TnA Movie Pool

TnA Movie Hype!!

2010-01-07T12:30:00.022-05:00

Another Movie Pool year is upon us, and although we're relying heavily on Christopher Nolan's Inception, Walt Disney's big budget Tron, and a Hangover repeat from Todd Phillips, we'll need some TnA luck and possibly a miracle to contend for the 2010 title.

Enjoy our TnA Movie updates below:

- Inception -

"The biggest challenge I've taken on"
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2010/01/bigger-than-batman-christopher-nolan-says-inception-is-the-biggest-challenge-ive-taken-on-.html

"Potential for this to be a breakout film in 2010." Check out some plot details.
http://screenrant.com/inception-plot-details-kofi-39746/

- Tron Legacy -

"New Photo of Jeff Bridges in Tron Legacy"
http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=62932

Life sized version of the Tron bike.
http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/photos-of-the-tron-2-legacy-bike-27-01-2010/

"Is this a Track from Tron:Legacy??"
http://www.latinoreview.com/news/is-this-a-track-from-tron-legacy-9083

"funky new yellow Light Cycle"
http://www.totalfilm.com/news/tron-legacy-talk?cid=OTC-RSS&attr=news&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+totalfilm%2Fimdbnews+%28Total+Film+IMDb+aggregate%29

"set in a digital world that's unlike anything ever captured on the big screen."
http://asia.cnet.com/photogallery/0,3800005208,62060284,00.htm

- Due Date -

"Trains, Planes, and Automobiles meets Hangover."
http://www.collider.com/2009/12/14/first-image-from-todd-phillips-due-date-starring-zach-galifianakis-and-robert-downey-jr/

- The Wolfman -

7 Wolfman clips released
http://www.collider.com/2010/01/29/7-movie-clips-from-the-wolfman-starring-benicio-del-toro-anthony-hopkins-emily-blunt-and-hugo-weaving/

The best howl ever.
http://www.dreadcentral.com/media/WolfmanHowl.mov

"This movie so deserves to be good"
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/A-Video-Look-Inside-The-Wolfman-16777.html

"first two t.v spots released for wolfman"
http://www.filmshaft.com/first-two-tv-spots-for-the-wolfman/

"the potential to be one of the coolest possible genre flicks of the year."
http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/35231/2-different-versions-the-wolf-man-being-edited-why

- Repo Men -

Repo contest - $10,000 if you can disappear for 1 month
http://www.horrorbid.com/blog/blog1.php/2010/02/04/repo-men-have-you-ever-wanted-to-disappe

“Repo Men posters price out your eye ball”
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/New-Repo-Men-Poster-Prices-Out-Your-Eyeball-16850.html

viral site for Repo Men goes live!
http://www.theunioncares.com/

- Guardians of Ga'hoole -

"rather impressive voice cast will bring the characters to life"
http://www.firstshowing.net/2009/11/18/zack-snyders-guardians-of-gahoole-rounds-up-a-full-cast/

- The Losers -

Official website and trailer released. Check it!
http://www.the-losers.com/

"Entertainment Tonight will showcase the first trailer and exclusive interviews for the upcoming comic adaptation The Losers"
http://www.comicbookmovie.com/fansites/Poniverse/news/?a=14352

"You will be blown away. People will think, ‘Wow, that had to be CG.’ No. Nothing was CG"
http://splashpage.mtv.com/2009/12/29/iron-man-2-stuntman-on-the-losers-zoe-saldanas-training-and-filling-in-for-mickey-rourke/

Real-D or IMAX: The Avatar question

2010-01-01T11:43:00.001-05:00

Many have asked me, "How should I see Avatar, in Real-D ('regular' 3D) or IMAX 3D?"

Though this question applies to any movie avaiable in both formats, I will speak about the subject as it pertains to Avatar. And the answer is obvious. Though there are a few caveats to be considered, the short response to the question is - You need to see Avatar in IMAX 3D.

There is a reason why they call it the "IMAX Experience", and it is because you aren't watching the movie when you at these theatres, you are in it! With the screen that wraps around the audience, and the sound that shakes the very seats you sit in, you participate in every scene, be it a casual conversation, a trek through the forrest, or a battle in the sky. The Na'vi already larger than life feel even more so, and you will get a real sense of their majesty and beauty. Sit up close if you are a seasoned 3D watcher, or a little further back if you are new, but choose this route for Avatar!

Now about the Real-D... There is no way around this, so let's just be clear about it. The 3D is considerably crisper in this format. After the movie, the eyes aren't red, or nearly as tired. The Na'vi look sharp and in some scenes they look so incredibly photo realistic, you will want to reach out and touch them. What's lacking however is the EXPERIENCE. It still feels like you're watching Pandora through a window, rather than being there. The sound while crystal clear, still feels like it's coming from the speakers. That incredible feeling of being on a distant planet is just not the same, and cannot compare to IMAX. Avatar is about being engulfed by the movie, rather than watching it, so even with the benefit of a sharper image, Real-D comes in at a distant second.

Like I said however, there are caveats. If you are taking your mom, who has never seen a 3D movie, you might want to consider Real-D, as I have heard some folks say they get nautious after watching 3D films. It will also save her eyes, and the lower volume will be gentler on her ears, which also may be better for the very youngest audience. The only other reason to pick Real-D is if all the IMAX shows are sold out, because one thing is certain. You cannot sit around and wait to see this movie on your TV in the newly renovated basemant; this movie must been seen in 3D on the big screen!

The Offical TnA 2010 Movie List

2009-03-12T10:09:00.082-04:00

The Wolfman - 12-Feb-10
Don't kid yourself into thinking that Twilight would be half the success it is without the wolves. Same goes for the successful HBO series True blood. This Valentine's day, do the right thing, go against the grain and take that special someone to this howling good time. What better way to spend February 14th, than fhaking, eating chocolate, then snuggling with your plus 1 in front of this one.

http://www.thewolfmanmovie.com/

Repo Men - 2-Apr-10
The "game changing" TnA is a team of techies, so naturally, we were intrigued by this trailer. While Jude Law is not as crazy as Tom Cruise, Repo Men does have a Minority Report feel to it, and we'll gladly take Minority report dollars.

http://www.repomenarecoming.com/

Diary of a Wimpy Kid – 2-Apr-10
Based on a best-selling illustrated novel, Hotel for Dogs Director is taking the helm on this live action conversion. Coupled with 20th Century Fox's backing, it was an easy decision for TnA to spend our last 3 dollars of the auction on this not so wimpy movie. We are glad to have it!

http://www.iamthewimpykid.com/

The Losers – 9-Apr-10
While probing for Avatar news in 2009, we couldn't help but follow the progress of Losers as Zoe Saldana, Avatar's leading lady, was in production on this little doozy. Based on a DC Comics graphic novel, this stund studdend bonanza made some noise at last years Comicon. TnA is banking on a little success with this one, as Comics, Fan-boys and Cinema tend to be a potent mix.

<a href="http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&from=customplayer_en-us_movies_movietrailershub&fg=MsnEntertainment_MoviesTrailersGP2_a&vid=1b9d070f-aff2-47f6-8a86-9b2b44ec4fc6" target="_new" title="'The Losers' Exclusive Look">Video: 'The Losers' Exclusive Look</a>
http://the-losers.com

Death at a Funeral – 23-Apr-10
TnA cashed in on Neil LaBute's Lakeview Terrace as a late supplemental in 2008. Now he returns to direct an all star, hilarious cast that will put an entertaining spin on a remake of an original British flick, which was kind of bullshit because... it... was British.

http://www.sonypictures.com/movies/deathatafuneral/

Inception – 16-Jul-1o
Christopher Nolan, what can you say about this guy!? He rebooted the Batman series and changed the world, blew your mind with Momento and charmed you with Prestige. Now he's been given a big budget and serious actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page and Joseph Gordon-Levitt to give us a unique experience at the theatre, and something to talk about for years to come. Bye bye Matrix.

http://inceptionmovie.warnerbros.com/

Born to be a Star – 3-Sep-10
We decided to pick this movie as our 2010 ode to porn. Written by Adam Sandler, it may actually outperform last years TnA porn pic, Jennifer's Body. Don Johnson as a moustached porn director is all we're gonna say about this one.

Guardians of Ga'Hoole 3D – 24-Sept-10
A popular children's book, to be adapted to the Big Screen by Zack Snyder. For those of you that may not know him, he is the director who brought us the brilliant and successful '300' as well as the loyal interpretation of The Watchmen. He's a visionary and we don't expect anything less than stunning on this flick.

