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In Time Movie Review

Published by in Action, DVD Review, Heist, Movie News, Movie Review, Movies, Science Fiction on October 27th, 2011 | No Comments »


Justin Timberlake continues his non-stop acting assault.  Last year, he took on the part of real-life Tech Wiz, Sean Parker in “The Social Network,” this year the romantic comedy, “Friends with Benefits” & now the Sci-Fi Thriller, “In Time.” Set in the future, “In Time” is a simple story about the “Haves” & the “Have Nots.”

The currency isn’t money, it’s seconds, minutes, days, weeks, months, years, decades & tens of decades.  In this world, humans age until their full growth peak of 25 years old.  That’s when everyone stops aging.  The time display on your forearm allows just one more year of life.  One year, not a second more or less.

The way to stay alive in this game (of life) is obtain more time.  Beg, borrow, steal.  Most people are poor and only have one or two days worth of time.  You get up, work & you’re given a few precious hours, another day.   Just enough hours so you have to come back the next day, just in the nick of time.

Timberlake plays Will Salas, a guy in the ghetto who lives day to day.   He represents the masses.  In a twist of very good fate, Will finds himself with more time than he ever dreamed.  Imagine, you were walking down the street & you found a wheelbarrow filled with thousand dollars bills & it was all yours.  So now Will is upwardly mobile.  He was to mix it up with the ultra rich.  This is where society takes its time, because they have more than they could ever use.

It’s there where he meets Sylvia Weis, (Amanda Seyfried) a woman who comes from time. Her father, Philippe Weis (Mad Men’s Vincent Kartheiser) owns & operates the largest Time Lending Company on the planet.  Long story/short, Will & Sylvia make a run for it.  I like the cops of this world: Time Keepers.  Cillian Murphy plays Raymond Leon, a time cop that’s been on the beat for well over 50 years.  Sylvia finally learns what life is like when you can only live it day to day.

The film is set and filmed in Los Angeles for a specific reason.  People in LA seem to be much more obsessed with youth & the idea of staying young.  Take note.  You won’t see any graffiti in the movie, because people in this world just don’t have time to waste on such nonsense.  I liked how people in the ghetto were always rushing.  No choice. If you only had 12 hours before you ‘Timed Out,’ you’d hustle, double-step  & eat your food on the run every single day.

At the end of the day, it’s a Robin Hood story of stealing time from the rich & giving it to the poor.  The filmmakers aren’t being coy.  This is social commentary.  Those on the political right will have a field day dissecting “In Time.”  It’s all about redistributing wealth.  Those on the top want to keep it all while those on the bottom are quite literally dying in the streets because they’re out of time.

“In Time” is rated PG-13

If you’re short on time & don’t want to waste it at the movies, get the Film Freak iPhone App. It’s the app that saves you money on movies.  Just search Film Freak.

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Paranormal Activity 3 Movie Review

Published by in DVD Review, Horror, Movie News, Movies on October 21st, 2011 | 1 Comment »

“Paranormal Activity” is the new “Saw.”  The third haunting is a prequel.  It’s  September 1988. It is the golden age of VHS recordings.  These recordings show just how two young girls are terrorized by demons hiding under their covers.  The pace is slow, but that’s intentional.  The film making is minimalist to say the least.  No score. Subtle special effects.

If you’ve seen the first two, you’re in for a couple of pretty good scares.  I really don’t see too many people jumping in now without seeing the first two.  In defense of this film, it is a stand alone & you’ll be up to speed.  For me, I could feel myself tightening up as the suspense was building.  I got a little jumpy.  In the moment, I do get freaked. I’ve always been that way. But when the movie’s over, I jump in my car & forget about it.  No lingering nightmares.  That’s how I gauge these films, does the Freak-Out-Factor when you’re trying to sleep kick into play?  I was fine.

I imagine, we’ll be right back here next year talking about # 4.  Why is that? If audiences keep shelling out over 60 million bucks to see these films, rest assured, Hollywood will keep servin’ them up!

