FilmCriteek

Why the Academy's new Ten Best Picture system is a joke

2009-11-24T10:03:00.000-08:00

The Academy announced a few months ago that this year they would nominate ten films in the Best Picture Oscar category rather than five. Although they deny it, rumor has it the Academy is only doing this because ABC has been on their case about the flaming decline of ratings every year.

Its been known for years that the Academy is totally disconnected from the real world of filmmaking because they keep nominating films no one -- and I mean NO ONE -- ever sees. Therefore, viewers are avoiding the Oscars telecast like the plague.

The group has degraded to a mockery of itself. Today members of the Academy are solely focused on trying desperately to prove to themselves that they are "artists" and that Hollywood is not just a community of soul-sucking, money-hungry businessmen. But the more they try to prove that, the more the rest of the world laughs at them. As a result, they refuse to nominate any type of popular film that actually made a profit.

So, in a move to draw more viewers -- and so that ABC won't drop the revenue-losing broadcast -- the Academy will nominate ten films. We can safely assume they will nominate five "little dramas" like they always do. Also, while I seriously doubt they'll nominate any hugely successful (i.e. popular) films, they may also nominate five other films that are closer to what people actually want to see.

All right, since I'm short on space and time, I'll ignore the fact that they are insulting the directors and writers who actually made those additional five films by not giving them a nomination, too. Instead, let's focus on the fact that this whole thing is a total sham.

No matter what ten films are nominated, the Academy will no doubt end up choosing another of their darling little dramas no one saw as the big Oscar winner. That means the process of nominating the other five more semi-popular films is a waste to time designed to attract more ratings -- and nothing else.

The Academy is again proving they think mainstream moviegoers are all idiots by trying to "fake them out" this way. Thing is, they aren't idiots (well, not ALL of them). Oscar viewers will figure out very quickly -- and most already have -- that the Academy is just pulling a fast one. Their nomination of ten films is no more sincere than their belief -- or delusion -- that Hollywood is composed of individuals who care only about "art."

And then ratings will once again drop. Like a rock.

So...what then, Academy?

New Galactica DVD is out

2009-10-28T10:07:00.000-07:00

This look great. The Cylons began as humanity's robot servants. They rebelled and evolved and now they look like us. Their plan is simple: destroy the race that enslaved them. But when their devastating attack leaves human survivors, the Cylons have to improvise. Battlestar Galactica: The Plan tells the story of two powerful Cylon leaders, working separately, and their determination to finish the task.

Pick it up here: http://bit.ly/3ZmRtU

New Stargate Universe is WAY too dark

2009-10-28T09:46:00.000-07:00

To the writers and producers of Stargate Universe: LIGHTEN UP, GUYS!

I just finished watching the first two episodes and so far I'm not too thrilled. Ignoring the fact that IS just like Lost In Space (they even have their own Dr. Smith with Rush), the biggest problem is it's WAY too dark.

I enjoyed SG-1 and Atlantis because they were both filled with great adventure and lots of light-hearted humor, even in the tensest moments. So far SGU has had little adventure and absolutely no humor. I understand right now they're all focused on surviving and getting home, but so were the SGA crew in their first few episodes. Yet they had some hilarious interactions between Sheppard and McKay.

Another problem is I don't see any characters who have the potential to supply humor the way O'Neill (in SG-1) and Sheppard did. The scientist kid Eli Wallace (or is it Wesley Crusher?) is throwing out some lines but the guy is just irritating, not funny.

I'll keep watching, but if the show doesn't pick up or add some much-needed humor, then I'll drop it and move on.

But to what? I stopped watching the mediocre Sanctuary last year, and so far promos for the upcoming Galactica spin-off Caprica makes me yawn. So until Eureka returns or SyFy comes up with better ideas than they have now, I'll keep getting my sci-fi and horror fixes from other networks.

A new Doc Savage movie is on the way -- FINALLY!

2009-10-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

Ain't It Cool News just posted updated news on a new Doc Savage movie that's in the works (see link below).

This is GREAT news for me. I've been a huge Doc fan since I was a kid. The fact that a new film might actually be produced has me as giddy as a school girl. But, obviously, that's only if it it's done well.

I'm also relieved to hear that writer Shane Black will keep it set in the thirties and not try some bone-head attempt to update it to modern times. When I heard that producer Michael Ulsan -- who hired Chris Nolan to make the boring as hell reality shows Batman Begins and Dark Knight (the parts without Joker) -- bought the rights, I was concerned. Looks like I had nothing to worry about...so far. That could change once we hear who will direct and star in the vehicle.

