Rss

  • linkedin

Archives for : November2013

Movie Review: “The Starving Games” Is A Surprisingly Funny Spoof

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 7, 2013
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I had given up on watching any more parody films after Meet the Spartans.  They were starting to become more about product placement and celebrity bashing instead of maintaining a story-line and making fun of the actual film.  The Starving Games made me remember why I enjoyed films like Scary Movie and Not Another Teen Movie.

In this Hunger Games parody, Kantmiss Evershot (Maiara Walsh) volunteers herself to save her sister, Petunia (Kennedy Hermansen), from fighting in the 75th annual Starving Games.  Kantmiss must fight for her life along with her secret admirer, Peter Malarky (Cody Christen) in order to win an old ham, a coupon for a Subway foot-long, and a partially eaten pickle.  All while a jealous Dale (Brant Daughtery) watches the action on the big screen.

There are a slew of other films that are poked at in this movie including, Harry Potter, OZ the Great and Powerful, and The Avengers.  Believe it or not, their appearances do not come off completely random.  Therefore, it is actually funny.

Pretty Little Liars’ fans will be happy to see the supporting actors of their teen drama, play leading men, as Dale and Peter.   Overall, this was a good comedic cast.  Especially, Maiara Walsh who bears a striking resemblance to Jennifer Lawrence.  I particularly loved the portrayal of Peter as an exaggerated coward.

The Starving Games is probably more satisfying as a rental.  But if you have seen The Hunger Games, the spoof is worth the laughs.

Rated PG-13 for crude and sexual content, comic violence, language and partial nudity.

The Starving Games hits theaters November 8th.

The Starving Games Trailer HD

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Movie Review: “Exit 727” has an Interesting Story but the Wrong Execution

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 6, 2013
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , ,

I’m going to try and not be too hard on this film, because it was Eric Ortiz’s first time directing, writing, and acting in his own full length film.  Given that the film is based on true events, it is probably also special to him.  The story is actually pretty interesting, but the film-making and acting is so amateur that it is hard to take anything going on in this movie seriously.

The film begins with Michael (Jereme Badger), previous druggie, recounting the events that happened during a fatal summer.  Michael, his brother Dominic (Eric Ortiz), and their friend Ben (Anthony Ashmore) had given up all hope on life.  Unable to accomplish their dreams, they settle for a construction worker job where they meet bad boy James (Nathan Spiteri).  He might have been the only experienced actor in the film, and the most tolerable to watch.  It might have been the Australian accent, but he at least fully committed to his character.

After Dominic pulls his antics on the boss, everyone gets fired.  Angry at Dominic for causing him to loose his job, James pressures the guys to help him rob a bank.  And it all goes down hill from there.

Ortiz might want to focus more on his screenwriting skills versus his directing and acting.  He proved he could deliver lines quickly, but failed to have any meaning behind them.  As far as camera work goes, I’ve seen better filming from my past production classes. The beginning had some awkward out-of-focus shots, and the movie had too many unnecessary scenes.  I’m not sure who was in charge of audio, but the sound was all over the place.  At times, it was as if the characters had been mute or maybe they were just mumbling; I’m not really sure.

The premise gives this movie so much potential.  Had the movie been filmed differently, and with better acting it would have made for an admirable independent film.  Sadly, Exit 727 fails to perceive the impact or message it was trying to get across.

Exit 727 Trailer

Originally Posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Special Events: Guy Fieri’s Grocery Games Challenge Coming To Dallas!