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3 Musketeers Movie Review

Published by in Action, Comedy, DVD Review, Family Films, Movie News, Movie Review, Movies on October 21st, 2011 | 1 Comment »

Alexandre Dumas’ “The 3 Musketeers” has been around for ages.  Films of this famed trio dates all the way back to 1939.  The most recent incarnation was 18 years ago with Charlie Sheen as one of the musketeers.  Swashbuckling! Winning! 2011 gets its brand new musketeer makeover.  The cast includes, D’Artagnon (Logan Lerman),  Athos (Luke Evans), Aramis (Matthew MacFayden) & Porthos (Ray Stevens).   Also along for the ride is Cardinal Richilieu (Christoph Waltz), Milady de Winter (Milla Jovivich) & finally the Duke of Buckingham, (Orlando Bloom).  The question: Did Bloom ‘defect’ the Pirates franchise or was he written out?  Either way, he’s back to get his sword-fighting ya-yas out again.

Let’s be clear folks.  This isn’t Oscar worthy material.  I will say, this type of movie had to be the kind of movie you’d go see on any Saturday afternoon anywhere from 50 to 75 years ago.  Pure adventure & the wondermint of film.  That’s what I thought about.  Ease up on the artsy-fartsy angle critics.   Yeah, the acting was just OK, yeah I can see the computer generated imagery in the background, yeah the dialogue speech accents are all over the place,  except France, where the story takes place.  I’m willing to overlook these things. Why? The bigger picture.

There was also cleverness in the form of aquatic assassins, hidden traps & passages ALA Indiana Jones, wonderful props, swords, weapons like grappling guns, detailed costumes & excellent production value.  There were cool ideas there.  I try to point out the good things as much as possible.  The crowd I saw the movie with, were all having a good time.  That’s key.

I’m pretty sure the studio is going after a much younger crowd.  This movie borrows heavily from “Pirates of the Caribbean,” & even “The Princess Bride.” (I counted at least four subtle & not so subtle references to one of my all time faves! All except the priest saying Mah-wage).  There’s a serious market for young, active moviegoers.  I think kids anywhere from 8 to 18 will really enjoy this adventure.

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The Thing Movie Review

Published by in Action, Horror, Movie News, Movie Review, Movies, Science Fiction, Suspense Thriller on October 13th, 2011 | No Comments »

I can barely remember John Carpenter’s 1982 version of, ”The Thing,”  which is the exact reason why it’s being remade in 2011.  This time, the studio is going after young customers.  It’s no secret:  Teenage males drive box office sales!  ”The Thing” is tailor-made for a new generation ready for a good scare.   All the usual suspects are here.

Close your eyes & you’ll hear the high-pitched squealing from, “Alien.”  There’s a ton of “Alien” here.  Remember, the company man who only wants to contain & monetize the specimen at all costs, even human life?   What’s most obvious is seeing Kate Lloyd, (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) take on the female heroine persona ala Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley. It’s all there right down to the flame thrower.

So if you take away the baggage of seeing  the other two versions of, ”The Thing,” as  if they never existed, odds are you’d have a heckuva good time at the movies.  Again, that’s for first timers.  As for me, there’s nothing new to report here.  I’ve seen this movie already.  ”The Thing” is rated R for bloody, Sci-Fi images.

If you’re sequestered in the frozen tundra of Antarctica & don’t get out because of the blistering wind chill factor, might I suggest downloading The Film Freak iPhone App.  It’s the movie app that saves you money on movies. Search Film Freak

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Real Steel Premiere w/ VelvetRedCard.com

Published by in Action, Interviews, Movie News, Movie Review, Movies, Science Fiction on October 7th, 2011 | No Comments »

Being back on the Velvet red Carpet with my good friend, Ellen K was indeed a treat.  Here’s the first video from an amazing site www.velvetredcard.com. Looking forward to many more.

Hugh Jackman Real Steel from DANGVU Media on Vimeo.

