Despite a Lil John Reaction from audiences Nolan won't change Bane's Voice in The Dark Knight Rises

WWHHHHHHHAAAAATTTTT?????!!!!!!!!

Despite the awesomeness that was The Dark Knight Rises trailer, the number one complaint among bat enthusiasts was Bane's voice. Several people found it difficult if not damn near impossible to hear what the hell Tom Hardy was saying. Personally I was able to hear Hardy clearly when he tells Bruce Wayne, "When Gotham is ashes you have my permission to die."

But I'm not everyone.

Rumor has it that the outcry has the execs at Warner Bros. nervous and that something needs to be done. With a $250 million budget I really can't blame them. However to be perfectly honest this movie is going to make money no matter what and I will go on record as writing that at the very least this movie will rate a 9. I know that's tantamount to going all in in Texas Hold 'Em without looking at your cards, but hey sometimes you just gotta say "Let's dance!"

Apparently, the one person who isn't concerned is director Christopher Nolan. Although he will apparently tweak the voice in editing, Nolan refuses to go back and change Bane's dialogue. His position is that the audience needs to only get a "general idea" of what Bane says and that it's not necessary to understand every word.

Um...what?

Look I guess I could understand his reasoning if the villain had a lisp or a stutter or something but that's not the case. I'm of the opinion that Bane's dialogue could be very crucial to various plot points in the film, and being able to understand Bane is essential. Granted Bane does wear a breath mask throughout the film so maybe a certain muffle is warranted, but don't make him completely unintelligible.

Bottom line is that although Christopher Nolan has earned his reputation as one of the leading directors working in Hollywood today, the studio execs have to step in tell Chris to correct this. It would be a tragedy for the voice of a main character to undercut an entire film. The main focus needs to be the anticipation of the film's release, not the voice of a main character.* However, I have faith in Nolan and I trust that this whole voice situation will be ironed out in post-production.

*On a side note one of the biggest complaints with The Dark Knight was Christian Bale's Batman voice. Too many people felt that it sounded like Clint Eastwood after a sandpaper and gravel milkshake. Hopefully Bale toned it down for The Dark Knight Rises.

Ender's Game Gets a Few More Pieces: Ford and Breslin Sign On

Recently I reported that Harrison Ford and Hailee Steinfeld were both "in talks" to join the film adaptation of Orson Scott Card's Ender's Game. Apparently, both actors have progressed from talking to putting pen to paper. As previously mentioned Ford will play Colonel Hyram Graff who spearheads the training of recruits at Battle School, while Steinfeld will play Petra Arkanian, Ender's right hand woman.

Additionally, Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine, Zombieland) will join the cast as Valentine Wiggin, Ender's older sister. As a fan of the book I can't stress enough how important Valentine's role is in the novel and I think Breslin is an excellent choice for the role.

In case you're unaware, all three of the actors in this article have been nominated for an Academy Award. This tells me that this production is moving in the right direction and director Gavin Hood (X-Men Origins: Wolverine) has the film on the right track. Principal photography is set to begin early next year for a March 2013 release date.

Every day I'm Shiring!!! The Trailer for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is Here!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0k3kHtyoqc

One of the fantastic (and unexpected--pun definitely intended) parts of seeing The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo was that the very first trailer was for next year's The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Anyone who knows me knows that this novel is very near and dear to my heart. It quite literally helped define my childhood and my love for fantasy. I can remember being five years old and reciting the entire story record book, complete with voices and the tone to turn the page, to any and every family member that would listen. To say I'm a little biased in favor 0f The Hobbit is like saying Tim Tebow likes Jesus. Both are understatements of massive proportions.

I was actually pleased that this was a legitimate full on trailer and not some second rate trailer where they spliced in footage from The Lord of the Rings movies. We get a touch of everything in this trailer--Gandalf's initial meeting with Bilbo, an introduction of the dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield, and even Bilbo's discovery of Sting. (The sword not the musician that's into tantric sex.) It's amazing to see Ian McKellen back in all his glory as Gandalf. He is the quintessential wizard whether he is smoking a pipe or saving the dwarves from goblins.

