Monday, January 31, 2011

Legendary composer John Barry dies at 77


The Hollywood Reporter- Legendary James Bond composer John Barry died in New York on Sunday at the age of 77 after a heart attack, his family said in an announcement. 

Barry was known for lending his talent in some of the most iconic soundtracks, Midnight Cowboy, Dances With Wolves, Out of Africa and Born Free . But he would be most remembered for his long-tenure with the Bond franchise, in which he was responsible for 11 Bond movie soundtracks including Goldfinger, From Russia With love and You Only Live Twice.    

A statement released by his family said: "It is with great sadness that the family of composer John Barry announce his passing on the 30th of January 2011 in New York."

Longtime friend and Bond collaborator David Arnold posted a message on Twitter to Barry fans, showing support. "I am profoundly saddened by the news but profoundly thankful for everything he did for music and for me personally."

Here are some of his greatest hits...

Tudors Star to be cast as Superman in new film

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a new Superman has been revealed. Showtime's "The Tudors" star Henry Cavill has been cast as the new Superman in a film which is to be directed by Zack Snyder. Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures confirmed in a statement Jan. 30.

 "In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is the most recognized and revered character of all time, and I am honored to be a part of his return to the big screen," Snyder said. "He is the perfect choice to don the cape and 'S' shield."

The 27-year-old actor was reportedly on the shortlist for "Superman Returns" when McG was to direct it, but when Bryan Singer took over the project he went with Brandon Routh instead.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Some Sundance Film Festival 2011 Highlights


As you know its Sundance season and all the indie flicks are hitting the stage for the masses to come and see. I have highlighted a few that I personally would like to see and some that just might surprise us and get some nationwide pub, its happened before!! Take a look and see what Sundance has to offer for the indie lover!

 
*Beats, Rhymes, & Life: The Travels of A Tribe Called Quest
-Michael Rapaport 2011
Having forged a 20-year run as one of the most innovative and influential hip-hop bands of all time, A Tribe Called Quest has kept a generation hungry for more of its groundbreaking music since the group’s much-publicized breakup in 1998. The band shaped a unique sound by wedding jazz-infused musicscapes to Afrocentric rhymes espousing unity and community. Its music became the anthem for cool and broke down barriers for people who had never before connected with hip-hop. In spite of unparalleled artistic success, however, the group encountered pitfalls that eventually caused its tumultuous breakup.
Beats, Rhymes & Life, the feature directorial debut of acclaimed actor Michael Rapaport, documents the inner workings and behind-the-scenes drama that follow the band even today and explores what's next for a group many claim are the pioneers of alternative rap. Rapaport’s passion for his subjects allows them to open up to the camera, resulting in a remarkably honest, emotional portrait that does justice to this seminal band.
Film Contact
Edward Parks, Rival Pictures
Email: edparks@rivalpictures.net


*An African Election
 -Jarreth Merz 2010
In a world plagued by stolen elections, secret government agendas, and a renewed interest in the exploitation of African natural resources, what value does democracy offer, particularly in the tumultuous region of West Africa? For Ghana, a nation that has been Africa’s barometer of political stability, democracy may mean the difference between peace and prosperity—and murderous chaos under military coup.
An African Election is a remarkable documentary that grants viewers unprecedented access to the anatomy of Ghana’s 2008 presidential elections. Capturing the intrigue of electioneering, the intensity of the vote-counting process, and the mood of the countrymen whose fate lies precariously in the balance, director Jarreth Merz’s coverage unfolds with all the tension of a political thriller, revealing the emotions, passions, and ethical decisions that both threaten—and maintain—the integrity of the democratic process. An African Election illuminates a beacon of hope for Africa and for the value and vitality of democracy today.
Film Contact
Jarreth Merz, Urban Republic
Email: info@urbanrepublic.org



