Pan’s Labyrinth is playing in Ottawa?
January 18, 2007
The trailer was posted here a few weeks ago. Today’s Ottawa Express has a review for Pan’s Labyrinth. This is the first movie in a while I have been this excited to see (after seeing it hit the top 10 of 2006 lists for so many movie critics).
I still can’t find out which theatre it’s playing at though. Does anyone know?
Pan’s Labyrinth trailer
January 10, 2007
Written and directed by Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy, Blade 2), I’m really looking forward to when this starts playing locally. A lot of film critics consider this the best movie of 2006 (It was released on Dec 29th, although not in Ottawa).
“Pan’s Labyrinth” is the story of a young girl who travels with her pregnant mother to live with her mother’s new husband in a rural area up North in Spain, 1944, after Franco’s victory. The girl lives in an imaginary world of her own creation and faces the real world with much chagrin. Post-war Fascist repression is at its height in rural Spain and the girl must come to terms with that through a fable of her own.
Children of Men movie trailer
January 4, 2007
“Y the Last Man” fans take note.
“Children of Men” envisages a world one generation from now that has fallen into anarchy on the heels of an infertility defect in the population. The world’s youngest citizen has just died at 18, and humankind is facing the likelihood of its own extinction. Set against a backdrop of London torn apart by violence and warring nationalistic sects, “Children of Men” follows an unlikely champion of Earth’s survival: Theo (Owen), a disillusioned ex-activist turned bureaucrat, who is forced to face his own demons and protect the planet’s last remaining hope.
Shrek the Third trailer / Ocean’s 13 trailer
December 29, 2006
Yes, it’s another movie trailer. I’m sorry.
Shrek 3 comes out this summer, and it they have enough of a fan-base that they aren’t worrying at all about putting together a good trailer. Ugh.
Live action Transformers trailer
December 29, 2006
I hear they’re really modernizing the plot by comparing energon to heroin and having Bumblebee come out of the closet.
Gridhouse trailer (new flick from Tarantino and Rodriquez)
December 29, 2006
They’re at it again and they’re doing a horror double feature that will be coming out on April 6th.
The wire: An appeal
December 28, 2006
By nature I do not shill. As a general rule, outside of satirical attacks, I avoid discussing my pop culture preferences. I doubt people care about my viewing habits; and it’s not particularly interesting rehashing someone else’s creative venture. Despite this aversion I need make an exception: [1]“The Wire” had such a distinct visceral impact, and has such an undeservedly low profile, that I have to do what I can to get the word out.
On the surface it’s a crime/social drama that explores the relationship between the police, government, criminals, troubled youth, and the school system in Baltimore. Tone wise it’s like an amalgam of a gritty cop show blended with the Sopranos, orchestrated by deeply wounded sociologist. But the description does such a disservice to the subtle web of influence and interdependence between the parties. They manage to string a lose narrative that gives the happenings direction and focus, without railroading events and behaviour into unnatural paths. The writers understand the city, have a clear sense of measured progression, and never sell out the flow of events for cheap thrills or formulaic emotional release. Read the rest of this entry »
New Movies HotOrNot (2006/12/15)
December 15, 2006
I’m switching things up a little bit. Instead of giving a one sentance review based on no criteria what-so-ever (I haven’t seen the movie yet), I’m going to rate it as a HOT pick, a NOT pick, or could go either way and repeat the plot in one sentance from IMDB. I’ve also made a slight change to the formating on my movie site.
As you may have guess, the Christmas season is upon us and most of the releases are meh. As usual, click on read more to see more details about the movies.
Charlotte’s Web (2006) – HOT.
Wilbur the pig is scared of the end of the season, because he knows that come that time, he will end up on the dinner table. He hatches a plan with Charlotte, a spider that lives in his pen, to ensure that this will never happen.
Eragon (2006) – HOT/NOT.
In his homeland of Alagaesia, a farm boy happens upon a dragon’s egg — a discovery that leads him on a predestined journey where he realized he’s the one person who can defend his home against an evil king.
Blood Diamond (2006) – HOT/NOT.
A farmer, a smuggler, and a syndicate of businessmen match wits over the possession of a priceless diamond.
The Holiday (2006) – HOT/NOT.
Two women troubled with guy-problems (Diaz, Winslet) swap homes in each other’s countries, where they each meet a local guy and fall in love.
The Pursuit of Happyness (2006) – HOT/NOT.
A struggling salesman (Will Smith) takes custody of his son (Jaden Smith) as he’s poised to begin a life-changing professional endeavor.
Apocalypto (2006) – HOT/NOT.
As the Maya kingdom faces its decline, the rulers insist the key to prosperity is to build more temples and offer human sacrifices. Jaguar Paw (Rudy Youngblood), a young man chosen for sacrifice, flees the kingdom to avoid his fate.
New Movies HotOrNot (2006/12/01)
December 2, 2006
I finally saw Casino Royale, and it is as good as people say (except for Eva Green, she was a bit of a mis-cast). Daniel Craig is awesome. Is Layer Cake any good on video?
Deliver Us From Evil – HOT. Chilling documentry against sexual abuse in churches.
All About My Mother – HOT. Pedro Almodóvar month continues at the Bytown.
Little Children – HOT. Anti-suburbia flick where Kate Winslet shows off her weight loss.
The Flower of My Secret – HOT/NOT. More Pedro Almodóvar at Bytown.
Blood Diamond – HOT/NOT. New Dicapro flick set in Africa. Trailer looks good, execution looks so-so.
The Holiday – HOT/NOT. Looks like a decent Xmas chick flick of the same calibur as Love Actually.
Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny – HOT/NOT. Critics hate it, fans love it.
Bobby – NOT. Fictional account of the assassination of Bobby Kenedy written and directed by Emilio Estevez. Do not be fooled by the cast.
National Lampoon’s Van Wilder The Rise of Taj – NOT. Harold and Kumar 2 it is not. Best viewed while drunk on video over pizza.
Turistas – NOT. When has there been a good horror flick in December?
The Nativity Story – NOT. Horrible Christmas crap.
Read the rest of this entry for real movie reviews, movie times, posters and links to trailers.
New Movies HotOrNot (2006/11/26)
November 26, 2006
Casino Royale – HOT. Good reviews all around. New guy looks like he has less charm, but more edge.
Little Children – HOT. Anti-suburbia flick where Kate Winslet shows off her weight loss.
Happy Feet – HOT/NOT. March of the Penguins for kids, looks like good reviews all around but adults might find it lacking.
Deja Vu – HOT/NOT. Ridley Scott’s brother and one of the writters from Shrek/Pirates of the Carribean bring Day Break to the big screen. People are calling it formulaic.
For Your Consideration – HOT/NOT. New Christopher Guest satire. Reviewers are saying it is pretty formulaic and too similiar to the rest of his films.
Bobby – HOT/NOT. Fictional account of the assassination of Bobby Kenedy written and directed by Emilio Estevez.
Let’s Go To Prison – HOT/NOT. Like most of Bob Odenkirk’s films, this looks so bad it might be good. I liked Run Ronnie Run because of the stupidy — I am sure I will feel the same about this one. I imagine there will be lots of gay jokes.
Death Race 2000 – HOT/NOT. 1975 bad sci-fi. Throw popcorn at the screen.
Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny – NOT. I think I will really enjoy this on video.
The Fountain – NOT. Darren Aronofsky has not lived up to his debut with Pi and Requiem for a Dream. I still want to see it because it looks like one of those movies I’ll love even if everyone else hates it.
Kika – NOT. 1993 Pedro Almodovar flick.
Sleeping Dogs Lie – NOT. Written and directry by Bob Goldthwait! I did not know he was still alive.
Deck The Halls – NOT. This year’s horrible Christmas movie.
Read the rest of this entry for real movie reviews, movie times, posters and links to trailers.
