Will 7-4-09 Be a Blockbuster Weekend?
I think not. There were only two potential blockbuster-like films released this weekend - Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs and Public Enemies. Both are probably pretty good but can they hold a candle to the July 4th blockbusters of the past? Probably not. I actually half-expected the latest Transformers flick to release this weekend but instead, it debuted two weekends early. Granted it accumulated unbelievable numbers and as such not releasing it this weekend didn’t hurt it one iota but still, I would’ve thought this was the weekend that the movie theaters would’ve preferred it be released. I would’ve thought.
On another note, my new partner, Miss Michelle, and I have decided to up the ante on the number of reels handed out for movie reviews. I began this blog with the maximum reelage (can I coin that word?) being four. To make it more fun and interesting, from this point forward we’re going to go the way of just about everyone else by delving out a total of five potential reels to each film we review. Michelle helped me realize that I was giving a lot of “2 1/2 reels” designations. By giving “3 out of 5″, it takes away the need for the “1/2″. Thanks, Michelle, for helping me to see the error of my ways. 
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Oh…and have a safe and happy 4th too!
Lisa 
Transformers - more that meets the eye
I love when I make a prediction and it comes true, now if only I could predict those winning lottery numbers. “Transformers” blew up the big screen this past weekend. Since it’s opening on Wednesday, it has grossed $201 million dollars and is slated to be the second largest opening for a movie that comes out on Wednesday, second only to last years “The Dark Knight”, which grossed 203 million.
The Decepticons are back to their plot to gain world domination and unfortunately, Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBeouf) is preventing them from doing this. They need to get into his brain, literally, to find out what he has had imprinted there after accidently touching a shard of the cube from the first movie. Sam is trying to live a normal life,heading out for college and leaving behind girlfriend, Mikaela (Megan Fox) and hot little car/Autobot Bumblebee, in the process.
As the one part of the story unfolds, we find out that the military and the Autobots, lead by Optimus Prime and Major Lennox (Josh Duhamel), are working together to hunt down the Decepticons that have inhabited the Earth searching for “something”, which turns out to be an ancient ship that the first Transformers came to the planet on. One which allow “The Fallen” to achieve the domination that they desire.
The new Transformers that are introduced are entertaining, including the “Twins” that are primarily there for the laughs. The supporting cast is great and they keep you interested, particularly John Turturro returning as Agent Simmons and Ramon Rodriguez as Sam’s college roommate/internet hacker/conspiracy theorist Leo Spitz. Before seeing the movie, I heard from someone that had seen a sneak preview of it that there was a lot of little “shout outs” to other movies and I did find myself distracted at some points by these little homage’s and what movie they came from: The girls in college giving the dreamy looks at the professor such as the scene from “Raiders of the Lost Ark” to the elder Transformer “guiding” the good guys as Ben Kenobi would have in the “Star Wars” universe. They did a great job of keeping it current with a hilarious reference to swine flu and the President that is opposing the Autobots actually being our current president, Barrack Obama.
At two and a half hours, the movie was a little long and drawn out. The beginning of the movie drags quite a bit in parts to get to the point that we are all waiting to see – the battle. Once the battle happens it is a nonstop ride until the end of the movie, but a little too much getting to the point. I took my six year old nephew and he was kept captivated until maybe the last ten minutes and then he sighed and asked if it was almost over. Overall I think the movie lived up to the hype bestowed upon it and was definitely worth the money spent seeing it.
I would give it 
Lighthearted Fun With Shia LeBeouf
You know Shia. He’s the guy that starred alongside legendary actor Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull not to mention Eagle Eye and this week’s release Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Well, this morning, he was on NBC’s The Today Show and 20 year-old fan, Samantha, got the chance of a life time to not only meet him but to “interview” him on camera. Watch this clip from the show -
Fun stuff! How gracious was he?! That Samantha is a lucky girl.
Until next time see YOU at the movies!
