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2:13 DVD Review

LAPD criminal profiler, Russell Spivey (Mark Thompson) has the toughest job imaginable.  All too often, his duty takes him to humanties’ darkest places.  Spivey’s uncanny talent:  Assessing physical evidence from brutal murder crime scenes & creating viable theories as to why the perpetrator commits to such evil.

In terms of tone, “2:13″ reminds me of  “Se7en,” “Anamorph” & “Manhunter.”  The chase for the killer(s) is on & it’s a very clever ride. This isn’t your typical, throw-together, low budget horror flick.  2:13 has many layers, textures & nuances. Many of which are so subtle, you’ll need a second viewing.

Technically, the sound design is excruciatingly detailed.  Whether it’s a menacing, pulsating & accelerating bass line or the simple familiar sound of pencil writing on a notepad.  It’s there & sound adds yet another layer.  In the end, the villain in the piece isn’t a Body Snatcher, an alien, a Terminator or even a Great White Shark. It’s the most feared villain of all, is the one who walks right by us in a crowd.

If you’re looking for a suspense thriller peppered with horror, terror & darkness, look no further than 2:13. It’s a well made film.  The solid cast includes Kevin Pollack, Teri Polo, Dwight Yoakam & Mark Pellegrino.  2:13 arrives on DVD Tuesday June 28th.  For more insights, photos & webisodes check out the official website at http://www.213themovie.com/ SPOILER ALERT ON A FEW WEBISODES!

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“TITANIC” WORLDWIDE 3D RE-RELEASE APRIL 6, 2012

For Immediate Release

PARAMOUNT PICTURES, TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX AND LIGHTSTORM ENTERTAINMENT TO SET SAIL AGAIN WITH JAMES CAMERON’S OSCARÒ-WINNING “TITANIC” WITH A WORLDWIDE 3D RE-RELEASE ON APRIL 6, 2012

Movie’s Re-Release to Coincide With the Centennial of the Ship’s Sailing
HOLLYWOOD, CA (May 19, 2011) – Paramount Pictures, Twentieth Century Fox and Lightstorm Entertainment jointly announced today that James Cameron’s “TITANIC” will be re-released worldwide on April 6, 2012.

The release, which marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic setting sail (April 10th), will present the film in 3D for the first time ever.

Written, directed and produced by Cameron, “TITANIC” is the second highest grossing movie of all time. It is one of only three films to have received a record 11 Academy AwardsÒ including Best Picture and Best Director; and launched the careers of stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.

Called “A spectacular demonstration of what modern technology can contribute to dramatic storytelling” by Variety upon its release in 1997, the long in the works 3D conversion is being overseen by Cameron and his Lightstorm producing partner Jon Landau who produced the hit movie.

Said Cameron, “There’s a whole generation that’s never seen ‘TITANIC’ as it was meant to be seen, on the big screen.  And this will be ‘TITANIC’ as you’ve never seen it before, digitally re-mastered at 4K and painstakingly converted to 3D.  With the emotional power intact and the images more powerful than ever, this will be an epic experience for fans and newcomers alike.”

“This new presentation of Paramount’s top-grossing film is particularly special because 2012 is the 100th anniversary of our studio. Paramount has had the pleasure of introducing audiences to some of the all-time classics of cinema during that century of moviemaking and we cannot think of a better way to mark the occasion than with this re-release of ‘Titanic’,” said Brad Grey, Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures.

Commented Fox Filmed Entertainment Chairmen and CEOs, Jim Gianopulos and Tom Rothman: “Our 30-plus year relationship with Jim Cameron and Lightstorm has been enormously rewarding, from ‘Aliens’ to ‘Avatar’, and the global phenomenon of ‘Titanic’ remains one of the greatest sources of pride in our history.  We are pleased to allow a new generation of audiences to experience the film in its brilliant digital restoration in 3D.”



Prom Film Freak Movie Review

For me, the bar for high school movies has been set to a very high standard.  Cameron Crowe gave us “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” & then there’s the architect of 80′s teen angst on film, the late great John Hughes.  I’m so partial.  Many of Hughes’ films represent my own coming of age.  But what about today’s iPod  generation of young people?  “Prom” might very well resonate for them & I hope it does.

