SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW (Part 1): MAY

After getting off to a slow movie going start for this year...no movies seen during the first three months, but I have since seen three over the span of 2 weeks: Olympus Has Fallen, G.I. Joe 2 and Evil Dead. And seeing those three films I got bombarded with loads of previews for upcoming films this summer. I thought I would do a series of posts on the films I am most looking forward to. There are tons of them coming and I will start with May which yields four potential blockbusters. These four films are following in the footsteps of their predecessors which all made over $200 million in America alone. Let's get started shall we:

IRON MAN 3 (May 3) - Shellhead returns for his third solo outing following last summer's mega-hit The Avengers. Robert Downey, Jr. once again plays Iron Man. And faces off against two villains this time in the form of The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) and Aldrich Killian (Guy Pearce). Returning to aid our armored avenger is Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow), Jim Rhodes (Don Cheadle) and Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau). This is reported to be Downey's last go as the super-hero..well last solo gig. He will probably return for The Avengers 2. Here's hoping this wants makes up for the last Iron Man film, which was ok, but kind of under-whelming. In the hands of director Shane Black, I think it should be. 
Monty Meter: 9 out of 10 (where it ranks on my can't wait to see list)

THE GREAT GATSBY (May 10) - I'm a big Leonardo DiCaprio fan in almost everything the man does. Despite the fact he dies in nearly all of his films. But once again I am excited about this glitzy adaption of Gatsby by Baz Luhrmann and co-starring some great actors. Such as Carey Mulligan, Tobey Maguire, Isla Fisher, and Adelaide Clemens.
Monty Meter: 6 out of 10

STAR TREK-INTO DARKNESS (May 17) - To boldy go one more time is the intrepid crew of the starship Enterprise, once again guided by JJ Abrams. His first Trek movie back in 2009 blew the doors off everyone's expectations and this sequel looks just as good. If not even better.  
Monty Meter: 8 out of 10

FAST AND FURIOUS 6 (May 24) - Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson return for another in your face adrenaline filled action caper that looks to outdo Fast Five in every way by going with even bigger and crazier stunts. I love these films and this looks just as good as the last film. Should be another crowd-pleaser.
Monty Meter: 9 out of 10

THE HANGOVER PART 3 (May 24) - Here we go with the Wolf Pack returning for another go round..this time going back to Vegas. I hope this one makes up for Part 2 as that one was kind of weak. Opens the same day as Fast and Furious so that weekend should be huge. Hell the whole month of May should be huge and record setting.
Monty Meter: 7 out of 10

I'll be back shortly with a preview of June's releases.

BRAVE (2012) is pure cinema magic!

Just got back from finally seeing Brave, Pixar's latest offering, and I was thoroughly entertained. One of the year's best films by far. My friend Irene just saw it a few days ago and raved about it and we pretty much have the same taste in films. So I knew going in that the odds were in favor of Brave being pretty good. And boy it did not disappoint. Featuring some dazzling animation and some lovely Scottish ballads, this tale about the rebellious Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald) who refuses to bow down to tradition and be married to a suitable mate. Which puts her at odds with her strict mom Elinor (voiced wonderfully by Emma Thompson). Merida's dad, the jovial Fergus (voiced by Billy Connolly) is a lot more flexible. In fact he let Merida train with a cross bow at a very young age, which turns her into a pretty good archer. I mean this girl can sling arrows with the best of them. Yes, even Robin Hood. And Merida has hair to die for. Her long flowing red tresses are an eye popping visual treat. Along with her loyal steed Angus, Merida sets out to do things her way.

Look at all that glorious red hair

Things are pretty light and humorous until Merida makes a fateful decision that has a drastic impact on her and her family. I can't go into detail without spoiling the movie, but trust me, it's a doozy. Things come to a head with a fraught filled finale that will not disappoint. And call me sentimental, but it may get you a little teary-eyed. 

Fergus and Elinor

Brave was the most fun I had at the cinema this year since The Avengers. It's a really great film. And clocking in at a brisk 100 minutes, things never bog down or get slow. One of my favorite films of the summer. Heck one of my favorite films of the year. I liked it even more than Dark Knight Rises. Yep, it's that good. And I think this is the first film where I have heard so many awwwwwws from the audience. I lost count after about twenty.

Merida and Angus

****1/2 out of ***** stars

Merida shows the crowd how's it done!

Merida and her three younger brothers who manage to steal some scenes

in this movie

Seeing this guy brought back memories of William Wallace aka Braveheart

Take that Katniss

Made In Dagenham (2010) is a top notch drama...Highly Recommended!

Everyone who visits my blog, know every now and then I will talk about newer films. Last night I had the good fortune to watch Made in Dagenham on cable. It is a great film and it is based on a true story, which makes it all that much better.

The women on a typical work day

Set in 1968 Dagenham, England at the Ford auto factory, which employs thousands of male workers and 187 female machinists, who are vastly underpaid. The women mainly assemble the car seat upholstery but do so in poor working conditions. It's get so hot in their work area that they have to strip down to their bras to compensate. A running gag is that every time a male comes into their area they scream "MAN!" and promptly put their tops back on.

