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Archives for : July2013

Movie Review: Should The To Do List be on your Must See List?

Most of us make a list of things we need to do before heading off to college.  We write typical things like, registering for classes, buying a new mini fridge, losing your virginity to a hot life guard…What? Was that last item not on everyone’s list? Well for Brandy Klark, it’s at the top of hers.

While making her valedictorian speech, Brandy is humiliated after getting called out for being a virgin in front of her entire class.  After meeting her dream hunk and now feeling pressured to become more sexually experienced, she makes a to do list of things she needs to accomplish before she starts college.

New to writing and directing for the big screen, Maggie Carey proves that she knows how generate some big laughs.  The film features an all star cast, which includes Maggie’s husband, Bill Hader(SNL) as the lazy, smart ass boss.  Aubrey Plaza(Parks and Recreation) as Brandy Klark, the super controlling, virgin. Rachel Bilson(The OC, Heart of Dixie)  plays the popular, slutty/bitchy sister.  Scott Porter (Friday Night Lights, Heart of Dixie) as the guitar playing hunk with perfect abs. Alia Shawkat (Arrested Development) and Sarah Steele (Spanglish) play the all knowing and supportive best friends.  But it was Johnny Simmons (Jennifer’s Body, The Greatest) character, Cameron who ended up being a surprise stand out.  Usually seeing Simmons play darker roles and not often a lead, it was nice to see him cut loose and go all out as the pathetic, lovesick, lab partner.  He reminded me a lot of a sad, pitiable version of Ducky from Pretty in Pink, except much more crying.

I think that’s why I liked the film so much. It had all the recipes of a John Huges classic, like 16 Candles meets Pretty in Pink in the 90’s.  Only WAY more crude and Molly Ringwald isn’t looking for love, just sex and all the sexual activities that come before it.

The storyline does resemble many other films about losing one’s virginity, like American Pie or 40 Year Old Virgin.  Except, this film lacks the heart that those movies tend to have.  It’s not meant to be a coming of age film, it’s just fun.  Though they do manage to throw in some forced lessons we all already know…Don’t ever screw over your friend for a boy.  And sex should be more about the feelings not just the physical act.

The music is “totally awesome,” as it includes a lot of the hits from the 90’s.  The characters are oddly enjoyable to watch.  It’s hilarious watching Brandy attempt the foreplay( i.e. fingering, hand job, oral, etc.) leading up to the climax. And though it may not seem like the most original plot,there is originality in seeing the “must lose V-Card”  mission from a girls perspective.  A girl’s mind set tends to be completely different than what boys hope to accomplish when losing their virginity.  Maggie Carey does a great job of capturing a huge insecurity girls worry about before having sex, while still delivering constant laughs through out the process.

Rated R for strong crude and sexual content including graphic dialogue, drug and alcohol use, and language.

The To Do List hits theaters today.

The To Do List Red Band Trailer

CONJURING a Record Breaking Open!

NEW LINE CINEMA’S “THE CONJURING” HAS RECORD-BREAKING OPENING 

The Warner Bros. Pictures release conjures up $41.9 million weekend

 

BURBANK, CA – July 22, 2013 – New Line Cinema’s “The Conjuring,” from director James Wan, rode a wave of strong critical and audience acclaim to an extraordinary $41.9 million opening weekend at the domestic box office.

The film broke records for:

·         The largest opening for an original horror film

·         Warner Bros.’ largest 3-day opening for a horror film

·         The largest opening for director James Wan, who created the “Saw” franchise.

In addition, “The Conjuring” earned an A- CinemaScore, one of only three horror movies in the last 10 years to earn such a high mark from moviegoers (with no horror movie ever receiving a higher grade).

Based on the true life story, “The Conjuring” tells the tale of how world renowned paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren were called upon to help a family terrorized by a dark presence in a secluded farmhouse.  Forced to confront a powerful demonic entity, the Warrens find themselves caught in the most horrifying case of their lives.

