Featured New Release Poll- 9/3

New poll is up!

This week's contenders are:

Machete, Robert Rodriguez's expansion on a fake trailer that played during Grindhouse when it was in theaters. Starring Danny Trejo, Cheech Marin, Jessica Alba, and Robert DeNiro, it looks like another ode to schlocky 70's cinema.

The American with George Clooney is next. Clooney plays an assassin who wants out of the biz, but finds some difficulty in retiring peacefully.

Finally we have Going the Distance, a romantic comedy with Justin Long (???) and Drew Barrymore centered on making a long distance relationship work.

The Switch

I took the opportunity to combine blog business with my personal affairs, killing two birds with one stone by taking Stephanie with me to see The Switch. I figured it looked like a perfect date movie, although she did pay for the two of us, hmm. Well anyway, I guess I am a crappy boyfriend.

I was right about The Switch, though. It is downright charming. Not my favorite quality in a film, mind you, but when that is what the flick is going for I cannot fault it for succeeding.

I haven't been pleasantly surprised by many films recently, but this one was better than I had feared. I didn't know anything about it beyond the basic premise (guy stuck in friend zone drunkenly impregnates his gal pal). The writers could have had a field day with that set up. In the hands of Judd Apatow and Co. we might have ended up with Knocked Up 2: Knocked Up Harder or something, but instead the film is understated, touching on the purely comedic aspects of the predicament early before settling in to the more emotional stuff later.

That being said, it is important to point out that The Switch is not altogether that funny. It was marketed as a straight forward rom-com but really that is only a half truth. Jeff Goldblum is humorous as Leonard, Wally (Jason Bateman)'s wry confidant, while Juliette Lewis plays Debbie, Kassie (Jennifer Aniston)'s BFF, with bizarre vigor. The two supporting players inject much of the comedy into the film.

The two leads, however, are spared from the typical pratfalls and physical gags that are so annoyingly common to the chick flick genre (although Bateman does have some good drunken scenes). Instead, the two are given scenes and lines that actually carry emotional weight, especially Bateman in his interactions with his supposed son Sebastian.

Ah yes, the boy. Played by Thomas Robinson, Sebastian could not have been any cuter if the casting director tried. Child actors miss the mark all too often in films such as this, especially when given such a heavy load, but the young Robinson was fine. His scenes with Bateman are the highlight of the film.

At the end of the night, I left the theater satisfied. Not emotionally taxed, not questioning the meaning of life or anything like that, but satisfied. Bottom line, The Switch isn't great, but I applaud it for trying to be different.


Attendance: 2/5
Crazy Fan Boy Factor: 0/5
Crowd Response: 2/5

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Production Value: 3/5
Humor: 2/5
Acting Performances: 4/5
Discuss: Diane Sawyer= Arousing? Yea or nay



Overall: 6/10

Winner: Takers

Hmm, not sure if I should call this an upset or not, but I was expecting the other film to win. Never the less, I will view Takers and let you know my take on it (ha).

Featured New Release Poll- 8/27

After last weeks epic slew of releases (one wide release didn't even earn a spot in the poll- sorry Nanny McPhee), this week's selection will be a bit easier... only two films to chose from. Summer is officially winding down.

The Last Exorcism is an indie horror flick produced by Eli Roth of Hostel fame. It concerns a young girl possessed by demons, and the exorcist who lets a film crew document his process. (Random thought- why are only young girls possessed by demons in the movies? Are demons just picky? Why no dudes? Come on demons, a guy could projectile vomit waaay better than Linda Blair. Just sayin'.)

Next on the ballot is Takers, a heist film with Paul Walker and Matt Dillon. And Hayden Christensen. Yeah, the one from Star Wars. No, not the little kid, that was Jake Lloyd, the older, more annoying, less talented one. Yes, he is still "acting". I know, I know.

Anyway, what was I talking about?

Oh, yeah please vote!

Next viewing assignment...

I haven't pulled a suggestion from the hat in a long time, sorry folks! To do a little catching up, I am going to pull a double feature this coming week!

I couldn't have selected more opposite films if I had tried...

First up will be It's a Wonderful Life, selected by Ben, the father of my friend Emily. On his survey he cites the film's central question, "what would this world be like without having you a part of it?", as his reason for loving it. This is my all time favorite Christmas movie, and also one of my top favorite overall movies, so I am looking forward to seeing it again.