Due Date – 5-Nov-10
Todd Phillips has been good to us in the past and with his 105m boxoffice average, Galifianakis's precise comedic timing and Robert Downey Jr's acting chops, this can only do well come November.

Tron Legacy 3D Imax – 17-Dec-10
The Tron Legacy budget is in excess of 300 million dollars. Thats 17 times more than the original Tron movie budget that earned 33 million boxoffice dollars in 1982. Simple math puts the boxoffice probability of Tron Legacy Imax 3D at 561 million dollars.

http://disney.go.com/DisneyPictures/tron/

TnA 2010 Movie Reviews

2009-03-11T23:59:00.037-04:00

A-Team - We're talking about one of my favourite TV shows of all time here, made into a movie with 4 guys that I really like in Cooper, Rampage, District 9's Sharlto Copley and old man Neeson. It has to deliver, doesn't it? Well, all I can say is that they tried. It appears they really wanted this movie to be good and based on that I gotta give everyone involved a little credit. Reality however is that this movie isn't much. Sure there's plenty of ridiculous action, but it somehow seems empty, like it lacks purpose or something, despite the fact that there's is mediocre story that it follows. I don't know, I was underwhelmed and didn't even get to see Jessica Biel in a bikini or nuttin. It didn't help that I saw this in Calgary, for which the movie is a perfect metaphor. Blah.

Alice in Wonderland – I am not going to tell you that Alice in Wonderland is as good as Avatar, but there are some similarities in the incredible IMAX experience. Tim Burton has been very good at this his whole career, but much like Cameron, the freak has once again created a magical world for the viewer to get completely lost in. Johnny Depp’s eyes, like the ones of a blue Avatar, were computer enhanced to look bigger and googlier than they are in real life. CGI characters show emotions and play critical roles in developing the story... see what I mean? There are similarities, no!? While it is hard not to compare these movies, Alice totally deserves to stand alone, as there is no denying that Burton and Johnny have something special going when they work together. Here is to 7 more movies for them to collaborate in, and here is to hoping they are all as good as this one.

Black Swan -

The Book of Eli – This is one good whop-ass movie, so it is kind of too bad that it turned all preachy on me as it came to a close. I don't think I was a fan of the greyish hue that Denzel walked in, though do I understand its purpose. The costume he wore, as well as his on-screen persona on the other hand, are absolutely perfect for the story. I bought into the man protecting the Good Book and bringing it to where it belongs, and I enjoyed the fact that we don’t find out everything about him, which keeps his "bad-assness" mysterious. The Hughes brothers did a great job of showing us which of a man's possessions would gain importance after the apocalypse, such as a lighter or a KFC wet-nap, so I don’t understand how they could sell out so badly in the end. This movie is still worth seeing, and it makes me excited to keep an eye on the brothers as they polish their talent. PS... I bet Mila Kunis has a hairy bush, even in the back yard.

Brooklyn’s Finest – I was hooked the minute I saw the trailer for this movie. Maybe it was the Jay-Z song that ended a very effective promotional clip , or maybe it was the story of three police officers trying to live their separate and very different cop lives. I have a soft spot for Ethan Hawke, but it was Richard Gere and Don Cheadle that really 'powned' this film! All three come out intense in a very distinct way, and will stop your breath as they portray some heavy characters in some heavy situations. You will get more and more uncomfortable as this movie goes on, but the pay-off is worth every contorted cringe on your face.

Catfish -

Clash of the Titans - Fhaken embarrassment! I was LIVID when half way through this casually paced action movie, I took off my 3D glasses and realised that you didn't need them at all! The movie was hardly in 3D whatsoever, and only a few objects/characters were given the high-tech treatment - which by the way was also fhaken amateur! Instead of the depth, you basically had double images sitting on top of one another for a noticeably awful product. Why is this significant? Well you could kind of forgive the cash grab if the movie was any good, but without the three or four action sequences, you have nothing more in Clash than a used condom. Worthington was nowhere near what he was in Avatar or Terminator and this whole movie outing just pisses me off...

The Crazies – I’ve seen a lot of very good horror movies lately and The Crazies stands just as tall as any of them. In many ways I wouldn’t classify it as a classic “horror” movie; it is really a conspiracy thriller at its core, but the suspense and the crazy people running around town does give it Zombie-movie feeling. Olyphant takes off his cowboy hat and jumps out of Deadwood into a role of a sheriff in a small farming community, where a bunch of fhacked up folks start popping up and causing a helluva lot of trouble. Why are they acting so strange and why do they want to kill people? What’s causing this mess? The movie will pull you in, as you watch the heroes get out of uncomfortably tight spots in their hope to survive. Since the film is a remake, the wheel is not reinvented, but at least it is not filled with unnecessary gruesomeness you see in a lot of modern horror movies. The director instead lets the clever script do the talking and with that manages to wedge your heart in your throat. Don’t choke on your popcorn now....!

Date Night - This movie is not hilarious, and it is not filled with wild action. Fey and Carrell are not even at their best here, and yet I kinda enjoyed this film. Maybe it was the chemistry between the two leads, or maybe it was the portrayal of the boring over-the-hill suburban couple that hit too close to home, but I just connected with the movie and didn't really care where it was going to take me. I bought in, and even though nothing in here blew me away, I giggled a few times, and that's more than I can say about some of the other "comedies" I have seen lately.

Daybreakers – As far as I am concerned, this is one helluva way to kick off the new year. Vampires, a classic horror icon, are brought to the screen in a freshy way, and this movie makes me wanna suck on some distressed lady's neck..... Oh the horror! The movie is not without flaws, but the worst is - the one reveal in the movie is given away before the actual surprise, stupidly minimising the impact of what could have been a mind-blowing finish! Don’t take this the wrong way, this is still a great freakin' voyage, and it is certainly not predictable. Cross-bows, wooden stakes, stun darts, explosive bullets, fhak you name it, they'll shoot it.... Cool fhaken movie.

Death at a Funeral - I saw the original which so many "experts" proclaim to brilliant, but to me it was just a movie with a bunch of Brits. I barely made it through the first half, so it is strange that the trailer for this remake made me laugh as much as it did. I had to see it, and it didn't disappoint. After the story is set up, the jokes come at a steady pace, and you even get treated to a couple of big laughs. Tracy Morgan and Martin Lawrence are a couple of hilarious comedians and they are funny just standing there, but props to Chris Rock for seeing this film would work and getting it done.

Despicable Me – It’s fun and it’s touching. No, it’s not Pixar, but at least it has those yellow guys, which are pretty fhaken funny. A lot of folks will tell you about Steve Carell’s voice performance, but make no mistake about it, this movie is all about the beans (be it one or two eyed)! Or are they minions, or cousins.... whatever you want to call them, they steal this show. Graphically it is not as strong as Toy Story, and the 3D is not as good either, but the characters are rich and you will laugh with them... and maybe even cry with them. What more do you want than that!?

Diary of a Wimpy Kid – I will only watch kids movies if they are a part of my movie pool collection, but needless to say this is always a bit of an awkward experience. A middle aged guy sitting alone in a theatre full of screaming children should be ready to explain why he is there to any parent that gives him the evil eye. Thank god I don’t have a moustache... So about the movie... Wimpy was a pleasant surprise, to say the very least. It had a lot of adult humour, and it didn’t shy away from the fact that kids are sometimes simply mean to each other. Life is tough son, better get used to it. I’ve always thought child actors are kind of creepy, but the shenanigans in this movie made me forget about that and only left me wondering how Wimpy is gonna pull out of the shit-hole he dug himself into. Go find out, you won’t regret it.

Due Date -

Easy A -

Edge of Darkness - This is yet another movie trying to do what Taken did last year, though you really cannot help but compare the two. For starters, both movies have a father as the central figure, fighting bad guys in the name of their daughters. That said, the comparisons pretty much end there. Darkness is more deliberate; it takes its time to set up the premise and slowly unravels out of the gate. As it progresses not everything will be explained perfectly, with inevitable plot holes throughout, but there is enough mean action involving radioactive milk that will make you forget about the miss-steps. Yeah Mel Gibson is and aging lunatic anti-Semite, and he's got a bit of a hair-loss thing going on.... but I must say that the bastard can still take the lead and give'r.

Expendables -

Fighter -

From Paris with Love – You definitely shouldn’t take your wife or girlfriend to see this movie, otherwise you'll have to pay her back by watching some some shit like Dear John. This is a guys’ movie; 90 minutes of pure action, European styles with a flavour of... well... Taken. No it’s not as good as last year’s adrenaline shootout by the same director, but the action doesn’t let up in this one either. Much like its predecessor, it takes about 10-15 minutes to set up the story, and then it is all about ignoring the plot holes and guessing who’s gonna get shot next. The action sequences are not mind-blowing, though they are original enough to keep you entertained. Travolta does a pretty good job with a great character, and it’s kind of fun to listen to the Irishman Rhys Meyers fumble with his American accent. Anyway, buckle up for this one - if you don’t expect too much, it will be a fun ride.

