Dead Animals Be Gone!!!

I'm sorry, but I can't deal with it anymore. I won't post what I'm about to discuss here because many people have queasy stomachs. Dead animal photos have been popular on the Internet for a while. It's impossible to find the exact date on when they've begun to pop up on social media networks, such as Facebook, but I can't wait for the date when the photos are eliminated from them all. Going back to FaceBook, with more family members getting connected to each other and with friends, no one wants to see a crushed cat carcass on their News Feed. In fact, rather than worrying so much about loss of stock (even though they're still important), Mr. Zuckerberg, how about you deal with getting rid of these particular images first?!

The Big Balloon Adventure is a BIG Waste

Geez, what a nightmare. After seeing the trailer of this film for the first time, rage and laughter continue to swim around my head. Back in the mid-'90's, the famous purple dinosaur and everyone's favorite beloved furry red monster stirred a mix of reactions in theaters. With Barney's Great Adventure and The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland, the thought of another TV show for toddlers becoming another theatrical disappointment was, since then, transformed into having animated TV specials that took valuable time from Primetime line-ups on Nickelodeon and Disney Channel. With The Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure, there aren't any words to describe how asinine. unneeded and disgusting a film featuring what look like The Doodlebops in their youth is to the eyes of a 23-year old who's seen much, MUCH better attempts to win a young audience. A film with zero advertising on TV from a studio thinking that advertising online to reach across the entire country as the best solution to gain said audience? Was this method passed on from the people who brought us Battlefield America and Women Thou Art Loosed: On the 7th Day? Using the Internet to spread the word about anything from the latest electronics to the cancellation of Jersey Shore is great, but ads on television help along with already having a built audience than JUST creating one. For instance, if The Oogieloves had a TV show and were well known, a movie featuring the abysmally created children wouldn't have been too bad considering the writers, director and the rest of the staff ready to make the production better than the current episodes on TV. Since they don't have a legacy of the likes of Dora the Explorer or the friendly neighbors on Sesame Street, it's going to be difficult for the studio (s) associated with the picture to make bank especially with regaining the budget that, according to boxofficemojo.com, is $20 million. so far, the film has made only $225,588 after one day of release. There's the possibility of the film making back the rest of its cash at a home where it should have been than being thrown in as a last minute attempt to have families spend what little time they have together this summer before it ends after Labor Day: at the local Dollar Store. It's not good enough to be sold on Wal-Mart's cheap DVD shelves or its bargain bin.

Watch the trailer here: http://bit.ly/OGjIcc

Another Hero Emerges Amidst Tragedy in Aurora, Colorado

In addition to what happened with the four-month baby and his sister being rescued by their mother, Ms. Patricia Legarreta, there was someone else who assisted with all of three to safety. At age 19, Jarell Brooks will be one of the people discussed at the work place and all social media outlets everywhere as he assisted with all three after Ms. Legarreta's husband drove off once he jumped over the balcony while escaping from the killer. According to ABC News, Mr. Brooks crawled on top of the young mother after being shot in one of his legs & using the other to get up and push the trio to safety. While Ms. Legarreta congratulates the young man for his bravery, it's the kids' father who should be looked down upon and filled with shame. Had he stayed with Mr. Brooks, he wouldn't be embarrassed at the fact that most people who've read both stories, the link from the last blog post and the one posted here, have seen him as one of the worst fathers in America. One Anonymous post from the popular forum web site 4chan.org within the /tv/ board, identified as No. 24485905 says it best:

"The running away in initial blind panic bit I can understand.
It's the getting out into the lobby, then the parking lot, then your car, then getting in, then starting it, then driving away, then having your girlfriend call to tell you she's been shot and could you please come back and pick her and the baby up. Oh and by the way a 19-yr old black guy saved our lives.

Ouch."

Ouch indeed.

Read on about Jarell's act of bravery here.

Going to the Movies with Baby

It's been a while since the last time anything was posted on here. Whether the new post contained thoughts about a particular film or a certain event that unfolded in Maryland or anywhere else in the world, there's always been a nagging though in my head about wanting to be the first to bring said news to the people including the readers of this blog even if the number of them continues to be miniscule. Everyone, by now, has heard or read about the Aurora, Colorado mass shooting that injured many people in attendance for The Dark Knight Rises with 12 people reported deceased. Among the injured was a mother who rescued her two children; one of whom was 4 months old. Why do parents continue to bring their babies to films especially those with lots of action and sometimes is deep within comic book mythos that the children won't have an understanding about until they're much, MUCH older? Do some parents know the definition of a babysitter? Do they not have other older family members that can take care of the children especially when they're still fresh from the mother's womb? If the kids ended up deceased, not only would the blame go to the man behind this atrocious crime: 24-year old James Holmes, but it would have been the fault of the parents who thought of 'The Dark Knight Rises' as some sort of a family movie. It is when the children are of appropriate age to watch said cinema but not when they're very, very young.

Story about the heroic mother found here.

Subtracting the mass murder, the issue with parents bringing their young ones into theaters have always been a problem. If they were sitting to watch Ice Age: Continental Drift, that would be fine since it's rated PG and is filled with animated characters who, to some families, are still hilarious despite the series having gone off the deep end after the serious yet humorous first film back in 2002. If the families were to see Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted, the film's also an excellent choice. What still doesn't pierce the minds of the adults is that they can't always bring their children to everything they want to see on the big screen. There's also the issue of the children becoming fussy which is normal but continues to be very distracting for other members of the audience trying to enjoy the film no matter the rating. In short, keep the little ones at home. If any adults want the children to find out about certain films, they'll have to wait until they're old enough to understand.

