Directed and Written by Christian Petzold
In German with English subtitles
Starring Benno Furmann, Nina Hoss, Hilmi Sozer
Running time 91 minutes
Jerichow (directed by Christian Petzold) is named for the town of its setting, an area that was once part of East Germany and is still economically blighted. Although on the surface, it appears to be a retread of the themes and plot of THE POSTMAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE, it goes its own way fairly quickly. Whereas Cain was mostly interested in the wife and the drifter, Petzold is more interesting in the Greek, or in this case, the Turk, the older husband. This is a film about being an outsider and bears some resemblance thematically to DISTRICT NINE.
PLOT: Ali, a Turk, has managed to attain some success in his adopted country of Germany. Still an outsider on the inside though, he mistrusts those who works for him in his small chain of snack shops. He especially mistrusts his wife, Laura, who he strong-armed into marrying him by paying off her debts. The two live an isolated existence running his business until Ali decided he needs some muscle to help him collect money and serve as his chaffeur.
Thomas, a recent widower, the victim of a robbery and recently discharged dishonorably from the German army, comes into Ali’s radar and is hired to fulfill this role. Ali immediately begins to rely on the younger man, even making a friend of him.
But Ali is as paranoid as ever and it is this paranoia that drives the plot.
At times it seems like Ali is deliberately setting the two up so the scenario he envisions will turn out to be true. The film ends in expected and unexpected ways.
This is certainly a noirish film but it is also about paranoia and alienation. It is quick-paced and compelling. None of the characters were particularly sympathetic, which added to the noirish feel. Highly recommended for those who like such tales. This is playing in art houses but should be available on DVD soon.
Patti Abbott
Patti Abbott writes crime fiction short stories. She hosts a look at Forgotten Books every Friday with readers, writers and reviewers at http://pattinase.blogspot.com. She hopes you'll join in.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Film Review: JERICHOW
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Blu-ray Review: LIE TO ME Season One
Fox Home Entertainment
MSRP: $59.99
Stars: Tim Roth, Kelli Williams, Brendan Hines, Monica Raymund
Release date: August 25, 2009
Based on the work of Dr. Paul Ekman, FOX's new crime drama Lie to Me stars Tim Roth as Dr. Cal Lightman, a renowned expert on lying with a tarnished reputation. Founder of the U.S. Department of Defense's Deception Detection Unit, Lightman now heads a private firm in Washington D.C., offering his services to high-profile clients, local and federal law enforcement.
The main supporting characters are Lightman's partner, Dr. Gillian Foster (Kelli Williams), who often plays "good cop" to his "bad cop", and two junior associates: Eli Loker (Brendan Hines), who's committed himself to never telling a lie, and the newly-hired Ria Torres (Monica Raymund), one of an extremely small percentage of the population who can spot deceptive body language with no prior training.
You might think the ability to tell when someone is lying would take the mystery out of a whodunit show, but quite realistically, Lightman and his team can only predict when, not what is being lied about or why someone is lying. Just like any investigators, they have to dig for those deeper answers before cracking a case. Lightman often feigns a wide range of emotions and reactions to gauge how others react, and Roth's acting is up to the task.
In the second half of the season, Jennifer Beals appears as Lightman's ex-wife, Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Landau and Mekhi Phifer appears as FBI Special Agent Ben Reynolds. Both characters are good foils for Lightman, and I'm curious to see where the writers go in Season 2.
The three-disc Blu-ray set includes all thirteen episodes, deleted scenes, and a making-of featurette, "The Truth about Lie to Me".
--Gerald So
BLOG TO CHECK OUT!
World class puppeteer and super-snarky dude Andy Haywood has a new blog: PROJECT S**TCOM. PS looks back on some of the really wretched sit-coms of the past. So far, he has managed to upset fans of 227 (There are some, who knew?), FULL HOUSE and BLOSSOM.
Andy is my brother-in-law so I would pimp his blog no mattter what, but it is pretty damn entertaining. I will certainly be following his travels throughout the annals of crappy television.
Here is a bit of his take on the pilot of FULL HOUSE:
The TV theme song is a lost art. And I'll admit it, Full House has a pretty darn good one. It's catchy. It's spirited. It's LONG. And it features a really bad rear-view Bob Sagat stand-in fishing at the pier. Watch for yourself. That's not the Danny Tanner you know and love. It's a failed look-alike wearing ill-fitting, up-the-butt pants.
As the episode begins, Danny is giving his mother the boot. Ever since his wife died, Danny's mom has been helping him raise his dainty trio of daughters...DJ, Stephanie and Michelle. But now, for the sake of comedy, poor mom is being replaced by a couple of younger, hipper models...specifically, a rocker dude with a leather fetish and a funny guy that isn't very funny.
Studly Jesse is moving into Stephanie's former room and comedian-at-large Joey Gladstone is moving into...the alcove? Oh, poor Joey. Maybe if he was HOT like Uncle Jesse, he'd get a room of his own, too. Jesse clearly needs a secluded space so he can get his freak on with lots of hot babes. Joey...doesn't.
Now that DJ and Stephanie are new roomies, they're doing the classic sit-com "dividing the room in half" thing. I love these tried and true devices. You go, DJ! Mark your territory! Stake your claim! You know that Stephanie can't wait to get her grubby little hands all over your Paula Abdul poster and your Rave hairspray.
Stop what you are doing and read PS. Read More......
Watch Clooney stare at goats.
The trailer is up for George Clooney's forthcoming THE MEN WHO STARED AT GOATS. I had no paid much attention to this project, but the trailer has me very interested. It looks hella entertaining.
n this quirky dark comedy inspired by a real life story you will hardly believe is actually true, astonishing revelations about a top-secret wing of the U.S. military come to light when a reporter encounters an enigmatic Special Forces operator on a mind-boggling mission. Reporter Bob Wilton (Ewan McGregor) is in search of his next big story when he encounters Lyn Cassady (Academy Award®winner George Clooney), a shadowy figure who claims to be part of an experimental U.S. military unit.
According to Cassady, the New Earth Army is changing the way wars are fought. A legion of “Warrior Monks” with unparalleled psychic powers can read the enemy’s thoughts, pass through solid walls, and even kill a goat simply by staring at it. Now, the program’s founder, Bill Django (Oscar® nominee Jeff Bridges), has gone missing and Cassady’s mission is to find him. Intrigued by his new acquaintance’s far-fetched stories, Bob impulsively decides to accompany him on the search. When the pair tracks Django to a clandestine training camp run by renegade psychic Larry Hooper (two-time Oscar® winner Kevin Spacey), the reporter is trapped in the middle of a grudge match between the forces of Django’s New Earth Army and Hooper’s personal militia of super soldiers. In order to survive this wild adventure, Bob will have to outwit an enemy he never thought possible. The Men Who Stare at Goats was inspired by Jon Ronson’s non-fiction bestseller of the same name, an eye-opening and often hilarious exploration of the government’s attempts to harness paranormal abilities to combat its enemies.
The film lands in theaters on Nov 6th.
Friday, August 28, 2009
NCIS: The Sixth Season
Paramount Home Entertainment
MSRP: $55.98
Stars: Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Cote de Pablo, Pauley Perrette, Sean Murray, Rocky Carroll, David McCallum
Release date: August 25, 2009
NCIS has never rested on its laurels. By Season 5, it had seen the retirement and reinstatement of its lead character and the deaths of two major supporting characters. Between Seasons 5 and 6, however, it took perhaps its biggest risk yet—breaking up its team of regulars.
In the season premiere, we learn new director Vance (Rocky Carroll) broke up the team in hopes of exposing a traitor within NCIS. By the end of the episode, we're surprised to learn the traitor is recurring Special Agent Michelle Lee (Liza Lapira). Lee reappears in the mid-season episodes "Collateral Damage", "Cloak", and "Dagger", finally revealing she's been blackmailed to pass military secrets to a controller who has kidnapped her younger sister.
The season's second major arc involves unsanctioned assassinations by Mossad agent Michael Rivkin (Merik Tadros) on U.S. soil, testing Ziva David's loyalties. For two late-season episodes, the hunt for Rivkin leads to Los Angeles, bringing in an undercover team of NCIS agents (a backdoor pilot for the spinoff NCIS: Los Angeles).
Ultimately, the team breakup forced viewers to consider the regular character as individuals, and between the two arcs, many episodes highlighted a particular character. My favorites were:
"Agent Afloat", focusing on one of DiNozzo's cases aboard the U.S.S. Seahawk.
"Heartland," drawing Gibbs back to his hometown of Stillwater, Pennsylvania and reuniting him with his father (played by Ralph Waite).
"Bounce", in which DiNozzo re-opens an investigation he headed while Gibbs was retired and Gibbs follows his lead.
"South by Southwest", in which Gibbs and DiNozzo go on horseback to track a murderer through Arizona.
Extras:
Disc One: "Bodies of Work" featurette hosted by Brian Dietzen ("Jimmy Palmer") about how the dead bodies seen on NCIS are constructed.
