NEW MOVIES: 6/1/07

KNOCKED UP

In the same vein of the hilarity that is ABC's "Notes from the Underbelly," this film explores the trauma that comes along with an unexpected pregnancy for two under-qualified strangers, Katherine Heigl ("Grey's Anatomy") and Seth Rogen (The 40 Year Old Virgin), who had a one night stand. Playing their life support are actors who are known for being designated best friends: Leslie Mann (Big Daddy), Paul Rudd (The 40 Year Old Virgin), Jason Segel ("How I Met your Mother"), Jonah Hill (Accepted), Jay Baruchel ("Undeclared"), and Martin Star ("Freaks and Geeks"). Like I mentioned last week, there's a lot of faith in Rogen and his ability to turn out a great comedy, as he's done before in supporting roles. I've always seen him as a meathead, but after this role of playing the nearly retarded, emotionally-challenged, and unambitious counterpart to Heigl's independent hottie, he just might broaden that perspective. And while Rogen's future is promising, it seems he's more interested in paving the way for the future frat pack, who may be lead by none other than Jonah Hill, his young doppleganger. Hill will be costarring in Rogen's next writing venture Superbad, after being in One Part Sugar with his fellow brother in comedy Justin Long (Accepted) and alongside Rogen's good friend Steve Carrell in Evan Almighty. Watch both actors this weekend to see history in the making. Or...just go see Heigl get half naked.


MR. BROOKS

Kevin Costner shrugs off his former reluctant heartthrob rep and dons a creepy serial killer persona in this mystery thriller starring Demi Moore, the diligent cop, Dane Cook, the snooping photographer, and William Hurt (The Good Shepherd), Brooks's confidant. Costner has alluded to the idea that if this film is successful, he intends on making the character a part of a saga or trilogy of films. However, if it were to do well it would also mean a lot for his costars--Moore would have fully recovered from the slump she's endured since her hiatus and Cook will have successfully stepped into a new genre. But is it worth the ticket price? I'd say it's probably more gripping than Perfect Stranger...so, maybe it won't suck? The fact is: Women go see Costner cause they think he has that eternal Clooney hotness and watching him be merciless is probably not all that appealing. But if you happen to be interested in the story then you might want to discover how this particular serial killer manages to kill his victims without leaving a trail (kind of like Fracture), how Moore's taunted by him (kind of like Hannibal), and how his daughter (Danielle Panabaker, from Yours, Mines and Ours) will react when she slowly pieces together the truth about her father (like in The Glass House). It may not be original content, but maybe it'll have an original ending.


DAY WATCH

I know the previous two films have been getting more press than this one, but this Russian indie will surely be an underground sleeper hit that'll be just as under appreciated as last year's District B-13. Even though I didn't watch all of the Matrix films, I'd say that this action film puts the trilogy's special effects to shame. Russian director Timur Bekmambetov is making his American debut this year with two films: Wanted with Morgan Freeman, Angelina Jolie, James McAvoy, and Common, and 9 with Elijah Wood, John C. Reilly, and Jennifer Connelly. He's most certainly one to watch. This action sci-fi/horror/action flick is a sequel to Night Watch. But don't be discouraged. Even if you don't get to watch the first--like Blade and even Die Hard--there's no real prior knowledge necessary. It, like Children of Men, deals with a post-apocalyptic world. A man who's stuck in the midst of a war between the forces of Light and Dark discovers something that'll restore Moscow to what it once was. Too philosophical for you? Watch the trailer and the sick driving that goes on in the end--making Vin Deisel look like he was operating a tricycle in The Fast and the Furious--and you'll be swayed.