She's Not Even Worth It

Even if you're tired of 'Call Me Maybe', the news about Carly Rae Jespen having topless photos, by now, is as dull and inspired as the last Miley Cyrus photo scandal. I see this woman, who many people believe is Jespen, as a woman who's trying WAY too hard to be a voyeur. Her slightly-NSFW photos aren't even worth the trouble of liking in order to give her attention to take more of these poor attempts to turn on any man or woman. The real Carly Rae Jespen is more cuter than her even though she's yet to craft a song that will evolve anyone who avoided her hit single the 100+ times it played on the radio into a fan of hers. If this woman get lawyers banging on her door for a cease and desist for the posting of her photos, that's great news. Perhaps she will take the time off to come back into the World of the Internet grown-up in terms of perfecting better images in which case will get her an agent, a short-term porn film career and a shorter career if she decides to star in Hollywood films. Nah. She looks good enough for the $9.99 DVD bin in Wal-Mart though.

Want more news about the "scandal", here ya go: http://bit.ly/M1ucmS

What's New PussyKat? Absolutely Nothing.

No matter what LordKat say about Spoony, he doesn't deserve to even live on the internet anymore. I may not have seen all of his videos and listened to his podcasts but to belittle Spoony and Angry Joe in the matter that he has done on YouTube should lead to the fans to not even bother with continuing to listen to every word that he says. Then again, if they decide to continue to be there for him, that's fine. That's their prerogative. He says that he's made bad mistakes in the past. This rant is the biggest that he's made making him a complete ass about himself. I can go on and on about what led up to the mania that has broken many fans' trust with not only LordKat but also Spoony and even Obscurus Lupa. That's right. I'm speaking for whoever have spoken about what has occurred on TGWTG.com while the man who have created the site to entertain all men and women who want to laugh about how terrible and how great some of the films, TV shows, and music are from our past and our current lives.

If you want to listen to said rant, you can hear it here.

What are your thoughts people?

No Matter Who You love, You Shouldn't Be Slaughtered

Image courtesy of New York Daily News

Originally the couple mentioned in the article was the same as the one featured in the documentary Bully. In one segment, one teen, while discussing about her relationship with her current girlfriend, talked about her coming out and how she wasn't going to depart from her hometown because in doing so, her enemies would win. While her actions are unrelatable to that of Hester Prynne of the famous piece of fiction The Scarlet Letter, seeing her being ostracized from the other civilians proved that most men and women remain to be unable to accept the fact that the LGBT community's increasing grow as well as its declaration for wanting to be respected. However, rather than accepting the men and women who have found solace with others of their same sex, the LGBT community are hunted down and, like the couple mentioned below treated as nothing but game. In other words, disgust riles inside me as I weep for the woman left behind and saved from the attack who is suffering from a great loss. Her partner's six feet under and the person/people responsible for the attack are nowhere to be found. Here's to Ms. Chapa for a successful recovery. Here's to a new future where rather than being the slaughtered, same-sex couples are treated no differently than people in heterosexual relationships. 

Read more about it here.

So You Think You Can Make a Dance Flick?

A lot has changed since the last time a new film review was posted. From joining fetlife.com to finding out that Hasbro is kicking itself due to the change of release date for G.I. Retaliation to March 2013, the summer season is full of gossip as well as bizarre but seriously real stories. If you haven't heard about the "zombie"/cannibal identified as Rudy Eugene attacking one Ronald Poppo in Florida in the face, I'll save you the trouble with the story here.

Continuing on with discussing about film, a new movie that, not until seeing one of the three (Yes three) trailers this morning, is announced to be in theaters tomorrow that should have been saved as a Redbox rental or made to be shown on Nickelodeon. With the knowledge of Snow White and the Huntsman taking the #1 spot on the lit of the Top 10 films this weekend from Men in Black 3 that is lacking of humor, Battlefield America is not only seen as 'Step Down' by YouTube user allenhanTV, but is a reminder to all studios to never, EVER released lackluster projects like this film in theaters. Most studios, such as the one that created Standing Ovation, take the chance of not only becoming the laughingstock of entertainment of all mediums directed towards tweens, but can also be the people responsible for the quick rise and quicker fall of the young children cast in roles that are nothing more than stereotypes seen for years with no possible change of their character if said project (s) are in someone else's hands. Does anyone remember this film advertised in local malls back in the summer of 2010?

The film only made about $531,806 in 623 theaters according to BoxOfficeMojo.com, but without a mention of the production budget, this amount can be seen as chump change. There are films that, today,  have made more than that amount in four theaters such as Wes Anderson's Moonrise Kingdom. There's a chance that the film will be open in more theaters as June approaches but reading about how well this film did blows tripe such as Ovation out of the water. Battlefield America might do better than Ovation but with the possibility of opening in less theaters than Ovation but over the amount that Kingdom is in right now, the film might become the latest disappointment in a summer with bad apples that could spoil the bunch of the good films being released throughout all of June and July. Universal Pictures has one of the apples in Battleship with its poor reception being one of the rumors why Retaliation is set for March before, recently, the truth came to light. Here's hope that the second and final Snow White film of 2012 is a good one for the studio needs a hit to break its continuing streak of commercial failures even if some, such as Scott Pilgrim vs the World, remain popular to this day.

Returning back to Battlefield America, what can be said that hasn't already been mentioned by the other YouTube users who have seen the trailers back in February? Wait, the trailers  have been around since February?! By this time, beyond those who have already seen them, the TV spots for the film should have been on every network by now especially on networks directed towards children such as Disney XD or on Saturday Morning animated series blocks such as The CW 4Kids' Toonzai. If this latest dance flick doesn't gain an audience, the auditoriums hosting it will be perfect if couples need spots to pop some cherries.

