Take Me to Your Followers

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Hype

2012-01-11T07:48:00.000-08:00

Just saw this poster at the AMC Palladium after watching the screener for Contraband. Don't you love the excitement of seeing a concept movie on the horizon that's either going to be spectacular or awful? I love that Tim Burton is heading this one up because he should be very much in his element. In any case it will certainly be an experience in June. There are no previews available yet to get an idea of how this will play but the tone of the posters seems spot on. It should get you warmed up but not overexposed for Spielberg's very serious Lincoln movie set for December 2012 where the giant president is portrayed by none other than Daniel Day-Lewis (There Will Be Blood, Gangs of New York.)

More about Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
More about Lincoln by Steven Spielburg.

2011-12-13T22:00:00.000-08:00

If you liked the first Sherlock Holmes with Guy Richie's quick cuts and hyper reality set against the cold European post-industrial revolution *breath* you'll love this one. Immediately you will realize he's taken everything and cranked it up a notch. The plot twists intermix with the action perfectly but you will have to pay attention so you don't get left behind. Fair warning, an older crowd may find all the density in the story difficult to follow. Luckily, there are plenty of places to jump back on the train and there is enough exposition as the pace slows toward a climax to tie up your lose ends.
Robert Downy Jr. shines as much as ever and Jude Law plays the straight man with vigor. Both characters keep their familiarity, though I'm surprised that Richie took the time to develop their characters just as much if not more so than the original. Jared Harris also carries out the bidding of Holmes' legendary nemesis Moriarty well. The character's ingenious intellect has always given Holmes trouble and this script continues that tradition with devious grace. A lovely addition to the plot is Noomi Rapace who you may recognize from the original Girl With A Dragon Tattoo movies. I don't know that her character was too much more than window dressing but she made the living room shine. She plays a gypsy, which I would think would be difficult for a Swede. It turns out she has roots in Spain as her biological father was a Spanish flamenco singer. In any case, she shines and gives the movie another dimension so that it doesn't feel too familiar.
It keeps you guessing and when you're not ducking for cover and allows you to soak up another dimension to the mythos of Sherlock Holmes. I over heard many a pleased audience member talk about how it was one of the best of 2011. My wife thought it was great fun, entertaining for the whole family.

The Help Review

2011-08-09T20:13:00.000-07:00

There are a few of us that like to go out and see anything that smells like Oscar, there are also some of us that know a good movie when it's coming, and there are even more still that get suckered into a chick flick bound and gagged and find ourselves pleasantly surprised. We were all in attendance at this viewing.

Though the catch line of the film indicates that this is a story about the initiative of change, it is more about the lives of people living in the furthest reaches of progress, feeling the tidal wave of change, and overcoming their fear to be the wave through courage. I did not read the book, so you can feel safe that I'm not trying to sell you some crushed pulp, though I'm sure it would be good for you.

Emma Stone is the central vessel through which much of the story unfurls. To her credit she does a wonderful job bridging the perspectives of the story. She plays a budding journalistic novelist, Skeeter, that takes a big risk, but none more than her interviewees. In fact she is out-shined by these very talented actresses, dwarfed by their story. Though the arc of her story does find it's legs in the last quarter of the film.

It is the hard working maids of Jackson, who are still considered property among some circles in this small town, who give her the stories that convincingly sharpen a dangerous edge. It is this central theme that gives every suspicious look and every awkward bridge move an intensity that is tempered by the fantastic humor of Viola Davis and Octavia Spenser. They balance the chummy hardy laughs of women who know more than they let on with the exquisite somber moments of pain that draw tears consistently.

It seems like the entire town is under the watch of Hilly played by Bryce Dallas Howard, niece of Ron Howard. She is sensationally evil as a backward plastic who tries with every breath to make retreats in societal tolerance. This girl has a future in villainy who has also been typecast ever since she played Victoria in the Twilight Series. In fact she's a horrible girlfriend in the upcoming 50/50 (in a good way).

