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In
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1. Harry Potter
First and foremost, I am a huge Harry Potter fan.
Though, to be perfectly honest, I was a bit disappointed with
The Order of The Phoenix. Each film throughout the Potter saga has always superceded the previous one. In its own unique way, every film feels like a new quest for Harry. Not only did each previous film contain challenging conquests for the young wizard, but they were further developed with new breathtaking special effects and scenery as well. Additionally, I always look forward to seeing the new method of transportation in the world of wizardry, such as the unforgettable “port key” or
"walkthrough walls”. Essentially, The Order Of The Phoenix does not place Harry in what I expected to be the most challenging adventure, especially as compared to
The Goblet of Fire. However, the scenery is spectacular and the audience is finally introduced to new settings and environments, such as the grand headquarters of the Ministry of Magic. However, as for the method of transport and the overall scenic environments, I did expect a touch more imagination.
In short, The Order Of The Phoenix is what I would call a building episode to the next film in the saga. I kept waiting for the action to begin. The action that is to be expected in all Harry Potter films fell a bit short in
The Order Of the Phoenix. Overall, the action was lackluster. The only action sequence worthy of the Harry Potter name comes too close to the end and does not last long. However, when it does begin, the magical and fantastic battle between good and evil is worth the wait... Let's just say that the entire audience is on the edge of their seat with their mouths wide open awaiting for the next epic moment. Though as previously mentioned, and I cannot stress enough, do not expect a two hour-long action packed adventure for Harry. If you go into the movie with this expectation you may be disappointed. Although many agree this is the not the best of the Potter films, the adventure certainly builds and is a must see for the true Harry Potter fan. I can’t wait for the next film. I am sure Harry’s next adventure will be more exciting.
2. Hair Spray
There is no doubt in my mind that this film was packed with more talent than seen in most films today. The cast was stacked beyond belief. John Travolta, Michelle Pfieffer, Queen Latifah, Christopher Walken and Amanda Bines are just a few of the actors to appear in this movie. Although it was a pleasure to see this talented cast working together and playing off one another on one film, the outcome was not what I expected. Unlike the original movie Hairspray, this movie came off as juvenile, reminiscent of
High School Musical, though with a renowned cast and outstanding acting. Therefore, for those of you who enjoyed
High School Musical, this is a must see. On the other hand, those of you that don’t enjoy a little childish fun may want to wait until it comes to DVD. At any rate, it is definitely worth it to see John Travolta dressing up as a woman! I would have liked to see the film go in a much more serious direction similar to the original
Hairspray movie, which undertakes the topic of racism in a much more serious manner. Essentially, the remake of
Hairspray is a fun filled movie for the whole family. People of all ages who enjoy delightful and silly films filled with singing, dancing, and an unforgettable cast will surely enjoy this movie.
New
Releases 07-24-07
1. The Number 23
The last thing I want to do is give away
the entire movie, but for those of who have been watching the
latest mystery/thrillers, trust me when I say you will have
figured out the “unsuspecting” ending early on in the film.
Essentially, the films that are placed in the genre commonly
referred to as mystery/thriller are just becoming way too
similar, in both context and plot. The mysteries are all the
same, which takes the thrill out of thriller. Like most
movies in this category, The Number 23 contains a cop out
of an ending.
I am just becoming annoyed at the fact that
these movies are becoming so generic. As the saying goes, “if
you have seen one then you have seen them all”. In two
words: obvious and repetitive! However, not all was bad
for The Number 23. The cinematography was absolutely
amazing. Fantastic camera angles coupled with innovative
manipulation of light and distortion of picture does bring a new
and fresh aspect to the overall commonality of the genre.
Additionally, Jim Carrey once again demonstrates that he can do
much more than the “funny man routine”. When most people think
of Jim Carrey, they think of Dumb and Dumber and Liar
Liar. However, in my opinion Mr. Carrey is one of the most
talented actors today. He can do it all, both serious and funny.