Disc Two: A DVD exclusive acoustic version of Pauley Perette's song "Fear".
Disc Three: "Starting With a Bang" featurette about how the writers plotted how to bring the team back together and maintain interest throughout Season 6.
Disc Four: Commentary on the episode "Broken Bird" with David McCallum and James Whitmore Jr., and on "Bounce" with Michael Weatherly.
Disc Five: Commentary on the episode "Toxic" with Pauley Perrette and Sean Murray, and "Horsin' Around", a featurette on the making of "South By Southwest".
Disc Six: "Cruising Along" season recap and "Six Degrees of Conversation", a conversation with the cast on their favorite moments of Season 6, hosted by Entertainment Tonight's Kevin Frazier.
--Gerald So
DVD Review: SUPERNATURAL: The Complete Fourth Season
Warner Home Video
MSRP: $59.98
Release date: September 1, 2009
Stars: Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Jim Beaver, Misha Collins, Genevieve Cortese
At the start of Supernatural's fourth season, Dean Winchester (Jensen Ackles), who had sacrificed his soul for his brother and gone to Hell, rises from his grave, resurrected by the angel Castiel (Misha Collins). Though Dean feels as if he's been away forty years, only four months have passed for the living. In that time, his brother Sam (Jared Padalecki) has learned how to draw demons out of people with the assistance of the seductive demon Ruby (Genevieve Cortese). Dean struggles to come to grips with the existence of God and angels in a world where so much goes wrong, but Castiel reveals that Dean was rescued to help prevent the breaking of sixty-six mystical seals, which would free Lucifer to walk the earth.
Thankfully, Supernatural doesn't get bogged down in its own mythology. It is tightly written and planned out to five seasons, but you still feel the freedom of the open road, the idea that the brothers can encounter anything while heading toward their larger goals. Supernatural also avoids moralizing. Sam and Dean are flawed heroes who hunt demons more out of self-defense than righteousness. At times they seem like pawns in the ongoing war between angels and demons, the role you'd expect humans to play.
The tone of the show is appropriately dark and serious, but seems to be lightened with humor at the right moments, in the right proportion. In short, it's a show that keeps you watching. Creator Eric Kripke has said he only has enough story for five seasons. I'd like to see the show stick to that plan and go down as a cult classic that does the horror genre proud.
The six-disc set includes commentary on three episodes, a featurette gallery on the mythologies of Supernatural, deleted and extended scenes, and a gag reel.
--Gerald So
Film Review: DISTRICT NINE.
I am pleased as punch (what the hell does that mean??) to welcome Patty Abbott to CRIMESREE CINEMA. Much like the rest of us, Patti loves films and television as well as books. She will be sharing her thoughts on new films.
DISTRICT NINE.
Starring Sharlto Copley, Jason Cope and Robert Hobbs.
Directed by Neill Blomkamp
Produced by Peter Jackson.
Written and Directed by Neill Blomkamp & Terri Tatchell (based on ALIVE IN JOBURG, a 2005 short directed by Blomkamp and written by Copley).
Theatrical release date: Aug 14, 2009
Rated: R
Runtime: 112 min
The film uses a documentary style, which is somewhat pedagogical at times. Its usage keeps the audience up to speed, however. I never floundered in following the chain of events and there is something to be said for that.
Plot: Aliens have been stranded on earth for twenty years. Their spaceship still hovers overhead in Johannesburg. Humans entered the craft after months of speculation about the intentions of its residents. The “rescued” aliens, who resemble insects, are called “prawns” and are consigned to District Nine. District Nine is soon a slum and the aliens must forage for food and other necessities. They are policed by a military contractor, much like some prisons in the US today. As the film opens, the aliens are about to be transported to a district further from the city center. They’ve become a nuisance, a blight on the landscape. The bureaucrat assigned to the task of relocating the aliens is contaminated through contact, and most of the film hereafter concerns his plight. The audience can more easily empathize with a human face. Kafka’s Metamorphosis meets ET, in effect.
Of course, this film turns earlier movies about aliens on their ear by making the aliens, though annoying and repulsive to humans, the victims rather than the oppressors. The bureaucrat makes a transition from being a government mouthpiece to becoming a hero, at least on his own behalf. There are some good effects and actions scenes, perhaps too many of the later. But the film excels in demonstrating how outsiders are treated by our society.
The film is inspired, if that’s the right word, by the treatment of black South Africans under apartheid. District Six in South African was relocated when it became a “whites only” area. Sixty thousand people were relocated in 1966.
There was definitely a “gag” factor in watching this film. The women in our group watched much of it through splayed fingers. Gore doesn’t bother me as much as overt violence though. At first the aliens seem fairly unintelligent but as the movie progresses, as we get to see them take action in their own environment, we come to appreciate that being stranded in an alien culture has this effect.
There are a few too many dull scenes of exchanges of gunfire toward the end without any particular originality. Secondary parts are not played that well. The muscle acts like muscle in a million other movies. But on the whole, the message is so strong, the effects done so well, we can’t help but be caught up in it. Its greatest strength is its original concept—that we, with greater numbers and on our home planet, are the ones to be feared. I can’t think of any reason not to see this film.
Patti Abbott
Check out Patti's blog.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
UFC fighter Rampage Jackson to play B.A. in A-TEAM?
We had previously mentioned that he had auditioned for the role, but most saw him as a long shot. Despite having little acting experience, Quintin is very charismatic and physically fits the role.
But The Sun has reported it's share of goofy stories, including the current claim that Megan Fox is slated to play the Catwoman in the next BATMAN film. There is no script or story, casting is a good year away. This is nonsense.
One more thing that has me skeptical:
A-team is slated to film from Sept 14th through early December. Rampage recently completed filming season ten of THE ULTIMATE FIGHTER and is slated to face fellow coach and former LHW champ Rashad Evans on Dec 12th. Unless they cancel that ppv, there is no way Page would be ready. All of his down time will be spent working with an acting coach (same as Randy Couture when he did the Scorpion prequel). That fight is slated to take place in Page's hometown of Memphis. The UFC could push the fight back to early 2010, but the Dec 12th PPV would need to be moved from Mempis, I can't see them doing good business there without Page.
We should get some confirmation/denial in the next day on this. Page certainly could add some fun to the project.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
DVD Review: SMALLVILLE Season 8
Warner Home Video
MSRP: $59.98
Release date: August 25, 2009
Stars: Tom Welling, Allison Mack, Erica Durance, Aaron Ashmore, Cassidy Freeman, Sam Witwer, Justin Hartley
Going into Smallville's eighth season, original developers/exec producers Al Gough and Miles Millar were replaced by Kelly Souders, Brian Peterson, Darren Swimmer, and Todd Slavkin. Onscreen, two major villains, Lionel and Lex Luthor (John Glover and Michael Rosenbaum) had been written off the show. To compensate two new adversaries for Clark Kent were introduced: Tess Mercer (Cassidy Freeman), new head of LuthorCorp, and Davis Bloome (Sam Witwer), dedicated paramedic destined to become the comic book villain Doomsday.
The past few seasons of Smallville have struck me as very uneven. Well past its original five-year plan, the show has muddled its way through Clark's college years, and by the end of its Season 8 premiere, he's been hired by the Daily Planet, partnered with Lois Lane.
Lois and Clark's partnership/romance is to me the most engaging aspect of the Superman mythos and I never tire of seeing it played out. The only drawback to its portrayal on Smallville is that Erica Durance's contract limits her to thirteen out of twenty-two episodes a season, so viewers get stops and starts.
Also, I didn't think I would, but I enjoyed the re-imagining of Doomsday as a conflicted character who struggles with his violent tendencies. Davis Bloome was a good obstacle to Chloe's romance with Jimmy Olsen, and my favorite Smallville writer, Caroline Dries, did a credible job of linking him to classic nemesis Zod (in the episode "Bloodline").
Other Season 8 highlights include the elevation of Oliver Queen (Justin Hartley) to series regular, the multi-episode return of Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk), and a Legion of Superheroes episode written by Geoff Johns.
Overall, while a change at the top gave the show some life, Season 8 was a mixed bag. If you've remained a fan all this time, there's still enough to enjoy here and make Season 8 worth owning.
The six-disc set includes two audio commentaries, deleted scenes, and featurettes: on Allison Mack's directorial debut (in the episode "Power"), and on the re-imagining of Doomsday.
--Gerald So
DVD Review: DIRTY SEXY MONEY – The Final Season
Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Release date:
MSRP: $39.99
Stars: Peter Krause, Donald Sutherland, William Baldwin, Seth Gabel, Glenn Fitzgerald, Blair Underwood, Jill Clayburgh, Lucy Lui, Zoe Mclellan, Natalie Zea
Nick Fisher (Peter Krause) is the family attorney for the Darlings, one of the richest, most powerful families in New York. They make Donald Trump look like a paperboy. Before him, his father held the post. That post robbed Nick of his father and, despite vowed to not let that happen, Nick is now heading down that very same path.