Sequel-itis Strikes the Mouse House Yet Again

Yeesh. After checking up on the latest DVD releases of early Summer 2012 (Chronicle, Comic-Con: Episode IV, and Project X being some of the films next month that will catch audience's interests), Disney seems to fulfill the time spent with re-releasing classic films, this time in the Blu-Ray format, with their theatrical bomb John Carter with two sequels that are unneeded. They're just money grabs for the mothers to purchase for their children if they've seen trailers for both and won't be quiet about wanting the films until they get them.

First up is the latest installment of the Beverly Hills Chihuahua franchise: Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3: Viva La Fiesta! No one thought that the first film, released in 2008 would have led it to become the newest series of dog films next to the hope-to-be-retired Air Buddies series. Within the trailers, there's nothing appealing about the first film that would have led to more adventures of Papi (voiced by George Lopez), the main star of the film, and his now increased family as of Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2. The plot for this film is similar to 101 Dalmatians 2: Patch's London Adventure about one of Papi's pups not feeling like she'll amount to anything in life. There have been many TV shows and films with characters that felt the same way but with various results leading them to appreciate how much of a difference they can make to someone else along with them feeling good about themselves which is why nothing new will be brought to the table in the film. Sure, there will be new characters that won't be reproduced as cute, cuddly plushies for the little one to sleep with during their bedtimes along with other actresses and actors that could be have skipped out on being a part of the film than having it be a part of their resume. Looking on the idmb.com page of the film, the character 'Rosa' who's the central focus of the film is absent. Wonder who Disney has chosen to voice her or if the character's name was changed at the last minute. With Disney Channel alumni Emily Osment and Madison Pettis in the cast, there's a chance that one of the two could be our lead despite their roles being 'Pep' and 'Lala'. The dogs are out again on September 18th, 2012 (date subject to change).

Tired of the Tinker Bell series and wishing that Disney focuses on bringing back The Boy Who Won't Grow Up in a new film based on the Peter and the Stargazers (first book now a theatrical production in New York City) book series? There's no stopping the fairies with, for the 1st time ever in Disney history, the latest in the series being released in Blu-Ray 3D, Secret of the Wings. Why Tink's name is absent with this release? It's a no-brainer just looking at the two covers created for the film. Coming soon to stores, iTunes, and online retailers everywhere on October 23rd, 2012, the plot details are unknown at this point in time, but special features have been announced including the full Pixie Hollow Games short and Zendaya's (from Disney Channel's Shake It Up) "Dig Down Deeper" music video. With not much to say about the mischievous fairy's newest adventure, it's time to sign off for now.

Summer Won't Be Easy for Wimpy Kid

While not a fan of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid films, I remember seeing the last two and giving them a pass due to not having a lot of negative things to bring up about the film. I do, however, have to bring bad news: I'm not feeling this trailer. I take it back. The only character I'm looking forward to seeing again is Patty. No, actually I do have one negative: the insertion of Holly. The character just makes me think of the young, shallow, stereotypical blond girls most people have seen recently and in years past. She's too much of the early version of Lila from Hey Arnold when I know good and well there's more to the character than what's on screen. If you watch Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, you'll be annoyed by the character as well. As for the rest of the cast, I think they're fine with what they're doing in their lives. I can't say the same of Holly and Chirag's actors who have, and continue to be given, bad material within Disney Channel's Jessie. Zachery Gordon's too old to return to the franchise since I've thought that, to this point, it's been about a year/year and a half since the first film. Never would I have known that his voice would have gone deep between the films. If that's the case, there could be a replacement coming down the pipes. As for the rest of the cast, perhaps they'll surprise me come August. For this to be released after the heavy hitters of the Summer giving this season a run for its money, Wimpy Kid: Dog Days will have an audience provided the kids aren't seeing The Dark Knight Rises, Brave, and The Avengers, to name a few, with their folks. Fox, you might have pulled a terrible move for the film to be released before the kids return to school. In fact, besides seeing those mentioned movies, kids will probably be on vacation with their families, getting school clothes, and saying their good-byes to their mates at camp. So many factors can result in this film making less money as the other two films, but it might do better than Judy Moody.

 Trailer #1 can be seen here.

'Reunion' Brings Out the Good & the Bad'

Image courtesy of washingtonpost.com

Nine years since being married, Jim (Jason Biggs) and Michelle (Alyson Hannigan), along with their friends from high school, reunite again for their 13^th high school reunion. While the event gives the time for them to rekindle their sexual passion that’s been missing since having their two year old son, it opens up old feelings for exes between the rest of the cast such as sports announcer Oz (Chris Klein), in a relationship with a wild, partying girlfriend, having a strong attraction for Heather (Mena Suvari) who is also in a relationship. Kevin (Thomas Ian Nicholas), who’s married, meets up with his first love Vikki (Tara Reid who hasn’t been involved with the series since American Pie 2), now divorced, where hints of them returning as a couple are hints. Finch returns and still remains as the straight man throughout the silly moments and goes through a quick growth where he proves himself a man in various ways as well as….can’t let any more details slip out about him. Stifler (Seann William Scott), who is seen as working for a big corporation, is just a temporary worker where he’s no longer the boss like he was in his youth but rather the bitch according to his boss (Vik Sahay fresh from NBC’s Chuck). With more familiar faces such as Shannon Elizabeth and Jon Cho, Universal Pictures fulfilled its mission to give audiences the characters who put a spin on high school/college life as well as growing up and moving on to creating families and getting careers while restricting them from being free from responsibilities. With a friend, or girlfriend, who won’t watch the latest episode of The Real Housewives without you, male readers (female readers if you have men who won’t watch their fave shows without you), you’ll agree with Kevin with wanting some time with the guys (or girls).

Image courtesy of iwatchstuff.com

I want to thank gofobo.com for providing the chance to see the fourth installment in the original American Pie film series. As someone who hasn’t seen any of the previous installments and catching glimpses of a bit of the spin-offs, the film brings the laughs thanks to Adam Herz with the Schlossberg/Hurwitz team that was responsible for the quick-to-DVD-from-theaters third entry of the Harold and Kumar series. Continuing to fly around my mind is Stifler (Sean William Scott) and his crazy antics that teeter-totter between hilarious revenge and a one-way ticket to prison. The latter comes to mind when the writers think it’s funny to have Kara, Jim’s neighbor, wanting Jim “to come so bad” to her 18^th birthday party. Sexual innuendo! Stifler tries his hand at trying to get some action at the beach party while wanting Jim to “be her daddy” in order to bring home to Michelle all of the sexual action that would occur if he and Kara do the deed. Hilarity ensues. Stifler’s one of the many man children who should be punished for some of his actions yet the writers decides to give him his reward for his “kind” gestures near film’s end. Remember kids: be a jerk, do a complete 180 when you realize that your childish actions won’t be accepted once you reach adulthood, and end up “jizzing like a race horse”. Those last words are Stifler’s words, not mine. He does get his just desserts after meeting up with an old girlfriend, but I wish he’s given more. Seeing him suffer brings great pleasure to my mind as well as the suffering, if there was more, for Mater before meeting Finn McMissile in Cars 2 and Alan (Zack Galifianakis) in The Hangover: Part Two.

Image courtesy of filmofilia.com

With rumor of Eugene Levy working alongside Tyler Perry in the future, seeing him interact with Scott’s Stifler is might be the only time when the writers make Levy genuinely funny. Perry should take notes even if his comedy will be downplayed with what Levy’s working with in this flick. Most people haven’t seen him on the big screen in a while before this and Goon, but seeing him again is a great departure from his voice work in Astro Boy (2008) and Night at the Smithsonian 2. Do I smell a new, possible GOOD spin-off/continuation of ‘Pie’? Even seeing Levy working alongside Jennifer Coolidge as Stifler’s Mom can lead to “American Seniors” becoming a reality. It can expand on the characters time together along with topics such as staying young in a society where select people see them as getting old and unable to keep up with the times. I’m behind it.

Image courtesy of downwithfilm.com

The film’s better than what is in theaters this week despite its Tomatometer percentage rating (see yesterday’s last post). If you feel as if one joke is flat, another rushes in to deliver the goods (Also evidenced by the extra scene during the ending credits). Some flaws about the film will be mentioned elsewhere but I do notice many, MANY others:

• The introduction of Dania Ramirez as Selena, Michelle’s friend from band camp (mentioned in this film but never seen in the past three films)
• Jim and Michelle’s son only being two years old despite the couple being married since 2003 in American Wedding.
• Jim’s Mom (originally played by Molly Cheek) written off without explanation of her death.
• Having bare breasts just to have nudity in the film though it should be absent. There lacks a need to be in the movie to further the reason why the film carries the ‘R’ rating today. 

What's your opinion about the film? Have you seen it? Will you see it in theaters or wait for it to hit DVD/Blu-Ray? Next week's a bit quiet unless A Cabin in the Woods attracts me. I'm still unsure about whether I should hit up on The Farrelly Brothers' take on The Three Stooges or not. Until a decision's made about next week, that's all for now.

This 'Pie's Not Looking Too Good...For Now

Judging from these records from Rotten Tomatoes, it's a shame when a film from 1997 in 3D is making an impression with critics and fans than the fourth entry of the series of misadventures of Jim, Michelle, and friends. Sure one of the percentages is based on reviews from the time of the film's original release but it's still a surprise.

Note: these percentages can change over time. For instance:

Hope things look up for the 'Reunion' soon.

Rocking Out and Stepping Up with Ted and Katy Perry at the Sparkling Last House on the Left

Many trailers for new films for late spring/summer surfaced on the net in the past two days. Out of the grouping, two of them are filled with cliches and aren't making this guy step foot in the auditorium to see them when released.

The first trailer discussed here is one we've all been waiting for. By we, I mean the people who are alright with Bishop T.D. Jakes having a hand in two films this year, this being his second, along with the film possible making loads of cash opening day due to the film being two things that irked me about the film since its announcement: a remake and a cash grab due to a deceased celebrity. Sparkle is no longer needed in a world where portions of said film have been pounded into the ground. It doesn't matter that this was the final theatrical project the late R&B singer Whitney Houston was involved in the production before her death. It doesn't matter if this film's purpose is to bring forth Jordin Sparks to the big screen to save what was left of what I thought was a depleting career (only saved by her guest appearances in The Suite Life on Deck and Big Time Rush). What came to mind when the film was announced is the same advice I give to you fair readers. If you've seen any film that dealt with any of these elements:

• abusive boyfriends of lead or secondary singers of any singing group be it fictional or non-fictional
• abusive boyfriends with lone singers who are ready to take the stage 
• potential singers who may have mothers and fathers who disagree with their children wanting to become singing superstars due to their past blinding them and missing out the fact that the kids might have better and enriching lives if they go out to live out their dreams
• possible murder of said abusive boyfriend. crooked record corporation executive/lone singer being threatened by someone with a gun
• dialogue sounding similar to each other about wanting to break free from the cage that is the family home to make it to the big time,

avoid the film at all costs. Trailer for the film found here.

At this point, even ABC Family's Cyberbully is looking to be a better film to watch at the moment. That's an Oscar winner especially with Emily Osment with the popular "I can't get the cap off" scene.* 

*Note the sarcasm.

Honestly, Emily Osment does her best in a film that's set in the world of reality and parody. 

The second film on the list is Ted, the big surprise hit from Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane. Featuring Mark Wahlberg, who should challenge Chris Klein to a dance-off one day, with the beautiful Meg Griffin a.k.a. Mila Kunis in a tale about a man whose girlfriend believes that his childhood friend, who magically begins to talk, eat, and have a mind of his own, is interfering with them going from being boyfriend and girlfriend to possibly getting married. The surprise of the film is the world where the film takes place. I guess since the days of Toy Story, the people aren't surprised about seeing talking toys especially those who aren't afraid to speak out and enjoy spending time with the public. The days between Marky Mark and Ted are dwindling down, but they're going to make the best of the time spent together no matter who think of their friendship as an embarrassment. If you're not a fan of McFarlane's work, that's fine. Hopefully there aren't any jokes that make women second class citizens/punching bags as always. Trailer is found here.

Third on the list is House at the End of the Street starring Jennifer Laurence fresh from The Hunger Games. This thriller's filled with a beautiful woman without her famous bow and arrows or her Beast of a boyfriend from X-Men: First Class to assist her from a killer who just killing just to kill due to this villain, at the time, not having a reason why she's his/her target. Ready for some screams and jump scares?

The trailer's found here. No complaints about this film.

Step Up: Revolution comes up as the fourth film and the second film filled with the same-old, same-old: weak story and dialogue, unnecessary cameos of characters from previous entries in the series to tie all of the films together, and flash mobs. The film does have a mechanical surprise which I hope can dance or else, Summit Entertainment won't see a cent from me. When everyone thought that Step Up 3D was the death toll of a series that brought in the big bucks to keep the company alive before The Twilight Saga, someone was keeping it on life support. Trailer #1 found here. Thanks clevver.tv.

Image courtesy of anomalousmaterial.com

Oh Paramount, you just can't stop with the 3D madness especially with concert films. After Justin Bieber: Never Say Never ended up making over $73 million domestically last year, along with Paramount hoping to make big bucks with Titanic 3D this week, beginning today, the studio decides to give Smurfette a chance to wow audiences with her first 3D concert film. After what happened with Fox with Glee: The 3D Concert Tour (though it made close to $12 million domestically on a $9 million budget according to boxofficemojo.com) late August, does anyone care anymore about concerts on the big screen projected at them by paying an extra cost by sporting an extra pair of eyes? Who knows? Who cares? Go see the trailer for yourself. Trailer found here. I'm not seeing it. 

Image courtesy of impawards.com

Whew, hopefully that's enough coverage for ya. If you haven't read or heard about these films, again, see the trailers for yourself if interested or needing more reasons to not see the films covered tonight. I could talk about Rock of Ages and Warner Bros. NOW trying to push the film among those who haven't heard about it coming to theaters through YouTube despite the trailer being out for a while, but that's for another time. 

I can't believe there's going to be a reboot of The Mummy series. Can't Universal leave any of its franchises alone? I don't care about how much money the studio might make with dormant series get a fresh breath of air. Create new franchises people! More ridiculousness from Hollywood also come in the form of a sequel to Grown Ups, with Taylor Lautner, and remakes of the films Summer School and Silent Night. The extra news are courtesy of collider.com and rottentomaotoes.com.

The 'Journey' to 'Being' Red Hot is Now on DVD/Blu-Ray

One film that caught my interest is FINALLY on DVD/Blu-Ray! The film had a short run over at The Charles Theater but now it can be mine. ALL MINE!!

If you're a Baltimore native, you should know about a clever man by the name of Kevin Clash. He's been the voice behind everyone's show stealer of Sesame Street for years. Now, in his first documentary, experience the journey of this master puppeteer and voice actor for the first time if you haven't gotten the chance to see it while it was playing in your town. If not interested, see if the trailer will help you change your mind.

'Being Elmo' Trailer #1

In other news, another fan favorite arrives to stores on May 22nd, 2012. From Studio Ghibli comes the film that might have collected small earnings in the box office but its normal for the Borrowers.

More 'Pie'? Enjoy the 'Reunion': Sneak Preview

For the readers who have taken the time to read the many posts I've written here: Thank you. 

For those who haven't seen what I'm bringing to the world in terms of film criticism: I'm going to make it big I tell ya. 

For those curious about how I felt about the return to a franchise that was pronounced deceased at about 12:01 AM on August 1, 2012: Be here on Friday for the full review. 

I'd Rather Be Expelled Than Dealing with 'Detention'

This looks like it'll be the worst teen horror film of the year. No laughs. Typical thoughts about this film being better suited for MTV especially with its Super Psycho Sweet 16 TV film trilogy came to mind. Heck, josh Hutcherson has been two for two with flicks breaking over $100 million this year thus far. This time, the friendly bread maker, with eyes for Katniss (Jennifer Laurence), might have a dud in his hands. The film is a pass unless my mind changes. What about you? Think this film is good enough to be seen in theaters?

Looks through film actors list on rottentomatoes.com:

DANE COOK'S IN THIS??!!

'Detention' Trailer

First Wedding of Ponies Gets Ad Boost

Image from equestiadaily.com

Anyone remember the billboard of our favorite ponies posing in the same fashion of the ladies of the film Bridesmaids last summer? The Hub is at it again with advertising about the Royal Wedding. It may not reach as many viewers as that from last year with the fair Prince Willie and Princess Catherine, but it will be worth a laugh or two. As a two-parter, complete with actress Tori Spelling covering the big event, it does lead into what could be the closest the audience will get to the Internet fan game 'Fighting is Magic'. For the people who've seen the commercial, they know what's coming at them. Not only do the episodes use the purple Princess Celestia released in stores for fans to hate to the point of Hasbro creating a fair and TV show legit Princess coming soon in the Fall as a new member of the Royal Family of Equestia, there was, when the episodes were announced, the surprise of a new relative of our favorite bookworm. There's much a-buzz about what's coming in two weeks. Hopefully, this event is worth the wait.

'The Hunger Games' Review (Apologies for Absence of Snazzy Name)

As one of the few people who’ve never read any of the Hunger Games books, there’s no comparison between the first entry of said series and the film version. Seeing the film with an open mind and the memory of the ridiculous late advertising campaign of girls having to choose between Team Gale and Team Peeta, The Hunger Games is a treat and a much needed break from films such as those found within The Twilight Saga. Since 2008, audiences dealt with the main character being bored with the world around her. Her goal, while living within this drab world is to be bitten by the resurrection of actor James Dean to become the red-eyed vixen who will chow down with the rest of her new vampire clan on the big screen in November. Personally, why not end the Twilight series this summer? Don't tease the audience with that recent teaser trailer. If it wants to go down the ‘Harry Potter’ route of having the grand finale split into two films; the second being the special effect heavy spectacle that, hopefully, will surprise the same audience coming to see a stronger, well-built heroine this weekend, put the film against a weaker release? It worked last year. Yeah, I’m looking at you Disney. Think that having Winnie the Pooh on the same day as the final Potter film was a good idea?

Onward to the Games where Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Laurence) from District 12 volunteers in place of her sister Primrose when her name is drawn to compete in the 24-person fight to the death. For those unknown about the purpose of the Games, the creation of the tournament came about after a rebellion against The Capitol. Think ‘Occupy: Wall Street’ with the people considered to be the 1-percent in this great nation of ours battling against the corrupt government. As punishment, the country, as 12 Districts, is ordered to have all children between the ages of 12 and 18 to place their names in the drawing. Each district is represented by one male and one female of this age group with Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) from District 12 also being in the competition. No longer in the broken down coalminer village, they’re whisked away to The Capitol where the civilians bet on the Tributes along with having them pampered and dressed to be seen by the world over before getting down and dirty in the wilderness. With the purposes of everyone winning The Hungers Games differing from each other, alliances are made along with sacrifices of unnamed characters as well as constant meddling to make things difficult for the fighters. Can Katniss hold her head up to get through these hurdles? Is there something more sinister hidden between the carnage?

On the visual side, the film looks great such as the choices of colors (Example: Using duller shades of blue, gray, and brown for the downtrodden District 12) as well as the performances on screen. Jennifer Laurence is outstanding as Katniss understanding her character’s purpose within the Games as well as being able to survive on her own even when the odds are against her. She’s able to go through ranges of emotion without a hitch and is a breath of fresh air when it comes to well-written characters who young women can idolize now that the most popular vampire story, mentioned earlier, is about to end. Liam Hemsworth’s Gale is unneeded with his placement in the film only due to the love triangle that’s not one of the main focuses of the film. While seeing kids being murdered in the Games is saddening, there’s no sympathy for the unknowns who lack back stories yet are important to due to the nature of great risks being made to survive when everyone drops like flies.

Isabelle Fuhrman is incredible as Clove being more fierce and bloodthirsty than Chloe Moretz’s Hit-Girl from Kick-Ass as well as making this critic remind himself of how cruel and dangerous she was as Esther in Orphan. This is brilliant casting in my book for her as well as Alexander Ludwig as Kato. Seeing Ludwig in a successful film franchise such as this erases the memories of his past in the failed film adaptation The Seeker: The Dark is Rising with him being hungry for blood and victory by any means necessary with his team. For a man who was once half of the alien brother/sister team with great power from Race to Witch Mountain, he’s ruthless and unsympathetic. Guess that’s how it is when your district has an academy training kids to be ready for the Games whether or not their names are drawn. Woody Harrelson as mentor and Hunger Games winner Haymitch is great with his laidback attitude and dry humor. With a great eye for fashion, Lenny Kravitz is fine as Sinna whose scenes with Katniss drives the film home with seeing her as more than just a daughter of a coal miner. They’re touching to the point of wishing that there was an ad campaign for Team Sinna with the ‘What if’ scenario playing in my head of him and Katniss being together. Did I make all of the Team Gale fans cry yet? Elizabeth Bank’s Effie Trinket is worth a few laughs if not just for the make-up. Not much is said about her but she could have a major part in this film series as it continues. Stanley Tucci should be a talk show host after seeing him as Caesar clever with his words Seeing Rue (Amandla Stenberg) partnering with Katniss increases the drive of winning the Games at all cost and the events that follow connected with the character results in some of the most eye-watering and anger boiling moments seen in 2012 thus far.

Final verdict of the film: See it. With an open mind, people can accept the film for what it is and, hopefully, NOT compare it with films that have went the route of exploiting men and women killing each other for enjoyment at home on television in the past (The Running Man, The Condemned, Battle Royale). With all  of these things accomplished, the enjoyment of seeing the film and wanting to see the rest of the series on the big screen will not be spoiled. Next week's big opener isn't going to make a huge dent to this one's earnings so there's plenty of time to catch the film if the casual moviegoer is unable to do so at this time.

Next Week: Will there even be a review at all? After all that I've said and thought about this one, I wish that Snow White and the Huntsman was in theaters now rather than:

As for my take on American Reunion, I'm still thinking about it.  

Young Carrie's Cuter Than the Original? Thumbs Up in My Book

Image courtesy of collider.com

For those people who've read about what I thought about AnnaSophia Robb's latest film Soul Surfer, you'll know that it wasn't as bad as the critics made it out to be. Sure it may not have been the best bio pic people wanted to see about Bethany Hamilton (look her up people) but it's better than what's coming up the pike on her updated filmography. With word about a possible Sex in the City prequel in the talks, The Huffington Post has posted a new photo about Ms. Robb as the teen version of the character made popular by Sarah Jessica Parker of the HBO series. I have to say that I like the look. I'm not a fan of Sex and the City, especially the films, but this Carrie's cute. While The CW doesn't have a lot of fans due to its programming, save for those who've been with Supernatural back in its days on The WB, it looks like the network has found its new leading lady.

One Critic Spoils the Bunch. Send Him to the Games.

I'm not sure why but, apparently, the most hyped film of this weekend is getting negative feedback. Do I smell bullshit? Yes according to what I found from The Huffington Post. Who the hell is the one person who called the film "cheap and cheesy". I can go on a search throughout RottenTomatoes.com to find the very few people who hated the film but it's not worth it. Perhaps they wanted more blood in a film that was made to bring in more young girls to show them that their lives aren't all about silly vampire romance fan fiction becoming multi-million dollar blockbusters. The film's about one young woman who will become the figure of a much needed rebellion against the government responsible for the famous battle to the death of pre-teens and teens alike. 

Read the full story here: http://huff.to/GVX7TQ

21 Jump Street (2012) Film Review

Want to see the 21 Jump Street film review?

Check it out through here: 

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/moviedmania25

You'll find not just that, but other film reviews from the past and random findings within The Grand World of Tumblr. what are you waiting for? Check it out now!

Found Footage Films Taking Over Cineplexes

When sitting in the theater with my friend Tiffany preparing for ‘Project X’ last Tuesday night, the only memories running rampant were the ads showcasing everything from lesbians to dog humping and the many fake and legit Tweets from select audience members who were invited to earlier screenings of the film to be used to attract other people within the 18-45 age range that the film’s going for to see the biggest party of the year on screen. A found footage film about the creation of a party that was the last hurrah for the lead who’s celebrating his birthday and is about to leave high school behind is a great idea. Like ‘Chronicle’, a found footage film released in January 2012 starring three teens who gain telekinesis and the ability to fly, many cameras are used to recount all of the events unfolding to penultimate destruction. The reviews for both films are different due to character development and the directors going past creating films within the genre about demon possessed women and finding spirits that may/may not be exist. The critics admired ‘Chronicle’, to this day, as one where the lead characters “find a way to cope with the ways in which they are different from their friends and schoolmates recognizing that these powers cannot change their fundamental identities.”[1]

‘Chronicle’ gives us a strong male lead beginning as a loner from the generic high school crowd while dealing with his terminally ill mother and abusive father. His two best friends, his cousin and the most popular student at their school, are all what is keeping him sane and are also his security blanket to avoid having to deal with his world collapsing around him. They’re not bullies and try their best to make him popular even after receiving their powers after investigating a surprise hidden underground. That’s not the case with the group of teens in ‘Project X’. The non-jerks are the cameraman Dax (Dax Flame) and JB (Jonathan Daniel Brown), the heavyweight/nerdy best friend with knowledge of fingering women. The thorn in their sides is Costa (Oliver Cooper), the man with the plan of creating Thomas’ (Thomas Mann) birthday bash while, at the same time, constantly teases JB due to his weight, pull pranks with the school’s teleprompter and cares nothing about women but their chests. He’s Jonah Hill’s Seth from ‘Superbad’ without Emma Stone’s “Jules” character to pine over and without worry about whether or not he’ll keep in contact with his friends after high school. He’s already hated upon within the first two-five minutes of the film leading to asking Thomas about why bother being friends with him. Whenever something breaks in Thomas’ house during the party, he says that it can be fixed before his parents return from their anniversary. When a neighbor comes to the house in an effort to shut the party down, as well as asking the patrons to turn down the noise level, one of the too young for the party kids hired as security tasers him resulting with said child being congratulated for keeping the party from being ruined. Costa, however, can’t save the child’s face once the wielder of said taser gun is punched in the face with Dax filming the evidence for a possible court case. 

Back to ‘Chronicle’, at least the parties don’t disturb the peace but results in 1) proving that I’ve attended to better raves and 2) it’s your responsibility to ensure that you don’t drink too much lest you want to ruin the chances of getting laid for the first time because of you puking on your partner. If the number two option occurs, everyone needs to stay back. It can lead to the powers going out of control resulting in one of the greatest fights ever seen on film. This occurs with Andrew (played by Dane DeHaan) viewing his powers as the comfort and weapons needed to change his life, but, in the process, endangering others. In ‘Project X’ without the puking, being drunk along with being taken by the hand by one of the most popular women in school wanting to make sweet love with Thomas results in a cliché coming a mile away seen in many films in various genres. With the possibility of losing love and chaos ensues, the party of the century becomes a survival game. Besides seeing the patrons scatter to avoid arrest, tear gas, and a flamethrower, there are times when Thomas is unsure of how to make everything right again. The same happens with Costa, but by the time the police get involved with the party and the party’s end, mixed feelings develop. Costa, throughout the film, seems to care about only himself and giving the people a fun time without the consequences until realizing that he wants his to make sure that he, Thomas and the other men in his crew avoid being in trouble and that he can’t fix everything. While wanting to feel sorry for him, remember that there’s the possibility of Thomas not wanting a party in the magnitude seen in the film. Andrew, on the other hand, wants the people to realize what happens when a person bottles up guilt and shame caused by his actions as well as others and feeling as if no one’s available to help him make everything better.

