This week's Blu Ray and DVD releases!

Here are your Blu Ray and DVD releases for Tuesday March 26:

Lincoln, Killing Them Softly, Parental Guidance, The Collection, Jurassic Park*, Jurassic Part: The Lost World*, Jurassic Park III*, Monsieur Verdoux, A Man Escaped, Ironweed*, Phantasm II*, From Beyond*, Futureworld*, The Borgias Season 2, Veep Season 1, Continuum Season 2, Star Trek: Enterprise Season 1*, Mystery Science Theater 3000 Volume 26**, Lego Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Out**

*Blu Ray only
**DVD only

The Dark Knight Rises on Magic McConaughey for Christopher Nolan's next film

     Well it looks like acclaimed director Christopher Nolan may have found the lead for his next film Interstellar.
     With a script already in place and production set to start later this year, Nolan has offered the lead role to actor Matthew McConaughey reports "Deadline."  This is a very interesting choice considering that Nolan has never worked with McConaughey before, but I trust his judgement and he obviously sees something in the actor.  I personally think McConaughey gets a bad rap because of all the horrible rom-coms he's been in.  However, McConaughey has been killing it lately with a string of hits in Magic Mike, Killer Joe, Bernie, and The Lincoln Lawyer.  He's certainly a hot commodity right now. 
     For those of you who don't know Interstellar:

"involves time travel and alternate dimensions in a story that sees a group of explorers travel through a wormhole. The script is based on scientific theories developed by a Kip Thorne, a theoretical physicist, a gravitational physicist and astrophysicist at Caltech." 

     McConaughey is not stranger no science fiction having worked on the severely underrated Contact. 
     The actor can next be seen in Martin Scorcese's The Wolf of Wall Street later this year alongside Leonardo DiCaprio. 
     Interstellar is set to release November 7,2014.

Forest Whitaker to produce Richard Pryor biopic

     Richard Pryor was a comedic genius who left this world way too soon.  For years there has been a push to do a Richard Pryor biopic but the last information about the long suffering project was just over a year ago.
     Most recently Bill Condon was set to direct and Marlon Wayans set to star, but that has gone the way of the dodo.  This time producing duties have switched hands once again, landing in the lap of Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker.  "Deadline" further reports that the candidate to play Pryor may be Michael B. Jordan.  Jordan has previous experience working with Whitaker as he was the producer on the Jordan film Fruitvale.
     Whoever takes this role they will have to give one hell of a multi-layered performance.  Aside from being a comedian, Pryor was also a prominent actor, fought drug addiction, famously set himself on fire freebasing crack cocaine, and had several charges of domestic abuse against him.
     Again no time table on a start date and at this point who would dare to give one as the project has been in development for two decades.

Actress Judy Greer joins "Dawn of the Planet of the Apes"

     Judy Greer is one of the those actresses where you may not be familiar with the name, but if you see her you go "OH yeah I know her!"  Personally I think she's a good actress who has done well in small roles and plays the voice of Cheryl on the television show "Archer."  She also did well in the cult sitcom "Arrested Development" and has also appeared in the show "Californication" and assorted rom-coms. 
     Well Greer might have landed her biggest role yet.  "Vulture" reports that Greer has been cast as Cornelia, the lead female ape and love interest of Caesar (Andy Serkis) in next year's Dawn of the Planet of the Apes.  Like Serkis this role will be motion capture.  It's Greer's first move into science fiction but I have confidence.  She's got this sexy nerd quality that is just so endearing.
     Dawn of the Planet of the Apes hits theaters May 23, 2014.

Sam Rockwell, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Anne Hathaway set to star in dark comedy "Laggies"

    

     Well this is a triple dip of awesomeness!
     "Deadline" reports that actors Anne Hathaway, Sam Rockwell, and Chloe Grace Moretz are set to appear in the comedy Laggies by director Lynne Shelton.  Here's a plot synopsis:

Perpetual adolescent and late-twentysomething Megan (Hathaway) who, freaked out by her boyfriend's marriage proposal, pretends to go on a career retreat but actually hides out for a week with 16-year-old Annika (Moretz), her new best friend.

     So I'm a little unsure of where the darkness is going to come in here but these are all three top notch actors so I have a modicum of confidence that this could work.  Rockwell will play an older character named Craig although the part is non-specific.  No time table yet on a release date but you can see Chloe Grace Moretz later this year in Kick Ass 2 and the Carrie reboot.

Franchise Indiana Jones!!!

Now to many of you this may sound like sacrilege but I actually think it is a good idea. So many people hold Harrison Ford in such a high regard when it comes to Indiana Jones that they are unwilling to even entertain the idea that anyone else could play the role.

