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Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Waiting for Superman- Has America Really Left Our Kids Behind?



Waiting for Superman, to be released this fall by Paramount, this documentary  begs to answer has America really left our kids behind?  When I first watch the powerful trailer, it really made an impact and forced me to stop and consider how are school systems in America are really dropping the ball educating our youth.  Especially now in the 21st century, you will think our kids would be better off but sadly it could be quite the opposite.  If you haven't seen this trailer please do so and draw your own conclusions.  It did win won the Audience Award for best documentary this year at Sundance Film Festival.





Sunday, May 16, 2010

The Original Ending for "Pretty in Pink"

Read This: The Original Ending for 'Pretty in Pink' I myself, still haven't fully watch the 80's cult classic Pretty in Pink but always heard good things. But what I didn't know that the ending for the film wasn't really how writer John Hughes envisioned his script at all. This should give all you "Ducky" fans out there a little closure or just make you want to rent the movie again and get wrapped up into the characters all over again. But I thought this story was pretty interesting because alot of Hughes's 80's films became such popular cult classics that really define the stuggle of adolescents. He was a very talented writer and I am sure that he has even written one of your favorite all-time movies. My favorite movie of his has go to be National Lampoon's Vacation . And I think everybody loves to watch the 3rd movie in the series Christmas Vacation at Christmas time.



You might recall some of his films dealing with the pittfalls of adolescents from the 80's genre such as: Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Weird Science, The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, and She's Having a Baby.






Saturday, May 15, 2010

Iron Man vs Robin Hood...Round One Goes To?

'Iron Man' leads 'Robin Hood' at box office

On Friday Night, round one has got to go to Iron Man 2 that grossed  nearly 15 million, while Robin Hood only earned near in it's opening night. Russell Crowe's Robin Hood was projected to earn more money in it's box office debut but since the power is still with Iron Man 2, the winner of this weekend box office could be anyone's guess.

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Friday, May 14, 2010

UPDATE: NBC Cancels 'Heroes' But Not Really?

UPDATE: NBC Cancels 'Heroes' As A Series But Plans Finale Event In Midseason For me, this is very sad news. I guess, I knew it was coming in the back of my mind. I agree that the show itself had lost it's soul along the way of it's four season run, but still it makes me mad. How can a series with such promise end up losing millions of their viewers every season and continue to write such crappy episodes that always led up to one big season finale "letdown" I hate it when you embrace a tv series that peaks your interest and gives you something to look forward to each and every week only watch it slowly die. Even though NBC continued to cut the show's budget every yeah in result, no more of those cool looking action scenes. Oh well, hopefully I will find another tv series to follow but in these days you never know what shows will meet the axe next.

R.I.P. Heoroes (2006-2010) :(

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Iron Man 2 Review: Uh Dullville!

Sorry, I've been a little MIA lately, but when you’re sick as a dog with the impression that time and space itself have become, so irreverent to the point where if you can’t even muster up enough strength to leave your house, then of course the earth should stop turning…right?

However, I did sneak away to see the all-powerful and anticipated movie Iron Man 2. So basically here is what I think off the cuff. The film is again directed by Jon Faverau and distributored by Paramount.

Basically, the sequel to Marvel’ss newest highly successful franchise left me feeling a little but disappointed and sad. I mean off the top of my head, there wasn’t any sense of danger ever surrounding Robert Downey Jr.’s character Tony Stark, throughout the entire movie, the film was pretty much boring, except for the first forty-five minutes and last thirty, Tony Stark only put on the suit four times, questionable scenes in the film like Iron Man getting drunk, and oh yes who can forget about the lack of character development. Oh and if you have seen  Iron Man 2 already and are confused by my comments, then I am here to tell you that the film is supposed to lean towards an action film, rather than the lackadaiscal film you just witnessed..I promise you, really it is! 