And PLEASE, I beg you NOT to hire some emotionless, muscle-bound former athlete like The Rock as Doc. Hire an actor -- and THEN work on his physique. After all, Doc Savage is a brilliant scientist who is also in great shape. Keep it that way.

My personal choice for Doc? Josh Holloway who plays Sawyer on Lost. He looks the part and he's a damn fine actor.

I'll keep up updated.

See article here: http://www.aintitcool.com/node/42832

Stargate Atlantis 5th Season now on DVD

2009-09-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

The fifth and last season (although a TV film is in production) of this excellent and exciting season is now on DVD. In this action-packed season sparks fly when Woolsey becomes the new leader of the Atlantis team. Meanwhile, McKay faces difficult personal challenges; Teyla must balance her roles as mother and warrior; Ronan’s past returns with a vengeance, and Keller finds peril, then help, from an unlikely source. A provisional relationship with the Wraith takes a shocking turn and new adversaries test the team’s courage and resolve like never before.

If you love sci fi, you'll love this show. Check out the DVD set here: http://bit.ly/d96A2

Disney Buys Marvel: Great News for Superhero Films?

2009-08-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

It was just announced that Disney bought Marvel Corporation for a reported four billion dollars and already speculation is running rampant on how that will change the world of Spider-man and his fellow superheroes. Many feel that being owned by the Mouse House will curb the edge of the comics and force them to be more family friendly. Disney has stated this will not happen but time will tell.

At the same time, my family and I love Universal Studios in Florida and the Marvel area is one of our favorites -- especially the Spider-Man ride. Some fans of that theme park fear that Disney pulled this move as part of their war against their rival theme park. Will Universal be forced to give up the Marvel franchise or do it voluntarily so they won't have to pay a rental check to their main competition? I'm still irate that Universal closed down the kick-butt Back to the Future Ride for a Simpsons Ride. If they close down their entire Marvel area, we may have to stop visiting.

One positive thing about this purchase is that the films and TV shows based on Marvel heroes will receive a huge boost of financing and hopefully creativity from the powerful Disney entertainment machine. If nothing else, I look forward to seeing what the result of that partnership will bring in the future.

For now, I'll spend the next few days kicking myself for not owning Marvel stock.

ABC "V" mini-series remake delayed because it sucks (apparently)

2009-08-29T16:23:00.001-07:00

According to VancouverFilm, Warner Bros has shut down production of their TV remake of the classic 80s alien invasion mini-series "V". But, it's only for two weeks, or so they say. Reports state that execs aren't happy with the quality of the scripts -- not something we're used to hearing from TV execs.

Apparently the break is to give writers time to improve the scripts. Two weeks? That's all it'll take? Really? If they dint get it right the first time, what makes WB think they can do it right in just two weeks?

Note to the head honchos at WB: better increase that special effects budget big time. Just sayin'.

The new production will star Lost's Elizabeth Mitchell, Party of Five's Scott Wolf (god help us) ), Firefly's Morena Baccarin and Morris Chestnut (who?). If all goes right (cough, cough) it's scheduled to air this fall.

Believe it or not, this is one rare time when I am looking forward to a remake. But I hate that it's on ABC. I'm still pissed at them for dropping Eli Stone and The Unusuals (best cop show in years).

Find out more about the original "V" series here: http://bit.ly/10KLbx

Megan Fox as new Catwoman in Batman 3? God help us!

2009-08-26T08:41:00.000-07:00

According to the UK paper, The Sun, Megan Fox, the actress who can't act is set to slip into a leather catsuit in the upcoming new Barman sequel. And as far as I'm concerned, that is NOT good news. Based on this report, be prepared to bring your No-Doze to the theater -- again. Shooting is scheduled to start next year with the film slated for release in 2011.

As everyone knows, an action film is only as good as it's villain. That's why Batman Begins -- with the wisp-of-air banality of Ras al Ghul (Liam Neeson) -- was so god-awful boring and Dark Knight was only bearable when the Joker (Heath Ledger) was on screen. Now, we're not only faced with a lame villain in Catwoman, but a lame actress with Megan Fox.