When I think of Jim Carrey, I think of Man on the Moon and
The Truman Show. Simply put, although The Number
23 was not a good movie, you can add it to Carrey’s
diversified acting abilities. As for the movie itself, it
was too obvious, and to be honest a bit on the boring side.
3. Cherry Crush
This movie was not up to par with any movie
that I have seen on the Lifetime channel. With that
said, it is clearly obvious that I do not think the movie is
worth watching even if it were on cable, let alone renting it.
The plot was boring and the acting was terrible. Other than a
few brief moments toward the end of the movie, which are
slightly interesting, the film has nothing about it to make it
worth seeing. Definitely do not be fooled by the description on
the back of the DVD case. This movie is anything but a romantic
thriller. There is nothing romantic or thrilling about Cherry
Crush. As previously mentioned, and I’ll say it again, the
only highlights of this movie occur at the end of the film. And
be sure that the so-called climax or highlight is not at all
worth the wait. In short, Cherry Crush is a movie that I
would describe as the opposite of entertaining.
4. Blue Snake Moan
I don’t exactly know what to make of this
movie. When the film came to its conclusion I really didn’t
know what to say. Let me start with the movie’s cast, namely
Samuel Jackson and Christina Ricci. Although sometimes I am
bewildered by Samuel L. Jackson’s choice of films (i.e.
Snakes On A Plane), undeniably he does have great acting
ability. And once again his skills are clearly revealed in
Black Snake Moan. I consider myself a loyal Jackson fan ever
since his role as Jules in Pulp Fiction, and really
appreciate his portrayal of eccentric character Lazarus in
Black Snake Moan. He really nailed the part. As for co-star
Christina Ricci, all one can say is that she has come a long
way. It is truly amazing to have seen her development as an
actress. From her early acting career with roles in Casper
and her portrait of Wednesday Addams in The Addams Family,
she has come a long way and proved herself in recent years. Next
to her role as Selby in Monster, she gets the audience
involved as Rae in Black Snake Moan. Thus, the
performances by both Jackson and Ricci were top notch.
However, now, onto the more complicated
aspect of the movie, the context and plot, which are much more
difficult to discuss. The message behind the movie and the
unique storyline was certainly captivating. The question,
however, is if the movie is for everyone. Will it appeal to a
“run of the mill moviegoer”? I can’t say. In all honesty
the film left me dumbfounded. Adjectives to describe this film
are weird, strange, unusual, and the like. In order to
enjoy this movie, you must keep an open mind. Not to mention
that you should be in the mood for a bizarre movie. For those
of you who do not like to think about films and the overall
message and context behind the movie I wouldn’t recommend
Black Snake Moan. On the other hand, if you are like me and
enjoy analyzing the context as well as the characters in each
scene of the movie in order to determine subplots as well as an
overall message, then get to Blockbuster immediately.
-Gordo and DJ Morgan Rose
Electriceyeradio.com
New
Releases 07-03-07
1. Man of the Year
Robin Williams has definitely done it again! He is absolutely hysterical in this film, as he plays a modern day comedic talk show host evocative of HBO’s Bill Maher or Comedy Central’s John Stewart. William’s character is coaxed into running for the U.S Presidency. Although people may be led to believe that this film is just another lame attempt at a political satire, He or She would be wrong. Not only is the film a great comedy, poking fun at all aspects of a ‘messed up' political system;
there is also a dramatic and thrilling storyline throughout the picture that helps guide the main plot. With costars like Christopher Walken and Laura Linney, there is only one downside to the film: not enough people have seen it! It is rare that you find a good comedy with an interesting and compelling storyline.
Man Of The Year has it all. It is a film that will have the entire family at the edge of their seats and laughing to tears at the same time. Trust us, Rent it today!
