'Body of Lies' filled with truth

When you go to the movies you are supposed to be entertained and you should walk away feeling that you have learned something or that you are well entertained. As I am walking out the movies with my girl she leans over to whisper that the movie was not as good as she had hoped. Then I leaned in to say why are you whispering, as I said it with a smile I quickly changed back to what was concerning her with an answer. The dialogue that captured my attention in the film was the last scene which tied it all together. Now it is out of the norm for me to give you the end of a film, but it is one of those rare films in which you are able to get what you are looking for and it does not miss a beat.

So what is that line you ask? The last conversation between Ed Hoffman and Roger Ferris, to me tied together not only the movie but our western view of the Middle East.

Ed Hoffman: Ain't nobody likes the Middle East, buddy. There's nothing here to like.

Rogers response not only opened your thoughts that way of thinking but it also calls the world on its bull shit.

Roger Ferris: That is the problem right there!!!!


That exchange in dialogue not only tied the movie together but it answered my girlfriends statement which followed her question. Did the movie have a plot? I answered of course it it was a very intricate one. Although she asked the question because she felt that the movie did not have a point and it led nowhere. I think she was looking for the big bad ending and did not open her mind up to the fact that a movie like that has no end, but it has  a bridge to life. It is art in its rawest form and I applaud Ridley Scott for doing what needs to be done.


Now I would say head out and check the film out to get a sense of what I am talking about. Before you go just make sure you take someone that catches on quickly or you would be stuck answering the obvious, as I had to (sorry babe but sometime I think you head is in the sand.)

Body Of Lies Trailer

OH WAIT

Did I mention this fine lady is in the movie? Nope so look her up and make sure that we get to see more of her here in the states, and lets pray that she is not typecast. I hate to see an actor limited by bullshit.

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7 Pounds is a heavy weight!

I must begin this by saying this is one Christmas that I will never forget.

Never in my life have I seen a movie in which the entire audience asked the person sitting next to them did you cry. That is something that is beyond me but was warranted in every way possible. As I am sitting there with my head tilted towards the screen all I can think of is WOW and WTF for a lack of a better expression.

7 Pounds was more surprise and less filler, and that is what a film aught to be. Since I began following will smiths career I knew he had it in him to act, but this is beyond film making this is a story that can be read into and will be talked about for years to come.

The humanity in the lead character causes you to look within yourself and begs of you to ask yourself. What have you done as of late to manifest good in other? What have you done to make sure that those around you have fruitful lives? Are you doing everything in your power to give others a chance? Now I do not recommend taking things as far as he has, that is a decision that you will make all on your own. However, I do ask that you take a deep looks into your soul and grab for that which causes you to reflect, and use what you come up with to manifest good in others.

Sitting in the movie theater on Christmas day was not my goal for the day, however, there was a gift given to me that I must re-gift. The only way I know how to do this is to share my respect of this great film. It is unlike anything you have ever seen. It will go down in history and will be a classic, and it will be dissected, and if it is not by some slim margin, I will make it my duty to guarantee this film is never forgotten, you can count my words and believe that for sure.

Will Smith production company speared not ideas in this one. I see Overbrook Entertainment go as far as to being a powerhouse filled with ideas that will make the company just a famous as its head star.

See this film and realize the possibility for our and your own humanity and then pay it forward.

7pounds on IMDB

Seven Pounds Trailer

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Rosario Dawson Rape scene

Rosario Dawson is a name you will here a lot more of over the next few years. However I want to say if you do not it is because of a lack of Hollywood and forward thinking. This actress has delivered the goods time and time again and by no means is it based on her appearance. Her talent surpasses that of many and it is high time that those produces put down there pinot noir and spliffs and pick up a clue.

Take a second to see why I feel this way about her work. In my movie to reconsider 'Descent'.

Movie to reconsider ::: Love and a .45

Again I bring you a rare feature that will drag you to the bottom of your thoughts and back. A film that pushes the limits in creativity. This film has gone under the radar and for reasons is not on the top of the list. However those reasons in my book can be overlooked when you are looking for pure acting and entertainment.

With budding actress of the time Renee Zellweger who was virtually unknown. Which took turns captivating the screen with this raw energy that is unseen in in many of today's movies.

In the tradition of Bonnie and Clyde and my last recommendation Jimmy & Judy. This weekend is the perfect time to release your anti social rebel out on the couch and enjoy this film. As one guy put it, it's pure homicidal- maniacal movie going.