*All Your Dead Ones
-Carlos Moreno 2010
In this eerie and fantastically shot tragicomic satire, an ordinary farmer’s morning routine is interrupted when he makes a grim discovery in the middle of his cornfield—a huge pile of dead bodies. Aghast, he reports the mysterious massacre on what happens to be Election Day. When the small-town mayor and police lieutenant take notice, fearful of unleashing a public scandal, they stall and intimidate the farmer and his family. Meanwhile, the sun beats down, and the eerie corpses remain, refusing to be ignored.
All Your Dead Ones unspools a disquieting allegory, a silent indictment of Colombia’s ongoing civil war. The imagery and sound, crafted with unsettling intensity, illustrate a frightening crisis of social conscience. Tinged with mordant surrealism, director Carlos Moreno’s return to Sundance (Perro Come Perro screened at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival) demonstrates a rare ability to transcend genre and a remarkable storytelling vigor, anchored within a haunting and arresting visual motif.
Film Contact
Diego Ramírez
Email: diego@64afilms.com


*The Guard
-John Michael McDonagh 2010
Sergeant Gerry Boyle, a salty village cop in Ireland, has a subversive sense of humor, a caustic wit, and an uncanny knack for keeping people at arm’s length. When a straitlaced FBI agent chasing an international drug-smuggling ring hits town, Boyle has no intention of letting the arrival disrupt his routine of hookers and wisecracks. Initially, he relishes offending and ridiculing the agent, but a murder and a series of peculiar events draw the reluctant sergeant into the investigation.
John Michael McDonagh’s crisply written debut feature transcends the rules of the buddy cop comedy, wryly offering genuine humor and thrills against an unexpectedly moving portrait of its protagonist. Brendan Gleeson’s beguiling portrayal of Boyle defies easy definition as hero or buffoon, hinting instead at the lonely, intelligent man behind the sharp retorts.
The Guard is a clever, fresh character study, as well as a snappy joyride of an action comedy.
Film Contact
Chris Clark
Email: chris@reprisalfilms.com


*Another Happy Day 
- Sam Levinson 2011
A wedding at her parents’ Annapolis estate hurls high-strung Lynn into the fire of primal, Byzantine family dynamics. It’s the wedding of Lynn’s son, whom she was deprived of raising because of her acrimonious divorce, and a feud still rages between Lynn and her ex-husband’s hot-tempered wife. Meanwhile, the three children Lynn did raise display a panoply of disturbing behaviors like cutting and drug addiction, which Lynn’s mother and sisters alternately ridicule and blame her for. As Lynn attempts catharsis, her mother sweeps issues under the rug, but painful truths bubble and spurt. Clan members deploy ricocheting arrows to protect themselves—and wound others—as the fine lines between victims and perpetrators blur.
Film Contact
Celine Rattray, Mandalay Vision
Phone: (212) 725-3550
Email: celiner@mandalay.com


*The Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement
-Gail Dolgin, Robin Fryday 2010
An African American barber in Birmingham, Alabama, experiences the fulfillment of an unimaginable dream: the election of the first African American president.
Film Contact
Robin Fryday, Purposeful Productions, Inc.
Email: tgirfryday@aol.com



*Becoming Chaz
-Fenton Bailey, Randy Barbato 2010
Chaz Bono was a male trapped in a female shell for as long as he can remember. Growing up as Sonny and Cher’s adorable golden-haired daughter in a body he felt wasn’t his own was a crucible it took years to transcend. Now, as he undertakes gender reassignment, he’s bravely decided to share the process on camera. Becoming Chaz invites us along on Chaz’s remarkable journey of transformation. As hormone shots give way to top surgery, down-to-earth, unflappable Chaz beams with a sense of liberation and goes public with his story to put a face on a misunderstood issue. Meanwhile, his gregarious girlfriend grapples with the realities of suddenly living with a man, and it’s clear sex change isn’t solely a physical transition. Intimate and nakedly honest, the film reveals the humanity and courage it takes for Chaz to ultimately embrace his true self. His moving struggle will reverberate profoundly for anyone to whom authenticity matters.
Film Contact
Mona Card, World Of Wonder
Email: mcard@worldofwonder.net


For more information about the festival and to check out more films, please go to http://www.sundance.org/festival/

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Will Smith to possibly pursue 'Annie' adaptation with Willow as the star...