New Movies HotOrNot (2006/11/17)
November 17, 2006
Casino Royale – HOT. Good reviews all around. New guy looks like he has less charm, but more edge.
Deja Vu – HOT. Ridley Scott’s brother and one of the writters from Shrek/Pirates of the Carribean bring Day Break to the big screen. Only a handful of reviews, but they’re good.
Stranger Than Fiction – HOT. The reviews have taken a turn up, and now this is definitely a comedy I want to see.
Happy Feet – HOT/NOT. March of the Penguins for kids, looks like good reviews all around but adults mind find it lacking.
Babel – HOT/NOT. New Cate Blanchett/Brad Pitt flick, trailer looks really good. Same guy who did September 11 and 21 Grams. Some reviewers are finding it too complicated.
For Your Consideration – HOT/NOT. New Christopher Guest satire. Reviewers are saying it is pretty formulaic and too similiar to the rest of his films.
The Fountain – HOT/NOT. Darren Aronofsky has not lived up to his debut with Pi and Requiem for a Dream. I still want to see it because it looks like one of those movies I’ll love even if everyone else hates it.
Let’s Go To Prison – HOT/NOT. Like most of Bob Odenkirk’s films, this looks so bad it might be good. I liked Run Ronnie Run because of the stupidy — I am sure I will feel the same about this one. I imagine there will be lots of gay jokes.
Deck The Halls – NOT. This has dumb Xmas flick written all over it. You know it is bad when there release it this soon before Christmas and NO ONE has seen a preview of it.
A Good Year – NOT. I hate Russel Crowe flicks. Apparantly other people hate this one too.
Keeping Mum – NOT. Another horrible Rowan Atkinson film. Who would have suspected? Stick to BBC series he is in — much better.
Harsh Times – NOT. Harsh Times at South Central High. Christian Bale and first time director who was the screenwriter for several ok flick like Training Day and Fast and the Furious. Might be okay if you really want action and are willing to cut-corners on good directing.
Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! – NOT. Classic 1990 Pedro Almodovar flick with a gay Antonio Banderas.
The Return – NOT. Best described as “A halfway decent editor could easily chop this down to 30 minutes without losing any plot points, but it would still be a tedious slog.”
Manufactured Landscapes – NOT. “Photographer Edward Burtynsky travels the world observing changes in landscapes due to industrial work and manufacturing.” — Good for photography buffs, bring coffee for your date.
Read the rest of this entry for real movie reviews, movie times, posters and links to trailers.
New Spiderman 3 Trailer
November 12, 2006
Sandman, Hobgoblin, and Symbiote Spidey, oh my!
(Looks like 3 is about the symbiote costume, not Venom)
New Movies HotOrNot (2006/11/11)
November 11, 2006
Borat – HOT. Great reviews. Friends agree that it’s very funny, but it also makes them uncomfortable at parts.
Flushed Away – HOT/NOT. For kids more than adults.
Babel – HOT/NOT. New Cate Blanchett/Brad Pitt flick, trailer looks really good. Same guy who did September 11 and 21 Grams. Sounds like it’s very complex, and the reviews are very polarized between loving it and hating it.
Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! – NOT. Classic 1990 Pedro Almodovar flick with a gay Antonio Banderas.
Stranger Than Fiction – HOT/NOT. Another one I thought was interesting from the trailer but the reviews are so-so. Will Ferrel in an existentialist comedy that is hopefully better than I Heart Huckabees.
Conversations With Other Women – HOT/NOT. Down to only one theatre showing it. I want to like it because of Aaron Eckhart, but it doesn’t seem like anyone is seeing this movie. What’s up with the limited release?
Night of the Living Dead 3D – NOT. 2006 remake of a classic. Almost zero reviews out there for it, the few I saw were bad.
Harsh Times – NOT. Harsh Times at South Central High. Christian Bale and first time director who was the screenwriter for several ok flick like Training Day and Fast and the Furious. Might be okay if you really want action and are willing to cut-corners on good directing.
Keeping Mum – NOT. Another horrible Rowan Atkinson film. Who’d have suspected?
