Cinema in 2011 has been so far so good as we’ve seen the most anticipated films knocking film fans right out of their socks (Green Lantern not withstanding). On Wednesday Michael Bay will unveil his final installment to the epic Transformers franchise. As I like to do my homework before a sequel hits theaters, this weekend I rewatched the first two Transformers films. Without fail, 2007’s Transformers delights with the added bonus of looking simply stunning on Blu Ray. It’s so good I really don’t need to waste any time gushing over it. But like any film that was “the first one” maybe it unfairly get put on too high…
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G-S-T Review…Cars 2
Cars 2 improves on a sequel in every way possible. Sure, many cite 2006’s Cars for being the weakest link in the Pixar chain so making a better sequel was hardly going to be a Herculean effort. Still while Lasseter’s nostalgic trip down memory lane may have been too simple for fans of the animation powerhouse, Cars 2 finds itself more in company with The Incredibles, Wall E and even Finding Nemo with its rousing story, action pieces and tons of eye candy. Much less a look back at his own past, Cars 2 becomes a purely cinematic nostalgia trip, one whose influences find themselves making more than passing homages…
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Off the Shelf…'Cars'
Let’s just come right out and say it. Cars was not up to par with the rest of the Pixar catalog. Sure it has tons of fans, most of whom are in the 6 to 8 year old age bracket, but something felt like it was beneath what they’re capable of producing. Yet while people, myself included, have called it the weakest link in the Pixar chain, there is a significant message that gets hidden behind the giant cartoonish eyes of Lightning McQueen. It’s on that merit the film has more going for it than the story of the toy car who lost his way.
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Announcement: New Sitcom From Ricky Gervais – ‘Life’s Too Short’
Fans of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant you can start getting excited about their next project. The hilariously brilliant pair have another show in the works, and this time it stars Warwick Davis (Willow). A combination of The Office and Extras it’ll be a fake documentary focusing on the media and fame and as the pun laden name of the show implies, Warwick will be playing himself. From the looks of it some of the Extras crew (hey, it’s Barry off Eastenders) may be making appearances so that should make funs even happier. Have a look at the preview… I for one don’t think I’ll ever get tired of…
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Ohhh, Look…Disney/Pixar Releases First 'BRAVE' Poster – UPDATED
One of the trailers before Cars 2 will be a teaser for Pixar’s upcoming fantasy film Brave. I got to see it at a pre-sceeening last night and I have to say it looks really good, although this’ll no doubt draw comparisons to Dreamworks’ How To Train Your Dragon. But in a brief statement from director Mark Andrews, he promises this will be “a bit more intense” as Brave will have some “darker elements” among with the great comedy and characters Pixar is known for. Previously there were some neat looking concept photos (I posted them after the jump) but before you all get in the theaters to see the teaser,…
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Off the Shelf…’Jurassic Park’
With Super 8 making waves (Spielberg serving as more than just passing inspiration) over the last few weeks, and the third Transformers (Sir Steven again happily producing) coming out next week, I thought it was a good time to go back and look at one of his biggest monster/action pieces that found him behind the camera, not just next to it writing checks. Jurassic Park was a mammoth success and while the sequels weren’t up to par, back in 1993 old Stevie boy was at the top of his game continuing his hit streak. Like the Camerons, Jacksons and Nolans of the world Steven makes going to the theater a…
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Latest Cinematic Meme…"Fifteen Movie Questions"
Andy, the great and masterful proprietor of Fandango Groovers (and recent recipient of the 2011 LAMMY for Best Blog-A-Thon) tagged me in this late Spring Meme that’s been going around. This one was pretty fun one so I don’t mind being tagged. Anyway, for your entertainment, here goes nothing:
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Parody Trailer…'Being Green' (aka The Muppets)
Now this is getting good! First there was the coy reveal that there was a new The Muppets on the horizon in the trailer for what looked like a dreadful rom-com. Next they took to parodying The Hangover II with their trailer for The Fuzzy Pack. Now it looks like no one is safe from parody and the (marketing) gang is at again it piggy backing the other Green movie this year Green Lantern. Leave it to Henson’s The Muppets to have a laugh at everyone with the added bonus of never offending a single person (yeah I’m looking at you South Park). So this is another trailer expostiory void trailer but…
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To All You 'Gladiator' Blu Ray Owners…
Hello World Marc Here: While I’m not much on A/V tech news this is movie related (and regarding one of my all time favorite films) so it behooves me to tell you all as no doubt it affects some of you cinephiles out there. Anyone who rushed out in 2009 and snatched up Paramount’s Sapphire Series Blu Ray edition of Gladiator may not have been at all happy with the transfer. Not only did the edge enhancement and digital video noise reduction create a sub-par transfer, the disc itself features tons of technical glitches. Bad day for those first in line huh? So while Paramount finally released a fixed copy…
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Zack Snyder's 'Man of Steel' Adds Russell Crowe As Jor-El
Crikey!! While the Supes front has been quiet since the last A-list addition, out of left field comes the casting news of the millennium!! OK maybe not that great but certainly an eye opener for sure. And why not?? Russel Crowe, if you’ll excuse my French, is the effen man!! Variety has just released info that puts General Maximus in the role of Jor-El, Superman’s biological father. Variety does say he’s “in negotiations” but so far all signs point to it being locked up. So while the film world is still trying to get the taste of the poorly received Sucker Punch out of its mouth, this casting tidbit is one entirely…