Sugar Ray Leonard Real Steel from DANGVU Media on Vimeo.

Evangeline Lilly Real Steel from DANGVU Media on Vimeo.


The Ides of March Movie Review

Published by in Movies on October 6th, 2011 | No Comments »

1601, from William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, ‘Beware the Ides of March’ is the message to Julius Caesar, warning of his death.

“The Ides of March” shows us the inner workings of a scrappy presidential campaign.  Governor Mike Morris, (George Clooney) is running for the Democratic nomination.  For this election, he’s relying on the wit & savvy of both of his campaign advisers Paul Zara, (Philip Seymour Hoffman) & Stephen Myers, (Ryan Gosling).

Politics is king here. The Washington D.C. insider dialogue is substantial, so it helps if you follow CNN, MSNBC or Fox News.  The rub happens when Tom Duffy, (Paul Giamatti), the adviser for the other Democratic candidate  in the race wants a a private meeting with Stephen Myers.   That scene is already in the movie’s trailer. NO SPOILERS HERE.

In playing Mike Morris, you see Clooney owning the podium & hypnotizing crowds.  His stump speech sounds like current President Barack Obama.  For the most part, Republicans are demonized in this piece.  No surprise there.  At the end of the day, I’ve always believed, when you get to that uber level of politics, you’ve most likely a skeleton or two in your closet.

The acting is top notch with a solid performance by Evan Rachel Wood who plays campaign intern, Molly Stearns.  What I liked most were the scenes where you get a real glimpse at what happens behind-the-scenes just a few hours before a big presidential debate.  How the stage is blocked for lighting, reviewing tech issues & whatever implementing whatever edge a political adviser can get away with using laser focused strategy.  I also liked, the toughness of each situation presented. Either you’re in the game or you’re out of the game.  Everyone here has got to be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome from constantly throwing each other under the bus.  That’s politics.

Even though, interpretative endings are not my favorite.  This is top-notch political drama.  It’s October and the summer popcorn is long gone baby.  If you’re ready to step into the political arena, cast your box office vote on “The Ides of March.” Rated R.

Mike Morris is always on the go.  He & his political entourage don’t waste their time & money on bad movie choices.  That’s why he’s got the Film Freak iPhone – iPad App. It’s the movie app that saves you money on movies. Just search: Film Freak

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Real Steel Movie Review

Published by in Action, Drama, Movie News, Movie Review, Movies, Science Fiction on October 4th, 2011 | 1 Comment »

I gotta feel, a feel for Real Steel! At one time, Charlie Kenton, (Hugh Jackman) was a great fighter.  These days he’s just fighting to keep his head above water.  The year is 2020.  The sport of boxing has morphed.  The growing demand for violence in the ring was more than any human could withstand.  MMA & UFC didn’t take the match to the death.  That’s when promoters created the WRB World Robot Boxing League.  These mechanical gladiators could simply ‘knock their blocks off,’ to coin a familiar phrase.

To be honest, the “Real Steel” movie trailer wasn’t doing it for me.  I saw it a few times with the outdoor billboards.  Suffice to say, my expectations were low.    Then I saw the film with a packed movie house filled with real people, not industry insiders.  The audience reaction told me everything I needed to know.  They laughed, they cheered & had an absolute blast. I myself happen to be an industry insider, but I took something away this from the film.

The heart of the story is about second chances.  Charlie gets one reconnecting with his estranged son, Max, (Dakota Goyo.) Max gets his shot at having a real dad.  Finally there’s Atom, an outdated sparring robot that’s left for scrap.  Yeah, these three stray dogs are woven together into a very predictable plot.  I didn’t care.  This isn’t “The Godfather,” or even “Harry Potter.” At the end of the day it’s a story of a boy & his robot.