Although it lags in certain areas you will enjoy the overall content. This film is also a good look into the doors of America's secret lives. Many people are in this state of mind and we walk by them everyday. However because we do not share or care for the moment we see them. They take that with them and become the menace we all fear.

*** This movie is part comedy but there is nothing funny about the content. I recommend this film for pure entertainment purposes for my movie enthusiast out there. Do not take it so serious.

Hulk smashed

Although hulk did not hit my proposed question to numbers of surpassing the 59 million dollar mark it came quite close to doing so. This version of the hulk beat out expectations by far, however for us enthusiast and insiders we felt that it would have done far better than it has done. Plus now I can visualize Eric Bana laughing at the studio for not recasting him.

So this is what I have to do now. I have to sit and watch this films progression for the next few weeks to see what take place. I suspect after the buzz gets out that we will see a decent if not significant spike in the weekly numbers. Which will most likely will be due to all those out of work High school kids.

We will see. I have my fingers crossed on this one.

*Side note : I went to see the film and I was blown away with the special effects and the acting was far better than the last version. Although they can step up the story in a few areas, if this get green lighted for a sequel. I think that is a strong possibility.

This is a pot of Gold if Marvel can hang on and make it happen. My advice is once the numbers hit profit negotiations should begin.

Here is what the experts have to say:

Entertainment

Entertainment Weekly

Will 'The Incredible Hulk' smash the 59 million mark?

I have a huge feeling that hulk will take out the box office this weekend with no stutter. With all the hype behind it and the rage from within the green giant that slings cars instead of peas. I am sure that this turn around Marvel will have people talking and we will see a spike in his box office take over Saturday and Sunday.

Instead of a declining take in, the tickets will be flying out of the printer and into the hands of those who had the opportunity to see Iron Man. With Robert Downey Jr. taken up space on the screen we are sure to see some closet fans of the Marvel movies to sneak out and take a look.

So I challenge the idea over at EW. I think that Hulk will smash past the 59 million dollar mark. Does anyone care to second that?

***Update Box office Mojo is estimating a $54,000,000 take at the box office for this weekend. So I would give or take a few million. I still stand to say that you should give on this one.

I will be back on this.

The red carpet premier:

Quick Quips ::: Downey and Foxx in the 'Soloist'

The return of Jamie Foxx in a role that highlights his acting skills is on the horizon in the the 'soloist'. Which is a film based on a the Steve Lopez articles, in which Robert Downey Jr., will be portraying the real like reporter who documented the trial of the musical prodigy with mental illness living on Skid Row.

I think this one will be trophy worthy. Which trophy I think just about all of them. We know how it will be just in time for a nod.

With the work being done by Robert Downey Jr. as of late, and Jamie Foxx jumping in. I see a complete balance that compliments . The bad boys of Hollywood will take this one like the Boston Celtics has in the first two games of the '08 NBA Finals with guts and preparation.

Read more on USA Today

Quick Quips :::: Marsden Joins Transformers 2

As it is on IGN, our good friend from Resident Evil Extinction will be joining the cast of Transforms. Michael Marsden is stated to be cast as the character "Graham," a member of the British special forces.

I hope this to me something that we can all sit down and stomach as the first one was a wild ride. This time around I am sure that Michael Bay who has a green light to make this film how he wants to, and Steven Spielberg on the list of the production team. We will definitely be in for a treat that will push the envelope. Once again we will be in for a great movie that will take out the first one.

I have faith. Do you?


*** The information has not yet posted on IMDB. However I take the word of IGN and MTV on this one. So I will just keep an eye on the Marsden Profile to see what will pan out.

Sneak Peek ::: StreetFighter 2

Here is promo photo of of Kristin Kreuk, for her role in the new street
Fighter movie. Even with dirt on her face she is still knocking out the
competition.

Scorsese just does not have enough time for Bob Marley

It seems that Martin Scorsese is very popular as of late, and so much so, that he is dropping projects after signing on to do them. Something about "conflicting schedules."

I wonder if the Old Blues Project has anything to do with it?

As it seems, or actually as it is, Scorsese has relinquished directorial duties of the authorized Bob Marly project. Jonathan Demme will take on the task of bringing the documentary to the big screen. Do not fret, Demme has done music related films in the past, such as Talking Heads Stop Making Sense, and Neil Young's Heart of Gold. So we should be ok.

