Over the past couple of weekends my group of friends and I have started a new think we like to call Trilogy Sunday. I mean sure we're still in school so some of us feel the need to actually get work done during the weekends but doesn't mean you have to sacrifice trilogy Sunday. Since so much time and devotion go into a trilogy Sunday but I myself make sure to take advantage of this potential time for multitasking. Let’s say the average of a trilogy movie and the time to change the movies plus the bathroom breaks is about an hour and forty-five minutes to two hours. this means the total time spent relaxing/"homeworking" is about five and a half to sixe hours of movies! Love it!
So far we've done trilogy Sunday with the Bourne movies, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars (IV, V, VI due to great dislike among many of the viewers for the new installments), and the Blades. Talk about a long day the Lord of the Rings Sunday involved lots and lots of bathroom breaks, two means, and a lot of homework. The meals however made the day that much better. One of my friends offered to cook us a fantastic breakfast of eggs and sausage followed by an intermission of burgers during the break between the second and this film. Very good combination for an excellent day of movies.
Lounging around eight of us all together in one room was very nice and Sundays are a great time for all of us to unwind from the weekend. If three movies in one day is too much though try breaking it up do one movie a weekend and that will give you the next installment the upcoming weekend to look forward to. Give it a try! Enjoy!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The Strategies of a Sequel
Today in my management class we were talking about how the movie industry loves to make sequels, prequels, etc, etc.. And I guess I never really thought about the business point of view on why they do that. I naively just thought they wanted to keep us watching and happy and continue the story for our enjoyment. Turns out the keep us watching part is what it’s all about.
Once a movie is made its kind of up in the air if its going to be as popular as the producers and everyone involved in the filming think its going to be. Once it hits the box office and the numbers start coming in they can tell. Then from there if the movie wins a lot of awards and gets a lot of good recognition sometimes there are talks of a sequel. Why would they do this from a strategic side? They already have a niche in the population that loved the movie won’t these people want to see another installment of it so they can make even more money off of it. The second time around they tend to spend more money and really live up whatever made the movie popular in the first place. If it’s the action scenes they throw in a few more of those, if it’s the romance they throw in a few more of that, etc.
They are hoping the niche they captured with the first film along with the publicity from winning all the awards and having great reviews and media coverage will intrigue even more people to come see the second movie. The trick is they have to leave an ending so that there can be a second movie. Take for instance, Titanic, won movie of the year and tons and tons of awards back in the 90’s. Unfortunately they didn’t leave an ending that would allow for them to make a sequel. Bet they’re kicking themselves now because had they not had Jack fall to the bottom of the ocean again a sequel most likely would have also been a hit. I think in this case though its good they left the name Titanic untarnished, if you will, from being followed by potentially bad sequels or prequels.
Once a movie is made its kind of up in the air if its going to be as popular as the producers and everyone involved in the filming think its going to be. Once it hits the box office and the numbers start coming in they can tell. Then from there if the movie wins a lot of awards and gets a lot of good recognition sometimes there are talks of a sequel. Why would they do this from a strategic side? They already have a niche in the population that loved the movie won’t these people want to see another installment of it so they can make even more money off of it. The second time around they tend to spend more money and really live up whatever made the movie popular in the first place. If it’s the action scenes they throw in a few more of those, if it’s the romance they throw in a few more of that, etc.
They are hoping the niche they captured with the first film along with the publicity from winning all the awards and having great reviews and media coverage will intrigue even more people to come see the second movie. The trick is they have to leave an ending so that there can be a second movie. Take for instance, Titanic, won movie of the year and tons and tons of awards back in the 90’s. Unfortunately they didn’t leave an ending that would allow for them to make a sequel. Bet they’re kicking themselves now because had they not had Jack fall to the bottom of the ocean again a sequel most likely would have also been a hit. I think in this case though its good they left the name Titanic untarnished, if you will, from being followed by potentially bad sequels or prequels.
It's Tuesday AGAIN!
It’s Tuesday again which of course means new movies are coming to DVD. This week there aren’t too many coming out and none of which I’ve really heard of. Let’s see there is Mr. Average (2009), The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice (2009), Vanishing Point [Blu-ray] (2009), Take (2009), Broken Windows (2009), Freezer Burn: The Invasion of Laxdale (2009), Summer Heights High (2009), and Sex Drive (2009). I have only heard of Take because of Minnie Drivers nomination for an Academy Award for her role in the film.