From beginning to end you find yourself involved and enriched by this period piece that is flawlessly delivered by what are sure to be Oscar hopefuls. As Octavia clearly says, even when it necessary, "Minny don't burn chicken."

9 out 10 perfectly cooked chickens

Lovely Wife: 9 "

Son (12 years): 7 "It's a chick flick!"

Son (11 years): 9 "Happy mixed with sad"

Rise of the Planet of the Apes Review

2011-08-05T14:34:00.000-07:00

My wife and I caught this one at the midnight showing. I wore my Donkey Kong shirt in case you were interested. I know you are.

I was looking forward to this one after getting sucked in by the Andy Serkis and CGI tacking featurette I saw online, see below. Though, I was still reserved about how yet another apes movie would fare considering they've beaten the subject to chimp crazed pulp.

I was astounded to find that the featurette hype was right on. Though many might feel that the CGI isn't quite there, they do a FANTASTIC job of following Caesar from birth and showing his progression. I think that most complaints are from people who see an emotive ape and aren't used to it. The intelligent eyes and expression set them apart and though it's really what might make them look less believable in the end they hand hold you and explain that this part was very much intentional. They also cover their tracks by explaining that the eyes of the apes are changed by their genetic/mental alteration.

I must preface my score on this one by adding that though I've seen most of the PofA movies I don't consider myself a die hard fan and would be hard pressed to quote much more than the "damn dirty apes" line. Yet geekyness prevailed and I found myself in line at midnight.

James Franco and John Lithgow help give the movie a lot of its heart and crazy as a duo. Freida Pinto does well enough as the required female role. Tom Felton delivers one particular line that feels really really flat, but does well enough being a sniveling coward of a man. He's been typecast of course.

I don't like to give away much plot because personally the less I know about a movie the more I enjoy the experience. If you want a synopsis you can look it up on IMDB. One thing I will say is that this story line MAKES SENSE. Thank you ape script gods. Yup 99% of movie goers will feel like they know what happened. This is a movie that feels like an origin story should. It has 75% heart to 25% action but the action is fierce and well balanced. If you're expecting Ape on Man violence for 2 hours you'll be disappointed but if you want to find yourself genuinely caring for Caesar and rooting for his freedom, then strap in because this film grabs you.

It's a must see. 3.7 out of 4 bananas.

Cowboys & Aliens Review

2011-07-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

The whole family (4) went out to this one because the premise envelops so many possibilities. The kids and I just thought it would be immensely cool where as my wife was bracing herself for the worst. The promise of wonders that only a childhood imagination can reach is a tough sell. By naming this movie Cowboys & Aliens you would be hard pressed to find someone who was expecting a serious run at a Western or Sci-fi Thriller.

The way that Cowboys & Aliens grabs you is by doing just that. They set upon making a run at a real Western flick and a science fiction thriller that gets you hopping out of your seat. The cinematography is majestic. Quick, switch to the AMC channel! Yeah, like that. The CGI on all the alien's, their ships, and set pieces are superbly well done.

Harrison Ford teeters on the edge of over acting but holds it together. The resident hottie of the area OK 54 Corral, Olivia Wilde, seemed off throughout the film but though it's distracting it eventually adds to the film. It was refreshing to see Paul Dano playing the roll of Ford's son who did so well in Little Miss Sunshine and was a redeeming voice in Knight and Day. He didn't have to flex his acting chops in the one though. I only had a few odd things which I will bring out later after opening day but by no means are they deal breakers.

Many have seen the opening scene with Daniel Craig seemingly disoriented but with serious hand to hand skills and a descent shot. The movie keeps that hard edge small town survival mode and while it makes stops along the way, they are generally important story points that are also much loved western cliches. Even the silly "townsfolk plucking" seen in the trailers doesn't seem silly at all during it's 118 minutes. It's a fun thriller that does well to move the story along to the action so you don't get swamped up in the details or question why you're enjoying the movie so much.