RISE: BLOOD HUNTER

If you want a more dumbed down action flick, then Lucy Lui's latest will do the trick. As a result of being written and directed by Sebastian Gutierrez (Snakes on a Plane, Gothika), this vampire movie is grounded more in realistic locations, wardrobe, and personalities than say Underworld or Blade. The premise revolves around a cop that is raped and murdered by a vampire couple played by Brit James D'Arcy (Mansfield Park) and Carla Gugino ("Entourage"). After she wakes up in the morgue, hellbent on revenge, they try to convince her that she must accept what she is now. But like every involuntary vampire, she'd rather be dead. Unfortunately, there literally is no life in Lui during the trailer, so I doubt her performance will be any more impressive. Other than the lesbian kiss, I don't really see anyone finding a reason to watch it.


GRACIE

I know you've probably seen your share of underdog sports films from Rudy to Radio, but just give this one a chance. Amanda Bynes had a similar story in She's the Man, which I thought was hilarious. But, this is a true tale about a girl who takes her brother's place on a soccer team after he dies in a car accident. She's not only grieving for the loss of her best friend, but battling naysayers who are stuck in the dark ages with the notion that women are deficient in all things athletic. I'm sorry, have you ever heard the names Mia Hamm, Serena Williams, or Laila Ali? The lead, Carly Schroeder (Mean Creek), is an up and coming actress with a lot of promise. She'll have you screaming at the misogynists on the screen and mentally pinpointing the nearest Modell's for a soccer ball.

MUSIC: Hilary Duff dumped a "Stranger"

As the third single off of Hilary Duff's album, "Stranger" isn't as strong as her second, "With Love." But, since it's intertwined with scandal—like Justin's "What goes around comes around"—it just might work. However, Duff stays firm to her claim that the song, which alludes to her ex-boyfriend, Joel Madden, turning into a stranger and cheating on her, is actually about her parents and their imminent divorce. Either way, it's a lovely publicity stunt that will further her career...as will the video.

It seems Obama and Clinton aren't the only ones on the campaign trail. Belly dancing, flashy minis, and classic scorned woman behavior all amount to a clever tactic to inch her way towards the vacant pop princess thrown. Let's be honest, it's been vacant for a while now. By the time Britney gets her shit together, she'll be scrambling for fans like Madonna will in her 60s and her Depends will be showing through her thong. When you can't sing, you can only gyrate for so long before you have to opt for a hip replacement instead of a boob job, or pick up a weird instrument like Cyndi Lauper. But Duff still has a long way to go. As if history isn't proof enough, she'll need a huge scandal to get her on the map. Hopefully, she'll choose to keep her dignity.

Duff's touring Canada throughout the summer and should soon start production on the drama Safety Glass with Steve Coogan (Night at the Museum), Amber Tamblyn (Grudge 2), Amanda Peet ("Studio 60"), Michael Angarano (Lords of Dogtown), and Molly Shannon (Year of the Dog). And it appears she and John Cusack are inseparable, because after wrapping War, Inc. a couple of months ago, they'll be working together again soon on the sci-fi thriller Talking with Dog, alongside Rodrigo Santoro (300). Her film marks a trend in the industry lately to market post-apocalyptic films that started with Children of Men. This one not only touches on a world inflicted with infertility, but global warming as well. Duff's sudden migration from romantic comedies to more serious films could get her stronger street cred. And if she stays away from Lohan-Paris-Richie-Britney-related publicity stunts, she just might get it.

FILM: Seth Rogen's "Superbad" Trailer

SUPERBAD

I literally laughed for two minutes straight. I fully welcome the return of the teen comedy filled with ridiculous shenanigans, i.e. Can't Hardly Wait, American Pie, Girl Next Door, etc. Now I get all the hype that's surrounding this up and coming comedian. Genius. Pure Genius.

MUSIC: Paula DeAnda thinks guys are "Easy"

"Easy" by Paula DeAnda feat. Lil Wayne

Paula DeAnda, 17-year-old Mexican-American pop singer, is still kicking around the charts since she released her first single, "Doing Too Much," last July. Her next single was, the better received, "Walk Away" featuring The DEY, which was written by Ne-Yo and Christina Milian. This year she released "When it was me," a song where she asks what makes another girl better than her. But to be honest, "Easy" is my first fave from the singer. It has a catchy self-obsessed chorus—a la Pussycat Dolls—with lyrics like: "I know I'm a hot hot shorty!" and "Cause you so damn easy!" It's a mellower club song than the usual rowdy reggae, but it'll get the job done.