2. Shooter If you like a good action film, then this is the movie for you! It is filled with great action sequences, explosions, shootings, and unbelievable “kill shots”, pun intended. Mark Wahlberg plays ex-Marine sniper Bob Lee Swagger. And he is regarded by the United States as the best at his job. Some of the sniper shots pulled off by Swagger are truly remarkable. He definitely captivates and mesmerizes the audience with his shooting ability. Additionally, if you are a fan of Wahlberg’s typical tough guy character act, which he undeniably plays to perfection, you will surely enjoy his portrayal of Swagger. And as for the ladies in the audience, his muscular physique certainly doesn’t hurt. In short, Wahlberg’s character is flawless. He is the perfect sniper, the perfect soldier, a killing machine, and even has a moral quality about him. He is the true definition of a hero. It is definitely a story about the good guys verses the bad guys. Not to say that the film is going to win any awards, but it is one of the more entertaining new releases on the
Blockbuster wall. Lately, it just seems as if you can’t go wrong when casting Mark Wahlberg as the hero in an action movie.
3. Standing Still As the saying goes, “don’t judge a book by its cover”. Well the same applies when choosing what movie to rent from Blockbuster. Essentially,
Standing Still has a “fun filled” and attractive cover, reminiscent of American Pie, just for a slightly older audience. This attempt at a comedy/drama sought to capture the complexities of life for young adults in their mid-20’s as they enter the “real world”. Simply stated, the comic scenes are not so funny, and the dramatic scenes are dull.
Although the movie itself deserves no higher than a grade C, it is certainly filled with a great deal of young talent,
though the stars, including James Van Der Beek, Colin Hanks, Amy Adams, and Mena Suvari, do not make up for the lackluster script. In short, the acting is fair, but the script and plot are simply poor. On a positive note however, it is refreshing to see James Van Der Beek veer tremendously from his “good boy” character on the once popular television show Dawson’s Creek. In fact, Van Der Beek's character in the film is the most rambunctious of the group,
though, this is by no means a reason to rent the movie. At some points,
Standing Still seems to have the talent and overall potential to be a descent comedy with slight hints of drama, which many in their 20’s could enjoy and related to. But in the end, where it counts the film falls short.
4. Big Nothing This film can be placed in a genre of its own,
unlike so many movies in today’s flooded film industry, Big Nothing delivers a unique storyline with a distinctive brand of comedy. Although it is primarily a “dark comedy”, there are actually traces of “film noir”. The beginning of the storyline sets the audience up with a plot that at first glance seems all too simple. And it is. As it say’s on the cover, the characters “wrote the book on how not-to-be criminals.” In order to keep from giving anything away, let’s just say there are numerous unexpected twists and turns, which at points are so incredibly sick and twisted you actually can’t help but laugh. However, the writing and storyline are not the only praiseworthy aspects of the film. Stars David Schwimmer and Simon Pegg have great chemistry, and together make for a funny duo. Mimi Rogers even pops in for a great cameo. If you are in the mood for an atypical comedy with top-notch acting, head over to
Blockbuster and rent this movie. Do not wait for it to be on cable.
5. Pride Now here is what I call a very satisfying story, a real “feel good movie”. Based on true events, both Terrence Howard (Crash), and Bernie Mac give spectacular and inspiring performances. Unlike Bernie Mac’s typical funny man routine, he really shows off his potential as a diverse actor with an extensive ability for being on the big screen. As always, it is a pleasure to watch Terrance Howard, a real upcoming actor with star quality. Specifically in
Pride, he portrays Jim Ellis, a truly remarkable person.
The Movie follows Ellis' struggle as an African American swim team coach with an all African American swim team. In a dying community filled with drugs and poverty, Ellis and his swim team must face adversity on two fronts, outside of their Philadelphia community, where racism runs rampant, and inside their community as well, where drug dealers, poverty, and a simple lack of hope attempt to bring down anyone in it’s path. With help from a broken down teen center manager (Mac), Ellis does all he can to give his team and community a sense of pride. The fact that the film chooses a sport like swimming to highlight the hardships faced by African Americans is an interesting change of pace, especially as compared to other similar inspirational “sports movies”, such as Remember The Titans or Glory Road. Although the ending is somewhat predictable, like most films similar in nature, I would definitely recommend picking it from the New Release wall at Blockbuster as soon as you get the chance.
-Gordo and DJ Morgan Rose
Electriceyeradio.com
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