Trailers! 3.0

Here it is, blog-readers, the day you (maybe mostly me) have all been waiting for:

TRAILERS 3.0!

Just like the previous installments, I highly recommend clicking on the title of the trailer in order to view it, then go 'BACK' and reading my commentary on it. Enjoy!

To start things off, how about The Green Hornet first?

The Green Hornet: This movie really excites me. Previously I called it "awesome"----and I am sticking to that. I like how I don't really know much about the Green Hornet history-wise, but maybe that'll help them attract a larger audience. The only thing I could've used more of is Seth Rogen in his superhero costume, rather than the big cars, explosions, and guns. Although those are requirements of a good action movie, right? Here's hoping the Green Hornet delivers!

Never Let Me Go: This is a movie adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's highly acclaimed novel of the same name. Based on the trailer, I am going to assume it'll be one of two types of movies: either a shoe-in for some early Oscar predictions/nominations -- or one of those cheesy movies made entirely for the purpose of getting award recognition, and we all know how those turn out. Of course, there is a lot of mystery surrounding the plot of this (just read its synopsis on Barnes & Noble) but the part where the guy is screaming at the car. . . I don't know, blog-readers. Could go either way.

The Social Network: Now, onto lighter fare! Although based on the many voice-overs in this teaser, I'm not really sure I'm in the right to call it "light." Still, I like Jesse Eisenberg and Justin Timberlake (as an actor) but found it a little hard to follow all the voices while simultaneously reading the words. After a second viewing, however, it was much easier. My question is, who decided to make a movie on Facebook rather than Myspace? Wasn't the latter bigger and more popular, and didn't it come first? Just wondering.

Conviction: Okay, if it has Hilary Swank in it, it's sure to be worthy of something, right? I'm a fan of Sam Rockwell but will probably skip this one, unless I watch it for free. Trial movies are touchy things, in my opinion. I must really care about the trial if I'm going to see it. Anyway, the only way this will ever go anywhere is if it's favored by the critics. One to watch for, at least.

Somewhere: This is a movie that I am seeing, period. While I haven't seen any of Coppola's later films, I was really blown away by the originality of this trailer. There are only like, five lines of dialogue and the rest you must visualize in order to understand the story. A simple story, true---but one that looks like a winner. Paired with the Strokes' tender "I'll Try Anything Once," the only way this movie will suck is if it, well, sucks. Because the trailer certainly does not.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Wow, I can't believe it's here. I remember reading this book late late at night, even after waiting for it at Borders at midnight. Harry and his friends are back in their second to last outing (since it's going to be split in two parts). Honestly, there's not much I can say---other than I might actually see this in the theater. But having part one in November, then part two all the way next July? That seems kind of mean.

Well, gang? Thoughts? I know this round of movies is a bit deeper/darker than my last, but you can't deny it -- these movies all look fairly promising.

So! Of these six, which excites you the most? Least? Sound off!

Haven't I Heard This Before?

So sorry I haven't posted anything lately guys!

Basically all I've been thinking about these past few days is how much awesome Trailers 3.0 is going to be, which is why I think I may have procrastinated in getting this one up. I have a list tttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiissssssssssssssss long of previews I think you are going to like, and I can't wait to share them with you!

Until then, this posting is going to be music related. Read on!

I would like you to watch (mainly listen though) these few videos, right in order as they are presented, and see if you can figure out what makes them all similar.

Okay, now this:

(wait till the end for the relevance for this one. . .)

And last but not least. . .

(basically, relevance at the beginning. . . but feel free to keep watching Sam Worthington-awesomeness!)

Thoughts, anyone?

I first realized something was "up" when I watched the Conviction trailer and thought to myself, I've heard that music somewhere.

After a surprisingly satisfyingly conclusive Google search, I realized the song was originally composed by a man, Steve Jablonsky, and the song is called My Name Is Lincoln, used for the 2005 movie The Island, starring Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson, directed by Michael Bay (Transformers. . .).

Well.

I also distinctly remembered hearing a song like that to Avatar, and turns out I was right! It was a little harder finding a legit Avatar trailer, but I did, thus my proof: Yes, blog-readers, you are not the only ones who may be experiencing deja entendu (that's a real thing). As in:

Two (and possibly others) major Hollywood movies have used the same music originally written for one major Hollywood movie! In the words of Kenan Thompson's Deandre Cole: What up with that?!

What do you think? Did the directors figure audiences would remember the tune and say, "Since it was used in The Island, a film I liked, I think I'm going to go see Avatar/Conviction" (chrono order and all. . .)?

If that were so, then that's some seriously flawed thinking, because I saw The Island and I don't remember liking it. I might have, but I was younger and probably distracted by Mr. McGregor (he is the main character, after all). So what gives?