FILM: Box Office Results - 5/29/07

If it weren't for Memorial Day, good old Jack Sparrow would've been screwed this week. With an extra day, At the World's End was able to top Dead Man's Chest by seven million, making $142 million. It also exceeded Shrek the Third's ($122 mil) first weekend box office total, but was a few mil shy to beat Spiderman 3's ($148).

Thursday I implied that the plot was simple, but I was wrong--there were so many hidden agendas and double crosses. Although this was supposed to be the last film and there were several plot points that were being wrapped up in a tight little bow, there were others that were just beginning. Like they promised, there were a couple things left up in the air in case they wanted to make another sequel. Unlike Spiderman 3, the romantic angle of Dead Man's Chest was gripping and tangible. Like poor Spidey and even the new Bruce Wayne, Will Turner finds it's harder to keep his true love than to find her. Aside from the intricate plot and two or three impressive combat scenes, there were several unnecessary sequences. Whenever studios create trilogies or sagas, they know they can't just continue with the same theatrics. There's a fine line between shocking us and underwhelming us. And unfortunately there were a few instances when the film fell on the wayside with useless giants, pointless Jack hallucinations, and an unimpressive goddess. There are three moments, however, that are worth seeing--which may be skewed by my gender--Elizabeth getting to wield a powerful position, the two lovers professing their love during, by far, the most chaotic moment of the film, and when Keith Richards silences a room of rowdy, ravenous pirates with just a whisper.

The horror thriller Bug came in at #4 with $4.2 mil after Shrek (#2) and Spiderman (#3), while Waitress jumped up seven spots to #5 with $4 mil. Indie Angel-A was released in 7 theaters and made $38,000 domestically. Luckily it made $7.7 mil abroad. The anime Paprika, released only in 2 theaters, made a bit more--$46,000. Lastly, Boss of it all, which was only released in one theater, raised $2,000 domestically and $2 mil abroad.

Next week, everyone's betting on Knocked Up to take the fourth spot behind all of the blockbusters, bringing some adult humor back into the box office. Other possible contenders for the top 5 are Kevin Costner and Demi Moore's crime thriller Mr. Brooks and Lucy Lui's vampire action flick Rise: Blood Hunter.

FILM: Spiderman goes emo

I had no idea that Spiderman being posessed by the evil, black, webby symbiote would mean Tobey Maguire would get a bad fashion sense, an emo haircut, and urges to thrust his body and snap his fingers. I found that whole part of the movie to be corny, laughable, and slightly disturbing.

Fortunately, the movie was long and so jam-packed with a million other things going on that Maguire's brush with the embarassing "dark side" was brief in context.

And when I say there were a million other things going on, I mean it. I'm talking flashbacks to Ben Parker's death, Flint Marko's fight to run from the cops, run from Spiderman, and help his daughter, Harry Osborn's loss and regain of his memory, Harry's attempt and resignation at avenging his father's death, Peter Parker's planning to propose to MJ, MJ's fleeting Broadway career and new life as a singing waitress...all topped with a giant wind of sand that is the Sandman and scattered appearances of Topher Grace as Edward Brock Jr./Venom and Bryce Dallas Howard as Gwen Stacy.

The movie was just as crazy and choppy as that sounded, but surprisingly, it worked. The movie was completely and constantly entertaining and while there were more things going on than in previous Spiderman movies, I thought it all came together nicely in the end. As usual, we are left with some kind of valuable lesson that Peter Parker learns. In this case, it was about good and bad, and being faced with a choice to be good or bad. Spiderman who usually does good did bad things, Flint Marko did something bad in the process of wanting to help his daughter, and Brock chose to be bad.