Looks like the acting bug has hit Lil Miss Willow Smith as well, following suit after her brother Jaden.

Could another box office hit be in the making? 

Dad Will Smith is considering doing another remake of the musical 'Annie' with daughter Willow as the star. Although still in the development stages, Variety states that through his film company Overbrook, Smith would produce the film with megastar rapper Jay-Z collaborating on the music.



Superstar, box-office actor/dad Will Smith hit payday when he did a remake of  'The Karate Kid' with Jaden as the star, grossing more than $350 million worldwide.

Willow made her acting debut in her dad's film I Am Legend,  and later appeared in Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, alongside Abigail Breslin.

Tyler Perry Poster Revealed for Madea's Big Happy Family

Lionsgate has just released the poster to Tyler Perry's  Madea's Big Happy Family, starring Shad "Bow Wow" Moss, Loretta Devine, Cassi Davis, Lauren London, David Mann, Tamela Brown Mann, Isaiah Mustafa, Rodney Perry, Shannon kane, Natalie Desselle Reid, and Teyana Taylor. A jam-packed cast! 
 
And of course Perry serves as director and two-time star (as Madea and her brother, Joe). Check it out!

Madea (Tyler Perry) jumps into action when her niece, Shirley (Loretta Devine), receives distressing news about her health. All Shirley wants is to gather her three adult children around her and share the news as a family. But Tammy (Natalie Desselle-Reid), Kimberly (Shannon Kane) and Byron (Bow Wow) are too distracted by their own problems: Tammy can't manage her unruly children or her broken marriage; Kimberly is gripped with anger and takes it out on her husband; and Byron, after spending two years in jail, is under pressure to deal drugs again. It's up to Madea, with the help of the equally rambunctious Aunt Bam (Cassi Davis), to gather the clan together and make things right the only way she knows how: with a lot of tough love, laughter...and the revelation of a long-buried family secret.


The film will be in theaters April 22, 2011.

For My Atlanta Folks!! "Women in Film & Television" Annual Kick Off Celebration


invites you to attend the
2011 Annual Kick Off Celebration


An Evening of Information,
Inspiration and Learning


535 Means Street NW, Atlanta, GA, 30318


Thursday, January 27, 2011

7:00pm - 9:00pm



Special Guests:
Melissa Goodman, Executive Director of SAG
Kathilynn (Kat) Phillips, Writer/producer/director

This year's kick-off celebration is a great networking opportunity for both women and men interested in joining WIFTA; take this opportunity to meet members who are connected in the entertainment industry; get introduced to the newly appointed Board of Directors; find out about upcoming WIFTA programs and events; and get more involved in Georgia's film and television industry!


Get the information you need to start down the path of shorts, independent films, and webisodes.
RSVP REQUIRED
FREE for WIFTA Members
$10 for Non-Members :: $5 for Students with valid ID
(Cash, Check or Credit Card payments accepted)

Go to this link for Registration 

(http://wifta.org/events?eventid=261637&EventViewMode=EventDetails)





    Food and Beverages provided

    Tuesday, January 25, 2011

    2011 OSCAR NOMINATIONS


    Its that time of year again.... the 2011 OSCAR NOMINATIONS ARE IN!! Nominations for the 83rd Academy Awards were announced on today (January 25) this morning by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Tom Sherak and 2009 Oscar® winner Mo'Nique. I must say there are definitely some obvious ones listed and others that may have sneaked in under the radar. Check it out:

