Plot:
With crime on the rise and Central City in desperate need of a hero, Frank Miller gives us The Spirit (Macht) - a police officer that died in the line of duty and came back as a spirit with the ability to withstand an amazing amount of pain and punishment and his body will regenerate itself back to normality. At the head of the crime epidemic is his arch nemesis the Octopus (Jackson), a villain with the same power as the Spirit. Wanting to one up the Spirit, the Octopus recruits the services of a specialist - Silken Floss (Johansson), who will help kill the Spirit giving him complete control to rule the city. In the midst of all this the hero must deal with feelings that have risen regarding his childhood sweetheart Sand Saref (Mendes) who has turned into a premier jewel thief caught in the middle of a murder.
Reel Talk:
Frank Miller the director of Sin City and 300, brings the same visual sensation to The Spirit, which is cool just not original. Not even the visuals help this movie which is just plain flat. Although veteran actor Samuel L. Jackson brings his A game, the supporting cast comes across as if they are doing a badly scripted play. Then there is the crazy senseless scenes, like in the middle of winter and there are scantily clad women (I mean damn near bucket naked). But this is a movie based on a comic book depiction and I guess it's not suppose to make sense. If you go there expecting a follow up to Sin City, disappointment awaits you.
Starring: Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson and Eric Balfour
Directed by: Frank Miller
Rated: PG-13
I give it 2 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Thursday, December 25, 2008
BEDTIME STORIES
Plot:
Skeeter Bronson (Sandler) remembers the wonderful bedtime stories that his father Marty (Pryce), an owner of a small family hotel, used to tell him and his sister when they were kids. Upon losing the hotel, Marty had made an agreement with the new owner Barry Nottinham (Griffiths) that his son Skeeter someday runs the hotel. Well now grown he works as the maintenance man for the hotel that has grown into a successful chain. When he gets stuck baby sitting his niece and nephew for his sister Wendy (Cox), he begins to tell them bedtime stories that strangely begin to happen to him in real life. When the opportunity arises for him the chance at running the hotel, competing against the bullying Kendall (Pierce), he relies on the bedtime stories for an edge to winning the contest. He also uses the stories to get closer to his fair maiden Jill (Russell), who at first the two despised each other.
Reel Talk:
I like Adam Sandler, he is truly a talented comedian, but now all his movies are starting to become repetitive. Is playing a mentally challenged adult the only character he wants to portray in his films now? The silly antics are good for a few laughs but they are wearing thin. Russell Brand who bombed terribly as the 2008 MTV VMA host, was pretty funny in his co-starring role as the hotel attendant Mickey and Guy Pierce playing the snobby Kendall was entertaining. Not the best movie to see but passable for a kids movie.
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kerri Russell, Guy Pierce, Russell Brand, Richard Griffith, Courtney Cox and Jonathan Pryce
Directed by: Adam Shankman
Rated: PG
I give it 2 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Skeeter Bronson (Sandler) remembers the wonderful bedtime stories that his father Marty (Pryce), an owner of a small family hotel, used to tell him and his sister when they were kids. Upon losing the hotel, Marty had made an agreement with the new owner Barry Nottinham (Griffiths) that his son Skeeter someday runs the hotel. Well now grown he works as the maintenance man for the hotel that has grown into a successful chain. When he gets stuck baby sitting his niece and nephew for his sister Wendy (Cox), he begins to tell them bedtime stories that strangely begin to happen to him in real life. When the opportunity arises for him the chance at running the hotel, competing against the bullying Kendall (Pierce), he relies on the bedtime stories for an edge to winning the contest. He also uses the stories to get closer to his fair maiden Jill (Russell), who at first the two despised each other.
Reel Talk:
I like Adam Sandler, he is truly a talented comedian, but now all his movies are starting to become repetitive. Is playing a mentally challenged adult the only character he wants to portray in his films now? The silly antics are good for a few laughs but they are wearing thin. Russell Brand who bombed terribly as the 2008 MTV VMA host, was pretty funny in his co-starring role as the hotel attendant Mickey and Guy Pierce playing the snobby Kendall was entertaining. Not the best movie to see but passable for a kids movie.