I have to give Bruce Campbell a special mention as the host at the restaurant where Peter was going to propose. This was by far the funniest and my favorite part of the movie. You have to see it to know what I'm talking about.

Ultimately, Spiderman 3 was a hectic and action-packed adventure that is just fun to watch, and really, that's all I ask for in a superhero movie. The movie was also visually pleasing, as Monica mentioned a couple weeks ago, special effects were very well done.

FILM: Happy Feet DVD Review

Set in Antarctica, this animated film was about a penguin, Mumbles (Elijah Wood), who was dropped as an egg and suffered such severe "damage" that he couldn't evoke his heart song to find his one true love, and instead danced like he was possessed. The shots of wintry landscapes, synchronized swimming and choreographed tap dancing were amazing—and truly worth an Oscar.

BUT...Ever since I heard Scooby Doo and Shaggy were always hungry, paranoid, and found emerging from smoky places because they were potheads, and the first Power Rangers were color-coordinated according to their race, I've always over analyzed the underlying implications of animated films.

First, Mumbles is established as the proverbial retarded kid, because he tap dances. He was an outcast whose only friends, besides his love interest Gloria (Brittany Murphy), were "Hispanic" penguins. They were the only ones who thought his tap dancing was impressive and worth applause. Ergo, *LOL* Hispanic people are retarded. [Side note: I am Dominican.]

Second, the elders of the penguin colony forced all the other penguins, including Mumbles' father, to shun him, saying that his skill was demonic. The way the elder penguin spoke was as if he were in Puritan times and he'd found himself a witch. It was like he was equating Mumbles' "deficiency" to an unwed teenager having a child at 16. Ergo, *LOL* Hispanic people are heathens. [Side note: Again. I. Am. Dominican.]

So, the moral of the story for all of you young kids out there: Stop listening to Dora the Explorer. She doesn't know what she's talking about and she's going to HELL.

Oh, and besides the fact that the studio buried this obvious storyline, they also failed to market how environmentally conscious this film is. It—seriously this time—teaches kids about how humans affect their surroundings and endanger other species. And like all animated films, it reinforces the idea that even if you're just one person, even if you haven't gone through puberty, and—in the special case for this film—even if you don't speak their same language, you can make a difference and change people's mind.

All in all, if your child isn't old enough to realize how subconsciously racist this film is, pop it in the DVD player and scroll through the yellow pages for a tap dancing teacher. Trust me. Making noise is every kid's specialty. Now they'll discover a name for it.

ALBUM REVIEW: Linkin Park "Minutes to Midnight"

It's been 3 years since the alternative rock band Linkin Park has released new content. During their hiatus they've collaborated with Jay-Z, and Mike Shinonda, the rap vocalist, developed a successful side project under the name Fort Minor. Fans have missed lead vocalist Chester Bennington's pent up rage and Shinonda's resonating rhymes. Now with the release of their latest album, Minutes to Midnight, they are hoping the band is still filled with thought provoking lyrics and evolved harmonies.

I've been a consistent fan of their music, but after a first listen, I was only captured by two tracks. The first was "Leave out all the rest." It's your basic Linkin Park melody, starting off slow and steady with a solemn Chester at the mike, and then raging guitars to amp up the emotion erupting around the chorus. It's a nice throwback to when they did the formula correctly.

The other track that I really like is "Hands held high." Before you watch the youtube clip, know that it's actually synched to a Columbine tribute--which is probably why it's one of the only clips that haven't been removed by the music company. The best part of this track is Shinonda's drumroll-speed rhyming of the lyrics:

"Do you see?/The soldiers that are out today./That brush the dust with bulletproof vests away./It's ironic./At times like this you pray,/But a bomb blew the mosque up yesterday./There's bombs in the buses, bikes, roads,/inside your markets, your shops, your clothes,/My dad, he's got a lot of fear I know/but enough pride inside not to let that show./My brother had a book he would hold with pride/A little red cover with a broken spine./In the back he hand wrote a quote inside,/when the rich wage war, it's the poor who die."