DSM underwent some behind the scenes changes between seasons one and two and there was a decision to spice things up a bit. Make it “Dirtier, Sexier” and pretty much make everyone much more annoying.
I originally lost interest midway through the season, but am happy to report that the second half of the season saw the characters regain some depth and humanity. Once again, I found myself interested in what happened to most of the characters.
I could try to sum up the season, but that would take more space than we have. Here is a bit of what you can expect from season two: Charges of murder, accusations of murder when it was an accident, Karen dumped by Simon Elder (Blair Underwood), a childhood romance is rekindled, A pregnancy in the Darling family, , an unlikely person announced as future CEO of Darling Enterprises, a bitter spouse writers a tell-all book, foes working together and much more.
Extras:
Extras include 3 featurettes as well as some bloopers and deleted scenes. Entertaining, but I would have liked to have gotten a little bang for the buck. Maybe some commentary tracks.
Truthfully, I enjoyed season one more, but fans should check out season two, if only so they can say goodbye to Nick, Karen, Tripp and the rest of the Darling clan.
Order season two of DIRTY SEXY MONEY.
Jeremy Lynch
For more reviews from Jeremy, and the rest of the Crimespree crew, check out the index of reviews.
Blu-ray Review: THE TOWERING INFERNO
20th CENTURY FOX Home Entertainment
Release date: July 14th, 2009
MSRP: $34.98
Stars: Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Richard Chamberlain
Going back and watching The Towering Inferno was incredible. It still gives me goose bumps when Paul Newman yells at William Holden, “Why?! Because we’ve got a FIRE here!!!” I am not sure if it’s the gravity of the situation (and Holden’s character’s stupid “Why should we evacuate?”) that gets me worked up; or the fact that Paul Newman is one of the freaking coolest guys ever to grace the screen; or if it is, perhaps, some errant homoerotic sensation that the then 49 year old Newman could awaken in the machoest of men or the manliest of women….I mean c’mon, let’s face it; even at 81 Newman is a damn sexy guy. (….Mmmmm, Paul Newman. NO! NO! NO! MMMMM, JESSICA ALBA!!! Mmm, Carla Gugino. Mmmmmmmmmm, Jennifer Love Hewitt..... mmmm-hmm!!! Yep, THAT’S the one. Phew!) Okay, okay; I think I’ve recovered.
Ahem. Well then, where was I? Oh, yes… The Poseidon Adven…no, no; The Towering Inferno. That’s right. (J-Love does it every time! She can bring me back from anywhere.)
Inferno’s special effects were not only good for 1974; they were good for eighty-four, ninety-four, or ought-four. What is the premise? Paul Newman designs and William Holden builds the tallest skyscraper in the world, but due to some corner cutting by Holden’s son-in-law Richard Chamberlain, the building catches fire on the night of the gala opening. That’s the story: there, I just ruined it for you. It should be mentioned that if you are looking for a deep and meaningful plot this is NOT your movie, but you don’t really need an intricate and multilayered plotline when you’ve got disaster, daring rescues, courageous firemen, and a BUTTload of star power: Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Fred Astaire, Susan Blakely, Richard Chamberlain, Jennifer Jones, Robert Vaughn, Robert Wagner, and an actor we thought that would never amount to anything, named--wait for it--O.J. Simpson. (Juice saves a kitty from a burning room, showing us his “soft side.”) What a magical on-screen pairing, a pairing for the ages: Paul Newman and O.J. Simpson. Forget the scenes between screen legends Newman and McQueen, watch O.J. and Paul go at it. Sparks fly, and all I can say is “WOW!!!” …Anyway…. (It may be time for me to cut back on the meds.)
Video: The Towering Inferno looks pretty darn good. I mean, it looked good before, but now it looks BETTER. The flames look lifelike and the carnage is sharper than ever. The details on William Holden's weathered face are amazing, you can count the wrinkles!
Order THE TOWERING INFERNO on BD.
Randy Otteson
For more reviews from Randy, and the rest of the Crimespree crew, check out the index of reviews.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
THE MIDDLEMAN: THE DOOMSDAY ARMAGEDDON APOCALYPSE
I'm a fan of Javier Grillo-Marxuach's Middleman and everyone involved with the comics and ABC Family TV series. Unfortunately, the show's season finale was never shot, the powers-that-be deciding to cut Episode 13 and pump more money into Episode 12, "The Palindrome Reversal Palindrome."
Fortunately, Grillo-Marxuach and Viper Comics brought the climactic, hugely revealing finale to the page.
The artwork is redone to match Natalie Morales, Matt Keeslar, Brit Morgan, and the gang, and you can just hear their inflection in the speech bubbles. This is the closure fans of any canceled show crave.
As great as the graphic novel is, YouTube clips of the Middleman table read from Comic-Con—including Grillo-Marxuach's super-fanboy stage directions—are also a must-see.
--Gerald So
DVD Review: HERE'S LUCY: Season one
HERE'S LUCY: Season 1
MPI
Release date: Aug 25th, 2009
MSRP: $29.98
Stars: Lucille Ball, Gale Gordon, Lucie Arnaz, Desi Arnaz Jr., Sid Gould
All 24 episodes from the first season of Here's Lucy are presented in glorious form by MPI Home Video. This was Lucille Ball's third foray into sitcoms, after I Love Lucy and The Lucy Show. While those two shows have been in constant syndicated rotation since their original airdates, Here's Lucy has not been seen regularly on TV in decades. Lucy fans around the globe have been anxiously anticipating this release and will not be disappointed.
A "best of" set was released back in 2004, with episodes hand picked by co-stars (and Lucy's children) Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz, Jr. Fans went gaga over the wealth of extras on that set, including audio intoductions on every episode and tons of backstage footage. It hardly seems possible, but MPI has gone a step further with this new release and taped video intros to each and every episode by a variety of people involved with the show. Also included are retro CBS promos and radio interviews with the stars. The picture and sound quality is astounding, considering the age of the material. It is clear a great deal of care went into restoring the series.
Here's Lucy may not be the most revered or beloved sitcom from America's favorite redhead, but there is certainly a lot to admire about it. Guest stars galore, including Carol Burnett and Jackie Gleason, as well as one kooky set-up after another, make this a must for anyone who loves to laugh. MPI should be applauded for the stunning transfers and extra features, making this the absolute best Lucy DVD release to date.
Bradley Hayward
Bradley's web site
For more reviews from Bradley, and the rest of the Crimespree crew, check out the index of reviews.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Rucka's QUEEN & COUNTRY snags hot screenwriter.
With one of his titles coming to the big screen shortly (WHITEOUT) writer Greg Rucka may now have a second title going through the Hollywood machinery.
THR has posted that Ryan Condal has been hired to adapt Rucka's excellent graphic novel series for FOX. Condal will actually be reworking a previous screenplay (by John Miller).
While Condal has not had a project hit the silver screen yet, he is a hot commodity in Hollywood right now. Last year, he had a project land on the BLACK LIST. The BL comes from 250+ studio execs that offer up their top ten screenplays that are not en route to the theaters. Getting on the list can be a pretty big deal. It certainly has gotten Condal's name into the ears of the studio bigwigs.
Q&C is about Tara Chance, a British operative that is now on the run after a high-profile assassination in Eastern Europe.
I really enjoyed the two Q&C series I read, as well as a novel with Tara. No word on who would play Tara, but Nichole Kidman was once attached...yuck.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
SHUTTER ISLAND pushed back to Feb, 2010.
Word has come out that the film version of Dennis Lehane's SHUTTER ISLAND has been delayed to Febuary 19, 2010. It had an original release date of October 2nd.
From Oscar®-winning director Martin Scorsese, “Shutter Island” is the story of two U.S. marshals, Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), who are summoned to a remote and barren island off the coast of Massachusetts to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a murderess from the island’s fortress-like hospital for the criminally insane.
In addition to Ruffalo and DiCaprio, SI also features Michelle Williams, Patricia Clarkeson, Sir Ben Kingsley, Max Von Sydow, Jackie Earle Haley and Emily Mortimer.
I think pretty much everyone out there is taken aback by this move. SI was considered to be Oscar bait, the move obviously eliminates it from award consideration.
The reasons appear to be a combination of a lack of advertising money (it is being reported that the promotion would run 50-60 million) and DiCaprio being unavailable for international promotion.
The head of Paramount, Brad Grey released the following statement:""Our 2009 slate was greenlit in a very different economic climate and as a result we must remain flexible and willing to recalibrate and adapt to a changing environment. This is a situation facing every single studio as we all work through the financial pressures associated with the broader downturn. Like every business, we must make difficult choices to maximize our overall success and to best manage Paramount’s business in a way that serves Viacom and its shareholders, while providing the film with every possible chance to succeed both creatively and financially.
