Armchair Commentary

It’s “Movie Summer”! Time to Look at Would-Be Blockbusters Though Venn-Colored Glasses

Spring’s just sprung, but if you were to consult Hollywood’s calendar, you’d see that Movie Summer, the season of would-be blockbusters and sold-out midnight screenings, has already begun. And to help you decide where to spend your box office dollars this season, we’ve got a different kind of movie guide, from our friends at the Amazon Studios Hollywonk blog. It’s not about dates or ratings, it’s about you. 

Are you a comic book-collecting superhero-worshipper? Or a responsible investor with a popcorn-chomping kid in tow? (We’re sorry to say that if you’re neither, this summer holds for you few delights: but at least there’s Piranha 3DD, or Magic Mike, or Step Up 4, or... nope, we're just sorry.)

Click here to see the chart in all its glory.

A Recap of The Hunger Games World Premiere

As a longtime fan of the books who may (cough, cough) have watched the trailer obsessively, I’ve been waiting for March 23^rd like a little kid waits for Christmas. 

So when I learned I’d be going to the Hunger Games movie’s worldwide premiere a few weeks ago I just about stopped breathing--momentarily. Then I started talking about the books even more than I already was, much to the annoyance of my family, friends, and co-workers.

As I’m sure you know now from all the media coverage, last night was the night, although the excitement actually started a day earlier when hundreds camped out for one of 400 tickets inside the Nokia Theater in L.A. By the time I arrived at 3 p.m. yesterday, a new pack of Hunger Games fans were already lined up across the street. The crowd was electric as they waved around copies of the book or their homemade signs designed to capture the eyes of the arriving celebs.

After a few very brief glimpses of Josh Hutcherson (great smile!), Jennifer Lawrence (absolutely stunning!), and Liam Hemsworth (so tall!) I headed inside to relieve my eardrums, which stung from the shrieks of the crowd. Greeted with Hunger Games-branded popcorn boxes and commemorative cups I finally arrived at my seat in time to hear Gary Ross, the director, talk about how it took a long time to get to this night. Admitting the movie was at times difficult to make due to rain, bears and even snakes, Ross went on to thank The Hunger Games author Suzanne Collins for “trusting me with your book.” Amid cheers of “We love you, Gale!” and “Peeta!” Ross went on to introduce the main stars—last but not least of which was Jennifer Lawrence, who gracefully handled a few tripping mishaps in her shimmering gold dress, which made us all think she really is the girl on fire. “I don’t know where she [Lawrence] came from,” Ross said, “But I thank God for her every day.” On stage together Hutcherson, Hemsworth, and Lawrence waved at the seated guests and finally The Hunger Games began.

So what to say about the movie so many of us have been anticipating? Well, first off, it’s awesome. Really awesome, actually. Ross captures the stark, gritty atmosphere of the starving districts and, in contrast, makes the thriving Capitol with its wealthy, entertainment hungry residents sparkle. Speaking of sparkling, the acting is superb all around and Lawrence, especially, brings Collins’ strong and determined Katniss Everdeen to life. Like the books, the Hunger Games movie will captivate your imagination and keep you glued to your seat. Oh and word to the wise, bring a tissue.

From the roar of applause when the credits rolled I’d venture to guess many of last night’s attendees agree, catapulting The Hunger Games from the page and big screen to a full-fledged cultural event. Fingers crossed Catching Fire comes out in the not-too-distant future. I have a feeling a lot of us will be waiting for it.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go read the entire trilogy all over again. --Jessica Schein

And the Nominees Are....

The nominees for the 84th Annual Academy Awards have been out for a few days now so we've all had time to stew and gain some perspective. I can describe the nominations and this whole year in film in terms that my once favorite English teacher told me never to do, as "interesting". As a group it just doesn't seem like a stellar year. This year we've got nine nominees. Apparently Oscar got an editor because it's really getting clipped back from the last two year's ten choices. Go back to five, I beg you Oscar. Where's the tradition? That's what you're all about right?

