Full disclosure: I’ve never seen Rock of Ages live on stage. I have no idea if its sprawling, loosely connected storylines intersect in a more satisfying way when played out before a live, active, participating audience. I don’t know if the theater, rather than the multiplex, represents a more comfortable and better-suited environment in which the particulars of musicals can thrive. So, in short, I don’t really know where primary authorship of Rock of Ages‘ film adaptation lies– it’s with either Chris D’Arienzo or Adam Shankman– but I do know a train wreck when I see one because, as that locomotive cliche dictates, I’m unable to look away. That mesmerizing quality represents…
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“The CineMagic 8-Ball” – In Theaters 6/15/12
When so many movies are released each weekend and trailers often seem better than the movie itself, what should one do? In this precarious situation, we consult the The CineMagic 8-Ball (TM) to help us see through the nebulous marketing haze. Doing so just might save us all a disheartening trip to the cinema and spare us unnecessarily springing for $7 popcorn. See what the 8-Ball says about this week’s releases… ——————————————————————————————————————————————- ROCK OF AGES Small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock ‘n’ roll romance is told through the hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO SPeedwagon, Pat…
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G-S-T Review…Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol
For those of you seeking an over-caffeinated, adrenaline fueled, heart stopping, action movie…look no further. Videophiles looking for amazing camera work, breathtaking views and enough CG to make Lucas happy; you are in for a real treat as well. For audiophiles, seeing the film in 7.1 surround or at an IMAX theater is a must. The audio breathes its own life into the film making it leap off of the screen, through the speakers and into your skull. The next thing you know, you are sitting there on sensory overload and then it happens. You hear the Mission Impossible theme song, your eyes widen, your pulse quickens and you realize…
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Sweet Trailer…'Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol'
It’s been about 5 years since Tom Cruise last played the elite agent Ethan Hunt in the popular Mission: Impossible series. In 2006 J.J. Abrams directed the third installment which was very well received. Now Brad Bird (The Iron Giant, The Incredibles) is having his go at the franchise. He is without doubt a gifted stroyteller and a master of the animated universe. But with his first foray into live action, the question came up as to whether or not he could easily cross meduims. Well behold the trailer for the fourth Mission Impossible film Ghost Protocol. While I never had a doubt about Bird’s talents, I am sufficiently impressed.…
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Off the Shelf…’The Last Samurai’
Every time I put this film in my Blu Ray player I am delighted to no end. The Last Samurai is one epic film that I will easily sit myself down for 152 breath-taking minutes and just immerse myself in the beauty and splendor of Edward Zwick’s masterpiece. Not many so-called “epics” can grab and keep my attention but those that do just floor me with the set design, visuals, plot and dialogue which make it all so immensely interesting. Watching this, I feel like I’ve been immediately transported to feudal Japan and it’s like I’m a kid at Christmas.
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Brad Bird to direct Mission: Impossible IV
Well now here’s a bit of news to carry us well into the weekend. Mr. Iron Giant, or should I better call him Mr. Incredible (aka Brad Bird) has been “officially” tapped to direct the next Mission: Impossible installment. Hey if this keeps up, Ethan Hunt could be the next James Bond…but don’t bet on it. For more on this, here’s an excerpt from Empire Online:
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G-S-T Top 10 – Favorite High School/College Films
Let me just say that you’re not going to find any classic John Hughes movies here. I tried to stay away from that simply because John Hughes movies should have their own category. Also the American Pie films will not be found either as I think they really are too exaggerated and therefore stupid so they don’t meet the same level of comic (and also raunchy) genius these films attain. That may be both biased and hypocritical when you take a look at the Top 10 below. That said, here are the films we love to watch whenever we start to miss College or think about how rough of a…