RA: Renters Anonymous - July 22nd, 2008
This Week: July 22nd, 2008
21 - 7.1/10 - Trailer
This is the true story of how a group of MIT students who become trained in blackjack and decide to take on Las Vegas. Ben Campbell (Jim Sturgess) is a student at MIT who wants to transfer to the Harvard School of Medicine to become a doctor but soon realizes that he cannot afford the $300,000 price tag of education. Soon Ben is introduced into gambling and card counting by his math professor (played by Kevin Spacey). The MIT group head off to Vegas and start racking in hundreds of thousands of dollars, more than enough for Ben to drop out and follow his dreams of being a doctor. But Ben can’t stop, he is overcome with greed which soon makes him very visible to the casino security. And we all know (from tv and movies, of course) that casino security in Vegas are not the type of people you want to piss off. Now the head of security threatens to undo everything that the MIT group has accomplished. Most of the reviews have stated that even though this film is based on a true story, the actual movie is pure fiction and the only saving grace of the film is Kevin Spacey. You might want to check out the trailer one more time to see if it’s worth a rental.
What is on your rental list for this week?
Coming up next week:
Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, Never Back Down, Doomsday, and OMG War Games: The Dead Code (WarGames 2)
General Admission - July 18th, 2008
Opening this week: July 18th, 2008
The Dark Knight - Trailer - Starring Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Michael Caine, Aaron Eckhart, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Morgan Freeman and Gary Oldman
Christian Bale is back as Batman in this highly anticipated sequel, infact so many people want to see this that if you don’t already have tickets for this weekend, there’s a good chance you might not get in, especially if you want to catch it in IMAX. And for those you have no contact with the outside world and this is your first day using the internet, this was Heath Ledger’s last film before his tragic death. Basically the plot of this film is the classic Batman vs Joker, but with two great actors and an amazing script. People are already calling Ledger’s performance oscar worthy and by far the best villian ever portrayed on film, and that’s very easy to believe even after just watching a trailer. I don’t think I have to say much else about this film because I know you are going to see this, or you may even have already seen it during the midnight screenings. If you want to see the biggest film this year, than you have to watch this one. Don’t forget that the director purposly shot certain scenes in this film for IMAX so if you have an IMAX near you be sure to get tickets for that showing. And for those seeing the film in a regular theater, you will be treated to the first trailers for Terminator Salvation and The Watchmen. So what are you waiting for, go see it already.
Dark Knight Exclusive Video Clips and Game
As some of your are preparing to rush into theaters this evening to gather your first glimpses of The Dark Knight, we’ve stumbled across some last minute exclusive videos and content for the film. If your Dark Knight fix just can’t wait the next few hour (or hours depending on when you’re seeing it), check out the behind the scenes exclusive video content that is over on Comcast’s site.
If you’re tired of all the videos and feel as if you’ve already seen the film in it’s entirety from clips alone, they’ve also put up a pretty cool game to play while getting yourself hyped for the film. My recommendation is to check it all out as an appetizer for the film you’ve so eagerly been craving. It’s like a bit of visual foreplay beforehand. Trust me, you’ll love it.
Don’t forget if you’re a Michigander (or don’t mind driving) we’ve got a meetup going on at a theater tomorrow to catch an IMAX showing. Check our meetup post for more info.
Watch the Watchmen…trailer
All day today the Watchmen trailer has been popping up on various websites only to be taken down within the hour, but now since Apple Trailers has the clip it should be staying up. For those not in the know, The Watchmen is a critically claimed graphic novel that is on Time Magazine’s 100 Best Novels written by Alan Moore (the guy who wrote V for Vendetta) and illustrated by Dave Gibbons. I’ve recently been reading the graphic novel and I am very impressed by the writing, so if after you watch the trailer and decide that you will be seeing the film, you might want to pick up the novel.
Terminator Salvation Teaser
The first teaser for the upcoming Terminator Salvation film starring Christian Bale (as John Conner, not the Terminator) just got published to the web. It was already reported that if you were attending screenings for The Dark Knight that you would be treated to this teaser along with a teaser for The Watchmen (unless you we’re viewing the film in IMAX). But for those who can’t wait, you can check out the teaser below.
Jen Hearts Batman [Movies I Heart Series]
I remember when I first saw Batman on the big screen in 1989. My Mother, who loves movies just as much as I do, took me age 10 and my sister aged 8 to see the much darker version of DC Comics’ night time avenger. I don’t think I had read any comics by this stage, not serious grown up ones like Batman anyway, so it was from a totally fresh perspective that I watched Michael Keaton don a black rubber suit and beat the you-know-what out of bad guys.
‘Hancock’ or “Drunk superhero-madness with a sprinkling of Jason Bateman” (Review)
The new Will Smith summer movie vehicle ‘Hancock’s is by far the best value the movie-going consumer can go to this summer. Now why is that? Because it’s actually three movies wrapped up in the packaging of one. The first, second and third acts of ‘Hancock’ are all different in tone and pace. While traditionally that would be bad thing, here it’s not. It actually works to the advantage of the movie.