    Oscar Nominations List 2011

    Best Picture

    'Black Swan'
    'The Fighter'
    'Inception'
    'The Kids Are All Right'
    'The King’s Speech'
    '127 Hours'
    'The Social Network'
    'Toy Story 3'
    'True Grit'
    'Winter’s Bone'

    Best Director

    Darren Aronofsky, 'Black Swan'
    David O'Russell, 'The Fighter'
    Tom Hooper, 'The King's Speech'
    David Fincher, 'The Social Network'
    Joel and Ethan Coen, 'True Grit'

    Best Actor

    Javier Bardem, 'Biutiful'
    Jeff Bridges, 'True Grit'
    Jesse Eisenberg, 'The Social Network'
    Colin Firth, 'The King's Speech'
    James Franco, '127 Hours'

    Best Actress

    Annette Bening, 'The Kids Are All Right'
    Nicole Kidman, 'Rabbit Hole'
    Jennifer Lawrence, 'Winter's Bone'
    Natalie Portman, 'Black Swan'
    Michelle Williams, 'Blue Valentine'

    Best Supporting Actor

    Christian Bale, 'The Fighter'
    John Hawkes, 'Winter's Bone'
    Jeremy Renner, 'The Town'
    Mark Ruffalo, 'The Kids Are All Right'
    Geoffrey Rush, 'The King's Speech'

    Best Supporting Actress

    Amy Adams, 'The Fighter'
    Helena Bonham Carter, 'The King's Speech'
    Melissa Leo, 'The Fighter'
    Hailee Steinfeld, 'True Grit'
    Jacki Weaver, 'Animal Kingdom'

    Best Animated Feature Film

    'How to Train Your Dragon'
    'Illusionist'
    'Toy Story 3'

    Best Foreign Film

    Mexico - 'Biutiful'
    Greece - 'Dogtooth'
    Denmark - 'In a Better World'
    Canada - 'Incendies'
    Algeria - 'Outside the law'

    Best Original Screenplay

    'Another Year'
    'The Fighter'
    'Inception'
    'The Kids Are All Right'
    'The King's Speech'

    Best Adapted Screenplay

    '127 Hours'
    'The Social Network'
    'Toy Story 3'
    'True Grit'
    'Winter's Bone'

    Best Art Direction

    'Alice in Wonderland'
    'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I'
    'Inception'
    'The King's Speech'
    'True Grit'

    Best Costume Design

    'Alice in Wonderland'
    'I Am Love'
    'The King's Speech'
    'The Tempest'
    'True Grit'

    Best Original Song

    'Coming Home' - 'Country Strong'
    'I See the Light' - 'Tangled'
    'If I Rise' - '127 Hours'
    'We Belong Together' - 'Toy Story 3'

    Best Original Score

    'How to Train Your Dragon' John Powell
    'Inception' Hans Zimmer
    'The King's Speech' Alexandre Desplat
    '127 Hours' A.R. Rahman
    'The Social Network' Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

    Best Documentary

    'Exit through the Gift Shop'
    'Gasland'
    'Inside Job'
    'Restrepo'
    'Waste Land'

    Best Film Editing

    'Black Swan'
    'The Fighter'
    'The Kings Speech'
    '127 Hours'
    'The Social Network'

    Best Makeup

    'Barney's Version'
    'The Way Back'
    'The Wolfman'

    Best Sound Editing

    'Inception'
    'Toy Story 3'
    'TRON: Legacy'
    'True Grit'
    'Unstoppable'

    Best Sound Mixing

    'Inception'
    'The King's Speech'
    'Salt'
    'The Social Network'
    'True Grit'

    Best Visual Effects

    'Alice in Wonderland'
    'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1'
    'Hereafter'
    'Inception'
    'Iron Man 2'

    Best Documentary (Short Subject)

    'Killing in the Name'
    'Poster Girl'
    'Strangers No More'
    'Sun Comes Up'
    'The Warriors of Qiugang'

    Best Visual Short Film (Animated)

    'Day & Night'
    'The Gruffalo'
    'Let's Pollute'
    'The Lost Thing'
    'Madagascar, carnet de voyage (Madagascar, a Journey Diary)'

    Best Short Film (Live Action)

    'The Confession'
    'The Crush'
    'God of Love'
    'Na Wewe'
    'Wish 143'
    So what do you think? Was it accurate or were there some folks who got cheated or maybe got lucky... And what are your predictions thus far!! 