"Leonardo DiCaprio is among the most talented actors working today and Martin Scorsese is not just one of the world's most significant filmmakers, but also a personal friend. Following a highly successful 2009, we have every confidence that Shutter Island is a great anchor to lead off our 2010 slate and the shift in date is the best decision for the film, the studio and ultimately Viacom."
There is quite a bit of chatter that the move amounts to a bid of no confidence from Paramount. The initial script did get slapped around a bit from onliners, but it is not known if said script was the final draft. Many seem to think that Paramount is moving it to give the promotion push to films it has more faith in.
Credit goes to Nikki Finke for first breaking the story.
Friday, August 21, 2009
BLITZ cast adds Aiden Gillen to the cast.
Elliott Lester's film version of Ken Bruen's BLITZ is filling out it's cast.
Aidan Gillen (Mayor Tommy Carcetti)has joined the cast. As a huge WIRE fan, I am pumped anytime one of those fine fellows pops up. Aidan has been nominated not only for a BAFTA (I did not even know he was Irish) but a TONY as well.
Ken Bruen calls the signing of Gillen as "a dream come through" as he is also a big fan of THE WIRE.
He joins the previously announced Jason Statham and Paddy Considine.
In addition to Aidan, fellow BAFTA nominee David Morrissey (Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, State of Play, Nowhere Boy)is on board.
In addition to those four, BLITZ stars Tony Award winner Mark Rylance (Currently at the Royal Court in Jez Butterworths Jerusalem), Zawe Ashton (St Trinian’s II: The Legend of Fritton’s Gold), Richard Riddell (The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus), Luke Evans (Clash of the Titans) and Nicky Henson (Vera Drake).
And don't forget the Ken Bruen will also be popping up in BLITZ.
FORGOTTEN FRIDAY.
Miz Patti Abott asked me to participate in a fairly cool profect: On Friday the 21st (that would be today), various bloggers wrote about forgotten films and books.
Patty has posted my review on ALWAYS OUTNUMBERED, ALWAYS OUTGUNNED on her site.
Bill Crider
Cullen Gallagher
Eric Peterson
George Kelley
Gary
Randy Johnson
Claire2E
Kieran Shea
Todd Mason
Scott Parker
Jack
Books-
Kerrie Smith
Ed Gorman
Vicki Delany
Paul Bishop
RT
Be sure to take a few minutes and read the various postings.
Read More......2009 Nominees for SHAMUS Awards.
PRIVATE EYE WRITERS OF AMERICA ANNOUNCES
2009 NOMINEES FOR SHAMUS AWARDS
The Private Eye Writers of America (PWA) is proud to announce the nominees for the 28th annual Shamus Awards, given annually to recognize outstanding achievement in private eye fiction. The 2009 awards cover works first published in the U.S. in 2008. The awards will be presented at the PWA banquet, to be held Friday evening Oct. 16, 2009, in Indianapolis, Indiana, during the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention.
2009 Shamus Awards Nominees
Best Hardcover
Salvation Boulevard by Larry Beinhart (Nation Books), featuring Carl Vanderveer
Empty Ever After by Reed Farrel Coleman (Bleak House Books), featuring Moe Prager
The Blue Door by David Fulmer (Harcourt), featuring Eddie Cero
The Price of Blood by Declan Hughes (Wm. Morrow), featuring Ed Loy
The Ancient Rain by Domenic Stansberry (St. Martins Minotaur) featuring Dante Mancuso
Best First PI Novel
Stalking Susan by Julie Kramer (Doubleday), featuring Riley Spartz
Swann’s Last Song by Charles Salzberg (Five Star), featuring Henry Swann
The Eye of Jade by Diane Wei Liang (Simon & Schuster), featuring Mei Wang
In the Heat by Ian Vasquez (St. Martins Minotaur), featuring Miles Young
Veil of Lies by Jeri Westerson (St Martins Minotaur), featuring Crispin Guest
Best Paperback Original
Snow Blind by Lori Armstrong (Medallion) featuring Julie Collins
Shot Girl by Karen Olson (Obsidian) featuring Annie Seymour
The Stolen by Jason Pinter (MIRA) featuring Henry Parker
The Black Hand by Will Thomas (Touchstone/Simon &Schuster) featuring Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn.
The Evil That Men Do by Dave White (Crown/Three Rivers Press) featuring Jackson Donne
Best Short Story
“Family Values” by Mitch Alderman (Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, June 2008), featuring Bubba Simms
“Last Island South” by John C. Boland. (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Sep/Oct 2008), featuring Meggie Trevor
“The Blonde Tigress” by Max Allan Collins (Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, June 2008), featuring Nate Heller
“Discovery” by Kristine Kathryn Rusch (Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Nov 2008), featuring Pita Cárdenas
“Panic on Portage Path” by Dick Stodghill (Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Jan/Feb 2008), featuring Jack Eddy and Bram Geary.
PWA was founded in 1981 by Robert J. Randisi to recognize the private eye genre and its writers. Previous Shamus winners include Lawrence Block, Ken Bruen, Harlan Coben, Max Allan Collins, Michael Connelly, Robert Crais, O’Neil deNoux, Brendan DuBois, Loren D. Estleman, Carolina Garcia-Aguilera, Sue Grafton, James W. Hall, Steve Hamilton, Jeremiah Healy, Dennis Lehane, Laura Lippman, John Lutz, Bill Pronzini, S.J. Rozan, Sandra Scoppettone and Don Winslow. P.I. Guy logo by Terry Beatty.
Congrats to all nominees, I would like to throw a special "good on ya" to Crimespree contributor and all-around good guy Reed Coleman.
Bryan Singer gears up to remake ANOTHER movie
Bryan Singer has just been attached to a remake of Excaliber.
Variety article here
Good God Almighty!
Stop! Stop with the remakes. The original Excaliber is a great movie and I really don't see Singer being able to bring anything to it to make it better.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. Bryan Singer needs to find original material. Stop remaking and re imagining things. Leave the nostalgia on your DVD shelves at home and look for something NEW to work on. Stay away from Battlestar, leave Excaliber alone.
And for future reference, we don't need you doing a Brisco County Movie, No ER film, and Die Hard is left well alone thank you.
Singer's not a bad director, I liked X-Men one, Valkyrie had some moments, though it was too long. But his Superman was rubbish. The script was terrible and it seemed like was was just writing a love letter to earlier movies with his directing of Superman Returns.
I understand loving old movies and TV shows, I have many and watch them often, but that doesn't mean we need them remade.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Japanese poster of SHUTTER ISLAND.
Another poster for SHUTTER ISLAND, this time from Japan. Every poster thus far has been pretty cool. If nothing else, the film has some good art.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Blu-ray Review: GREEN LANTERN: FIRST FLIGHT
Warner Premiere
Release date: July 28, 2009
Stars: Christopher Meloni, Victor Garber, Tricia Helfer, Michael Madsen, John Larroquette
Written by Alan Burnett
Directed by Lauren Montgomery
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 77 minutes
Warner Bros. Animation's fifth direct-to-DVD feature based on DC Comics depicts Hal Jordan's (Meloni) first deep space adventure upon joining the intergalactic peacekeeping Green Lantern Corps. Respected veteran Lantern Sinestro (Garber) offers to take Jordan under his wing while he gains the trust of his colleagues and superiors.
Longtime Green Lantern fans may not find much nuance or suspense here, but the high-profile voice cast is worth hearing. Meloni conveys Jordan's cockiness and intensity. Victor Garber is perfectly cast as the polished villain. Fellow Lantern Kilowog, who in previous cartoons had been played for humor, gets the right amount of menace from Michael Madsen.
As powerful as the Lanterns are, it can be difficult to empathize with them. Fortunately, when Jordan is framed for murder, his ring is taken away, giving his strength of character time to shine. I was concerned that 77 minutes wouldn't be enough for a large-scale space adventure, but I found the movie well-paced.
Video: 1080p High Definition 16x9 1.78:1 I noticed no defects in the picture, an improvement over the previous Wonder Woman Blu-ray release.
Audio: Dolby TrueHD English 5.1, Dolby Digital English 5.1
Special Features: Unlike previous releases, there is no movie-length audio commentary, but there is the usual assortment of backstory features, related short cartoons, and previews of other DC animated films—presented in Standard Definition, Stereo.
--Gerald So
Blu-ray Review: SLING BLADE
Buena Vista Home Entertainment
Release date: Aug 4th, 2009
MSRP: $34.99
Director: Billy Bob Thorton
Writer: Billy Bob Thorton
Stars: Billy Bob Thornton, Dwight Yoakam, J.T. Walsh, John Ritter, Lucas Black
As I prepared to watch SLING BLADE, I wondered if it really was as great as I remembered it. Since then, Billy Bob Thornton's career has been a mixed bag. Some good, some bad. Perhaps Sling Blade was simply a good film that caught us by surprise.
Not a chance, SLING BLADE is still every bit as fine as I remembered it.
