After Earth Trailer

Have you missed Will Smith? OF COURSE YOU HAVE! What are you immune to good looks, charm, and talent?

Well here is the new trailer for After Earth, a sci fi thriller that stars Will Smith and his not-so-tiny-anymore son. I think the most entertaining part of this movie will be trying to figure out what accents they're going for.

Quick Reviews! - Skyfall, Pitch Perfect, Argo, Breaking Dawn: Part II, Smashed, Totoro

So... I've seen a lot of movies recently. And I didn't tell you about it. Awkward.

But, I'm telling you now! Since there are so many, I'm going to give you a shorter run down of my thoughts on each.

Skyfall

I had heard GREAT things about this movie. I don't agree with them. This was not a bad movie, not by a long shot. Javier Bardem was the best part; although, he could have been a lot more eerie. I wanted him to go all the way off the crazy cliff, and he kind of just took a picture of it from behind the barricade. The new Q is too cute for words and should immediately be put in every other movie coming out this year. The chases and fights are Bond quality. BUT, it was exactly expected. There was nothing new or exciting. The film never challenged me, except for a brief moment with Bardem and Bond that was the most interesting part of the film really. The story kept alluding to these grand secrets and betrayals, but the plot ends up being simple. One person wants revenge on one other person. That's all. A lot of it is almost copycat of The Joker from The Dark Knight. And while I love The Joker and The Dark Knight, it's not innovative the second time around. I've even heard people say that this is their favorite of the recent Bonds, which I don't understand. Casino Royale was far more complex and interesting. Even the opening credits, usually guaranteed to be great, were disappointing in this one. But, if you want an action movie, you'll get what you paid for.

Pitch Perfect

I saw this one during the hurricane (well the aftermath when I had no power, not the actual hurricane) when I knew I needed to watch something cheery. There's not much more to say other than it delivers exactly what you expect. It's fun, there's dancing and singing, Anna Kendrick is not nearly as annoying as she could be, Rebel Wilson is a rockstar, how is it possible that Brittany Snow is still in any sort of school age movie?

Argo

Can I just say that I find it hilarious that everyone now thinks that Ben Affleck is the genius who wrote Good Will Hunting and not Matt Damon? LOVE IT. There are some things I really liked about this movie. Pretty much the first thing you notice is that this movie presents an unbiased view, which is entirely refreshing. It doesn't scream YAY AMERICA! It tells a multi-faceted story. I appreciate that. Also, I don't believe most of our generation knows much about the Iran Hostage Crisis (an assumption I make because I didn't know very much about it), and this movie educates while it entertains. It gives you great characters and a fascinating story, while you are immersed in history. Besides that the time warping of clothes and sets was done impeccably. Thumbs up for Ben. This smart and suspenseful(!) film is destined for Oscar glory.

Breaking Dawn: Part II

I love talking about justifying seeing this movie. I've been doing it a lot lately. I'm almost taking pride in it at this point. I knew I was going to see this movie because HELLO I've read all the books and seen all the other movies. It's like a bad piece of cake. Even if you realize that cake totally sucks after the first few bites, YOU FINISH THE CAKE. Just me? Anyway. If you're looking for other ways to explain to yourself why you're seeing this movie, you can see it before noon at an AMC theater and only pay $6 to make yourself feel better - because there is no logical explanation.

I had a good laugh during this movie. At the beginning it was most certainly laughing at the film. It seems that the writers have not only quit, they've hired really dumb monkeys to take their place. But, (AND I WILL NOT SPOIL IT) the twist ending that you've probably heard about, is EXCELLENT. I'm being dead serious. I was totally, entirely in the movie at that point. It was brilliant. I wish you had seen it, so we could actually talk about this brilliance. Because right now you're probably adding me to that list of people not to ever associate with again, along with that girl from middle school whose room was filled with unicorns and that guy at the bar who asked you if you were studying for you Mrs. But, seriously, the end - loved it.

Smashed (Obscure Movie of some week that has already passed)

I like movies that are character pieces. Even if the story is kind of barely there, if I get to see great acting - it's not time wasted. Smashed features two pretty great performances by up-and-comers Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Aaron Paul. It felt more like the first 2 episodes of a series. It didn't really feel like there was a beginning and an end, which I don't think was to the detriment of the film. It just kind of flowed. As a film about alcoholism, I didn't really connect with the subject matter, but this could be a very moving film for some people. It didn't quite dig at my brain and heart like I wanted it to though.