While she may be hot, the girl can not act and she has so little personality she doesn't even register. Fox has as much presence on screen as a pile of marshmallows. Now add that to the total lack of acting ability and befuddled personality of Christian Bale, and we're looking at yet another Olympian-sized snorefest that may even rival the insomnia-curing Batman Begins.

Thanks ONLY to an excellent turn by Ledger as Joker (as well as the PR generated by his tragic and untimely death) The Dark Knight became the fourth highest-grossing movie of all time. My concern is that the next film will ride the popularity of TDK and be another huge hit. That means we'll be forced to suffer through even more years of Fox and Bale cluttering up more films with their lack of talent and personality.

Like I said, "god help us all".

Star Trek 2009 DVD on the way!!

2009-08-25T01:02:00.000-07:00

The DVD for JJ Abram's Star Trek (greatest action film in many a moon) is on the way. Sadly, it won't be available until next November.

You can pre-order though by going here:

http://bit.ly/KpaiM

'Defying Gravity' -- Need more sci fi and less 'Grey's Astronomy'

2009-08-25T01:00:00.001-07:00

So far I like the new ABC "Defying Gravity", but NOT for it's yawn-inspiring Grey's Anatomy-in-space soap-opera interaction between the characters. It's for the sci-fi aspect of the show and the cool effects. I suspect many other guys out there feel the same way so cut back on the chick-flick emotional baggage and focus more on the Beta story line and exploring planets. That is if the show hasn't already been cancelled. KH

Bryan SInger to direct a Galactica film -- good news or bad?

2009-08-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

It's been announced that Bryan Singer will direct a film based on the recent Battlestar Galactica TV series on SyFy. But is that good news or bad news?

Singer did a fantastic job on both "X-Men" and especially "X-Men 2" (the BEST superhero film ever made) but then he totally screwed up on his chick-flick soap opera "Superman Returns". So will we get the intensity and excitement of the X-Men films or merely hours of people staring longingly at each other like we were forced to suffer in Superman?

At this point, it could go either way. Hopefully, if the creators of the BG series are in charge, it will be the former.

Another possible horrifying report is that the film MAY be based on the original cheesy series from the 70s and NOT SyFys recent "re-imagining". God he'p us all if that's true!

Check out "Infestation: -- best giant bug movie in years!

2009-08-13T18:20:00.001-07:00

For fans of fun - and funny - low budget giant monster bug films, watch "Infestation". It just aired edited on SyFy (hate that name) but it's coming out on DVD in October. Worth a rent.

Well written, witty dialogue, great CGI effects (for a SyFy movie) and it is expertly directed by Kyle Rankin, winner of the first Project Greenlight competition. Check it out.

Check it out: http://bit.ly/155KSY

TV show cliffhangers are an insult to fans!

2009-08-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

I just finished the season finale of "In Plain Sight" on USA and once again I am irritated as hell. And I'm sure I'm not the only one. They ended with yet another idiotic cliffhanger.

Why do shows insist on wasting our time like that?

There are two reasons producers will stick a cliffhanger on the end of a show finale:

1. They want to draw viewers back for the season opener the next year.

2. They fear the show may be cancelled and use the ending as an act of desperation to try and get it renewed.

And both reasons are total BS!

Here's the problem:

The first reason is a HUGE insult to fans of the series. If someone enjoys the show, they'll be back the next year no matter what happens. So just end the story in that episode instead of making us wait months to see it end. If people don't like the show, a cliffhanger will merely push them away and support their belief that watching the show is a waste of time.

The second reason is just plain idiotic and historically NEVER works. I don't know of a single show that was canceled but then brought back just because the last episode had a cliffhanger. Not one. And again, ending a series that way is a BIG insult to the fans.

I blame the people who created that whole "Who Shot J.R." crap on the series "Dallas" years ago. Those dimwits are the ones who started this lunacy and now we're forced to suffer through it.

So to all you producers out there -- STOP IT!!

Here's a novel idea: Instead of relying on some cheap trick to bring back viewers, use creativity, imagination and a damn good script to bring them back. And end the series finale in the same episode!!

Told you! G.I. Joe IS a stinker.

2009-08-07T15:45:00.001-07:00

G.I. Joe hit theaters and as I suspected earlier, it is being destroyed by critics. Told you so.

I'm waiting for DVD then maybe I'll see it. I suggest you do the same.