From New Line Cinema comes a feature film drawn from the case files of married demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren.  “The Conjuring” stars Academy Award® nominee Vera Farmiga (“Up in the Air,” TV’s “Bates Motel”) and Patrick Wilson (“Insidious”) as the Warrens, and Ron Livingston (“The Odd Life of Timothy Green”) and Lili Taylor (TV’s “Hemlock Grove”) as Roger and Carolyn Perron, residents of the house.

Joey King, Shanley Caswell, Hayley McFarland, Mackenzie Foy and newcomer Kyla Deaver play the Perrons’ five daughters, and Sterling Jerins is the Warrens’ little girl, Judy.  Rounding out the cast are Marion Guyot, Steve Coulter, Shannon Kook, and John Brotherton.

James Wan (“Saw,” “Insidious”) directed the film from a screenplay by Chad Hayes & Carey W. Hayes (“The Reaping”).  The film is produced by Tony DeRosa-Grund, Peter Safran and Rob Cowan, with Walter Hamada and Dave Neustadter serving as executive producers.

New Line Cinema presents a Safran Company / Evergreen Media Group Production of a James Wan Film, “The Conjuring.”  The film is being distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

This film has been rated R for sequences of disturbing violence and terror.

www.theconjuring-movie.com

Interview: Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain

Film Synopsis: Filmed at a sold-out performance at Madison Square Garden, comedian Kevin Hart delivers material from his 2012 “Let Me Explain” concert tour.

Kevin Hart visited Dallas,TX to promote his new film,  Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain.  The comedian even made surprise appearances at local theaters for audiences who were about to watch the movie.

I had hoped the concert tour movie would have included more behind the scenes footage of Kevin’s life.  But there is no doubt that Kevin Hart’s stand up in the film will have your ribs hurting from all the laughter.  And after always seeing him in a comedic light, it was nice having a down to earth conversation with him about relationships, his kids, and following your dreams.

Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain Interview

untitled

Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain is currently playing in theaters.

 

 

Remembering Cory Monteith

The sudden death of Cory Monteith has sent shock waves through Hollywood and caused sadness for fans everywhere. On July 13, 2013, the actor’s body was found in his hotel room at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver. He was found by staff members of the hotel after missing his check out time that day. It was released after his autopsy that the cause of death was from a “mixed drug toxicity,” consisting mainly of heroin and alcohol. There is no reason to believe his death was anything but an accident. As this is a tragic time for everyone who cared for Monteith, we look back at the star’s life.

When it all Started

Early on in Cory’s life he was “just a small town boy, living in a lonely world.” He struggled to find his place in the world after his parents’ divorce when he was 7. He and his older brother were raised by his mother, and he saw little of his father due to his military services. He had social difficulties at school and, at age 13 he turned to drugs and alcohol.

Cory attended 16 different schools, including alternative programs for troubled teens. And by age 16 he dropped out of school all together. Things only got worse from there, he resorted to petty crimes and stealing from his family to pay for his addiction. It was at 19 when his mother and friends staged an intervention, and Cory finally entered a rehabilitation center. He had stated, “I’m lucky on so many counts. I’m lucky to be alive.”

GLEEful

Cory did finally receive his High School diploma in 2011 from an alternative school he attended in Victoria.

Before breaking into acting, Monteith had numerous jobs. Including one he most often mentioned, a Walmart people greeter.

Finally, he started his acting career appearing in many minor roles in films like Final Destination 3, Deck the Halls and in shows like Smallville and Kyle XY, plus many others. But wasn’t until the FOX hit Glee, that Cory Monteith would become a name that everyone would be talking about.

Cory’s agent submitted a video of him drumming with pencils on Tupperware. The performance left a lasting impression on Ryan Murphy, the series creator. The only catch to getting the part was that he had to sing. Not knowing if he was even a good singer, Monteith submitted another video of him singing the classic 80’s song by REO Speedwagon, “Can’t Fight This Feeling.” Which would later be the first song we ever hear the character, Finn Hudson, sing. Though Cory wasn’t as strong of a singer as some of the other cast members, the casting directors saw the Finn Hudson they were looking for in a naïve, genuinely sweet guy. From that point, the role of Finn Hudson was one fans couldn’t help but admire, laugh at, and constantly root for.