While Thornton's career has been mainly acting, he did not simply star in SB, but wrote and directed it as well. Watching it, both the script and direction have the feel of a long-time pro rather than new talent. The Academy agreed and gave him an Oscar for best original screenplay.
Thornton stars as Karl, a mentally impaired man who is about to be released from a mental hospital. Karl has been there since he was in his teens. He murdered his mother and her lover after walking in on them. The film is named for the weapon he used.
A hospital administrator finds Karl a job at a local repair shop. He soon meets, and befriends, a boy named Frank (Lucas Black). Frank's mother Linda (Natalie Canderday) offers him a place to stay. Linda and Frank, along with Linda's friend Vaughn (John Ritter), a gay shopkeeper, become a sort of surrogate family for Karl.
So everything sounds nice and happy, right? Well here comes the film's conflict: Linda has a rather cruel, and often drunk, dirtbag of a boyfriend named Doyle (Dwight Yoakam). Doyle treats Linda like crap, and Frank even worse, and mocking both Vaughn and Karl to no end.
All parties involved do an excellent job acting. You would think that Dwight Yoakm has been an abusive drunk all his life, and John Ritter is excellent. Thornton has overshadowed the rest of the cast with his performance. He seems to undergo a complete transformation to become Karl. His voice, his face and even how he carries himself. But without the stellar acting by Ritter, Black and Yokam, this film would not hold up. They help fill out this amazing world that Thornton has brought us to.
This disc brings over plenty of nice extras from previous releases. Anyone that has any interest in SLING BLADE will be more than satisfied. We get a commentary track by Thorton as well as an hour+ peice on him. The extras clock in at over 3 hours.
One complaint is that the collector's edition featured the director's cut, which was 12 minutes longer. It would have been nice to have that here.
Order SLING BLADE on Blu-ray
Jeremy Lynch
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
DVD Releases for Aug 18th.
The Beast: Season 1 (2009) Patrick Swayze, Lindsay Pulsipher, Travis Fimmel, and Kevin J. O'Connor. Three-disc set with 13 episodes, $39.95. Extras: Thirteen behind-the-scenes featurettes. (Sony).
"Patrick Swayze is back and gunning for justice as Charles Barker, an unorthodox but effective FBI veteran in The Beast. Though considered by many, including rookie partner agent Ellis Dove (Travis Fimmel), to be the best in the business, FBI undercover operative Barker has a style that is nothing if not unconventional. In pushing Dove to immerse himself more deeply into the characters they create, Barker makes it clear how the stresses and dangers of working undercover make normal relationships impossible. As he and his mentor are tested by cases that pit them against ruthless drug lords, dangerous arms dealers, corrupt cops and deadly killers-for-hire, Dove also struggles with his own secret: he's being asked to cooperate with an FBI investigation of Barker, who's suspected of going rogue. And as Dove is pressured to become an informant, Barker launches his own investigation into a conspiracy within the Bureau that's protecting a secret cadre of agents operating outside the law."
Dexter: The Complete Third Season (2008) Michael C Hall, Jennifer Carpenter, Julie Benz, Jimmy Smits Four-disc set with 12 episodes, $42.99 (DVD), $54799 (Blu-ray). (Paramount).
"DEXTER is back and more killer than ever. The Emmy-nominated Showtime Original Series (Best Drama Series, Lead Actor in a Drama Series) returns for an all-new season – and this time Dexter’s got a new take on taking life. Having faced some of his darkest demons, Dexter’s ready to put the past behind him. Now, with family life, a day job catching killers and an uncontrollable urge to do away with the ones that get away, Dexter’s got his work cut out for him. And when a high-profile case sides him with powerful Assistant DA Miguel Prado (special guest star JIMMY SMITS), the pressure might be too great for even our beloved Dexter to hack."
The Last Starfighter 25th Anniversary Edition (1984) Lance Guest, Robert Preston, Dan O'Herlihy, Catherine Mary Stewart. Extras: "Heroes of the Screen," "Crossing the Frontier: Making The Last Starfighter," commentary by director Nick Castle and production designer Ron Cobb, image gallery. $19.98 (DVD), $29.98(Blu-ray). (Universal).
“Greetings, Starfighter! You have been recruited by the Star League to defend the frontier against Xur and the Kodan Armada.” So begins an adventure of galactic proportions in The Last Starfighter. After Earthling Alex (Lance Guest) conquers the Starfighter video game, he is recruited by alien Centauri (Robert Preston) to be part of an elite legion of fighters. Leaving behind his trailer park home for the outer regions of space, Alex becomes the last hope for the beleaguered Star League and hundreds of worlds – including Earth. Loaded with out-of-this-world bonus features and digitally remastered for optimum picture quality, The Last Starfighter 25th Anniversary Edition is the ultimate video game fantasy come true!"
Simon & Simon: Season Three (1983-84)Gerald McRaney, Jameson Parker, Tim Reid Six-disc set with 23 episodes, $49.99. (Shout! Factory).
"Season Three finds Rick and A.J. facing trouble again in beautiful San Diego, CA, on the trail of missing radio personalities, crooked magicians, gamblers, horse smugglers and murderers. Together the Simons put their street smarts and book sense to good use in a brotherly one-two punch, leading to some action that is not always pretty and, for sure, not always friendly, but ultimately gets the case solved. Season Three would introduce Tim Reid as Detective Marcel 'Downtown' Brown and featured guest stars James Avery, Michael Constantine, Mario Lopez, John Reilly and more."
The Simpsons: The Complete Twelfth Season (2000-01) Four-disc set with 21 episodes, $49.98. Extras: Introduction by Matt Groening; commentaries on every episode with Groening and executive producers,writers, actors and directors; deleted scenes; animation showcases; original sketches; special language feature; and more. (Fox).
Sons of Anarchy Season One (2008) Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal, Mark Boone Junior, and Kim Coates Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.98 (DVD), $59.99 (Blu-ray). Extras: Behind-the-scenes making-of featurettes, cast and crew commentary on select episodes, deleted scenes, gag reel. (Fox).
"The writer of the Shield and the producer of the Sopranos bring you the most ruthless adrenaline-packed new drama of 2009. With over 40 minutes of unaired scenes, the DVD takes you even deeper in the unexplored world of this outlaw Californian Motorcycle Club as its members struggle to balance family life and weapon-trafficking business."
Surveillance (2009) Dir.: Jennifer Lynch; Julia Ormond, Bill Pullman, Pell James, Ryan Simpkins, French Stewart, Kent Harper, Michael Ironside. $26.98 (Magnolia Home Entertainment).
"Somewhere deep inside the Santa Fe desert there's been a number of blood-curdling murders. The local police station apprehends three witnesses: Officer Jack Bennet, one of their own, tough, but affected by recent events; Bobby, high as a kite on cocaine; and Stephanie, an eight-years-old who has just witnessed her family being brutally murdered by two figures dressed in jumpsuits, gloves, boots, and horrifyingly disfiguring blue latex masks. FBI agents Elizabeth Anderson (Julia Ormond) and Sam Hallaway (Bill Pullman) arrive at the police station, and have three sets of stories to figure out. As the witnesses tell their stories one by one, the gruesome, murderous events unravel. But as the Feds begin to expose the fragile little details each witness conceals so carefully with a well practiced lie, they soon discover that uncovering "the truth" can come at a very big cost."
Monday, August 17, 2009
Art, extras for season one of CASTLE.
A bestselling novelist (Nathan Fillion) and a New York City detective (Stana Katic) delve into real world crime, starting with a copycat killer who recreates the murder scenes depicted in his novels. Finding true life mysteries more stimulating than fiction, writer Richard Castle continues to offer his professional insights to Detective Kate Beckett— whether she wants them or not. Sparks fly and a hint of romance hangs in the air as these two strong personalities investigate some of the most puzzling crimes on the
NYPD’s docket.
I am a fan of both CASTLE and Nathan Fillion. CASTLE does have some weaker crime stories, but the characters are good and the dialogue is very fun. I suggest picking up season one.
Buena Vista Home Entertainment's press release listed the following extras:
Misdemeanors: Bloopers & Outtakes
Whodunit: The Genesis of Castle - The show's creators talk about the genesis of Castle, including insights into how the great fictional detectives and mystery writers of the past have influenced the show.
Castle's Godfather - Meet frequent Cast guest star and legendary Mystery Writer/Television Producer Stephen J. Cannell
Exclusive Audio Commentaries
Write-Along With Nathan Fillion - Join the star of Castle as he spends a hilarious day tagging along with a real-life mystery writer
MSRP: $39.99
The second season of Castle airs on ABC starting September 21, 2009.
Blu-ray Info: FIGHT CLUB coming to Blu-ray.
This comes from The Digital Bits:
20th Century Fox will be releasing FIGHT CLUB on Blu-ray, on November 17th.