Meryl Streep not worthy of an Oscar for 'Julie & Julia'

2009-08-07T15:32:00.001-07:00

The new film "Julie and Julia" was just released and people are already talking about Meryl Streep winning an Oscar for her portrayal of chef Julia Childs. Sorry, but not only do I say no, I also say she should not even be considered.

No offense to Ms. Streep (I'm a big fan), but roles where actors are merely imitating other celebrities should NOT be eligible for Oscars. Imitation my be the sincerest form of flattery, but it is not acting by any means. If it was, Rich Little and the other countless comedians out there who rely on celebrity imitations in their act should have been up for Oscars years ago.

I also think the Academy should take back the Oscars won by Jamie Foxx for "Ray" and Reese Witherspoon for June Carter Cash and so on. It's an insult to the actual actors out there who lost to the imitators.

'See' The Middleman Lost Episode!

2009-08-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

Cast members of The Middleman got together and read the final unproduced episode of the show -- "The Doomsday Armageddon Apocalypse" -- at Comic-Con last month. Sit back and enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=27vivrrPlIE&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Eaintitcool%2Ecom%2Fnode%2F41921&feature=player_embedded

BTW, the DVDs of the series were just released. Do yourself a favor and pick them up: The Middleman: The Complete Series

BRING BACK 'THE MIDDLEMAN'!

2009-08-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

You heard me. 'The Middleman" was one of the best-written and funniest shows ever aired and ABC Family cancelled it this past year.

And I am STILL irritated about it!

Guess they had to spend more time promoting teen pregnancy with their "Secret Life of an American Teenager" series.

Yeah, THAT'S what I want my kids watching on a "family" network.

G.I. Joe not being shown to critics. Can you say 'Stinker'?

2009-08-05T08:51:00.000-07:00

The new action film "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" isn't being shown to critics before its release. That only means one thing: It must REALLY suck.

The only time studios refuse to pre-screen films to critics is when they know they have a potential bomb on their hands and they want to rush it into the theaters to try and recoup some of their production costs before reviews tear it to shreds.

In this case it's a ridiculous $300 million dollars!! Seriously? They spent $300 mil on this thing? For that amount, the characters better come right off the screen and dance in the aisles.

Devoid of any original ideas, Spielberg to remake 'Harvey'

2009-08-05T08:35:00.000-07:00

Director Steven Spielberg -- creator of some of the most successful and imaginative films ever made -- is now devoid of all original ideas. Or at least, that's the impression he gives by his recent announcement. Spielberg will be doing a modern redo of 'Harvey', the tale of a man and a six-foot, three-and-one-half-inch tall invisible rabbit.

Originally a long-running Broadway play, 'Harvey' is best known for the classic film starring James Stewart. In fact, that film is so near perfect, one wonders why Spielberg is wasting his -- and our -- time making a new one. There isn't a SINGLE thing he could do that would make his film better than the original. And if you can't make it better, do NOT try.

Forget this one, Steven. There are thousands and thousands of original scripts and exceptional books out there. Find them and make them. Forget the remakes -- especially this one.

PLEASE.

It's an even worse idea than the fact that you're now developing an Indiana Jones 5(!!).

Could Pirates 4 be the disaster the Mayans warned us about?

2009-08-01T08:11:00.000-07:00

Pirates of the Caribbean 4 may finally have a director - and it is NOT good news. Now that director Gore Verbinski is out to direct the highly-anticipated "Bioshock" film, Variety reports that Rob Marshall(!!) may sign to direct. WHY? Marshall's previous ("Chicago") and current ("Nine") works include film versions of successful broadway musicals(!!).

Is the world ready for "Pirates 4 -- The Musical"?

Reports say Disney rushed the selection of Marshall because they need to get the film into production quickly before Johnny Depp begins filming "The Long Ranger" (seriously?). And without Depp, another film would be a waste of time and a soul-sucking bomb.

Rumor has it none of the other stars or major characters will appear in the new film. So now we're looking at a new quickly produced movie made by a director with no action film experience and only starring one actor from the first three.

Looks like the film may end up being a soul-sucking bomb even WITH Depp. Hell, it's being released in 2012 which might mean THIS could be the world-ending disaster the Mayans warned us about.

Ridley Scott to direct Alien prequel…Unfortunately!!

2009-07-31T17:51:00.000-07:00

Director Sir Ridley Scott is reportedly set to direct a prequel to his classic sci-fi film “Alien”. Trade newspaper Variety said the veteran director would return to the series for the first time since he directed the original film in 1979. Rumor has it the prequel will reveal what happened to the marooned ship found by the crew of the Nostromo in the original.