I respectfully disagree. Many felt the same way about Sean Connery, that he was the only who could play James Bond. Yet when Roger Moore took over it didn't in any way hurt the franchise and people learned to accept it. Now the public just accepts it as a matter of course that a new actor will claim the role of Bond every 5 to 10 years.  I think the same thing could be the case with Indiana Jones.

     There is an untapped reservoir of possible adventures for the intrepid archaeologist. There have been numerous Indiana Jones novels written over the years that provide a plethora of adventures. Think of all the untapped MacGuffins out there--Atlantis, the Spear of Destiny, the Cross of Jesus, Shang Gri La, the Fountain of Youth; the list is endless.

That takes care of the story aspect but what about the actor. Obviously I think they should cast younger so that the stories can once again be set in the 1930s and 40s, an era where Indy would thrive. (Although I wouldn't be adverse to possibly bringing some Indy stories into the modern era, again ala James Bond.) My first pick: Bradley Cooper. Now at first glance I know that seems like an odd choice but hear me out. Not only does he look somewhat what we expect Indiana Jones to look like--roguish, intelligent, thrill seeking, but he's a hell of a good actor, as evidenced by Silver Linings Playbook. Why not give him a shot?

Franchising Indiana Jones is not so far fetched as it seems. After all a year ago did anyone expect Star Wars to go the way of James Bond? Now it looks like we could be getting Star Wars adventures for DECADES. The James Bond franchise just turned 50 after all. I say bring it on.

You can't tell me that there is not an interest from the public on this one, whether they realize it or not. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull made $300+ million domestically, and most people (not me) thought it was terrible. Imagine if people had gotten what they really wanted sans nuking the fridge?

Bottom line is that there is money to be made here and if there is one thing that's true about Hollywood it is that they are in it to make money.

And I'm more than willing to pay.

Couldn't resist......

Anybody who is a true Return of the Jedi fan will get the above picture's implied joke.
Hilarious.

Big drama on the set of Natalie Portman Western "Jane Got a Gun"

Hollywood has been kicking around the blacklisted script Jane Got a Gun for several years now. Several actresses and directors had been attached until finally the studio settled on Natalie Portman in the lead and director Lynne Ramsay to helm the project . Principal photography was finally supposed to begin this past Wednesday. Only one slight problem.

The director quit.

Now normally this wouldn't warrant any big hullabaloo. Directors leave projects all the time. However, in this situation the director chose to quit by SIMPLY NOT SHOWING UP. That's right she didn't bother to call anybody or give a notice, an email, or even a freakin' text! She just didn't go.

Now while some people may think this was awesome and she quit "LIKE A BOSS!" I for one think this was totally unprofessional. Actresses like Natalie Portman will be okay obviously but what about the others?  How dare she leave all the set designers, lighting, camera crew, caterers, makeup artists, customer designers, and others (not to mention their families) in such a callous manner? Forgive my vulgarity but what bitch and a douche  A biouche if you will.

Also unfortunately for the project one of the leads, Jude Law, has left the film because he signed on to specifically work with Ramsay. Can't say I blame him. As my friend pointed out, this is like a college recruit changing his mind on a university after the coach that recruited him jumps ship.

Thankfully the studio has been quick to respond issuing a statement and snagging up director Gavin O'Connor, a good director who's done Warrior and Miracle.

You know I may be wrong about this but isn't this the kind of thing that gets you blacklisted in Hollywood? Who wants to employ or work with a director that doesn't even have the common courtesy to resign from a job to someone's face?

Ridiculous.

Harrison Ford hopeful Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and he will return for "Star Wars Episode VII"

I know that a big focus of my blog is to report speculation and rumor. After all isn't that what makes movie rumors so intriguing? Speculating what movies might get made and what actors and directors might be attached? However, there comes a point where you've reported on a situation so much that you need to know where to draw the line.  (I'm looking at you Ghostbusters 3).

When it comes to Star Wars Episode VII, the rumor mill regarding the return of Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford generates more speculation than the Shroud of Turin. As such I've reached my limit. Until there is evidence that any three of these actors have signed on the dotted line or definitively said "no" to the project, this is the LAST rumor I'm reporting.

In fact it is not much of a rumor so much as an expression of optimism. When recently asked by WGN about the likelihood of the three actors reuniting, Harrison Ford said:

 

 

“I think it’s almost true. I’m looking forward to it. It’s not in the bag yet, but I think it’ll happen, and I’m delighted.”

