenage daughter who doesn’t understand why her mother doesn’t want him to, and her own insecurities as a woman. To help a friend, and partly to escape the crisis that is her life, she agrees to take care of the friend’s Bed and Breakfast in Rodanthe for the weekend. Adrienne and Dr. Paul’s world’s collide leaving everything to chance and setting into motion a romance of a lifetime but one that leaves you crying at the end.
Yes, gentlemen, it’s a typical chick flick but one that is written in the beauty that is Nicholas Sparks. Screenwriters, Ann Peacock and John Romano, do an excellent job of adapting a beautifully written novel into the screenplay it becomes. The only real flaw -for those that live in North Carolina, we see a few discrepencies within the scenery. The wild horses aren’t in Rodanthe but are rather up on the northern tier of the Outer Banks and with Gere’s character coming from Raleigh, there isn’t a reason to take a ferry to the part of the Banks in which he visits. But, if you look beyond that and see the story behind the scenery, you realize it’s a beautiful love story and so much the reason critics have called it “This year’s The Notebook” (also written by Sparks).
I read the book and I enjoyed the film. I’ll probably add it to my DVD collection too.
I give Nights in Rodanthe
and 3/4 reels
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa
Will To Power - A Psychological Thriller
A couple of weekends ago, I had the good fortune to attend the world premiere screening of the independent film, Will To Power, a film that was made right here in the Triangle. Directed, written, and starring David Rountree along with Chris Moir and the likes of Kiko Ellsworth, Rosie Garcia, and the incomparable Jerry Mathers, the film tests the boundaries of friendship in a way no other film does.
The basic ingredients: take two best friends, one insecure about himself and the other best described as a “Mr. Popular” type, add one bizarre class assignment (involving murder no less) and you’ve got the pathway to interesting plot points and developments throughout the film. Will To Power tests just how far a person would go for a friendship while at the same time tests the identity of said friendship.
My overall take on the film - it was good. In fact, it was better than I had anticipated it would be and as a matter of fact, as a former teacher myself, it did not go in the direction I had thought it would. It surprised me…and disappointed me a bit at the same time. Personally, I could do without all the raw “boys will be boys” scenes. In my humble opinion, the film could easily cut some of those particular scenes out. One or two scenes of the sort, especially the way they were filmed, could have easily given the viewer the idea that “boys will be boys”. It wasn’t necessary to show as much of it as they did.
But, that’s my only criticism. The scripting is superb and the twists and turns, equally as much so. I would definitely say Power is not predictable…at least it wasn’t for me. The producers also chose the right actors for each character. Chris Moir was so convincing it was almost scary. David Rountree was the perfect “Mr. Popular” and really played out his character’s transformation brilliantly. I felt bad for him (the character; not David) at the end. Jerry Mathers had a notable role as well as the school administrator, Mr. Simpson.
One more item of note on the music production but let me make a disclaimer here first. I happen to know the producer, Craig Brandwynne, personally and leaving that element aside for a moment, I can honestly say the film’s soundtrack helps define the film. Early on the day of the screening, I had the chance to spend some time with musician Sissy Harrington who has two songs on the film. After talking with Sissy and with Craig, I see where the inspiration for the musical element comes to play. Movies aren’t solid without the right score or the right music to help tell the story. Craig brought it all in perfectly!
Will To Power is currently being marketed to distributors for wide release.
I give Will To Power
3/4 reels (out of 4)
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa
Thoughts About Lies - Body of Lies That Is
If you’ve been reading this blog, you know I could hardly wait for Body of Lies to debut. I had been anticipating that film since July when the first glimpses of any kind of buzz surrounding it began to take hold of the cyberwaves. I mean, with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe, two major Hollywood heavyweights, starring in it, what’s not to anticipate?
However, even I digress. The movie did not move me as I thought it would. Did I anticipate too much? Probably. Was there too much hype surrounding the film? Most likely. Still, the movie I had thought would most assuredly bring on an Oscar nomination or two, turns out to be just another story about terrorism, a familiar subject for Hollywood writers these days.
DiCaprio plays a CIA operative by the name of Roger Ferris on assignment in Jordan looking for the terrorists responsible for bombing civilian targets in the region. Crowe plays his boss back in the US who goes along with a plan devised by DiCaprio’s character to infiltrate a terrorist cell. Ferris goes so far as to enlist the help of the Chief of Jordanian Intelligence. What unravels throughout the course of the film is a series (or body) of lies with no one party responsible for the cultural and moral clash that ensues.