Two things worry me about this project: 1) Scott hasn’t directed a sci-fi film since he made “Blade Runner” WAY back in 1982, and as far as I’m concerned, that was also his last decent film. 2) The prequel is being written by Jon Spaihts, someone who has absolutely no credits to his name (according to IMDB).

Time will only tell whether or not this ends up being a worthwhile project, but right now I'm thinking it might be a HUGE mistake letting either man anywhere near this project.

Studio scrambles to blame Lefevre for losing her "Eclipse" role

2009-07-29T20:51:00.000-07:00

Looks like Summit Entertainment, the studio releasing the “Twilight” series, is scrambling to avoid a backlash from Rachelle Lefevre/Victoria fans by pointing the finger of blame at her. As I reported earlier, they’re claiming they only chose Bryce Dallas Howard to replace Lefevre in “Eclipse” because Lefevre is scheduled to shoot scenes for the film “Barney’s Vision” which would conflict with the “Eclipse” shooting schedule. Summit says it even informed her reps days ago that taking the part in "Barney's Vision" could jeopardize her “Eclipse” role.
But, Rachelle Lefevre is now saying she knew nothing about Howard replacing her or the scheduling conflict. According to a statement she released “I turned down several other film opportunities and, in accordance with my (“Twilight”) contractual rights, accepted only roles that would involve very short shooting schedules.
She added that she was "stunned" and "hurt deeply" by the decision, and that she was "fully committed" to returning as Victoria. She said shooting her role in “Barney’s Vision” would only last 10 days. "Although the production schedule for `Eclipse' is over three months long,” she said, “Summit said they had a conflict during those 10 days and would not accommodate me. Given the length of filming for `Eclipse,' never did I fathom I would lose the role over a 10-day overlap."
The studio fired back by saying "Contrary to Ms. Lefevre's statement, it is simply untrue that the studio dismissed her over a 10-day overlap. It is not about a 10-day overlap, but instead about the fact that `The Twilight Saga: Eclipse' is an ensemble production that has to accommodate the schedules of numerous actors while respecting the established creative vision of the filmmaker and most importantly the story."
Many of Lefevre’s fan are already posing online petitions to "Bring Back Rachelle."

August 4 is Megan Fox-Free Day

2009-07-29T11:49:00.000-07:00

Finally the media has come to its senses -- if only for one day. After months of interviews and photo shoots of the (totally unnecessary) star of Transformers 2 Megan Fox, several websites have decided to make August 4 Megan Fox-Free Tuesday!

As far as I'm concerned, they can make it Megan Fox-Free 2009 and ban this borderline "talent" from everything for the rest of the year.

'The Room': Worst Movie Ever Made? Then it'll probably win an Oscar

2009-07-29T09:04:00.001-07:00

For a few years now the film "The Room" has consistently grown in popularity. Not because it's good, but because it's so bad. It's been called "The Worst Film Ever Made". Well, I've seen it, and trust me, it's nowhere near as bad as the Oscar-winning (still can't figure that one out) "No Country For Old Men" and the new "Public Enemies".

"The Room" has been called "The BEST worst film ever made". In other words, it's so bad it's actually fun to watch. "NCFOPM" and "PE" on the other hand, are just plain BAD.

Personally, I think the critically-lavished Coen Brothers wanted to find out whether or not they were still being judged on their talent rather than the fact that they were indie darlings. So they wrote and directed the absolute worst film they could think of: "No Country For Old Men". Problem was, the members of the Academy -- who have proven time and time again they are totally disconnected from the rest of the world -- began praising it as a masterpiece. At that point the Coens were trapped. If they announced NCFOM was just a joke on the film world, they'd be ostracized from the industry. So they kept their mouths shut as award after award fell into their hands. And all along it drove them into fits of despair.

Don't believe me? Go back and take a look at their faces when they accepted the Oscar for Best Picture. They look MISERABLE! If you win the top Oscar, you get VERY excited. You smile, you laugh, you have the time of your life. Not those two guys. They looked like they were just diagnosed with cancer.

That brings us to "Public Enemies" by director Michael Mann. This is a movie SO bad, it may win the Oscar, too. It's almost three hours(!!) of mediocre acting, listless characters, unimaginative direction, a pointless script and a lack of any real suspense, drama or action (and guys standing in one spot shooting guns does NOT count as action). Yet -- again -- critics are slobbering all over it.