I just have that feeling Scorsese will take on the Frank Sinatra Project after all. I guess that is just good old Enterpolics. Although he has not stated it publicly yet, whether he will take on the Frank Sinatra Biopic, we know what Scorsese gets his tickles from and this will not be too far for the legendary director leap to, in terms of creativity.


Source 1

Source 2

Stick around and enjoy some concert footage below.

Bob Marley, Jammin, Stir it up & Buffalo Soldier

Not Satisfied ::: Spike Lee on Eastwood Ommitting Black Troops in his WWII films

Spike Lee is not pleased as to the lack of interest in Clint Eastwood's camp for for the lack of African American Soldiers in his WWII Iwo Jima Epics. From my opinion he does have good reason to point out the obvious lack of African American representation in the films. However he will not be heard much during the festival. Then again, he knows that, but to him if two hear, then he spoke his piece.

Lee who's upcoming film project tiled "Miracle at St. Anna," which is a story of an all black U.S. Division fighting in Italy during the war. He said that Mr. Eastwood's films were "whites Only affairs."

"He did two films about Iwo Jima back to back and there was not one black
soldier in both of those films," Lee stated at the Cannes Film Festival on Tuesday.

"Many veterans, African-Americans, who survived that war are upset at Clint
Eastwood. In his vision of Iwo Jima, Negro soldiers did not exist. Simple as
that. I have a different version," stated Lee.

As I reported yesterday, Clint Eastwood was at the Festival, promoting his upcoming missing child drama, the "Changeling," starring Angelina Jolie. As usual a reporter was redirected when an attempt was made to get answers from Mr. Eastwood. The reporter was told to only ask questions on the new film.

Well we know that Mr. Lee will not let this one go that easy, but for now we will just wait it out. Since he has to promote his own film I would take it that he will fall back a little and do just that. With " Miracle at St. Anna" due out this October it is high time he get to promoting it. The film stars Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, and Omar Benson Miller - in the Buffalo Soldiers division in Tuscany.

Should be a good watch.


Source

I likes :: Is Scorsese getting his hands on the right material?

So as it seems that our king of gangster films may be getting his hands on the Sinatra biopic. This will be a major step in keeping the Sinatra name alive and well. As the past has it rumor wise, Sinatra was a stooge for the mafia, of course these are unproven rumors and his daughter wants it to stay that way. As far as her late fathers involvement in the mafia, this is something that she does not want to speak of or to have him depicted as such in the film.

Tina Sinatra is the strong arm in the family, no pun intended. It is just that without him here to prove his name or clear any misconceptions it will be best to leave allegations alone. I would assume that would be the reason. Why would there be any other reason?

Now keep in mind that Tina is stating that it is too early to say whether or not the famed director will take on the film, but he is a shoe in to direct it. So lets keep our fingers crossed and vote for Scorsese on this one. It will be a great film if he does it. He does not allow garbage to come out of his hut of hits. Then again he may want to add the rumors to it, so I am sure he will sit down and see what he can throw in there and what he can not. This is something that he is known for and it's more than likely that he would want to add the realism of the world Sinatra had to face. So I think there will be at minimum of some sort of mention to the rumors that surrounded Sinatra's career.

Head over to the paste blog to read more.

A trade off but a good one....for me.

It seems that one of my favorite actors in Hollywood will be leaving (Mekhi Phifer), and will be replaced by one of my favorite actresses. Apparently for the last few weeks there has been this buzz that, Angela Bassett will throw on some scrubs and join the cast of ER for its final season on air.

There seems to be many actors making the move to Television. Perhaps it is the lucrative nature of its vehicle if you can turn what ever you take on into a popular move. Showcasing your star power. It worked for Glenn Close, Patrick Dempsey, and a host of others. Plus it allows you bring your star back out, and allow it to shine amongst those who would not have otherwise known you.

Don't fret just like all of our big screen actors who hit the small screen. Angela is working hard around the clock and you will see her in the upcoming film Notorious and followed by Nothing but the truth, just to turn around and heat up the screen with Toussaint.

So we are looking at a full plate here. If she does this with grace and with the same drive she has in her films in the past. I am sure that joining the cast of ER will be beneficial to all parties involved and will make this one of the best show closing season ever seen on Television. Also allowing Angela Bassett that publicity she deserves, so that we can see the, "Whats Love got to do with "buzz, that she had when she worked with Laurence Fishburne in the Tina and Ike Biopic.