Lisa
The Blockbuster season continues
We are a little over a month into the big summer blockbuster season for the movies and I have to say that I believe this week is bringing us two on opposite ends of the spectrum – the big blockbuster and the possible Oscar contender.
Getting a jump on the weekend with an opening tomorrow is the movie that is speculated to be the biggest of the year. Of course, I am talking about “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”, from Michael Bay.
I have hopes that the hype isn’t going to overpower the movie. It has all the potential to live up to the expectations. You have plenty of action, amazing cinematography and special effects, one of the hottest casts out there right now, and the franchise of a much beloved childhood show for many. Early reviews I am hearing are saying it is full of holes, but the action is going to keep you on the edge of your seat. I can’t imagine this movie not blowing all competition away at the box office this weekend and coming out in the top spot. I know I will be there this weekend with a special date, who I am hoping will give us a little review afterwards.
On the complete other end of the spectrum is the adaptation of the Jodi Picoult novel, “My Sister’s Keeper”, which has the buzz of being an Oscar contender. I can’t really think of any movies yet this year that have had “Oscar” wrote on them yet so it will be interesting to see if this movie can carry that off. Dealing with the difficult and controversial subject of having a child so you can harvest their organs for the sake of another child, this movie is guaranteed to break hearts as the trailer proves each time I see it. It has a talented cast and the comments on Cameron Diaz and Abigail Breslin have been nothing but the highest praise. Hopefully it can pull off strong numbers in the box office this weekend and not get overshadowed by the robots.
Whether you take in the action packed “Transformers” or the emotional “My Sister’s Keeper”, or any of the other incredible movies currently out this weekend, I hope you get to enjoy your popcorn and have some entertainment.
Box Office Results (6/19-6/21)
I was wondering which of this week’s Top 2 would make it to THE top. I figured with all the accolades for The Hangover it had a good chance of maintaining its spot at #1 but alas, my girl, Sandra Bullock’s flick, The Proposal slid safely by it by a little under $8 mil (saw it; reviewed it below).
I find it interesting and not much of a surprise either, that Up is still hanging in there at #3 (pun intended) but I don’t find it shocking that Year One only ranked at #4. Truthfully, I find it disturbing that it even made the Top 5, but that’s my humble opinion.
| Rank | Film Title | Gross | Weeks | Cume |
| 1 | THE PROPOSAL | 34.11 | 1 | 34.1 |
| 2 | THE HANGOVER | 26.86 | 3 | 152.9 |
| 3 | UP | 21.34 | 4 | 224.1 |
| 4 | YEAR ONE | 20.20 | 1 | 20.2 |
| 5 | THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1 2 3 | 11.30 | 2 | 43.3 |
I Propose You See The Proposal
So yesterday I went to the second showing at my local theater of the new Sandra Bullock flick, The Proposal and when I left the theater I was all smiles. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie. Then, I got to thinking about why I enjoyed it so much. I could easily just leave it as the quintessential chick flick but really, there is so much more to The Proposal then that.
And it starts with Sandra Bullock. True to form, Sandra proved once again where in film she excels at - comedy. As I have said before, her comic timing was spot on. From the expressions on her face as her character, Margaret Tate, witnessed her first ever Alaskan strip tease to watching her future grandmother-in-law’s new dog get carried away on eagle’s wings to literally bumping into a very naked Ryan Reynolds (my new found movie crush in character as Andrew Paxton) while also very naked, Sandra played each scene to perfection.
Then there’s the chemistry between the two main characters, Margaret and Andrew. The viewer is at first led to believe Andrew despises Margaret. That all changes within just a few scenes when the two characters begin discussing how much they know about each other as they prepare for their interview with the immigration agent. Margaret discovers that not only does Andrew know more about her than she about him but it’s what he knows about her and how he obtained the knowledge over time that impresses her and that lets the viewer in on the fact that old Andrew has deeper feelings for Margaret than what is originally perceived. While yes, that’s a typical chick flick plot point, still in this film it is also the turning point in the chemistry between the two characters, which truly leads to a FUN film to watch.