 

 

Thanks Harrison for reaffirming what we all hope to happen. In related stories the sky is blue, New Jersey governor Chris Christie likes food, and gun control is a hot button issue right now.

Star Wars Episode VII hits theaters summer 2015.

Chris O'Dowd lands a role in "Thor: The Dark World"

Don't really know if this will be of any relevance to anyone other than fans of the actor, but Chris O'Dowd has a small role in the upcoming Thor: The Dark World.  O'Dowd casually dropped the news in a recent interview with "IndieWire" where he was discussing his career:

"I think I'll do more dramatic stuff and I think I have some stuff coming out that's a bit more dramatic. I don't know if I'd do an action movie because I don't know if I could keep a straight face honestly, I just think it's so silly. Like I love watching them but I can't imagine me doing one. Actually, you know what I've done, just for fun because I didn't think there was any way that I could be in a superhero movie, so I've done a scene in the new "Thor" movie, just for that. I just do like one scene, which was quite fun."

Some of you may remember O'Dowd from the film Bridesmaids. He played a cop and the love interest of Kristen Wiig. Although I never fully understood how an obviously Irish man became a full fledged state trooper. I mean I get that it is possible, but it just seemed odd to me. Couldn't he have done an American accent? It would have made more sense to me.

I personally think O'Dowd is best in comedic roles. If you've never seen him in the British comedy "The IT Crowd" as Roy you really need to check it out on Netflix. Freakin' hilarious. Hopefully this role, however small, will springboard O'Dowd into the public's radar.

Thor: The Dark World premieres this November.

Fans will have to wait slightly longer than expected for new Bond film

Thankfully, the departure of Sam Mendes from the Bond franchise has not slowed down the process for the next film. As previously reported, producers are heavily engaged in the next adventure for the intrepid spy. A script is currently in development and now we have some more news regarding a director.  According to MGM Chairman and CEO Gary Barber:

"We are very excited about the franchise, we are looking forward to announcing a director soon.  We are currently developing the screenplay and working with our partners.  We look forward to developing the script soon and signing a director.  We are hoping within the next three years it will be released."

I know. I know. Pretty vague but I will take what I can get. Furthermore, the producers stated the next film should be released within the next three years which (assuming the company follows past trends) puts a new Bond film in November 2015 or 2016.

This may be a disappointment to Bond fans, as previous reports indicated the film would likely be released in November of 2014. Personally I'm glad that the producers are taking their time with this one. I'd rather have another quality Bond cinema experience ala Skyfall then get another Quantum of Solace.

My only concern might be Daniel Craig's age and his continued interest in the franchise. In any event, bring on the next Bond!

Ease off Kickstarter movie fans!!!!

For the life of me I can't understand why so many movie fans are up in arms about Kickstarter. I can somewhat see their point in that why should fans have to pay Hollywood to make movies and then turn around and pay for a ticket to see the movie AND buy the DVD?

Yet like many things in life, fans are getting too caught up in the money aspect of things. In fact to continually expect Hollywood to spoon feed us films that are often sub par represents an overall malaise and laziness on the part of Americans.

But I digress.

Fans are missing the big picture here. For this first time they may be able to have some real power over what films get made, the films THEY want to see, not what some stuffed shirt in a movie executive boardroom THINKS  the public wants to see.

Think about it. How many projects twist in the wind or are condemned to Development Hell for lack of funding? If not for financial concerns the public could have experienced "Total Recall 2", a Ted Williams biopic, or that Chilean miners film that's been languishing in the trenches. This is an opportunity for the public to have a real substantial influence on the movie industry. Why not take advantage?

Now obviously sites like Kickstarter may result in some bad movies being made. But that's still the case in modern Hollywood today so what's the difference?  I think it more likely that better movies will be made. Moreover I think directors, actors, and writers, that have lacked success in the past may finally get the opportunities they've long desired. How many hidden gems are struggling in Hollywood right now desperate for a chance?  Sites like Kickstarter will give them that chance.

Don't get me wrong. I have no interest in seeing a "Veronica Mars" movie, but the sentiment and principle holds true. The film received the necessary funding ($2 million) in TWELVE HOURS. If a semi-obscure television show can get this kind of backing, the possibilities are limitless.

I for one will continue to support Kickstarter and similar organizations' endeavors. This could be a game-changer that literally reshapes the face of the movie industry.

