Looking Ahead December

December 5^th

Cadillac Records– The story of the rise and fall of  the Chicago based Chess Records which launched the careers of Muddy Waters, Etta James, and Chuck Berry.   Adrian Brody, and Beyonce Knowles star.  The music of these blues legends is unforgettable, but is the story about the record company that promoted them worth telling?

Frost/Nixon- Based on the 1977 series of interviews between David Frost and Richard Nixon.  Ron Howard directs a loaded cast.  With Howard’s track record this should be done well, but is Nixon still relevant?

Nobel Son- When a Nobel prize winner refuses to pay the ransom for his son who is being held hostage, his son joins the kidnappers in a plot for revenge.  This may be an entertaining movie with dark humor.  But this one may not make the screens in Springfield.

Punisher: War Zone- The sequel of the Punisher minus Thomas Jane and the dark humor that made the previous movie.  Based on the preview this may give the original with Lundgren a run for its money for Marvel’s 2^nd worst movie. (Hulk  being the worst)

December 12^th

Day the Earth Stood Still- Jennifer Connelly and Keanu Reeves star in the remake of the 1951 classic about an alien race come to wipe out the destructive people of Earth.  The original preached about peace.  The previews for this updated version makes the aliens look like they are following a Green initiative.

Doubt- Starring Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Meryl Streep, this movie is based on the best-selling novel about a nun confronting a priest after suspecting him of abusing a student.  Just in time for the Catholics biggest holiday!

Nothing Like the Holidays- A Latino family with nothing in common other than being part of the family get together for the holidays.  John Leguizamo, Alfred Molina, and Freddy Rodriguez star.  The preview is funny, but it’s missing explosions.

The Reader- Kate Winslet and Ralph Fiennes star in what looks like a 2008 version of the English Patient.  This is good for the people who were waiting for 2008’s version of the English Patient…

December 17^th

The Wrestler- In one of the more compelling movies coming out this month, Mickey Rourke star as an aging wrestler trying to move on with his life after suffering a career ending injury.  However, when a chance to get back in the ring arises,  will he risk everything for another shot at center stage.  The preview is on our site and looks to be a must see.  Unfortunately, this may fall below the Springfield Kerasotes radar.

December 19^th

Seven Pounds- Will Smith stars as a man with a secret and a plan for redemption with a plan that could affect the lives of seven strangers forever.  I’m curious as to know what Smith’s character did.  (My guess is he killed a child while driving drunk, or he made a video with Hillbilly Joe and Ms Kitty)

Tale of Despereaux- An animated story about a mouse with over-sized ears and a large amount of courage set in the age of maidens and dragons.  This is the family movie for the kids after Bolt and Madagascar have been seen.

Yes Man- Jim Carey stars as a man who makes a promise to say yes to whatever comes along.  Jim Carey may be back on top of the comedy star list after this movie. 

December 25^th

Bedtime Stories- Adam Sandler stars in this movie where the stories he tells his nephews in the evening become reality the next day.  Look out! Sandler is in another wacky situation!

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button- Benjamin (Brad Pitt) is living his life in reverse.  As the title says, the trailer makes me curious…

Marley & Me- The story about a man giving his girlfriend a dog and the dog becomes more of a handful than the couple originally thought.  Starring Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson.  My only thought on this movie is how scantily clad Aniston will be…

The Spirit- Directed by the creator of Sin City and adapted from Will Eisner’s graphic novels, The Spirit stars a series of femme fatales (Scarlett Johansson, Eva Mendes, and Sarah Paulson) sent to kill the city’s masked crusader (Gabriel Macht).  Samuel L Jackson stars as the criminal mastermind, The Octopus.  If you liked Sin City,  The Spirit will definitely tide you over until Sin City 2 is released.

December 26^th

Gran Torino- Clint Eastwood stars as a retired soldier forced to defend his neighborhood from an Asian gang.  I like Eastwood, but can he still pull of the grizzelled old man or will he come off like my grandfather looks after he soils his depends?

Revolutionary Road- Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet star as an unconventional couple trying to find fulfillment in an age of conformity.  Based on the description, I thought HBJ may have a lawsuit, but after watching the preview I fell asleep.

Valkyrie- Based on a true story, Tom Cruise stars as part of the conspiracy to assassinate Hitler.  Most historians know how this one should play out and Bryan Singer's last movie was the dreck Superman Returns.  Singer, however,  has a great track record with movies that involve Nazis and/or deception (see Apt Pupil and Usual Suspects).