Totoro (NOT A NEW RELEASE, BUT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT IT)

Basically this movie is my childhood. It's playing at an art theater right now, and I knew I HAD to go see it. It is still as ABSOLUTELY AMAZING as it was when I was 6. Seriously, do yourself a favor and watch this. Same director as all those other favorites like Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Howl's Moving Castle. 

Trailers to Watch NOW

I don't know if a movie concept gets much better than this.

Bank robbing magicians. Jesse Eisenberg being a smart ass. What else do you need? Leave it to Jesse Eisenberg to make THE DORKIEST things seem super cool.

A post-apocalyptic zombie love story. SCORE

For those who steer clear of actually scary movies (LIKE ME), this looks like a great not-scary zombie movie. Nicolas Holt is a favorite, and this looks genuinely funny. Like Zombieland crossed with something slightly different than Zombieland, but still really similar to Zombieland.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Guess what. I LOVE THIS MOVIE. No one is surprised. Except maybe me. It's pretty rare for me to go into a film with REALLY HIGH EXPECTATIONS (I'm talking months of intense fanhood and waiting), and not come out disappointed. But, Perks is just that special.

Before you get all cranky and whatnot (because I know you get cranky if you haven't had your nap), I have read the book. I enjoyed the book. I did not love the book. So, why was I so eagerly awaiting the movie? Because the cast is amazing and the trailer is out of this world! Logan Lerman is beyond adorable. Emma Watson is my girl-crush. Mae Whitman is my home-girl from Parenthood. Paul Rudd is randomly in it. And that theme song! Come on! AMAZING!

Now that you're absolutely sure that I can't be unbiased, I'll tell you why I liked it. Let's start with the cast. Logan Lerman is an exceptionally talented actor. It's almost impossible that he will get an academy award nomination for this because people view it just as a teen movie, but he really blew me away. It's hard to play everyone, but he did. He played exactly how you felt. Or, if you weren't the shy kid in school, then Emma Watson played you. She's outgoing, fun, and totally believable. Although, I've heard a couple complaints about her American accent, I thought it was near perfect. Ezra Miller was also hilarious and will no doubt be very relatable for people as well.

I could talk about this movie forever (and I pretty much did in a 14 page midterm), but I'll just tell you my favorite thing about this film. It captures a moment. It doesn't sell you a story, it makes you feel something. There's something intangible but so real that just is the teen experience. And whether you are a teen, you recently were and are missing it, or this is nostalgia from long ago - you know what they feel. And the tagline "We are infinite," feels right, and makes more sense than any marketing ever has for me before.

So, yeah,  I guess you should go see it or whatever.

Looper

The best part about this movie is trying to figure out afterwards what the heck happened during the movie. It's kind of like Inception in that way. Don't get me wrong, this is NOT Inception, and anyone who goes into it thinking that it is Inception will be disappointed. But, it's a fun, interesting and extremely entertaining movie that exceeded my (somewhat low) expectations.

This movie is smarter than 90% of the mainstream films out there. It doesn't try and explain itself. It assumes that the audience will figure it out or be satisfied enough with the details their given. In that way, it maintains its mystery. You don't entirely understand the world these characters live in, but it is a fascinating, futuristic, sci-fi world. The director made a conscious decision to throw all the rules of time-travel out the window, and that's okay. The average person does not need to know exactly how it works during the movie, and it gives them something to talk about after the movie.

I'm a big JGL (Joseph Gordon-Levitt for those of you who live under a rock and don't refer to people you don't know by charming nicknames) fan. I was a bit sad that you basically don't get to see his pretty face in this movie because they graphically alter it to look like Bruce Willis' face, but you get used to it after a few minutes. Emily Blunt's character was much better than I thought it was going to be (although still a little lacking). From the trailer, I thought she was going to fail entirely at playing some country bumpkin that JGL would fall for. There's actually another plot-point that makes her a slightly more intriguing character. I really loved Paul Dano and Jeff Daniels in this movie as well - great bit parts. I'm not a crazy Bruce Willis fan, so he was neither here nor there for me.

Overall, I enjoyed this movie a lot. I expected average, and got something far more fun to watch.

Forward Unto Dawn

So I have no intention of ever playing HALO 4, but this web series that they've made to promote the release is AWESOME! I want it to be a real series! I want it to be a movie! It's like a mix of Star Trek and Ender's Game, with actors I really like. Check it out!

Movie 43 Trailer

I have no idea what's happening in this trailer, but I think I like it.