Vantage Point stars Barry Newman who appeared in 40 Days and 40 Nights in 2002 as Walter Sullivan a rather small role in the film. In Vanishing Point however he plays a driver who bets he can drive a Dodge Challenger from Denver to San Francisco in 15 hours. Amazon.com’s review points out that the movie doesn’t make much sense but the car chases and stunt work are stunningly set against the American west. Just from looking at reviews it seems like Vantage Point is probably the best watch for the movies coming out this week.
Take is directed by Charles Oliver starring Minnie Driver as Ana, a mother struggling to raise a sever year old child with special needs. Ana teams up with Saul a gambling addict without a future trying to escape dire consequences any way he can.
There is not very much credible information about these movies. Hopefully next month there will be some bigger titles coming out. Check back in a couple days for updates on what to look for coming out in March!
Vantage Point stars Barry Newman who appeared in 40 Days and 40 Nights in 2002 as Walter Sullivan a rather small role in the film. In Vanishing Point however he plays a driver who bets he can drive a Dodge Challenger from Denver to San Francisco in 15 hours. Amazon.com’s review points out that the movie doesn’t make much sense but the car chases and stunt work are stunningly set against the American west. Just from looking at reviews it seems like Vantage Point is probably the best watch for the movies coming out this week.
Take is directed by Charles Oliver starring Minnie Driver as Ana, a mother struggling to raise a sever year old child with special needs. Ana teams up with Saul a gambling addict without a future trying to escape dire consequences any way he can.
There is not very much credible information about these movies. Hopefully next month there will be some bigger titles coming out. Check back in a couple days for updates on what to look for coming out in March!
Monday, February 23, 2009
The Greatest Game Ever Played
I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this before but I’m a huge fan of Shia LaBeouf! He’s a great actor and I cannot wait to watch what else he has in store for future roles. One of the Walt Disney movies he’s done is The Greatest Game Ever Played made in 2005. A light hearted film about golf and following your dreams set back in 1913.
Shia plays a boy named Francis Ouimet, the son of a poor man who doesn’t believe that Francis’ obsession with golf will ever lead to anything but disappointment. As a caddy at the local golf course he becomes known for his amateur skills but promises his father that he will get a real job, work hard, and bring home the money. In 1913 however when the U.S. Open comes into town he is offered an amateur players spot and against his fathers wishes he decides to take this once in a lifetime offer. His opponents in the U.S. Open are British champions Harry Vardon and Ted Ray who are considered to be the world’s best golfers. His mother cannot help but support him in his quest to beat two known men but has to do so at a distance as to not disrespect the wishes of her husband.
Along with Shia LaBeouf the cast includes Stephen Dillane as Harry Vardon. Dillane most recently played Thomas Jefferson in 2008’s John Adams. Josh Flitter plays Eddie Lowery, Ouimet’s young caddy during the open. Lowery was most recently heard in Horton Hears A Who alongside Jim Carrey and Steve Carell.
The film is based on the true story of the amateur golf caddy Ouimet who took on two household names golfers at the 1913 U. S. Open and showed them what he’s made of. Rent it, Enjoy it!
Shia plays a boy named Francis Ouimet, the son of a poor man who doesn’t believe that Francis’ obsession with golf will ever lead to anything but disappointment. As a caddy at the local golf course he becomes known for his amateur skills but promises his father that he will get a real job, work hard, and bring home the money. In 1913 however when the U.S. Open comes into town he is offered an amateur players spot and against his fathers wishes he decides to take this once in a lifetime offer. His opponents in the U.S. Open are British champions Harry Vardon and Ted Ray who are considered to be the world’s best golfers. His mother cannot help but support him in his quest to beat two known men but has to do so at a distance as to not disrespect the wishes of her husband.
Along with Shia LaBeouf the cast includes Stephen Dillane as Harry Vardon. Dillane most recently played Thomas Jefferson in 2008’s John Adams. Josh Flitter plays Eddie Lowery, Ouimet’s young caddy during the open. Lowery was most recently heard in Horton Hears A Who alongside Jim Carrey and Steve Carell.
The film is based on the true story of the amateur golf caddy Ouimet who took on two household names golfers at the 1913 U. S. Open and showed them what he’s made of. Rent it, Enjoy it!
Oscars
Wow! So last night was the Oscars and Slumdog Millionaire really came out on top. They won 8 awards, although it is not the record it is pretty impressive. The record is shared by three movies who have won the highest number of Oscars for one movie: Ben-Hur (1952), Titanic (1997), and Lord of the Rings Return of the King (2003). The anticipation of Titanic’s wins at the Oscars made 1998’s Oscars the most viewed showing.
Heath Ledger won last night for best supporting actor for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight. His Oscar was accepted by his mother, father, and sister who were accepting on behalf of his daughter Matilda. It was not a surprise that Ledger won his work as the Joker was unmatched and will remain a great role to look up to in the industry.