This brings me to another music-film related bit, even more trivia you can use to impress your friends with tomorrow. Check out this trailer for Joe Wright's acclaimed, award-winning film Atonement (or just listen)

(You should see this film. As in, watch the entire trailer.)

Further research indicates that the score to this fine film was composed by Dario Marianelli, the same guy who did Wright's other fabulous and award-winning movie Pride & Prejudice. Only problem?

Half of the music in the trailer above was not written by Mr. Marianelli!

If you listen to the trailer (and I implore you, please do) note that the beginning stuff (soft piano, slowly meshing with a typewriter) is indeed Dario Marianelli work, but then. . .

At 1:20, it becomes a new theme, a very light and plain sad piano melody as poor Keira Knightley witnesses her beloved James McAvoy be wrongly apprehended by the police for a terrible deed he did not commit. Drama ensues, naturally.

There are some strings and crashes in the middle (which I'm not sure about) but at about 2:12 there are new strings and a new theme that is terribly, terribly heart-wrenching and emotionally driven. These two spots, 1:20 and 2:12, are not Dario Marianelli, but have instead been composed by a company called X-Ray Dog. The music at 1:20 is called "Breathing Space" and at 2:12, "The Vision." All supplied by X-Ray Dog, and never once mentioned on the soundtrack.

What is X-Ray Dog, you ask?

Simple. According to watching the video under their "About" page, I infer that X-Ray Dog is the in-between source of music available to directors when their hired composer has not yet completed the entire score. You have a trailer done and want people to see it, but don't have music ready for it yet. Go, X-Ray Dog, go!

(I only infer this because nowhere does it say that music by X-Ray Dog is used by directors for the purpose of fitting suitable music into their trailers. But honestly, what other explanation makes sense other than mine?)

In addition to Atonement, music from X-Ray Dog has also been used in films like Harry Potter, Iron Man, Prince Of Persia, Robin Hood, Alice In Wonderland, Pirates of the Caribbean, and The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring. Interesting, no?

I'm looking for thoughts here, people. Should the film industry continue to use other people's music in trailers unrelated to their own movie? I mean, it's kind of leading folks on, isn't it? Like, one of my favorite composers is Hans Zimmer, whom I wrote about some posts back. If I watched a trailer to a film that I know he did the music for, and I liked the music, I would assume that the music was his. But then say it wasn't. Wouldn't you be upset? I know I would.

Leading movie-goers on is everywhere, though. Check out this trailer for The Informant!. I watched it last night:

(POSSIBLE SPOILER? BELOW)

At 0:45 Damon raises his arm and says, "Good morning, Liz Taylor, secretary" but in the actual movie, he's in a completely different suit when he says it. Leading us on.

Well, I think I've gone on enough. Thoughts on any of this? Did anyone even understand what I was talking about? Did anyone even like any of the music I mentioned? I want comments! Trailers 3.0 on Wednesday! It's the end of June, Inception here we come!

The Pitfalls of Page 14

I should've made a bet on the next Entertainment Weekly cover. . .

Oh well.

NOT! Because unlike all the other 9 billion American girls here in the States (or however many there are, whatever) my world does not revolve around these actors, nor will it probably ever.

Anyway, so I'm looking at the other articles offered in this issue, and after my traditional gasp/hiss "Yessss" (I do this for every EW, no matter who's on the cover) I see this written (I believed I mentioned this in my last blog, no?)

THE BIG BUZZ ON 'INCEPTION'

In fact, in the picture above, it is right on Pattinson's blue shoulder, right below the white caption that reads "WHY 'TOY STORY 3' MAKES GROWN MEN CRY".

So of course, I need to seriously make sure I don't accidentally turn to this page. Because I am not only a fast reader, but I'm a skimmer also, and like it or not, I usually pick out the important words in any news article pretty quickly.

So I look at the table of contents, skim for the word Inception, give the people around me my trademark Inception gasp (highly dramatic, very sudden and alarming) and tell myself: SKIP PAGE 14.

Well. Entertainment Weekly is not a fan of page numbers, at least in the very beginning. I turn the pages very carefully in the opening stages of reading the magazine, glancing both at the top and bottom corners to make sure if I'm on page 9 or 10 or so. It's not till I get to page 14 that I realize I'm on page 14, so I quickly, melodramatically turn the page, look up at the ceiling, and tell myself, "It's all right, I didn't see anything."

But! The story's not over yet, folks. In addition to page 14, page 15 is also filled with Inception notes, as well as Christopher Nolan's track record of how much his films have grossed from the box office. So no page 15 either.