We will see and I look forward to this season of ER and I am sure that I will not be disappointed.
What about you?

Festival of surprises Jolie and Eastwood's secret project

What we have here is a classic case of sneak up and bite your ass good. Film makers are biting their lips and haunting their writers after the showing of Clint Eastwood's new drama starring Angelina Jolie has been shown.

Here is how it went down:

The how you like me now gentleman slipped into Cannes, droped off a film after changing its name, just to have Oscar Buzz follow, all the while Angelina Jolie is on his arm. arriving in style and with box magnet Jolie, along with Oscar buzz talk following.

Clint pulled a switch on the title to The Exchange from née Changeling. Which is a child-disappearance Drama. And might I add, should have been made years ago. But that is no fault of Mr. Eastwood and his team, nope, not at all.

This film is a drop in the bucket full of surprises( The films subject-topic that has not been paid attention to, but is much larger in significance than you think). Clint Eastwood has made his twilight years his best years with his last string of films and this is either the candles or the icing, on the cake. Either way it is to be celebrated. Variety's Todd McCarthy feels so and he shows it in this verbal release of satisfaction

"The inter cutting of two heavyweight proceedings, a murder trial and a
landmark City Hall hearing, provide the story's dramatic crescendo,
although even greater tension stems from what comes thereafter. In the
end, Changeling joins the likes of Chinatown and L.A. Confidential as a sorrowful critique of the city's political culture.

A dozen filmmakers could have taken a dozen different approaches to the
same material — sensationalistic, melodramatic, expose-minded, a kid's
or killer's p.o.v., and so on. Perhaps the best way to describe
Eastwood's approach is that he's extremely attentive — to the central
elements of the story, to be sure (with its echoes of A Perfect World),
but also to the fluidity between the private and the public, the
arbitrariness of life and death, the distinct ways different people
view the same thing, the destructive behavior of some adults toward
children and the quality of life in California around the time he was
born."

The praise does not stop there. From what I know so far a British Journalist told Jeffery Wells "there's not a weak point in the entire film" and that Eastwood should be on the short list for the fest best Director prize.Should we say this one is in the bag, with Sean Penn of Mystic River heading the Jury.

So look for the film to drop on in stateside in November. But of course it is most likely to make its rounds in Toronto then New York, then the rest of us casual movie goers will get to witness the film. Just in time for Oscar buzz.

I can see Eastwood now, daydreaming and asking his alter ego. Do you feel lucky Punk? Do you? Yeah he is doing it. However those days are gone, all we are getting from Clint Eastwood these days is great cinema, and should we want anything less?!

Weekend Box office showdown ::: Narnia jumps in the numbers

It seems that, Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, would like to have its share of the box office take. However Iron Man is not giving up that easily and with its reviews, I find it hard for the magic in Narnia to even play a role in taking over the box office numbers.

Iron Man combines fantasy and realism. Something that you can not get from Narnia. Although I consider it a hit, and a great film to check out. Overall, the faith in movie going has been placed in Marvel and soon to be seen in DC's comics and their list of characters.

With Speed Racer holding on by a thread, I take it that Iron Man can and will be considered the bad boy of the summer blockbusters. Now I may eat those words when Hulk drops, along with Hancock, Hellboy, and the Dark knight. But I think Iron Man did a grand job at getting things started. The money has been made back from an initial investment of $140,000,000 with a current BO gross of $223,124,385 and counting.

WHOPPER and I am not talking Burgers here.

Get ready for a wild ride. With great movies on the list, this summer we can not go wrong. However as far as earners are concerned, Iron Man is a Clear leader in the summer movement.

Movie To Reconsider ::: Jimmy & Judy

If ever there was a movie that would make you sick to your stomach from the truth that crept up on you days after watching it. Jimmy and Judy would be that movie. In no way am I saying that this movie is not cool, it has lots of cool, and it vibe with the youthfulness of today. What the problem is with this film, is it raw uncut nature of delivering a message of troubled youth.

Although the critics rather focus on it being the film that "Natural born killers wanted to be." I prefer to focus on the nature of the full meal. This film is what America does not want to be seen as. It is showing you the behind the scenes look into Middle Class and Upper Middle Class America, naked and true. Revealing how this part of America has affected the youth that it produces, also to show you that it is no different than the inner city, when it comes to teenage desire and misguided lifestyle.