Other winners include:
Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Director: Danny Boyle Slumdog Millionaire
Best Actor: Sean Penn Milk
Best Actress: Kate Winslet The Reader
Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger The Dark Knight
Best Supporting Actress: Vicky Christina Barcelona
Best Animated Feature: Wall-E
Best Foreign Film: Departures – Japan
Best Original Screenplay: Milk Dustin Lance Black
Best Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire Simon Beaufov
Best Documentary Feature: Man on Wire
Best Original Score: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Original Song: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Film Editing: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Documentary – Short Subject: Smile Pinki
Best Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire Anthony Dod Mantle
Best Costume Design: The Duchess Michael O’Connor
Best Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Sound Editing: The Dark Knight Richard King
Best Live Action Short Film: Spielzeugland (Toyland)
Best Animated Short Film: La Maison de Petits Cubes
Best Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The set of the production was incredible. It has the bandstand 50’s feel to it and great music. The crystal screen they had that framed the stage was phenomenally beautiful giving the stage a very elegant feel. Hugh Jackman hosted, who I’m a huge fan of, I did however think he was trying a bit too much to be humorous but it takes a lot for the humor to come natural to a more serious actor. The presenters were kept a secret until airtime which I honestly hadn’t noticed until I heard they had a new way of presenting the awards. For categories such as best actor, best actress, and best supporting for each they had five previous winners introduce each of the nominees. What an honor it would be to have an actress or actor respected greatly for their work introduce you as a current nominee. It added to the elegance and the beauty of the night to see all the actors appreciate the work of one another. I have great respect for the academy and all the cast and crew that goes into putting together an event such as the Oscars for the 81st time.
Heath Ledger won last night for best supporting actor for his role as the Joker in The Dark Knight. His Oscar was accepted by his mother, father, and sister who were accepting on behalf of his daughter Matilda. It was not a surprise that Ledger won his work as the Joker was unmatched and will remain a great role to look up to in the industry.
Other winners include:
Best Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Director: Danny Boyle Slumdog Millionaire
Best Actor: Sean Penn Milk
Best Actress: Kate Winslet The Reader
Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger The Dark Knight
Best Supporting Actress: Vicky Christina Barcelona
Best Animated Feature: Wall-E
Best Foreign Film: Departures – Japan
Best Original Screenplay: Milk Dustin Lance Black
Best Adapted Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire Simon Beaufov
Best Documentary Feature: Man on Wire
Best Original Score: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Original Song: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Film Editing: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Documentary – Short Subject: Smile Pinki
Best Cinematography: Slumdog Millionaire Anthony Dod Mantle
Best Costume Design: The Duchess Michael O’Connor
Best Sound Mixing: Slumdog Millionaire
Best Sound Editing: The Dark Knight Richard King
Best Live Action Short Film: Spielzeugland (Toyland)
Best Animated Short Film: La Maison de Petits Cubes
Best Makeup: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Art Direction: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Best Visual Effects: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The set of the production was incredible. It has the bandstand 50’s feel to it and great music. The crystal screen they had that framed the stage was phenomenally beautiful giving the stage a very elegant feel. Hugh Jackman hosted, who I’m a huge fan of, I did however think he was trying a bit too much to be humorous but it takes a lot for the humor to come natural to a more serious actor. The presenters were kept a secret until airtime which I honestly hadn’t noticed until I heard they had a new way of presenting the awards. For categories such as best actor, best actress, and best supporting for each they had five previous winners introduce each of the nominees. What an honor it would be to have an actress or actor respected greatly for their work introduce you as a current nominee. It added to the elegance and the beauty of the night to see all the actors appreciate the work of one another. I have great respect for the academy and all the cast and crew that goes into putting together an event such as the Oscars for the 81st time.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
He's Just Not That into You
He’s Just Not That into You, a self improvement book written by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo published in 2004 came to the silver screen early in 2009. The book was named a New York Times best seller and has been very popular among women of all ages. Over the weekend my mom, sister, and I went to the see movie since we had heard nothing but good reviews about it from all of our friends. Even some guy friends suggested we saw it after they were dragged there over Valentines Day weekend to see it with their girlfriends, it even made the guys laugh at how true it was.
He’s Just Not That into You was stacked with famous actors. At every new introduction of a character it was like oh my gosh I didn’t know they were in this! The film follows the lives of a handful of girls who each need a wake-up call on reading signals from guys. The cast included: Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Ben Affleck, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Connelly, Scarlett Johansson, Justin Long, Bradley Cooper, Kevin Connolly, and Leonardo Nam. Each of whom although you may not know them by name were easily recognizable from their roles in other films. The cast did a phenomenal job and were incredible to watch as they worked together.