Without question the most awe inspiring part of the trailer that just sent chills down my spine was when the dwarves started singing about the loss of their treasure to the dragon Smaug. I literally thought my skin was going to detach itself from my body. Those weren't goosebumps they were gooseflesh. Songs and poems are at the heart of Tolkien's work and it is nice to see Peter Jackson include them in the film. I can't think of another person more qualified to bring this film to life then him.

The soundtrack and the scenery once again looks epic with plenty of shots of the Misty Mountains and Rivendell. And of course there's no better way to end the trailer than with a shot of the One Ring and Bilbo's encounter with Gollum.

Precioussss wwweee wanntssss thisss movie to come sssooon!!!

December 14, 2012 seems an eternity away. Until then I guess I'll have to make due with this trailer.

Review: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Plot: Based on the worldwide bestselling Swedish novel of the same name, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo centers around discredited reporter Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) and his socially maladjusted research assistant Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara). After Blomkvist loses a court battle against business magnate Hans-Erik Wennerstrom, Swedish business tycoon Henrik Vanger (Christopher Plummer) invites Mikael to investigate the 40 year old murder of his great-niece Harriet Vanger. Enticed by the money and the promise from Henrik that he will help him nail Wennerstrom, Blomkvist accepts the offer and delves into the mystery. However, before long Mikael realizes he desperately needs a research assistant and tracks down Lisbeth Salander, the same person who did his background check for Henrik Vanger. Armed with Salander's genius level computer and research skills and dogged determination, Blomkvist and Salander nevertheless find themselves soon ensconced in a mystery that ranges far beyond Harriet's murder.

Review: As an avid reader I always approach the film adaptation of a popular novel with a certain degree of trepidation. There's always a certain amount of expectation that builds up and a total film disaster is not unheard of. For every success (Silence of the Lambs, The Lord of the Rings) there is an epic failure (Eragon, Congo). The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo had twice as much to live up to. Not only was the film battling the scrutiny of fans of the novel but also fans of the Swedish films starring Noomi Rapace.

I'm ecstatic to say that director David Fincher's 2011 version of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a triumph of film making and will likely please both fans of the novel and the Swedish film. Tattoo succeeds on every level from the breathtaking Swedish countryside, to pulse pounding score, to the iconic and riveting acting performances. At just over 2 1/2 hours the film flies by with an intensity that only the best thrillers provide. And like all great films, this one left a strong impression that kept me thinking about it long after the credits had rolled.

The tone for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is set with the opening credits. The opening sequence plays like a goth/James Bond video that is difficult to describe other than the main features are people in oiled up black and white set to the background of a souped up version of Led Zepplin's "Immigrant Song." Tattoo's opening is reminiscent of one of Fincher's earlier works, Fight Club. The adrenaline of the opening credits (the credits mind you!) indicates the thrill ride that is to come. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross's score continues to generate energy throughout the rest of the film. The two musicians previously collaborated with Fincher on The Social Network and won an Academy Award. Unless Fincher decides to ever do a period piece, he might as well just pencil these two in for every film he does from now on. The Girl with the Tattoo is easily the best score I've heard this year.

As for Fincher, he rarely makes bad films and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is no exception. Not only is he faithful to the source material (with a few minor exceptions) his direction captured the raw reality of the human condition. Tattoo is stunning in its starkness, whether it is in the brutal snowy landscapes of Hedestad (where Mikael's investigation originates) or the equally brutal rape (and revenge) scenes that were again reminiscent of another Fincher work-Seven. Fincher unflinchingly reveals the dark side of human nature whether it's greed, murder, or simple indifference.

Fincher's vision would never have come to fruition without the help of cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth. Although there were several memorable shots in the film, the one that stood out was the initial shot of Henrik Vanger's house on Hedeby Island. The zoom in shot made the house loom like the Overlook Hotel from The Shining and implied dark secrets within an outwardly beautiful home.

Steven Zaillian's screenplay adaptation is superb. Not only is it faithful to the book, the scenes are tight and dialogue driven and punctuated with the requisite amount of action and intrigue. It is a credit to both Fincher and Zaillian that although I knew the plot of the movie (I've read the books) and how it was going to turn out, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo still kept me on the edge of my seat. The suspense was that palpable.

