Need that quick movie review fix before heading to the theater... Wanna know what's going on in Hollywood Cinema... Wandering what is about to hit in theaters and what DVD's are set to hit the shelves... Well Black Savant Cinema (BSC) is just what you need!! A sneak peek into the cinematic world of movies!! Enjoy the ride!!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Rewind Wednesday: The Usual Suspects
Sunday, April 26, 2009
I Smell Another Oscar in the Making!!
Who would have thought that a unexpected befriendship would turn into a lifetime connection. Well that is what happened with Los Angeles Times journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey, Jr.) and musical genius Nathaniel Ayers, Jr. The Soloist chronicles the true story of Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx), a musical prodigy who develops schizophrenia while attending the famed Juilliard School. Ayers who would becomes homeless in the streets of downtown Los Angeles, playing the violin and the cello, harnessing his passion for classical music. All in the same time battling his own evils, but still at the same time indirectly teaching those around him.
What we see happening in this film is that in the midst of Lopez fighting to save the life of Mr. Ayers, he begins to realize that Ayers insurmountable passion and love for music reconnects his own soul to appreciating and loving his life. Just think how one person can literally change your whole life and mindset all at the same time. Now one thing that struck me about this movie was that the actual Mr. Nathaniel Ayers insisted that the director use the actual people who lived in Skid Row, so that the story could be a true to form as possible. That one simple request made the movie stand out even more so that we could actually go into the minds of those battling with mental illness versus someone acting it out. Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr. do an excellent job of portraying these two individuals. They make it believeable and realistic. Its almost as though you can feel the characters within them. Both actors have an artistic talent which makes them both perfect for their respective roles. I would not have it any other way.
This movie by far has the best screenplay for 2009 so far. The Soloist is a movie that demonstrates that you don't have to have a 2-3 hour movie to get a point across to its viewers. I was truly amazed with Director Joe Wright, he was able to capture a genuine picture of the life a talented man who just needed a friend to look out for him and give him some direction. The awesome thing about this story is that not only did Mr. Ayers and Mr. Lopez gain a strong bond and friendship but that helped fill a void for the other person without even realizing the impact of their meeting.
All I can say is that I am at a loss for words, this movie is truly powerful and a great film of reflection.
Grade: A
Friday, April 24, 2009
This Just In....
So you know I had to go see the new movie Obsessed for two reasons, numero uno Idris Elba, that brotha is something else. Anything he does is always good or great! And the number two reason I had to see this movie was to see if Beyonce could improve upon her acting, or is she only good for those biographical, singing roles. Now I know there are many folk out there who hate on Beyonce's acting skills (me being one of them), but I will admit she did pretty good.
Obsessed in which she co-executive produced with her father Matthew Knowles as well as Earvin "Magic" Johnson actually did a good job on what I would like to call a modern day "Fatal Attraction".
Now one must admit from just the title alone you can automatically guess what this movie is going to be like from beginning to end. Crazy nutty girl who falls for the high level boss and the somewhat naive but gutsy wife steps in to let you its about to go down if you cross the line. Throughout the film, we are shown obvious signals that this "temp girl" is a force to be reckon with and if you don't cut her juggular now it will only become worse. Its real simple to see that Dereck Charles' (Idris Elba) life becomes flipped upside down in a instant from the minute he stepped on the elevator to go to work. He tried to be the loyal husband and great father, protector but he forgot one thing gotta clue your wife in on the situation too. Considering she worked in the office herself so she knows the deal!! I will say this the directors wee ver creative with the storyline, it made sure to captivate the audience and become personal cheerleaders for the winning team (Dereck and Sharon!!). Cause please believe Beyonce had her fans up in the building, yelling "Get em girl"...lol. But hey I guess that's the whole point right. Yep!
Overall, Beyonce and Idris characters have a bit of chemistry with their bad boy/bad girl personas but there was just a tad bit of overacting on the part of Ms. Beyonce. I think she tried to bring out Sasha Fierce and it just didn't quite work. However, Ali Larter on the other hand did what any typical psycho chick would do and did it with ease. You definitely will get a mouthful with this film even though we already know what's going to happen in the end.
Grade: B
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Weekend Line-Up!!