The synopsis of the film sounds pretty good and for the most part it is. It’s written very well and acted equally as well. DiCaprio and Crowe did what they always do and they didn’t disappoint. But, does Body grab you? Is it an edge of your seat nail-biter? No. It’s missing something and I can’t quite pin point exactly what that “something” is but it’s missing that special thing that would give it its potential for Oscar-worthiness.
I give Body of Lies
and 3/4 reels
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa
It’s Been A While…
I must thoroughly apologize to my readers. It’s been a while since I last posted; partially due to a system overhaul and partially due to being so incredibly busy that I haven’t taken the time to give you the scoop. However, I am back in the swing now and you should most certainly find me blogging at least my customary two times a week (usually Mondays and Thursdays) or more, which I do prefer.
During the next two weeks expect reviews from the recently released Body of Lies and Nights in Rodanthe as well as a DVD review of Made of Honor. I’ll also be reviewing a private screening of an independently made film, Will To Power, filmed right here in the Triangle and currently being marketed to major US Distributors. And I’ll give you the scoop on this year’s Oscar buzz too (yes, there is already some buzz spinning around the internet waves).
Lots to catch up on but expect some good stuff coming from your favorite REEL reviewer (yes, pun intended). Thanks for your readership and your patience.
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa
What’s Out This Weekend?
WHAT’S OUT THIS WEEKEND?
Well, the movie I have been anticipating most is finally released - Body of Lies. The film stars my favorite actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as another gentleman right up there on my radar, Russell Crowe. These guys are always top notch at every role they play, but that’s my personal opinion. The movie is centered around the whole mid-east conflict thing, a hot topic for films these days. I love good drama and Body seems as though it just might fit the bill. I’ll be checking it out for sure.
Futuristic tale, City of Ember, also makes its wide-release debut. Starring the likes of Bill Murray, Martin Landau, and Tim Robbins, the movie is about what it would be like to live in an underground city about to lose its juice (its electric power). Now, I like really well-written novels of this nature (think James Rollins) and so I have slight interest in this film as well. Might see it in the very near future (no pun intended).
If you’d prefer to see yet another movie about a biological outbreak (this time of the animal kind), then see Quarantine with the not-so-all-star cast. I think you get the gist of my feelings on this particular film. I say no more!
Want a “feel good” movie? Check out The Express starring Dennis Quaid and Charles S. Dutton. With a film that centers around the true story behind the first African-American college football player, Ernie Davis, to win the coveted Heisman Trophy, it’s sure to either draw cheers or tears, both prime examples of the feel good genre.
One more item of note, Eagle Eye, remains in the Top 2 for the third week in a row. Will any of the films listed above knock it off? I have to wonder. Eye was good. Real good. We’ll have to wait and see.
I also have to wonder, with the economic turn this country has taken in the last week, will that deter movie-goers from coming out in the droves they usually do? What will the numbers be? Check back Monday for the Box Office Results from the weekend. In the meantime, my advice - see a matinee instead of an evening flick. It’s cheaper!
See YOU at the movies!
Lisa
Eagle Eye Soars
With several promising movies out this past weekend, my husband and I decided to check out the techno-thriller Eagle Eye. I did something I don’t normally do – I read several reviews before hitting the theater. The critics compared it to the likes of Speed, The Fugitive, and even Minority Report, calling the film this year’s version of all three while various viewers gave it several “thumbs up” for the action regardless of its comparison to past films. Probably the most interesting review I read (and I wish I could find the article again) compared Eye and the films before it to the Alfred Hitchcock thrillers of old in that the reviewer said what was missing was a reason to care about the characters before all the action starts. It was because of this reviewer and those of several common-folk like myself that I decided this was the movie I wanted to see this weekend. And I’m glad I did.
Truth be told, I liked it. I found the updated concept of the film to be intriguing, so much so that I’m rethinking my feelings on the Patriot Act. Produced by DreamWorks and starring Shia LaBeouf (Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) as Jerry Shaw, is yet another winning combination for the actor and producer Steven Spielberg.