Dakota Goyo stands out as the “Real Steel” scene stealer.  He’s now the “It” kid in Hollywood.  Also along for the ride is Bailey, (Evangeline Lily.)  Her scenes are few, but she’s definitely the emotional anchor.  Then there’s the bots.  The lineup: Ambush, Midas, Noisy Boy, Zeus & Atom.  Can you say Most wanted stocking stuffers of this holiday season?!?  Nice job by director Shawn Levy.   Four principal robots were built for the production.  They provided the actors with something very real to react to. (Usually they have to stare at a tennis ball on a stick!)

“Real Steel” is a for Real People who loves movies.  Industry insiders will scoff, but who cares about them? They’re the movie misfits.  Just because a movie isn’t Oscar-worthy doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a good time.

Real Steel is Rated PG-13 & is thankfully only presented in 2D, but also available on Large Format Screens.

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50/50 Movie Review

Published by in Comedy, Drama, DVD Review, Movie Review, Movies on September 30th, 2011 | 5 Comments »

Movie critics are raving about how “50/50″ is the ‘best movie of the year,’ ‘the best comedy of the year,’ and my favorite ’50/50 is achingly funny.’  These people are literally off their collective rockers.  I get it.  It’s a true story about a guy who gets cancer & finds the humaneness & finds the humor during his journey.  I call BS.

I know what funny is.  For me personally, a cancer themed movie is a terrible thing in and of itself.  Using cancer as a springboard for ‘Funny-HaHa’ plays into my theory about movie critics. 100% of the time they love seeing someone up on screen with a life more screwed up than their own.  Please don’t brand me heartless.  You & I both know loved ones who’ve fallen to cancer or if lucky have survived this dreadful disease.  Excuse me if I don’t want to see that much reality on the big screen.  But what about seeing it on HBO? Redbox?  Blockbuster?  Maybe, if I’ve seen everything else, twice.

I will not jump on this fake bandwagon of how funny 50/50 is.  I was surrounded by movie critics laughing at really weird, awkward, unfunny cancer scenarios.  I wanted to stop the movie, stand up and ask these people what planet they’re from? These so called movie experts’ opinions are way out there on the outer fringe.  Theirs is the only voice heard because they are the only ones making noise, writing movie reviews.

Movie Snobs who dig heavy heavy dramedy, 50/50 was made just for you.  If this is your type of movie, your life has to be in a word, miserable.  Movies are supposed to be about escapism & wonderment.   For me 50 50 was So So.

50/50 is Rated R.

The Film Freak iPhone -iPad App is the movie app that saves you money on movies.  Movies are expensive & you need someone to check things out & make sure you’re seeing what’s great & what’s not-so-great.  I only offer the truth.

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Machine Gun Preacher Movie Review

Published by in Action, Drama, DVD Review, Movie News, Movie Review, Movies on September 29th, 2011 | No Comments »

Based on a true story, “Machine Gun Preacher” is a Baptism by gunfire.  Sam Childers, (Gerard Butler) is a scumbag.  He’s in jail for God-knows-what.  He’s a junkie who’d be high on crack for a month!  He’s a thief & probably a murderer too.  Oh and top it all off in a callous manner, he’s upset at his wife Lynn, (Michelle Monaghan) for quitting her night job….as a stripper! This guy’s a real piece of work.

Then Childers “gets right” with The Lord.  He created a church for sinners, The Shekinah Fellowship Church in Central City, Pennsylvania.  His life’s journey takes him all the way to Africa, more specifically, Sudan.   Sam just wanted to help out & lend a hand.  It’s there where he witnessed first-hand atrocities that happens to innocent kids every single day.  The game-changer: witnessing a young child getting his limbs blown off by way of a landmine.  It was that millisecond that changed Sam Childers forever.

Director Marc Forster doesn’t pull any punches.  You’ll see evil at work. To quote Sam Childers, “I found God in 1992, but I found Satan in 1998 in Sudan.”  Childers organized almost suicidal rescue missions to find & retrieve children whose lives have been shattered by this bloody civil war.  Being good with his hands, Sam built the Angels of East Africa Orphanage. Let’s talk numbers. The orphanage feeds at least 1,200 hungry children daily who are traumatized, injured, tortured & abandoned.  In the 125-degree heat, his place is not a mirage, it’s a miracle.