BIG FRICKIN' NEWS

So, you may have noticed that I AM OBSESSED with movies. And, today, I saw something that is LIFE-ALTERING. Exaggerating? NO. THAT IS WHY I AM USING SO MANY CAPS.

Check this out: http://blog.moviepass.com/see-moviepass-in-action/

I was very skeptical at the beginning, but after researching it, this may be the best thing EVER.

The studios won't be mad because people are still technically paying the full price for the ticket. The theaters should be ecstatic because people will be buying more concessions (because they'll go to more movies.) And the company will stay afloat because some people will not fully use their membership. Now, I personally think this might not last because people like me will go see 10 movies in a month and drive this company into bankruptcy. But, I plan on making the most of this deal while it's around!

Becoming Web Series

Love New Girl and it's leading man Jake Johnson? Obsessed with Captain America? Wale is your shit? Then check out this new web series, Becoming, that features short episodes with some of your favorite celebs!

http://www.youtube.com/user/becomingseries?feature=results_main

BROOKLYN CASTLE - My #1 pick for October!

This movie is going to be awesome!!!

SEE IT SEE IT SEE IT

Obscure Movie of the Week! DOUBLE EDITION

That's right, I saw not one, but TWO obscure movies this week! And I shop at Urban Outfitters. And... now I have to go repent because I think I may be a hipster. OH THE SHAME!

I'm gonna put lots of pretty videos in this post because it's a bit longer (being that it's TWO reviews and all).

Movie #1 - Sleepwalk With Me

You may have heard of Sleepwalk With Me because of this video:

And those of you who know this man's name is Joss Whedon and not Josh Whedon probably delighted in it. This charming stunt was able to pull lots of New Yorkers off their IKEA furniture and to the theater opening weekend to see this little indie film. And, being oh-so-behind the curve, I finally saw it this week.

This film is based on a true story and directed and starring the man who lived that true story. Normally, I would say that's a bad idea. I mean first off, that just seems like too many jobs for one person. There's the living the life, the directing, the running to the other side of the camera to take the direction - sounds EXHAUSTING. But, this film is about a comedian; so luckily, he doesn't take any of it too seriously.

Mike Birbiglia's character, Matt Pandamiglio, (yes, clever decoy Mike, clever decoy) is a failed comedian in a relationship that's about as stunted as him. Until, one day he gets the chance to tour with his act, and he finds himself growing further and further a part from his long-time girlfriend. Now, this sounds really boring when you describe it, but it's based on life, so that's not really anyone's fault (except life's, but you're already blaming life for death today, so maybe give it a break). The oh-so-comedic twist on this all is that Mr. Pandamiglio has a sleeping disorder which causes him to sleepwalk and act out his dreams, often resulting in injury or extreme embarrassment. Mid-life crises and chortling ensure.

The movie is certainly funny and delightful. It feels very real in a Girls "stuff is disappointing, you're not going to get over that" kind of way. And while I didn't dislike the main character, it was hard for me to fall in love with a movie about a guy who is just lost, and a sucky boyfriend. Maybe I saw it ten years too early. Maybe I was annoyed by the CLICHE girlfriend character who comes home sobbing and drunk and ready to leave this foolio and then stays because he proposes (pretty much accidentally). I mean, I had my issues with it. But, still, it was funny in a way that most things aren't today, and that's an achievement.

Check out the trailer to decide for yourself:

Movie #2 - Girl Model

As someone who has watched MANY of the all day marathons of America's Next Top Model on Oxygen, but also enjoys learning things (yeah, I like learning stuff. You know, stuff stuff), I was excited to see a documentary about the phenomenon of young eastern European girls leaving home at the ages of 12 and 13 to model. I had high hopes.

I was disappointed. This movie is strange. This movies is boring. This movies is LONG. I feel like the review could end here, but I guess I'll write a bit more.

I didn't feel this movie had any perspective or point-of-view. Even when showing you the struggle that these young girls go through, leaving home at such an early age and being put under tremendous stress, it doesn't de-glamorize it. These girls end up coming back to model, even after previously difficult and trying trips. They come back because there's nothing for them at home. Which is exactly, and sickeningly, the point that the model company owner makes. What would these girls do otherwise? Is modeling their one chance to be independent women? It's all very bleak. In addition to following one of these young models, we also follow one of the model scouts. She was previously a model herself, and proclaims to hate the industry, but insists that it's all she knows how to do. We see her extravagant home and her slightly deranged videos from modeling years past. We see she has no passion for the business, but that she still defends her work publicly. So, what are we supposed to think?