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 6, 2013
0

Category: Special Events, Special Features

Tags:, , , , , , , ,

Put Your Grocery Games Knowledge and Strategy to the Test as Seen on Food Network’s New Series “Guy’s Grocery Games”

Series Airs on Sunday’s at 8pm ET/PT, 7pm CT on Food Network 

DALLAS, TX – Nov. 5, 2013 – Local contestants are being served up a challenge in celebration of Food Network’s new supermarket-themed cooking competition, Guy’s Grocery Games, hosted by best-selling cookbook author and successful restaurateur Guy Fieri. The show, which premiered on Sunday, October 20th and will continue to air on Sundays at 8pm ET/PT and 7pm CT, is set in a grocery store where four talented chefs compete against each other through three cooking challenges, as they must navigate their way through the aisles adhering to a number of “real-world” culinary challenges to create tasty dishes. The chefs must rely on their improvisation, gamesmanship and culinary skills for a chance to win up to $20,000.

The local challenge will take place on Tuesday, November 12 at 8:00pm CT at Market Street, located at 5605 Colleyville Blvd. Colleyville, TX 76034. Four local contestants will be given up to three challenges to test their shopping and culinary expertise. The winner of the local challenge will receive a $1,000 gift card to the Market Street grocery store.

Local radio station, KDMX-FM, will be airing details on how to be selected as one of the four lucky contestants who will battle it out at Market Street for a chance to bring home the grand prize and the bragging rights of being the local champion of “Guy’s Grocery Games Challenge.”

Guy Fieri is host of Food Network’s top-rated and Emmy® -Nominated show Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Guy began his love affair with food at the age of ten, selling soft pretzels from a three-wheeled bicycle cart he built with his father called “The Awesome Pretzel.” By selling pretzels and washing dishes, Guy earned enough money in six years to study abroad as an exchange student in Chantilly, France. In 1996, Guy launched his culinary career with the opening of Johnny Garlics, his first restaurant based in his hometown of Santa Rosa, CA. Guy has gone on to create a culinary empire as a popular TV host, chef of six acclaimed restaurants and New York Times Best Selling cookbook author. In 2006, Guy Fieri premiered his first show, Guy’s Big Bite, which was nominated for an Emmy in 2012 for Outstanding Culinary Program. This “Culinary Rock Star” also guest judges on Food Network Star and collaborates with Rachael Ray in the star studded competition series, Rachael vs. Guy Celebrity: Cook-Off and Rachael vs. Guy: Kids Cook-Off.

Movie Review: “About Time” will Capture your Heart

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 1, 2013
0

Category: Movie Reviews

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Lately, I have been a little bit of a cynic when it comes to romantic comedies.  As much as I still enjoy a really cute predictable one, Don Jon managed to slap some sense into me.  The false expectations that we get from romantic films can really alter your view of a relationship.  So even though I was excited to see this film, I expected that I wouldn’t be able to relate to the time traveling and romance.  However, About Time is the kind of movie that makes you want to fall in love.

The creators of Love Actually and Notting Hill have brought us another charming and delightful love story.  This time they have added a bit of time travel.

At age 21, Tim (Domhnall Gleeson) discovers that he can travel back in time.  His father (Bill Nighy) explains to him that the men in his family have always been able to do this, and that it must be kept secret.  Now, he can only go back to a time that he remembers and was actually a part of.  So no, he can not go back in time and stop Abraham Lincoln from getting shot.

For Tim, this power was meant to be used to find love.  Sadly, this is not as easy as you would think.  “All the time travel in the world can’t make someone love you.” Finally one night, with out having to use his powers, he meets the girl of his dreams.  Mary (Rachel McAdams) is a smart, adorable, and oddly insecure woman who could not be more perfect for Tim.  They hit off immediately.  Unfortunately, after Tim foolishly travels back in time to help a friend, Mary knows him as a complete stranger.  This leads to multiple “first time” meetings, until he can win her over again.

I have to say, this is one of the best onscreen couples I have ever enjoyed watching.  Though you would think the time travel aspect of it would maybe lessen the relationship, it only makes you appreciate it more.  McAdams and Gleeson portray such a realistic relationship with a genuine love for each other.  It may not be steamy, sexual, off the charts chemistry.  But it is the real respect and caring for one another that makes them so engaging.  Not to mention some super cute moments.  But this romance is only part of the story.

