New "A Nightmare on Elm Street"

How many of you remember being so scared you couldn't go to sleep after watching "A Nightmare on Elm Street"? Well the movie that scared you then is coming back in 2010 to scare you one more time!!

Here is the poster from the upcoming film for your viewing pleasure!

Not Funny, Not Cute...

Check this out so you got a film based around a team of trained secret agent animals [guinea pigs Darwin (Sam Rockwell) (team leader), Juarez (Penelope Cruz) (martial arts), Blaster (Tracy Morgan) (weapons/transportation), mole Speckles (Nicholas Cage) (cyber intelligence), and a fly Mooch (high-tech surveillance) (Edwin Louis).] They have a mission that they take on from the FBI to stop evil billionaire Leonard Saber, who plans to destroy the world with household appliances.

OK all that right there it just lost me, and it lost me while watching it too! This film has your typical heroes get the villain plot, so please don't expect anything fancy or brand new. I guess folks thought since Jerry Bruckheimer had a hand in this that there would be some greatness to it, well sorry not this one! Grant it there was the non-stop action as expected but nothing worth shouting to the hills about.

I will say that I like the fact that there was a combination of mixed animation and live action, which brought a little excitement to the film (and I mean just a little). A few other highlights (and trust me I was looking for them) of this film are the fact that G-Force is the first live-action Disney movie to be produced in Disney Digital 3-D. This is one of those films that the kids will enjoy only, even though there is adult ideas, language, it still lacks the laughter needed for an adult to laugh about.

So should you rush to go see it...NOPE not even if the kids beg you too!

Grade: C-

Rewind Wednesday: The Pelican Brief

Greetings Blog World!! Today has been a good day so far, one its Wednesday and the weekend is almost here!

"Two Supreme Court Justices have been assassinated. One lone law student has stumbled upon the truth. An investigative journalist wants her story. Everybody else wants her dead."

Today's RW feature is that of the 1993 legal crime thriller film based on the novel of the same name by John Grisham, The Pelican Brief. This is one of those movies where I thought actors such as Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts were right in their prime of acting!

Embroiled in an affair with Thomas Callahan (Sam Shephard), her alcoholic professor, precocious 24-year-old Tulane University law student Darby Shaw (Julia Roberts) writes up an insightful theory about the recent murder of two Supreme Court justices, one of whom, Abraham Rosenberg (Hume Cronyn), served as Callahan's mentor. When Callahan shares this so-called "Pelican Brief" with buddy Gavin Verheek (John Heard), an FBI lawyer, the document makes its way to White House flack Fletcher Coal (Tony Goldwyn), who believes it could topple the current administration. When Callahan is murdered and the President (Robert Culp) convinces the FBI to hold off on investigating Darby's theory, the resourceful student must go into hiding, stalked by relentless assassin Khamel (Stanley Tucci). Her only hope of escaping Callahan's fate and proving her theory lies in Washington investigative reporter Gray Grantham (Denzel Washington), who's already had one confidential source back out of sharing information about the assassinations. (Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide)




The one thing I like about this film was that it kept us entertained and glued to the screen. Even though it may have been well over two hours, the film moves at a good pace giving us plenty of twists and turns and narrow escapes as Darby and Gray try to expose the corruption of a Louisiana oilman. The chemistry between Washington and Roberts is remarkable to say the least. In addition to that they are both backed up with a great supporting cast. This is definitely one of John Grisham's entertaining novel and even better film and has great acting from stars Julia Roberts, Denzel Washington and a solid supporting cast.

Some interesting facts:
*The President questions Cole's idea of addressing the nation while wearing a cardigan sweater; this is based on a real-life incident in which then-president Jimmy Carter addressed the nation in a cardigan during the height of the fuel shortages in the 1970s.

*Victor Mattiece, the main villain, is never seen. Grisham's entire subplot of his behind-the-scenes machinations are totally absent from the movie.

*In the novel Gray Grantham is white (as evidenced by physical descriptions of the character) and works for the Washington Post. The producers were unable to obtain permission from the Post to use its name in the film, and thus Herald was substituted for it.

Mid-Week Updates for 2009-2010!

Now you know I gotta make sure you all are staying abreast of what is about to hit the theaters and I got a couple of them for you on today!

Directed by the Hughes Brothers, in a post-apocalyptic world, a lone hero, Eli (Denzel Washington), guards the Book of Eli, which provides knowledge that could redeem society. The despot (Gary Oldman) of a small, makeshift town plans to take possession of the book.





Set to hit theaters January 15, 2010.