Kind of reminds me of when I got an Entertainment Weekly with LOST on the cover. I am not a Lost hater by any means. I watched about five episodes of season 6--without watching anything previously--then changed my mind, and as of now I'm HOOKED on the series (season 2!) But anyway, this specific issue featuring LOST was literally first page to last page filled with nothing but LOST. Like, everything.

Anyway, so magazine story done. Moving on.

Beware of entering movie-theaters, blog-readers. Just yesterday I saw Toy Story 3 with a friend and walked in the place like it was no big deal.

Suddenly I am bombarded with various posters and advertisements for Inception all around me! And, what's more, I learned something I did not previously know! I could've cried right there, as I was buying my ticket. I will spare you guys, but let me tell you -- I thought I was coming down the wire, to be honest. I mean, it makes sense that I should see these posters in the theater, but I guess since I know absolutely nothing more about Inception, it didn't occur to me to figure it'd be marketed heavily. In hindsight, I should've realized this, since this is Christopher Nolan we're talking about.

But seeing the posters made me so much more excited for July 16th. Leonardo DiCaprio! Joseph Gordon-Levitt! Cillian Murphy! I mean, I just cannot wait.

Anyway, so that's it for today's post. Nothing really movie news-related, although you guys might like this piece of info, or maybe this one too.

Happy Friday!

(Oh: and did I mention that Inception is going to be in IMAX theaters? Who's up for some major dizziness and headache action? I am!)

Harry Potter glasses, Trolls, and Everything In Between

Greetings, blog-readers! I can assure you there will be a Trailers 3.0 sometime in the upcoming week -- so be on the lookout -- but until then, read on!

Anyway, so like the title says: Guess who has Harry Potter glasses?

Am I the only one who thinks this is hilarious? I am not going to disclose who I know that uses these glasses, but I think that's just cute. Moving on.

So, as you may have heard, they're making a Smurfs movie. Yikes, right?

What's even more distressing? inconceivable? is that they're also making a Troll doll movie. Am I the only one who wants to find "they" and lock them up in a 24-hour guarded prison cell so they'll never see the light of day? Like, do people actually think Americans want to see a movie based on those creepy little dolls? I mean, this is coming from a girl who never had a Furby (or if I did, I blocked it out so immensely I don't recall ever having one) so maybe I don't see the excitement in news like this, but come on. Tell me you don't want to see this movie made.

Oh, and one other thing.

So I subscribe to Entertainment Weekly and check online there almost daily for any movie news (and the site is where I get most of my stuff and post it on here). So lately they've been giving "snippets" of an "upcoming interview" featuring the Twilight gang, Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner.

Now, here's the thing: each "snippet" of the interview only consists of just a few questions and so far, doesn't seem to be that big of a deal (aka a cover story). HOWEVER:

<-- July 08 <-- Nov 08<-- Dec 08 <-- Feb 09<-- Aug 09 <-- Nov 09

Dec 2009

So, based on the above evidence, I'm thinking my next EW (which I normally receive Fridays or Saturdays) is going to feature one, two, or all three of the saga stars on the front cover. "Awesome!" (she says sarcastically.) "Because I have no idea who these people are, and I care about them even more!"

. . .

Is it unreasonable of me to ask for no more Twilight cover stories? Or am I just asking for too much?

YES

Here it is, blog-readers, the much-anticipated (at least, in my opinion) trailer of Seth Rogen's new film, The Green Hornet. See if you can watch below:

(But if it doesn't, just click here to go to the site.)

What do you think? Thoughts? My one word: awesome. I don't think it's by any means on the same level as Iron Man or Batman Begins, especially since its release date is in January.

However, Seth Rogen as a superhero is something the world has been waiting to see. And having Christoph Waltz as a bad guy is just a spectacular plus, too. Who cares if the man has already played another bad guy?

I will admit, I'm getting a bit tired of seeing Cameron Diaz in everything lately (um, let's see: Knight & Day, Shrek Forever After, and the recently announced Bad Teacher with ex Justin Timberlake) but with Tom Wilkinson and Admiral Adama (oh, sorry, Edward James Olmos) also in it, I'm thinking I'm gonna go see this movie.

Thoughts? I'm thinking a new Trailers 3.0 coming up soon! Keep posted!

-Claire

UPDATE: Upon further examination I have found the video does not extend all the way, like my past videos from Youtube. Very annoying, I know, so if you want to watch the trailer with a few bits missing, go ahead. However, I recommend just clicking the link to the Huff Post site, where you can not only watch it in HD, but also in full-length, normal video-viewing view. Thanks!

Who Are Your Favorite Fathers?