Get him to the Greek -

Green Zone – Just like Inglorious Basterds created a fictional story about a historic event, Green Zones tells a imaginary story about the war in Iraq after 9-11. The difference is that Green Zone reminds us of the bullshit reasons that George Bush actually used to try and justify the attack, and that’s no fantasy my friends. That fhaken idiot wasn’t fooling anybody, but still somehow got his country to commit the troops to Iraq for his personal gains. After he left America in economic shambles, he is going to be remembered as the biggest idiot of the 21st century, and that’s probably a lock despite the fact there are 90 years yet to go! Green Zone fortunately doesn’t concentrate on this part at all, but rather offers a plethora of good quality war scenes filled with intensity equal to ones in the Hurt Locker. Matt Damon is as captivating as he’s ever been, and he gets support from a few beauties as well. Greengrass is the real deal and he gives us a film that is a pleasure to watch, despite the heavy subject.

How to Train Your Dragon - The IMAX technology is about a half a century old, but sitting in those theatres still feels as fresh as ever. That said, HTTYD is much more than a visual experience; this movie is about the love of nature, family values, as well as awkward teenage crushes. It all blends together and flows flawlessly, in a movie that you cannot help but enjoy. On the other hand, like the secret KFC ingredient missing from the delicious deep fried chicken, this is still not Pixar magic. As good as it all tasted, after exiting the theatre I soon felt hungry for more. Nevertheless, there is nothing wrong with making movies that don't make mistakes, while pleasing broad audiences - no matter how short lived the satisfaction.

Kick-Ass - Underwhelming. After all the hype and the sizzling buzz, this thing turned out to be not a helluva lot. The Kick-Ass character, when he's not a superhero wannabe, is just a goofy kid that hangs out with his friends talking about comic books. Unfortunately those scenes made their way into the movie and put me to sleep right from the jump. There is hardly any chemistry between the guys and that makes for some boring cinema. They tried to correct it by adding a love interest, but the "awkward white boy with an afro gets the hot girl" which was so effective in Zombieland, felt tired here, and sprinkled with lame. Obviously the bright spot in the movie is Hit-Girl, especially in the bits with her dad, but I already saw those clips since they have been all over the Internet for months! There you have it, this is why I didn't call home after seeing this film. Nothing there.

Inception -

Jackass 3D -

Last Exorcism -

Legion - Oh man, this movie is like somebody's high-school project. The dialogue is so often painful, the editing is weak, acting is questionable; it's like the distributors found a copy of this film in someone’s locker. Except... There's some pretty fhaken cool shit in here too! The cinematography is done in comic book style, and the Angels and Daemons in this movie actually don't suck like Tom Hanks'. The relationship between the winged Michael and Gabriel topped with their fighting sequences, is some of the best such stuff I’ve seen in a long while. Also, if you like shoot-outs, you will find them here a plenty. So the question is... Does the good outweigh the bad? Yep, by a long shot.

Let me in -

Machete -

Megamind -

Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief – I have never really been a huge fan of the Harry Potter movies. They move way too slow, and the terrible child actors often make me want to vomit. Don’t even get me started with the Narnia series, which will make you consider jumping off a bridge. On the other hand Percy Jackson was fun. Oh, don’t get me wrong, there are still laughable perfromances here, and the the production value is not as high as the forementioned movies, but the Greek Mythology really kicks ass. I grew up with all the minotaurs, centaurs, hydras and the ever powerful Gods, and they are all brought to life perfectly in this family adventure. The story is simplistic, but at least it has a purpose, and the action filled journey will wake up the kid inside of you. Speaking of kid, the one playing Percy is gonna be a star, he’s got something... but for the love God, bring someone in that can put him into a half-decent fight sequence. Why everyone has to look like they are wielding a plastic sword is beyond me; surely the master Woo Ping can take some of his busy time to help out!

Piranha 3D -

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time – I felt fhaking horrible for going to watch this movie, but ever since the first Mummy, I have had something for all of these films set in the desert. I can’t help myself and it is the same reason I went to watch Clash of the Titans. On the other hand my feelings only got worse when Prince started... I couldn’t believe what I dragged myself into. Gyllenhaal with his pompous British accent and a bunch of other douches talking in the Queen’s English as they were trying to attack a holy Middle-eastern city. It didn’t take long for the contrived romance between Jake and the hot British chick to start, and I actually thought of standing up and screaming: “Make it fhaken stop, please!!” This is why I can’t really pick out at which point in the movie I kind of started to enjoy it. Did I just give up somewhere in the middle, dropped all expectations, and tuned out the awful accents everybody spoke in? Maybe I did, but let’s not get carried away here either. When I say that I “enjoy it”, I mean mildly, far from long strokes of pleasure.... far far from it.

Repo Men – I checked out some early reviews for this movie, and they basically shit all over it. Smothered by low hopes and covered in feces, I dragged myself to this film expecting to have even more crap poured all over me. Once again, I proved my theory that people don’t know fhak all about movies, have expectations of ridiculous grandeur, and never fail to join the "baaing" of the first critic they hear, like the dumb sheep that they are. I’m not going to try and tell you that this movie is awesome. It’s obviously not. However, there is nothing wrong with the premise, the action, humour, acting and the unexpected plot turns that happen in this little movie made for specifically for the guys in the audience. Of course if you don’t like any of that, then yes, this movie is not for you, and you should go cover the moon with your thumb like they teach you in Dear John. Now fhak off and leave me alone.

Salt -

Shutter Island – Martin Scorsese is an extraordinary filmmaker and he once again proves this with Shutter Island. Not only was this film shot beautifully, but he managed to tell a story which could have easily been very confusing, in such a masterful way, that I didn’t even notice sitting on the edge of my seat for the entire 140 minutes of the movie’s run time. As you are watching this film, you really don’t know what’s going on, but you stay engaged and can’t wait to see what will happen at the conclusion, which does not disappoint! It has been a long time since I walked out of a movie compelled to talk about the story with the people I saw it with, and then want to talk about it again with others that have seen it separately. Leonardo is now in his 4th movie with Scorsese and their collaborations are getting better as time goes on. The beauty here is that the other actors working in this film are just as phenomenal as their leaders. Shutter Island is a jewel of the early 2010.

Takers -

Tooth Fairy - Oh sweet Jezus, I was on a flight back to Toronto and every single movie available on the little screen in front of me was one that I've already seen. The only thing left was the Rock in a tootoo and umm... No. The guy obviously has a lot of charisma, but it was the lack of chemistry with everyone else in the movie that made him seem disconnected. You can just sense how awkward everyone felt reciting lines that lacked any humour to begin with, almost hearing their inner voice saying "hey, at least we're getting paid for this shit". And that's exactly what the movie is.

The Town -

Toy Story 3D -

Tron Legacy -

True Grit -

Wolfman – There is no question that you will have to go into this movie open minded and willing to accept that a hairy puppet can be scary and viable to kill people with its puppet claws. You will also have to get over the atrocious performance from Benicio, who is not fooling anybody into thinking his accent is American. That said, as bad as he is, Blunt, Weaving and of course Anthony Hopkins do their thing as masterfully as ever, and you almost get a sense that the trio believed they were making a good film. Their performances alone are the pillar that holds up this whole shinanigan, and turns it into something semi-watchable. The setting is foggy, the lights are dim, but they shoudda found a way to stop the Wolf from howling...... Ooooowwwooohh! Ooooooowwwhh!! Over and over.... Really?

TnA 2009 Movie Reviews

2009-03-11T10:22:00.102-04:00

2009 REVIEWS:

2012 - Was this a terrible movie!? Of course it was. Can I recommend this movie to anybody!? Of course I cannot. Unfortunately, it is however as good of a terrible movie you can see this year. The spectacle, though mostly insulting to my intelligence, is still kind of striking when seen on the big screen. The connections between the characters could actually carry some weight if they weren’t so buried, but Emmerich decided to show shit blowing up for 3 hours, which believe it or not, can be a little fhaking boring. Just as you start to think that the movie will turn into something decent, it ends up lasting an extra hour, and methodically starts to sell out and drag on. The end of the world wouldn't be all that bad, as long as this movie would end with it.