This is your basic good-girl-meets-bad-boy-from-the-wrong-side-of-the-tracks story.  Originating from a small town in Michigan, Aimee Teegarden is Nova, an overachiever hell bent on creating an unforgettable Starry Night Prom, for all the right reasons.  After an accident, the prom squad is forced to re-create ALL the decorations with a mere two weeks.

That’s when the school principal deals a fateful hand.  He cleverly creates a unique detention detail for slacker troublemaker, Jesse Richter (Thomas McDonell).   The detention?  Ah yes, to begrudgingly assist goody-goody Nova in recreating ALL the decorations.  Sparks fly, emotions run hot, ice thaws & allowe a forbidden love to blossum.

Sound corny enough for you? Well it is.  It’s so corny, but I think kids anywhere between the ages of 10-19 are going to enjoy this movie.   It’s for them.  I can see young moviegoers liking the characters & having a good time.  Critics will trounce.  But at the end of the day, who really cares about movie critics?  Disney’s “Prom” is for high schoolers.  Cynical chaperones types should probably sit this one out.  Rated PG, not PG-13.  Very safe stuff here.

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Water For Elephants Film Freak Movie Review

“Water For Elephants” is a period piece dating back to 1931.  Right off the bat, something good happens: Hal Holbrook. He provides the bookend intro/outro.  He’s always so believable.  So the story goes….The Benzini Brothers Traveling Circus Train is always chasing Ringling Brothers Circus.  This is the backdrop to a love triangle between veterinary student Jankowski (Rob Pattinson) star performer, Marlena (Reese Witherspoon) & husband Ringmaster, August (Christof Waltz ‘Inglourious Basterds’)

Jacob loves animals. August utilizes cruelty to get results training his animal performers.  This obvious rub is the friction that drives the story forward.   August recognizes Jacob could be his dedicated circus vet and soon begins inviting him into his premium boxcar for fine dining & booze (all happening during prohibition.)  Of course, Marlena is there dressed to the nines, flirting within every moment.

On the brink of bankruptcy, needing to fill the seats, August acquires Rosie the Elephant.  This gamble turns to be a huge bust.  August unleashes pain upon Rosie beyond belief. Anyone who cares about animals in the slightest, would be unsettled.  Of course, this behavior catapults Jacob, who innately loves & cares for animals, into a vengeful rage.

Turns out Rosie is uber smart, for reasons I cannot give away.   If you listen closely to Hal Holbrook’s intro, you’ll already know what happens.  Water For Elephants is a popular book by Sara Gruen.  When I was leaving the theater, I couldn’t help but think there wasn’t a whole lot of sexual chemistry between Witherspoon & Pattinson.  That’s exactly what this type of fall-in-love story requires.  Since the Golden Age of cinema, all we really need are two stars who sizzle onscreen to make us swoon for romance & whirlwind love.  Without the spark, the end game falls flat.

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The Beaver Film Freak Movie Review

Let me throw you a warning. “The Beaver”  isn’t a comedy by any means.  If you’re lookin’ for laughs, this is not your movie.  Considering other May movie releases, “The Beaver” seems an out-of-place, Oscar-worthy, adult movie.  It’s a textbook example of  what the movie studios call, counter-programming.
Walter Black (Mel Gibson) is on a downward spiral.  He’s not getting better. In fact, he’s done.  Checked out.  Finished.  Then he finds a discarded beaver puppet in a trash bin.  A voice erupts from the flea-bitten furry toy with a heavy Aussie accent.  It’s probably the same accent Mel Gibson would have used if he’d never left Sydney Australia as a teenager.
The Beaver becomes the life coach.  Things turn around and Walter begins to thrive.  Meredith Black (Jodie Foster) is willing to humor Walter’s toothy pal.   She’s in to do whatever it takes to get her husband back into the game of life.  The fantasy therapy flat out mortifies the couple’s teenage son, Porter. (Anton Yelchin)
Success is a double-edged sword.  Action/reaction.  As Walter transforms his toy company & becomes an eclectic celebrity.  The charade grows darker & darker.  You’ll ask yourself, ‘how far is he gonna take this with the puppet.’
For that, you’ll have to wait & see for yourself.  “The Beaver” is the truest of dramas & Mel gave it his all.   Jodie Foster directed a fine film.  The question: Will Gibson’s brutal reality baggage result in tumbleweeds at the Box Office?
“The Beaver” opens in limited release May 6th, 2011.  Opening wide May 20th, 2011.s
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Hanna: Dead On Target! The Film Freak Movie Review

Saoirse Ronan is Hanna.  At 16 years old, this talented actress drives the film & it rests squarely on her shoulders.  Can you imagine how good she’ll be in another 16 years?  Easy prediction.  She’ll be the best 32-year old actress on the planet.   “Hanna” is a top-notch action film with layers of original spins.