In honor of Father's Day, I have compiled a list of movies and characters who, in my humble opinion, exemplify what makes a great film father:

Atticus Finch in To Kill A Mockingbird

Prof Henry Jones in Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade

Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness

Marlin in Finding Nemo

Lord Henry Dashwood in What A Girl Wants

Tom Baker in Cheaper By The Dozen

Ray Ferrier in War Of The Worlds

Upon further browsing on the Internet (because, let's face it, the list above could use more fathers, and it basically came together from the top of my head) I have found a few more worthy-of-mention fathers:

Mrs. Doubtfire/Daniel Hillard in Mrs. Doubtfire

Clark Griswold in National Lampoon's Vacation

George Banks in Father Of The Bride

Sam Dawson in I Am Sam

Ted Kramer in Kramer Vs. Kramer

Gil Buckman in Parenthood

What do you think, blog-readers? I'm positive I have left other great movie dads off the list, but I think the combination of my list plus the fathers I looked up are a good bunch of caring dads. Care to add any more?

Happy Father's Day!

News That Makes Me Cry

Not literally -- although sort of.

Everyone knows who Channing Tatum (G.I. Joe, Dear John, Fighting) and Rachel McAdams (Mean Girls, The Notebook, Sherlock Holmes) are, right? I'm not really a fan of Tatum but I've liked a lot of McAdams' work.

Anyway, so get this: they've signed on to star in a movie together called The Vow, based on a true story surrounding the marriage of two newlyweds. Basically, it's about this:

Life as Kim and Krickitt Carpenter knew it was shattered beyond recognition on November 24, 1993, two months after their marriage, when their Ford Escort was hit from behind by a fast-moving truck. A massive head injury left Krickitt in a coma for weeks. When she finally emerged from the coma, she recognized her parents and everyone else-but she didn't know Kim. She had no idea who he was. The "Krickitt" Kim had married essentially died in the accident. The Vow is the true tale of the reconstruction of two lives and a marriage after an event so shattering that most others would have parted ways long ago. Though it was not easy, and it tested every fiber of who they were, Kim and Krickitt fell in love all over again.

Pretty emotional, right? And since both actors have been in Nicholas Sparks movies (him Dear John; her The Notebook) I'm thinking 1) a lot of women are going to see this film, which means I think it will make a lot at the box office, and 2) expect a lot of tears.

But back to the posting title. Doesn't that make you want to cry? No? Okay. Try this description of a movie (that I actually saw, and while I did cry through all of it it was not all that great):

"A young widow discovers that her late husband has left her 10 messages intended to help ease her pain and start a new life."

Doesn't reading that make you want to cry? Just bawl your eyes out? I'm doing all that I can not to cry right now, since I have company over.

Anyhew, so what are your thoughts, blog-readers? Am I the only one who thinks they should change the names, Krickitt and Kim? I mean, how much sense does it make that Kim is the guy and Krickitt is the woman? Sound off!

Oh, and the description above is from P.S. I Love You, an awful movie (even though it has Gerard Butler and the Denny guy from Grey's Anatomy).

News That Makes Me Laugh

So today I have two bits of movie news, courtesy of EW.com -- that "Nicolas Cage could return in 'Ghost Rider' sequel" and that "William Shatner to direct himself in documentary about himself."

What, don't believe me? Here's the link.

So, first, Ghost Rider. Have you guys seen it? Because I saw it in my living room, and let me tell you, it was insufferable. A terrible film, by my standards (this is from the chick who liked The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Superstar). Sure, it had Nic Cage and Eva Mendes, but it was still terrible.

When I heard that there could be a SEQUEL to this awful movie, I was like, "What?!" How stupid a decision is that one? Who's going to go see it? Even more, who's going to spend money to see it? Am I right here? I mean, I'll go see the Smurfs movie before a sequel to Gay Rider (I know, terrible joke. . . )

Second bit of news: The Shatner to direct himself? Kind of interesting, although reading the headline kind of made me chuckle. Something about imagining William Shatner directing himself on a movie about himself. . . I don't know. Kind of funny.

Anyway, and before you do ANYTHING after reading this post, please go watch this trailer. I've seen it four times already, and cannot stop thinking about it. It's called Somewhere.

Have a good one, blog-readers!

One Month for Inception!

I'm not really sure how to celebrate. However, this is very exciting, how close it's getting to July 16th!

Movie Map!

Sometimes you find the strangest of things on the Internet,

But since I'm going to be (maybe) Internet-less the next four days--spending a few days in upstate New York with my grandparents!--I figure, I need something for my blog-readers to keep interested in! So even though this isn't movie news, I still think it's kind of cool.

Check it out!

Oh, and while you're at it: Remember how I said I'm going to be following The Tourist?

. . . That's all I'll say!!