9 - There is something brilliant in this movie, there definitely is, I just can't put my finger on it. Maybe it's simply the raw talent and hypnotizing imagination of Shane Acker, which while on display, still feel like they require honing. In this visually stunning movie, the action scenes are some of the most creative you will ever see, and the creatures can stand up to any I've watched this year. But as awesome as they all look, the magic of storytelling is just not there and as a result the connection to the characters is missing. I wish I could have cared more for those zipped-up potato sacks. On a side note, it was the first time I purchased the moving DBOX seats to watch this movie, and while there is some appeal to the vibrations, I mostly just found it harder to hold in my popcorn farts.

500 Days of Summer – Finally... Finally a movie with some balls that doesn't hide away from reality and matters of the heart as they actually happen. This film skillfully gives us a bit of quirky reality, amidst all of the blockbuster bullshit that's lately been piled into theatres. While not a classic romantic comedy, it does provide some laugh out loud moments, as well as the two lead characters that are authentic and adorable. Everyone that's ever loved can associate with some part of the witty script, which is enhanced by the performances that are never over the top despite the out of the box storytelling. A real gem, and unquestionably one of the best films of the summer.

Adventureland - Was highly recommended by many of our friends, so we gave it a looksy. A cute movie about a shaggy teeny-bopper that chases after a girl, who’s all confused, so this other girl comes into play, and then there is this other guy.... oh who fhaken cares.... Though it is billed as a comedy, don’t expect to laugh too much here; this movie is more about sweetness than it is about the chuckles. It’s a good rental, and probably a good date movie that will remind you of the pains of being a teenager. Sigh.

Angels and Demons – I am a big fan of religious conspiracies, and churchy symbols being plastered all over a movie screen. This is why I was pretty excited to see this film, but was unfortunately given a heavy dose of “enh”. The movie is well acted and excellent direction makes you feel like you are in the middle of the Vatican for the entire drama as it unfolds. There are also some cool action sequences, however all this is simply not enough to off-set the drawn out beginning, and the unnecessary twist at the climax. There is nothing new or innovative that happens here, and though not every movie needs to break new ground, this movie gives nothing to get more than an “all right” rating.

AVATAR - I didn't want to write an Avatar review before I saw it at least twice. After a year of anticipation and expectation, the initial opinion could be foggy and clouded by the many articles, blogs and opinions written on the subject, and this movie deserved a clear point of view. Well, now that I've seen it three times, I can finally talk about the matter at hand and give you my purest review.

Let me be perfectly clear about something right from the start. Watching this movie in IMAX 3D is the most exciting thrill-ride I have ever been a part of at the cinema - PERIOD. I remember being awe struck by Star Wars, but nothing has ever been this immersing in the past. The first 45 minutes of this movie literally transport you to Pandora, a planet created by Cameron where the story takes place. As I had the privilege to see Avatar multiple times, I managed to peel my eyes off the screen, and watched for a few seconds the people around me staring at the movie with their jaws literally dropped to the floor. The audience truly participates in the adventure, and whether you think it's an incredible one or not, you don't have a choice but to be physically wrapped up in the epic tale.

So let's talk a little more about the story then. It is a simple one no doubt, some may say even a little too simple, however there a hidden diamonds waiting to be found throughout. There is a spiritual teaching that's very evident, and while it may not start a religious movement, it is clearly there and gives the film purpose. References to American politics are everywhere, so even if there are cheesy lines of patriotism, Cameron at the very least tried to give this thing some meaning, and in many cases he succeeded.

But it all goes somehow beyond that. Each time I saw the movie, I enjoyed it more and felt increasingly satisfied, and that isn't supposed to happen with a simplistic theme. Almost subliminally the characters, the forrest and the creatures get into your heart, and you find yourself inexplicably daydreaming about this distant world. Cameron has created a universe that feels real, and has single handedly brought the crowds back to the theatres. Pirated copies of this movie won't be downloaded, because the experience is on the big screen with the all engulfing 3D. You will be stunned, and you will want to watch it more than once. It is a joy to have seen it, and I can't wait to see it again......

Bruno - Seriously Sacha? That's what you gave us!? After Borat, which was a revolution, Cohen came up with this gutless effort of a movie, that didn't change as much as the basic premise from its predecessor... A guy accompanied by his sidekick goes to America to make it big... sound like your other movie much? Because the film lacks any jokes, Cohen continuously flashes up cocks and gay sex, to distract us from the fact that we're not laughing. Shocking, outrageous and disturbing without a point, this movie is everything but funny or fresh. Give me a break...

Disney’s A Christmas Carol – I won’t hide it, we saw this show at midnight, and I was too tired to stay awake for the whole thing, even if the movie is only a brief 86 minutes long. During my conscious state however, I was quite a keen observer and here is what I noticed. For starters, umm... the movie is boring! British accents piss me off to begin with, so at least talk about something interesting. Secondly, if you saw any of the Avatar clips, you won’t even be that impressed with the CGI. Not even Scrooge can compare to the graphics of the Na’vi, let alone the rest of the Christmas Carol cast, who look like flesh coloured gummy bears. Moments of brilliance, like the appearance of the Ghost of Christmas Past, are far too few, and far too fleeting, and in the end they don’t add up to much. Jim Carrey is a virtuoso, and his performance here is downright legendary; it is criminal that it gets lost in a mess.

Coco avant Chanel – Because she’s not from around here, I often forget the kind of remarkable talent Audrey Tautou really is. Rest assured she more than reminded me of her abilities in this sweetly engaging French film. This is a female empowering movie, about a woman that didn’t take shit from anybody, and built an empire in a society that saw women as objects and possessions. A truly inspiring story subtly shows how Coco became the breakthrough designer, as it takes you through her “origins” journey rather than her glory days at the top. Only fearlessness and confidence can bring you to where she ended up, and Tautou sublimely embodies Coco and shows us how it's done.

Coraline - If you are as excited about Avatar as we are, or can't wait to see Disney's Christmas Carol, then Coraline is a good 3D warm-up. The 3D properly enriches the story; clearly the director paid special attention to this. This is a fun movie experience, though the characters and the settings are a little creepy. Just make sure you talk to your kids and let them know you love them, before you put those 3D goggles on their little noses.

Crank 2: High Voltage - "Just juice me.... Aaaaaaaagh!! Aaaaaagh!!!"

Dead Snow – Before the pansy vampires turn the world upside down with New Moon, the Zombies are enjoying a nice renaissance period. Ok, it’s hard to take any movie seriously when the actors are freakin speaking Finnish, and if you add Nazi Zombies to the mix, you might start to wonder why the fhak you are watching this film. That said there are moments of pure fright in this low budget gem, blended with some dry laugh out loud humour. Though the whole thing does feel a little bit like a circus act, the entertainment value and bang for the buck are as high as one can hope for. Just remember, don’t get bitten!

District 9 - From the opening frame I knew I was watching something magical, as I felt myself magnetically sucked into the movie. Although clearly a sci-fi, this film brings so many layers that you simply forget you are watching aliens, and you only end up caring for the characters and their story. And believe me, you cannot imagine, predict or assume anything that will happen next, as the movie takes you on a once-in-a-lifetime journey. There is something for the nerd, as much as there is for a marine, romantic or a scientist in this glorious piece of work. Not a single moment is wasted, as each scene seems to be an unforgettable one. You will witness Wikus van de Merwe instantly become one of sci-fi's classic characters. Run, don't walk to go see this one.

Drag me to Hell - For any fan of the horror genre, this is a gem. Despite the PG-13 rating, Sam Raimi manages to keep the film suspenseful, and though there are several opportunities for the movie to sell out, it never wavers. That douchebag from the Mac commercials does play the lead's boyfriend, so I kept looking for the fat PC guy with glasses to promote Vista or something, though I did enjoy the rest of the perfectly chosen cast. Some parts turn out to be more funny than scary, but I just love the interactive experience of watching a horror film, and this one had me screaming, mocking and swearing at the screen.

Dogtooth (TIFF) – Greek OK! An interesting little movie from Greece tells a story of a father that thinks he knows what’s best for his children, as every other parent normally does. Unfortunately this guy is a little screwed in the head and has had them imprisoned on his estate since they were born. Umm.... wtf is right!! Despite hiding and teaching them not to know the outside world, stories from beyond the property fence find their way through, and soon start to change the dynamic on the inside. Disturbing but surprisingly funny, this movie certainly leaves an impression.

Duplicity - There is something to say about star power; Clive Owen and Julia Roberts certainly bring it. That said, Duplicity is more than that; it's filled with unexpected plot twists, clever flashbacks, sexy style and it has plenty of laughs too. If you get tired of watching Julia and her awkward walk, Giamatti and Wilkinson bring their best in supporting roles. Don't trust those reviews that talk about a complicated script. If you don't "get it", you should think about upgrading your education. This is a fun movie.