Hear the whole thing here:

Shinonda most certainly delivers what's long been awaited. But I think the next time they release an album they'll all have to step it up just to keep up with his artistic evolution.

MUSIC: R&B artist Mario, gasping for air

"How do I Breathe" by Mario

I was perusing the AOL Hot 100 and I found this song by Mario at the 83rd spot. It's highly underrated. It's actually just as sweet and soulful as Ne-Yo's "Because of You" or Lloyd's "You." Give it a shot.

NEW MOVIES: 5/25/07

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Ahoy maties!!! Ok, so when would I ever get to say that except now? Which is one of the lovely reasons you should go see the third (and supposedly final) installment of Captain Jack Sparrow's adventures, as he pisses off every pirate he meets and causes trouble for the young lovers, Will and Elisabeth. The basic plot is: Captain Barbossa, the young lovers, and Jack's loyal crew go to Davy Jones's Locker (bizarro name) to save Jack from a gruesome death. If his shenanigans aren't enough to drag you by your knickers to the pits of pirate hell, then you might be enticed by the fact that Chow Yun Fat and Keith Richards are joining in on the fun. So land lovers, dive into this 2hr 48 min sea adventure to discover a world you won't soon forget.


BUG

Plot: "A Gulf War vet turned drifter (Michael Shannon) holes up with a woman (Ashley Judd) in hiding [from her recently paroled ex-husband (Harry Connick Jr.)] in her seedy motel room. The pair is relatively isolated, except for the bug infestation problem that triggers their respective psychological issues." There's been a lot of buzz (pardon the pun) around this film, that's ranked by the tomatometer's cream of the crop at 73%, about how convincingly deranged Shannon (Vanilla Sky) becomes as he's progressively infected by bugs. Entertainment Weekly's Lisa Schwarzbaum refers to him as having "a mean-baby face that morphs by imperceptible degrees from innocent to madman." That alone seems worth seeing. Alas, if you don't want to go to sleep with the sneaking sensation that there are bugs prying into your pores and tucking themselves in under your skin, you might want to skip it.


Limited Releases

ANGEL-A

This is a black and white, French, romantic comedy from Luc Besson, the director of Fifth Element, The Transporter, and The Professional. It's about Andre, a scam artist (Jamel Debbouze, She Hate Me) and Angela (Rie Rasmussen, Femme Fatale), a really hot girl, who just happen to meet while standing on a bridge railing as they're about to kill themselves. If you've seen his movies, you know his characters tend to be a tad offbeat, which is why it's no surprise that this really hot girl just might be a figment of Andre's imagination. Like in The Transporter, Andre spends most of the film trying to evade loan sharks and Angela is his only salvation. So, if you're looking for something with minimal special effects that's devoid of pirates, this might be a nice alternative.


PAPRIKA

It's a Japanese anime film, directed by Satoshi Kon and written by Yasutaka Tsutsui, about a female therapist, Paprika, who has to find a stolen machine that allows therapists to enter their patient's mind. Sixteen out of seventeen critics on rottentomatoes.com gave it a thumbs up. So, if you're tired of reading manga, put the comic/graphic novel down and go watch Paprika save our sanity.


Boss of it All

An actor is hired to pretend to be the new boss of a small company. Unfortunately, he wasn't informed of how much his employees hate him or how bizarre they all are. This foreign film takes "The Office" to a whole other level, making Steve Carrell look like Boss of the Year. The Village Voice breaks it down the best, saying the film has: "quite a lot to say, actually, about loyalty, the temptation of the almighty dollar, and corporate buck-passing as a kind of Olympic sport." But the New York Times cracked me up when it said the film was: "A cold, misanthropic work that places no faith in institutions and in humanity itself. But it’s also very funny." That sounds like something "Daria" would've say.