The filmmaker gives us information, but no direction. And while objectivity is often very important in documentary filmmaking, the result here was a slow and unemotional film. We're excited when our young model gets opportunities, but disgusted by the conditions she's put in. We agree with the scout about the ridiculousness of fashion and beauty, but hate her for lying to the camera about the cruel truths of her industry. Even that sounds more interesting than the film was.

Trailer her for those still curious:

If you've made it this far. YOU WIN! Also, I'm seeing The Perks of Being a Wallflower tomorrow and I AM EXCITEDDDDDDDD!!!

Kick-Ass 2

Too excited not to post this!

http://instagram.com/p/PzM-RQjnV6/

Emma Watson Interview

Had to post this great interview with Emma Watson for all you HP and Emma fans!

Sorry the video wouldn't load, but check out the link!

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/race/emma-watson-perks-being-wallflower-movie-harry-potter-369382

Bachelorette

While this could be mistaken for a Bridesmaids copycat, Bachelorette has it's own unique vibe, cast, and hilarity that make it a deeper and more interesting comedy.

Don't get me wrong, this film has all the raunch, sex, and drugs one would expect from the title. But, because of the incredible actors and intriguing script, it's able to be both witty and snort-milk-through-your-nose funny. The trio of Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fischer, and Lizzy Caplan has a perfect mix of personalities, all somewhat falling under a stereotype, but still believable and therefore enjoyable. While all of them are at least partly psychotic, you find yourself siding with these woman as often as you are shocked by them, a balance that makes for an entertaining friendship to view. The new It-Girl Rebel Wilson also shines as the bride-to-be, and her relationship with each of the girls, especially Dunst, is interesting and much more complex than her usual comic-relief role. The men in the film seem more like throw-aways (with the exception of the fabulous Adam Scott), but perhaps that's how it should be. The focus is meant to be on these women and how they relate to each other after years of ups and downs.

While the plot is not earth-shattering (the girls are bridesmaids throwing Wilson a bachelorette party) and there are a good deal of silly antics (everything from strippers to wedding dress snafus), the characters involved make the crazy events fun and seemingly fresh. A personal favorite story line was the Lizzy Caplan/Andrew Scott hate/love fest because I am a huge Party Down fan (and you should be too, so go watch it on Netflix!)

It's currently on iTunes to rent, which is what I did. And if you watch it with a friend you feel like you're saving lots of money because of how much you'd be spending at the movie theater. BEATING THE SYSTEM - WOO HOO! But, it will also be opening in select theaters this weekend, so check it out!

Seven Psychopaths - Movies You Haven’t Seen Yet

What’s this? Another new segment for your viewing enjoyment? One where I tell you all about a movie that I went to an advanced screening of and am so pumped about that I’m telling you about it 2 months early (I need to work on this run-on sentence thing)! It must be Christmas at MoviesandtheManic! So here’s your present all wrapped in Harry Potter wrapping paper with a string of gummy worms tied together as the bow!

Seven Psychopaths is written and directed by the same genius that brought you In Bruges - Martin McDonagh. If you saw and liked In Bruges, don’t even bother reading the rest of this, just buy your ticket when it comes out. If you haven’t seen In Bruges, finish reading this and then GO EDUCATE YOSELF. Fair warning though, this is a kind of off-color and violent humor that is not for the puppies and ponies crowd. That being said, Seven Psychopaths does feature one adorable Shih Tzu and a white bunny rabbit. Still, I want to prepare you In Bruges virgins for something that is strange and bloody and hilarious.

The story is centered around Colin Farrel’s character, a writer in LA who has two things: a lot of writer’s block and the title of his next script - Seven Psychopaths (so meta, as my friend said). And can I for one just say, I am much happier seeing Mr. Farrel in this than in Total Recall. Farrel’s best friend in the movie is Sam Rockwell, a slightly unhinged but always delightful man who spends his time kidnapping dogs and then collecting the reward money. Rockwell’s performance is easily one of the most entertaining and enjoyable that I’ve seen this year. He is insane, bloodthirsty, and generally very likable. The movie also features a classically wonderful and terrifying character played by Christopher Walken. You can see one of my favorite moments of his in the trailer, when he just says "no" after being asked to put his hands up at gunpoint. Essentially, the movie is about the seven psychopaths this ragtag band meets and the dog kidnapping of a Shih Tzu who belongs to one very pissed mob boss (Woody Harrelson).