WHY?? It's as if the Academy only nominates films they know are lifeless and boring.

BTW, I think that's why "The Dark Knight" wasn't nominated last year. If not for the phenomenal job done by Heath Ledger as the Joker, that film would have easily won. Because without Joker, that film was just like NCFOM and PE -- lifeless, boring and pointless. In fact, I'm surprised "Batman Begins" didn't grab every Oscar available. That borefest had no reason for existing.

No wonder the Oscar telecast has been consistently losing viewers year after year. Long ago, general audiences realized it was nothing but a self-centered pat-on-the-back for an organization out to prove what geniuses they THINK they are. They are totally out of touch with mainstream moviegoers. Each year they keep nominating films no one went to see for the top awards. In fact, the last time a successful film (i.e. one people actually wanted to watch) won Best Picture was "Titanic" -- over ten years ago!

This year (although they deny their true reason) the Academy increased nominations for Best Picture to ten films in a desperate attempt to draw more viewers. They'll undoubtedly nominate five more mass-friendly films along with their usual indies no one saw. Problem is, even if viewer ship does increase, it won't last long. People will realize they've been duped when the Academy STILL picks one of their "art house" favorites to win. It's like those time-share companies who get you to sit in on their presentations by promising you a huge gift, then just shove a coupon for a free cheap meal in your hand at the end.

No thanks. I'll pass.

In the meantime, check out the trailer for "The Room" at www.theroommovie.com

As bad as it is, it's still more enjoyable than any part of "No Country", "Public Enemies" or anything else the Academy may pick this year.

Bryce Dallas Howard replacing Rachelle Lefevre in third Twilight film

2009-07-29T00:53:00.000-07:00

Entertainment Weekly reported that Bryce Dallas Howard will be replacing Rachelle Lefevre in the role of ‘Victoria’ for "Eclipse", the third Twilight film. According to Summit Entertainment, the switch is due to a “scheduling conflict” with Lefevre's role in "Barney’s Vision".

Most Popular Superhero Movies (per IMDB.com)

2009-07-29T00:43:00.000-07:00

Source: imdb.com

Once relegated to the pages of comic books, superheroes have burst onto the big screen within the past decade with a power that's nothing less than, well, superhuman! Every summer features at least one (if not more) superhero epic, and each year ups the ante in terms of story, acting, and special effects. Our latest feature on the Power of Film explores the Most Popular Superhero Movies, as ranked by IMDb users. You'll find some familiar faces (and animated ones), with one hero placing no less than three films in the top fifteen.

15. The Incredible Hulk (2008)

14. Superman (1978)

13. X-Men (2000)

12. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

11. Spider-Man (2002)

10. RoboCop (1987)

9. The Crow (1994)

8. Batman (1989)

7. Spider-Man 2 (2004)

6. X2 (2003)

5. Watchmen (2009)

4. Iron Man (2008)

3. The Incredibles (2004)

2. Batman Begins (2005)

1. The Dark Knight (2008)

Peter Jackson releases remake then complains about "lack of original ideas"

2009-07-28T18:32:00.001-07:00

Peter Jackson just released "District 9" his new sci-fi outing he and director Neill Blomkamp (GREAT name) created after plans for their "Halo" film crashed and burned. Haven't seen it yet, but from what I've seen it looks an awful lot like "Alien Nation", the 1988 film starring James Caan. Nonetheless, I've been looking forward to seeing it.

But then Jackson makes a comment at Comic-Con last week about movie fans being "fed up with the lack of original ideas": http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/herocomplex/2009/07/peter-jackson-movie-fans-are-fed-up-with-the-lack-of-original-ideas.html

That's true, Peter, but after just releasing a retread of an older film, should YOU be the one pointing that out?

"Haunting In Connecticut" DVD

2009-07-28T17:49:00.000-07:00

Watched the DVD of "Haunting in Connecticut" last night and really enjoyed it. One of the rare paranormal films out the past few years that wasn't some fast food hack job designed to make a quick buck then fade into obscurity.

Peter Cornwell did an excellent job directing, especially considering it's his first live-action feature. He managed to avoid too many predictable shock scenes and build some fine suspense. Writers Adam Simon and Tim Metcalfe also did an impressive job. The story had some nice twists and characters I actually cared for (i.e. I didn't want to see them get hurt vs. rooting for them to get knocked off quickly).