Well Ladies and Gentleman, the weekend line-up is definitely filled with some heavy hitters (no pun intended lol)...Lets see what's on the docket:
The Soloist (Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr.)
Obsessed (Idris Elba, Beyonce Knowles, Ali Larter)
Fighting (Channing Tatum,Terrence Howard, Brian J. White)
Tyson:Documentary
The Informers (Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, Winona Ryder, Mickey Rourke)
Enjoy!! And stay tuned for G-Breezy's reviews!! Have a safe and fun weekend!
And I'm OUT!
Homerun Hitter!!: State of Play
If you really want to see a political thriller full of action then State of Play is the movie for you!! This film is will keep you on your toes guessing from the first minute what is about to go down!! This movie is a film adaptation of the critically acclaimed 6-part British television serial State of Play, which first aired on BBC One in 2003.
A plot which is very similar to that of the original 6-part program, retaining several main characters, but condensed and changed certain aspects to fit for a two-hour format. State of Play is set in Washington, D.C. and tells of Stephen Collins (Ben Affleck), a fast-rising United States Congressman whose mistress (Maria Thayer), a former research assistant, is found dead in suspicious circumstances. During a probe into a series of seemingly unrelated murders, Cal McAffrey (Crowe), an investigative journalist and Collins' former friend, finds himself tasked with solving the case. A tangled web has been woven and now it is up to the reporters, the congressman and anyone else to make sure they come out alive and in the clear.
In addition to a great plot, we have a fantastic cast of actors on the forefront. With Crowe as the determined reporter who is torn between love, friendship, and work we see a softer yet still hard-core side of him. Affleck, shows us that even the innocent, or presumed innocent can ruin a country and worse yet a long-standing friendship. Then you have the docile, but persistent Rachel McAdams who sheds light on the feisty, yet sweet hungry reporter just trying to make her mark. And of course there's always the supporting cast that just adds more fuel to this great running engine, some of these folks include Helen Mirren, Jeff Daniels, Jason Bateman, Viola Davis just to name a few.
You are given the opportunity to take another look at the wonderful life of politics and how everything goes down. This is one of those films that I would recommend to any aspiring reporter or journalist, it gives you a taste of what really goes down. I also liked the fact that it intertwined and stayed up-to-date and current with the times. It even mentioned the world of blogging!! even though there were not nearly enough previews this was definitely a good movie to continue the line of spring flicks. Definitely worth your $10!
Grade: A/B+
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Rewind Wednesday: Double Header Feature!!
Girl, Interrupted is a 1999 drama film about a teen's 18-month stay at a mental institution, and stars Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie. It was adapted from the original memoir of the same name, written by Susanna Kaysen. Being a psych major in college this is one of those movies that would be perfect to analyze because every typical mental patient is featurd in this movie. And I am sure many Abnormal Psychology courses covered this movie. I am actually considering going and getting the book to see the differences, and to see how this movie got its foundation.
The storyline of this film is so unique in that it effectively shows the problems many people have to face when being young. What makes this movie standout from many movies like this is that it is based upon the experience of the real Susanna Kaysen, which means that the story is not only real but also authentic and not "puffed-up" for entertainment purposes. The true reality is there in full effect!! Girl, Interrupted also showcases the actors in raw form their personalities truly mesh with their character roles. Anyone can see Whoopie Goldberg, Winona Ryder and Jared Leto seem just perfect for the roles they embody. The story, can be see as a torn love affair with a perfect musical score In addition to great songs more or less known from those hard days known as the 60's. This is a MUST SEE for everyone especially if you are yearning for a deep, thoughtful and emotional film full of great acting!
This film was actually a great bounce board for newcomer angelina Jolie, who would end up stealing the shine in this movie and racking up an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award (SAG) for Best Supporting Actress.
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Now this next one totally slipped past I don't know how I missed this one on the radar, but its a doozy!! if you want to see a true dsyfunctional family in its finest, this is the movie for you!!