Starring: Adam Sandler, Kerri Russell, Guy Pierce, Russell Brand, Richard Griffith, Courtney Cox and Jonathan Pryce
Directed by: Adam Shankman
Rated: PG
I give it 2 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Thursday, December 18, 2008
SEVEN POUNDS
Plot:
Seven Pounds takes you on the journey of Ben Thomas (Smith), an IRS agent with a mysterious secret who sets out to impact the lives of seven strangers by giving them each a very special and well needed gift. Though he wishes to remain distant from the seven gift receivers, one, Emily Posa (Dawson) proves to be an exception with her feisty but charming ways, shebasically steals his heart causing him to fall in love with her. But it was not easy due to Ben's rude,sarcastic and snappy ways. Choosing to become reclusive, he even avoids his only brother played by Michael Ealy, leaving his luxurious home to stay in a rundown motel. Keeping mostly in contact with his childhood friend Dan (Pepper) who must carry out all his requests pertaining to the seven people whose lives he is about to change.
Reel Talk:
Look! I'm a grown ass man, but Will Smith be trying to break a brother down with these heart touching movies. I mean first it was The Pursuit Of Happiness, I am Legend and even Hancock, that provided some sentimental moments that had me choking up with emotion, Will is showing some powerful acting versatility. Thou this was a slow movie it is a very emotional film, touching some nerves and raising some self-checking question about ourselves. This was even a step up from previous roles for Rosario Dawson who did a wonderful job as Emily. Let me also give a shout out to Grant Nieporte who wrote the script, which offers some creative originality to this movie. You will most definitely want to take something, a hanky or extra napkins from the concession stand just to be ready. But let me clear up that I was only wiping my eyes because of the dust flying around in the theater, I was not crying.
Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy and Barry Pepper
Directed by: Gabriele Muccino
Rated: PG-13
I give it 4 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Seven Pounds takes you on the journey of Ben Thomas (Smith), an IRS agent with a mysterious secret who sets out to impact the lives of seven strangers by giving them each a very special and well needed gift. Though he wishes to remain distant from the seven gift receivers, one, Emily Posa (Dawson) proves to be an exception with her feisty but charming ways, shebasically steals his heart causing him to fall in love with her. But it was not easy due to Ben's rude,sarcastic and snappy ways. Choosing to become reclusive, he even avoids his only brother played by Michael Ealy, leaving his luxurious home to stay in a rundown motel. Keeping mostly in contact with his childhood friend Dan (Pepper) who must carry out all his requests pertaining to the seven people whose lives he is about to change.
Reel Talk:
Look! I'm a grown ass man, but Will Smith be trying to break a brother down with these heart touching movies. I mean first it was The Pursuit Of Happiness, I am Legend and even Hancock, that provided some sentimental moments that had me choking up with emotion, Will is showing some powerful acting versatility. Thou this was a slow movie it is a very emotional film, touching some nerves and raising some self-checking question about ourselves. This was even a step up from previous roles for Rosario Dawson who did a wonderful job as Emily. Let me also give a shout out to Grant Nieporte who wrote the script, which offers some creative originality to this movie. You will most definitely want to take something, a hanky or extra napkins from the concession stand just to be ready. But let me clear up that I was only wiping my eyes because of the dust flying around in the theater, I was not crying.
Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy and Barry Pepper
Directed by: Gabriele Muccino
Rated: PG-13
I give it 4 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
YES MAN
Plot:
Unable to deal with his divorce, Carl Allen (Carrey) begins to detach himself from his friends, co-workers and just having fun - period.He would rather stay at home watching rented movies than party with his best friends Peter (Cooper) and Rooney (Masterson) or his kooky boss who wants to be his friend Norman (Darby) who routinely throws these costume parties. Carl constantly uses the word "No" in his daily life, as a loan officer at a bank he denies every loan and any offers that are presented to him. This soon changes when he encounters an old friend Nick (Higgins) who strongly suggest that he attend a Yes seminar hosted by Terrence Bundley (Stamp), whose motto is say yes to everything. When Carl accepts the quest to say yes to everything, his life takes a tornado spin from a loner to mister popular to finding his true love.
Reel Talk:
It's been awhile since we have seen the silly and hilarious antics that made Jim Carrey the comedic genius he is. Now this is not an all out laugh fest movie but Carrey does what he does best to assure some laughs.So it was refreshing seeing him go old school in this film, because you will get a laugh. He does get a little help from his supporting cast with Zooey Deschanel playing his mysterious love interest, Rhys Darby as his boss Norman who wants to be the man badly and John Michael Higgins as Nick who was very funnyl . Oh yeah and not to mention the horny old lady that is his neighbor. Good movie to see, not only for the laughs but the subliminal messages that it provides about life and love.
Starring: Joim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, John Michael Higgins, Terence Stamp, Rhys Darby and Danny Masterson
Directed by: Peyton Reed
Rated: PG-13
I give it 3 and a half eaten corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Unable to deal with his divorce, Carl Allen (Carrey) begins to detach himself from his friends, co-workers and just having fun - period.He would rather stay at home watching rented movies than party with his best friends Peter (Cooper) and Rooney (Masterson) or his kooky boss who wants to be his friend Norman (Darby) who routinely throws these costume parties. Carl constantly uses the word "No" in his daily life, as a loan officer at a bank he denies every loan and any offers that are presented to him. This soon changes when he encounters an old friend Nick (Higgins) who strongly suggest that he attend a Yes seminar hosted by Terrence Bundley (Stamp), whose motto is say yes to everything. When Carl accepts the quest to say yes to everything, his life takes a tornado spin from a loner to mister popular to finding his true love.
Reel Talk:
It's been awhile since we have seen the silly and hilarious antics that made Jim Carrey the comedic genius he is. Now this is not an all out laugh fest movie but Carrey does what he does best to assure some laughs.So it was refreshing seeing him go old school in this film, because you will get a laugh. He does get a little help from his supporting cast with Zooey Deschanel playing his mysterious love interest, Rhys Darby as his boss Norman who wants to be the man badly and John Michael Higgins as Nick who was very funnyl . Oh yeah and not to mention the horny old lady that is his neighbor. Good movie to see, not only for the laughs but the subliminal messages that it provides about life and love.
Starring: Joim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, John Michael Higgins, Terence Stamp, Rhys Darby and Danny Masterson
Directed by: Peyton Reed
Rated: PG-13
I give it 3 and a half eaten corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Friday, December 12, 2008
THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL
Plot:
In this remake of the classic 1951 movie of the same title, Keanu Reeves plays Klaatu, an alien sent to Earth along with a giant robot to destroy the inhabitants because they are living destructive lives anyway.Helen Benson (Connelly), a scientist summoned to assist with understanding the intentions of the extraterrestrial visitor along with her step-son Jacob (Smith) are the only ones with any chances in trying to convince Klaatu to spare the humans from extermination. With the giant robot standing guard of the enormous sphere that landed in the middle of Central Park, no holds barred Secretary of Defense Regina Jackson (Bates), feeling that the alien's intentions are hostile must do whatever she can to prevent any attack on the civilians of the United States.
Reel Talk:
I remember seeing the original as a little boy and being that it was the first movie enticing me with the idea of aliens from other planets, I was curious to see if the remake would have any renewed impact. Wee ell, they tried! They were not able to sell me on the alien issues. Although Keanu, with his robotic style acting was a good fit to play Klaatu, the rest of the acting was flat. It was like the film was just bouncing around trying to find the right direction to go into without succeeding. The special effects were decent, not spectacular. There was nothing about this movie that wowed me, it was just another day at the movies.