Extras will include:
Commentary with director David Fincher
Commentary with Fincher, Brad Pitt, Edward Norton and Helena Bonham Carter, Commentary with author Chuck Palahniuk and Jim Uhls
Commentary by Alex McDowell, Jeff Cronenweth, Michael Kaplan and Kevin Haug
7 deleted and alternate scenes
Featurettes
A Hit in the Ear: Ren Klyce and the Sound Design of Fight Club
Welcome to Fight Club
Angel Faces Beating
The Crash
Tyler's Goodbye
Work: Production
Visual Effects
On Location and more
An Insomniac Mode viewing option
Guys Choice Award
Edward Norton interview
a music video
12 TV spots
trailers (including the 8 Rules of Fight Club
promotional and art galleries, Internet spots and more.
Beatings in HD, what more can you ask for?
DVD Review: DEAD LIKE ME: LIFE AFTER DEATH
MGM/Twentieth Century Fox
Stars: Ellen Muth, Callum Blue, Henry Ian Cusick, Cynthia Stevenson, Sarah Wynter
Written by Stephen Godchaux and John Masius
Director: Stephen Herek
Release date: February 17, 2009
Rated: R
Runtime: 87 minutes
Though I didn't get to see Dead Like Me in its first run (2003-04 on Showtime), I knew from previews I would like the show's wry, morbid humor. I'm glad to see the series get the feature film treatment on DVD.
Though series regulars George (Ellen Muth), Roxy (Jasmine Guy), and Mason (Callum Blue) return, Rube (Mandy Patinkin) does not. The writers and director take the opportunity. however, to introduce Cameron Kane (Cusick), a charismatic, liberal alternative to the fatherly Rube. Kane appeals to the Reapers' desire to do as they please, not be bound by the old rules.
George's main assignment is to take the soul of high school football hero Hudson Hart, who's hit by a car, but surprisingly Hudson clings to life, and George has to figure out why. Meanwhile, her fellow Reapers' assignments also go awry, and they find the old consequences are still in play.
The tone of the movie is somewhat darker and more subtle than the series, appropriate to how the characters are shown to have progressed. For George, it turns out Hudson secretly romanced her younger sister Reggie. This provides George with the opportunity to interact extensively with Reggie, and give their storylines closure.
Dead Like Me: Life After Death is a lovingly-made sequel that should please fans and may win new ones.
--Gerald So
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Casting Call descriptions for THE A-TEAM.
While we now know that Laim Neeson and Bradley Cooper are on board for THE A-TEAM, they still need to cast Mad Dog Murdoch and B.A. Baracus.
These were posted on Spoiler TV.[CAPTAIN MURDOCK]
A diagnosed psychotic with bipolar mania and dissociated identity disorder, Murdock has a genius IQ, and knows everything about everything. An expert at impersonation, Murdock is able to convince any given onlooker that he's a doctor specializing in cardiology, the Count of Monte Cristo, a helicopter pilot pretty much any given occupation on earth. When under pressure, Murdock always proves to have the skills he claims to possess; including fluency in most any language-but always with an off-the-wall comment to remind you that he's basically demented. In charge of impersonations and getaways, he's also a chopper pilot. Murdock essentially regards the planet Earth as his own private playpen. LEAD.
[CORPORAL B.A. (BOSCO ARNOLD) BARACUS] 30s, African-American, with his trademark mohawk, steel frame, and deadly athletic ability, BA is instantly feared by anyone who is unfortunate enough to cross his path. He is an expert driver, and assists many missions with his flawless escape abilities and self-defense expertise in multiple disciplines. He is tough, menacing, and impossible to bullshit, but is unwaveringly loyal to those he protects. He does have normal human fears, however, and he is petrified of flying in airplanes and of heights. BA is volatile, explosive, dedicated, and strong, and will stop at no lengths to protect the men he serves and bust criminals...THIS ROLE WILL REQUIRE OPTIONS.
[CAPTAIN CHARISA SOSA] 25-30, multi-ethnic female, Sosa is beautiful, intelligent and extremely capable. Fiercely independent, she is a brilliant tactician and can make pentagon pants look sexy. In addition, she has very good instincts when it comes to her job in Army Intelligence, where she is highly respected and in charge in of the military police. She is dedicated, truthful, and faithful to her profession, even when she faces serious obstacles. Sosa uses fantastic restraint and relentless resolve in constant pursuit of the truth...THIS ROLE WILL REQUIRE OPTIONS.
[PIKE]
A menacing mercenary, Pike is a swaggering tough guy who is always out for a major profit, especially if it involves dishonestly. He is loyal to no one, and takes advantage of anyone he has the ability to physically destroy, especially if the gain is monetary.
[CIA AGENT LYNCH]
30's. Lynch is a CIA agent attached to the Army during an invasion. Intent on outwitting the men around him, Lynch is neither brilliant enough nor a master fighter enough to truly succeed. He comes across as a tight-assed agent who isn't slick enough to live up to his criminal intentions, and who is afraid to put himself in the crossfire.
[GENERAL MORRISON]
A tough looking guy in his late 50's, he is a four star General involved in overseas missions. He is a veteran army lifter, and is in charge of masterminding various invasions. He instantly commands respect of the men around him, but is not without fault and conflicting priorities.
The A-TEAM is supposed to be start shooting in later this month. But I doubt that is happening since they have not completed casting yet. Common was thought to be out of the running (for B.A.) because he is currently filming JUST WRIGHT with Queen Latifah. But if filming does not begin until Sept or October, Common may be available after all. Between Common and The Game (another rapper rumored to be in the running), Common makes more sense. He has more acting experience and did a good job in SMOKIN' ACE.
I just wish they would complete casting so I have an idea as to whether or not I should be holding out hope that it might work. Joe Carnahan directing with Liam Neeson on board certainly sounds promising.
Trailer for BAD LIEUTENANT: Port of Call New Orleans.
Here is the trailer for BAD LIEUTENANT: Port of Call New Orleans. A remake (of sorts) of the 1992 Harvey Keitel cult classic.
Terence McDonagh (Nicolas Cage), a homicide detective with the New Orleans Police Department, is promoted to Lieutenant after he saves a prisoner from drowning in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. However, during his heroic act, he severely injures his back and is put on prescription pain medication. A year later, Terence - struggling with his addictions to sex, Vicodin and cocaine - finds himself in the battle to bring down drug dealer Big Fate, who is suspected of massacring an entire family of African immigrants.
Read More......
Saturday, August 15, 2009
CASTLE's stars talk about season two.
Nathan Fillion (Rick Castle) and Stana Katic (Kate Beckett) talk, to Eonline, about season two of CASTLE.
DVD/Blu-ray Review: DOLLSHOUSE - Season one
Release date: July 28, 2009
MSRP: $48.99 (DVD), $69.99 (blu-ray)
Stars: Eliza Dushku, Harry J. Lennix, Tahmoh Penikett, Fran Kranz, Enver Gjokaj
Did Dollhouse start slowly?
Oh yeah!
It was only my faith in Joss Whedon and my Editor's even greater faith that kept me keeping on. Good. It has raised the ante by several times and it has turned into a real thriller/who dun it, who's the inside man (or woman, my bet) What is Alpha ( Alan Tudyk of Firefly, playing Wash on steroids and then just the steroids. Nice piece of work I didn't see coming) and just what exactly the hell is going on here?
For those of you who don't know, the Dollhouse is an seemingly huge company that finds people in trouble, legal trouble not apparently other kinds, and make it go away if you sign a five year contract after which they erase your memory and personality and program you for whatever job they have. Concubine, spy, hostage negotiator, gigolo, what have you. Thus there are several stories going on at once. The jobs. the dolls, in the main Echo/Caroline played by Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum Eliza Dushku, the FBI Agent everyone keeps telling the Dollhouse is an urban myth, and management, fronted beautifully by snooty English babe Olivia Williams.
It is a different and damn good watch. By the end of season one, you can't help but pine for more!
Video (Blu-ray):
Dollhouse is blessed with a nice 1080p MPEG-4 transfer, with a 1.78:1 ratio. The picture is very clean with vivid colors. Black levels are excellent with nice contrast. The final ep was shot with a lower budget and it shows, especially on the Blu-ray version.
Audio:
The Blu-ray comes with 5.1 DTS-HD audio. The show certainly takes advantage of it. Not only do you notice the music and action scenes, but the backgorund sounds as well. There were some moments where the dialogue seemed a bit low, but not enough to be a real issue.
Subtitles are presented in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese.
The extras include an enjoyable group of featurettes as well as three commentary tracks.
Order DOLLHOUSE on Blu-ray.
Order DOLLSHOUSE on DVD.
Lee Crawford
For more reviews from Lee, and the rest of the Crimespree crew, check out the index of reviews.
Universal picks up Niles' CRIMINAL MACABRE.
And Hollywood just can't seem to get enough supernatural material these days.
Universal has purchased the film rights to CRIMINAL MACABRE. Written by Steven Niles, CM is a graphic novel series that Jon describes as:
McDonald is a hardboiled PI taking on Vampires, the undead, cults and all sorts of magic and monsters. The comics are from Dark Horse and there are a number of prose novels as well. It's fun stuff and should
make a great movie.