Despite what critics have said both positively and negatively about both found footage films, I like them yet the most flawed is ‘Project X’. ‘Chronicle’ is fictional but it gives a more realistic take on dealing with the issues people deal with everyday regardless of age. Bottling up emotions can result to an end they will never see coming; a negative one that does not resolve every problem but results in loss of who they are inside and out. They become the beasts rather than being loved with the beauty within every man and woman seen from within. What lies within ‘Project X’, according to Claudia Puig of USA Today, is a film “filled with faceless crowds and nary a character resembling a human being.”[2] The film is also a laugh riot and awe as every moment taking place results as enjoying the main leads comeuppances especially for Costa. Wetting the appetites of lovers of the film and increasing the anger of every reviewer hating the film with the tacked-on sequel bit at the end is a bit better than that of ’21 Jump Street’s where it’ll make Nick Cannon’s ‘Underclassman’s an instant classic. As for what to expect within the March 16^th release, that’s another story.

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[1] Berardinelli, James. “Chronicle”. Reelviews Movie Reviews. http://www.reelviews.net/php_review_template.php?identifier=2417 2012, February 3

[2] Puig, Claudia. “’Project X’ Fails in Every Endeavor”. USA Today. 2012, March 2, Movie Review. 

Robertson a Disappointment to God and His Worshipers

I never think I would say this but I can't WAIT for him to get his just desserts. When I heard about a mother losing her legs when saving her kids during the tornadoes from last week earlier this morning, that really caught my attention and made me well up though tears weren't shed. The same guy who claimed that Hurricane Katrina was caused because of the sins caused by the people in New Orleans now blames the tornadoes due to the people's lack of prayer. You know the name. You know the hate has begun and will increase. I think that he should just lose his popular religious show because he doesn't know anything about true sacrifice. He think he cares for the people? He thinks he's a follower and worshiper of the Lord Almighty?! He's a fucking fool and that's it!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/05/pat-robertson-tornadoes-prayer_n_1321686.html?ref=mostpopular

I won't go as far as to explain the reason he should also leave the LGBT community alone as you scroll down to watch the second video. You know how I feel about him from above.

'The Lorax' Preview

This post was written originally on March 02, 2012, but here it is now for your viewing pleasure.

“I’m not one to go commercial very easily. I like my little creatures kept in their little circle.”

Words spoken by the widow of the great Dr. Seuss a.k.a. Theodor Geisel in last Friday’s USA Today may not be what Hollywood execs want to hear if they begin to ask if they can make celebrities out of Yurtle the Turtle or Daisy-Head Mayzie. If she feels that the cherished tales written by her husband were sabotaged throughout the years past their animated incarnations starting from the year 2000, there’s a possibility that can be the truth. While youngsters will enjoy Ron Howard’s take on ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’, those men and women who saw the film, whether it was the first time hearing about the character, is on the verge of beginning to read Dr. Seuss’ books, or seen the Chuck Jones cartoon, memories of the film being a bit raunchy for its audience might be what they can remember. Never mind the bits about him wanting to steal the holidays away from the people of Who-ville. Wanting the entire town to kiss his butt cheeks with mistletoe placed above it burns within the mind even for today. Never mind about the unfunny ‘The Cat in the Hat’ and skip over to ‘Horton Hears a Who’. The latter actually manages to avoid being set in live-action and is remodeled to fit within that where CGI roams free giving plenty of opportunities to make the characters a bit more silly to get the audience in chuckles. The film, however, has its flaws especially when the lone Who, Jojo (voiced by Jesse McCartney), helps the town, a speck of dust on a flower, from being destroyed. He could have been done without him looking tired as if the character represented the fans of the classic stories for being through the mud of seeing everything held so dear in the audience’s childhoods being torn apart for the sake of major studios wanting money from the sugar filled pancakes from iHop to SUVs being driven within the forest that The Lorax fails to prevent due to the vehicle’s pollution. In 2012, Universal Pictures takes another stab with wanting to stay close to Dr. Seuss’ classic tale about the forest guardian yet the advertising, with the examples stated above, have the fans shaking their heads again in shame.         

The story of ‘The Lorax’, from someone who has never read the book, is about Ted (voiced by Zac Efron) trying to impressing the beautiful but too old for him red-headed environmentalist neighbor Audrey (voiced by Taylor Swift) by going out to see the Once-ler (voiced by Ed Helms) after being told by said neighbor that the world, once upon a time, was filled with real trees rather than the artificial ones operated through the town. The task becomes complicated once the film’s antagonist, and possibly another crooked mayor, Mr. O’Hare (voiced by Rob Riggle) wants to ensure that the plan to repopulating the world of the trees is foiled. Between a villain that would fit right at home with the rivaling bad guys from Illumination’s first film in partnership with Universal, ‘Despicable Me’, the flashbacks about how the Once-ler became who was seen in the trailer, and the “love” story between Ted and Audrey, some fans have asked themselves, “What about The Lorax”? Some fans will see the film as “a bloated mess of a movie stuffed to the gills with all the same boring tropes and cliches we've seen in every other animated movie ever made, bogged down with whichever celebrity voice actors they think will get the biggest box office returns…”[1] Some families might read the book at the local library and save their money. 

The film, so far, has a 63% rating on rottentomatoes.com which doesn’t sound bad but isn’t good news either. It’s doing better than another film opening this weekend, ‘Project X’, but deciding on who’ll win the Box Office this weekend is entirely up to the people. After this film, let’s not speak about another Dr. Seuss adaptation in about another ten years. Go on and continue ruining the legends of vampires, werewolves and zombies. Oh you didn’t know there’s a love story that’s soon to become a full fledged film with a zombie? That’s for another time.

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[1] Warner, J.B. “The Lorax (Pre-Release Talkback)”. http://www.toonzone.net/forums/showthread.php?288024-The-Lorax-%28Pre-Release-Talkback%29. 2012, February 27.