The funniest part about the movie wasn’t just the humor scattered throughout the dialog it was how true everything they were saying was. A few of my favorite quotes was from Justin Long’s character explaining to Ginnifer Goodwin, who played an over the top over analytical boy crazy looking for love in every guy kind-of-girl. Long pointed out a few things every girl should keep in mind:
1. If a guy treats you like he doesn’t give a sh*t, it’s because he doesn’t give a sh*t.
2. An excuse is a polite rejection. Men are not afraid of ‘ruining the friendship.’
3. If you can find him, then he can find you. If he wants to find you, he will.
4. Men don’t forget how much they like you, so put down the phone.
All of these points make the movie that much funnier because girls know they have all been in this position once or twice. All girls should see it, its great!
He’s Just Not That into You was stacked with famous actors. At every new introduction of a character it was like oh my gosh I didn’t know they were in this! The film follows the lives of a handful of girls who each need a wake-up call on reading signals from guys. The cast included: Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Ben Affleck, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jennifer Connelly, Scarlett Johansson, Justin Long, Bradley Cooper, Kevin Connolly, and Leonardo Nam. Each of whom although you may not know them by name were easily recognizable from their roles in other films. The cast did a phenomenal job and were incredible to watch as they worked together.
The funniest part about the movie wasn’t just the humor scattered throughout the dialog it was how true everything they were saying was. A few of my favorite quotes was from Justin Long’s character explaining to Ginnifer Goodwin, who played an over the top over analytical boy crazy looking for love in every guy kind-of-girl. Long pointed out a few things every girl should keep in mind:
1. If a guy treats you like he doesn’t give a sh*t, it’s because he doesn’t give a sh*t.
2. An excuse is a polite rejection. Men are not afraid of ‘ruining the friendship.’
3. If you can find him, then he can find you. If he wants to find you, he will.
4. Men don’t forget how much they like you, so put down the phone.
All of these points make the movie that much funnier because girls know they have all been in this position once or twice. All girls should see it, its great!
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Over the weekend some of my girl friends and I finally went to see Confessions of a Shopaholic. The lighthearted film stars Isla Fisher, playing Rebecca Bloomwood, a shopaholic unable to tame her love for spending money on high fashion. Fisher is known for her role in Definitely, Maybe, Hot Rod, Wedding Crashers, and Horton Hears a Who. In the film Bloomwood’s boss turned love interest Luke Brandon played by Hugh Dancy. Dancy has been acting since about 2000 in roles that include Blood and Chocolate, The Jane Austen Book Club, Basic Instinct 2, Ella Enchanted, Black Hawk Down, and many others.
Set in New York City the film is about Rebecca Bloomwood, a twenty something girl unable to control her urge to spend money. Like many people she has numerous credit cards (12 to be exact) and alternates spending on each as to not reach their limits. Faced with losing her job and numerous bills to pay she sets out hunt for a job. Miraculously and ironically she lands a job with a finance magazine as a columnist on how to save money. Her wit and charm grab the attention of her young boss who cannot be happier to have found such a rare talent as Bloomwood.
While trying to keep her spending habits somewhat under control and continue to move up to being a fashion magazine columnist Bloomwood is encounters many issues. The film follows her as she attempts to keep balance between her passion to pursue her career, keep her best friend, date her boss, and keep her financial trouble a secret. While making a point about keeping priorities straight and doing what is best for you the movie keeps the audience entertained and laughing throughout most of the scenes. I thought it was funny and would recommend seeing it on a girl’s night out when you’re looking for a few laughs.
Set in New York City the film is about Rebecca Bloomwood, a twenty something girl unable to control her urge to spend money. Like many people she has numerous credit cards (12 to be exact) and alternates spending on each as to not reach their limits. Faced with losing her job and numerous bills to pay she sets out hunt for a job. Miraculously and ironically she lands a job with a finance magazine as a columnist on how to save money. Her wit and charm grab the attention of her young boss who cannot be happier to have found such a rare talent as Bloomwood.
While trying to keep her spending habits somewhat under control and continue to move up to being a fashion magazine columnist Bloomwood is encounters many issues. The film follows her as she attempts to keep balance between her passion to pursue her career, keep her best friend, date her boss, and keep her financial trouble a secret. While making a point about keeping priorities straight and doing what is best for you the movie keeps the audience entertained and laughing throughout most of the scenes. I thought it was funny and would recommend seeing it on a girl’s night out when you’re looking for a few laughs.
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