BOLT

Bolt (John Travolta) is the biggest action star currently on television.  Thanks to the director, the dog believes he has super powers  and has to constantly defend his master Penny (Miley Cyrus) from the clutches of the evil Dr Calico (Malcom McDowell).  After the filming of the cliff-hanger season finale, Bolt is mistakenly shipped to New York city.  Frantic and desperate, Bolt captures the street-smart alley cat, Mittens (Susie Essman) believing her to be a spy for Dr Calico.  Mittens becomes the reluctant guide for Bolt's quest to return to LA.  Along their travels, they come across an over zealous super-fan in the form of an overweight hamster named Rhino (Mark Walton).  While on the road, Mittens slowly realizes Bolt has led a sheltered life and tries to help him learn the little things he's missed out on by not living like a normal dog.  

I thought Bolt was one of those animated movies that most adults could easily tolerate if not enjoy.  In a slew of rated R comedies lately, this provides a decent option for those that have young kids (6-10) to see a family movie.  Seen previously on Curb Your Enthusiasm, Susie Essman's dry wit provides a good counter balance to John Travolta's straight-laced attitude and Mark Walton' s super-fan intensity.  While the theme is not particularly original (another Disney movie where a family is split apart by some bizarre event and yet both sides are determined to find one another again), the movie does provide enough laughs to keep the kids and adults entertained.  Rated PG    Run time 96 Minutes    Grade C+

EVEN BETTER STAR TREK TRAILER

THE WRESTLER TRAILER

Being a wrestling fan I have heard so much about this movie. I thought Mickey Rourke was phenomenal in Sin City. I had a feeling he would bring something to this role when I read what the movie was about. All I can say is Holy SH$t He even brings it in the Trailer. The sadness, the angst, the emotion in his face and thats hard to do with his weird looking stretched face. This looks like it could bring the ROCKY feel back to the movies. You very rarely see mood in a trailer but I definitely see it in this one. Check it out below it is the trailer for the Wrestler.

JJ ABRAMS STAR TREK LOOKS COOL

There is a great clear version of the Trailer online check it out HERE

Some Quick Throwbacks Hits for November

Revolver-Your mind can not accept a game this big.  Directed by Guy Ritchie.  Jake (Jason Statham) just got out of prison and only has revenge on his mind.  He has had 5 long years in solitary to plan his revenge against the man who sent him to jail.  During that time, Mr. Macha (Ray Liota) has grown in power becoming the owner of a casino. Macha has kept tabs on his adversary and awaits Jake's bid for revenge.  What Macha doesn't know is Jake spent 5 years learning from two of the smartest inmates in the prison.  All starts well for Jake until things go sideways and he's muscled by two loan sharks  (Andre Benjamin and Vincent Pastore) into playing their own little game with Macha.  Throw in a stuttering hitman (Mark Strong), a sadistic bodyguard (Terrance Maynard), the yakuza, and the mysterious Mr Gold, and what once started out as a plot for revenge quickly turns into a game of life or death with everyone playing for keeps.  

Revolver is sure to mess with your head as you watch it.  For those that enjoy movies that provide mental shake-ups, this one is definitely a must watch.  Jason Statham is finally given a role where he can demonstrate more than just his fighting and driving style.  Love it or hate it, Revolver is guaranteed to leave an impression.

Rated R  104 Minutes

Memento- Guy Pearce stars as an amnesiac out for revenge for the murder of his wife in Christopher Nolan's (Batman Begins, Dark Knight) breakout directorial and screen-writing performance.  

Shelby Leonard (Guy Pearce) has a problem.  He is trying to hunt down his wife's killer.  What makes things worse is Shelby can no longer retain any new memories.  All he has to go on are his polaroids all over the hotel room and mysterious tattoos all over his body.  His only leads come from Natalie (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Teddy (Joe Panoliano).  Can he trust Natalie  like the photo says or does she have ulterior motives?  Teddy says he knows me but his photo has him marked as a liar.  Can a man with no memory avenge his wife and more importantly, will he remember?

In a bizarre twist, Memento places the viewer in the shoes of the main character by starting at the ending and going backwards from scene to scene.  This movie kicked off the career of director, Christopher Nolan.  Guy Pearce gives a fantastic performance.  This is one gimmick movie where the gimmick actually makes a good story better.  Best Buy is currently selling the dvd copy for $6.99 which is a good deal for this thriller.

Rated R  113 Minutes

Nate's Review of Quantum of Solace

Let me start this review by stating that, in some aspects, I agree with Ray and DC, and I disagree on some aspects. I will also admit that I was one of those skeptics who wasn't sure if Daniel Craig was the right person to play Bond, but after the opening scene in Casino Royale I was certain that he was the right choice. He has, in two films, changed the face of the traditional James Bond character that has since taken over 17 films to create. He's taken the role from an almost cartoonish depiction of a british super agent, to a more "in your face" fist fighting agent who doesn't rely on gadgets or special weapons to get him through the mission at hand.