Earth (DVD) – Rip-off and disappointment. I don’t know how else to put it. Oh, don’t get me wrong, the footage is brilliant, but let’s step back a couple of years and revisit the brilliant BBC series Planet Earth. That was one of the most emotional pieces of film-making I have ever seen. It is one of my dearest series, as it holds some of the best animal footage ever displayed on screen. Now imagine having that butchered, clipped, and sucking the life out of it. Disney basically cut footage directly from the series and tried to make it original. Add to that the voice of James Earl Jones that is not as booming as it once was, and you have a sad comparison to the far superior original.

Extract - I never saw Mike Judge's "legendary" Office Space, but whenever people quote lines from it, I'm always like... "Hmm, maybe it's funny when you see it". Well, don't bother seeing Extract, because if you hear lines from this movie, you can rest assured that nothing is lost from seeing it on the silver screen. I'm not sure where this lame duck was supposed to fly to, but other than a dope smoking sequence they showed you in the preview, there is really nothing to see here. Oh so very bland.

Fantastic Mr. Fox - American cinema is alive and well. This is one movie that goes so far beyond the effects of stop motion animation, that you literally forget you are watching puppets. The creativity is at an absolute peak, as each scene shows you something you haven't seen before. The story is absolutely wonderful and engaging, and this movie should effortlessly get into the hearts of both the young and adult audiences. The laughs are plentiful, but none come at the expense of the powerful messages the movie wants to convey. There are many reasons to see this movie, and the satisfaction you will feel at the conclusion, should be at the top of that list.

Fast and Furious (DVD) - Oh boy, this film simply oozes with fromage! Ridiculous lines delivered with such gusto, only Vin Diesel could pull them off. Speaking of the 'bald eagle', it was the first time I noticed his uncanny resemblance to Adam Sandler, and I half expected him to pull out a guitar and start singing in that annoying voice. On the other hand, this is the first DVD movie I'm reviewing this year, and it is a film that knows where it belongs. Nothing in there is meant to be taken too seriously, so don't look for a golden statue ffs! It's literally just a mindless fun trip, so much so, that even though I didn't see the first three installments, I still understood what was going on... Can you imagine!?

The Final Destination - Even though this is a TnA movie, there is no sugar coating it. The Final Destination is a piece of shit. Not even seeing my first pair of boobies in 3-D could save this horror (and I don't mean the genre). Yeah, there are gory deaths, and the blood comes splattering at you off the screen, but who cares!? Sure it was pretty neat to see live action 3-D, and the CGI in the credits was kinda cool, but the lack of script and acting chops is just so freaking hard to stomach - even for this obvious B-movie. And by B, I mean C...

Funny People - The only reason why Sandler is not my most hated actor in Hollywood is because Seth Rogen is around. I don't know, I just never thought they were very funny... That is... Until Funny People. Not only did I laugh, I actually thought both guys put on world class performances, and it will be criminal if Sandler's work doesn't get noticed. The movie is painfully charming, and though it does feel long near the end, there are moments of the brightest shine in here. Apatow does turn to a lot of swearing to get the laughs, but the jokes between the fellas balance it all out! The blond chick they drag around to every movie kinda gets on my nerves, but each of the other characters will surprise you. It's a damn good one!

G.I.Joe - Omg! The acting! The lines! The situations... It's all a big joke. A G.I. fhaken Joke! Channing Tatum - stop your pouting!! After evey line you deliver, stop pouting! And stop talking like you grew up in the ghetto... You're a fhaken DANCER! You and the rest of 'em are nothing but a collection of B-actors in a ridiculous movie... There's just one thing... I kinda enjoyed this shit. There was a flow to the movie and they didn't bore me with trying to explain a plot that cannot be explained. In fact they didn't talk too much at all. They just blasted, jumped, flew and drove their way through this nonsense and somehow managed to entertain. Oh I'm dumber after seeing this, but at least I had fun.

The Hangover - TnA picked The Hangover in the supplemental draft, but hopes for this movie delivering at the box office were extremely high. Nevertheless, when I finally sat down in front of the silver screen, I forgot all about the competition and just wanted to laugh... And laugh I did... Often! The jokes do not stop pouring in, and I even missed many of them because of a chuckling audience. The mood between the four friends at a Vegas bachelor party is downright viral and you seamlessly become a part of their "wolf-pack". (Un)fortunately they loose the groom-to-be, and treat the viewer to solving a 'great' mystery of where he is. More and more wacky characters appear, and the only predictable thing is the inevitable hilarity. Right down to the funniest closing credits of all time. When I walked out of the theatre, I felt like I just hung out with my best buddies, and now I can't wait to go hang out with them again!

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - All right, so maybe I don't really like the Harry Potter movies. Something about bad child actors and shitty British humour, I don't know... Either way, I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. The trailer promised a dark, action packed movie, but instead the film took forever to get going. Radcliffe and his twichiness started to annoy me after about 15 minutes, and I braced for another summer disapointment. The movie eventually sorts itself out, but since it is so freaking long, that takes nearly two full hours to happen. All together not enough Voldemort, and too much flavourless tweeny romance. Yawn.

Hotel for Dogs - Kids and dogs. This is not a legendary movie by any means, but if you're looking for cuteness and giggles with your little ones, this film will fit the bill. The dogs in this one don't talk, nor can you hear what they are thinking, but they still perform some cute little tricks. The kids sitting beside us in the theatre were both laughing and crying, and even clapped after the somewhat predictable ending. TnA is enjoying the $70 mil that this "puppy" pulled in.

The Hurt Locker - Intensity at its finest. This movie will make you pee your pants. I know, because I peed mine... Umm... Anyway... The intensity doesn't just come in wire clipping scenes; there are numerous other situations that will cause shortness of breath. And they don't let you off the hook - trouble in this movie comes in bunches! There are a few pleasant cameos spread throughout, but the performances of the three leads are what really sets this movie apart. You will really start caring for these young guys and feel for what they are going through. The film at times did feel like a collection of short movies, but this is one flick that you shouldn't miss.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs - Fox really needed to come up big with this one, and that is exactly what they did. Though very different from its rival Up, IA3 is an excellent movie for the younger audience, and is filled with physical humor, silly gags and characters you will easily fall in love with. The 3D is not the main story here, however some of the visuals are simply stunning. The adorable "herd" goes on a journey to save their own Sid the sloth, who accidentally stumbled upon a world of dinosaurs. Family, friendship, bravery and vulnerability are put to the test as our pals risk their lives to reunite with their buddy. The new characters that join them fill out the story, and help each of our heros grow in their own way. Adults should enjoy this as much as the little ones; we have a great gift here for the long weekend.

Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus – Oh no no, don’t get me wrong, I had trouble following what the fhak was going on in this movie. I wasn’t bored, I just struggled to keep up with who is who, and why they are there, and "who is this chick again.......??" It wasn’t until later when I started to study the movie, replaying the scenes and remembering the characters that I could sink my teeth into the metaphors and get my own interpretation of the fine art that was playing on the screen. This ain’t a main stream movie by any stretch, and it’s nowhere near the visual spectacle of Avatar, but it is different, and it will please the poet within.

Inglorious Basterds - Fresh off releasing his top 20 films since he became a film maker, Tarantino brings us something he calls "his masterpiece". And one helluva movie it is! There is nobody that can take unknown faces and make them into legitimate actors like Quentin can, so in Basterds he does it again with at least three performances worthy of major awards. Using his signature virtuoso dialogue, he gives us a violent story of WWII fiction, and continues the late summer of freshness at the cinema. A long movie that doesn't feel like it at all, featuring Brad Pitt acting like a r'tard, this is an accessible collector's piece, which you know was created by a master. Exquisite.

The International - This movie is like that girl you had to break up with for no reason. She was great, with a good sense of humour and an eye for fashion; you had fun together, and yet... Something was still missing. The performances in this film are great, the plot is complex, though relatively easy to follow; there is even a near-classic shootout scene! But somehow... in spite of everything, the movie misses the opportunity to steal your heart.

I love you man (DVD) - I was told to be on the lookout for gut-splitting hilarity, but I think the unusually flakey characters with kind of a creepy bromance, just never delivered them. Don't get me wrong, this is not a bad movie, but there just wasn't enough of the funny. The DVD offered a lengthy gag reel, which was definitely where I chuckled the most, though the rest of the film did have its share of awkward sweetness. The fact that the characters were Rush fans also pissed me off, coz to say it plainly, those guys are douches. Yeah, it's worth watching this movie, as long as you don't look for any home run swings.