Now, mix in the comic genius that is Betty White and you have a winning casting combination! Betty was as superb as she usually is. Whether acting as the dear old grandma or taking a turn at inserting bills into the stripper’s pants during what was one of THE funniest scenes in the film or dancing and chanting in the middle of the woods to some Indian tribal chant, Betty proved why she is considered a legend of comedy.
The story behind The Proposal is not an unfamiliar one (think Green Card) and so the viewer can’t expect a truly imaginative plot. What they can expect is a modern take on it though.
Margaret Tate hears through her bosses that she is being deported back to her home country of Canada because of some issue with paperwork she never filed to keep her immigration status in check. While rambling on about how she can make her position as a top-notch book editor work from Canada (thanks to the advances of modern technology), in walks her very loyal and unsuspecting assistant, Andrew Paxton. It is at that moment that Margaret comes up with the brilliant scheme to marry him so that she can keep her Green Card status and her job. But, before they can say their “I dos”, Margaret and Andrew must pass an interview with an immigration agent…and a “test” by Andrew’s family in Alaska, where the two of them head for the weekend to spread the good news. That’s when the plot thickens and the comedy volume is turned up several notches.
While the story is very much a chick-flick, there are so many hilariously funny scenes in the film (a few of which I have already touched upon) that the viewer quickly forgets that. To continue to describe the ones I have already mentioned or any of the others would give away too much. I laughed so hard during this film that by the time I left the theater my stomach muscles ached.
And it’s a love story too. As with any romantic comedy, you find yourself rooting for the couple to fall in love. What sets this film apart from most others though is that there isn’t a sex scene or lots of displays of affection. Rather, there’s the anticipation of both of these elements that makes it work.
It’s a blissfully funny (and romantic) film. Sandra, Ryan, Betty, as well as Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen, and Oscar Nunez were superb in their roles. I give The Proposal
1/2 reels
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa
(Note: if you are looking for Michelle’s first post, it is ready to go but we ran into a technical difficulty. It’ll be up as soon as we can get that resolved. Look for her posting next week!)
The Buzz Times TWO!
I am so excited to introduce to y’all to my NEW partner in crime for The REEL Box Office Buzz, my good friend, Michelle Bell. For a while now she has been writing her own movie reviews on her blog, Just Jump, but they have been mixed in with all the other fun topics she writes about. I approached her about joining me on The Buzz and she jumped at the chance (pun or no pun intended? You decide!).
Michelle hails from the west side of this great nation and you can read more about her background on the “Who’s Got the Buzz?” Page (linked above). I thought it might be fun to introduce my readers to Michelle by asking her a couple of questions about her interest in all things cinema:
1. What was the first movie you ever saw on the BIG screen and can you describe what that was like (if you remember)?
The first movie I remember seeing was Star Wars. Even at seven years old, I remember being just amazed at this world unfolding before my eyes on the screen (oh and deciding that I was going to marry Han Solo). I was crouched down in the front row, staring up at the screen as this incredible score carried me away. The music is timeless and George Lucas is a genius. I have always felt if someone could make such an amazing series of movies from his imagination then being a dreamer was the best thing in the world to me.
2. What’s your favorite movie of all time and why?
This is a difficult question as it will change any given day. I can safely say the most watched movies are Grease and the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I will probably have to say Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard were magic on screen and the story was phenomenal. When I hear the opening chords of “Moon River”, I can clearly see Audrey Hepburn sitting on the fire escape.
3. Do you have a favorite film actor or actress or both?
Actor: Harrison Ford, Johnny Depp, John Travolta
Actress: Drew Barrymore, Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet
4. When is your favorite time to go to the theater (i.e. when you are by yourself, on a rainy day, the first night of a release, etc)?
