Author Archive
The Movie Mash 2011 Holiday Movie Guide
Posted by: | Comments
Hollywood is known for bunching releases in certain time frames that fit their strategy. January and February are the dumping grounds for forgetful flops. June through August are the glory days for blockbusters full of explosions and scantily clad ladies. September through December are the months where drama reigns king. But at the end of December, as Christmas rolls around, we get an onslaught of choices that are both entertaining and award-worthy. So, how do you pick the right one for you? Our 2011 Holiday Movie Guide, of course!
There are nine high-profile movies hitting theaters between December 16th and December 30th, along with four highly-touted limited release art films. We are aware some movies will still be in theaters from late November, but this guide is focused on those releasing in the last two weeks of December. In order to make this a little more focused, we’ll give you some sub-categories for exactly what we think each type of movie lover might want.
‘Men In Black III’ Trailer Forces Its Way Back Into Your Life
Posted by: | Comments
Sometimes I wish I actually had a neuralyzer when Hollywood makes bad decisions. I’m not sure what trend suggested the world needed, or even wanted, another Men In Black movie, but Columbia Pictures is convinced there is still juice left in this one. So, after almost a decade since Men In Black II, the first trailer for Men In Black III has crash landed on the Internet.
UPDATED: And Here We Go… ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ Viral Campaign Begins
Posted by: | Comments
As the much anticipated trailer and IMAX prologue for The Dark Knight Rises approach, hardcore fans are getting increasingly anxious for anything Batman-related. Well, the appetizers have been served as Christopher Nolan and Warner Bros. have just launched what Wired and Empire Online believe is the beginning of a viral campaign for the 2012 film.
Mike’s Review: ‘The Descendants’ Will Make You Laugh and Cry
Posted by: | Comments
GRADE: A
The term ‘dramedy’ really doesn’t support the kind of emotional resonance that films in the genre tend to exhibit. It’s not a word that sounds synonymous with quality filmmaking, but good dramedies tend to be right up there in the Oscar discussions. The Descendants is no different. In fact, you may as well write it down as a sure thing for a nomination.
Mike’s CIFF Review: Don’t Believe the Hype Surrounding ‘Tyrannosaur’
Posted by: | Comments
GRADE: C MOYNUSS
In honor of this deeply British film, I have chosen to write the review phonetically. Keep in mind, the accents in Tyrannosaur are about this difficult to understand.
Listen, yew moyt innjoy dis film if yoo hayt yew life an’ wawn’ta off yooself. I wawn’td to love dis film, but oy found it ne-ah impossible. It just watn’t what it appeah’d to be. It sure as shite watn’t what them foist fifteen minutes showcased. It jumps at ya loyk an angry dog, only to pop its knickers back awn and sit in its lawn chay’ah loyk an old faht.
Mike’s CIFF Review: ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’ Will Draw Oscar Attention
Posted by: | Comments
GRADE: A+
If any film screams Oscar nominations so far this year, it’s Martha Marcy May Marlene (MMMM). Much like 2010’s Winter’s Bone, this film follows an emotionally bruised and confused young girl trying to recover. MMMM thrusts Elizabeth Olsen to the front lines of today’s great young actresses and introduces Sean Durkin as a director to keep an eye on. It’s hard to believe so many newcomers can drive a movie so powerful and confident.
GRADE: B+
Dennis Farina shines in this drama that is part The Wrestler and part Drive. Great films create great characters (with great jackets). Joe Maggio’s The Last Rites of Joe May forms a well-rounded low-life trying to go out on a high note. It’s really quite an inspiring film without ever forcing its message down your throat.
Mike’s CIFF Review: ‘Melancholia’ is Arguably Lars von Trier’s Masterpiece
Posted by: | Comments
GRADE: A-
Lars von Trier is bat shit crazy. But sometimes great art comes from people just like him. Vincent van Gogh did cut off his ear after all. Now, Melancholia is no ‘Starry Night,’ but it’s arguably Lars von Trier’s masterpiece. Considering his preview of upcoming work and his past films, this is without question his best. As a huge fan of Antichrist, this one felt like a follow-up in some ways. It deals with strong emotional moments in the context of atmospheric and drawn out scenes.
Mike’s CIFF Review: ‘Sadermania’
Posted by: | Comments
GRADE: B
“I have my family, God, wrestling and Hulk Hogan for the person I am today.” -Chris Sader
The beauty of this documentary is that it makes you look at obsession in a new light. By the end credits I think many will see Chris Sader as an inspiration. Clearly those in his circle feel that way. The love for him shared by his family and friends throughout the documentary is the glue that holds it together. By mixing interviews between multiple people telling the same story it keeps a pace that drives the film forward when stories are told, instead of shown.
CIFF: Mike’s Preview of The Chicago International Film Festival
Posted by: | Comments
This year’s Chicago International Film Festival has a wide array of quality films to choose from. We are going to see as many as possible to get you the earliest scoop on what’s worth seeing. Many of them should release in theaters during Oscar season, so this festival is one of the last chances for them to garner festival buzz.