The infamous remake.. for all you Brad Pitt and Quentin Tarantino fans:




Hits theaters August 21, 2009

For all my "Sex in the City" fans!!

It looks like the crazy girls from Sex and the City enjoyed our movie theaters and are coming back for a sequel! With an official release date of May 28, 2010.

According to Entertainment Weekly, you may have your chance to be a part of the all popular Sex and the City 2! Producers will be holding an open casting call for extras, see information below:

August 4, 2009
SAG: 10am-12:30pm
Non-union: 1:30pm-4:00pm

Address: Metropolitan Pavilion
125 W 18th St.
New York, NY 10011

If you can’t make the open call, e-mail a recent picture and contact info to sexandthecity2@gwcnyc.

The "Rats of NIMH" are back!

How many of you all remember this...



According to Reuters a new film version of "Rats of NIMH" is in the making. Paramount studios is developing a feature version of the Newbery Medal-winning children's book "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH." The Illusionist director Neil Burger is said to write the screenplay. The movie would be the second theatrical go-round for the book, which MGM brought to the screen in 1982 as the animated The Secret of NIMH.

The story centers on a mouse -- the titular Mrs. Frisby, renamed Mrs. Brisby in the MGM movie -- faced with a crisis when her son falls ill and she must move her family to escape a farmer's plow. Mrs. Frisby enlists a group of former lab rats, whom she soon discovers possess advanced technologies and run a highly evolved society, dividing labor in the manner of a human community.

"Those familiar with "NIMH" noted, however, that the material has elements of a parable and reflects more serious ideas than the light comedy of G-Force."

For All my Comic-Con fans!!

The new science-fiction film Tron Legacy has been stirring a lot of buzz these days especially after it was previewed at Comic Con 2009 in San Diego. It is the sequel to the 1982 film Tron in which Jeff Bridges will be reprising his role as Kevin Flynn. It is set to hit theaters in 2010 in Disney Digital 3-D and IMAX 3-D.

For all that may be unfamiliar with the premise here's a lil snippet:
Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund), the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges), looks into his father’s disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 25 years. Along with Kevin’s loyal confidant (Olivia Wilde), father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous. (slashfilm.com)

Here's the trailer for your viewing as well:



Many more films made their debut as well, it looked like a huge success for Comic Con this year! To see more of what happened check out the following website: http://www.comic-con.org/cci/

New Movies Coming means New Trailers!!

Well I tell ya 2009 and 2010 are definitely showing us that they are not playing around when it comes putting out some good movies. I can honestly say I anxiously await every week for what movie is about to come out next. So let me not hold you up anymore from seeing what will be hitting the theaters in the near future...


Never before has a date in history been so significant to so many cultures, so many religions, scientists, and governments. (Hollywoodstreams)



Hmmmm...this next one think of Martin Scorcese and "slasher flick"...interesting


Heath Ledger's last film before his unfortunate passing...


And one more for ya...Matt Damon starring as a corporate executive turned "whilstleblower" in The Informant.

Rewind Wednesday: Give me "Soul Food"

Today's film I found quite fitting for this week. Its amazing how when a family comes together as one, how strong and powerful they can be. So today's feature is that of the 1997 film Soul Food, produced by Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Tracey Edmonds, and Robert Teitel. This great film featured an "ensemble cast", the film stars Vanessa L. Williams, Vivica A. Fox, Nia Long, Michael Beach, Mekhi Phifer, Jeffrey D. Sams, Irma P. Hall, Gina Ravera, and Brandon Hammond.

The story depicted in this film is so true especially in many Black families, maybe even yours. Its story pretty much exemplifies how a family breaks up after the matriarch becomes ill and eventually passes away, thus causing rifts to develop due to the fact that the one person who keeps the family grounded is no longer around to mediate disputes and to show love and guidance to the younger generation.

Soul Food was one of those films that would be considered a complete package deal. Not only was the film great but the soundtrack was off the chain as well. It would showcase 4 songs that audiences will always remember: 1) Its theme song, "A Song for Mama", is written and produced by Babyface. Released as a single, the song became a Top 10 hit in 1997 and is today a popular selection for vocal harmony groups. 2) "What About Us" is written and produced by Timbaland and Missy Elliott, which peaked at #16 on the Hot 100. 3) "We're Not Making Love No More" [sung by Dru Hill] is also written and produced by Babyface and was a Top 20 hit the same year. 4) "In Due Time" had a video made and stars Big Boi, Andre 3000 and Cee-Lo in an old-style video about their struggles in the "Dirty South".