    The 83rd Annual Academy Awards will take place on February 27th, 2011.

    Friday, January 14, 2011

    First Photo revealed of Andrew Garfield as 'Spider-Man'

    Check out this first pic of the new 'Spider-Man' reboot...Will Andrew Garfield be able to compare to Tobey Maguire's 'Peter Parker'? ...Will it differ from the Sam Raimi franchise? Only time will tell...

    The photo, the first released from the movie, shows Parker in Spider-Man's iconic red and blue suit sans mask. His face has been scuffed up and his suit, which is more textured and less sculpted than in Spidey's previous incarnation, looks a bit worse for wear.

    "I see it as a massive challenge in many ways," he told Details magazine. "To make it authentic. To make the character live and breathe in a new way. The audience already has a relationship with many different incarnations of the character. I do, as well. I'm probably going to be the guy in the movie theater shouting abuse at myself. But I have to let that go. No turning back. And I wouldn't want to."

    2012 is when we will have to wait and see if he can stand & deliver!!

    Tuesday, January 11, 2011

    The Fighter is a Winner!

    One movie that you gotta put on your playlist is that of the new Mark Whalberg and Christian Bale film The Fighter. Based on the life of professional boxer "Irish" Micky Ward (Wahlberg) and his older half-brother Dicky Eklund (Bale). Having only seen just the trailer, I was sold on checking out this film. Bale hasn't let me down yet, and he didn't start with this one.

    As a welterweight from the wrong side of the tracks, Irish-American Dicky Eklund is the pride of working class Lowell, Massachusetts. Living in his shadow is his half-brother and sparring partner Micky Ward. After fighting Sugar Ray Leonard, Eklund plunges into a nightmare of crack addiction, violence and prison. His family's hopes are crushed in the wake of Dicky's decline. Like a real life Rocky, Micky fights on his own terms and pulls his family out of despair with his meteoric rise in the ring. Freshly paroled Dicky finds redemption training his little brother, now known as "Irish" Micky Ward, for his Welterweight Championship bout with Shea Neary. (Wikipedia)


    It's such a rarity to find a film that fully satisfies your appetite. There is so much passion that goes into this film that it just oozes out. It is quite evident that each character puts 120%, because every nook and cranny is believable.

    After awhile one begins to wonder how many boxing movies can one make and they still be good. But where The Fighter steps away from the pack is with the fantastic direction of  David O. Russell. He is able to use the camera in a way that still has the indie flick feel of  free-moving and hand-held, gritty quality to it, all of this just adds energy the film, its like igniting a wildfire. The film also wastes little time taking full control of your attention. Trust me when I say that your eyes are glued to the screen until the end credits start rolling and even then you get a little surprise then too.


    Christian Bale is the type of actor that has got some serious acting skills. He is so believable that you get sucked in and fail to realize that he is playing someone else. With this role he is bound to get recognized and better yet nominated, and if not shame on the Academy! And not to far behind is Micky Ward played by Mark Whalberg. Now he may be the lead actor, but Bale steals the shine in this one for me. Whalberg to me with this role increases his acting maturity with this role. His training and preparation shines through as he emotes the true face of a fighter just trying to make it ... for himself!

    Then you have folks like Amy McAdams (Charlene Fleming) who sneak up on you with a breath-taking performance. I even felt a little scared of her, girlfriend didn't play! And the highlight of the film was Micky and Dicky's "ghetto" and nosy sisters (yes these chicks was hood and ghetto). But trust me when I say they get what they deserve...big time!!