To my relief most of all the questions thrown at you in the movies early minutes get resolved. Daniel Craig did a fantastic job as the silent hero. Harrison Ford, according to my son, "He's still in shape, I'll tell ya that." My wife thought it was "way better than Transformers, but that's not saying a whole lot" and my youngest thought it was scary in parts but loved it the most. It won't win any awards, but that's not what this movie is about.

It's a must see! Bring fun and imagination, not speculation. Either way you'll likely enjoy it.

Losnsa 8 out of 10

Wife 7.5 out of 10

12 Year Old Son 8.5 out of 10

11 Year Old Son 9 out of 10

Audience Applause?: Yes.

Captain America: The First Avenger Review

2011-07-21T12:39:00.001-07:00

America can breathe a sigh of relief. It was not terrible. Not the movie to end all movies but the tone was fantastic, the mood was set right, and they even had a bit of satirical look at the WW2 era propaganda which incidentally birthed the Captain America comics in the 40's. It's cheesy at times, which is to be expected from the comic book styling, but all in all it was done well.

The CGI work they did to shrink Chris Evans, Captain America, into a scrawny version of himself is amazing. This is one of those rare times that the CGI styling really adds to the character development. You get run through a few required montages of hero building but because of the set pieces and the era it really looks fresh and they have fun with it.

Hugo Weaving plays the villain well as usual, intense and unyielding as the Red Skeleton. Tommy Lee Jones and Stanley Tucci also give the average standout performances we've come to expect of them. It is setup well for kids and adults with tons of fun explosive action. I recommend you go in expecting a comic book hero movie and you'll be just fine.

Dismissing one major plot hole regarding plane flight I was very happy. FYI we were all very disappointed to find that there was nothing tacked on after the credits. Hmph

Update: The screener had nothing because they don't trust us. The actual movie has a teaser for The Avengers after the credits.

2011-06-16T14:49:00.000-07:00

Green Lantern was interesting. Not great. I thought the main plot was simple given the complexity of the back story. You might chalk that up to the “first movie” exposition requirement.

The hype didn't really match the movie. The visuals were good and they made deep use of 3D obviously intending to use a lot of it throughout the movie from the beginning.

Still, it is Ryan Reynolds playing his usual shtick and a lot of passive replay of other comic book hero plots. The human villain was played up with some depth. Nevertheless, the kids enjoyed it and the audience gave a decent clap when it was over. I thought it was alright. Keep in mind; the kids were begging me to see Super 8 again. Mhmm 3 of 5.

Ours - The Bravery at SXSW 2011 -Stubb's

2011-03-20T17:02:00.000-07:00

Red Riding Hood Review

2011-03-10T15:23:00.001-08:00

Wow, what a horrible film. I just wanted to get that out. Even in the previews, it seemed that the premise was going to get spread much too thin if thats as deep as the film was going to get. It turned out to be the case. Catherine Hardwick threw up all her Twilight leftovers on this film and hoped for the best. It did not work out. The quality cinematography was done at what seems to have been great expense but creatively it really did seem like a frame by frame rehash of what she’s known for. The sweeping helicopter shots, the dim lit ambiance of young love, and working with wolves. She didn’t go far outside her range with this one. My son said it best at the opening scene, which by the way is a snowy overhead shot of mountains, with a well timed “And somewhere in Spoons.” He set up the rest of the movie. The cast did their job well enough. Amanda Seyfried was her doe eyed self with Billy Burke pulling off the roll without any major discredit. Gary Oldman was a nice addition to the movie after it had droned on far too long between action scenes. Sadly the biggest disappointment was Shiloh Fernandez who came off incredibly stale in his roll as he attempted to make it a vampire movie. Short of calling it a disaster, it was a mess of a movie that tries to walk the line between horror, teen dream, and a period flick and polishes off a huge failure. Oh, but it had a nice red cloak.