Over the last few years I have found that I absolutely love going to the movies by myself. I can choose when I want to go and what I want to see, plus I can savor my feeling about the movie before someone tells me what they didn’t like. I usually go first thing in the morning on Saturday or Sunday. The theater is quiet and I have big pet peeves of too much noise in the theater.
5. What is it that you are most looking forward to by being a part of this blog?
Sharing my love of the cinema with others. It is really rare that I will go to a movie and absolutely hate it, I usually find something about it to praise. I really hope to share my views and maybe convince someone to give that little movie that the critics are panning a chance. (Such as My Life in Ruins, which is so charming!)
6. Any additional comments (about yourself, the movie industry, the Blog, etc.) that you’d like to add?
I really want to thank you, Lisa, for offering me this opportunity to be your co-hort over here! I can’t wait to BUZZ with you and your followers. I really am a complete cinema “nerd” and am always interested in what the next amazing director/screen writer/producer will come up with to entertain next.
There you have it! Please join me in welcoming Michelle to the Buzz. Leave a comment of encouragement for her below, if you are so inclined or just say a silent prayer for her. Whatever works!
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa
THE Proposal is Coming!
I am SUPER excited about this one. Why? Well, for starters I just love Sandra Bullock, especially as a comedic actress. In a scene, her comic timing is usually point on! Looking back at her film history, I can honestly say there hasn’t been a film that I thought she bombed in. I guess you could say as far as my standards are concerned (and for the record, I don’t think they’re THAT bad either), I admire her talent overall.
The other thing that has me fired up for The Proposal - it’s a romantic comedy. We haven’t seen a REALLY GOOD one of those for a while now. The Trailer is certainly very funny. And look who’s in it too - Betty White, Mary Steenburgen, Craig T. Nelson, and starring alongside Sandra, Ryan Reynolds (Van Wilder) as the object of her…affection?
Check out the Trailer below.
See YOU at the movies!
Lisa
Go Ahead and Laugh - It’s The Hangover Talking
Once again, I am blessed to share the spotlight (so to speak) with a Guest Blogger but this one is no ordinary guest blogger. As a matter of fact, starting next week, this young lady will be my partner in crime on The REEL Box Office Buzz! More about that later.
My good friend, Michelle, from sunny and HOT Phoenix, Arizona recently saw The Hangover and she has MUCH to say about it. Michelle Bell is a “cinema fanatic that escapes the desert sun in Phoenix by hiding out in the local movie theater.” Check out her review below.
If you are a fan of movies like Old School and Road Trip, then the latest from Director Todd Phillips is going to give you quite the happy hour with his latest movie, “The Hangover”.
This movie takes the classic movie Bachelor Party just one step further into utter chaos surrounding that time-honored tradition of the bachelor party. Doug (Justin Bartha) is about to get married and his two best friends, Phil (Bradley Cooper) and Stu (Ed Helms), decide that Las Vegas is the perfect destination for one final night of freedom for Doug. Doug ends up bringing along his future brother-in-law with them, a total oddball named Alan (Zach Galifianakis), and a borrowed car from his future father-in-law. They arrive at their destination of Caesar’s Palace and after a toast on top of the roof of the casino, we are fast-forwarded to the next morning. The suite is a wreck, there is a tiger in the bathroom, a baby in the closet, Stu is missing a tooth, and Doug is missing. To add to the problem, none of them can remember a thing that happened. That is when the wild ride ensues as they try to piece together the night before and find Doug in time to get him home for his wedding.
Justin Bartha, who was utterly charming in the “National Treasure” movies, is merely a backing character for most of this movie, unfortunately. He is a solid actor that is enjoyable in his scenes. Bradley Cooper is the good looking buddy that is really just a jerk most of the time. Ed Helms character is a neurotic mess that is hen pecked by the girlfriend at home. It is really Zach Galifianakis that steals the movie with his comedic timing and hilarious facial expressions. He hasn’t done much in the past, but I really expect to see him starring in more comedies where he is cast as the oddball. There is a hilarious cameo by Mike Tyson that is not to be missed if only for his singing “In the Air Tonight”. Heather Graham has a small role in the movie as a stripper/escort named Jade that figures prominently into quite a few questions that the trio are trying to have answered. There is a mix of eccentric characters that they run into over the course of the movie that tie the chaos up perfectly and leaves you wondering where the time went as it is so fast paced.
