Fall Movie Preview

Posted on September 2, 2009 at 3:51 pm

Here are my thoughts on fall movies:

Sept 24 “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole” Director Zach Snyder is known for striking visuals (“300” and “The Watchmen”) so his first family-friendly film, the 3D animated story of Kathryn Lasky’s owl warriors should be something special.

Oct 1 “The Social Network” “The West Wing’s” Aaron Sorkin tells the story of the internet phenomenon that went from a student’s dorm room program to put the school directory online in 2002 to a worldwide phenomenon linking 500 million people, with half of them checking it every day.

Oct 8 “Secretariat” Every autumn brings us some tale of athletic triumph and this is the triumphant tale of the horse that won the triple crown in 1973, setting records still unbroken. Diane Lane plays the owner dismissed as “a housewife” and John Malcovich is the trainer who “dresses like Superfly.”

Oct 22 “The Company Men” A year in the life of three men who’ve been downsized from office jobs, with Ben Affleck, Kevin Costner, Tommy Lee Jones, and Maria Bello.

Nov 5 “Megamind” Brad Pitt and Will Ferrell provide the voices for this animated story of superhero vs. supervillain — and supervillain vs. even bigger supervillain.

Nov 19 “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1” The final chapter of the Harry Potter series is so big they made it into two movies. In this one, the final battle begins!

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Trailer: The Men Who Stare at Goats

Posted on August 31, 2009 at 8:00 am

Thanks to one of my favorite bloggers, Keith Demko of Reel Fanatic, for this trailer:

This is from the folks behind Good Night, and Good Luck and it looks like a sharp, smart, funny, satire with a sensational cast. Can’t wait.

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First Glimpse of ‘Avatar’

Posted on August 24, 2009 at 3:58 pm

James Cameron says he wanted to give the fans more than a 3-minute trailer to give them an idea of what to expect from his first non-documentary feature film in 12 years, the very-eagerly anticipated (by fanboys everywhere) “Avatar.” So on Friday he allowed audiences to get an almost-20 minute preview, IMAX screen, 3D glasses and all. And I was there.

It was not exactly what I expected, more of a fantasy CGI film than live action with special effects. At first it felt more like a top-quality game without a controller than a movie. But then I was drawn into the story, thanks in part to the detail of the graphics but more because of the voice talent — Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana. The movie opens in December and I am very much looking forward to it.

Here is the teaser trailer:

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Legion: the Archangel Michael on Film

Posted on August 22, 2009 at 8:00 am

Paul Bettany plays the Archangel Michael in “Legion,” a new film opening in early 2010, also starring Dennis Quaid, Lucas Black, Tyrese Gibson, and “Gray’s Anatomy’s” Kate Walsh. In the film, he fights on the side of humanity when God has given up on earth. Much of it takes place in a diner, where a pregnant waitress may be carrying a child who may have special qualities.
The Biblical Michael is a character (or more than one character) with many interpretations, and even appears in the Qu’ran as an angel bringing peace and plenty. The film version is sure to be provocative; I hope it will be thoughtful as well.

‘Fame’ Update: Meet Kay Panabaker

Posted on August 19, 2009 at 6:27 pm

I am really looking forward to the new version of “Fame” and one reason is the talented Kay Panabaker. Her work on television series like “Gray’s Anatomy” and “Boston Legal” has been very impressive and it looks like “Fame” will give her a chance to show much more of what she can do. I love this clip, especially when she explains that she is completely comfortable making a fool of herself!