Explaining my rating system

It has been brought to my attention by a friend of mine that I've never really explained the rating system on my blog. Obviously it goes through a scale of 0 to 10 which a lot of critics use, so I always thought it was fairly self explanatory. However, even a standardized rating system like 0 to 10 is subject to the individual personality of the reviewer. Consequently, it behooves me to provider a clearer definition of what my rating scale means to me personally. What I've decided to do is break down how I interpret the assigned number I give to a particular film:

10--I give a film a ten based on two criteria. First it must be flawless when it comes to the mainstays of film making--directing, acting, screenplay, costumes, etc. The second is that it has to evoke something inside of me-an emotion, a thought, whatever--that stays with me over the course of several hours, maybe even days.

9--Pretty much the same thing as a 10 but there are some minor technical flaws like the movie was slightly too long, a certain scene didn't work, the music didn't harmonize with the theme, etc.

8--A good movie where the film was enjoyable and fundamentally sound. It may have a few flaws but it doesn't detract from the overall positive experience of the film. However, it isn't something that "stays with me" like a 9 or 10.

6-7--An average film. some highs and some lows but nothing special or particularly memorable.

4-5--A mediocre film at best. The poor qualities outweigh the good ones. There is some redeeming value but not much.

2-3--A very poor effort in terms of film production where the movie is lacking severely in more than one of the following categories: acting, writing, directing, visual effects, etc. There may be one or two good moments in the film if you're lucky.

0-1: The film fails on every level: writing, acting, directing, set design, costumes, visual effects, and lighting among others. This number is distinguished by the fact that the movie has no redeeming value whatsoever and/or contains characters that are offensive or represent the lowest common denominator of the human condition. For example I consider Bella Swan to be the absolute nadir of role models for young women. Films in this category usually leave me thinking, "How many starving children could the budget of this film fed?"

So there is my rating system. Again it is just my own personal stance. You may not agree but I at least hope you have a better understanding now of where I'm coming from when I assign a movie a number.

Blu Ray and DVD releases for the week of March 18th

Here are your Blu Ray and DVD releases for March 19th:

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Zero Dark Thirty, Rust and Bone, Bachelorette, Shadow People, Badlands, Porky's*, Timerider

And for Friday March 22nd:

Les Miserables, This is 40

*Blu Ray only

"The Wolverine" trailer to SCHNNICK!!! its adamantium claws in theaters soon

     For those of you wondering when the hell we are going to get a trailer (any trailer) for The Wolverine anytime soon, director James Mangold has an answer for you.  And it is sooner than you think.
     According to the director's Twitter account, The Wolverine teaser trailer will debut next Friday March 29th just in time for Easter.  Additionally, the trailer for the trailer will be on March 26th and the teaser trailer on March 27th. 
    I have to say it's good to know that we are finally going to get SOMETHING regarding this film.  After all it is only four months away and I recently went to a film where I saw a teaser for a Valentine's Day movie...for NEXT YEAR.  Not hearing anything for this long would typically have me worried but I trust James Mangold.  I think he's a brilliant director.
     The Wolverine slices its way into theaters July 26th. 

Escape from New York reboot rises from the ashes!

     "Call me Snake."
     If Joel Silver has his way that's exactly what audiences will be hearing in the future--three doses of it.
     Thought to be DOA several months ago, it looks like the reboot of the 1981 John Carpenter classic starring Kurt Russell, Escape from New York, is back on the fast track to the theater.  And this time it's set to be a trilogy.  (Of course.  Because everything is now.)
     According to "Deadline" Studio Canal recently acquired the rights to Escape from New York from New Line Cinema and handed the reigns over to producer Silver.  The idea is to treat the first film like an origin story (ala {fill in the blank} superhero stories) and move on with more movies.  The remake has been kicking around Hollywood for years with noted actors Jeremy Renner, Tom Hardy, and Gerard Butler pegged for the lead role of Snake Plissken. 
      For those of you who don't know, Escape from New York is set in a post apocalyptic future where NYC has become a prison.  When the President of the United States' plane crashes in the middle of the city, the military enlist the help of Snake Plissken, a former military man turned criminal.  In exchange for rescuing the President, Plissken will receive a full pardon.
     Personally I think this film is a classic and shouldn't be touched.  But if anyone should be Plissken I wonder why no one is suggesting Timothy Olyphant?  I think he'd be perfect.

Review: Wreck It Ralph

Plot:  Video game villain Wreck It Ralph (John C. Reilly) is fed up.  He's been the bad guy in the arcade game "Fix It Felix Jr." for over thirty years.  But in his heart Ralph doesn't feel like a bad guy.  Tired of the dump (literally) that he lives in, and his only solace the occasional drink at Tapper's, Ralph finally decides to confront the good guys of his game in their penthouse and is met with resistance.  Hoping to win the respect of his fellow "Fit-It Felix Jr." cohorts, Ralph sets out on a quest to claim a medal in the first person shooter "Hero's Duty."  However, Ralph's adventure doesn't go quite as expected.  Along with a grizzled "Hero's Duty" commander in Seargeant Tamora Calhoun (Jane Lynch) and "glitch" Vanellope von Schweetz (Sarah Silverman), Ralph will have to take on the corrupt King Candy (Alan Tudyk) and recover his medal before "Fix It Felix Jr." is shut down for good.