If I have to give a review right this minute, I'd have to say that "Quantum of Solace" was not my favorite of the many James Bond movies but after thinking about it I'm giving it the benefit of the doubt as a film that's a setup for bigger and better things to come. If you read Ray and DC's reviews of the film you see that this movie does setup the Quantum group as a villain group that will oppose the new Bond, just as SPECTRE did the old Bond. I do hope that the villains start getting more interesting as Dominic Greene was by far the least interesting villain I've seen in a Bond movie. He portrayed a bad guy that was more of a "see the big picture" computer geek mastermind type than a muscle type that had the weapons to put together a climatic fight with Bond at the end of the movie. I say that I hope the villains get more interesting because as you'll see at this movie all we're really given is that Quantum seems like it's made up of mostly "mastermind" types.

If you're a true Bond fan, you'll go see this regardless of any review, but if you're NOT a Bond fan take my advice and at very least go out and rent "Casino Royale" before checking out Quantum of Solace. You'll wish you had if you haven't!!

RAY'S THOUGHTS ON QUANTUM OF SOLACE

Let me start by saying that I LIKED THIS MOVIE. I am a huge fan of all things Bond. I was also one of the people that was not sure Daniel Craig was the correct choice to take over the role. I was proven wrong after I saw CASINO ROYALE.

Now I think I made an incredibly smart decision by watching Casino Royale not that long ago. I mean how could I not I got it on Blue Ray! By watching it I think I was less confused than some others might have been at the beginning of this movie. It picks up minutes after the last movie ended. The car chase scene at the beginning of the movie is incredible and it is cool to see a movie get right into action and take advantage of the fact that we know the characters.

Daniel Craig is Awesome again as Bond. And Dame Judi Dench continues to be Magnificent as M. Let's face it Judi Dench is the best. Seriously, she is amazing. I would watch her play any role. I mean she could pull off a movie where she is a teacher who ends up coaching inner city black kids in basketball. She could pull off the mean Grandmother with a heart of gold in a BENJI movie. She could pull off World leaders, Mother superiors, superhero villians, you name it this lady can do it.

I like the fact that the creation of the QUANTUM group gives Bond a SPECTRE like organization to fight against. I liked the action in the beginning chase scene that has some of the same running and jumping that was made so famous in the last movie. I loved the female roles in the movie. Strawberry Fields was super hot and Im not a big fan of redheads. I loved the scene when Bond gets photos of the members of the Quantum organization while the opera is going on.

What I didnt like was NO SEX WITH THE BOLIVIAN CHIC. COME ON!! Its Bond.
I hated the artsy action scene with the opera finale behind it. I know the director was trying something new but it didnt work. That scene should have played out normally like all other Bond action sequences. I also think that we have seen Rogue Bond enough. Next movie let's not have him go off rogue. Let's also get a less pussy acting villian. My wife could have punched out Dominic Greene who otherwise was a great villian. I also think the producers need to leave the Bourne movies alone. They are what they are. We dont need to take that annoying frenetic pacing from those movies. In other words Bond movies are great we dont need to steal from the Bourne movies. Come on youre better than that.

Overall with the exception of the handful of nit picky things I just mentioned I loved this movie
4 out of 5 on RAYSCALE. Go see it.

James Bond: Quantum of Solace

Quantum- A secret world organization determined to bend the planet to its will.  

Solace- Comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness.

This latest Bond epic picks up where Casino Royale left off with James Bond (Daniel Craig) in search of the mysterious Quantum group.  In a globe spanning quest, Bond runs across the nefarious Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric) and his plans to stage a coup in a 3rd world country for material and political gain.  If that weren't enough of a challenge, Bond must stay one step ahead of members of MI-6 and the CIA whose goals align with Dominic Greene.  Luckily, Bond gets some help along the way from the sultry and secretive Camille (Olga Kurylenko).  Will James find solace in ending the latest gambit from Quantum?  That remains to be seen...

This new retooled version of the James Bond series is firing on all cylinders!  Gone is the suave, martini swilling playboy  your father knew.  The new Bond is one part grifter, one part Jack Bauer.  While I was hesitant with the new direction of the franchise at first, These new movies have delivered on the hype.   While the gadgets and dry humor are no longer part of the main theme, the classics are now available on blue ray to enjoy.  Meanwhile, Daniel Craig is indeed the new James Bond for the new millennium.  Rated PG-13  106 Minutes  Grade A 

MORE STAR TRAK POSTERS RELEASED

The JJ Abrams directed Star Trek wont be released until 2009 but the promotion is already kicking into high gear. Brand new posters have been made public. They are pretty cool so check them out.--

post by Ray Lytle

Role Models

Wheeler (Sean William Scott) and Danny (Paul Rudd) are two under achievers forced to spend 150 hours mentoring kids at Sturdy Wings to avoid jail time.  Unfortunately, Gayle (Jane Lynch), the director of Sturdy Wings has decided to pair the guys with the least popular kids of the agency.  Danny is paired with Augie (Christopher Mintz-Plasse), a fantasy role-player and Wheeler is forced to pair up with Ronnie (Bobb'e J Thompson), a foul-mouthed belligerent 10-year-old.  Danny and Wheeler quickly learn they if to mature somewhat before they're forced to do jail time.  