What makes that picture different from any others I've shared is that it's a still frame, meaning we'll probably end up seeing a scene like that in the movie (unless they cut it out due to editing). So! Brainstorming time! Jolie looks poised and confident; Depp has a look that, to me, says, "How did I end up on this boat with this woman who might be leading me to sudden but inevitable death? Gee, I'm one lucky guy!"

So what could be going on in this scene? Hmm?

Oh, and while you're at it (2x): Check out this trailer (even though it's not a movie): BOARDWALK EMPIRE

Looks pretty cool, except after watching it I kind of wish it has a name cooler than Boardwalk Empire. . . but maybe that's just me.

Adios!

All-Nighter, Folks!

Well, not really. But I'm in my favorite pajamas (actually, they're the only ones I have suited for summer) watching one of my favorite movies (Never Been Kissed) and life seems pretty good!

Okay. So last post I promised I'd have something movie-related news-wise, and I think I do. Check this link out.

Personally, I think the directing aspect of Hollywood is a lot more mysterious than I previously gave it credit for. I recently read an article about the director of the remade Karate Kid movie, about what he had to do to set himself above the other director who wanted to helm the movie. Instead of walking in with a pitch for the studio execs, he came in with a homemade replica of Jackie Chan's outdoor karate dojo-place. Needless to say, the execs were impressed, and thus, he got the job.

This article reminds me a lot of that story. Let me get this straight: Not only is Sam Raimi considered for Oz, but so is Guillermo del Toro, Adam Shankman, AND Timur Bekmambetov? Geez!

Oh, but it gets better. So remember hearing waaaay back when, when Guy Richie was making his Sherlock Holmes with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law? Apparently so is Sasha Baren Cohen (and I think Will Ferrell may be attached). More similarities! Because in addition to Oz, The Great And Powerful, there's going to also be:

1. Surrender Dorothy

2. Oz

3. Untitled, darker Wizard of Oz project

4. Film adaptation of musical Wicked

Like, really? Is all this really necessary? Raise your hand if you're not even a fan of the original Wizard of Oz! (Like me.) I mean, remakes are one thing. Sure, I like a good 80's movie as much as the next person.

But I'm not a fan of the Oz world. The munchkins scared me and I couldn't get past the flying monkeys, or the fact that the witch freaking melts (spoiler alert....sorry). Now, I know those are part of the plot of the movie.

But a yellow brick road isn't enough for me. Frankly, the setting spooks me. If I were Raimi, I'd stick to the World of Warcraft movie, even though we all know what might happen if he starts spending too much money (a la Peter Jackson, anyone?).

Thoughts?

My 3rd Post...

But this is really cool.

Remember that Ryan Reynolds movie I talked about like a month ago? Buried? It has a wicked cool poster that I would have as my desktop if it weren't for, you know, Inception.

So the one above is cool . . . I guess. But the link is even better. Just check it out!

Oh! And if you want to get your Leonard DiCaprio fix before Inception (because who doesn't?) Shutter Island came to DVD this Tuesday! Although I would seriously read the book first, because it will change your life.

Now I'm seriously done! Our next Netflix movie is The Brothers Bloom! Tomorrow I'll return with some actual movie-related news!

Ohmygosh

Just 36 days until Inception?! You know what that means!

Three men + the 3 in "36" + 3 syllables to Inception = 9 = my lucky number = How can this NOT be a good movie!

Death At A Funeral!

Yes, my faithful blog-readers, my Netflix movie choice finally came in Tuesday. And you know what I did?

I watched it!

Of course, there was a problem (because let's face it: nothing is ever easy. Family pictures, finding professors, even getting something to eat when you have no car and your parents do the stupidest of things, like put bread in the freaking freezer. But that's another story. Gist of this: nothing is ever easy).

So what was the problem watching Death At A Funeral, you ask?

Okay. So the disc says, "Full Screen This Side/Wide Screen This Side." My television is more of a wider-screen, so naturally I want to watch the movie in wide screen. So I put it in.

Nothing happens.

Literally. I make sure I put it in right, and I did. So I sit there, give it five minutes. Nothing.

Then I flip it around, because I'm certain it must be the wrong side. (My logic isn't entirely correct, because if I inserted the "wrong side" then the full screen side of a Netflix DVD is screwed up, and I like to think they wouldn't send us a fully-functioning DVD.)

Well. Full-screen it is. I was right, so I flip it again and try to play it.

I get through 15 seconds of lag. That's it. You know what lag is? Has anyone ever played the massively popular online computer game, World of Warcraft? There's a city called Ironforge which everyone calls Lagforge because, no matter the power of your computer, it lags. As in, freezes and plays every so often. Like listening to a song with continuous pauses. SO ANNOYING.

