Revolutionary Road Directed by: Sam Mendes Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon Running Time: 2 hrs Rating: R

Plot: A married couple (DiCaprio and Winslet) with two children try to survive the banal suburban life of the 1950's.

Who’s It For? We are all invited to experience the powerful story by Richard Yates, as envisioned by director Sam Mendes and presented by the incredible chemistry of Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. But considering all of this, it's obvious that Revolutionary Road has little shame in packaging itself specifically for one shiny man named Oscar.

Expectations: A boring, one line synopsis I had read for the film intrigued me to no end. How would the chemistry between DiCaprio and Winslet create an absorbing dramatic imbalance in a simple setting that has been predominantly presented by

Jan 1
Jan 1 Revolutionary Road

Jeff Bayer

Film Reviews

Quickcard Review Revolutionary Road

Directed by: Sam Mendes Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon Running Time: 2 hrs Rating: R

CLICK HERE to read Nick Allen's complete Scorecard Review.

Plot: Based on a Richard Yates novel and set in the 1950s ... A married couple, Frank (DiCaprio) and April (Winslet) try to overcome the normal suburban existence and do something more with their lives, to the surprise of everyone they know.

Who’s It For? This is a slow moving, heavy drama. You shouldn't be thinking it would be fun to see the Titanic gang back together again. And with Mendes, DiCaprio and Winslet ... Oscar must be the in back of someone's mind with this period piece.

OVERALL

Yes, the gang is back together (DiCaprio, Winselt, and let's not forget Bates) but with much different results. Frank

Dec 31
Dec 31 Inglorious Bastards release date and Watchmen featurette

Jeff Bayer

News

Here's the press release from TWC annoucing a war movie that has the potential to be THE GREATEST WAR FLICK OF ALL TIME!.. too much? Have I already over-hyped? Sorry, here's the info ...December 31, 2008 – The Weinstein Company (TWC) and Universal Pictures announced today that Academy Award-winning director Quentin Tarantino’s World War II epic, Inglourious Basterds, starring Brad Pitt, will open domestically August 21, 2009. The announcement was made by Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of TWC and David Linde, co-chairman of Universal Pictures who are partners in the film. TWC and Universal are co-financing and co-presenting the film with TWC handling domestic distribution and Universal handling international distribution. International release dates will be announced shortly. As we reported yesterday, Watchmen is still on schedule to open in theaters (and IMAX)

Dec 29
Dec 29 Watchmen, Arrested Development, and more...

Jeff Bayer

News

Don't worry, the Watchmen is still coming. Fox has been trying to block Warner Bros. from the March release of the film Watchmen.

They say they own some rights to the film based on the most popular graphic novel of all time. Warner Bros. is ignoring them, but it all likelihood, they will have to open up their wallet, and hand some cash to Fox just to get them to shut up.

But all signs still point to March 6 when you can see Billy Crudup, Jackie Earle Haley and Carla Gugino -- sorry, I mean -- Dr. Manhattan, Rorschach and Silk Spectre.

Source: Variety

There has been talk that Arrested Development has been down two cast members. Michael Cera and Will Arnett had not signed on yet. Well, it sounds like we can

Dec 29
Dec 29 He said - She said ... The Spirit

Morrow McLaughlin

He Said - She Said

It's he (Nick Allen) and she (Morrow McLaughlin) talking about the new film The Spirit. She Said

From what I understand of the original Spirit series by Will Eisner, the movie version is a gaudy, heartless sacrilege, but I haven't been exposed to the original. This is a disadvantage for me, because I have no real grasp of whether the movie even comes close to embodying Eisner's unique vision (according to everyone else, that's a big nay); and so I have to go with my gut and my gut wasn't displeased. The movie was hammy and silly, but fully aware--and thoroughly enjoying--its own hammy silliness. Watching Samuel L. with his bonehead clone thugs ("Huevos," "Rancheros," "Pathos," and "Dildos," among others) camping it up to a level of ecstatic extremes is

Dec 27
Dec 27 Box Office Review - December 28, 2008

Jeff Bayer

News

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, DECEMBER 26-28, 2008 Rank. Movie Title - Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

Source: boxofficemojo.com

Marley and Me was the no-brain winner of the box-office this weekend. Just think what it could have done if Bedtime Stories (and it's insanely low Rotten Tomatoes score) would not have come out.