Saving kids in Sudan comes at a cost: Human life.  The white preacher quickly garnered a reputation of being an eye-for-an-eye type of man.  If a few evil men with guns were harming dozens of innocent kids, Sam’s decision was clear cut.  Take out the bad guys with a machine gun & rush the kids to safety & shelter.

Gerry Butler was up for the task.  He dove into this role by studying the man, Sam Childers.  If there was a scene where Sam was fixing a sink, Butler trained with licensed plumbers.  On the job site, he worked construction contractors. And yes, he mixed things up with full on tattooed bikers to get that leather, tough guy feel just right.  Butler also watched Childers speak for many many hours. He even taped his church sermons & spent lots of time with his family.  Total immersion. I love when actors do everything humanly possible to get the role right.  Plus, the guy does his own stunts in this film.

I liked how two worlds were showcased.  If Sam was saving kids in Africa, you have the feeling he was missing his family back in the states.  When he’s back with his family, you can tell he wants to be back to save more children.  Very powerful usage of both worlds.

If you want to help the cause, simply purchase Sam Childer’s book,  ’Another Man’s War: The True Story of One Man’s Battle to Save Children in The Sudan.’

The story of Sam Childers is an amazing one.  ”Machine Gun Preacher” is Rated R for extreme violence & drug usage.

The Film Freak iPhone – iPad App saves you money on movies.  Just search Film Freak

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Moneyball Movie Review

Published by in DVD Review, Movie News, Movie Review, Movies on September 21st, 2011 | No Comments »

Something impossible happened when I was watching “Moneyball.”  I felt a rush of excitement & literally chills while grown men were talking about baseball statistics.  That’s right, stats!  That’s a credit to good writing & director Bennett Miller. I can’t say these same feelings will ring true for people who aren’t students of the game.   Moneyball is the phrase used for creating a team through stats rather than starpower. That’s the entire movie in a roasted ball park nut shell.

Brad Pitt plays Billy Beane, a one time unsuccessful pro ball player who is now the General Manager of the Oakland Athletics. Utilizing the theory of Sabermetrics, that’s just the Fancy-Pants name for Moneyball, which factors in percentages & seizes undervalued players, the A’s 2002 season was simply spectacular.

What I loved about “Moneyball” was Brad Pitt’s fast-paced negotiating of professional ball players.  Man, this is pure wheelin’ & dealin.’  This gives the audience & possibly never-before-seen insight of these conversations between big league managers & how a player’s destiny can change faster than a Nolan Ryan fastball on a hot day in Texas.

I also loved how the theme of redemption.  In this newfangled calculated strategy of baseball, ballplayers were given a second shot at The Show.  The conventional system of baseball scouting would spit out a player for life for any number of reasons: Age, addictions, attitude, ability, apathy & injuries.  Damaged Goods?  Bring it on!  Billy Beane, basically went to the junkyard, got forgotten parts & went for wins not winners.

The only real bad guy in “Moneyball” are the games lost. You are pulling for the A’s with every pitch.  The winning streak in 2002 was affirmation of this incredible new way of thinking.  Loved everything about the way the winning streak was played out in the film. You will too.  The pace of the movie is slow & steady & builds as would a traditional baseball game.

Some might find the pace slow, but I thought it was perfect.   Philip Seymour Hoffman was perfect as A’s Manager Art Howe.  Hoffman knows the golden rule in acting, this is a Brad Pitt movie, not a Philip Seymour Hoffman movie.  His performance is understated with a defined presence. It brought perfect authenticity.

There’s no love story in “Moneyball,” sorry ladies. I’m sure Brad Pitt’s face always attracts females at the box office.  It’s a solid movie that scores a “W.”

So many movies are being released.  How in the world do you keep up?  If you need someone to navigate you through box office insanity, look no further than the Film Freak iPhone – iPad App.  It’ll save you money on movies.  Just search Film Freak.

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