Home for the Holidays is a 1995 comedy-drama film directed by Jodie Foster is sure to get your funny bone into action. The story is about Claudia Larson (Holly Hunter), a single mom who spends Thanksgiving at the home of her parents, Adele (Anne Bancroft) and Henry Larson (Charles Durning) while her only child Kitt (Claire Danes) decides to spend the holiday with her boyfriend. It also does not help that Claudia has just lost her job. The family gathering also includes Claudia's conservative sister, Joanne Larson Wedman (Cynthia Stevenson), her husband Walter (Steve Guttenberg) and their children; Claudia's gay brother Tommy (Robert Downey, Jr) and his new friend Leo Fish (Dylan McDermott); and her eccentric aunt Glady (Geraldine Chaplin).
This film was actually put into motion after adapted a short story by Chris Radant appeared in a Boston newspaper. Executive producer Stuart Kleinman sent Jodie Foster the screenplay with a note that said, "It's a complete mess and I love it" and from that point the filming began. Foster remembers. They worked on the script so that the film reflected Foster's point-of-view and her own life experiences. She showed the first draft to Holly Hunter who agreed to star after reading it. Working with a $20 million budget, Foster spent ten weeks filming in Baltimore with a two-week rehearsal period. Filming of the Thanksgiving dinner took more than ten days, using 64 turkeys, 20 pounds of mashed potatoes, 35 pounds of stuffing, 44 pies, 30 pounds of sweet potatoes, 18 bags of mini-marshmellows and 50 gallons of juice that stood in for wine. And to top it off, Foster allowed Robert Downey Jr. to improvise which got his juices really flowing about making films again after a period of time where he became a little disenchanted with acting.
Boston Globe writer, Jay Carr praised the film for being "filled with juicy performances that expand resourcefully beyond what we think are going to be their boundaries, the film carries us beyond our expectations. That's what makes it so pleasurable". And USA Today gave the film three out of four stars and wrote, "Home has the usual hellish ritual. They come, they eat, they argue, they leave. It's the stuffing in-between that makes it special".
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Uh-Oh...Its about to go down!!
B-Ball Players and their movie deals...
Didn't Ray Allen or maybe Micheal Jordan start this fad with being basketball players in movies, who knows well I guess Lebron james said let get on this boat too!!
Five talented young basketball players from Akron, Ohio star in this remarkable true-life coming of age story about friendship and loyalty in the face of great adversity. Coached by a charismatic but inexperienced player’s father, and led by future NBA superstar LeBron James, the “Fab Five’s” improbable seven-year journey leads them from a decrepit inner-city gym to the doorstep of a national high school championship. Along the way, the close-knit team is repeatedly tested—both on and off the court—as James’ exploding worldwide celebrity threatens to destroy everything they’ve set out to achieve together. More Than A Game combines a series of unforgettable one-on-one interviews with rare news footage, never-before-seen home videos, and personal family photographs to bring this heart-wrenching and wholly American story to life.
More Than A Game is set to hit theaters October 2nd
17 Again...Yeah Right
Crank It Up Again!!!!!
Crank: High Voltage is a 2009 thriller action film, and sequel to the 2006 action film, Crank. It picks up 3 months after the first film left off, retaining its "real-time" feel and adding loads of surrealism.
If this is the first time sseeing the Crank series you are definitely in for an electrifying treat. Also keep in mind this is definitely a film that you should onlt take face value. It is strictly pure entertainment, just basically enjoy the ride. Crank High Voltage, is one of the best for British actor, Jason Statham, the action is off the chain, absurd scenes (nudity and other nonsense) & jokes, and craziness that just blows your mind into another orbit.
I was really impressed how well paced this movie was and how insanely funny it was as well. There is never a dull moment and to think this is probably one of the best films as it pertains to cinematography for a low budget film of its caliber. In a nutshell this is how you showcase an action-packed movie without having to do a lot of work. Movies should be made without the need of overdone great CGI, charm and character will help to always triumphs over any other flaw.
All I can say OH MY GOODNESS!!! I literally cringed out my seat with some parts of this movie, especially when he had to power up!! GEESH!!! I swear its like watching and playing a video game all at the same time. Only this time its like you can feel every move. No need to worry if there is action because there is plenty of that to boot. This gives some hope that the Spring movies are not dead..Definitely GO SEE IT!!! Tell your FRIENDS and anyone else you know and enjoy the insanity of this great movie!!
In two words to describe this movie...ABSOLUTELY INSANE!!!
Just a little trivia for the mind: The artificial heart shown in the movie is actually a real artificial heart, the AbioCor from Abiomed. However the real artificial heart is totally internal and does not include a battery box as shown in the movie. The latest AbioCors can run on battery without recharging (done via an external RF chargers) for over 4 hours.
Grade: B
Friday, April 17, 2009
"American Violet" In Theaters Today!!
The critics are even giving kudos to newcomer Nicole Beharie and her fabolous performance!
Did you know about this?
Now from what I am hearing around the cinema tip it actually seems a bit interesting, you be the judge:
Hits theaters April 24th!!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Check out this new film!! Hilarious!!
This all-star cast including Donald Faison, Mos Def, Lauren London, Mike Epps, and many more is sure to please your comedic palette. Check out the trailer below:
Rewind Wednesday: Entrapment
Today's Rewind Wednesday takes me back to my Senior year in high school. It was springtime and I was ready to graduate and move to the ATL. Now one of the movies that was making its debut was that of the 1999 Crime/Romance/Thriller Entrapment starring Sean Connery and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Connery has pretty much made is mark in cinema and Zeta-Jones was just getting her feet wet.
In this film we have Virginia"Gin" Baker (Zeta-Jones) who is an investigator for a major insurance agency. "Mac" MacDougal (Connery) is a professional international art thief who is always ready for a challenge. A priceless Rembrandt painting is stolen from an office one night. Gin gets herself sent to investigate Mac as the chief suspect. She tries to entrap him with a proposition, claiming that she is an art thief. But little to her surprise she may be the one who is being trapped.
"Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive. Then again, practice makes perfect"
This was primarily based in the beautiful country of Malaysia and England. Much of the architecture showcased the beautiful skylines and countryside.
This is one of those good and simple films. All the elements of action, intensity, and character development were presented in great fashion. For all those Connery and Zeta-Jones fans it is well worth it!
Monday, April 13, 2009
Never thought I would but I did...lol
Hannah Montana: The Movie is the film adaptation of the American teen sitcom "Hannah Montana". This was one of those films where you have to mentally prepare your mind for what is about to go down. Lots and lots of little girls screaming and singing with their favorite girl power heroine.
Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) has become a bit overwhelmed with her alter-ego's Hannah Montana's popularity. After missing saying goodbye to her brother because she was shopping, and coming late to her best friend Lilly's sweet sixteen as Hannah, her father, Robby (Billy Ray Cyrus) tricks Miley into going back to her hometown, Crowley Corners, Tennessee, to do a bit of reflecting on all the things that really matter in her life. I must admit Disney sure as way of slipping in those story-lines to make you really think and get the true lesson out of life.
This was definitely a clever move to boost the Hannah Montana franchise, because without a doubt they definitely cashed in on the tween girls! The plot was a bit disengaging even for the girls but that was probably not the motive or intent. In previous years, the Disney Channel has produced two other theatrical tv films both doing pretty ok, but let's keep in mind the audience that they are trying to target. So what do you get when you turn a tv series into a film...redundant, boring acting, little character development, and weak/ cheesy punchlines. But then again this is Disney TV.
I will add this never get your kids the jumbo size anything popcorn and DEFINITELY not the drink or else you will be making several trips to the restroom (plus having to stand in the long lines!!).
Grade: C/B-
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Weekend Wrap-Up
So you have this mall security cop Ronnie Barnhardt (Seth Rogen) who thinks that he is just the bomb as it pertains to keeping the mall shopper safe. Almost to the point where he goes just a tad bit overboard. And on an average, regular day an anonymous flasher exposes himself to several female shopper in the Ridge Mall parking lot. So now Ronnie has made this his mission to capture this "nut" and become the hero. Now as a part of his entourage he has the Yuen twins, Charles (Jesse Plemons) and Dennis (Michael Pena) who have committed themselves to solve this case. Now in Ronnie's quest to solve this case the dream girl Brandi has been approached by the flasher and now he must take serious action...if he only knew his efforts were not needed...lol... So in addition to the mall security being involved the local police have been brought on the case headed by Detective Harrison (Ray Liotta), which ticks Ronnie off even more.