Surprisingly enough, the bigger picture behind this film isn’t about love, it is about life.  Through some incredibly touching moments between Tim and his father, we are shown just how important is to take time and notice the little things in life.

The film really makes you wonder.  If you had the power to travel back in time, what would do? Where would you go?  Who would you talk to?  Ultimately, you are given a second chance and you want to take advantage of it.  Tim gets braver and bolder at each “try again” he attempts.  What About Time really teaches you is how we should not waste time wishing for second chances.  Instead, we should be treating every moment like it is our last.

Rated R for language and some sexual content.

About Time hits theaters November 1st.

About Time Official Trailer HD

Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com

Staying for Halloween? Here are the Top 7 Best Horror Flicks

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : November 1, 2013
0

Category: Movie Reviews, Special Features

Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Okay, let me just start off by saying this was one of the hardest list I have had to make.  There are so many good horror flicks, for so many different reasons.  Notice I could not pick 5, even though there are some honorable mentions.

I know some of us would rather take it easy on a Thursday night; Halloween doesn’t stop work from coming the next day.  So for those you who are just going to chill and pass out candy to the little ones, here are a few horror film suggestions to top off your night!

Note: All films must be watched in the dark and with proper focus for the full terror affect.

7. I know what you did Last Summer 1 & 2

Is he dead?

For the Slasher:  I know Scream is more preferred among fans, but I have always preferred the story-line in I know what you did Last Summer.  It is slightly less cheesy and in my opinion a scarier film.  Plus it stars four of the biggest celebs of the 90’s, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ryan Phillippe, Freddie Prince Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar. If you are going to watch the first one you must watch the second, it all ties together very well and you will be satisfied with the story.

6. Final Destination

You can’t run from Death

For the Deaths: I don’t even know how many of these sequels they have made now.  All I know is you must watch the original in 2D.  The idea of death chasing after you might keep you up tonight, but how these characters die will make you more cautious than usual.  The film will have you immediately engaged and on the edge of your seat.

5. Stir of Echoes

Does it hurt to be dead?

For the Twist:  Personally my favorite horror flicks are the ones with the best twists.  What Lies Beneath and The Uninvited are great examples.  You give me a mystery to follow and an ending I would not expect, all while having my eyes half opened, and I’m sold!  Stir of Echoes is the whole package kind of scary movie.  Good acting, original story, fear while watching, and a great twist.

4. The Ring

Seven Days…

For the Nightmares:  I can not guarantee that you will be as terrified as I was when first saw this film in 8th grade.  I can tell you that after I saw it, for two weeks straight I slept with the lights and TV on in my room.  I thought that would prevent Samara from turning it on her self and coming out of it.  Either way, you get my point.  The Ring will make you think twice before you dare to watch a tape that will kill you 7 days later!

3. The Exorcist

May the power of Christ compel you!

For the Classic: I feel like this one does not need much explaining.  If you’ve seen it you might wonder why it is not number 1.  Surprisingly enough 2 other films haunt me more.  The horrors that happen in The Exorcist can be prevented.  Just do not ever play with a Ouija board. Done!  I can sleep a little easier now.  None the less, this an incredibly well made film for its time and cult classic.

2. Paranormal Activity

It’s getting worse

For the Ending: Another scary movie with too many sequels.  But again, nothing beats the original.  Lets put aside the fact that this film only cost $15,000 to make and made $9.1 million its first week!  The acting is surprisingly good?  The story is so simple.  And the end is one of the scariest scenes I have ever seen in a film.

1. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre

Who will survive and what will be left of them?

For the Chainsaw:  “Five friends visiting their grandpa’s old house are hunted down and terrorized by a chainsaw wielding killer and his family of grave-robbing cannibals.” Of course I am talking about the 1974 version of this film.  Imaging Leatherface chasing his victims with a chainsaw still haunts me.  This film is gruesome, disturbing and perfect for any Halloween evening!

Honorable Mentions: Child’s Play, Nightmare on Elm Street, Carrie (1976), It