There has been interest in CM in the past, but creative differences have prevented anything from happening. According to Niles, one of the concerns was the fact that Cal is a recovering junkie. I don't get being interested in something, then wanting to change the very things that made it interesting.
Niles has been protective in the past, so it is safe to say that Uni is interested in staying true to the orginal vision. Read More......
Friday, August 14, 2009
Bryan Singer to make Battlestar Galactica movie
Dear Mr. Singer,
Please do not touch Battlestar Galactica. What could you possibly hope to bring to this that would even touch the wonderful series that just ended? I mean seriously, do you think anyone is going to see a movie you do about Battlestar and NOT compare it to this amazing TV show?
Your superman movie was quite bad, and while not all your fault, a lot of it was your fault. The story was absurd and redundant and derivative of the earlier movies, without the sense of fun.
Valkyrie was about an hour too long, and frankly pretty dull.
So please, leave space to the experts and find something original to work on. Nostalgic feelings for something you loved when you were younger are all well and good, this doesn't mean you should try and put your stamp on it.
respectfully yours,
a paying customer
Quentin Tarantino eying works of Len Deighton.
The Guardian is reporting that director Quentin Tarantino is thinking about tackling Len Deighton's Berlin Game, Mexico Set and London Match to the big screen. The trilogy, which feature intelligence officer Bernard Samson, previously was made into a 12-parter for British television in the late 80s.
I was pretty impressed with his take on Elmore Leonard (Jackie Brown came from RUM PUNCH) and think the structure of Len's books would be a nice change from the fun chaos of DEATH PROOF, KILL BILL and INGLORIOUS BASTARDS. I enjoyed those films, but would like to see QT step away from B genre stuff he has been fixated on over the last decade.
As the article points out, QT has expressed interest in James Bond in the past. He has repeatedly talked about wanting to make CASINO ROYALE with Peirce Brosnan.
SAVING GRACE coming to an end.
THR is reporting that SAVING GRACE will have a final nine episode season next summer, then ride off into the sunset.
The reason appears to be a financial one. The offer TNT made to Fox Studios, the company behind the show, was unacceptable because of SG's high production costs. The ratings are actually at an all-time high, with season three drawing 3.5 million viewers per ep.
I am a huge fan of the series. The writing is good and the cast has some amazing chemistry. To say this started my day off wrong is an understatement.
Note to Fox Studios: Cut back on catering costs and make a new deal happen!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Get a glipse of the forthcoming Elmore Leonard series LAWMAN.
As previously reported, Timothy Olyphant (DEADWOOD, DAMAGES) has signed on to play U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens in the upcoming FX series LAWMAN. The series is based on Elmore Leonard's Fire in the Hole.
Now FX is giving us a look at what we can expect from the series, which will debut in the spring of 2010.
Anyone else getting a good feeling about this? Timothy looks (and sounds) just right.
Darabont bringing Zombies to the land of MAD MEN.
I confess I know little about the series, so I asked Mr. Jon to give tell me about it:
Walking Dead was created by Robert Kirkman and is published by Image comics starting in 2003. Kirkman has since become one of the partners at Image and his other books include Invincible and Brit. The art was originally by the amazing Tony Moore, and in issue 7 art chores were taken over by Charlie Adlard.Jon
What makes Walking Dead so much more than other comics about Zombies is the fact that the zombies are a means of telling a story, not the story itself. The series is actually about the people who survive what befell mankind and how they live now in a world over run by the walking dead, when they themselves appear to be just that.
The comic follows a a Kentucky police officer (Rick Grimes)as he finds
his wife and son, and then along with other survivors try to find a safe
place to live. Along the way other survivors are found and they caravan
from one place to another, finding survivors and losing members of their
party. They also encounter other groups and the way in which different
people try to survive is a real study in human nature. The series is
terrific.
That sounds pretty damn cool. And Frank, quite simply, rocks mightily. Not only is he a three-time Oscar-nominee, he is a good guy and enjoys the supernatural. His two biggest films (THE GREEN MILE, THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION) were both adapted from books so he clearly understands the art of doing so without making the end product suck.
Frank will be both writing and directing the series.
DVD Review: ADAM-12 - Season Three
Shout Factory
Release date: Aug 11th, 2009
MSRP: $34.99
Season three of this police drama premiered in September of 1970, and continued to show the exploits of two regular cops patrolling the streets of Los Angles. Created by Jack Webb, like his other show Dragnet, Adam-12 was also based on real cases. It was one of the shows that set standards for this type of programming and has actually been used by police academies in training. Among the first to show police using Miranda it also followed other procedures which a lot of shows ignore. The show also came at a time when people were becoming wary of police and it went a long way towards showing the realities of their work.
Pete Malloy portrayed by Martin Milner and Jim Reed (Kent McCord) were the perfect characters to show what it was like to be a cop in the late sixties and seventies. Malloy, a veteran cop who was thinking about quitting after losing a partner stays on and shows the ropes to the new kid in uniform Officer Reed. Unlike so many later shows about police the show was never bogged down by unnecessary drama, no relationships between fellow officers, no AA meetings, basically no bullshit. Just two cops doing their jobs the best they can.
Season three like the seasons before it follow the officers as they take calls and pursue the criminals. One of the stand out episodes was a bit of a flashback done more like a documentary showing officer Malloy’s memories of a fellow officer he knew from the academy after the officer was killed in the line of duty. The rest of the episodes deal with purse snatchers, bank robberies and any other number of typical crimes being committed in a city the size of Los Angles.
At times it is a little dry and there aren’t a lot of frills like car chases and shootouts, but the show’s strength is its realism. It’s also a very nice snap shot of the way things really were in 1970, cool cars and funny clothes and all. I remember watching as a kid, I was seven when this season aired, I enjoyed it then and I still enjoy it now.
There are 26 episodes on the set.
Jon
Buy Adam 12: Season Three
Sunday, August 09, 2009
Blu-ray review: BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA.
Fox Home Entertainment
Release date: Aug 4th, 2009
MSRP: $29.99
Director: John Carpenter
Stars: Kurt Russell, Kim Catrell, Dennis Dunn, James Hong
Writer: Gary Goldman, David Z. Weinstein
Theatrical release date: July 2nd, 1986
At his best, John Carpenter tells fun storys with style and energy. Fortunately for us, BIG Trouble in Little China is Carpenter firing on all cylinders. It was not a hit in theaters, but quickly became a cult classic. Over the years, more and more fans have discovered this fun, fast-paced action film. Chocked full of kung-fu, mysticism and fun, Big Trouble is about truck driver Jack Burton (Kurt Russell). Jack goes with his pal Wang Chi (Dennis Dunn) to pick up Chi's gal at the airport. Things don't go quite as planned and they stumble into a sinister plot to TAKE OVER THE WORLD! It seems David Lo Pan (James Hong) wants to leave his ghostly existence and return to human form. This is to be done using not just black magic, but three elementals as well.
Having gotten stuck in the middle of it all, Jack and co do their best to keep Chinatown (and the rest of the world) safe from Pan and co. Aiding them are lawyer Grace Law(???) (Kim Cattrall), reporter Margo (Kate Burton), a pal named Eddie (Donald Li) and a good wizard named Egg Shen (Victor Wong). The crew head into underground tunnels to to lair of Lo Pan. Butt-kicking and spell-casting ensues.
BtiLC does an excellent job of mixing action and humor. At times, it reminds me of the video games of my youth, bright colors with monsters and villians popping up at all turns.
Part of what makes BTiLC so good is that while it is a fun B film, the cast and crew work very hard to make a great film. Too often, the cast seems to know how cheesy the film is and not put much effort into their work. This is the same reason I enjoy Clive Owen's Shoot Em Up so much. Everyone busts their ass for our viewing pleasure.
One issue I have had with more than one Carpenter film is that they sometimes seem to lose their way latter in the film, some getting completely lost. Big Trouble does lose some steam towards the end, but not enough to derail the film. It remains an entertaining popcorn flick.
Video:
This is one cult film that really benefits from the HD transfer. Visually, Big Trouble was always an attractive film. The sets and costumes look fantastic and just pop in HD. At some points, I found myself not following the action because I was too busy checking out the details and color. The picture is presented in a ratio of 2.35:1.
Audio:
The sound is presented with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 lossless track. Music and mayhem run all through the various speakers. This film makes excellent use of all channels, considering the age of it. There are also Dolby Digital 5.1 tracks for French, Spanish and Portuguese, with a Russian: DTS 5.1 track and Thai Stereo.
Subtitles are offered for
English SDH, Portuguese, Portuguese Text, Cantonese, Korean, French Text, Russian, Russian Text, Russian Commentary, Spanish, Spanish Text, Mandarin and Thai.
Extras:
Nothing new here, but the stuff is carried over is good. We have a commentary track featuring Russell and Carpenter. Both seem to have a great time and are quite frank about many things. Listening to this makes me want to see them work together again.
Also included are deleted scenes (nothing special), ,trailers, a music video, some television bits and a featurette that talks about the effects.
This is certainly worth picking up. While there is nothing new in the extras, the picture makes it worth the price. The film was always damn fun, but now it is a visual feast for the eyes as well.
Order the High Def goodness of BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA.
Jeremy Lynch
For more reviews from myself, and the rest of the Crimespree crew, check out the index of reviews.
Saturday, August 08, 2009
New WHITEOUT poster.
The fine folks at Warner Bros are offering up a new poster for WHITEOUT, the film based on Greg Rucka's aclaimed graphic novel.
"After two years stationed at Antarctica's South Pole research base, lone U.S. Marshal Carrie Stetko (Kate Beckinsale) is as anxious as anyone to be going home. She's turned in her resignation and is counting the hours and minutes to the last plane out. But three days before departure, a body turns up on the ice and Carrie is immediately thrust into Antarctica's first murder investigation. As the death toll mounts, the mystery deepens with shifting loyalties, deadly whiteouts, and a relentless killer who will stop at nothing to protect a secret buried for over sixty years. Now with everyone around her packing up and getting out, Carrie must solve the crime before Antarctica is plunged into six months of darkness and she is stranded with the killer on a land where nothing comes in and no one gets out."
WHITEOUT lands in theaters on Sept 19th, 2009. Read More......
TCM's Summer Under The Stars offers new posters for classic films.
I have been meaning to mention these, but forgot.
Turner Classic Movies is running Summer under the Stars during August. Part of this is all new posters for classic films.
At first, I thought this sounded like a dreadful idea, but they have done a very nice job. Films include North By Northwest, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, To Catch a Thief, Dr. Strangelove and The Magnificent Seven.
Not all of them are home runs, but major kudos to TCM for some wonderful designs. If nothing else, they have me revisiting some great films.
Check them out.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
John Hughes R.I.P.
Writer, producer, and director John Hughes died unexpectedly today, suffering a heart attack during a morning walk. He was in New York visiting family.
If you came of age in the 1980s or early 90s, chances are you have one if not several favorite John Hughes films. Mine are Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Uncle Buck, and Weird Science, but in addition to his best known work, he wrote several screenplays for more recent movies under the pseudonym Edmond Dantes.
He will be missed and remembered for comedies with heart that resonate with children, teens, and adults equally well.
-- Gerald So
By now everyone has likely heard that John Hughes has passed away. For the young'ens, his name might not mean a whole lot. But for those of us that were teens in the 80s, Hughes was THE MAN. He seemed to get teen angst and understood how cruel other teens could be to anyone that stood out.
But he also portrayed the absolute joy of one can find in the teen years. For joy, one did not have to fit in, one simply had to embrace friends and family...those that accepted you for who you are.
Favs seem to depend on your sex. Most girls I knew loved Sixteen Candles and Pretty In Pink (PiP is the all-time fav of a former girlfriend of mine) while guys seemed to gravitate towards The Breakfast Club. While I enjoy TBC, my own fav of the teen angst films was Some kind of Wonderful. Eric Stoltz plays a guy from the poor side of town. He is a painter, works in a garage and his best friend is a tomboy drummer. Not exactly your typical teenager.
In the end, the moral of the story is much like the other Hughes films: To thy own self be true. I wonder how many other offbeat teens took comfort in the fact that the characters in Hughes' films weathered the storms of teen ridicule and never conformed to the standards of the norm?
It certainly helped me. For that, I thank Mr. Hughes.
Jeremy Lynch
Beauty & the Beast: 2 more SHERLOCK HOLMES posters.
Previously we posted the Holmes and Watson posters for the upcoming reimagining of SHERLOCK HOLMES. Now we get Irene Adler (Rachael McAdams) and Blackwood (Mark Strong)
Most know the story now: SHERLOCK HOLMES presents a more physical Holmes. We will see sword play, boxing...Holmes as an action hero, but still with the brains we have come to expect.
"Robert Downey Jr. brings the legendary detective to life as he has never been portrayed before. Jude Law stars as Holmes' trusted colleague, Watson, a doctorand war veteran who is a formidable ally for Sherlock Holmes. Rachel McAdams stars as Irene Adler, the only woman ever to have bested Holmes and who has maintained a tempestuous relationship with the detective. Mark Strong stars astheir mysterious new adversary, Blackwood. Kelly Reilly will play Watson's love interest.
SHERLOCK HOLMES lands in theaters on Christmas day.
Check out the official website. 
Take a look at all of our SHERLOCK HOLMES writings.
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Blu-ray Review: THE WATCHMEN
Warner Home Video:
Release date: July 21, 2009
MSRP: $35.99
Director: Zach Snyder
Stars: Billy Crudup,Jackie Earle Haley, Malin Akerman, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Goode
Writers: David Hayter(screenplay), Alex Tse(screenplay), Alan Moore (graphic novel)
Theatrical release date: March 6th, 2009
For some time, Hollywood deemed THE WATCHMEN unfilmable. Too complex and cereberal for comic fans, too cartoony for serious moviegoers. The source material is an amazing graphic novel that Time magazine called of the the top 100 novels of the 20th century. The characters/superheros have far more depth than most regular “literature” and make The WATCHMAN far more than a mere comic.
When Zach Snyder (300) announced he was going to bring the iconic graphic novel to the silver screen, many were certain he was setting himself up for failure. Fans wrung their hands at the thought of their beloved book being trashed by Hollywood.
Zach has proved all parties wrong. While there are some changes, Zach has not only successfully maintained the integrity of the source material and made a fairly entertaining film.
THE WATCHMEN spans generations and tells the story of a group of masked crimefighters. In the 1940s, there was a group called The Minutemen. The core of that group later formed The WATCHMEN and helped fight crime and protect the United States. After being outlawed in the early 1980s, the bulk of them simply retired and lived quiet lives.
The present part of the film is set in 1985. When one of the former Watchmen, The Comedian, is murdered, Rorschach defies the ban to seek out the one responsible. He reaches out to the other Watchmen to warn them of potential dangers.
But while there is a story of crime and action, the heart of THE WATCHMEN is the people behind the masks. We learn about the issues each has. The only one with true powers, Dr. Manhattan, become detatched from humanity, no longer being able to related to them. He breaks up with his long-time girlfriend (the second Silk Spectre) who strugging to fill the shoes of her mother (the first Silk Spectre). We find out that the Comedian did unspeakable acts in the name of his country. Rorschach is..well, a little mentally unbalanced. Nite Owl is a brilliant master of technology, but those very skills have also isolated him from the rest of the world.
The world of THE WATCHMEN is an alternate one. Richard Nixon is still president. Dr. Manhattan's powers helped him win the Vietnam war. It is a darker world firmly entrenched in the Cold war.
To say THE WATCHMEN is complex would be an understatement. Even with the removal of some subplots, Watchmen could have been a mindboggling mess. It could have been a film that would leave David Lynch scratching his head.
But Snyder does a good job of pulling it all together. Any fans of the graphic novel should be thrilled with the result. Despite an enormous amount of hype, it was not a big hit in theaters. There is simply too much contect to get over with the general public. Take the same issues and put them in a regular film and you would have a hit on the indy circuit.
But I do have to say that the same dedication Snyder used to faithfully follow the novel has also hurt the film. There are times were the actors seem to be aping rather than acting. One of the things I really enjoyed about Chris Nolan's Batman films is that the actors seemed to make the characters their own. Snyder, like Rodriguez with SIN CITY, occasionally fails to make the charactes flesh and blood.
Video:
Holy S**t. I can't think of any other way to put it. The visuals here are of the comic come to life. I don't simply mean it is a faithful translation, I mean it looks like the comic jumped onto the screen. Not unlike SIN CITY, we are given a picture that is unlike regular fare. A comic book mixed up with the darkest world of noir. Watching it in 1080 is even more impressive. The details of the costumes, the damp, dank night, Dr. Manhattan's big bl...we won't go into that. The ratio is 2.40:1.
Extras:
Disc 1
Director's Cut of the film (186 minutes)
Interactive "Ultimate Watchmen Experience"
BD-Live
Disc 2
The Phenomenon: The Comic that Changed Comics (30 min.)
Real Super Heroes, Real Vigilantes (27 min.)
Mechanics: Technologies of a Fantastic World (27 min.)
Webisodes (38 min.)
Music Video: My Chemical Romance Desolation Row (3 min.)
Disc 3 (DVD):
Digital Copy - Theatrical version
Fans of the comic should love this. For those that normally steer away from comics but like noir and gritty dramas, I suggest you give this a shot. While not the masterpiece that some have suggested, it is a good film and is a visual treat for the eyes.
Order THE WATCHMEN on Blu-ray.
Jeremy Lynch
For more reviews from myself, and the rest of the Crimespree crew, check out the index of reviews.
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