Lack of character development was huge in the sad demise of the movie’s potential and a great script too, but I digress. Let's stay focused here. I mean yes, Mickey Rourke’s acting ability can’t be denied, but how in the heck can he perform it without given any lines of meaningful scenes? His character of Whiplash was kind of a waste and should have been used more in the film. He was just forgotten in the middle of the film, reappeared in the end for the climax against Iron Man, and then was easily defeated. Sam Rockwell ‘s character Justin Hammer was a far more threat to Tony Stark, then Whiplash in so many ways. Character development wasn’t the only problem like I have stated above but it stood out more. The addition of Samuel L. Jackson’s character Nick Fury and Scarlett Johansson’s character Natalie Rushman/Natasha Romanoff seemed to be just added to the film for the sole reason promote the upcoming “Avengers” movie coming in 2012. Oh and I wasn’t buying the best friend chemistry of Don Cheadle’s character, Lt. Colonel James “Rhodey” Rhodes and Tony Stark for the reason it just seemed fake. Last but not least is Gwyneth Paltrow's character, Pepper Potts, who has more screen time this go around, but seems like the only reason she is around is to kiss Tony Stark on a rooftop at the end.

I could go on and on, about questioning why they put certain scenes in the movie and why the plot itself felt so “lazy” over and over. The only reason I can come up with on why this sequel didn’t live up to the hype of the first film is due to the amount of writers they had working on the script. The first film had four, while Iron Man 2 just had one. Oh well it is what it is, a limp rather than a running start to the summer of the movie blockbusters, we all look forward to every year.  If you think I am wrong then tell me I am wrong but if I am right then so be it. The film is making mad money, but it was originally predicted to break several box office records, but ended up not breaking not a single one. Well shucks!



Could He Be the Next Youtube Sensation?

It's Greyson Michael Chance, the Oklahoma Swooner If you haven't seen this kid yet, then I advise you to take a peep. He is the new YouTube sensation and his videos are receiving one hit after another. He has taken piano lessons he says but not singing lessons. Take a gander for yourself.





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Friday, May 7, 2010

Iron Man 2: A Must See!!!

Here ye here ye, the summer’s first blockbuster is finally upon us today and it’s called Marvel’s Iron Man 2. Yes, movie goers Robert Downey Jr. is back as Tony Stark, the wealthy playboy who has all the fun gadgets, oh and also as suit he slips on from time to time. Unlike the first film, Tony Starks is now known as Iron Man throughout the public, instead of hiding in the shadows, but his overexposure of his new personal has made him cockier and that has attracted a new enemy named, “Whiplash,” played by Mickey Rourke.

Some people are saying the this film’s plot is reminiscent of Rocky III, where the character Rocky Balboa, gets so wrapped up with the fame and fortune associated with being the boxing champion of the world, that he loses his belt to a much hungrier boxer, Clubber Lang. Rocky must remember what made him successful and with some help from family and friends he fight his way back to reclaim his bet from Clubber Lang.

Jon Favreau directed both the first installment and this sequel. The first film’s gross revenue pull in an estimated amount of $585,133,287 and all bets that it’s sequel Iron Man 2 will supersede it by leaps and bounds. For example, on its opening midnight shows Thursday, Paramount’s Iron Man 2 open to a 7.5 million debut, while it’s presence is already being felt in 53 other countries already raking in $132 million. So if you have been saving up your movie watching money for months, in hopes of a sure thing for your bottom dollar, then look no future to Iron Man 2. It should be a thrill ride. Critics are giving it a 3 out of 5 star rating and Rotten Tomatoes are giving it a 71% on their Tomatometer.

Things to look for in the sequel: actress Scarlett Johanasson, providing the “eye candy” for the male audiences dressed in a skin tight cat suit, actor Don Cheadley replaces Terrence Howard as James "Rhodey" Rhodes-Tony's best friend, Captain American’s shield, a rare glimpse of Thor (opens 2011), and the scene after the credits. Do not leave the movie theater without waiting for the last scene. Trust me!



Thursday, May 6, 2010

Fox takes night but Idol falls in ratings!

'Idol' sputters, but Fox takes night

The wheels of Fox's hit show, American Idol seem to be slowly coming off as the demise of another season and popular judge host Simon Cowell leaving the show draws near.  If you haven't heard, Simon is leaving the show to bring his popular British talent show, The X Factor, to American audiences starting in 2011. The show is originally produced and directed by Cowell and is sure to be in great competition against his former show American Idol. Only time will tell.


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Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Whatever Happen to the Late Night Movie?