From this point, all hell breaks loose. Ronnie has taken his investigation to the 13th level, he takes interest in a new lady friend, he loses a friend to crime, and the rest well you will just have to see the rest!! trust me it is worth it though.
All in all, the viewers will get what they paid for a good laugh and pure entertainment. Take your buddies, your peeps, and just sit back and enjoy the show.
Grade: B
Friday, April 10, 2009
Iron Man 2 Begins Filming for Summer 2010 release!
Director Jon Favreau has expected target date for the sequel to hit theaters May 7, 2010.
Hugh Jackman Not to Happy about Leak!!
The Australian actor, in Sydney to unveil 20 minutes of completed footage of the film to around 600 fans, said he was upset about the leak but still thinks fans will flock to see the movie in theaters.
"It's a serious crime and there's no doubt it's very disappointing _ I was heartbroken by it," Jackman said. "Obviously people are seeing an unfinished film. It's like a Ferrari without a paint job." 20th Century Fox said the FBI and Motion Picture Association of America were investigating and promised to prosecute those responsible.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Hip Hop and New Movies in the making!!
In other news....
...rapper 50 Cent is set to star in an upcoming book-to-movie adaptation of Twelve, starring alongside Kiefer Sutherland, Ellen Barkin, Emma Roberts, Rory Culkin, and Chace Crawford. The movie is about drug induced partying and excess of teenagers on New York's Upper East Side. Sounds like a spin off of Traffic.
Lastly, Method Man seems to be diving back into the cinema world as well. He has reportedly been tapped for the new George Lucas film about Tuskegee Airmen called Red Tails. He will be joining Ne-Yo, Terrance Howard, and Cuba Gooding Jr. It’s a movie focusing on African American pilots dealing with racism while trying to fight for their country.
He is also set to appear in a new cop thriller called Sinners & Saints. And also will be appearing in Strife with Evan Ross, a movie about teens living in the slums of L.A. Movies roles galore.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Fast & Furious Makes a Return
I must admit this movie does not disappoint as it pertains to the jammed pack action of the characters as well as the "kitted" out cars.
So we rewind a couple movies back to where Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) is now an FBI agent assigned to track down an international drug lord Arturo Braga. And on the other end you got Dominic Toretto who is out for revenge for the death of his girl Letty as a result of hijacking fuel tanks in the Dominican Republic. With precision tunnel crawls and fast-paced convoy heists, the duo will stop at nothing to push the limits behind the wheel. From Los Angeles to the Mexican desert, the pair must trust each other if they want to have any chance at out-maneuvering their enemy.
With Fast and Furious, we are somewhat overshadowed by the revenge of Dominic and the showing out of O'Connor trying to save face. Unfortunately, I think it loses a bit of its charm as we are more focused on the drug business and less on the actual "car plot", I mean that is why it is call "Fast and Furious". The movie tries to keep the focus on the cars with the high tech GPS systems and a race thrown in there for good measure but just not enough! Even when you catch the ending it is already expected as to what the outcome is going to be.
Now with this fourth installmant I did expect the high-pace, flashy cars but not necessarily the greatest of plots. And don't get me wrong the movie was filled with action from beginning to end but the storyline was just a little weak. We have seen this same storyline of "good guy/bad guy team together to take down a mutual enemy" to where it is becoming a bit boring. Movies such as this should stick to what they know and not really overstep their comfort zone.
Definitely do not come into this movie thinking it is going to blow you away, it blows you out your seat but for a different reason. I do admire the director Justin Lin ("Tokyo Drift") for taking us back to get a better idea of this series, in a sense it does add a bit of depth. But if...and that's a big IF they do come with a fifth one they should just go back to basics. Go for what you know best!!
Think about it this way maybe it will turn out to be a another good video game, that's always an option.
Grade: C+
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Leaked Already!!
According to a Los Angeles magazine, a high-quality, full-length work print of the 20th Century Fox film appeared online Tuesday evening (3/31/2009). The studio said it had the file removed, but copies quickly propagated and continue to appear on several file-sharing Web sites.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Sequel for 'Star Trek' already in the works
Rewind Wednesday: Baller Style
Its Been a Minute...But...
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