01-07-10 in Las Vegas

2011-01-08T00:54:00.001-08:00

See the full gallery on posterous

A few photos of the moments today in Vegas,

Strawberry Jacuzzi

2011-01-01T18:19:00.001-08:00

Celebrate San Antonio 2011 New Year's Eve - Our View

2011-01-01T17:54:00.001-08:00

The view was perfect from the Westin River Walk and it was nice to lie back after the festivities and not have to drive out of the madness. It was a New Year's Eve to remember. Here's a few of our pictures.

See the full gallery on posterous

Got Chocolate Wasted

2010-12-28T22:51:00.001-08:00

Woodpecker Working A Pecan Tree

2010-12-28T22:49:00.001-08:00

It was a Coach Christmas at my house

2010-12-28T22:35:00.001-08:00

Due Date

2010-11-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

I must have had a few bad cinematic months or possibly comedy starved because I really liked Due Date but based on some of the reviews out there it was horrible. Now, don't get me wrong, it had the potential to tank especially based on some of the glaring plot holes that scream sloppy screen writing but they knew that you couldn't lose with Zac Galifianakis and the always great Robert Downey Jr. They were right, but look for Robert Downey Jr. to tear it up as a Swedish Bikini Team model or Sumo Wrestler in his next film because he has solid anti-typecasting strategy.
Nevertheless he plays Peter Highman (They aren't subtle are they) the straight guy trying to get home to see his first child born. Complications ensue when he meets Zac the super perm nut Ethan Tremblay. Its a high wire act of absurd drama and hilarious laughs and if you can step beyond the sloppy plot points, I have faith, you'll laugh yourself into a stupor. Enjoy, I did.

Due Date on IMDB

Morning Glory

2010-11-05T12:11:00.001-07:00

Though Morning Glory wasn't ground breaking by any means, it took a formulaic plot and added some terrific acting. Working on the premise that not all movies need to be life changing, I rather enjoyed this one. A woman on the brink of losing her dream of being a television show producer finds a chance for redemption in the unique position of working at a dying morning program. Much like the Rachel McAdams character Becky in the movie, you need the right people on screen, even if they are out of place, to stir things up. She did just that by adding the stiff dry Harrison Ford as Mike Pomeroy to a morning show to give it news credibility and letting the always spry and fun Diane Keaton, Colleen Peck, off the leash. Its fun and makes a great date movie. There aren't any awards to be won here, other than the claiming of a delightful evening with a movie that doesn't try to take on too much. You'll walk out refreshed with more than a few laughs without being overwhelmed.

Morning Glory on IMDB

Dinner for Schmucks

2010-07-29T21:19:00.000-07:00

"You might say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not" If you're interested in some incredible gut busting laughs, this movie might be your ticket. Paul Rudd and Steve Carrel have some great chemistry going, not including the momentary, close enough to make out, spacial invasion that gives you an idea of how uncomfortable Barry is going to be making Tim.
The movie picks up laughs at the opening credits and only lets up to move you along the story line. I loved that every aspect of the movie led to better laughs from the supporting cast, including the vain artist Kieran who looks great in hooves or holding a newborn zebra and the always funny Zach Galifianakis as Therman, who was blessed with mind control. Sometimes characters like Barry (Steve Carrel) get old because they're not multidimensional but he makes it work and they round out his character as needed as you find yourself touched by his silent turmoil. Check this out unless you have a problem with dead mice in cute outfits.

Charlie St. Cloud

2010-07-28T18:07:00.001-07:00

I get it, he smolders, and I bought the "what would Efron do" bracelet. But I get the feeling that someone thought they could get away with putting a smoldering dude in a pretty town by the sea, throw is some unbearably heartbreaking moments, a lighthouse, geese and we would care. Well, I'm sure a lot of us will, but something was not quite there. I think the story line was much more basic than I thought it would be. I have to begrudgingly admit that Efron did a great job. The real killer, and keep in mind that this could be the drama killer that stunted my viewing, was that the kid Charlie Tahan was.... SPOILER: the spitting image of Steve Zahn. I mean, mannerisms and everything. They essentially shrunk him, tied up whatever cute kid they'd gotten to do the movie, and ran with the Zahn. Its downright creepy. The cinematography is delicious, though I suspect some of the vistas are CGI. I'd give it a B but I really thought I'd be balling my eyes out. Maybe he's just too pretty to feel bad for.