Rachel and Finn “Off-Screen”

From the moment Cory and Lea began working together in 2009, the two became immediate friends, as did the rest of the cast. There was a strong connection between the at time friends. “Cory is like my brother,” stated Lea for a 2011 Teen Vouge Magazine interview.  It wasn’t long after Lea broke up with boyfriend, Theo Stockman, that she and Cory would take that on-screen romance off-screen. As if Rachel and Finn’s chemistry on the show wasn’t evident enough, the two went public with their relationship in February 2012. And since that moment, the love birds were never shy about showing how in love and affectionate they were with each other. The paparazzi always managed to get them holding hands, smiling and laughing no matter where they were. “For the first time in my life, I feel really, really settled and happy…I feel like the luckiest girl in the world,” quoted Lea for Marie Claire.

Sources say it was because of the future he wanted to pursue with Lea, that Cory voluntarily joined the rehab facility in March 2013. “I love and support Cory and will stand by him through this. I am grateful and proud he made this decision,” stated Lea. Everyone on Glee was supportive of Cory’s decision, allowing Finn Hudson to be absent for the final 2 episodes of the fourth season. The series explained his absence, as Finn was in school pursuing a teaching degree while still giving fans the hope for a Rachel and Finn reunion for next season. Unfortunately, we know that reunion wont be happening. And while it is still uncertain how the show will proceed with Finn Hudson’s story line, it is certain that the cast and everyone at Glee are still mourning the loss of their beloved Cory Monteith.

Speaking as a Fan

Writing this post was more than just a way to respect the young actor/singer. It was a way for me to express how much I and millions of fans cared for Cory Monteith. When I started watching the first episode of Glee, I didn’t think much of the show. I felt like Will Shuester about to give up on a sure to be disaster.  But as soon as Cory began to sing one of the best performances (if not the best) on the show, Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin,” alongside the original cast, this inspiring feeling came over me. I was immediately connected, wanting to see all of them win national’s and prove that the so called “losers” were winners! It was the character of Finn Hudson, an awkward teen, who struggles between wanting to stay the popular jock while secretly loving to sing/perform, that I rooted for every week. You couldn’t help but fall in love with him, and even more so after learning about the real life struggles the actor had gone through before getting to this point. It was him and the entire cast of the show, with their inspiring back stories, that pushed me even harder to go after my dreams. Every week Glee is the show that makes me just feel good and motivated… I know it will still be that show. There is just no forgetting Finn Hudson. My thoughts and prayers go out to Cory’s family, friends and Lea Michele. Cory Monteith, where ever you are, we wont “Stop Believin” in you.

(Fans pay their respects outside the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel in Vancouver)

Cory Monteith’s Video Diary during the First Season of Glee

Below are a few remarks Glee cast members have made so far about the talented actor…

“The entire Glee family and I are deeply saddened by this tragedy, Cory was and always will be a part of my own family and a good friend. He was a special part of this world and will forever be missed.  My heart goes out to Cory’s family and Lea, and while we are grateful for everyone’s well wishes, privacy during this time of grief is greatly appreciated.”- Naya Rivera

“Going through a million memories and emotions today. ill love you always Brother Cory.”- Mark Sailling

“At this time, please send nothing but love and light. This tragic news still doesn’t seem real to me. I love you Cory.”-Harry Shum Jr

“I HAVE NO WORDS! MY HEART IS BROKEN CORY WAS NOT ONLY A HELL OF A FRIEND HE WAS ONE AMAZING MEN THAT I WILL HOLD CLOSE TO MY HEART FOREVER”-Dot-Marie Jones

“Lea is deeply grateful for all the love and support she’s received from family, friends, and fans. Since Cory’s passing, Lea has been grieving alongside his family and making appropriate arrangements with them, they are supporting each other as they endure this profound loss together. We continue to ask the media to respect the privacy of Lea and Cory’s family.”-stated Lea Michele’s rep

Interview: The Lone Ranger & The Way, Way Back

The Lone Ranger

The man behind the mask wouldn’t be The Lone Ranger he is with out his trusty horse.  Silver, the actual horse from the new film visited the Mesquite Rodeo for a meet and greet with fans.  As Silver was allowing interviews, Bobby Lovgren, his trainer, was there to speak on his behalf.