Skip all those over-rated Asian horror flicks (and their American remakes) littering the theaters and DVD shelves. Rent this one instead.

Acting Tips on What To Wear & Not Wear At Auditions

2009-07-28T17:38:00.001-07:00

SInce this site is more than just brilliant reviews and insights, here is a great article for those of you wanting to break into acting. It's written by Stephen Reynolds.

______________________________________________

This is an extremely important part of auditioning. You should always dress for auditions, according to the “type” or "character" being cast. Know what you have been type cast for and wear appropriate clothing to match. This information should be clearly stated in the information provided by your talent agent or within the casting call brief.

If the character brief asks for a “sexy, attractive, young lady”, be sure you wear some figure hugging clothes and a skirt that will show of your legs, as opposed to trousers, jeans or a smock dress. If the brief is for a business man, then be sure to wear a business suit and tie as opposed to jeans and a T-shirt. If you don’t own a suit, then borrow or rent a good one.

Choose shirts or tops with collars or a “V” neck as they will be the most flattering to the camera. Do be sure to dress neatly. Make a good first impression. Remember, how you look will be the first impression you make to the decision makers.

Possibly more important than knowing what to wear to an audition is knowing what you should NOT wear. Here are some tips for you to consider when dressing for an audition.

• Don’t wear black tops, shirts, jackets, sweaters or jerseys etc., unless specifically requested to do so. Black will absorb a great deal of light and will possibly make you look unhealthy.

• Don’t wear white or light pastel tops, blouses, shirts, jackets, sweaters or jerseys etc., unless specifically requested to do so. White will absorb light and make you look blurred.

• Don’t wear turtlenecks unless specifically requested to do so. They do not flatter you and people may wonder what you could be hiding under there.

• Don’t wear an excessive amount of jewelry unless the role requires you to do so. A large number of bracelets or bangles will only distract the decision makers (and make lots of noise). As will large earrings and every finger covered in rings. Less is best!

• Don’t wear sandals or flip flops. Although it may be a hot summer’s day and they feel comfortable, it is not a good idea. Be sure to wear some closed toe shoes that are suitable to the role being cast.

• Don’t wear clothes with crazy designs or patterns on them. This will just be another distraction to the viewers (those deciding on whether to cast you or not).

• Don’t wear visible logos or clothing with visible writing or branding. The brand you are wearing could be a competitor to the advertiser and you will lose their interest quickly.

• Don’t wear clothing with branding for the company you are auditioning for. Although, it sounds like a good idea, it will come across as trying too hard.

• Don’t arrive in full costume unless specifically requested to do so. There should be enough costume at the audition. One or two items of costume clothing that may set you apart from the competition is OK, just don’t be excessive.

• Always remember, too many distractions will take the focus away from YOU!

If you are ever unsure what to wear then go as conservative as possible. However, you should always consider carrying an extra bag or suitcase in your car with different outfits you can quickly change into if required to do so. You may find that at an audition, the outfit you have chosen is not appropriate and therefore you can quickly remedy that with an outift change. Carrying extra clothing with you is also good practice for situations where you may be requested by the casting director to audition for a different role. Finally, having extra clothes at your immediate disposal is most advantageous when you find you have spilled that cup of coffee all over your audition outfit.

Good luck with your auditions and remember Action = Success!

© Stefan J Reynolds. Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/acting-tips-on-what-to-wear-not-wear-at-auditions-1074680.html

Latest Harry Potter film weakest of all

2009-07-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

I'll keep this short and sweet: The latest addition to the Harry Potter franchise is by far the weakest of them all. In fact, would someone please tell me why it even exists? Almost three hours and nothing to show for it. Except for a few tidbits on the Norman Bates childhood of Tom Riddle, not a single development was worth sitting through this muddled mess.

And does ANYONE actually believe Dumbledore is really dead (and no spoilers, please, if you've read the books)?

In my opinion, this entire series peaked in creativity and quality with "Prisoner of Azkaban", then started going downhill. Even the actors look tired of it -- both on screen and off. Now, with this weak effort, I dread seeing what we'll be given with the final chapter, especially since they're going to chop it into two segments. After all, they could have easily sliced off thirty or forty minutes on Half-Blood.

If you haven't seen Half-Blood Prince yet, wait for the DVD. Neither the story nor the visuals make it worth the time or price to see it in theaters.

Better yet, just read the book: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince