ROGER EBERT STARTS NEW MOVIE SHOW
Friday, September 10, 2010
Roger Ebert is coming back to television as producer of a new movie review show. "Roger Ebert Presents At the Movies" will air on PBS starting this January. It will be hosted by Christy Lemire, a film critic for the Associated Press, and Elvis Mitchell of NPR. Just like Siskel and Ebert, Lemire and Mitchell will debate the movies and give them a "thumbs up" or a "thumbs down."
Roger Ebert himself will appear on every episode in a segment called, "Roger's Office." Ebert will talk about classic, overlooked and new films. Ebert has lost his voice to thyroid cancer. He will talk using a computerized voice generator.
Labels: movies, television
posted by jc @ 5:48 PM,
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OSCAR NOMINATIONS
Tuesday, February 02, 2010
It's topped the box office for six straight weeks and now "Avatar" has picked up nine Oscar nominations. The 3D science-fiction sensation ties with "The Hurt Locker" for the most Academy Award nominations this year.
There are 10 nominees for Best Picture, including "Up In The Air," "The Blindside," "Up," "Inglorious Basterds" and "Precious."
Sandra Bullock is up for best actress for her role in "The Blindside," while Jeff Bridges is up for best actor for his starring role in "Crazy Heart." Mo'Nique won a Golden Globe, SAG Award and Critics Choice Award for her supporting role in "Precious," and is up for an Oscar.
See who wins on March 7.
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 9:36 AM,
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CLOVERFIELD
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
PLOT: A group of friends gather to say goodbye to one of their buddies who's about to leave NYC for Japan. During the celebration, a gigantic monster attacks the city. People panic in the streets as buildings are leveled by the beast.REVIEW: The entire movie is shot by one of the partygoers with a camcorder, so the shots are all over the place. Very annoying. Instead of dropping the camera when the monster hits, he keeps on rolling to catch all the chaos on tape. Very far-fetched. The action scenes and the special effects in Cloverfield are excellent, especially when the Statue of Liberty's head lands in the middle of Manhattan. The images of buildings being blown to bits in NYC are tough to take just seven years after Nine-Eleven. You also leave with more questions than answers. Who is this monster and why was it attacking NYC? Why is it named Cloverfield? Obviously, they're leaving these questions unanswered for a sequel. I think I'll sit out the next Cloverfield.
RATING: C
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 9:51 AM,
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THE BUCKET LIST
Friday, January 18, 2008
STARRING: Jack Nickolson, Morgan FreemanPLOT: Jack Nickolson plays Edward Cole, a rich hospital owner who's forced to deal with his own mortality when he's diagnosed with terminal cancer. Edward's roommate, Carter Thomas, played by Morgan Freeman, is a devoted husband who's been a mechanic all of his life. Thomas is also diagnosed with terminal cancer. As roommates, Edward and Carter become friends and are there for each other when they find out that they only have months to live. With death staring him in the face, Carter writes a bucket list -- the things he wants to do before he kicks the bucket. Carter never thought he'd do anything on the list, until Edward stumbles upon it and convinces him that they should spend their final days fulfilling their dreams. So, the two venture out on an international journey -- racing cars, skydiving and visiting the pyramids of Egypt -- all before it's too late.
REVIEW: Many critics have panned "The Bucket List," saying it's not realistic, cliche and predictable. Sure, Carter's wife was awfully nice to let her husband spend his last moments with a complete stranger. And, the idea of two older men running around the world despite having a deadly disease is a bit far-fetched. But in the end, this is a wonderful story about the human spirit. That can't be overlooked. The acting by Nickelson and Freeman is incredible. You really feel for both of these men and root for them as they go out on their journey. There are some very raw, emotional moments in this movie and it's hard to leave the theater without feeling touched by "The Bucket List."
RATING: A-
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 11:04 AM,
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"RATATOUILLE"
Monday, July 02, 2007
Every now and then, The Daily Edition sits down to enjoy a fun family film. Such was the case this weekend, when I went to see Disney/Pixar's "Ratatouille."
Remy the rat has always had a nose for good food, but never got to put it to good since humans don't exactly want rodents in the kitchen. He dreams of working as a chef and finally gets his chance when he winds up in Paris. There, he stumbles upon a clueless kitchen boy named Linguini. Remy helps Linguini make a delicious soup and the two team up to create delicious dishes for a once reknowned restaurant. All along, everyone thinks Linguini is responsible for the food, when it's really his "little chef" friend hiding under his hat.
As always, Pixar mixes amazing animation with a clever story that everyone can enjoy. My only criticim: the kitchen full of rats did remind me of scenes from "The Muppets Take Manhattan." Nevertheless, still a great movie. By the way, make sure to arrive on time because the Pixar's Oscar-nominated short "Lifted" goes on before the start of the film. It's about two extraterrestrials who try to beam a sleeping man into their spacecraft without waking him up.
GRADE: A-
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 4:28 AM,
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"Knocked Up"
Sunday, June 03, 2007
If you've ever had a one-night stand, then "Knocked Up" is your worst nightmare come true. Seth Rogan plays Ben Stone, a young guy who's best friend is his bong. He lives with his stoner friends, who like to party just as hard as he does. None of them have jobs, although they are trying to launch a Mr.Skin-like Website. Slobby Ben and one of his buds are out at a bar when he runs into Alison, played by Katherine Heigl. Katherine is a huge success. She's beautiful, has a great job and is basically everything that Ben is not. Despite being complete opposites, the two get drunk and have a one-night stand. The next morning, Alison realizes what a pig Ben is and decides never to see him again. That's until she realizes that she is pregnant with his child. "Knocked Up" follows Ben and Alison as they prepare for the baby and try to make their "relationship" work. Their conflicting personalities don't help matters and neither does Alison's overbearing sister who's stuck in a relationship with a man she should have never married.
"Knocked Up" is written and directed by Judd Apatow, who also wrote "The 40-Year-Old Virgin." Once again, he proves himself a brilliant comedy writer in this movie, which has plenty of laughs, mostly at the expense of Ben's stoner friends. There were a few downfalls. "Knocked Up" runs about 20 minutes too long. Ben also takes a rather pointless trip to Las Vegas, which should have been cut out of the movie. Despite it's few flaws, The Daily Edition does recommend "Knocked Up." It's one of those funny beginning summer flicks, like "American Pie" that everyone's going to be talking about for years to come.
Grade: A-
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 9:15 AM,
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"Reign Over Me"
Monday, March 26, 2007
Adam Sandler stars as Charlie Fineman who is distraught after losing his wife and three kids on Nine Eleven. Sandler lives his life blocking all memories of his family out, until he is reunited with his college roommate, Alan Johnson, played by Don Cheadle. Alan, who's become a succesfful dentist, tries to help Charlie move on, but Charlie doesn't want any help. The basic concept of "Reign Over Me" is a good and Cheadle does an excellent job portraying Alan Johnson. Sandler needs to be a little more convincing as Charlie. The acting issues were minor compared to some problems there were with the plot.
The main problem: Charlie clearly needs to be locked up in a mental facility, yet no one in his life seems to think so. The guy denies ever having a family and blasts music from his i-Pod into his ears whenever anyone brings the subject up. Charlie is also prone to violent fits of rage (which are some of the most uncomfortable parts of the movie) whenever someone tries to help him move on.
There's also a bizarre and needless subplot involving one of Alan's patients. The woman keeps booking appointments in the hopes of having sex with him. Even though Alan wants nothing to do with this woman, she winds up staying in his life and even gets involved in Charlie's life. If you've seen the movie, you know that this woman serves no point.
At about two hours long, you'd think "Reign Over Me" is building up to some great lesson or dramatic conclusion. But no. The movie ends rather abruptly with no sense of closure. Charlie is just as sad and miserable at the end of the movie as he was in the beginning. If you're in a good mood, this movie will depress you. If your depressed, you'll stay that way.