Without question The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo anchors itself with its iconic characters. Casting was paramount in the production of this film and I don't think producer Scott Rudin could have done a better job. Craig is excellent as Blomkvist, showing a reservation that completely counters his role as James Bond. He's completely believable as an intrepid journalist and as a doting father.

While Stellen Skarsgard's role as nephew Martin Vanger intrigues with every scene, Christopher Plummer as Henrik Vanger almost steals the show. His Vanger is exactly how I pictured him in the novel. Plummer is equal parts charismatic, friendly, dogged, loving, and a little manipulative. Those are not easy traits to bring together. I only wish he could have been in more scenes. In spite of this I think he has a good shot at getting a Best Supporting Actor nomination this year.

Then there is Rooney Mara's Lisbeth Salander. I can't begin to describe how profound her performance is in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. She deftly captures the essence of Larsson's Salander. The social awkwardness that borders on the pathological (Salander at one point freely admits she's insane), her genius skill with computers and research, her raw sexuality, her unapologetic nature...it's all there. In spades. Equally as important as the personality of Salander were the physical aspects of the character, and again Mara triumphs here. Rooney went full on method with this role, taking up smoking, getting her nose, ears, and nipples pierced, and even learning how to drive a motorcycle. With black short cropped hair and bleached eyebrows, Mara owns this role.

I have the utmost respect for any actor or actress that takes risks, and Mara certainly has my vote of confidence. Rape scenes are not easy to do. Not only are they uncomfortable by nature, but you can't half-ass it or it is not believable. Mara just flat out went for it. She is totally invested in both rape scenes and doesn't shy away from the grit and grime. It demonstrates an honest performance and makes her ultimate revenge that much more impactful. Despite the fact that Salander is a borderline psychopath somehow you find yourself rooting for her. If Mara doesn't receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress you might as well flush the whole award show down the toilet and get Kei$ha to host the damn thing.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a stunning cinematic achievement. It is quite literally the reason we go to the movies.

My rating: 10/10

Review: Crazy, Stupid, Love

Plot: When Carl Weaver (Steve Carell) discovers that his wife of almost 25 years Emily (Julianne Moore) cheated on him with co-worker David Lindhagen (Kevin Bacon), he moves out of his house and into a one bedroom apartment. With no outlet and no hope, Carl continues to go to a bar night after night complaining to anyone and everyone about his love life. However, it's not until ladies man Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling) takes Carl under his wing and turns him into a swinging single that Carl begins to regain his manhood. But will his change in attitude prevent him from fighting for his soul mate?

Review: I didn't expect much going into Crazy, Stupid, Love and I wasn't disappointed. Crazy, Stupid, Love is just another average romantic comedy with some occasional laughs, a few strong performances, and not much substance.
Dan Fogelman's plot doesn't leave much to the imagination. A man who finds out his wife is cheating on him, turns into a swinging bachelor, and then discovers that he really just wants his wife after all. Originality thy name is Hollywood. If the plot sounds almost cartoonish you'd probably not be surprised to learn that Fogelman's two previous script credits are Cars and Tangled. Better stick to the animated features Danny boy.
Crazy, Stupid, Love suffers the fate of a lot of rom-coms because it's a situational and formulaic idea that's been tried over and over and over again. To their credit c0-directors Glenn Ficara and John Requa do a fair job of keeping a steady pace throughout the movie. Despite its almost two hour running time, Love did not drag, and Ficara and Requa struck a nice balance between comedy and drama. The best scene in the whole film might have been when Carl and Emily are talking to each other before going into their son's parent/teacher conference meeting. The tension and chemistry between Carrell and Moore is excellent and dovetails nicely into the next scene when Carl realizes that his son's teacher is actually a woman he slept with. Even though it was one of the coincidences you only see in romantic comedies it did make for a funny scene.
While Carrell is endearing as the spurned husband Carl, the whole "lovable schlub" act is getting really old. We've already seen this Carrell before in movies like The 40 Year Old Virgin and Little Miss Sunshine. The whole routine is no longer refreshing; it's just tiresome.
Thankfully, Ryan Gosling saves the hour with his portrayal of rich playboy Jacob. Gosling, one of the finest working actors today, could have turned Jacob into a womanizing jerk but he didn't. Yes Jacob is a womanizer, however he's also helping Carl with no ulterior motive and he's not derogatory towards women. The Academy Award nominated actor plays a very upfront charming Jacob and he was one of the few characters I actually responded to. The scene where Carl realizes Jacob "Miyagied" him is hilarious and heartfelt at the same time. His scenes with the proverbial "woman who changes the ladies man" character of Hannah (Emma Stone) rather than being hackneyed, come off as honest and sweet. Yes Jacob lost his father, has tons of money, and a distant mother and yes all of these things are cliche, yet somehow Gosling pulls it off. I give credit to anyone who can let their acting ability overshadow cliched storytelling.
While Crazy, Stupid, Love plods along initially as an average rom-com it descends into the realm of contrived with its ending. A "surprise" meeting in the final reel is so convenient that I should have gotten a Slurpee and some nachos to go along with the scene. All I could think of was the Monday Night Football crew on ESPN. "C'mon man!"
In the end Crazy, Stupid, Loves comes across as more stupid than anything.