Some of us have always attached too much significance to both the nominees and the winners as if it validates our personal taste in the art of cinema. I can remember jumping up and cheering for a Braveheart win back in 1995, or screaming profanities at my TV when Driving Miss Daisy beat Dead Poet's Society in 1989. This year there doesn't seem to be much of a favorite with The Golden Globes and SAG Awards differing on their best movies. There is definitely not a lurking dominant force like Titanic. We shall see who picks up momentum as we get closer to the red carpet.

Best Picture

From Woody to a silent film to a horse. Does anyone else think maybe War Horse wouldn't be here if it didn't have Spielberg's name on it? It's quite a mix of films this year. Will it be the feel good favorite with The Help or Alexander Payne's The Descendants? It's a wide open field so far but the front runner may be the return of the silent film. The Artist just seems to be the kind of movie the Academy likes and picking up steam with its Golden Globe success.

The Ides of March may have been the most talked about "snub" but I'd like to mention another film that should have been considered. Warrior is an excellent film. The acting buy Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton and Nick Nolte, who was nominated in a supporting role, is brilliant. It's a more raw, indie feeling version of The Fighter and that may be the reason it didn't get more love. Do yourself a favor and watch it.

Best Actor

What?! No Hugh Jackman in Real Steel, no Shia LaBeauf for Transformers: Dark of the Moon? Oh, wait that's the best actor alongside a robot category. It's easy to confuse. Again, no clear favorite in this category but if I had to pick one it would be Jean Dujardin of The Artist. But don't underestimate the power of the Clooney. Big snub here was Michael Fassbender for the film Shame but that's not too surprisng for those of us who seen Oscar snub a "controversial" film before.

Best Actress

What's that you say? Meryl Streep is nominated? Get out! Well, it's nice to see that up and comer get some recognition. Just fresh into the game and already people are noticing. Really though, Streep is the best but she could have three minutes of screen time in The Zookeeper Part 2 and she'd get nominated. It's just ridiculous. Very strong year for women's roles including the amazing success of Bridesmaids but mark this on your ballot. Viola Davis is going to win for her role in The Help. It's gotta happen. Its feel good, its tears and its everything we've come to expect from this category.

 

I could keep going through all the categories all the way down to sound editing (C'mon Transformers!) but I'll spare us all the debate of whether the winner of best film should match the winner of best director. But here's the biggest shocker that will happen at this year's Oscars.....Christopher Plummer will win Best Supporting Actor for Beginners. OK, not a shocker but ink it into your ballot.

I would also like to remind the Academy that one Nic Cage was in five eligible films this year. Hello? Academy.....five movies and you couldn't recognize old Nic for his brilliance. Have you seen Seeking Justice? No? Me either.

 

 

 --Adam

 

 

 

 

The 69th Golden Globes - What Went Down

The 69th Golden Globes have happened; click here for the full list of winners, including which ones you can order on DVD, Blu-ray, or Amazon Instant Video; the others you can sign up to be notified whenever they become available to pre-order. Meanwhile, check out some opnions on last night's ceremony.

Everyone will talk about the heart warming success of the The Help, or on a bigger scale the strength of important and sometimes hilarious roles for women, Bridesmaids. Of course one has to mention the definition of acting class and brilliance with the incomparable Morgan Freeman. These are the deserved themes of the evening but here are a few other, smaller moments that supplied an overall flat night with some memories.

Classy Christopher

    

Christopher Plummer. Kudos to this gentleman being recoginzed for his role in The Beginners. Although there is a whole new generation of leading men from George Clooney to Leo and Pitt, there is just something about that classic generation of Hollywood that will never be matched again. There is definitely some old school Tinseltown glamour in thanking your bartender in an acceptance speech.

 

 

 

Good for Joey

Maybe it was just me but it just felt good to see Matt LeBlanc up there receiving an award for Episodes. Not because I was rooting one way or the other but because I thought it was the most geniune and humble moment of the night. LeBlanc was authentic, truly nervous and suprised and it was heart warming.