RA: Renters Anonymous - July 15th, 2008
This Week: July 15th, 2008
The Bank Job - 7.3/10 - Trailer
This film is based on the true story of the 1971 Baker Street bank robbery. The Government had a gag order to prevent the real story from being told for over 30 years. The robbery is one of biggest robberies in Britain that resulted in no arrests and no stolen goods recovered. The robberies dug beneath the vault and broke in, getting away with over $3 million pounds in goods. The news only reported the incident for a few days before the gag order came into affect. But what really happened involves murder, corruption and a sex scandal that links to the Royal Family. I don’t know how much fact is in the film, but I don’t really care, it sounds like a pretty decent film either way. If you’re itching for a decent crime thriller than you should pick this one up when you’re out.
‘WALL-E’ or “I think this movie is calling us a society of fat-asses” (Review)
The new Pixar film WALL-E is a truly amazing an amazing visual accomplishment. It’s been receiving rave reviews and they are all justly deserved. ‘WALL-E’ is another addition to the Pixar library of films and only adds to the argument that as a production company, Pixar cannot create a bad movie. What ‘WALL-E’ also does is elevate the CG cartoon medium by providing a deep social commentary throughout the movie to which kids will be oblivious, but adults will find engaging. Most will be surprised that an animated film is daring to tackle such issues.
General Admission - July 11th, 2008
Opening this week: July 11th, 2008
Hellboy II: The Golden Army - Trailer - Starring Ron Perlman, Selma Blair and Doug Jones
Guillermo del Toro, of Pan’s Labyrinth fame, is directing this sequel to the 2004 Hellboy film. Earth is threatened when the truce between humanity and the invisible realm of fantasy is broken. A leader from the fantasy realm goes against his bloodline and summons an army of creatures to destroy humanity. Now Hellboy and his gang must cross between realms and battle creatures from the brilliant mind of Guillermo del Toro. I’ve heard talks on the internet which like to describe the creatures in the film as “leftovers” from Pan’s Labyrinth, but I like to think of them as a “second helping”. I think this series is a perfect fit for the director and that his creatures are visually amazing. If you’re a comic book fan or if you love Guillermo’s vision than you’ll probably want to check this film out. The film is receiving pretty good reviews where many compliment Del Toro’s visuals.
IHM Meetup: The Dark Knight
If you didn’t know, The Dark Knight releases next Thursday in the U.S. It’s supposed to be the movie event of the year and we’re sure as hell not missing out on it. Realizing how big of a deal this movie is and how stoked we are to check it out, we’re assuming you’re just as ready to see it too.
So, we’re doing a bit of a meetup type thing for the opening. While we’re not going to the official first showing for the film due to some scheduling conflicts, we’ll be hitting up a showing on Friday, July 18th at 9:55pm at NCG Trillium in Grand Blanc, MI. We’re doing the IMAX showing, so it’s definitely going to be an experience.
For those who have been wanting to check this out, this will definitely be a great time to do so. You’ll get to see a great movie and hang out and talk about movies with us in person.
If you’re at all interested in attending, post a comment here or send me an email (mike@iheartmovies.org) and I’ll get you some more details. If you’re wanting to see how close you are to the theater, here’s a google map with info. You’ll probably want to grab tickets ahead of time so that you don’t miss out too.
RA: Renters Anonymous - July 8th, 2008
This Week: July 11th, 2008
The Tracey Fragments - Trailer
Tracey (Ellen Page) is riding the bus, wearing only a shower curtain, looking for her little brother Sonny, who thinks he’s a dog. Ellen Page is on screen for nearly the entire film and giving it her all. As Tracey’s journey runs through the city looking for her brother, it leads us into the dark underbelly of her home, school and life. Some of the critics have called this film too arty and too confusing so it might be a film for the casual viewer. I’m mostly interested into seeing how this indie splitscreen film starring an up and coming leading actress.
Jen Hearts Unbreakable [Movies I Heart Series]
A few weeks ago I happened to see The Happening, a new film by M. Night Shyamalan. You know him, the guy who directed the Sixth Sense. I’m a big fan of his work and I think what he does is creative, different and stylish. I like his ideas for stories even though sometime his execution isn’t so great. I really disliked The Happening but have enjoyed all of his films up until this point. Yes, even Lady in the Water.
‘Wanted’ or “You lost me at loom of fate”
In order to even attempt to enjoy new Angelina Jolie and James McAvoy action movie ‘Wanted’, you need to do one thing: Just go with it. Don’t think about the story at all. Just take pleasure in what is unfolding on screen and immerse your self in two hours loosely tied together action sequences. It’s a derivative? Oh yah. Is it clichéd? Very. But is it a fun movie? Well…yes.
General Admission - July 1st, 2008 - Early Edition
Opening this week: July 1st, 2008
Hancock - Trailer - Starring Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron
Official release is July 2nd but the movie will have special screenings on July 1st.
Will Smith is Hancock, an alcoholic superhero who only helps save the public only when it pleases him and without regard for the general safety of the public or its property. Some of his antics include stranding getaway cars on the tops of buildings and throwing beached whales back in the water while hitting anchored boats. But when he unexpectedly saves the life of a PR exec named Ray Embrey (Jason Bateman), Ray decides to help Hancock go through rehab and become a popular superhero. Now Hancock must make himself a better person and a better superhero to help protect the public. Finally we have a superhero who does what he wants and when he wants. From the trailers this looks like it good a pretty good comedy with less focus on action/adventure. If you want a something different from your superhero movies than you should check this one out.