Review:  Funny, charming, and endearing, Wreck it Ralph is everything you want in a family friendly movie.  Director Rich Moore brings the laughs for kids and adults alike in this ode to arcade nostalgia that was nominated for an Oscar.
     What makes Wreck it Ralph so memorable is its simplicity of story.  While the scriptwriter Jim Reardon's theme is an old one, a man (or video game character in this case) trying to figure out exactly who he is and if the label "bad guy" really defines his essential nature, somehow Moore is able to inject new life into this old concept.  This isn't easy considering the jaded nature of the modern era movie goer.
     Dreamworks once again delivers a stunningly visual feast which highlights the high tech hi definition world while maintaining a familiar connection to the arcade era of the 1980s.  Nostalgia is a heavy theme in Wreck It Ralph, and the Dreamworks team did a great job of bringing classic characters like Pac-Man, Qubert, and Bowser to life.
     Wreck It Ralph would be nothing without it's superb cast.  Reilly does a fantastic job of making Ralph a likable and sympathetic character even though he is a bad guy.  While Ralph is somewhat oafish he's far from dumb and intensely loyal.  Jane Lynch also delights as the gruff and grizzled Calhoun who hides a soft interior beneath a tough exterior.  Even Sarah Silverman manages to not be too annoying as Vanellope von Schweetz, and I usually can't stand her.
     Overall Wreck It Ralph stands above the crowd as one of the better animated features of 2012.  Bravo!

My rating:  8/10

Review: The Master

Plot:  The latest from acclaimed film director Paul Thomas Anderson, The Master follows the story of Freddie Quell (Joaquin Phoenix) a WWII veteran consumed by sex obsession and alcohol.  After WWII Freddie drifts from one meaningless job to another, his only pastime making moonshine and getting into fights.  Then one day seemingly at random, Freddie finds himself on a boat with Lancaster Dodd (Philip Seymour Hoffman) also known as "The Master."  A doctor, nuclear physicist, author, and theoretical philosopher, Dodd has developed his own religion called "The Cause."  Recognizing a kindred spirit, Dodd and his wife Peggy (Amy Adams) take Freddie under his wing.  But can Freddie find himself before he self destructs?  And is Dodd's "Cause" all a pack of lies he makes up to scam others?

Review:  Paul Thomas Anderson is one of those directors you either love or hate.  To say his films are esoteric and against the grain is a severe understatement.  He's definitely a maverick in the film industry and I for one think he's a genius, somewhat in the vein of Stanley Kubrick.  As such I think audiences are going to be polarized when it comes to The Master because it's not your run of the mill film.  Like many of PTA's films, it almost bears several viewings because some of the imagery and themes are very subtle.  While The Master certainly isn't PTA's best film, it is certainly another worthy edition to the director's impressive resume.
     What I love about PTA as a director is that many of his films have an overriding theme they focus on.  In Boogie Nights it was the moral gray areas of the sex industry, in Punch Drunk Love it was the complicated emotion of love, in There Will be Blood it was greed.  In The Master the focus I think is on the role of faith in modern society, even though the film is set in 1950.  PTA raises an interesting idea in the film, that being that there is a difference between faith and indoctrination.  Faith is believing in something you can't physically see, taste, or touch.  Indoctrination is consistently force feeding someone ideas and concepts over and over again without any critical thinking.  The Master suggests (and rightly so) that indoctrination can be dangerous.  It can give people false hope and cost them spiritually and financially. 
      Dodd for example is a classic example of this.  Played brilliantly here by Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Dodd is charismatic, thoughtful, intelligent, and cunning.  His "processing" method is very interesting.  I won't go into it because I think it is something you have to experience itself.  Suffice it to say when Freddie gets processed the scene is riveting.  Dodd is difficult to figure out.  Is he a con man or is he sincere in his beliefs?  Like many PTA films I think it is up to the viewer to interpret whether Dodd is crooked or not. 
     In a strange way the reason that Dodd comes across as so intriguing, is because of his counterpart Freddie Quell played by Joaquin Phoenix.  Phoenix gives a masterful performance from start to finish.  If not for Daniel Day-Lewis, Phoenix wins the Oscar last month in a runaway.  Phoenix lights up the screen with Quell's physical and mental scars.  Quell is a broken man looking for meaning after a horrible war and a tragic past.  Phoenix is somehow able to evoke equal parts pity and disgust for Freddie.  He is as Dodd says, "a hopelessly inquisitive man."  And sometimes when a man is "hopelessly inquisitive" or just plain hopeless and broken they will attach themselves to anything to try to find meaning and fulfillment.  Freddie is a microcosm of the human condition as a whole.  Are we special spiritual beings or are we at base animals?
     I'd be remiss if I didn't remark on how gorgeous visually The Master is.  From the setting to the costumes, the film captures post WWII America to a t.  Cinematographer Mihai Malaimare Jr.'s cinematography is breathtaking, with the cuts and jumps in rhythm with the sometimes disjointed nature of the characters, especially Freddie.  Jonny Greenwood once again re-teams with PTA for a harrowing score, slightly similar to There Will Be Blood in theme.
     The Master did have some slight issues to it.  Amy Adams I didn't think was particularly remarkable as Dodd's wife Peggy, and certainly not Oscar worthy.  The repeated water theme, the idea of man drifting along the river of time, aimless and directionless, is hammered home a little to hard.  Additionally, the movie is too long by about fifteen minutes.
     None the less The Master makes for enthralling cinema and another brilliant work from director Paul Thomas Anderson.