Next will be Bachelor Party, a 1984 sleazy screwball comedy starring Tom Hanks. It was chosen by Eric, my cousin-in-law and resident goofball who only wrote "full frontal nudity" to explain his choice. So does Tom Hanks + breasts = awesome? I will let you know...

Winner: The Switch

Well this last poll was a beast but the voters gave a resounding approval to The Switch. I'll be seeing this one later tonight, wish me luck.

Featured New Release Poll- 8/20

Another week, another poll, but this isn't any poll. FOUR movies to choose this week, for the first time this summer.

First up is Piranhas 3D. An earthquake unleashes hordes of prehistoric piranhas on the reveling spring breakers, and chaos ensues, presumably. Looks to be one of the schlocky horror films of the SyFy variety (low budget, low scares, bad acting) but I will go see it if you vote it to be so!

Next is Lotto Ticket. Looks kinda meh but I will reserve judgement.

The Switch, a comedy with Jennifer Aniston and Jason Bateman, comes in at number three. In this one Bateman accidentally hijacks Aniston's artificial insemination, with predictably comic results.

Finally, Vampires Suck, from the same minds that inflicted the most recent rash of spoof films on the American viewing public. This film joins Epic Movie and Date Movie, in the filmmaker's impressive ouevre, several of which grace IMDB's Bottom 100 list. If I have to see this, I am hoping it isn't worthy of joining them on that list.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

You guys chose for me to go see Scott Pilgrim vs. the World last weekend and I obliged, heading to the Friday night showing with Stephanie.

I went into the theater with absolutely no expectations. I have never read the graphic novel on which the film is based, so I didn't know what was coming my way. The film wasted little time showing its hand; by the time the Universal logo appears, you will be clued into the uber-geeky nature of the Scott Pilgrim universe.

If you have never played one of the old 8 bit Nintendo systems, or heck, video games in general, 90% of the humor in Scott Pilgrim will zoom miles over your head. Fortunately for me, I am somewhat of a dork, so I enjoyed all the little inside jokes.

Visually, the movie brings much of the graphic novel aesthetic with it. Split screen shots, visual representations of sounds, explosions of hearts when Scott kisses the girl of his dreams Ramona, etc. This one of the most visually impressive films I have seen since 300.

It seems that every frame has been constructed with the greatest care by director Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead). From the intimate romance scenes to the spectacular "battles" between Scott and Ramona's evil exes, the entire film is stimulating to the aural and visual sensibilities.

The "battles" are amazing. You would think that Scott fighting seven different exes would get old, but each one is unique and rewarding in its own way. My favorite involves a sonic fight between Scott's band The Sex Bob-ombs (Mario joke) and the Katayanagi brothers.

That brings me to the music. I don't know why, but the thrashy amateurish punk rock of Scott's band seemed to fit the film perfectly. The band members are earnest, aware of their own mediocrity yet still determined to make it to the top. Alison Pill is especially memorable as Kim, Scott's own ex and the band's Animal-esque drummer.

I know I have dissed Michael Cera before for simply playing himself in every movie. He does more of that here, but also shows a side of himself that I have not yet seen. He has a chance in the later fights to play the badass, albeit a nerdy one.

So I enjoyed the film for its quirks, its visuals, its music, and its action. The story takes a back seat in this one, but thats ok. I suppose to enjoy it you have to be able to accept the premise that a woman's evil exes are joined into a guild by her evilest ex to keep her from dating other guys. I accepted it, and found a considerable amount of fun in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.


Attendance: 4/5
Crazy Fan Boy Factor: 1/5
Crowd Response: 4/5

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Production Value: 4/5
Humor: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Thank God: They didn't make this in 3D



Overall: 7/10

Dinner for Schmucks

I was unfortunately barred from watching Dinner for Schmucks last weekend due to filming the 48 hour project I was working on. I saw it as soon as possible afterwards.

Honestly, I was surprised by this movie. This summer has been somewhat lacking in the straight up comedy department (don't make me mention the only other notable entry so far... ick), so Dinner for Schmucks was something I needed to see, plus I was still decompressing from a stressful weekend, so the film hit me at an opportune time. I enjoyed it. (editors note: haven't seen Cyrus yet)

Granted, Dinner for Schmucks is not THAT funny. Nor is it memorable, or altogether different from any of the other raunchy comedies from the last few years. But it kept me smiling throughout, which, this summer, might just be enough for me to crown it comedy of the year.

But the film has a heart at its center, and not an imitation heart either (ok ok, think Grown Ups) but a sincere attempt at making characters that the audience really can care about. Steve Carrell is endearing as Barry, the lovable idiot who is perhaps wiser than he seems. Paul Rudd, one of my favorite comic actors, does a good job as Tim, the lead character whose descent into the corporate world provides the impetus for conflict.