My rating: 5.5

Craig to be Bonded to 007 for a bit longer

The man who made Bond cool for a new generation of moviegoers with Casino Royale, may be hanging around with MI6 a little longer.

Actually a lot longer if the reports are true.

Daniel Craig, who is currently filming his third Bond film Skyfall, is negotiating to star in FIVE more James Bond films. (Craig originally signed on for three films.) If negotiations are successful and Craig does all five films, he would tie Roger Moore for most Bond movies.

Now let's assume for a second that all of these "ifs" happen. If we estimate three years between movies, that means that Craig will wrap up that contract just before he hits 60. Initially my thought was that Craig would be too old, however Moore was 58 when he did A View to a Kill (1985) his final James Bond film. Also Sean Connery was 53 when he did his last Bond film Never Say Never Again in 1983. Hell I guess if Harrsion Ford can play Indiana Jones at 65, then Craig can play Bond at 59.

Although I think Craig is an excellent James Bond, one of the great things about the Bond series is that the torch is passed every couple of years to a new actor. I was really hoping for Christian Bale to be next James Bond but I guess Craig will have to suffice.

Skyfall is currently filming and will be released November 2012.

Who ya gonna call? Apparently not Bill Murray

This news is just bizarre beyond words. After months and months of speculation as to whether or not Bill Murray was going to join the cast of Ghostbusters III, the world finally got its answer.

Apparently, Murray was so enraged by the script that he channeled his inner Lou Ferrigno and ripped the script in half. He then returned said script to Harold Ramis and Dan Aykroyd (far left and far right above) with the note: "No one one wants to pay money to see fat, old men chasing ghosts!"

I'd say that is a definitive no.

Look I have no problem if Murray doesn't want to do this film. I think it'd be a lot better if he was in it, but it's his decision. Furthermore, I can understand his point. After all it's been almost 28 years since the first Ghostbusters film, and even though the script purportedly involves handing the torch to the next generation of ghostbusters, you know people really want to see Peter, Ray, Egon, and Winston.

What I have a problem with is the juvenile, hurtful, and unnecessary response to the offer. Bill has had the script in his possession since early Spring and once he bothers to read it this is how he responds? Murray may as well have run over Aykroyd and Ramis with Ecto-1 and had the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man take a deuce on their heads. Really Bill? You're going to call two of your ex-partners, people who helped make you a star, fat? Furthermore, you're the one who made a sequel to Garfield. I'm willing to lay odds that GBIII will be a better sequel. Very mature Bill.

In recent years I've noticed a disturbing trend with Bill Murray. He's turning into a real douche. It started I think when he lost out to Sean Penn for the best actor award seven years ago. Since then he's taken himself way to seriously. Don't forget Bill that you started on SNL and one of your first films was Meatballs. Get a reality check and show some respect. If you don't want to do GBIII fine but don't act like a tool.

Apparently the film is going to press on without Dr. Peter Venkman, which impresses me. The ghostbusters aren't about one character. Ramis and Aykroyd will both be back, as will Ernie Hudson and director Ivan Reitman. As a huge fan of the first two films* I will definitely be checking this out. I ain't 'fraid a no Bill.

*When the hell is Ghostbusters II coming out on Blu-Ray already?