Rita with her all so lovely smile

Rita (played by Sally Hawkins in a terrific performance...and I think I love her) is asked by the shop steward (a sly and understanding Bob Hoskins) to lead the women to ask for equal pay or they will go on strike. Rita is bolstered by her good friend Connie (Geraldine James in a deep and moving performance) who is a veteran worker; Brenda (Andrea Riseborough) who is all sass; and Sandra, the hot to trot blonde of the group (played by Jamie Winstone).

The always happy Albert

The girls meet resistance in their union leader Monty, who is a piece of crap. I booed and hissed every time he was onscreen as he states that he is working for the betterment of the women, but behind their backs, he is secretly negotiating with the top brass of Ford to undermine the ladies efforts. I wished that me and him didn't have to share the same name. So if you watch this film, try not to think of me as this Monty, please!

Rough day for Sandra

At first the executives don't think these women will go the distance, but days turn into weeks then into months and then production is shut down and now the male workers are out of work as well. Which brings a considerable amount of tension between wives and husbands and boyfriends and girlfriends. Also adding to the predicament is Lisa Hopkins (hey it's Rosamund Pike...who proves once again that she is more than a pretty face) as the wife of one of the executives. She is all for the women and hates the way her husband treats her as having no voice in the matter. Well when an American executive from Ford comes to get a handle on the situation she lets loose why she thinks Ford is no good when it comes to treating their employees. It's a seminal moment for Lisa and the film in whole.

Lisa greeting dinner guests...love her dress

Also getting involved is Secretary of State Barbara Castle (Miranda Richardson, all red-headed and fiery) who is conflicted because her boss, the Prime Minister doesn't want to make waves with the US auto giant, and the women who value her trust. Castle ends up meeting several of the women for a little tea function that turns kind of tense as Rita will not back down. Castle does sway to the women's side and politely tells the US auto executive to take his proposed offer and shove it. It's a moment that will have everyone cheer, women and men.

Brenda leading the strike and looking fabulous while doing it

History will show that through the efforts of Rita O'Grady, that the equal pay act was passed in 1970 in England and followed suit around the world in other countries. And that Ford changed it's practices to become much fairer to either of the sexes.

The women meeting Secretary of State Barbara Castle

The performances are all brilliant led by Sally Hawkins as Rita. She comes across as very shy at first and quite unsure of  herself. But once she jumps into the fray she doesn't back down. Ever. Great support from Hoskins, Richardson, James, and Pike. And impressive performances by the relative newcomers Winstone and Riseborough. The look of the 60's is perfectly captured through the clothes and the music. And while it is a drama, there is plenty of humor too. As the situation gets dire, the women still find a way to laugh and stick together. Made in Dagenham is one of the best films I have ever seen. If you have never seen it or even heard of it, please track it down and watch it. You won't be disappointed. Highly recommended. Also look for Andrew Lincoln of Love Actually and The Walking Dead in a bit part as a mean school-teacher.
A

VICTORY!

The New Stuff - Apes, Dogs and Smurfs..oh my!

Watched a lot of newer films thanks to a free trial through my blu-ray player that offers movies in HD. Funny thing is I bought my player 2 years ago and never bothered to check out all the offers that came with it. Well I have made up for that as we had three free movies to watch all in glorious High Definition and terrific Dolby sound. All the films we watched looked impressively clear and sounded dynamic. Here are my thoughts on said films.

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES (2011) When I first saw the preview for this film early last year, I thought oh my god..here we go again. About to ruin a classic with this update. Lo and behold, this isn't a remake but a prequel in a sense and it's one of the best films of 2011. Taking a page from I Am Legend as scientists (namely James Franco) thinks he has the cure to Alzheimer's, which his dad (John Lithgow) currently has. In Legend, it was the supposed cure to cancer. Well what works in chimps, does not work well on humans without side effects. But one ape dubbed Caesar (wonderfully played through technology by Andy Serkis..who did the same thing in Lord of the Rings as Gollum) actually becomes enhanced with mental faculties far greater than any specimen before him. But after an incident, he is taken to a facility with other apes and then starts to think beyond the box. Thus an ape revolution begins. This is one taut and exciting film with some amazing visual effects. Like I said Andy Serkis is phenomenal in his role as Caesar and I can't praise him enough. His Caesar is a fully developed character that is better than some actual human performances from other films. There are also several references to the original Planet of the Apes film, and a rousing standoff between apes and man on the Golden Gate Bridge. This is great film-making here people. Do not miss this movie.
B+