GRADE: B-
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 4:07 AM,
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"Reno 911: Miami"
Monday, March 05, 2007
When some television shows are made into movies, they lose whatever it is that makes them a hit on TV. Such is the case with Reno 911: Miami.
The group of officers from the Reno police department are invited by default to Miami for a police convention. When the convention center full of cops is put in lockdown because of fears of a terrorist attack, the Reno P.D. is called in to save the day.
There are some laughs in this movie. When a huge whale washes up on the beach, the officers are called into move it. As they try to push the beast, one of the officers falls into the dead whale and is covered with ooze. Not to mention a pool scene where the cops are called into to get rid of a few unwanted visitors. But the genuine laughs in this movie are few and far between. It often realies on crude, sophomoric and repetitive humor to win over the audience. (Deputy Clementine gets a tattoo of a man on her breast and spends the whole movie trying to figure out who it is.)
Reno 911's quick wit and fast segments make the TV show a success. But dragging out a half-hour TV show to a full length movie does not work in this case. It's like a joke that doesn't end.
GRADE: D+
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 10:03 PM,
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Zodiac
Sunday, March 04, 2007
The Zodiac killer went on a random killing spree in California in the late 1960's. For years, he sent taunting letters to the press, threatening to kill again and again. This movie, directed by David Fincher, chronicles the horror and chaos that gripped California at the height of Zodiac's killing spree.
Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Robert Graysmith, a cartoonist at the San Francisco Chronicle who becomes obsessed with unmasking the Zodiac killer. Graysmith befriends the report who's assigned to the case, Paul Avery, played by Robert Downey Jr. As Zodiac's threatening letters continue to pour in, investigators follow lead after lead. They even come close to making an arrest, but the years go by and the case grows cold. The hunt for the Zodiac becomes yesterday's news, but Graysmith is still interested. He digs up files, works with police and goes on numerous interviews in the hopes of finding the mysterious killer. As he dedicates his life to finding Zodiac, he loses his job and his marriage crumbles.
The casting of "Zodiac" is right on. Gyllenhaal flawlessly performs as an amateur detective and Downey Jr. is amazingly good as a self-destructing reporter. With a running time of 158 minutes, "Zodiac" is a bit long. Some of Graysmith's detective work gets arather confusing and could have been cut shorter. Despite the time issue, "Zodiac" is a great film. The murder scenes make you pray for the Zodiac to be caught and the injustice of knowing that an arrest was never made makes you hope that the Zodiac is long dead and buried.
GRADE: A-
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 11:15 AM,
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2006 in Review: Movies
Thursday, December 28, 2006
After a horrible year in 2005, some blockbusters helped the box office regain its steam in 2006. Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest, X-Men 3, Borat, The Da Vinci Code and Cars were some of the biggest money-makers of the year. Here's a look at the Daily Edition's picks for best and worst movies of 2006:
Best...
"The Devil Wears Prada"
Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep star in this film based on a best-selling novel. Hathaway plays Andrea Sachs, a recent college grad who scores a job as an assistant to a powerful and weathered fashion magazine editor, Miranda Priestly. The film focuses on Sachs bending over backwards to please Miranda in an industry she never dreamed of being part of.
"Cars"
Disney/Pixar scores yet again with this animated tale about a race car, Lightning McQueen, who dreams of winning the Piston Cup Championship. After his tires blow up in a race, McQueen unintentionally ends up in the small town of Radiator Springs along Route 66 and learns the true meaning of life while making some great new friends.
"Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan"
Kazakh journalist Borat Sagdiyev comes to America to make a documentary to send back to the good people of Kazakhstan. When he arrives, he's quickly distracted after seeing Pamela Anderson in an old episode of Baywatch and decides he must travel the country in search for her to make her his wife. During his journey, he interviews real people who think they're talking to a real journalist. The film sparks a controversy with many of the people who soon realize they've been had in one of the funnist movies of the year.
"The Departed"
Martin Scorcese assembles an all-star cast in this film about a mobster who rises in the ranks of the Boston police department. The police know something's up, so they send one of their own on a dangerous mission to infiltrate the mob.
Worst...
"Snakes on a Plane"
Despite the mega-hype and branding it as a cult classic before it even hit theaters, Snakes on a Plane performed poorly at the box office and quickly slithered into obscurity.
"You, Me and Dupree"
Owen Wilson and Kate Hudson star in this less-than-believable tale of a best man who becomes the annoying houseguest of some newlyweds. There's nothing even likable about Dupree (played by Wilson), so you don't feel too bad when he's down on his luck. Besides the bad plot and annoying main character, the movie runs 108 minutes, making you want to run for the door.
"The Pick of Destiny"
This movie's trailers were enough to keep everyone away and they did. There's nothing funny or even clever about Jack Black's wannabe rock band, Tenacious D, or Jack Black himself. The only funny thing about The Pick of Destiny is that anyone thought it was worthy of theaters.
"Little Man"
As if White Chicks wasn't bad enough, the Wayans Brothers had to come out with this bomb. The Wayans brothers are funny, but you'd never know it based on the lowbrow White Chicks and Little Man.
"Failure to Launch"
Matthew McConaughey and Sarah Jessica Parker star in this sleeper about a a thirtysomething slacker who still lives at home with mom and dad. Did we really need to see Terry Bradshaw's naked ass several times? Zooey Deschanel, who played SJP's best friend, was the only strong character in Failure to Launch. We wanted to see more of her and less of the stars, who fail to identify with the audience.
Labels: movies, year in review
posted by jc @ 6:05 PM,
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The Departed
Sunday, November 12, 2006
With a stellar cast that includes Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, Jack Nicholson, Martin Sheen and Mark Wahlberg there's no way this movie could fail. And it didn't. Martin Scorsese out does himself in this intense, edgy, and brilliantly imaginitive crime drama.Jack Nicholson stars as notorious Irish-American mob boss Frank Costello. To keep an eye on police activity, he has one of his mobsters (Damon) rise in the ranks of the Massachusetts State Police. All the while, a young cop (DiCaprio) goes undercover to expose the dealings of the mob. The two work against each other, until their paths finally cross in a dramatic end.
"The Departed" is a crime drama, but there are plenty of laughs, especially from Nicholson's streetwise, yet likable character. Scorsese's sense of humor shows in the final scene which appropriately features a rat. The Oscar-worthy acting paired with the fast-paced, good cop/bad cop plot will keep you glued to this movie. One of the best of the year.
GRADE: A
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 12:43 PM,
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Borat
Sunday, November 05, 2006
To say "Borat" is the funniest movie of the year would not be giving it enough credit. The full title of the moviefilm is "Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan." Just like its big title, this movie is big on laughs.The film focuses on Sacha Baron Cohen's character Borat Sagdiyev. The journalist is the pride of his homeland of Kazakhstan because he's going to America to make a documentary for his country. Borat packs up his clothes and chicken and leaves behind his nasty wife and slum town for the U-S-and-A. He first stops off in New York City where he can't believe how how large is hotel room is. While getting his first taste of America television, Borat comes upon a repeat of "Baywatch" and falls in love with Pam Anderson. He decides he must travel cross country to find her and marry her.
The movie focuses on Borat's journey across the country (in an ice cream truck) and the crazy people we meets along the way. Feminists. Deep south Bush-lovers. Frat boys. Politicians. Evangelicals. Since Borat is from another world, he is not aware of American customs and tries to learn from people along the way. Many of these people thought they were talking to a real Kazakhstani journalist, which makes this movie all the funnier.
I am going to keep this review rather nebulous because I don't want to spoil the comic genious of this movie for those who have not seen it. Let's just say, I am someone who is not easily amused when I go to the movies. "Borat" had me in tears less than 30 seconds after its start. Borat's encounters with everyday Amercans are not only jaw-droppingly hysterical, but also thought-provoking. Yes, it is very politcally incorrect, but that's what makes this one of the funniest movies ever. "Borat" exceeded all the hype, making it the funniest movie of the year.