For all the odd disdain for Valkyrie, it still did

Dec 28
Dec 28 TOP 7 Anticipated Films (Jan. & Feb. 2009)

Nick Allen

Top 7

The months of January and February are Notorious for offering crumbs of quality scraped from the dishes used at Oscar's feast. However, some Fanboys might be Taken by surprise with reboots of their favorite horror classics, (My Bloody Valentine, now in 3-D or Friday the 13th). As for PG-13 horror, that particular sub-genre hasn't had a classic in a while. Maybe David S. Goyer's The Unborn can change that. Regardless, there will be a fair share of Youth In Revolt if releases like Hotel for Dogs or even The Pink Panther 2 exist only to educate young viewers on the true horror of the post-Oscar movie calendar.

For the busy marquee topping months of January and February, here is a top 7 list of the most anticipated movies. Other films to

Dec 26
Dec 26 The Spirit

Nick Allen

Film Reviews

The Spirit Directed by: Frank Miller

Cast: Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson

Running Time: 1 hr 50 mins

Rating: PG-13

Plot: The Spirit (Macht) is a masked vigilante in Central City, U.S.A. He must stop his arch nemesis, The Octopus (Jackson), from drinking the blood of Hercules, which offers immortality.

Who’s It For? Though this is a character created by Will Eisner, this film will be enjoyed exclusively by Frank Miller, Frank Miller, Frank Miller, Frank Miller, and Frank Miller.

Expectations: An early fan review on AICN.com said this was worse than John Travolta's suck-tacular scientology opus Battlefield Earth: A Saga of the Year 3000. Then, a user review on IMDB.com said almost the exact opposite. Plus, distributor Lionsgate was rigorously advertising it with cheesy lines like "Catch the Christmas Spirit." Was this

Dec 26
Dec 26 Indestructible

Megan Lehar

Film Reviews

Indestructible Directed by: Ben Byer Starring: Ben Byer, John Byer, Steve Byer, Oliver Sacks M.D. Time: 1 hr 50 min Rating: not rated Opening: Dec. 27 in Portland at the Hollywood Theatre

Plot: Filmmaker Ben Byer is diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's, a degenerative, fatal disease, and decides to document his life. In the process we witness his and his families' attempts to fight the disease and prolong his life.

Who's it for? Adults or mature teens, it can be emotionally intense. Anyone wanting to learn about the human face of ALS. People who don't mind watching live surgery.

Expectations: I've read some about ALS so I knew it wouldn't end well. I really like most documentaries though so I hoped to enjoy it.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Cast: Ben Byer

Dec 24
Dec 24 Valkyrie

Jeff Bayer

Film Reviews

ValkyrieDirected by: Bryan Singer Cast: Tom Cruise, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Kenneth Branagh, Terence Stamp Running Time: 2 hrs Rating: PG-13

Plot: Based on the true story, a proud German military man, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Cruise), is loyal to his country before his allegiance to Adolf Hitler (David Bamper). He along with other German politicians and soldiers look to use Hilter's own emergency plan--known as Operation Valkyrie--to assassinate Hitler and seize control of Berlin.

Who’s It For? First and foremost, it's a war movie, with enough well-crafted suspense. There isn't much violence, only one important woman's role and it also should be in contention for end of the year awards.