Pure Harmony

    

It was just the moment that put a big smile on your face. Husband and wife William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman harmonizing a little ditty while presenting. How can you not like these two?

 

 

 

These "Talkies" Are Going to Kill the Movie Biz

I guess we were all wrong about this whole "sound" thing. It appears that the real darlingn of last year and this year's awards circuit might be The Artist. It's time to face reality if you're a big movie and award show fan. You are going to have to watch a silent (mostly) film. It's already won best movie at the Critic's Choice and now Best Comedy or Musical at the Golden Globes. It could shock at the Oscars.

Just Shut Up!

Madonna, you are just....obnoxious. We get it, you directed a movie. Good for you. You were sure to remind us of that in you boring and awkward speech as you uttered "My Movie" countless times. Guess what, nobody saw it and your movie career is still the source of punchlines not praise.

Best David Bowie Impersonation

      And the winner is........Tilda Swinton. Brilliant actress and I'm sure when the movie is made about the life and times of David Bowie  she will play the role and probably receive a Golden Globe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table We Most Want to Sit At

Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman? Yes, please. While Tina Fey's photobomb was one of the most gif worthy moments of the night, we can only imagine the champagne buzz chatter emmenating from that table. As Liz Lemon would say, "I want to go to there."

--Adam & Megan

The Best Movies & TV of 2011 So Far

In picking our Best of 2011 So Far list, we took everything that released between January 1 and August 15 of this year, put the names in a jar, shook it, and wrote down whatever pieces came out at random.

Just kidding. But we DID get in a room and debate the merits of a great movie in a mediocre Blu-ray release vs. a mediocre movie with a spectacular Blu-ray release; how to compare a great movie that released this year vs. the re-release of a classic movie; and the comedic chops of one Russell Brand (be assured, this did not derail our conversation too much). Without further ado, here's a look at our editors' picks on DVD, Blu-ray, and Instant Video.

Top 10 on DVD
1. The Social Network
2. The King's Speech
3. Mad Men: Season Four
4. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I
5. True Grit
6. Black Swan
7. The Fighter
8. Tangled
9. The Walking Dead: Season One
10. True Blood: The Complete Third Season
>See the rest of the top 50 on DVD

Top 10 on Blu-ray
1. The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Extended Edition + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray]
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Part I
3. The Social Network
4. Black Swan
5. True Blood: The Complete Third Season
6. Tangled
7. The Fighter
8. Raging Bull (Two-Disc 30th Anniversary Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
9. The Incredibles (Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy)
10. The Walking Dead: Season One
>See the rest of the top 50 on Blu-ray

Top 10 on Instant Video
1. Black Swan
2. Biutiful
3. Dexter: Season Five
4. Waiting for Superman
5. Justified: Season Two
6. The King's Speech
7. Tangled
8. The Fighter
9. The Killing
10. The Walking Dead: Season One

What are your picks for the Best of the Year So Far? --Ellen

Harrison Ford vs. Papa Smurf

Cowboys and Aliens may have won the weekend box office, but it was a photo finish: Sunday's estimates had it tied with The Smurfs for the top spot. In the end, Cowboys eked out the win with $36.4 million over the Smurfs' $35.6 million, and Cowboys star Harrison Ford had something to say about the little blue people on Conan this evening. --Ellen

 

Andrew Garfield Melts Hearts at Comic-Con

If you haven't seen this clip circling yet, check out this little Comic-Con surprise prior to the "Spider-Man" panel, then watch Andrew Garfield, aka the new Spider-Man, get choked up at the honor of inheriting the webbed mantle. --Ellen

 

 

 

Trailer Park: "Contagion," "The Thing," "John Carter"

While the internet breathlessly waits for a legit version of The Dark Knight Rises teaser (in which, according to reports, Tom Hardy’s back can briefly be glimpsed), a number of other intriguing trailers have made a pre-Comicon appearance. Start planning your sick days now.