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates, Jaden Smith, John Cleese and Jon Hamm
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Rated: PG-13
I give it 2 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel HustlerREMEMBER: IF IT'S NOT GROSSLYSTATED YOU AINT SAYING NOTHING
In this remake of the classic 1951 movie of the same title, Keanu Reeves plays Klaatu, an alien sent to Earth along with a giant robot to destroy the inhabitants because they are living destructive lives anyway.Helen Benson (Connelly), a scientist summoned to assist with understanding the intentions of the extraterrestrial visitor along with her step-son Jacob (Smith) are the only ones with any chances in trying to convince Klaatu to spare the humans from extermination. With the giant robot standing guard of the enormous sphere that landed in the middle of Central Park, no holds barred Secretary of Defense Regina Jackson (Bates), feeling that the alien's intentions are hostile must do whatever she can to prevent any attack on the civilians of the United States.
Reel Talk:
I remember seeing the original as a little boy and being that it was the first movie enticing me with the idea of aliens from other planets, I was curious to see if the remake would have any renewed impact. Wee ell, they tried! They were not able to sell me on the alien issues. Although Keanu, with his robotic style acting was a good fit to play Klaatu, the rest of the acting was flat. It was like the film was just bouncing around trying to find the right direction to go into without succeeding. The special effects were decent, not spectacular. There was nothing about this movie that wowed me, it was just another day at the movies.
Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Kathy Bates, Jaden Smith, John Cleese and Jon Hamm
Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Rated: PG-13
I give it 2 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel HustlerREMEMBER: IF IT'S NOT GROSSLYSTATED YOU AINT SAYING NOTHING
NOTHING LIKE THE HOLIDAYS
Plot:
It's Christmas time and Edy (Molina) and Anna (Pena) Rodriguez are looking forward to celebrating it with their children - returning Iraqi war hero Jesse (Rodriguez), broker Maricio (Leguizamo) along with his wife Sarah (Messing) and aspiring actress Roxanne (Ferlito). Also in on the celebration is family member Johnny (Guzman), family friend Ozzy (Hernandez) and a long lost love interest of Jesse's. Everything is suppose to be joyous until Anna announces that she wants to divorce Edy,that's when dark secrets and true feelings are revealed, leaving the dysfunctional family with a not so happy holiday.
Reel Talk:
Nothing like a good holiday movie. Holiday movies are pretty much all along the same format, you know, there is always a person or people that are not really in the holiday spirit but something happens that sparks the joy to everyone. This film offers no exception, but it is still a good movie. With the mostly all-star Latin cast, this is a touching and humorous film, with Leguizamo and Guzman naturally providing most of the humor.Now there are some unrealistic moments in this film, but overall a very enjoyable holiday movie.
Starring: Alfred Molina, Elizabeth Pena, Freddy Rodriguez, Luis Guzman, Jay Hernandez, John Leguizamo, Debra Messing and Vanessa Ferlito
Directed by: Alfredo DeVilla
Rated: PG-13
I give it 4 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Husler
It's Christmas time and Edy (Molina) and Anna (Pena) Rodriguez are looking forward to celebrating it with their children - returning Iraqi war hero Jesse (Rodriguez), broker Maricio (Leguizamo) along with his wife Sarah (Messing) and aspiring actress Roxanne (Ferlito). Also in on the celebration is family member Johnny (Guzman), family friend Ozzy (Hernandez) and a long lost love interest of Jesse's. Everything is suppose to be joyous until Anna announces that she wants to divorce Edy,that's when dark secrets and true feelings are revealed, leaving the dysfunctional family with a not so happy holiday.