Eric Bana is an ex CIA rogue operative who raises Hanna on a remote polar icecap teaching her techniques to be the world’s most efficient killing machine.  Snow scenes filmed in Finland ran anywhere from 29 to 35 degrees below zero.  So many films have taken the easy route & tried to fake snow scenes inside a warm fuzzy soundstage, ala “Red Riding Hood.”  I appreciate it when actors & film crews freeze their tushes off in the middle of nowhere to make a movie realistic.  Hats off to director Joe Wright & crew!

Saoirse Ronan also worked 6 hours a day for months on her martial arts moves.  It pays off with a swift economy of movement & a believable on-screen lethality.  As you can see in the trailer, Marissa Wiegler (Cate Blanchett) is hunting down Hanna. Or is Hanna hunting down Marissa Wiegler?  CIA operatives are cold blooded killers & so are their buddies.

Enter Isaacs. (Tom Hollander) He’s further off the grid & will do the dirtiest of deeds for a hush-hush CIA payday.  Hollander goes with a dyed blond hair look with a seemingly summer country club attire.  This physical presence was premeditated by Joe Wright way back in the 1980′s. Growing up, Joe & other nice middle-class kids were flat out terrorized by a group of well-dressed jock type bullies they simply called, The Casuals.  As a filmmaker, Joe’s memories were summoned up & utilized in the film.

Ultimately, Hanna is a story of revenge & origin.  Who’s after her & why?  Who is she?  Why is she racing across three countries to find Marissa Wiegler?  The answers are all there.  Hanna is definitely worth checking out.

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Soul Surfer Soars! The True Story of Bethany Hamilton

Back in 2003, I’d heard about the surfer girl from Hawaii who’s left arm was taken by a 14-foot Tiger Shark.  “Soul Surfer” is not a film about a shark attack.   This is the true, incredulous story of Bethany Hamilton.  There is a shark attack that lasts, at the most, about one second in the film.  AnnaSophia Robb took on the lead role  & even did some of her own surfing in the film.  The stunt surfer was Bethany Hamilton.  Would you want it any other way?

The “Soul Surfer” cast includes veterans like Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt & Craig T. Nelson. When you have actors of that caliber, it takes any film to the next level & makes everyone around them better.   In her first feature film role, Carrie Underwood holds her own playing Bethany’s youth group leader & friend, Sara Hill.

The question comes down to this: When something terrible happens in your life, something really horrible, like losing your arm to a Tiger Shark….what do you do?  Do you pack your bags & shrivel away from any new challenges  & everything you thought you knew?  Or do you pick yourself up & find a new path?

Couple that with extensive surfing coverage above & below the water.  It’s intense & really gives you an idea of just how insane & unforgiving those Hawaii waves must be.  This chick is fearless.  Cynics may turn there nose up at a film like this, but I believe the message far outweighs any superficial flaws.  Go Bethany!

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Limitless Film Freak Movie Review + Very Cool Fight Scene

What if there was a pill that allowed you to access 80% of your brain’s capacity instead of the usual 20%?  Would you do it?  That’s the burning question for Eddie Morra (Bradley Cooper).   Of course he does.  “Limitless” tells the story of a writer who doesn’t write.  He really doesn’t do anything else for that matter.

While walking down a New York City street, you can’t help but see it.  Eddie’s on a downward spiral.  All the usual suspects are here.   Bearded stubble, long freaky dirty hair, bloodshot eyes, cigarette dangling from the mouth, shoddy clothes.  At the moment you think to yourself, geez this guy needs a makeover, Boom!

He runs into his ex brother-in-law & they go for a drink.  It’s here when Eddie gets his hands on NZT.  It’s the said drug allowing full brain capacity.  You can guess what happens next.  Eddie Morra cleans up & cleans up very well.  Writer’s Block be damned.  This man’s on a role.  The super jazzed brain effects begin.  Our point of view becomes a low-flying guided missile through the crowded streets (one too many times throughout the film).   NZT side effects include, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, hyper awareness, blackouts, paranoia & murder. No spoilers here.

