No 3D for me

Am I the only one bothered by the recent explosion of 3D technology? I am not interested in this emerging technology at all, and I'm normally excited about tech trends.

I saw Avatar in 3D because I wanted to see what it would be like. I loved the movie, but I didn't really feel like the extra dimension added to the film. It was cool, but it didn't make it better. And I was not happy with the fact that it cost FOUR MORE BUCKS to watch it in 3D. Not cool. I plan on seeing very few other films, if any, in 3D if I have to add a premium onto an already pricey ticket.

That is one of the reasons why Avatar made a bazillion dollars, because they charged even more money per ticket. And that's one of the reasons why Alice in Wonderland is making so much money right now. Eventually the public hears about how much money a film is making and they don't want to miss the action, and they pay up for a new pair of shades for one use.

I am really not looking forward to every new film rushing to become 3D. And it's already happening. They are retrofitting movies already in post production to cash in on the fad; Alice was the first, Clash of the Titans is next. They aren't filmed in 3D, they just use computers to make it 3D (which James Cameron hates). They are even making a 3D computer animated Popeye. Yeah, that'll be awesome...

And now they are releasing 3D blu-ray, 3D tv's (which you have to watch wearing stupid goggles).

Although they'll be less conspicuous once they develop transitions lenses

Nintendo, just today, announced a new 3D handheld DS system to be released next year. An my fear is that all of this is going to lead to crappier and crappier media getting shoveled at us just because it's "the next thing".

Call me old fashioned, but I'll be looking for 3D in real life, not on a screen.

What's better than LOL Cats? LOL Cats re-enacting "New Moon"!

enjoy:)





































[source]

Movie Review - Star Trek

I really liked it.

I should say up front that I am a fan of the 'Star Trek' universe, but I wouldn't categorize myself as a trekkie or trekker or whatever they call themselves. I've only seen a handful of episodes from the original series, but I've seen all the original 6 movies. I've watched alot of 'The Next Generation' and a couple of those films, but I haven't followed 'Trek' outside of that. I probably fit right into the demographic this movie is targeted at (male; 18-35; fiction fan, but not too hardcore).

To my surprise, I found myself really sucked into the film during the first 10 minutes. They did a fantastic job setting up the characters while still progressing the story (unlike xmen:wolverine) and there only a few moments, as a whole, where it dragged. It felt fun, but not too lighthearted; I was invested enough to ignore the logical jumps and criticisms that can often pop-up in movies like this (I'm looking at you, Indiana Jones and the Crystal Waste of Two Hours).

I continue to be impressed by director J.J. Abrams. He has a great feel for action and skillfully telling a complex and compelling story. He has mastered working with ensemble casts (LOST, Mission Impossible III, Cloverfield) and does a fantastic job of casting the right actor for the right characters (Alias, LOST, Fringe). Here in Star Trek, each character feels right and gets a few moments of screen time that fit both this film and the established history of the franchise.

I think that was what stood out to me most as I watched the movie; it felt uniquely 'Star Trek' (as opposed to Star Wars, or other "space" films) but it still felt fresh and exciting. If Abrams and the cast are on board for sequel... I'm there.

graboids

Right now Becky and I are watching "Tremors" on T.V. Right away, how many of you have seen this cult classic? I mean, my mom even loves it.



I've seen it tons of times and it never gets old. Cheesy, but fun. I don't think you can really classify it as a horror film since it's not really scary. The Comcast on screen guide calls it a "good- natured spoof", but I don't think it's quite that light. Regardless of whatever section of the movie rental store you find it in (which is probably going out of business) it's irresistibly watchable. Kevin Bacon and Fred Ward have really chemistry as two old buddies stuck going nowhere in a tiny town in the middle of the desert and decide to leave "Perfection" just one day too late. Monsters and mayhem ensue and Michael Gross and Reba McEntire are hilarious as gun loving isolationists.

It requires watching anytime you come across it. I find the same thing with Die Hard. If it's on, I've gotta watch it.

What movie will you watch when you find it on T.V., no matter how many times you've watched it before?

Untouchable Movies

We're all aware of the biggest trend in movie making today... the Reboot/Remake. It's simple and a safe bet because you take an existing film with a built in audience and add a few cg effects and *boom* a new, old money-maker. IGN.com recently came out with a list of the top 10 films that should be left untouched and un-updated:

1. The Exorcist
2. The Godfather
3. Blade Runner
4. Ghostbusters
5. The Terminator
6. Raiders of the Lost Ark
7. The Wizard of Oz
8. Poltergeist
9. Jaws
10. Alien

I think it's a pretty good list. It's not necessarily a list of the best or most important films, but movies that are unique because they were executed well and a new film would miss the elements that make them great. I absolutely agree with "The Godfather", The Terminator", and "The Wizard of Oz". I'd also add "It's a Wonderful Life", "Citizen Kane", and "Jurassic Park".

What movies would you hate to see remade/rebooted?