    The Fighter is a knock-out punch!! And to think this is basically a conventional script that becomes elevated by superior directing and acting along with some exciting performances. One could say that this film was filled with a high-class group of acting professionals who put their heart and soul into this one, and it definitely should be rewarded.

    I don't typically give out 4 stars often but this one made it easy for me to make that decision. The Fighter works two-fold in that it tells the story of fighting in the ring and fighting for survival. It gets no better!


    Ratings: 4 out of 4

    Good Remake: True Grit (2010)

    It's not often that you will find a film that does worthy of a remake but the 2010 version (directed by the Coen Brothers Joel & Ethan ) of True Grit is one of those exceptions. But then again, they have had much success with other films such as No Country for Old Men and Fargo. After watching the 1969 version starring John Wayne just a few days prior I wanted to make sure I stayed obejective as possible, considering Jeff Bridges would be playing the main lead of Rooster Cogburn (just slightly suspect for me, but that would change).

    The Coen Brothers did an excellent job with being authentic as possible in portraying this classic western. Even though it came out in 2010 it doesn't feel like 2010 which helps the greatness of this film. Everything from the clothing, to the buildings, to the atmosphere are spot-on, and anyone that is a fan of westerns definitely got that nostaglic feeling running through their bones. If you liked the original then you hope after watching the newest version that there would still be the comedic tones along with a little bit of serious and thrilling effects as well.

    True Grit is the type of film that needs to have strong cast to carry it through considering you had "The Duke" playing the lead role. And just think, who would of thought that Little Miss Hailee Steinfield (Mattie Ross)would pretty much put herself on the map with this breakout performance. Her time on the screen convinces us why she was picked out of 15,000 other young girls. Her wit and feisty charm add so much character that she puts some of the seasoned actors to shame. We the audience can't help but sympathize and even emphathize for her as she makes her journey through Indian Nations to find her father's killer Tom Chaney; and to be honest she actually does a better job than the original Mattie Ross (several times over).


    Then you have Matt Damon and Josh Brolin who both play their roles in good fashion, especially Matt Damon. Damon who plays LaBoeuf, does a convincing job of being a hard-nosed, cocky Texas ranger who can even be brought down a size from a little adolescent girl. His short temper makes you and laugh and even feel sorry for him, as it appears that no one wants to be on his side. and then you have Jeff Bridges who pulls of the role of Rooster Cogburn quite remarkably. I can't think of another actor who would fit this role as perfect as he did. They say some roles people people are born to play, well this one was waiting for Bridges. He remixed this role so well you easily forget that John Wayne was the original Rooster.


    True Grit easily could've taken a sharp left turn for the worse, but it managed naturally take its course in the right direction. This was a cinematic experience to remember, in the end you get an appreciation for a true cinema art. The more authentic the better the enjoyment.

    This was a perfect combination of excellent acting, great cinematography, impeccable directing, just an overall likeable film to watch. No matter how big or small the part each role contributed to a successful piece of work. When remaking a film, no less a classic, other should take note what this film did and follow suit...cause it takes "true grit" to get the job done.



    Rating: 3 out of 4 stars

    DVD Releases 1/11/2011


    Check out this week's DVD releases...

    Alpha and Omega (PG)
    Love Hurts (PG-13)
    Piranha (R)
    The Social Network (PG-13)

    Monday, January 10, 2011

    Little Fockers (2010)


    
    Well the 2010 Holiday definitely picked a great movie to get it going with Little Fockers. After watching the first two Meet the Parents (2000) and Meet the Fockers (2004) you can't help but want to see a third one. Pure laughter from beginning to end, definitely satisfied my laughing needs.

    They say once children are brought into the picture, that anythig bad would at least calm down a situation or bring in some positivity, well it does make things interesting for the Focker and Byrnes family. One should not expect too much from this film, if so your expectation are just a little too high and unrealistic. after seeing the trailers and promos I already knew what I was getting into. Plus with a little bit of sprinkles from folks like Owen Wilson and Kevin Hart you are bound to fall out of your seat.