Do you remember the days of the late night movie? I do. I miss the days of staying up late and finding the weirdest and goofiest movie I could find around midnight or one or two in the morning, on either a local or cable channel. You remember those B movies classics right? Remember, that night you couldn’t sleep, so you turn on your TV, hoping to find something that would help you to sleep, but to your surprise, you found the lowest budgeted film ever made possibly, that was totally ridiculous, but you can’t stop watching it.

So what has happened to the original midnight movie? Basically, it’s a thing of the past, now replaced with the endless supply of infomercials and constant rotation of your basic blockbusters from the past 5-10 years. It’s really sad those days are gone, because those movies were always a great topic for conversations between family and friends, when discussing the worst or cheesiest movie, ever made.

My favorite late night, B movie classic, has got to be the 1978 film, “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes,” which was the funniest and weirdest film I have ever seen. The theme song was so hilarious, that after years have went by, I still remember it. George Clooney must been a fan as well, because his first movie debut was in the sequel, “Return of the Killer Tomatoes.” I remember watching both of those movies for the first time on USA network’s weekend series, “Up All Night,” back in the early 90’s. Ahh good times!!



Monday, May 3, 2010

Conan & Leno: The Saga Continues...

Rough Weekend for Leno, a Great One for Conan

Conan O'Brien gave his first sit down interview last night on “60 minutes” and if you didn’t see it, it was a great interview. It was the first time, the comedian and former tonight show talk show host, was able to be more honest, then funny when discussing what happened between him, Jay Leno, and NBC because his contract with NBC (not to talk about the matter or say anything negative towards Jay or NBC) ended on the day of the interview.

While, O’Brien seems to be the overall winner in the fallout, Leno on the other hand isn’t fairly that well by most observers. Case in point, his stand up routine really took a nose dive this past Saturday night at the White House Association Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C. He couldn’t pay for a “real” laugh some say; also people have stated that the President was funnier in his speech at the dinner than Leno himself. (For more information click on the link- Rough Weekend for Leno, a Great One for Conan- above.)







Sunday, May 2, 2010

Paramount Cancels 'Anchorman 2'

'Anchorman 2' is off the air


The unexpected blockbuster known as “Anchorman” was Adam Mckay directorial debut since being the head writer for Saturday Night Live. Although set in the 1970’s, the American comedy film was a smash in theaters in 2004, making $28.4 million in it’s opening weekend in the United States alone. Eventually the film would go on to make a worldwide total of a solid $89.3 million, which totally surpassed its meek $26 million budget to make it. Both the critics and audiences loved the film and it’s characters.

Anchorman’s popularity has only sky-rocketed, since it’s released on television, as well over the internet. Will Ferrell, who played the lead actor in the film, Ron Burgundy, has done countless of segments on sports related programs such as ESPN, playing the character, and even today, he is in high demand on other sports and non-sports related programs requesting his services as Ron Burgundy. So basically with a strong and devoted cult following as the film has now, one might say that a sequel would be a “no-brainer” for the Paramount to jump at the chance to make another sequel…right?

Nope. There will be no sequel because last week Paramount passed on the idea to make it, due to a high budget. They considered the cost would be a financial risk for the company, so in other words, they do believe the film will be a blockbuster, but just not a profitable one. Some agree with Paramount’s decision but the most outspoken against their decision is director Adam Mckay, who has used his Twitter account to vent his displeasure on the company’s decision. One of his messages read: "So bummed. Paramount basically passed on Anchorman 2. Even after we cut our budget down. We tried."

Only time will tell if Paramount will change their minds, but for now, fans of Anchorman and Ron Burgundy will only have their DVD copy to keep them warm at night in their beds.

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Box office: Friday numbers put Freddy Krueger in top spot with a $15 million night

Box office: Friday numbers put Freddy Krueger in top spot with a $15 million night Well it looks like Freddy's back and the highly driven marketing campaign has worked it's box office magic as it rakes in $15 million on it's opening night. Although, the film was predicted to soar to number one on it's opening night with the always fateful date crowd, but the 15 million is an unexpected high earning for the reboot of the franchise. Critics are still killing this movie from left to right, but if it makes money, then doesn't matter if its any good or not? Don't expect it to have the same success next weekend when the Iron Man 2 opens to an expected blockbuster performance.