Expectations: Tom Cruise tries to kill Hilter while wearing an eye patch. That might be a tough sell. Look, I don't care what you think

Dec 24
Dec 24 The Wrestler

Chris De Salvo

Film Reviews

The Wrestler Directed by: Darren Aronofsky Cast: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood Running Time: 1 hr 45 mins Rating: R

Plot: Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) morphs into a fractured, middle-aged version of the world famous professional wrestler he was in the 80s. Desperately seeking to reinvigorate the high of his heyday, “The Ram” fumbles through a series of eye-opening experiences that may lead him off the beaten (literally) path for good.

Who’s It For? This is from the director of both Pi, and Requiem for a Dream, and let me be the first to say this film may not fit into a category anywhere similar to these brilliant predecessors. This is a fresh perspective on how being washed up doesn’t necessarily mean you’re completely hung out to dry.

Expectations: Rourke (a former boxer)

Dec 24
Dec 24 Frost/Nixon

Nick Allen

Film Reviews

Frost/Nixon Directed by: Ron Howard

Cast: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Sam Rockwell

Running Time: 2 hrs

Rating: R

Plot: Because of the Watergate scandal, Richard Nixon (Langella) was the first American president to resign from office. David Frost, an Australian talk show host, was the unlikely interviewer who sought to uncover the truth about Nixon's business with the event of Watergate.

Who’s It For? Film-buffs, history-buffs and even Nixon-buffs. Anyone intrigued will be reasonably satisfied with this engaging film.

Expectations: Frost/Nixon had an incredible trailer that ignited excitement way back in September. With writer Peter Morgan, director Ron Howard, and a great ensemble cast, this looked to be one of the year's best.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors: Frank Langella as Richard Nixon: Langella won a Tony award for playing Nixon in this story's original stage format. His remarkable embodiment

Dec 24
Dec 24 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Thomas Pardee

Film Reviews

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Directed by: David Fincher

Cast: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett

Running Time: 2 hrs 45 mins

Rating: PG-13

Plot: After being born to an affluent New Orleans family and abandoned minutes later due to his disturbing appearance, young Benjamin Button seems anything but -- his skin is wrinkly, his hair is white, his bones are arthritic and his eyes are spotted with cataracts. But that doesn't stop Queenie (Taraji P. Henson), who manages a nursing home, from adopting him as her own. As time passes, Benjamin seems to be getting healthier, stronger and younger with each passing day. It isn't long before he meets Daisy (Cate Blanchett), then a young girl, who changes his very strange life forever.

As time passes, and Benjamin gets younger, his loved ones get older. Each

Dec 24
Dec 24 Marley & Me

Morrow McLaughlin

Film Reviews

Marley & Me Directed by: David Frankel

Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson, Alan Arkin, Eric Dane, Kathleen Turner

Time: 2 hr 5 min

Rating: PG

Plot: A family is both cursed and blessed by the most hyperactive, naughty, and nuerotic dog that ever lived.

Who’s It For? Dog lovers and fans of the book.

Expectations: The previews were funny and I really enjoy both Owen Wilson and Jennifer Aniston. I was expecting cute and light and funny.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors: Owen Wilson as John Grogan: Owen Wilson, like Vince Vaughn, is at his strongest when he is given room to adlib. In Marley & Me he is stymied by his lack of wiggle room, which probably stems from the fact that he is playing an actual person. Wilson is always adorable, but his performance feels somewhat restrained and, at times

Dec 24
Dec 24 The Reader

Chris De Salvo

Film Reviews

The Reader Directed by: Stephen Daldry Cast: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Hannah Herzsprung Running Time: 2 hrs, 2 mins Rating: R

Plot: The story of a young man’s affair with a retired SS Guard, and how time and consequence can tear apart pair of unlikely lovers.

Who’s It For?: For people who can get past the inaccuracy with which modern filmmakers egocentrically depict foreign countries. Didn’t Germans speak, you know, German in the 1950s? Just wondering.