In 2000, Showtime would premiere an one-hour television series based upon the film. And just think, by the time the series was cancelled in 2004, it had become the longest running drama with a predominantly Black cast in the history of North American prime-time television. (Man I miss this show :-( )


Some little known facts about the film:
1) Halle Berry and Whitney Houston were both considered for the role of Terri.
2) Regina King, Kenya Moore and Jada Pinkett-Smith were all considered for the role of Bird.
3) Vivica A. Fox auditioned for the role of Terri but she landed the role of Maxine instead
4) Soul Food was shot primarily on location in the Chicago area.

This is definitely a wonderful film that should be viewed by every family no matter what race they are. The acting was top notch, and the story line was very intriguing. Just think of it like a black "It's A Wonderful Life", a classic that retell its story over and over.

The Half-Blood Prince enchants us again

So we have been brought back to the theaters for the 6th time to take that adventure ride with student Harry Potter at the prestigious Hogwarts.

In this dark epic tale we are able to witness Professor Dumbledore working with Harry in addition, we are introduced to newcomer Professor Horace Slughorn so that we may unravel more of the mystery behind Voldemort's immortality.

Many feel that this is their favorite book and other than 7, the darkest book in the series. But somehow we just don't get it all in this one....why?

This is one of those films that if you are a fan of the series just know that everything is not exactly the same as in the book. Most of the time, the movies can be edited in way that they still manage it without compromising the integrity of the film. But this time the mark fell a little bit short. Now keep in mind this is to be expected but I think this also hurt the movie in that certain key parts were left out of the film from the book. Unfortunately, they cut scenes, but they change others to suit what they feel is the better way to go.

Grade: B-

Catch Him if You Can!!

Picture this its 1933 times are hard and people are desperate. people are suffering and crime is on the rise. As for John Dillinger (played by Johnny Depp), he is being brought to Indiana State Prison by his "partner in crime" John 'Red' Hamilton (Jason Clarke) disguised as a prisoner. Moments later the jailbreak occurs and the life of crime begins.

Public Enemies is one of those films where yes we already know what is going to happen, but it is all about how the story unfolds. Its amazing how someone such as John Dillinger was smart enough to exploit and dominate the press into creating an era which we would learn to be called "the public enemy era" (1931-34). In the little over 2 hours of this film we get a chance to get a microscopic view of the life of Public Enemy #1 John Dillinger. You get the opportunity to find out WHO this man is and not necessarily WHAT he did. To a degree there is this sense of a cat and mouse aspect that could have been stronger, nonetheless still good. Just think about the power that one man can have over so many people, Dillinger was able impact not just a state but a country.

I will be honest with you I never really have any complaints with Johnny depp as an actor, he makes each role that he plays in so believable. In many instances he can't go wrong. Christian Bale did a decent job playing the hand-picked FBI agent. There were however times when he was a bit dry but he was able to sustain till the end. When watching this movie you will see many familiar faces and some that you may not know, and that I think works in its favor. When you get too many big names the movie can explode and then it is not worth seeing. In the end your finished product is that of a beautifully shot and edited movie with a lot of promise. Plus you get plenty of the shoot-'em-up style action that is to be expected along with a spice of "historical romance."

All in all the story was interesting, good action, and fantastic cinematography BUT it still seemed as though something was still missing....Hmmmm....


Grade: B

I'm Back!!

I know I have been gone for a minute and I have truly missed you guys!! Life sometimes hits you real fast and you just gotta roll with the punches! Starting next week I will be dedicating that week of post to a new "angel" that is probably knocking on heaven's door, Susie Gipson (8/8/1923-7/6/2009). Grandma its just for you!!

Summer 2009 Movie Numbers!!

Hey there folks!! Hope that all is well with everyone and hopefully you are enjoying the summer flicks! I know I have they have truly been a treat for me. Well I wanted to give you all some updates on this summers movies and what they racked in their first weekend!

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen- $112 million (Please note: these are only the weekend numbers)
X-Men Origins: Wolverine- $87 million
Star Trek- $72.5 million
UP- $68.2 million
Night at the Musuem: Battle of the Smithsonian- $53.5 million
Angels & Demons- $ 48 million
The Hangover- $45 million
Terminator Salvation- $43 million
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs- $41.6 million
Public Enemies- $25.2 million
The Taking of Pelham 123- $25 million
Land of the Lost- $19.5 million

We still got a few left that could possibly shake things up (Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince & G.I. Joe), so this will truly be an interesting couple of weeks.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Its a family affair! The third installment of the Ice Age series hit theaters this Fourth of July holiday weekend and it was definitely a treat. Not only do we get to see some cute pre-historic animals but get some good laughter at the same time.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs is a perfect family film that ring all the right bells, there is no doubt that parents and kids alike were truly enjoy this movie. It has all the necessary elements need its funny, its sharp, it's clever, and it will even pull on your heart strings. What more could you ask for in a film?! And to top it off both parties (parents/adults and kids) are satisfied pretty much equally. Now I will not spoil the surprise, but there is definitely a treat in store that kicks the movie into SUPER high gear!!! The stuff you see from that moment on will have rolling in the isle!