GRADE: A
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 10:35 AM,
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Jackass Number Two
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Johnny Knoxville and his gang of bruised and battered stuntmen are back for another painful ride in "Jackass: Number Two." The stunts are much more dangerous and x-rated the second time around. Take the first stunt: when a snake grabs on to Chris Pontius' penis. Or when Steve-O pierces a hook through his cheek and jumps in the ocean with some live sharks. Yes, there's plenty of animal action in this one. The guys jump into a ball pit with anacondas. Steve-O has a leech suck on his eyeball. The sickest moment comes when the guys milk a horse and Chris Pontius drinks its semen. The drinking is actually censored out. Just like this first "Jackass," you look forward to each segment, wondering what they could possibly do next to top themselves. It's that feeling of wanting more that makes this movie work. If you're tired of Hollywood's scripted stunts and forced laughs, then go for the real-life antics of "Jackass Number Two."
GRADE: B+
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 12:37 AM,
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Cars
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Lightning McQueen is a hotshot rookie race car who wants to win every race, escpecially the Piston Cup. He thinks he's big time but soon discovers what life really is about. As an over-tired dig rig carries McQueen to hithe Piston Cup in California, he's accidentally unloaded in the middle of nowhere. McQueen speeds into the sleepy Raditor Springs, tearing up the road as he goes. The town on Route 66 is full of characters who have been there since the good old days. That is, the days before a highway was built straight through the desert. Since the highway was built, the town is dead. Businesses have closed and no one comes through anymore. As McQueen fixes the road he ruined, he realizes that what makes Radiator Springs is the people.Cars has a great cast. Owen Wilson is the voice of McQueen. Legendary actor Paul Newman voices Hudson Hornet, someone who has a lot in common with McQueen. Bonnie Hunt plays McQueen's love interest, while Larry the Cable Guy brings Mater, McQueen's best friend, to life.
Pixar gets it right again. Cars is the king of the box office for the second week in a row, taking in more than $31 million. It's no wonder why. This movie races past the competition with a perfect combination of humor and heart for all ages. Make sure to get to the movie on time so you don't miss the Pixar animated short, One Man Band, before the movie starts.
GRADE: A-
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 3:55 PM,
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Failure To Launch
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Terry Bradshaw, Kathy Bates
About: What I thought was going to be an average (unfunny) romantic comedy, actually turned out to be funny at times. McConaughey stars as the thirtysomething Tripp who's still living under his parents (Bradshaw, Bates) roof. His parents hire Paula (SJP) to pose as a serious girlfriend. Their hope is to get him so attached to the girl that he moves out. But, predicatably she falls in love. Then, she feels guilty for taking his parents money and tries to prove to Tripp that she really does have feelings for him (as a entire coffee shop full of people watches). Plot problems: predictability and we don't fall in love with any of the main characters. What really saves Failure to Launch are some unexpected laughs. Terry Bradshaw bares all in his "naked room" and one of Trip's friends gives mouth-to-mouth to a bird he just shot. More of a rental, then a must-see at the theatre.
GRADE: C
Labels: movies
posted by jc @ 4:22 AM,
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WATCH THIS
CATFISHMTV, Mondays 10pm/ET
Based on a popular documentary film, this weekly series follows people who are in online relationships. They meet their longtime loves with the help of the show, but things aren't always what they seem.
FAST FOOD MANIA
DESTINATION AMERICA, Sundays 10pm/ET
If you listen to the Howard Stern show, the you already know that Jon Hein is the biggest fan of fast food around. Join Jon as he checks out the best places to chow down for cheap on this new show on the new network, Destination America. If you're not craving something greasing after watch this show, then something is wrong with you.
TRISHA
Syndicated, Weekdays/ET
Trisha Goddard hosted talk shows overseas for years. Now, she's the star of her own show, a spin-off of Maury, here in the states. Topics have included a man with 5 wives and women who eat strange objects like drywall and dirt.
About THE DAILY EDITION
The Daily Edition blog brings you the stories you'll be talking about at the water cooler. Follow The Daily Edition on Twitter: @JCers.