Creepy.

Inception

2010-07-28T17:44:00.000-07:00

I know that most of you have seen Inception by now, but I just want to share a little love for Chris Nolan's latest. As you all may know, I have great love for movies that don't cater to the least common denominator. Just because its complicated a lot of people may not like it and therefore, poof you get dumbed down content year in and year out. Chris Nolan dares to put together a film that tells a great story without selling out. Doing so has given it incredible buzz and kept its lofty heights beyond the release of Salt. I'm sure that there are more complicated movies out there, but this is watchable. Complexity for complexity's sake is not what I'm championing here.

We watched Following, one of his early works, before going out and catching Inception and got a real feel for how this was going to unfold. The movie is complex though he's matured his film making quite a bit. Nolan marries fantastic actors/acting, with incredibly detailed, saturated sets, crisp editing that keeps pace with your senses and a story line that challenges your mind. Go out and catch it if you haven't and if you have, then I already know you are looking for someone who hasn't seen it so you can immerse yourself in your dreams again.

Taking Pictures Makes Me Happy

2010-07-17T20:23:00.000-07:00

I'm far from being the only one, but I take a lot of pictures. In fact I made it a professional hobby of mine. I can't help but be self conscious about it because honestly every single thing I see gets a little piece of me. Life is a photo shoot that blinking gets in the way of. I give my eyes to it, and it gives me something back. The "ugliest" things can be beautiful, the darkest corners find light. The moments, they don't last. That moment I capture is a piece of me now, and it will never exist on its own again. It only exists in the minds of those who perceive it and photos are a way of holding them. In many ways, a fear of growing old, of loss, or the need to collect things can make a good photographer, but I hope I become a great one because of my desire to bring life to the world that goes untouched by perception.
Imagination takes many forms and giving in to the life in the world around you enriches the soul and through photos, sets the flames of enlightenment.

Cyrus

2010-07-06T13:50:00.000-07:00

I'll be heading out to get a mouthful of the movie screener for Cyrus tonight. Hope to spew it all over the next blog post. Can they go wrong with this all star comedy threesome? I'll be watching Marissa Tomei's performance particularly. Rar.

http://www.foxsearchlight.com/cyrus/

Update Review:
Cyrus blew me away with exactly the kind of movie I've always wanted. An uncompromising dark comedy intent on making me uncomfortable to the point of hilarity. Jonah Hill works his magic with some inspiring comedic fencing off of John C. Reilly. So, why wasn't I happy? Why wasn't I left wanting a 1000 more movies like this? Did Marisa Tomei tank the film? God no! Blasphemy.
I'm not sure, but I think they were just not funny enough when I expected something entirely different. The drama actually took an equal partnership with the shenanigans and on their own they work well, but together it seemed short. I can only be that much more impressed with the actors and directors that have made the darkest of comedies work seamlessly. This movie has so many things going for it that it has to get great reviews but something was missing and because of that, I won't likely see it again.
I've got one last theory. Somewhere in the middle of filming, everyone realized that this movie was no joke, that they had actors, not comedians, and the real edgy crazy neurotic thing would be to drop the laughs all together and make a real film that hit home about something thats really disturbing. I like that. Maybe I will see it again.

Take me to your followers!

2010-07-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

I'm a Leo. Ponder that. No seriously, think about it. Next time you get one of those god awful birth sign matching personality tests that tells you who you are and what you're all about, look at Leo. Done? Thank you. I know. It's how I was born. I'm going to make the best of it, right here.