As much as I did enjoy the movie and would recommend it for adults, it is rated R for a reason. The humor is very crude and sexual for the most part. (Again, think of “Old School” and “Road Trip”.) Some of the jokes are a little too much and over the top, leaving me squirming a little uneasily in my chair. It amazed me yesterday to see so many preteens in the theater watching the movie and while it was obvious they didn’t get a lot of the jokes from their cautious laughter, it was definitely not a movie I would ever recommend sending your children to. Overall I would say it is worth taking a shot and going to see.
Thanks, Michelle! Again, if you’d like to be a Guest Blogger for The Buzz, just shoot me an email at lsullivan@sulcompr.com.
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa
Up, Up, and Away to Animation Genius!
Hello, Everyone! I have a guest blogger today. My friend, Scott Ellis, is a multimedia designer and a fan of really good movies so much so that I asked him if he wouldn’t mind being a Guest Blogger to review the latest Disney Pixar release (that’s getting all the critical nods it apparently deserves), Up. Scott was kind enough to oblige. So without further ado, here’s Scott’s take on Up!
As I was winding up my day on May 29, I found myself thinking… maybe our country would be in a better place if Steve Jobs, John Lasseter, and Ed Catmull were running things. I know I can’t think of any other leadership team that has been so consistently successful, even managing to improve upon what they do as time goes on. I was thinking all of this, because earlier that evening, I attended a screening of Up, and I have no reservations in saying that this - their 10th offering, is not only their 10th success, but arguably their best offering to date.
Now, I’m going to be very careful about what I tell you, in this review, because this is, in my opinion, the funniest movie that Pixar has created. The thing is, a good portion of the comedy is situational and, if you know it’s coming, it’s just not going to hit you as hard. In fact… I’m intrigued to see this movie again, just to see how funny it is the second time around. I’m not worried that it won’t be funny, but I know it will be different.
So… what is Up? Up is, at its heart, a very deep love story that has elements of buddy comedy, action adventure, and even a little coming of age. It opens with a brief introduction of the main character, Carl, and then transitions into a beautiful silent movie montage, that gives you his back story. When watching this portion, I couldn’t help but reflect back to Wall-E and think of how Pixar has managed to excel at creating art in their movies. The movie then goes on to follow Carl’s journey to escape a world that has left him behind and, at the same time, fulfill a promise.
Based on the advertising, you all know that it involves a flying house and a dog, named Dug, who can talk. Really, that’s all you should know. It’s much more fun to discover this adventure as it unfurls on the screen. What I will do is warn you that this is a PG movie and it is so for a reason. There are scenes in the film that are very intense… both scary intense and sad intense. I have to give serious credit to the writers at Pixar, however, as all of the truly intense things in the movie are presented in a way where adults know exactly what is going on, but the references are over most kids heads, leaving them knowing only that a character is sad or mean. Still I highly recommend that you consider your child’s level of tolerance before taking them to see Up.
As for all of you adults (or teens, or kids at heart, or anyone old enough to go to the theater on their own), I can’t say emphatically enough, SEE THIS MOVIE! It incorporates the artistry of Wall-E, the heart of Finding Nemo, the adventure of The Incredibles, and more comedy than Pixar has had in any of their movies. It will have you laughing, possibly crying, and definitely leaving the theater smiling.
I want to thank Scott for his review. If you’d like to be a “Guest Blogger” for The REEL Box Office Buzz just shoot me an email at lsullivan@sulcompr.com.
Until next time, we’ll see YOU at the movies!
Lisa
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