My rating:  9/10

Jon Stewart takes a break from "The Daily Show" to direct his first feature film

     Although I rarely watch "The Daily Show" Jon Stewart cracks me the hell up.  As far as I'm concerned he's a more reliable news source than pretty much half--no make that all--of the other news outlets. 
     Well it looks like Jonboy is going to be taking a little break from Comedy Central to pursue his first directing gig.  According to "Deadline"  Stewart will take an eight to twelve week hiatus this summer to film Rosewater.  John Oliver will host in his place.
     Considering his background you might expect Stewart's first film to be a comedy but you'd be wrong.  The screenplay (which Stewart adapted) takes its source from the book "Then They Came For Me:  A Family's Story of Love, Captivity, and Survival."  Here's a brief description:

The book is Maziar Bahari’s harrowing ordeal of leaving London in June 2009 to cover Iran’s presidential elections. With a pregnant fiance left behind, the BBC journalist expected to be away for a week. Instead, he spent the next 118 days in Iran’s most notorious prison being brutally interrogated by a man he knew only by one thing: he smelled of Rosewater. Bahari wrote the book with Aimee Molloy.

     Sounds fascinating and with the success of Argo, this film could be a potential hit.  Stewart will produce Rosewater along with Scott Rudin and Gigi Pritzger.  No stars are currently attached and there is no release date but I wouldn't be surprised if it debuts at Cannes next year.

Harry Potter-esque poster for "The Hangover Part III"

     Like it or not The Hangover Part III is landing a few months from now and while we've heard virtually nil on the plot, the studios have finally released the above teaser poster.  I rarely do a post on posters but I couldn't resist this one.  I love Todd Phillips' sense of humor here.  The poster seems to be a combination of two previous movie posters.  The first and most obvious is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, but in this instance it is Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) and Allan (Zach Galifianakis) facing off rather than Harry and Voldemort.  Also the fact that this is the "epic finale" to the Hangover trilogy and that Vegas is burning in the background is reminiscent of Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight posters.  It seems that Phillips is poking a little fun at trilogies and franchises in general.  Let's just hope that the poster isn't the funniest thing about the final film.
     The Hangover Part III hits theaters May 24th and the first teaser trailer debuts tomorrow.

No additional Bond movie for Sam Mendes

     After strong indications that Academy Award winning director Sam Mendes would return to direct Bond 24, the director of Skyfall told Empire magazine recently he would not be coming back.  Mendes said the decision was very difficult and that he was extended a generous offer.  However, Mendes has several projects he's focused on right now, including King Lear, that require his full attention over the next year.
     I have to say I respect a director who one: doesn't want to shortchange his current projects and make them suffer in pursuit of something shinier and two: doesn't let a "generous offer" (read "ass load of cash") sway him from his artistic integrity.
     While I'm sad that Mendes will not return (at least not for the next one) one of appeals about the franchise is that usually there is a different director with each movie.  Consequently, the audience receives different perspectives and styles but the same Bond.  Regardless of who directs* the next installment though, they have some titanic shoes to fill.

*Possible dream directors for me would be Steven Spielberg, Kathryn Bigelow, or Christopher Nolan.  Steven Spielberg said he always wanted to direct a James Bond film, Kathryn Bigelow would be a fantastic choice for the first female Bond director, and Christopher Nolan is, well, Christopher Nolan.