Jennifer’s Body (TIFF) – All right, so maybe Megan Fox is not Meryl Streep when it comes to acting chops, but give me a fhaking break you pathetic hater film critics – This movie is a fun, light hearted ride, which still manages to show a great teenage 'friendship' underneath all the stuff happening on the surface. I’m not sure why such a backlash amongst the movie “experts”; the audience at the festival laughed out loud and provided the creators with a triple applause at the conclusion. A girl heroine, a girl villain, girl script and a girl director pay great homage to the horrors that inspired them, and give us something that’s not quite like any other film in the genre. You go girls!

Julie and Julia - Yep, I was told to go see more chick flicks, so here's one that seemed 'digestible'. Turns out that it was quite delicious actually. For any lover of food, do not go see this one on an empty stomach, because you won't get through it easily. I'm still salivating after watching the intertwining stories of the two lady cooks, that were not only connected by their love of food, but also had sweetheart husbands that prove that behind every great woman, there is a great man! All you feminists, stick that in your pipe and smoke it. I'm not sure how much better Meryl Streep can get, but Amy Adams has some serious skillz in her own right. Way to go girls, I'll look for you in March.

Knowing – Yes, of course Nicholas Cage is tough to watch, and this movie drags on in many parts; what else did you expect!? On the other hand, this is a mystery sci-fi movie that doesn’t entirely miss the mark. The methodical storytelling has direction, and despite the acting that's often laughable, I was interested to see where it will all end up. The sci-fi aspect does bother some people, as do Cage’s hair plugs, but if you can suspend disbelief, this movie delivers a decent time at the cinema.

Last house on the left (DVD) – It’s hard for me to classify this movie as a horror. I mean some bad people do terrorize some seemingly good people, but I didn’t have a sense that this was a fright-night kind of a movie. Nevertheless, the film is actually not bad. The suspense is always there, as is the unpredictability. Some scenes are difficult to watch, but the whole thing does eventually come to an “eye-popping” ending!

Management (DVD) – It’s too bad that this movie couldn’t escape the pressure to be cheesy, because there was a lot of pleasant surprises along the way. Steve Zahn is so fhaken goofy, but Aniston seems to balance the whole act somehow that it all mysteriously ends up working (kind of). In spite of itself, the movie is sorta sweet. In the midst of being over the top in so many situations, it stays grounded in the relationships the characters forge, and though it is far from being hilarious, it did make me smile. In the end however, the movie is neither here nor there, so a coin toss is a good way to decide whether you should see it or not.

Monsters vs. Aliens - The main reason we saw this movie was to catch the trailer for Ice Age 3D, but it was unfortunately not shown in IMAX. MvsA on the other hand turned out to be a perfect distraction for an afternoon, as it delivered high quality 3D. The movie itself still felt like it was created to show off technology rather than to tell a good story, despite the fact that there were a few entertaining sequences throughout; the little brats sitting around us seemed to be having fun. The real ending to the experience was a sad one however. We were forced to return the high tech 3D glasses, or the alarm would have sounded at the theatre exit. :(

Moon – Ok... for a low budget indy movie with only 1 actor, about a guy who’s stuck alone on the fhaken moon, this wasn’t bad at all. Basically the dude was sent into space on a mining operation, and when his 3 year contract is about to expire, some very interesting shit starts to go down. BTW... Sam Rockwell brings it! This couldn’t have been a simple movie to perform in and he really shows off his skills as a multi faceted actor. The exact opposite of all the blockbusters that are playing in the theatres right now, if you're feeling like something a little "out there", you might enjoy this piece.

Ninja Assassin - I grew up absolutely obsessed with Ninjas and even had their hand meditation down pat as a little kid. Back in the day "American Ninja" managed to capture the essence of these masked killers, and showcased the training, martial arts and weapons they used in combat. Ninja Assassin, missed the boat on all of these, and also missed on so many other levels as well. You can barely make out who's who in the fight scenes, so you can't even cheer for the hero, though the scenes inevitably slow down to show off the gore. If the combat scenes don't show any emotion, the actors portray even less of it. This is a weak piece of junk.

Obsessed – While you never really find out what Idris Elba’s character does for a living in this movie, he must be very important because he reads a folded newspaper in every scene. No wonder the blondie becomes obsessed with him! There’s just one thing... His wife will have none of it, so the movie slowly but purposefully builds to the final cat-fight at the end. I’m not sure it’s all worth it, but Beyonce and Ali scratching and slapping each other for 15 minutes is certainly the perfect “climax”.

Old Dogs - Oh, I've seen worse movies than Old Dogs this year. A lot worse. Truth of the matter is, I actually laughed out loud a bunch of times at the goofy gags they set up in this film. It is a fact that this movie doesn't have the quality that moviegoers should expect when going to the cinema, but the film does manage entertain. Travolta and Williams clearly had fun making this flick, and I had fun watching it.

The Proposal - I gotta tell ya, I was truly freaking shocked that some people in the theatre actually laughed at the continuum of forced jokes in this film. Not even the lovable Betty White could make me care for her character, and this movie became more and more soul-less as the minutes ticked on. Despite the fact I saw the previews, when the big reveal of "we are getting married" was queued up, I thought Sandra Bullock was actually going to announce "I'm his mom" instead. I found myself cheering against the possibility of Ryan Reynolds kissing any of her four chins, but no matter what, I wasn't going to win anything when I sat down to watch this crap.

Public Enemies - "Oh no! Not another slow moving behemoth that will take forever to make a point, while my ass goes numb in this fhaken seat," is what I thought after the first 15 minutes of this movie. But then, after settling in and accepting the pace, I started to see the payoff... Bale and Depp are spellbinding, as are the frequent shootout scenes that rain bullets on the audience. Yes, this film moves awfully slow, but it does tell an interesting story about some old school cops and robbers, and it gets better as it painstakingly rolls along.

Road - I hate to call this a "post apocalyptic" or "end of the world" movie, because we have been bombarded with feces of "2012", "The Day After Tomorrow" and the like over the last few years. You must throw all your opinions of those films out the window, because the Road reinvents the genre with an emotionally powerful story, that will pierce through your heart like a cold spear. Unlike the mentioned, this movie is ALL about human relationships, the instinct of survival and the love of a father for his son in whom he sees the hope for the world and humanity. The gray scenery adds to the heaviness of each situation, but this movie shows you that there is light even if you cannot see the Sun.

Saw VI - Of course I didn't want to see this movie; I HAD to see it, because after sneaking into Amelia and Astroboy I still didn't see the new Avatar trailer. And then... finally, there it was! Wow this is one trailer worth the price of admission, and at 3:30 minutes long, it is a mini movie all on its own! Guaranteed best trailer ever! Anyway, about Saw.. It wasn't afwul. Again there are 6000 characters you have to keep track of, many from previous installments, but at least the "carrusel of death" is the best Jigsaw game since the 1st movie. Hey I guess they tried to have a plot here, so I suppose the fact that it only kind of works is forgivable. In the end though, after so many gems in the horror genre this year, ulimately this tired series brings us nothing new.

A Serious Man - They say that the Cohen brothers are their own genre, and well, A Serious Man can also fit into that category. Right off the bat, it is shot so beautifully, with such absolutely flawless sets, costumes and makeup, that you are simply thrown back into the period and never really bother noticing how incredible they all are. The brothers then present a crumbling and increasingly depressing world of a man, that can't seem to control any aspect of his life, and somehow make you laugh at his disasters! You sinful son of a bitch, how can you laugh at another man's miserable existance!? The maticulous approach of the Cohens can undoubtedly test the audience's patience, but they certainly shake you up with timely major-league comedy.

Sherlock Holmes - One thing this film shares with Avatar, which is stealing Sherlock's Box Office dollars in the theatre next door, is that how well written the story is doesn't really matter. What matters here is the entertainment value, and when Downey and Law bring it, it is through the roof. Each time Sherlock and Watson appear on the screen, I could feel the faces around me light up, and even I had the same expression as when I saw a bare tit for the first time. The film gives you a perfect blend of action and comedy, and when two hours pass, the closing credits come as a surprise. While McAdams in my mind wasn't used to the full extent, Hans Zimer brings the music which makes you forget about any flaws.

State of play (DVD) - Here is a good little flick. I'm not sure why this film was such a bust at the box office, because it sure does deliver on many levels. The script is smart, but not complicated. The acting is superb, and yes this includes Ben Affleck. The thrills and suspense are palpable, as you follow reporters that are trying to uncover a story which if revealed would send ripples through the nation. Any plot holes are covered up with a great flow, as you work with the news team that's trying to connect the dots. An enjoyable rental for sure.