It seemed as though the movie gods weren't listening to my pleas. But I got over it, put the DVD in on the full-screen, went to the couch, and enjoyed a good 90 minute movie.

I have seen it once more since Tuesday, and I have to confess: By myself, DaaF was a movie that should've been funnier, the kind of movie that makes you smile, chuckle, and get really excited that it's going to be funny (because it's obvious where they're going with the joke or scene) but then fails to actually reach the peak of hilarity. I enjoyed it, nonetheless, but would've liked it funnier.

When I watched it the second time, with other people, everything changed! It was laugh-out-loud funny! I almost had tears in my eyes, and this is coming from the person who saw it just two days ago, so you'd think watching the same movie would be like reading old news. But yet I enjoyed it even more!

I think it deserves a spot on my list of movies to see before you die. In fact, I ought to actually make that list and post it. Because I am no movie-expert (I wish) but I happen to think I have good taste in movies. If I share mine, will you blog-readers share me yours? In comments?

Anyway, the scenes were well-shot, the acting and writing was believable, and even though the movie borderlines on unsafely ridiculous, I highly recommend it. Claire gives it a: 8.5 out of 10.

So! This post leads me to my question of the night for you blog-readers! What movies have you watched that you "watch" differently with different audiences? Do you cry in front of Forrest Gump when you're around only specific people? Do you make fun of the "period" movies like Pride & Prejudice or The Queen Victoria when you're around your friends--but when you watch them in secret, think they are respectable pieces of film art and should be more enjoyed by broader audiences? Are you like me, in that you are seriously glad to have watched Superbad with your brother, and not with your parents like you had originally planned?

I want opinions! Friday is just around the corner! The hot cast of TrueBlood is on my Entertainment Weekly magazine this weekend!

See what I'm doing? Three random !'s!

Which One to Pick?

This is a short blog, but it's a question that has boggled me for what seems like eternity.

What movie do you pick to watch when three of your favorites are on at the same time?

This happened to me just a few weeks ago. They were all on movie channels, so no commercials, either, which made the pick harder. And these are movies that (in my opinion) must be watched with 100% attention, because watching them with little "breaks" in between or even skipping scenes is just not done.

So, surfing the TV one day, I found these three on: Shakespeare In Love, Memento, and The Spirit.

I know I have discussed the last two in past blog posts, mentioned how great they were (and for The Spirit, how good bad it was) but I'm not sure I've talked about my love for Shakespeare In Love. In fact, I think I'm going to talk about it a little more in my next post.

Anyway, so three of my favorites. Which one do I choose?

Guess!

So, blog-readers, has this kind of thing ever happened to you? It could be movies or TV shows. And don't you hate it when it happens, because you wish you could watch all three of them at the same time?

Can't wait to read comments! Glee season finale on tonight!! A little less than 40 days until Inception!!!

-Claire

Wow! So Many Headlines!

After last night's MTV Movie Awards, you'd think all the headlines entertainment/movie-related would be lame, having to do with some scandalous happening at the awards show or just fluff that no one cares about.

Wrong!

In addition to the traditional surprises (Bullock & Johansson Share Jaw-dropping Liplock At MTV Movie Awards) and obvious (It's Raining F-Bombs At MTV Movie Awards) here are a few other headlines I read that made me go, "Man! I've gotta read this!"

(And to make this easy on you blog-readers, the headlines are the links themselves, so all you have to do is point and click. Versus me, who had to click, then click again. Long story.)

- "Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds to reunite on new action comedy"

- "Is Jamie Bell Set As Spider Man?"

- "Van Sant Actually Wanted to Direct Breaking Dawn"

- "Guillermo del Toro Admits: 'I am No Longer an Official Voice for The Hobbit'"

So what do you think? They're all pretty random, but all-in-all, a great day for me! (And for those of you who are wondering, all those headlines came from imdb.com.)

Please read them, comment on what you think. Some are only a few sentences long, while others are quite interesting. And for those who are thinking, "Wow, this chick is so lame, four headlines and she freaks out?" Please understand, that I get a lot of my information from various websites throughout the day. Imdb.com has never reported 4 consecutive headlines of interest to me before, that I can remember. So: Ha!

Oh, and if you want to hear some great music while surfing the Web (because let's face it, that's the best way to do it) listen to this video and minimize this window!

-Claire!

And I almost forgot: Here's a treat for you H.P. fans who didn't watch the MTV Movie Awards (cough....like me.....cough):

Make way for Part One!

Unnecessary Sequels

You know you're having a great Friday night when you're actually enjoying a Spelling Bee, am I right?? (Total sarcasm, by the way. But there just aren't any good movies on, so what else am I supposed to watch? Oh, and it's the 2010 Scripps National Spelling Bee, which makes it even better. Not.)