Space Mutiny!

I'm currently watching one of my favorite episodes of MST3K, "Space Mutiny".

For those of you who aren't "Misties", Mystery Science Theater 3000 was a 90's t.v. show that mocked [or riffed] really bad movies. I started watching MST3K around college and I fell in love with it. The show hasn't been on in nearly a decade, but a very loyal fanbase still circulates tapes of all the old episodes (some of them are available on dvd in stores also). Thankfully, i still have a couple dozen shows on tape and I drag them out from time to time.

Space Mutiny remains one of my favorite episodes. The movie is as bad as they get. No continuity, huge plot holes, sets and costumes that are laughable on every level. If you've never seen a episode of MST3K, check it out.

the dark knight

I went to see the midnight showing of the newest batman film on thursday/friday.

It was awesome. It's the best movie i've seen since the Lord of the Rings: the Return of the King. I really enjoyed Batman Begins and I knew this was going to be good, but it was even better than i expected. Chris Nolan has totally established himself as an elite hollywood director. Christian Bale continues to redefine Batman and raise the bar for modern actors. Heath Ledger blows Jack Nicholson's Joker out of the water. Heath's Joker is to Jack's Joker as Jack's Joker is to Caesar Romero's Joker.

This movie moves beyond the conventions of other comic based films; other superhero moves should be ashamed of themselves (i'm looking at you superman returns. not so fast spiderman 3). I highly recommend this film.

What's your review?

HUGE NEWS!!! (relatively speaking, of course)

Guillermo del Toro has officially signed on to direct "the Hobbit" films (yes, they are making 2)

Rumors have been circulating for a while, but rumors mean very little in hollywood (but then again, where do they mean much??). Although i am disappointed that PJ is not directing I am pleased about this decision. I think GDT is the next closest director with the ability to handle this project (he's most famous for directing the oscar winner "pan's labyrinth"). I was not interested in having Sam Raimi (spiderman 1,2,3) direct the films. he's very talented, but cheesy, and i don't think he could manage the huge size of the film (see spiderman 3).

I am encouraged not just because of Del Toro's experience in fantasy film-making, but his interview with theonering.net confirms his positive relationship with PJ and his perspective on staying true to the fellowship trilogy.

[you can read the article here]

just how big do you think this news is??

movie madness

Becky and I subscribe to the Sunday edition of the Detroit Free Press. It's a good paper, but we really only get it for the coupons. However, I was browsing through it when I came across a really good article by Mitch Albom. He reflected on the current trend in the awards ceremonies (and in the media) to celebrate movies that are dark. Not in the sense that Saw IV is getting nominated for an oscar, but that it seems that you have to be "edgy" to be considered good. You have to push the envelope somehow or you just aren't relevant. You can read his article here.

I agree not only that it happening, but that it is an unfortunate trend. I think that it's even more evident in Television. It seems that the only series' which are regularly nominated each push the boundaries of language, sexuality, and morality.

I'm not against this content in film or television. The world is a messed up place filled with messed up people and media should have the freedom to reflect that. However, it doesn't mean that programming that does not push those boundaries are of lesser quality. You don't have to be dirty to be real. A film can be uplifting and oscar-worthy.

Let's hope that in 2008 we can get more quality movies and tv shows made and nominated.

Top Ten Movies to see in '08

Happy New Year!

I had a great holiday season (i hope you did too) and I'm looking forward to great things in 2008. I've been considering how to start off the old blog for the new year and i've decided to generate a series of lists of the things that i am most looking forward to in the new year. Here is my list of the top 10 movies which are being released this year that i'm excited to see:

1. The Dark Knight
2. Prince Caspian
3. Iron Man
4. Cloverfield
5. 007
6. Be Kind Rewind
7. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
8. Star Trek 12
9. The Incredible Hulk
10. Jumper

Honorable Mention:
- Wall*e
- Get Smart

What new releases are you looking forward to?

The countdown to December 2010 begins...

New Line Cinema has just announced that Peter Jackson will oversee the production of J.R.R. Tolkein's "The Hobbit" as producer. This is great news for Lord of the Rings fans everywhere. This is actually quite a surprise because P.J. and New Line have spent the last few years in a legal battle over the revenues from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. In fact, the head of New Line said (not too long ago) that he would never allow Mr. Jackson to be a part of "The Hobbit" (New Line owns the rights to the film).

I am excited about this news, but I don't think that Producer is enough of a role for Peter and Fran (his wife and production partner). Producer is an important role and it won't be the same film without him, but it's the director that creates a vision for the film and translates it into the frame. Here's my non-negotiable MUST list to make "The Hobbit" films (they're making 2) as good [or better] as the Lord of the Rings trilogy:

-Peter Jackson as Director
-Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh adapt the screenplay/write the script
-WETA does the special effects
-Ian Holm as Bilbo Baggins
-Andy Serkis as Gollum

and Ian McKellan as Gandalf

anything i'm forgetting???