This is the type of film that has a simple story, but is so close to near perfection. All in all, as every franchise should, Ice Age gets better and better and better! Put it like this if you liked the first, you'll love the second,and you'll go crazy for the third!

Grade: B+/A

Fourth of July Flicks!!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July! Hopefully everyone is safe and sound in whatever they may be doing. You are probably watching the fireworks now, but I just wanted to give my opinion of the best Fourth of July movies!

1. Independence Day (1996)


2. Glory (1989)


3. The Patriot (2000)


4. Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942)


5. Saving Private Ryan (1998)


6. Live Free, Die Hard (2007)


7. Born on the Fourth of July (1989)


8. 1776 (1972)


9. Team America: World Police (2004) (Shout out to NewsRevolver on this one lol)


10. In America (2002)

Have a safe holiday weekend!!

Best of Cartoons and Animation!!

With the new Ice Age film hitting theaters today sometimes I wonder how far cartoons/animations have come since hitting the big screen. Well I got the Top 25 Cartoon/Animated Films to date for ya:

1. Up (2009)

2. The Lion King (1994)

3. Fantasia/Fantasia 2000 (1940/1999)

4. The Incredibles (2004)

5. Beauty and The Beast (1991)

6. Finding Nemo (2003)

7. Kung Fu Panda (2008)

8. Wall-E (2008)

9. Shrek (2001)

10. Cinderella (1950) CLASSIC DISNEY!!!

11. The Little Mermaid (1989) CLASSIC DISNEY!!

12. Happy Feet (2006)

13. Aladdin (1992)

14. Toy Story (1995)

15. Jungle Book (1967)

16. Ice Age: The Meltdown (2006)

17. Mulan (1998)

18. Ratatouille (2007)

19. A Bugs Life (1998)

20. Lady and The Tramp (1955) DISNEY AT ITS FINEST!

21. The Transformers: The Movie (1986)

22. Bambi (1942)

23. The Rescuers (1977)

24. Monsters, Inc.

25. The Simpsons Movie (2007)

*Honorable Mention: Princess Mononoke (1997)

Rewind Wednesday: The Shawshank Redemption

Now this movie right here is what you call a "certified classic" movie. This 1994 American drama is based on the Stephen King novella, "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption". It would star Tim Robbins as Andrew "Andy" Dufresne and Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding.

The film portrays Andy (Tim Robbins) spending nearly two decades in Shawshank State Prison, a fictional penitentiary in Maine, and his friendship with Red, a fellow inmate. This movie demonstrates the potential gap between initial box office success and ultimate popularity. Despite a lukewarm box office reception that was barely enough to cover its budget, The Shawshank Redemption received favorable reviews from critics and has since enjoyed a remarkable life on cable television, home videotape, DVD and Blu-ray. Yet it still continues to be hailed by critics and audiences alike, even after 15 years from its initial release, it is ranked among the greatest films of all time.



Many critics and viewers have interpreted the film as a Christian parable due to its handling of hope, original sin, redemption, salvation, and faith in the afterlife. However, in the director's commentary track on the tenth anniversary DVD, director Darabont denies any intent to create such a parable, and calls such interpretations of the film "fantastic." Others have also pointed out that the film's tidy dispatching of its principal antagonists - Hadley's tearful arrest, the Warden's suicide, and Bogs' paralysis - would seem to have more to do with Old Testament retribution than New Testament redemption. In addition, Andy's destruction of a Bible to enable his escape points toward a more pragmatic outlook. Some may even suggest that suggests that the film provides a great illustration of how characters can be free, even in prison, or unfree, even in freedom, based on one's outlook in life.

This is one of those films that really makes you think about life and how you should live it to the fullest everyday regardless of your circumstances. As Andy would state, "get busy living or get busy dying", now I know which one I would choose. Do you?




Its amazing how in 1994 it would be nominated for for seven awards (Best Picture, Best Actor – Morgan Freeman, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Original Score, and Best Sound), but would not win one single award due to the shadow of Forrest Gump.

With themes of faith and hope, there is a definite religious subtext to be found here. Regardless of your faith and beliefs this is an unforgettable and timeless piece of film history.