Zero Dark Tarzan? Jessica Chastain may be the next Jane in David Yates' "Tarzan" reboot

     If it wasn't for Jennifer Lawrence's amazing performance in Silver Linings Playbook, Jessica Chastain would have been a shoe-in for the Oscar.  Lucky for her she's got plenty of good acting years ahead.  However, I don't think the possible involvement in her next project is likely to win her an Academy Award.
     According to The New York Post (so take this rumor with a mine full of salt) director David Yates' wants Chastain to swing out of the desert and into the jungle as Jane in his Tarzan reboot.  I definitely could see this working.  Chastain has that Jane look and I believe she'd easily adapt to a Victorian era historical film. 
     There's little news on the story, only that Tarzan takes place years after he's assimilated back into society and Queen Victoria requests he go on a mission to investigate a warlord in the Congo.  The only confirmed actor is the lead, Alexander Skarsgard, although Samuel L. Jackson is rumored to have a supporting role.  (Natch!)
     There is no release date for Tarzan at this time.

DVD and Blu Ray releases for the week of March 4th!!!

Here are your Blu Ray and DVD releases for Tuesday March 5th:

Wreck it Ralph, Red Dawn, Lay the Favorite, Schindler's List*, A Nightmare on Elm Street Complete Film Set*, Westworld*, The Nativity Story*, College, Super Bowl XLVII

*Blu Ray only

Don't call her a scruffy looking Nerf herder, Carrie Fisher joins cast of "Star Wars Episode VII"

     To take a page from Yoda: expected this was.
     We know that Disney is doing its damnedest to get some of the original cast members on board for Star Wars Episode VII and now we've gotten some actual hard information that one of them has dropped their shields.  In an interview with Palm Beach Illustrated, Carrie Fisher (who played Princess Leia in the original trilogy) confirmed her involvement in the upcoming film.  In terms of her character's role however, all she'd say is that Leia would be much the same as before except older, slower, and less inclined to get up for the big battle.
     Fisher's exposition makes me think even more and more that Han, Luke, and Leia are going to be on the fringes of the next film and that the new trilogy will focus more on their kids.  As it should be. 
     Star Wars Episode VII hits theaters in summer 2015.

Indiana Burgundy??? Harrison Ford joins the cast of "Anchorman 2"

     Sweet Odin's raven!  Literally did not see this one coming.
     According to NBCnews.com, Harrison Ford has joined the cast of Anchorman: The Legend Continues.  Ford was seen on set in a full suit appearing alongside Will Ferrell.  According to sources the role is a small one and he will apparently be playing a legendary newsman ala Peter Jennings. 
     You know I like this casting choice.  Ford is often perceived as stuffy and lacking a sense of humor so maybe this will dispel some of those notions.  I'm also going to say that he's actually playing Ron Burgundy's father and that that information will come to light by the end of the film. 
     Anchorman: The Legend Continues is currently filming and will release December 20th of this year.
    

Review: A Good Day to Die Hard

Plot:  In the fifth edition of the Die Hard franchise, erstwhile New York City cop John McClane (Bruce Willis) returns and this time he's gone international.  After discovering his son Jack (Jai Courtney) has been arrested for a murder in Russia, McClane flies to Moscow to help his son.  Unbeknownst to him, Jack is actually a CIA agent tasked with keeping political prisoner Yuri Komarov (Sebastian Koch) alive.  Despite a bad relationship, John and Jack must work together to prevent a political upheaval in Russia and stop Viktor Chagarin (Sergei Kolesnikov) from taking power.  But can Jack and John put their animosity aside long enough to "kill all the scumbags?"