Contagion (dir. by Steven Soderbergh): As distinctly '70s as the Pet Rock or Stretch Armstrong, the disaster movie cycle derived no small amount of guiltless fun from an iron-clad formula: Large-scale bloodless apocalypse at the end of the first reel, followed by a series of over-the-hill, easily recognizable actors biting it in increasingly baroque fashion. (Personal favorite: Henry Fonda shooting himself up with giant killer bee venom—in the name of science!—in The Swarm.) Steven Soderbergh’s all-star viral thriller, however, looks like it veers far, far away from Irwin Allen’s turf, with the cheesy fun of watching, say, Robert Wagner turning into a tux-clad fajita replaced by powerhouse acting and a no-nonsense attitude. While spoiler-hounds may get up in arms about the revealed fates of some of the actors in this trailer, it’s not looking like anyone gets away clean here. (September 9th)

 

The Thing (dir. by Matthijs van Heijningen Jr.): Horror fans, meanwhile, can be forgiven for feeling a little queasy about the existence of this prequel to John Carpenter’s 1981 somberly gloppy classic, which focuses on the events at an alien-infested Norwegian camp before Kurt Russell and his massive sombrero make the scene. Thankfully, this trailer looks like the filmmakers have made a genuine effort to replicate Carpenter’s doomy vibe (dig the Ennio Morricone soundtrack lift at the end), while sticking to the practical effects that made the original such a splatter milestone. (That said, the subtle CGI bit involving a guy’s face definitely works.) Keep watching the skies. (October 14th)

 

John Carter (dir. by Andrew Stanton): The first live-action film from Pixar Grand Poobah Andrew Stanton (Finding Nemo, WALL-E) is an adaptation of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ pulp milestone A Princess of Mars. Not that you’d be able to guess the Mars part from this rather opaque trailer, though, which tones down the material’s more baroque elements-–shouldn’t the sand be colored red, at least?--in favor of Conan-style throwdowns.  Still, the director’s track record and the presence of a ridiculously talented supporting cast (including Bryan Cranston, Willem Dafoe, and Samantha Morton) suggest that there may be more magic here than meets the eye. And, hey, how about that song, huh? (March 9th, 2012)

 

 

Trailer Park: "Captain America," "Immortals," "Killer Elite"

Now that Transformers: Dark of the Moon has made its impact crater upon the summer movie season, it’s time to shake off the debris and look ahead to the next wave of red meat cinema. Here’s a few of the contenders looking to put the toot, whistle, plunk and boom back into theaters. --Andrew Wright

Captain America: The First Avenger (dir. by Joe Johnston):  One of the pleasures of the new wave of Marvel Comics films (and, I’d imagine, one of the major headaches for Joss Whedon in trying to meld them all together for his upcoming The Avengers) is how each entry takes on a different style: Woozy Rat Pack improv for Iron Man, cosmic Flash Gordonish excess for Thor, and now this appealingly retro take on the Star-Spangled Avenger. As he showed with The Rocketeer, director Joe Johnston has a knack for period heroics, and the combination of a top tier cast and what appears to be mostly practical effects looks extremely promising …  once you get past that unsettling shrinkydinked effect on Chris Evans, that is. (July 22)

 

Immortals (dir. by Tarsem Singh): Director Tarsem Singh has a bit of a mixed record on film, following up the amazingly pretentious The Cell with the visually dazzling, heartfelt (and yes, still a bit pretentious) The Fall. Hopefully, this ultra-stylized (is that a shish kabob set on that one guy’s helmet?) updating of the Ray Harryhausen universe stays on his good side.  And come on, who doesn’t want to see Mickey Rourke wearing prawn armor? (November 11)

 

Killer Elite (dir. by Gary McKendrie): And now we’re talking. The Scorpions on the soundtrack, Robert De Niro beating up a multitude of dudes, and Jason Statham punching a mustachioed Clive Owen in the place where Clive Owen would least like to be punched.  Ostensibly based on a true story (and bearing no relation to Sam Peckinpah’s film of the same name), this looks like it approaches Testosterone Valhalla. I really hope that chair gets a supporting actor credit, at least. (September 23)

 

 

First Trailer: "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo"

Watch it now!