Imagine if you will, you’re an ordinary guy with an ordinary job. You work at your local copy place, you play poker with your buddies, and you quit a promising education at Stanford just because. One day, you return home after attending your brother’s funeral only to find bomb-making materials, tons of them, as well as secret government documents in your home. The phone rings. The caller doesn’t identify herself. She only says that you have 30 seconds to get out or you will be arrested by the FBI. As you question who she is and why she’s calling, she’s telling you to get out because you have “17 seconds…4 seconds” left. In the blink of an eye (no pun intended…or is there?), the FBI has entered your apartment, guns at the ready, and you have nowhere left to run. You’re taken down for questioning and you think that’s it when it’s only the beginning. Before you know it, you are making daring escapes with a female (by the name of Rachel Holloman) in tow who, just like you, has also been “activated” while following the orders of some chick on the other end of the phone line.
I won’t give anything else away. What I will say is while I do agree that Eye takes on the likes of the films before it, it does have it’s own unique story, one that keeps you on the edge of your seat pretty much the entire time. There are a few plot points thrown in there for good measure (i.e. Jerry and Rachel share each other’s story while trying to figure out how they are connected) but the plot points make sense. The writer doesn’t dwell on each character’s history (like a Hitchcock film would) but gives the viewer just enough to understand them and why they were chosen for their task.
Eye is an intense ride and it definitely gets you thinking about how you communicate on a daily basis. Whether through cell phone calls, instant messages, My Space, Facebook, even ATM transactions, it makes you wonder just who is watching you…all…the…time?
Eagle Eye also stars Michelle Monaghan (Made of Honor and Gone Baby Gone) alongside LaBeouf as Rachel Holloman, Oscar winner Billy Bob Thorton (Sling Blade), Rosario Dawson (Sin City), and Michael Chicklis (The Shield).
I give Eagle Eye
and 3/4 reels.
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa
Paul Newman - The Passing of a Hollywood Legend
…and so do I. Paul Newman was the quintessential professional. He exemplified art, professionalism, and class all rolled into one.
My grandpa introduced me to Paul Newman. The first film I ever saw with Mr. Newman in the starring role was The Verdict. I love really well done court dramas, the kind that keep you riveted to your seat. Newman played a lawyer who took a medical malpractice case to trial rather than settle. He had me believing in that character and he had me pulling for him too.
Mr. Newman left his mark not only on the film industry in such movies as “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, “Absence of Malice”, “The Hustler”, “The Color of Money”, even “Message in a Bottle”. He was also a humanitarian having paved the way for underprivileged youth through the Hole in the Wall camps he founded, the Scott Newman Center which concentrated on teaching a message of anti-gang involvement amongst teens, and the Westport Playhouse, a place frequented by Newman and his beloved wife, actress Joann Woodward. He even started his own company that gave much of his profit away to each of those charitable organizations. I love actors who can leave the superficial-ness of Hollywood and make a life for themselves outside of the business while still perfecting their craft. Newman and Woodward did that and they were successful at it. If my grandpa were alive today, he would’ve been one year older than Mr. Newman. I believe had they met once upon a time, they would’ve been friends as they both appreciated all that life had to offer. Perhaps they will meet. Even still, as the days go by,
Hollywood and the world will continue to miss one truly fantastic man.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Newman. Rest in Peace.
Box Office Results 9/26-9/28
| Rank | Film Title | Gross | Weeks | Cume |
| 1 | EAGLE EYE | 29.20 | 1 | 29.2 |
| 2 | NIGHTS IN RODANTHE | 13.57 | 1 | 13.6 |
| 3 | LAKEVIEW TERRACE | 7.00 | 2 | 25.7 |
| 4 | FIREPROOF | 6.51 | 1 | 6.5 |
| 5 | BURN AFTER READING | 6.17 | 3 | 45.5 |
FINALLY, we see the numbers at the box office jump the way they should (under normal circumstances that is). Eagle Eye took the top spot this past weekend. No surprise. It’s an edge of your seat techno-thriller that brought movie-goers out in droves despite the not so positive reviews from the critics. I saw it. I liked it. My review will be up tomorrow.
Equally not surprising, the film set for those sappy romantics out there, Nights in Rodanthe took the number two spot for the weekend. I’m sure being referred to as “This year’s The Notebook” upped the ante some. I’ll admit, I’m planning on seeing it in the very near future myself. Hey, I liked the book and I love Nicholas Sparks. Call me a sap! I can take the heat.
On an interesting note, Fireproof, wasn’t even in wide release (it was released in limited theaters) and it made the Top 5.