The Return – NOT. Best described as “A halfway decent editor could easily chop this down to 30 minutes without losing any plot points, but it would still be a tedious slog.”
A Good Year – NOT. I hate Russel Crowe flicks. Apparantly other people hate this one too.
The Santa Clause 3 – NOT. WTF? Tim Allen is still doing this shit? Screw a fake documentary about the death of GW, someone line Allen up in their crosshairs. I’m still reeling that they made a Saw 3… but this?
Read the rest of this entry for real movie reviews, movie times, posters and links to trailers.
New Movies HotOrNot (2006/11/04)
November 4, 2006
Borat – HOT. How good is this? “Flushed Away” is the only movie the studios are opening against it. It has a ridiculously high 96% for critic reviews on RT. If I was Cohen I’d take the royalties and buy Khazikstan. And ladies: full frontal male nudity.
Catch a Fire – HOT. Torture breeds terrorism, what a concept.
Flushed Away – HOT/NOT. I can’t believe this is getting decent reviews. The trailer looks so bad. Any what’s up with Kate Winslet, she’s looking good these days.
The U.S. Vs John Lennon – HOT/NOT. John Lennon documentary.
Running With Scissors – NOT. Written/directed by Nip/Tuck dude. Supposed to be in a Wes Anderson style. Might be worth seeing if you liked the Royal Tannenbaums. Getting bad reviews.
Death of a President – NOT. Contraversial documentary tries to solve the death of G.W. Bush years later. Contraversy can’t make for a good movie.
Saw 3 – NOT. Because Saw 1 and Saw 2 were sooooo good.
The Santa Clause 3 – NOT. WTF? Tim Allen is still doing this shit? Screw a fake documentary about the death of GW, someone line Allen up in their crosshairs. I’m still reeling that they made a Saw 3… but this?
Read the rest of this entry for real movie reviews, movie times, posters and links to trailers.
New Movies HotOrNot (2006/10/28)
October 28, 2006
The Rocky Horror Picture Show – HOT. Mayfair Sat/Tues. WEAR A COSTUME TO GO SEE IT ON TUESDAY!
The Bourne Identity – HOT. At Bytowne wed/thur, awesome flick (sequel was sucky).
Catch a Fire – HOT. Torture breeds terrorism, what a concept.
Flags of Our Fathers – HOT. I hate American war flicks, but Clint Eastwood + Paul Haggis = awesome.
The Prestige – HOT. Memento was Nolan’s one-hit-wonder. But this still looks interesting, if not slightly reminiscent of the Illyusionist.
Conversations With Other Women – HOT. I haven’t seen this director/writer pair before, but they’re last flick (Alma Matter) did well. I enjoyed Aaron Eckhart so much in Thank You For Smoking that this one is a shoe-in.
The Queen – HOT. Not my cup of tea, but it’s tearing up the reviews.
Riding Alone for Thousands of Miles – HOT. Written/directed by same dude from House of Flying Daggers, Hero and The Road Home. This is more in the same genre as the Road Home.
Mulholland Drive – HOT/NOT. Bytowne wed/thur. Saw a bit of it on TV once, kinda weird.
Death of a President – HOT/NOT. Contraversial documentary tries to solve the death of G.W. Bush years later.
Night Watch (Nochnoi Dozor) – NOT. Russian vampire flick. Quick rule of thumb – foreign flicks with bad paid critic reviews are usually bad.
Marie Antoinette – NOT. Ah, Sofia Coppola. It seemed like you had a promising career ahead of you.
Flicka – NOT. Hey, did’t they already make five million Black Beauty movies?
Saw 3 – NOT. Because Saw 1 and Saw 2 were sooooo good.
Running With Scissors – NOT. Written/directed by Nip/Tuck dude. Supposed to be in a Wes Anderson style. Might be worth seeing if you liked the Royal Tannenbaums. Getting bad reviews.
Read the rest of this entry for real movie reviews, movie times, posters and links to trailers.