Bobb'e J Thompson steals the show in nearly every scene in which he appears.  Role Models provides plenty of laughs and ends up a classic feel good movie.  Fans of foul mouth humor, Kiss, and mock sword fighting should enjoy the hell out of this movie.  Rated R  99 Minutes Grade B+

RockNRolla

Stella (Thandie Newton) wants excitement in her life. One Two (Gerard Butler) and Mumbles (Idris Elba) want to buy into the land owner business. Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson) wants to be be known as the king of property. Uri (Karel Roden) wants to build his stadium where he damn well pleases. Roman (Chris Bridges) and Micky (Jeremy Piven) want their most popular musician back. Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell) wants more drugs.  Archie (Mark Strong) wants a moments rest.  All of them are about to find out you don't always get what you want.  

Guy Ritchie presents another high velocity action comedy falling in the steps of Snatch and Lock Stock and Smoking Barrels.  This movie was highly entertaining and worth the ticket price.  

Rated R    114 Minutes    Grade B

Looking Ahead November

The following is a quick look at all the potential blockbusters and a few duds coming to theaters during the month of November.

November 7

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa- An animated sequel starring the voices of Chris Rock, Ben Stiller, and Jada Pinkett-Smith.  This one follows the characters as they learn to adapt from the cushy lifestyle of the zoo to the harsh life of the jungle.  I'm sure the kids will enjoy it.

Role Models- Starring Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott, two losers are forced to be big brothers to avoid going to jail.  This one looks like it has potential.  Look for the kid Ronnie to steal the scenes.  It seems he's based off the child who stole his grandmother's car a few months back. 

Soul Men- Samuel L Jackson and the late Bernie Mac star as a defunct music group trying to launch a come back.  The two appear to have a good comedic back and forth in the preview, but the movie will likely be eclipsed by the other shows coming out this week.  

November 14

James Bond: Quantum of Solace- Daniel Craig is slowly earning his due as the new Bond and this movie may propel him to a favorite.  The preview has been the best of the fall season.  The new direction is great, but I hope they bring back the cool gadgets.

November 21

Bolt- Disney's fall animated release about a dog, voiced by John Travolta, believing he's a super hero lost in New York.  Disney puts this out just in time to force parents to go out and get the spinoff merchandise on Black Friday.  At least the movie looks funny.

Twilight- Based on an extremely popular book series, many have been anxiously awaiting this release. Expect a cross between Interview with a Vampire and the OC from the look of the trailer

November 26 (Wednesday)

Australia- Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman star in a world war 2 epic set in Australia.  This may have missed its peak potential not being released in the late 80's when America was fascinated with all things Australian.

Four Christmas- Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon star as a couple caught on national news when their vacation is ruined.  Because of that they get trapped into seeing each of their families over the holidays.  This one looks to be the one everybody will be talking about at work after the Thanksgiving holiday.

Milk- Sean Penn stars in the story of the first openly gay man elected to public office in America.  Not on my must see list, but some may be interested in Harvey Milk's life story.  

Transporter 3- Even more transportier!!!  Jason Stathem's made quite the reputation of the fast-driving, butt-kicking, funny-talking action star. 

Zach & Miri Make a Porno

Zack (Seth Rogen) and Miri (Elizabeth Banks) have been life long friends and are currently living together in their home town just outside of Pittsburgh.  Unfortunately, they aren't making enough money to pay their bills.  After a chance encounter at the high school reunion, Zack determines the best way to pay off all their bills is to make a porno.  Miri is slowly talked into the venture and with the help of some new friends, production begins.  What the two friends fail to think about is how having sex with each other will affect the future of their relationship.

Zach and Miri was hysterical!  Brandon Routh (Superman) makes a great cameo.  Director Kevin Smith has gotten away from his Jay and Bob universe and still did a fantastic movie.  Craig Robinson (the guy from The Office and Pineapple Express) is funny as always. If you are in the mood to laugh and have a dirty mind (don't we all), I highly recommend seeing this movie.  The movie is quite explicit, however, so think twice before letting the kids go.  Grade A