This movie is kind of like Inglorious Basterds, without the Nazis, but with all the good times and slaughter. It’s very self-aware and often tells you exactly what’s going to happen, which in my opinion has a freakin’ compelling effect. It’s interesting, which is rare, and genuinely and uniquely funny, which is even more rare. So, go check this one out on October 12!

Celeste and Jesse Forever - Obscure movie of the week! (or month or whenever I see an obscure movie) - Cue catchy theme song

This movie isn’t playing in a lot of theaters yet, and my parents haven’t heard of it – so… drum roll please… It has the honor of being my first Obscure Movie of the Week (seriously think a little tune when you read that phrase, it makes it so much more awesome) review!

Let’s get one thing out of the way first – who’s name is Celeste? I’ve never met a Celeste. Have any of you ever met a Celeste? I mean I guess the odds are a lot better when you ask a large group of people that ONE of them will have met a Celeste, but let’s be real – could they have picked a more hipster name? And what doesn’t even make sense is that when she (Celeste) was born, being a hipster wasn’t even cool yet, so why would her parents have named her a hipster name? Wait. Does that mean that I don’t make sense or that the movie doesn’t? Still… Celeste… grimace

Moving on to the part of this thing where I actually critique the film and not the strange choice of name for one of the title characters. This was one of those movies that I had a hard time forming an opinion on. It felt cool. As I was watching it, I was thinking, “I’m probably pretty hip for watching this movie right now.” I imagine people in LA will line up for this movie for blocks and blocks and drink their juice cleansing diet drink things and talk about the latest exercise class that they took that combines zumba and push-up and none of them will even make a joke about how that could be called Pumba like from The Lion King. I’m afraid I’ve gotten sidetracked again; but, the point is, this may just be an LA sort of movie. I have nothing (not a lot anyway) against LA, but I do think that generally movies should appeal to more than one geographic area’s population.

This movie has the right ingredients. I like Andy Samberg. I like Rashida Jones. Heck, I like the trailer. But, after you watch these two friends for two hours, you don’t really like them anymore. I appreciate that it’s trying to explore a modern relationship – friends who get married who are better off friends. As the girl code demands of me, I think that guys and girls can be friends. But, this movie makes me question the girl code. It doesn’t make sense. How could they have been married and neither of them had any hurt feelings when they got divorced? There is love for a friend and there is being in love, and if they were in love, wouldn’t it hurt to… I don’t know, not be in love anymore or be rejected by someone you’re in love with? This is going off into a whole philosophical realm that I don’t like to spend much time in; but basically, I think the effort to show a relationship that is current and common turned into showing a relationship that doesn’t exist and doesn’t make sense.

A lot of the humor and the dialogue is very funny, and it feels very of-the-moment. I’ll give it that. Emma Roberts, who has a smaller role, is even a bit of a breath of fresh air. She seems to be one of the only characters who has emotions. They’re highly dramatic emotions, but maybe that’s what makes her stand out – that she’s not of the older MTV generation that feel no highs or lows and makes everything into a joke. I desperately wanted to like Elijah Wood, but alas, who the heck was his character supposed to be? Every time he comes on screen I hold my breath and hope for hilarity, but I’m always left confused.

Overall, wait for Netflix.  

LISTS - BOO YAH!

And here are the BIG THINGS. Moving on.

Just wanted to make you all aware of the new lists on the side of the homepage (the right side to be exact). There you can discover some wonderful treats I've prepared just for you. The first list is some movies that are out now that you might want to see, and by might I mean probably should because I liked them and I’m recommending them and if you’re reading my blog my recommendation means something to you… where was I going with this? Oh, yes, the movies in the first list – good ones. The next couple of lists are movies being released in the coming months that I’m really looking forward too.

For example. I AM REALLY EXCITED FOR THIS MOVIE.

I know it is catering shamelessly to my demographic, or the demographic I still wish I was in, but those freaking songs man... I’m welling up just thinking about them – “I’m never changing who I am” fist pump fist pump fist pump. I’m pulled together now.

Anyway, each movie on these lists is linked to an IMDB page, so you can go check them out for yourself! Aren’t I clever! (Notice that's not a question). Not clever enough to figure out how to just put a calendar on my blog, but hey, one can’t be magically delightful at everything. I’ll try and update these lists so that you never miss out on anything and you never have to think – “oh, this is outdated. I hate this blog.” Wanting to avoid those sentiments.

New reviews on their way!

Big things are on their way...

Soon there will be new reviews, new musings, new EVERYTHING

Big things are happening my friends... big things