Star Trek - The Imax experience adds so much to any movie, but Star Trek doesn't need much help at all. A perfect blend of sci-fi, nostalgia, action, humour and effects, this movie is exciting in every minute of its runtime. Actors were perfectly chosen for their roles and deliver performances that remind me of the original series. And yet, there is a freshness about every Starship Enterprise crew member as they are thrown into an epic space battle. Geekiness at its finest is very cool; this movie is clearly the best of the year at the time of its release. A must see.

Surrogates – Man, I love Bruce Willis. He is a guy I will go out of my way to see at the movies, and even though Surrogates is a little hollow, he’s still my boy. Now the movie itself has some good ideas, but in the end it’s just a little too predictable, and you are simply spoon-fed a feel-good story that doesn’t really feel all that good. The notion of robots going out into the world instead me in the flesh might make some sense here and there... like going grocery shopping in the rain for an example. But, to try and tell me that my mechanical robot rubbing against some chick's mechanical coochy would feel just as good as actually bangin her... umm... you might be selling, but I’m not buyin! I’d rather pull the pin for a bit....

Taken - A good little movie. After seeing the preview I went to watch this looking for action, and that is what I got. The director wastes no time; the premise is set up quickly and then the fireworks begin. Don't look for Oscars here; of course there are gaping plot holes. This is just a "sit back and enjoy the ride" film. Not sure it's worth $150 mil that it made, though TnA do wish they had this one in our roster.

Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 – Should you in error end up watching this movie, hopefully your experience will be a bit better due to me shitting all over it with this review and thus setting your expectations as low as possible. The movie is pointless. I have no idea why any of the characters do the things they do in this film, unless the whole thing was somehow created only so Denzel’s character can become a hero. And oh boy, they will make you “love” him... feel for him despite all the mistakes he’s made in the past - gag! Some enjoyable, though awfuly random action does happen, and give credit to the actors who do a very good job (including ‘evil’ Travolta). Nevertheless the best thing about this outing was the Old Dogs trailer and a blur-free preview of District 9. Skip this one.

Terminator Salvation – After this movie was hacked up by the critics from early screenings, the only thing that kept my interest in seeing it was the appearance of Sam Worthington opposite Christian Bale. He is after all the leading man in James Cameron’s Avatar, so TnA had to make sure he is capable of leading a film. Kids, let me tell ya, the guy steals every scene he appears in. Avatar just got that much better! Turns out that Terminator Salvation was pretty good in its own right. The Skynet built machines are pretty cool and kinda scary, and I totally dig the homage to the original movies. The action set pieces are intense, and while the movie sells out with a few stinky cheese parts, stop your whining and enjoy the good stuff. Oh yeah... Christian Bale has to stop using his Batman voice when he’s not wearing the mask.

Thirst - Park Chan-Wook is a unique guy and he makes unique movies. With a storytelling style like no other, he again brings us a bloody tale that is equally twisted, as it is sexy. This movie has an amazing range and though it will be too bizarre for many, it is unquestionably one of a kind. The actors are impeccable and perfectly convey emotions that the transformation they go through brings on. Park uses humor, as well as subtle special effects to present what every film maker should strive for; a movie that follows no rules and doesn't sacrifice uniqueness to try and stay cool, despite what the masses may think.

Toad’s Oil (TIFF) – I really wanted to catch a Japanese film at this year’s TIFF, and Toad’s Oil was certainly that. The Japanese movie audiences bring much respect to the theatre, and though this movie didn’t make much sense to me, nearly the entire crowd stayed behind to blind the popular actor-turned-director with their flash photography. I’m sure a lot is lost in translation when it comes to what he was trying to convey with this film, but honestly I didn’t much care to find out what that may be. Some of the imagery was quite cool, and the performances were decent as well, though I personally couldn’t get too far past that, so I caught a 20 minute snooze near the end.

Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen - In a word, painful! And not just ordinary pain. Watching this movie made me curl into a fetal position and beg the Lord above to throw thunderbolts at the bullshit that was rolling on the screen. "Make this shit stop, oh Lord!" were my exact words I think. What the fhak was this movie about? I wish I could tell you, but I think the most accurate summary is: it was like being lost in a steel factory from hell, watching a bunch of tossing metal on the screen and wasting precious time from your already short life. You will never get nearly 3 hours back if you go see it; herpes must be more enjoyable than this. Simply, this is the worst movie since Wanted, and easily the biggest pile of crap of 2009. A big, steaming pile of crap I stepped into.

Up - I have to say that this is unquestionably the best 3D movie I have seen to date. The story dominates so much, that I easily forgot I was wearing the special glasses. I don't know how Pixar does it, but they again created an endearing movie that doesn't shy away from real human issues. A bird and a talking dog are perfect companions to an old man and his neighbourhood boy-scout, and together they take on a breath-taking adventure. Kinda like Gran Torino with balloons, the story of a budding friendship touches the heart, and it will have you laughing and enjoying yourself from beginning to end.

Up in the Air (TIFF) – There is a moment in watching every great movie, when you realize you are a part of something special. That feeling will hit you about 10 minutes into this film, and it won’t let go. Wonderful performances and infectious chemistry between Clooney, Kendrick and Farminga, are complimented by memorable supporting cameos and a story which is so carefully orchestrated and presented, it will make your heart flutter. It is a tale that you do not simply watch from your seat, but rather participate in, as the movie will bring out emotions we are all too familiar with. Reitman’s previous movies were magical, and yet Up in the Air seems to soar high above them – It is an unforgettable picture that begs to be seen again.

Watchmen - High on the list for TnA going into the draft, the reason we backed out of picking it was due to the legal issues the film had before it opened. Thankfully. Not only is this movie not making enough money, it's actually not that good. The ink-masked Rorschach steals the show, and the girls look hot in their latex, but otherwise the film is drawn out and lacks the intensity and action of X-Men. (unless you count the rape scenes and shootings of pregnant women) The ending is different than the one in the book, though it doesn't further ruin the experience. Kind of worth seeing on IMAX, but certainly not more than once.

Wolverine - Shut the fhak up fan-boys, I am sick of hearing how the characters in this movie are not exactly like they were in the comic book. If you wanna look at your wolf-man in yellow tights, dust off your old comics and go jerk off in the bathroom. Wolverine the movie is just fine. There is a decent back-story of how he came to be, and all those details that Wolverine cannot remember are laid out with good flow and awesome action sequences. Deadpool and Gambit are show stoppers, and the rest of the mutants provide all the necessary thrills. Though not as good as the original X-men movies, and not a classic by any means, this film is good enough to be seen on the big screen.

Zombieland – The afro sporting lead actor kid in this movie gets on my nerves, I won’t lie to you. How he ended up being the poster boy for a “skinny nerd that gets the girl” is beyond me, but there you have it, so get over it. And you totally should, because Zombieland is freaking awesome. There have been a few very imaginative and original films over the last couple of months, but none was as funny as this one. And who doesn’t like Zombie movies? Especially those with celebrity zombie cameos! When it comes to those, my favourite of all time is definitely the jewel of this film. Worth the price of admission all on its own, but far from the only good thing about Zombieland!

Stay tuned for further reviews...

Evolution of Power

2009-03-10T11:05:00.015-04:00

TnA's Power Ranking (Predictions)

6th Place - 1st Power Ranking - 2 Great Movies, then a lot of praying. Best pick, Inception. Worst pick, Wolfman.

TnA: Exclusive 'Avatar' Interview with James Cameron

2009-03-09T12:34:00.004-04:00

Being from Niagara Falls, just like yours truly, James Cameron’s family actually grew up across the street from my parents. I knew Jim from before I could walk, so when he recently came back to visit his mom, I ran over for a coffee and had a chat with the man himself. This wasn’t really meant to be an proper interview, but Mr. Cameron has given us the OK to post it on our website. Enjoy.

TnA: Holy shit Jim, it’s been ages since you’ve been back.

(Cameron’s mom making coffee in the kitchen: "Tell me about it")

Cameron: Yeah man, I really shouldn’t even be back right now, but I missed my mom’s cooking. (Chuckles) There is so much going on, and we are getting closer and closer to releasing a proper Avatar trailer. Did you see all of this stuff that popped up on the web about me rejecting trailers? It’s crazy how fast the rumours spread these days. Dave, who you know, has been putting together some stuff, but we have not sat down and looked at any of it together. People just need stuff to talk about.

TnA: Yeah man, I really have been trying to keep up with all of the updates on the Web, but you are keeping the lid shut! I found a few photos, but nothing really significant.

Cameron: Then you are gonna love these.

(Reaches into his bag and pulls out some pieces of paper. What I saw in those three photos was truly incredible. There have been rumours that the CGI is photo realistic, but you can’t imagine how true this is, until you see it for yourself. Mind blowing!!)

TnA: Holy shit!! This is ridiculous! I can’t... Wow!

Cameron: Everything you heard is true man. I still give my head a shake when I have a chance to step back and look at the stuff. We really have a chance for this to be the coolest movie ever made. I've shown these same pics to some people in the industry and they share your enthusiasm. And you can't even imagine what we've done with the 3D

TnA: Well that's the big buzz. People are really stoked about Coraline and all these 3D movies coming out, but the word on the street is that you have cooked up something special

Cameron: All I can tell you is that whatever you are trying to imagine, just drop it and forget about it. You can't imagine, because we have truly broken new ground here. I saw Coraline and it is a great film, but the 3D can't be compared to Avatar. What we've done, and what we have worked on for years will forever change what you know. This won't be just some things jumping off the screen here and there, you will be surrounded by the world you're watching. There won't be a screen, it will just be you and planet Pandora, you will be surrounded by the environment and the characters. I can try to explain this to you until I'm blue in the face, but all you have to do is see a 30 second clip and you will know.

TnA: Exactly! When will the trailer come out!?

Cameron: Well we have chosen the movie that will open with the trailer, and the spots are secured, but I can't quite disclose what that movie will be. Like I said, we haven't sat down and finalized the clip, but the slot is booked my man! The announcement should come soon.

TnA: People are going crazy, trying to get even the slightest glimpses of Avatar

Cameron: It won't be long now, but enough about that. Let's do a shot of tequila.

TnA: Avatar Report from Comic-Con + Conversation with James Cameron

2009-03-08T09:30:00.002-04:00

A few weeks ago when I answered my buzzing BlackBerry, I quickly recognized the voice on the other end of the line. It was Shirley Cameron - my next door neighbour and the mother of the famed director James Cameron. Without a moment to waste, she quickly explained that she was moving some furniture around her living room, and was asking me if I would be willing to help. I don't often go over there, but her artsy behaviour always amuses me, so I agreed. At one point, as I was pushing around a massive coffee table, she proclaimed, "Jimmy sent me these, but I don't even know what they are". I only managed a sideways glance, but I did see her holding up two pieces of paper. She continued, "Comic Con? Why would I want tickets to Comic Con? Oh heavens, it's in San Diego..... do you want these........?"

OMFG!! DO I WANT THESE!?!? I tried to keep my cool, but I knew I was heading to Comic Con!! Passes to Hall H included! I was going to see Avatar!!! TnA was going to see the biggest movie of all time!!! I could not believe what was happening.

Ah yes, Comic Con, the place where nerds and geeks gather to graze. All right, I won't lie, I felt like a kid in a candy store myself. For a movie nut-case, this was a slice of heaven. There was a lot of cool shit everywhere, but the buzz was clearly about Avatar. All I could think about was Pandora, Na'vi, Power Suits, as I impatiently waited in line for the theatre. And then, the moment finally came. Hear me now people, momma Cameron had some seriously awesome seats reserved for her!
My fingers were tingling as I unwrapped the 3D glasses......................................

I was so excited, I couldn't even understand everything Cameron was saying when he introduced the footage. I remember he mentioned that he wasn't going to waste our time and then the next time I looked up.... I was on Pandora! And believe me, you cannot imagine what this journey was like... I wasn't watching the screen. We actually got transported onto a different planet! It was incredible... I just watched awestruck and joined with the rest of the audience in gasping at the incredible creatures, stunning characters and the wilderness of the planet!

To say that you won't believe your eyes, would be a disappointing understatement. You are not watching this film, you are living it! Sam Worthington's Jake is so marvelous, I have to think that he will immediately be put in the same category as the Dark Knight's Joker, or Tony Stark of Iron Man. This isn't just another character, this is an icon of the cinema!

But there is more in this film than Jake. Dr. Augustine, Ney'tiri, Spellman, and the rest of the characters could each become your favorite the next time you see the movie. And trust me about one thing; you will see this movie more than once. There is no sense in dropping spoilers in this article, you can find dozens of those all over the web, I am here to tell you that this movie will, as advertised, change your expectations, not only of the sci-fi genre, but of any action adventure that is scheduled to come out after it. And I wouldn't want to be a producer of any of those films.

There is no wonder Spielberg, Jackson, Ridley Scott and others have made such abrupt turns in the direction they are making movies in, after seeing Cameron's footage. Avatar is at least 10 years ahead of anything else that you've ever seen. Revenge of the Fallen seems like a stick-man drawing from a grade 2 class by comparison.

After the footage, Cameron, Saldana, Sigourney and a bunch of other douches that think they are important spoke to the audience. As you know by now the most important thing in this emotional gathering was the announcement of Avatar Day on August 21st, when the rest of the world will properly be treated to these clips in the format they are meant to be seen in.

An all new world awaits.

** UPDATE: July 23rd 2009 - 8:34AM – Best Western Hotel

Still mesmerized from the images of planet Pandora, I just wanted to finish shaving without cutting myself. I couldn’t help but smile into the mirror, remembering how the whole thing went down with the tickets, etc. My bliss was interrupted by my ringing phone. Who could it be, it’s way too early...! UNKNOWN NUMBER. Oh well....

TnA: Hello?

JC: Howdy neighbour!

TnA: James??????? (Yup, it was my old neighbour James Cameron!!!)

JC: It’s me old buddy, I hope I’m not waking you.......

TnA: No, no, I was just in the bathroom....

JC: Spare me the details! What I want to know is how you possibly scored my mom’s seats to the show! I sent her those tickets ages ago, and thought something was off when she never called me to arrange our meeting. I was surprised to see your face in her seat. Haha....

TnA: I know, I know... I’m sorry, she offered them to me, and I couldn’t resist...

JC: That’s totally cool. I’m glad you could come. So what did you think of the presentation?

TnA: I... I... it was incredible!! You weren’t kidding when you said this was going to be GROUND-BREAKING! I still can’t get over what I saw

JC: I’m happy you enjoyed yourself. Yes, I am pretty proud of what we did, and just so you know, you haven’t seen anything yet! We wanted to give everyone a good taste of what the movie is about, but we’re obviously not going to show you everything. I don’t think there is a bad scene in the movie, but WETA keeps sending us stuff that mind blowing!

TnA: I can only imagine! I did have a lot of people tell me they doubted the movie will be released on time.

JC: Haha... Don’t worry old buddy. The movie will be done with plenty of time left to spare. We have just added massive amounts of computers to our render farm, and there is no doubt at all that this movie will be done in time. All these doubters.... please! Besides, everything is set, including the video game, toys, and the IMAX... haha, the movie is coming out on December 18th, trust me.

TnA: I can’t wait to see it. Where are you?

JC: I’m just off to meet Laurent Detoc of Ubisoft for brunch. He’s an early bird that guy, but then again I couldn’t sleep, so this works just fine. We have a lot of things left in the cooker with Avatar, and it’s always exciting to talk to him. We are looking to be the leaders in the movie AND game industry over the next 5 years, so we just want to keep the conversations going.

TnA: Five years? Are the trilogy rumours true?

JC: Haha... easy my friend, curiosity killed the cat! Let’s just say that August 21st will be the first step in bringing the public on board. We’ll see what happens after that. Anyway, I have to run.... I just wanted to check in and say hey. Haha... I still can’t believe that you scored those seats.

TnA: I know, it really was incredible. Well good to hear from you, and I hope to talk to you soon.

JC: You got it. Bye

TnA: Bye

So that’s it my friends. Not an exact word for word, but basically the conversation I had earlier this morning. An SMS message from the man himself said it was OK to post this up. Maybe nothing new here, but I think there are a lot of hints! Enjoy!

TnA Website Disclaimer

2009-03-07T13:13:00.001-05:00

This web page is for entertainment purposes only. All information contained herein is the exclusive property of TnA Movie Pool Website. If you do not intend to use this page strictly for entertainment and pleasure, please do not read, distribute or take action in reliance upon this web site. Any copying of the information contained within is unauthorized, strictly prohibited, and may be illegal. If you have browsed to this page in error, please disregard any information and do not proceed with further browsing. Unless otherwise stated, opinions and beliefs expressed on this web page are those of the authors and are not endorsed by any other company, person, organization or otherwise. The James Cameron interviews are a fake, and they never happened.