Review:  Oh John McClane, how far you have fallen.  I remember when you were once just an ordinary cop put in an extraordinary situation in the original Die Hard.  How times have changed.
     Loud, obnoxious, obvious, and with little redeeming value, A Good Day to Die Hard is a sad addition to the Die Hard franchise and hopefully a bullet to the head for these movies. 
     I know there is a certain level of "suspension of disbelief" when it comes to films, but John McClane's situation in the fifth film strains suspension to the breaking point.  What the hell was screenwriter Skip Woods thinking?  John McClane preventing a coup in Russia?  Ughh.  Just make me walk over broken glass already.  I use the word "script" in the loosest possible sense here because to me the entire story seemed like an excuse to do one action set piece after another.  Full of convenient plot devices and the inevitable twist at the end, the story came across like it was written by a thirteen year old boy.  There was actually one point where the bad guys used an aerosol spray to eliminate the radiation at a secret Chernobyl (don't ask) locker.  Really?  Were they out of magic pixie dust? And the dialogue?  Putrid.  After about the billionth time Bruce Willis said "I'm on vacation!" I was ready to hit the ejector button on my seat.
     This was director John Moore's first film since 2008's Max Payne and it looks like he hasn't gotten any better in the last five years.  I hate to bash a fellow Irishman but the pacing was frenetic, the camerawork atrocious, and he chose to revolve the "plot" around the action sequences instead of the other way around.  Speaking of the action moments, while some were cool most were just ridiculous.  Falling four floors (twice!) and not dying, crashing a helicopter into a building by hanging an ATV off the back of it, and having John McClane use a Hummer to drive over about twenty cars like he was at a monster truck rally, are just a few of the turd burgers in this movie.
     Speaking of Willis to call his performance in A Good Day to Die Hard lazy and uninspired is an insult to sloths.  I could almost see the dollar signs cha-chinging in his eyes every time he opened his mouth to spew out a ridiculous one liner.  Willis didn't phone it in. He texted it in.  Thankfully at least Jai Courtney was decent as an action hero although he displayed little emotions other than disgust, rage, or frustration.  Unfortunately, even he couldn't save this movie.
     I went in to A Good Day to Die Hard expecting to end the film yelling, "Yippie Ki-Yay motherfucker!" in delight.  Instead I felt like saying, "Fuck this shit."

My rating 2/10

Oscar Recap!!!

      Well another Oscar season has come and gone and I have to say it was one of the more entertaining ones I've seen in years.  I thought Seth MacFarlane crushed it (the John Wilkes Booth joke was killer) and although it went long there were plenty of good jokes and endearing moments.  Let's review the highlights shall we?
     Rather than breaking things down I thought I'd do just a little stream of consciousness based on the tweets I did throughout the night.  So here goes:

     I thought Christoph Waltz's speech was fantastic.  Understated, gracious, and charming and he gave a ton of kudos to QT.  Hopefully, he'll be in plenty more Tarantino films.  No idea why Samuel L. Jackson was wearing a smoking jacket.  Apparently he was tired of those motherfucking bow ties on those motherfucking tuxes.  Thought the initial Shatner/MacFarlane thing was hysterical.  Forget the "We saw your boobs" song, the bit with MacFarlane and Sally Field had me rolling especially when they rode off in the Smokey and the Bandit car.  Channing Tatum was about the stiffest presenter I've ever seen.  The only thing that compares is his acting.  Really disappointed by the Bond tribute.  Thought it was incredibly lame.  Performances by the Les Mis cast were incredibly moving even if John Travolta can't pronounce the name of the movie.  I'm convinced that Liam Neeson was stoned or exhausted.  LOVED that they went with the Jaws play off music and of course it wouldn't be a Seth MacFarlane Oscars if Ted didn't show up and make some Jewish jokes.  Anne Hathaway looked so classy.  I usually don't like women with hair that short but damn girl!  Closest thing we have to Audrey Hepburn although it is weird that she is married to Bizarro Ryan Gosling.  Tim Burton's hair meanwhile has never been combed, sad to see that Sandra Bullock was there to present an award and not give back the one she didn't deserve for The Blind Side, and Adele apparently cut her dress off of the curtain behind her before she made her appearance.  Pissed that Pixar won best animated feature once again, Salma Hayek is still smoking hot at 40+, and why couldn't Daniel Radcliffe have used the death spell on Kristen Stewart.  Once again the "In Memoriam" was very classy although they left off Andy Griffith for some reason.  Going to miss Ray Bradbury.  Forgot he was nominated for an Oscar once.  Renee Zeilwigger still has not stopped sucking that lemon, John Williams lost (tear), and what was with the cast of Nelson winning Oscars?  Seriously those haircuts WTF? Dustin Hoffman is incredibly short and kudos to MacFarlane for calling out the Academy on not nominating Ben Affleck.  Surprised that Ang Lee won Best Director but not incredibly so and FUCK YEAH TARANTINO for best original screenplay.  Jennifer Lawrence won!  WHOO HOOO!  A standing ovation from the crowd and one from my pants.  Seriously though very endearing speech.  Daniel Day-Lewis has got to be not only the most talented actor alive but the humblest as well.  Great joke about him and Meryl swapping places.  Glad to see Argo won and classy speech by Ben Affleck.  Final song was kind of odd but even stranger was Michelle Obama presenting the final Oscar.  Jack Nicholson is beyond bizarre.  Still would love to hang out with him.

     Hope you enjoyed that.  See you next year when "Generic English Sawdust Drama" regains the best picture!