Anyway, so as you may have heard, Sex And The City 2 came out whenever (frankly, it's "whenever" because I don't really care) and Sarah Jessica Parker, the movie's star, says she wouldn't mind doing a third movie.

Okay. So I have never watched the show, but honestly: how long are American people going to care about four women who shop around and sleep around? To me, the commercials feature only that, which frankly, looks a little degrading to women. But that's another story.

The real problem comes with the content. Sequels to movies are different territory than just making a first. I mean, just today there was a headline that read: Christopher Nolan Will Never Bring Back The Joker In His Batman Movies. No matter what happens in the movies or in real life, sequels and trilogies and even sagas are a dangerous matter. Audiences have to be willing to watch another installment of the same world. The story must be interesting. Has anyone seen Zoolander, the crazy comedy with Ben Stiller as a male model who gets brainwashed to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia? (I know, even writing it just makes me feel silly.) Well, for a while it looked like there would be a Zoolander 2. Even a Ron Burgundy 2.

And don't get me started on those Shrek movies. The first one was good, the second was all right. But the third was a little pointless and the fourth looks plain irrelevant. Seriously, a lot needs to be thought of when planning sequels. We need to like the characters, the setting, the general world.

What makes me annoyed the most are the movies where it's clear no sequel was ever intended, yet they make one anyway. Like Hitman or Ocean's 11 or Inside Man or The Lost Boys or all those Psycho movies. All of these movies (and a ton more, I'm sure) were great as one. Singular. As in, not plural.

And though Hitman 2 and Inside Man 2 haven't exactly come out yet, I'm not really sure how much they'll matter, since a few years have spanned since the first ones, and as they say, the sequel is never as good at the first one.

What are my blog-readers thoughts on this? Would you watch a sequel to your favorite movie of all time (that does not need a sequel)? Personally I would not watch Pride & Prejudice 2. There is a fine line between movies with good everything and movies that audiences want to revisit with new stories and sometimes, I think Hollywood suits forget that.

Oh, and if you would like to laugh:

Anyone heard of the awesome buddy-show Psych? They have an entire episode devoted to the world of Spelling Bee, and the episode's title is (wait for it....wait for it...)

Spellingg Bee! (But I couldn't find it anywhere to watch online...so you'll just have to trust me on this one.) Awesome, isn't it? Now you'll always hesitate when you write 'spelling'! I know I do!

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Trailers! 2.0

I said this day would come, and it has come at last. The sequel to the Trailers! post!

This, blog-readers, is one of my favorite parts of the whole movie-world. To me, trailers represent optimism. To me, they personify the meaning of "looking forward to" something. Yes, most trailers (with the exception of teasers) are as long as your favorite song. But like a favorite song, trailers get better with every viewing (literally, I believe I watched the trailer for the first Iron Man like five times in three days). And, unlike favorite songs, sometimes the trailers we watch tend to be better than the actual movie, but that's okay, because not every "album" has all entirely great songs. Am I right? Even if it ends up being a bad movie, you can still say "Well, at least the trailer was awesome."

Did any of that make any sense??!!

Anyway, so here is yet another list that I, my movie-fanatic self, have made, in hopes of you all watching and giving me your own comments. And unlike the last list (because there were some trailers on there that were a bit iffy) I have a good feeling you'll maybe enjoy this new crop: (And the links* are the titles themselves, so all you have to do is point and click!)

Dinner For Schmucks: Just about anything with Steve Carrell I'll watch, to be honest (although I have yet to see 40 Year Old Virgin). This looks plain ridiculous, but a very good ridiculous. What was your favorite part, seeing Mr. Carrell and his stuffed mice reenacting The Last Supper, or the fact that Zach Galifianakis thinks he can read minds?

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World: I was a little unsure of this one going in, because it was looking bad-ridiculous. But please stick it out, because I think it could be this summer's underdog. Sure, Michael Cera looks like the same guy he plays in every movie he's in, but hey! He's fighting people! I wish they would've shown more Brandon Routh/Superman though....

Gulliver's Travels: Yes! I spotted Jason Segel. That's all I need to see this movie, period. No, to be honest, it looks okay, not great. Lately Jack Black's been going kind of downhill (see: Year One) so I'll need to see more "funny" in later trailers to come for it to get my money.

On second thought, it could be aimed for little kids. Which would explain a lot...

Salt: Destined to be one of the bigger action-flicks of the year, I can tell. Certainly an all-star cast, but what I'll be anticipating to hear is if it really delivers. As in, good reviews, good post-office money.