Robert DeNiro is solid as always, but grossly under utilized.  If I was directing “Limitless,” I’d get 80% more usage out of DeNiro.  You don’t need a miracle pill to figure that one out.

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The Lincoln Lawyer Film Freak Movie Review

Matthew McConaughey has undertaken a tough acting assignment, playing a likeable lawyer.  Michael “Mick” Haller makes being a lawyer cool.  Instead of going to the office everyday, YAWN, Mick’s office comes to him! It arrives in the form of a Lincoln Continental Town Car driven by his employee/chauffeur, Earl. The possibilities are endless.

“The Lincoln Lawyer” is based on the best-selling novel by Michael Connelly.  Good material begets good talent.  Matthew McConaughey, Ryan Phillippe, Marisa Tomei, William H. Macy, John Leguizamo, Frances Fisher and Michael Pena.  The way Director Brad Furman cast this film makes him the coach of an All-Star team.

Mick Haller gives dregs of society sound legal representation.  It’s borderline unethical, shrewd, calculated & I loved every minute of it.  He’s attained a street smart inner working of the Los Angeles legal system.  When a local bail bondsman (John Leguizamo) drops a rainmaker case in his lap, Mick licks his chops to defend a rich socialite (Ryan Phillippe) who’s accused of attempted murder, which includes the raping & beating of a prostitute.  Despite all the family money, Mick’s in control & calling the shots. It’s Mick’s way or the highway. (Did I mention his mobile office?)

The story grows darker every minute & brings a fresh look to courtroom dramas.  Matthew McConaughey & Ryan Phillippe discussed before filming, it would be wise not to rehearse their scenes together.  This allowed a spark of uncertainty, trust & an opportunity to have the actors continually surprise each other during the 37-day shoot.

Kudos to Brad Furman on showcasing many parts of greater Los Angeles. Not just Beverly Hills & the Valley.  Here we get to see gritty locales like Echo Park, Lincoln Heights & the Lynwood County Jail. Which Furman says was “incredibly real & also pretty appalling.”

At the end of the day, this one touts a perfect game of cat & mouse. Buckle up, hit the gas & enjoy “The Lincoln Lawyer.”

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Film Freak Oscar Picks & My Favorite Oscar Moment!

Here you go, my 2011 Oscar Picks in major categories.   These are not my picks to win, but the voting academy’s picks.

If it were up to me, “Toy Story 3″ would win Best Picture.  Speaking of Woody, The Cowboy Doll….

Also, I wanted to share with you the greatest Oscar moment I’ve ever seen in my lifetime. Tom Hanks’ eloquence gets me every time.  Without a single moment of hesitation, I’d vote for him to be President of the United States.  If you haven’t seen his Best Actor speech for “Philadelphia,” please do check it out.

Have an amazing Oscar Sunday & may your picks all win.

Leo

@leoquinones on Twitter

Best Picture

Black Swan

The Fighter

Inception

The Kids Are All Right

*The King’s Speech

127 Hours

The Social Network

Toy Story 3

True Grit

Winter’s Bone

Best Actor

Javier Bardem “Biutiful”

Jeff Bridges “True Grit”

Jesse Eisenberg “The Social Network”

*Colin Firth “The King’s Speech”

James Franco “127 Hours”

Best Actress

Annette Bening “The Kids Are All Right”

Nicole Kidman “Rabbit Hole”

Jennifer Lawrence “Winter’s Bone”

*Natalie Portman “Black Swan”

Michelle Williams “Blue Valentine”

Best Supporting Actor

*Christian Bale “The Fighter”

John Hawkes “Winter’s Bone”

Jeremy Renner “The Town”

Mark Ruffalo “The Kids Are All Right”

Geoffrey Rush “The King’s Speech”

Best Supporting Actress

Amy Adams “The Fighter”

Helena Bonham Carter “The King’s Speech”

*Melissa Leo “The Fighter”

Hailee Steinfeld “True Grit”

Jacki Weaver “Animal Kingdom”

Best Director

Darren Aronofsky “Black Swan”

David O. Russell “The Fighter”

Tom Hooper “The King’s Speech”

*David Fincher “The Social Network”

Joel Coen and Ethan Coen “True Grit”



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