“Give ‘Em Hell, Malone”
I hadn’t heard of “Give ‘Em Hell, Malone” until I saw this trailer today. Thomas Jane and Ving Rhames directed by Russell Mulcahy. I’m in.
Category: Movies
“Seven Pounds” of Self Indulgence
Because I don’t see that many movies in theaters anymore, I’m much more selective about what I choose to see on the big screen. Most of the time I’m confident that the movie I’m seeing deserves the big screen treatment or is something so good that I don’t want to wait for the dvd release. I saw “Seven Pounds” last night at a theater, and left really disappointed. Stop reading now if you’re concerned about spoilers — although I won’t give away specifics, I will give my reasons for not liking the film.
Before we go into why I didn’t like it, let’s talk about why I thought I might. First of all, the cast — Will Smith is good in everything he does, including “Seven Pounds” — Rosario Dawson is one of my favorite actresses and she does a fine job here — Woody Harrelson beautifully plays a small but important role — Barry Pepper also has a small role and although he does what is asked, closer examination would reveal that his character’s actions don’t ring true. The second thing that the movie had going for it was that it was supposed to be a mystery that made the audience think as it slowly revealed why the events were unfolding in the manner shown. This is where the movie fell apart for me.
Will Smith plays a character that we’re supposed to care about. A man tortured by some past event who is now trying to make amends by granting life altering wishes to strangers. It just didn’t work for me. Instead of coming off as a sympathetic, hurting, kind-hearted person, Smith’s character was more of an egotistical, self-centered, short-sighted man who did things for his own benefit [although his actions did help some others] without thought to the feelings of those who knew and loved him most. Every thing that his character did, was done in an effort to make himself feel better. Sure, he helped others, but he did so more for himself than them. And let’s think for a minute about those that he hurt through his efforts. If you do, it would be more than his character did.
The tragic event that sets the stage for everything that is to come happens because of Smith’s character. Then we are led to believe that his character is tortured by the destruction that he caused. Is it because of the loss of his loved one? Not really, he seems to have gotten over her pretty quickly [of course Rosario could have that effect]. Perhaps he is mourning for the others whose lives he destroyed. If so, why doesn’t he do things to help their survivors? No, he instead determines that he will help strangers. He will determine if these strangers are worthy. I guess his character believes that kindness should only be shown to those we believe deserve kindness. The movie’s theme seems to be that stealing, lying, and hurting those closest to you, so you can provide the ultimate sacrifice to strangers is admirable.
I should have waited for the dvd.
Hancock
The Overview: Hancock [Will Smith] is a super hero with a bad attitude. Of course you’d probably be a bit grumpy if you didn’t have any friends or relatives, didn’t know anything about your past, didn’t know how you got your powers and felt unappreciated for your good deeds. All of that changes when Hancock meets Ray [Jason Bateman] and his wife, Mary [Charlize Theron]. To say more would be to say too much.
The Good: Will Smith, isn’t he always? Jason Bateman. The story had some interesting plot twists — some which you can see coming and others that surprise.
The Bad: The advertising for “Hancock” — I had no desire to see this when it was at theaters, but heard some good things later from those who’d seen it on dvd. There is much more to this movie than the trailers would have you believe!
The Ugly: What happens to the two guys in prison who push Hancock just a bit too far. Yeech!
The Summary: “Hancock” isn’t a great film, but it’s much better than I thought it would be and there‘s a lot worse ways to spend an hour and a half.
Mr. Brooks – A Killer Good Time
The Overview: Mr. Brooks [Kevin Costner] has just been named Portland’s Man of the Year. He is a rich, successful business man with a beautiful wife and a lovely college aged daughter. Life would be perfect if he wasn’t overcome with urges to kill. You see, Mr. Brooks is a serial killer. After his last double-murder, his first in two years, the demon in him is loose again. But Mr. Brooks’ days may be numbered. He’s being blackmailed by a man [Dane Cook] who accidentally stumbled on to the truth and there’s that determined police detective [Demi Moore] hot on his trail.
The Good: The cast. The story. I especially enjoyed all the subplots. Dane Cook trying to control the situation in which he is out of his league. Demi Moore and the escaped killer after her. Mr. Brooks’ daughter’s terrible secret that was slowly unfolding. The way that Mr. Brooks was torn between his urge to kill and the knowledge that it was terribly, terribly wrong. The plot twists. How everything wraps up. And Mr. Brooks’ relationship with Marshall [William Hurt].
The Bad: What happens to those who fall into the path of Mr. Brooks.
The Ugly: The dreams of a serial killer.
The Summary: “Mr. Brooks” is definitely worth a look — you’ll have a killer good time.
Fast & Furious Again
MTV Movies scored a first look at the new “Fast & Furious” poster. This is not to be confused with a new poster for the original “Fast & Furious” movie, but instead a new poster for a new movie of the same name. It’s actually the fourth in the series… but has the same name as the original.
Confused?
Let’s hope that movie-goers aren’t because the new “Fast & Furious” looks like it will be as much fun as the original. You can check out a larger photo of the poster here.
Angel of Death Trailer
We’ve been talking about Ed Brubaker’s “Angel of Death” for a while. The trailer is now available on line. Before you go check it out, let me say that it has a lot of violence, at least one shocking/gross scene and comes off like a movie that you’d see in a drive-in. If like me, you’re okay with that, then click here.
"Knowing" A Little
A new trailer for “Knowing” is now available. You can see it at the Wolverine Trailer
The trailer for “Wolverine” is now on-line and can be seen in all it’s glory here. I have to admit, that it doesn’t look half bad.
The Crow is Reinvented
Variety has announced that “Stephen Norrington has signed on to write and direct a reinvention of “The Crow,” based on the comic created by James O’Barr.” Norrington is best known as the director of “Blade” [which most folks liked and I didn’t care for] and “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” [which was almost universally panned, and I enjoyed].
Since I’m a fan of the original comic by J. O’Barr, I’m happy to see the character return to the big screen. Let’s hope that this “reinvention” is more like “League” than “Blade.”
Randy Couture is Expendable
Ain’t It Cool News has reported that Randy Couture, former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, has joined Sly, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolph Lundgren and Forrest Whittaker in “The Expendables.” Filming starts in February and you can read the whole piece here. – Craig
Clint Made My Day!
Despite earlier reports that announced he was ready to, Clint Eastwood Nazi Zombie Action
Harry over at Ain’t It Cool News posted a link to a trailer for “Dead Snow” — a zombie movie that was screened at the 09 Sundance Film Festival. Knowing how much ZONErs love horror movies, and the zombie genre, I thought a link here would be appropriate… but first a few words… there’s violence [zombies eating, killing and being killed] and strong [subtitled] language — this is not appropriate for younger readers. As I watched the trailer with the Nazi zombies I kept thinking, “Boy, do they need Hellboy to show up!”
With that said, if you’re age appropriate and want to see some Nazi zombie action, then click here.
Bill Black Takes It Off
He’s never done it before, and he may never do it again… but….My buddy, Bill Black is having a 50% off sale on all dvds in his catalog ordered through his on-line store. If you like old-time movie serials, tv detectives, old westerns and more, then head over and start shopping!
Ledger for Your Consideration
Warner Bros. has started their push to get Heath Ledger a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination. Who can argue with that?
"The Wrestler"
Advance word on “The Wrestler” has been so good, it’s scary. After seeing 