Reel Talk:
Nothing like a good holiday movie. Holiday movies are pretty much all along the same format, you know, there is always a person or people that are not really in the holiday spirit but something happens that sparks the joy to everyone. This film offers no exception, but it is still a good movie. With the mostly all-star Latin cast, this is a touching and humorous film, with Leguizamo and Guzman naturally providing most of the humor.Now there are some unrealistic moments in this film, but overall a very enjoyable holiday movie.
Starring: Alfred Molina, Elizabeth Pena, Freddy Rodriguez, Luis Guzman, Jay Hernandez, John Leguizamo, Debra Messing and Vanessa Ferlito
Directed by: Alfredo DeVilla
Rated: PG-13
I give it 4 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Husler
Friday, December 5, 2008
CADILLAC RECORDS
Plot:
Cadillac Records tells the true story - as narrated by Willie Dixon (Cedric The Entertainer), about Leonard Chess (Brody), a young man with dreams of marrying his dream girl and owning a Cadillac. To achieve this goal he starts a record label and signs a young sharecropper named Muddy Waters (Wright), a master on the slide guitar who along with a superior, but hothead young harmonica player named Little Walter (Short), together they help put Chess Records on the map. To keep the label afloat and to continue driving Cadillacs he later signs the talents of the Howlin' Wolf (Walker), Chuck Berry (Mos Def) and the fiery Etta James (Knowles) along with the song writing skills of Willie Dixon. But with the fame and fortune, came the problems, the drinking and drugs, and arrests and death, which soon brought the demise of the once powerhouse label.
Reel Talk:
Let me start by saying that Beyonce is starting to close the year with another sure to be blockbuster movie much like her other film Dreamgirls that closed out 2006. There are already buzzes about awards for the performances in this film and rightly so. If it were up to me (but its not) everyone would get an award. The performances were that good, from Wright who is a true rising star that shines in the role as Muddy, Short as Little Walter was outstanding, Walker who looks just like the menacing Howlin' Wolf (check the web for pics of the real Wolf). And Beyonce who has been trying to be acknowledged as an established actress might just get what she wants with this one. Then there is Brody as the smooth Chess, of course the hilarious Cedric The Entertainer and the talented and versatile Mos Def. It is truly a great cast assembled for a great movie. The best thing about movies depicting true stories is the history that they provide, I mean the knowledge that you learn about these musical legends is priceless. This is truly one of my "you must see movies".
Starring: Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Beyonce Knowles, Gabrielle Union, Columbus Short, Cedric The Entertainer, Eamonn Walker and Mos Def
Directed by: Darnell Martin Rated: R
I give it 5 corndogs and a soda
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
PUNISHER:WAR ZONE
Plot:
Ray Stevenson takes on the role of Frank Castle, a modest man who while on a picnic with his family witnesses a gangland hit and his wife and kids are then murdered, turning him into the vigilante killer The Punisher. While racking up piles of murders toward mobsters and gangs, he accidentlly murders an undercover Special agent while trying to get to his arch enemy gangster Billy Russoti (Dominic West), who later becomes Jigsaw because of a disfiguring accident. While he is feeling bad about the agent's death and wants to retire, Special Agent Budiansky (Salmon) is hot on his tail seeking revenge for his partner's death and Jigsaw along with his brother Loony Bin Jim (Hutchinson), go after the dead agents wife and daughter to recoup the gangster's missing money, causing the Punisher to serve up his own style of justice one last time.
Reel Talk:
Warning: For those who want to take the family out for a movie outing, this is not for the children. Unlike the previous Punisher movies, this one is far more violent and bloodier with scenes of bizaare cannibalism, butchery and lots of bullets.This one plays up on the various ways to kill people, mainly because it lacks any celebrity screen presence. But for blood and gore enthuiasts, they should enjoy this movie. It's not a great movie but an entertaining one.
Starring: Ray Stevenson, Dominic West, Doug Hutchinson, Colin Salmon and Wayne Knight
Directed by: Lexi Alexander
Rated: R
I give it 2 corndogs
By: Corndog - The Reel Hustler
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)