Bobby is no stranger when it comes to training horses for film.  For over 20 years he has trained for all the great horse films, including Seabiscuit, War Horse, Racing Stripes, Zorro, and much more.  It’s his love for animals that makes his job feel less like work and more like a passion.

The Lone Ranger tells the story of a Native American warrior, Tonto, as he recounts the untold tales that transformed John Reid, a man of the law, into a legend of justice.

Out now, the film is sure to be fun for the whole family to watch this Fourth of July weekend.

Click the link below to see the interview with Silver and Bobby, followed by an interview with Academy Award winners, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash on their newest film, The Way, Way Back.

The Lone Ranger and The Way Way Back Interviews

Way Way Back

 

The Way, Way Back

On a scale of 1 to 10, what would you rank yourself?  It’s a question most of us probably ask about other people; but when referring to ourselves, were usually at a loss for numbers.  As you can see from the interview with the Writer/Directors, Nat Faxon and Jim Rash, “we’re all on our own sort of journey and there are no numbers.”

Unfortunately for Duncan (Liam James), at the start of the film he has been labeled a “3” by his mom’s arrogant boyfriend Trent (Steve Carell).  Duncan is forced to spend his summer vacation with his mother (Toni Collette), Trent, and his daughter.  Having a rough time fitting in and constantly being belittled by Trent, he finds an unexpected friend in Owen (Sam Rockwell), manager of the Water Wizz water park.  As the film continues Owen offers Duncan a job at Water Wizz.  It doesn’t take long for this awkward, insecure kid to find the confidence within, and realize that he is more than any number on a scale.

Liam James is a new comer among this slew of an all-star cast, including Steve Carell, Toni Collete, Sam Rockwell, Allison Janney, Maya Rudolph and many more! But Liam didn’t need any help from his supporting cast.  He shined in his role as Duncan.  During the entire film the audience relates to Duncan.  You feel every moment of pain, embarrassment, and best of all, happiness that this kid is feeling.  It’s incredibly, enjoyable to watch his character develop throughout the movie.

What’s not as enjoyable, is watching Steve Carell as a jerk!  Don’t get me wrong Carell nails his performance as the overbearing, deep rooted, insecure boyfriend.  It’s just odd to be watching one of the most likeable actors in Hollywood playing a role that you can’t root for.  Although Carell’s character isn’t likable, I commend him for proving that there are more layers to this actor than just the nice guy who seems to be clueless with reality (i.e.The Office, 40 Year Old Virgin, Anchorman, etc).

Hands down this film has been my favorite of the year so far.  Not just because the dark comedy genre is usually my preference, but the message is one we should all listen to.  I think we have all met that person that has made us doubt ourselves, and leading us to believe we aren’t as special as we think we are.  Most of the characters in this film feel they need someone’s seal of approval to be happy with the person they are; thinking that there is some sort of norm that we all must follow to fit in.  The Way, Way Back teaches us that, what makes us truly happy in life is the path we create for ourselves.

The Way, Way Back opens in select theaters July 5, 2013.

 

 

Interviews: Past Favorites

Some past interviews that I really enjoyed…

“Warm Bodies” interview with Nicholas Hoult & Teresa Palmer – YouTube

warm bodies

Paul Dano & Zoe Kazan talk “Ruby Sparks” – YouTube

Ruby Sparks

People Like Us: Chris Pine and Alex Kurtzman

People Like Us

Martha Marcy May Marlene: Elizabeth Olsen and Sean Durkin

Martha Marcy May Marlene

Moneyball: Jonah Hill

Moneyball

Another Earth: Brit Marling and Mike Cahill

Another Earth

The Help: Octavia Spencer and Tate Taylor

The Help