So what do you do when you are faced with such choices as a teenager? Do you throw it all away? Do you seek help with an honest heart? Do you open up to adults that have a positive message? Or do you just throw in the towel and go on a rampage? Those questions are posed in this film, but it will take you on a journey before you can answer them.

In saying all of this I recommend that you head out and grab a copy of this film. Whether it be rented or purchased. You will not be disappointed.

With Edward Furlong of "Terminator 2" and Rachael Bella and William Sadler, you will be sure to have a wild ride and be educated at the same time. The woes of Americas Youth should not go unnoticed. Are you one to judge and ignore its need for you attention? If so it is time for you to rethink that idea, as they will be the ones playing with your kids one day or the ones to pass on the ideas to their own children, which means someone in your offspring can be affected by this thinking pattern.

Enjoy the movie.


Trailer :

Trailer ::: Hancock Second Trailer in HD ( This will b low the Box Office open and all my Chips are in )

Hancock (2008) HD Trailer 2

I am going to get out on the limb and say this movie is Will Smiths Alter Ego and that we will have the exceptional opportunity to see what Will Smith would have been like as a superhero.

I know I said it, time and time again, that this summer will have some record breaking blockbusters, but this trailer proves that this film will have the chance to take the action comedy to the next level. Bring the numbers I projected into reality and share something with us everyday folk. The thrill of Hollywood.

I will be back on this after its opening weekend in July. Until then Folks. Break it down and clear the confusion.

Weekend Box Office :::: May 9-11 2008 (IRON MAN REIGNS SUPREME)

I was over at the Invisible-Cinema, and The Invisible Woman posted the numbers for this past weekend box office. Something of the norm, however it was the comments that inspired my thoughts on this past weekend and American Cinema overall. I am beginning to see a pattern in movies that is far different that of the past.

So here is what I had to say in response to some of the comments:


As far as this past weekend in film, I have much to say, but will keep it short. With two possibilities.

American film audiences are becoming smarter, and are realizing that they will own or purchase the movie if it is of suitable home viewing. They have become complacent in the home video market and spend more time now creating there in home theater systems.

Or

Speed racer sucks so much that it does not matter what it does oversees, it is a piece of garbage hyped up and over worked. Of course they are going to be happy to see the live action version in its native creative atmosphere, but here in the US we require darker not these bright colors. Americans do not like colorized action, we prefer the dark near dramatic variety.

Just an opinion.

I would like to get more feedback and I will fill in the blanks as I keep in eye on Invisible Cinema on this one.

Leeker ::: Common to Star in Upcoming ' Terminator' Film

Common acting career is moving faster than his Rap career and does not appear to be slowing down. He has signed on to co-star in the " Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins" for Halcyon Pictures.

The film is centered around John Connors(Bale), now in his 30's, who is leading what is left of the human resistance against the machines. Our favorite Rapper turned act, "will play a freedom fighter and member of Connors inner circle" as reported by variety.

The film will be directed by television action producer/Director McG. The script comes to us by way of, John D. Brancato & Michael Ferris and Paul Haggis.

If the Sarah Connor Chronicles are any indication to how the (Directors, producers) current mind set is towards looking at the lives of these characters. I think with the extra creative room of major motion pictures, we will see a story that brings out the best in script.

With Dan Lin, Mortiz Borman, Vctor Kubicek, Jeff Silver, Derek Anderson, and Jeanne Allgood producing the film, we should expect this may 2009 release to be a blockbuster heading off next summers major action films as Iron Man has for this summer.

Who is willing to bank on it?

Block Buster :::: Iron Man has set off the summer Blockbusters

As I have predicted Iron Man was going to be the one to reckon with. It has surpassed expectations and is set to shatter its numbers even further when the final tally comes in. I hate to say it but I told you so.

The fact of the matter is people need to get away and this movie offers that. It helps that Iron Man is a quiet classic. Iron Man offers something other films do not and that is a chance to fight back with imagination and vigor of youth and the mind of innovations. Not to rain on the Marvel Parade but this is something that DC/Warner Bros, will bring us shortly with The Dark Knight. As I have stated before, we all need some place to go and with the economic sting, movies will be that place this summer, it is the least we can do to get away.

With Box Office numbers where they are at this time I expect to see some jaws drop at the amount of revenue this film will generate. So lets support such films. They bring us to looking in the mirror to see what is possible in our own minds and bring back to us, something we have long lost, and that is youth and creativity, something we should have never lost in the first place.