STRAW DOGS (2011) This remake of the 1971 Sam Peckinpah classic which featured Dustin Hoffman as a meek husband who is pushed too far and decides to fight back against the men who torment him and his wife. The new film takes the same story and transplants the action from England to America. Specifically Mississippi. James Marsden takes over the role of Hoffman's and his wife is now played by Kate Bosworth. Her ex-boyfriend Charlie is played by Alexander Skarsgard, who along with his friends are rebuilding the couple's home. Soon though tensions become volatile as the ex has designs on Bosworth. Throw in the town's former football coach who is regarded as a messiah (James Woods) and things go from bad to real bad very fast. While this remake can't compare to the original, it is still a gripping film with a solid performance by Marsden. And an effective turn by Skarsgard.
B-

THE SMURFS (2011) The live action version of the 80's children's cartoon was a must see by my wife. And it was free. All I can say is that the Smurfs themselves looked amazingly good in all their HD glory. That being said, I think kids will enjoy it along with their parents. Nice seeing Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma Mays as the couple who take the Smurfs in.
C-

Modern Stuff...Kurt Russell

I recently got asked the question..."Monty, you never talk about new films. Why is that?" And then I would state the obvious that it says right there in my header that I will be talking about classic film, TV and stars. To which they repsonded.."you also said you would talk about the new stuff occassionally too." Touche. So to make amends I will post about modern films and stars once a week. And what better day than Monday to get started. I will either choose a particular topic or star and talk about their films. So for my first  choice I randomly chose actor Kurt Russell. And here are my favorite films starring Kurt. Enjoy.

TOMBSTONE (1993)

My favorite modern western. It's one helluva of a movie. Kurt Russell is solid as Wyatt Earp but it's Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday who steals the show. And just look at the supporting cast: Sam Elliott, Bill Paxton, Michael Biehn, Powers Boothe, Dana Delaney, Billy Zane, Jason Priestly, Michael Rooker, and Billy Bob Thornton. Exciting shootouts and wonderful dialogue make this a winner. And has some of the best lines in movies, period.

A


ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK (1981)

Classic 80's flick with Kurt Russell ultra cool as bad ass ex-soldier now criminal, Snake Plissken. Set in 1997, he's finally caught and on his way to the maximum security prison which is now the entire state of New York. But a a group of convicts kidnap the President from Air Force One and threaten to kill them unless they're released from prison. So the prez's only hope is Snake, who reluctantly agrees. Russell is perfect as Snake who doesn't say much but kicks a lot of ass. A plus is super sexy Adrienne Barbeau as one of Snake's friends and Issac Hayes as the convicts leader.

B


BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA (1986)

Kurt Russell is all swagger as trucker Jack Burton in this very entertaining action/comedy that has a little bit of everything: kung fu, magic, tough talking good guys, nasty bad guys, cool fights, people flying around, and some of the best quotes of any movie in history. As Jack would say this is going to take crackerjack timing.

B

BREAKDOWN (1997)

Terrific, suspenseful film with Kurt Russell and Kathleen Quinlan as a married couple driving through the New Mexico desert on their way to California when their car breaks down. A trucker offers the wife a lift to the next town to call a wrecker but is never heard from again. Kurt is then targeted by the trucker and his cronies to pay her ransom or his wife will be killed. So begins a game of cat and mouse and it's riveting stuff. Kurt is good as the husband and JT Walsh makes the perfect bad guy. An underrated gem.
B+

THE THING (1982)

Very cool sci-fi/horror flick set in Antarctica. At an American research base of only 12 men, an alien life form is discovered and all hell breaks loose. This alien has the unique ability to imitate any other life form it comes in contact with - including humans. Kurt Russell plays RJ MacReady, the pilot who tries to figure out how to kill this thing before everyone is taken over. Directed by ace horror master John Carpenter with terrific gore effects, a suspenseful music score, and a twinge of mystery. Done before the heyday of CG, this 1982 film holds up remarkably well. A treat for horror/sci-fi fans.DARK BLUE (2003)

B+

BACKDRAFT (1991)

Star studded cast about a family of firefighters dealing with all kinds of drama. Check out this line-up: Kurt Russell, Robert DeNiro, Donald Sutherland, Rebecca DeMornay, Scott Glenn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and JT Walsh again. Amazing fire sequences, coupled with a soaring music score and top notch performances make this a winner.
B+



One of the best movies about police corruption ever. Kurt Russell is on mark as a dirty Los Angeles detective who reaches a turning point as his world and life become unbearable. Set against the backdrop of the Rodney King riots, this is one film that will get your attention. Terrific support from Ving Rhames, Brendan Gleeson and Lolita Davidovich.
B+


Other good Kurt Russell films include Overboard (1987) with his long time girlfriend Goldie Hawn; Miracle (2004), Used Cars (1980), Unlawful Entry (1992) and Tequila Sunrise (1988) pairing him with Michelle Pfeiffer and Mel Gibson. Oh and let's not forget his Disney films he made in the 60's and early 70's, such as The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes, The Strongest Man In The World, The Barefoot Executive and Now You See Him, Now You Don't. In fact Kurt was one of Disney's biggest stars during this time period. So Kurt does have a connection to classic cinema..well a little.