Morning Glory: Looks like a feel-good film, but I'm kind of at odds over whom it's marketed to. There's Diane Keaton and Rachel McAdams, so it could be a chick flick (female empowerment in the workplace + lackluster love life = chick flick). But old Harrison Ford kind of makes it into a weird nostalgic comedy, and what on earth is Patrick Wilson doing in it? It's getting an "eh" from me, and to be honest, I think it's just listed on here because I love Anchorman so much that I think I unconsciously want all movies dealing with news shows to be a little Anchorman-ish.

Jonah Hex: I think I'd be into it a little more if it weren't Josh Brolin playing the title character. I mean, realistically-speaking, I know Mr. Hex probably looks like that in the comics, but I've got to be honest: I like my leading men hot, even flawed. And he just pulls off flawed. Nevertheless, it still looks interesting. Am I the only one who gagged a little when the bird came out of the guy's mouth? ...Still gagging just thinking about it.

All right! So I think that just about covers it. * refers to how most of the links are Apple-related trailers, so in case they don't work I suggest going to themoviebox.net and finding the trailers page, then watching. Because seriously, even if you don't like ANY of the previews, at least you will have seen them, and your horizons will be broadened, even if a little bit.

Thank God it's almost Friday! -Claire

Rest in Peace, Rue McClanahan.

So here it is, blog-readers, yet another sad day in Hollywood: 76-year-old Rue McClanahan, known for her role on the TV show The Golden Girls, passed away this morning after suffering a massive stroke, EW.com reports.

She starred in many off-Broadway shows, as well as being on The Golden Girls. In addition, she guest-starred in series like Law & Order and was also in Wicked.

Folks, I'm thinking she is our third celebrity.

--Claire

What Season is Your Best Movie Memory?

The title says it all, folks.

I don't really have any movie "news" for you today (or tonight, which I guess is more appropriate) so instead I am asking you a simple/not-so-simple question.

You see, for some hardcore movie-nerds like me, you come to associate different time periods, smells, and ages with different movies. For example, whenever I would put on this tanning lotion for my legs, I always like watching the cult-classic television show Firefly because it gave me company. Now, whenever I put on the lotion and smell the familiar smell, I feel like I should be watching Firefly. Or vise-versa.

But now that the summer is approaching, these awesome memories of me staying up till 1 or 2 in the morning and watching continuous reruns of possibly one of the greatest vampire movies of all time, The Lost Boys, are hitting me faster like an 111 miles per hour lacrosse shot by Paul Rabil.

I can still remember the first time I saw it. There was nothing good on TV but I was bored so I was up for almost anything, even CNN. Then I saw The Lost Boys on G4, a primarily gaming network, and they were showing the movie as part of a "Movies That Don't Suck"-type thing (like how Cartoon Network has Adult Swim, kind of). So I click on it because I've only heard of it once, referred to "that movie where Kiefer Sutherland is a teenager."

Then my dad calls and he asks me what I'm doing and I say, "Watching G4." And he goes, "Oh, yeah? What're you watching?" And I say, "...The Lost Boys," a little timidly, too, because I wasn't sure how he'd respond.

But everything ended up being cool.

Back to the point of this blog: So summer reminds me of endless nights with the young hot Jason Patric and the awesome Corey Haim as ridiculously believable brothers and their antics with the local vampires, ruled by one Mr. Sutherland, sporting a semi?-attractive hairdo. I mean, if you haven't seen this movie already, I highly suggest you do so. How could you not love lines like,

Sam: Look at your reflection in the mirror. You're a creature of the night, Michael, just like out of a comic book! You're a vampire Michael! My own brother, a bad-word, bad-word vampire. You wait 'till mom finds out, buddy!

If you don't believe me, here's a trailer. There's just the link, because for some reason the Youtube videos come with half of the screen missing, like on the trailer to Inception. Anyway, here it is: The (Lost) Boys of Summer

Do you like my song reference to The Boys of Summer? Pretty neat, if you ask me.

Anyway, so do you associate any seasons with good movies you've seen? I know a family who always watches The Shining on Halloween night. To be honest, I don't know if I could do that. Anything for winter or spring? Summer? Fall? I know big blockbuster-type films are usually associated with summer, but I like watching The Lost Boys and ridiculously stupid comedies like Zoolander and Talladega Nights, because the careless, simplistic, and do-whatever-you-want, be-whoever-you-want themes of these movies seem to echo summer's own purpose (if that makes any sense).

So? Any answers? Any takers?

Anyway, be on the look-out for more blogs! I've got a list of topics I can't wait to discuss, plus some up-to-date movie news, as well as another round of trailers!!!

Happy June 1st, blog-readers! -Claire