This is a movie that is pretty much entirely about the characters. What little story there is mostly serves to introduce us to schmuck after schmuck, culminating in the dinner from the title where they vie for the trophy for the most "special" guest.

This wouldn't work if the characters were boring or unfunny, but fortunately, there are plenty of great comic actors hamming it up playing dumb, and it saves the movie. Jemaine Clement was my favorite, playing an artist who is perhaps a little too into his work. He didn't even garner an invite for the dinner! Too bad.

The schmucks at the dinner are mostly forgettable, save for Barry and his equally strange boss, played by Zach Galafianakis. For all the builup given to the dinner party (see: title of the movie), the scene is actually a let down. Nothing all that spectacular or funny happens which was disappointing.

So Dinner for Schmucks was enjoyable for a night out, but I can't say how much I would have liked it if I expected ANYTHING from it. It was funny enough, only just. Charming enough, if barely. So, not one I would watch again or recommend to see in theaters but it is a solid enjoyable film.


Attendance: 2/5
Crazy Fan Boy Factor: 0/5
Crowd Response: 3/5

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Production Value: 3/5
Humor: 3/5
Acting Performances: 3/5
You may say I'm a dreamer: but I'm not.



Overall: 6/10

Featured New Release Poll- 8/13

Three more selections this week means another huge poll. However, all three are legitimate contenders, so this week could be interesting.

First is the latest from Julia Roberts, Eat Pray Love. based on the apparently popular book (I never heard of it), this one will be a favorite for the feminine set. I haven't had to watch a chick flick for a while, could this be the week...?

Next is Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, a trippy comedy from the director of Shaun of the Dead. Starring Michael Cera and based on a graphic novel, this one does look fairly interesting, although Cera looks to be sticking to what he does best (playing himself).

Finally, the Expendables, the long awaited (ahem) pairing of Sly Stallone, Jason Statham, and a bunch of other tough dudes.

So will it be a girly exploration of what it is to be human, a brawny sweaty 'splosions and sausage fest, or something in between? That, my friends, is up to you.

Winner: Middle Men

Ok, so Middle Men won the vote which was a pleasant surprise. Unfortunately, the film isn't out in Denver yet (???) so I will have to wait on it, but as soon as I can I will watch it.

48 Hour Film Project Update/ New Poll

Hi folks, its been a long last couple of days for me.

First of all, the 48 Hour Film Project was an absolute blast. I was brought on the project by Anthony Larocca of Dangling Carrot films, and the team he and writer/producer Christian Link put together was great to work with. Everyone involved went above and beyond the call of duty and we ended up making a very strong film considering the amount of time we had to do it in.

The required elements we were given at the beginning of the competition were:

1. Prop- a lamp
2. Line- "He told me not to tell anyone"
3. Character- Sharon or Sherman Woods, administrative assistant

The genre our team drew was "Adventure serial"

We ended up shooting Jack Staple and the Cubicles of Doom, one 'episode' of an imagined adventure series featuring the heroic Jack Staple, a purveyor of office antiquities. In this episode, he infiltrates the offices of William Turnstiles to extract the fabled "Golden Floppy".

The shooting was tough, 15 straight hours before heading down to Litteton to dive into the edit. The head editor stayed up through the night while the other editors and I got a few hours sleep, then we traded off. We got the project done and turned in in the nick of time. Despite being rushed, I am pretty proud of what we accomplished, and would love to see you at the premiere showing at the Gothic theater on the 8th at 6:30 (Group C). its only 10 bucks at the door for a dozen short films! You can buy 8 dollar advance tickets here.

Now, back to normal business here at There Will Be Blog.

There is a new poll for you to vote on. Now I know, the last few weeks have been pretty slim pickings for you to choose from but we can't have Twilight and Inception coming out every week you know. So please vote! I want to see some competition.

This is a good week for that as there are three large releases.

First is the new Will Ferrell vehicle The Other Guys, costarring Mark Wahlberg. The two play a bumbling pair of policemen trying to be action heroes. Marky Mark's involvement makes this one look a cut above the last few Ferrell flicks, but we shall see.

Next on the menu is Step Up 3D, which looks like something I would pretty much entirely hate. But if you want me to have to see it, go ahead and vote for it!

Finally, we have Middle Men which is about the birth of internet pornography. Starring Luke Wilson, this film could be pretty interesting.