    For the most part, the film sheds light on the abnormal relationship between Greg and Jack, along with their ups and downs. You would think that jack may have just a little more faith in his son-in-law, but the constant spying may have you beg to differ. We also get a chance to see Greg (Ben Stiller) really take on the patriarchal role as well as test his limits as a man. And as icing on the cake, for just a few moments we get to see such acting legends like legends Harvey Keitel, Barbara Streisand and Dustin Hoffman more on a humorous side versus a serious, stiff, stern ones. Even the little children with their facial expressions and one-liners add to the already layed out humor that exists from their elders.



    When its all said and done the movie is not just a prime example of a comedy, but it also presents several clear cut messages of family loyalty and priorities in a different fashion. Doesn't get in better than that...works for me!

    Rating: 3 out of 4 stars

    Tuesday, January 4, 2011

    New DVD Releases 1/4/2011


    Check out 2011's New DVD Releases...
     
     Dinner for Schmucks (PG-13)
      The Last Exorcism (PG-13)
    Machete (R)
      Case 39 (R)
    Catfish (PG-13)
    Howl (R)

    Are you getting any?

    Saturday, January 1, 2011

    The Tourist

    "The Perfect Trip...The Perfect Trap"

    This 2005 French film remake by Anthony Zimmer, is definitely one to remember and not necessarily in a good way. It's a jet setter of a story, mixing a bit of James Bond with a dozen mistaken identity movies. The movie is not what we expect, but at least it somewhat keeps you entertained for the time being.

    You never quite know what emotion the movie is trying to portray with its weaving effect of romantic, comedic, and mysterious elements. One minute the orchestra soaring gracefully, next we are we're treated to a few slapstick shenanigans, and then comes the looming minor key to remind us of a mysteriously mystery!

    Now don't get me wrong the film does a great job showcasing its beautiful cinematography, the locations are down right impeccable. The visuals are just simply stunning, everything from the beautiful European vistas, lavish homes and hotels and a bonus of eye candy everywhere. Even the action scenes are exciting and even the dialogue has some charm. It is a fun film to watch, but the lack of chemistry really affects everything else with this film, but all in all, beyond some fantastic locales, an interesting enough story and good looking leads, this is a very missed opportunity for the director. For every high mountain there's a very low mole hill.


    It has been said that this movie was kinda of thrown together at the last moment, and that none of the actors slated were suppose to be in the film. (Hmmmm you think so...) And this evidently shows the problems with the film almost unquestionably were the result of several casting and directorial issues during pre-production. Depp's role was reportedly originally slated for Tom Cruise, who was then replaced by Sam Worthington who later dropped out over "creative differences" and ultimately was replaced by Johnny Depp. And get this Angelina Jolie's character was also apparently intended for someone else…none other than Academy Award winning actress Charlize Theron. Think of Italian Job meets Knight and Day, one good film and one should've been good film.


    This is the type of movie where you do not rely on the fact that there are great actors in the movie, because as with this case you will be let down. However they do supply a bit of eye-candy for the viewer, but seriously is that why we go to the movies?

    All in alI, The Tourist can actually be summed up as one critic said, "it's a frothy diversion, pleasant and fun." Enough said or is it?!

    Ratings: 2 out of 4 stars

    WELCOME 2011!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!


    HAPPY NEW YEAR 
    From 
    G-Breezy's Director's Cut



    As they say... "Out with the Old ... In with the New!!

    G-Breezy's Favorite Movies

    • Bourne Identity/Supremacy/Ultimatum
    • Die Hard series
    • Do the Right Thing
    • Fracture
    • Idlewild
    • Imitation of Life
    • Inside Man
    • James Bond series
    • Love Jones
    • Malcolm X