Expectations: There has been a lot of Oscar talk regarding Kate Winslet’s performance in this film. Though she’s great, it’s in a very traditional sense. This is her period piece tragedy. All great actresses are granted the opportunity to star in one of these and it usually earns them at least one nomination. This is all well and good

Dec 24
Dec 24 The Wrestler

Jeff Bayer

Film Reviews

Quickcard Review The Wrestler

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky Cast: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood Running Time: 1 hr 45 mins Rating: R

CLICK HERE to read Chris De Salvo's complete Scorecard Review

Plot: Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a wrestling legend in the 80s, but now after 20 years, Randy is still holding on to the spotlight. He's stuck wrestling in school gyms and small venues, just scraping by in life. When he's hit with a heart problem, Randy looks around at his life and sees a stripper (Tomei) and a estranged daughter (Wood) and that's it.

Who’s It For? This is a character study, with Rourke in almost every shot. It isn't completely necessary but it sure does help if you watched wrestling in your lifetime or at least banged your head to

Dec 24
Dec 24 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Jeff Bayer

Film Reviews

Quickcard Review The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Directed by: David Fincher Cast: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Taraji P. Henson Running Time: 2 hrs 45 mins Rating: PG-13

CLICK HERE for Pardee's complete Scorecard Review

Plot: Benjamin Button (Pitt) is born a tiny old, wrinkled dying man. But Queenie (Henson) takes him in and cares for him. Then the most amazing thing happens ... he ages backwards. And along the way he falls in love with Daisy (Blanchett).

Who’s It For? You need to know it's slow. The pace of the film only has a few quick moments. So the kids will get restless, and you might too.

OVERALL

I had a hunch The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons was going to be one of my favorites this year. I mean it’s got Pitt, Blanchett and Fincher running the

Dec 24
Dec 24 Taraji P. Henson - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Thomas Pardee

Interviews

Taraji P. Henson conquered fear a long time ago. Good thing, too.

Years ago, when she was fresh out of high school, the 38-year-old Washington, D.C. native almost let her fear stand in the way her dreams of leaving her mark on the acting world. It took failure in a career she hated to make her reach for success in the one she wanted.

Today, Henson has it all figured out. In a lavish suite high in Chicago’s new Trump Tower, she’s deep in her promotional schedule for the newest and most-high profile film of her career—The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which also stars a chronologically challenged Brad Pitt—but she’s taking it like a pro. Her look is polished and sophisticated, her posture upright and feminine, and her answers delivered with the

Dec 24
Dec 24 Doubt

Jeff Bayer

Film Reviews

Quickcard Review Doubt

Directed by: John Patrick Shanley Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Viola Davis Running Time: 95 minutes Rating: PG-13

CLICK HERE to read Allen's full Scorecard Review Plot:John Patrick Shanley wrote the play and now the screenplay. He also directs this film about a parish in the 1960's. A nun (Streep) accuses respected priest Father Flynn (Hoffman) of a serious crime, and she also attempts to convince another nun (Adams) that she's right, and he's guilty.

Who’s It For? Do you like plays? Well, let me qualify this better ... do you like slow-moving, character study plays? Then this is for you.

OVERALL

Man, Meryl Streep is evil. In fact, look closely, when she takes the stage (I mean screen) it's almost the spitting image of Darth Vader when Luke takes off the mask in Return of

Dec 23
Dec 23 The Reader

Jeff Bayer

Film Reviews

Quickcard Review The Reader

Directed by: Stephen Daldry Cast: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Hannah Herzsprung Running Time: 2 hrs, 2 mins Rating: R

CLICK HERE to read De Salvo's full Scorecard Review

Plot: After World Ward II, a young man (Kross) has an affair with a quiet woman (Winslet), but when their paths cross again later in life, he must watch her go through a trial for horrific crimes.

Who’s It For?: Well, it actually is quite sexual. And if you have teenager/older woman fantasies, you'll want to step in line for this film as well. Plus, it's another film that touches on World War II, though it deals with the aftermath.

OVERALL

Complete double standard. A 15-year-old boy can have an affair and no one will be appalled. The surprising thing here is that it's a

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