The movies of 2007 in retrospect - 12.12.2007.1

As 2007 is coming to a close I looked back on the films of the year, and the actors that made them what they were. It’s quite the mixed bag, with far too many massively overpaid for underperformance. Quite a few are, in my opinion, without the ability to justify the pay they receive, while others are a bit surprising in the modest pay they receive, relative to Hollywood payouts. Thankfully there are many that are worth the money that are a bit long in the tooth, making ‘older’ folks like myself feel a bit better I suppose.

In terms of the films that were hits, that lived up to the hype we all seemed to have. Included in that list The Bourne Ultimatum, Live Free or Die Hard, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Saw IV, Harry Potter, 300, Spiderman 3, I Am Legend [I include this because the storyline has been good enough to make this the 4th version of the film, and I have that much confidence in the ability and choices made by Will Smith] and to a lesser amount Hitman.

There were several films that failed, and most were no surprise to me. That would include Underdog, Fred Claus, The Mist, The Comebacks, Halloween, Code Name: The Cleaner, Alpha Dog, Hannibal Rising, The Hoax, Rush Hour 3, The Brothers Solomon, Lars And The Real Girl, 30 Days Of Night, The Invaders and a few others.

And then there are the special mentions like Aqua Teen Movie, Red Line, Georgia Rule, Ocean’s 13, Talk To Me, Bratz Movie, Rendition, Darfur Now, Lions For Lambs, Redacted, This Christmas, and American Ganster.

The leading films all boasted great casts with some of the best in the industry. It’s no surprise that Johnny Depp made a reputed $92 million this year. The same can be said of the $32 million for Matt Damon, the $23 million paid to the top 3 in Harry Potter and the unknown amounts for Bruce Willis and Will Smith (I would guess in the range of $20 million a piece). As for 300 or Spiderman, every dollar spent on the effects was worth it as that was the real stars. And Saw is just what you expect so it did its gore fest above par.

The worst films, which the list is hardly complete for, were all bloated poorly written refuse that amazed me someone greenlighted. Underdog proved that not every show or cartoon from the past needs to be remade or done live action. Stephen King continued his long streak of failing to convert his quality and success from books to film. Rush Hour, and Hannibal show that making sequels just for the money doesn’t always make money, and Cedric may be an entertainer, but he’s not an actor. Didn’t anyone get the clue from the horrendous Honeymooners movie? They just need to stop making him the lead in movies. The rest were just really bad ideas that turned into really bad movies.

The list of movies that qualify under that last sentence is too long to write. I’m sure we all could think of a couple of those movies, if we wanted the torture of thinking about that. The good news is that 2007 is over and they can only be reseen on DVD, if you get bored burning $20 bills. (The bad news is that 2008 will probably have at least as many gruesome failures – at $20 million a film Nicole Kidman is burning buildings full of them)

As for the last category of films, well they are special. Aqua Teen Hunger Force is a special interest – mostly targeting college kids up late watching cartoons that are distracting and meaningless (which is why we like them). Georgia Rule deserved to fail because of 2 things Lindsey Lohan and Hanoi Jane. I cannot fathom any film that contains the America hating Hanoi Jane that deserves to make a single dime. I dislike her and revel in her failures, personal and professional. [And I don’t care if anyone likes her for any reason, I despise her.] Equally fathomless is the concept that a film based on anorexic dolls could work. Seriously, anorexic dolls with attitudes?

I equally reveled in the failure of equally America hating films Rendition, Lions For Lambs, and Redacted. The abject failure of these films to garner any interest is a testament to the good taste of everyone except the people who greenlighted them. I can only hope that the actors in these films were doing them for the paychecks and not their political views. I would also say that if the producers and writers of these films feel that strongly (especially Mark Cuban) give up your citizenship and move to Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan or any other nation that will take you. I will not mourn your loss or the money you have.

But there are also films that should have gotten real attention and distribution. Talk To Me and Darfur Now were thrown to the wayside, the corporate execs sleeping well at night because they got them into theaters. In fact both were solid films deserving of recognition for what they had to say and the performances. Luckily both have Don Cheadle in them, though he is only acting in one. I have to wonder, considering the wide release of Cedric’s movie, that execs fear promoting a film with a Black actor that makes any serious political and social statement. You can’t pay a major media company to acknowledge Darfur has been going on, least of all for 4 years, and America has yet to do ANYTHING about it. We can run around the world and help fix everyone’s problems, but forbid we even distribute a movie about a genocide we can do something about.

Lastly there is American Gangster and Ocean’s 13. Denzel Washington is a solid, brilliant actor. The film is quite good (even with 3 rappers in it). But I have a problem with the promotion of a negative style of life for African Americans. Far too many will see this as a vindication or motivation. The mindless find inspiration in odd places, thus the film upset me. And Ocean’s 13 just proved that sometimes you can make a sequel just for the money and it’s ok.

So there are my thoughts on the films of 2007. Get the DVD’s of those you like, target shoot the ones you hate and get as a gift. And gird yourself for 2008, because Carrotman (it’s an old obscure comic book character) the movie hasn’t been greenlighted, yet.

[Again I say, Iron Man will be the massive big winner of the year.]

Winning Awards in 2008? - 6.11.2007.2

There were 2 very interesting movie previews that can be seen before Ocean’s 13, and I’m looking forward to both. Not much has been said about either of these movies, but I expect a lot more buzz to arrive as their release time approaches. One film stars Mr. Will Smith, the other Mr. Don Cheadle.

The film with Mr. Don Cheadle is Talk To Me. It’s a film based on the real life of Mr. Ralph “Petey” Greene. From the clip we can quickly see that the film takes place around the late 60’s to early 70’s. It’s a volatile time in America, the Viet Nam war and riots over race and equality are leading the change in everyday life. Mr. Greene is an ex-con, who gets to work as a radio DJ.


In a way he is similar to the character played by Mr. Robin Williams in Good Morning Viet Nam, that is he is direct, humorous, and anything but the status quo. There are 2 great lines from the theatrical trailer that stick in my mind. The first is the character Mr. Greene telling the listening audience,

“I am a recovering alcoholic. I’ve been sober… 5 hours…”

The other line is even better. Mr. Cheadle as Petey states,

“I am about to introduce a pimp that I wouldn’t let was my car, but you [N-word] saw fit to elect him your mayor.”

[For those who are to young to know, being called a pimp in the 70’s was not a compliment. It meant its actual meaning, an unsavory and untrustworthy individual. Suffice to say, the statement was not a compliment.] These lines may not catch you, but when you see the trailer you will understand why they stand out. Expect to hear a great deal about Mr. Cheadle’s performance in this.


The other film, coming out later in the year, is I Am Legend. Its star is Mr. Will Smith and the film is a remake. Actually this is the 3rd version of the film, which is derived from a book by Mr. Richard Matheson. The depiction of the trauma in New York City reflects the somber story and images from its predecessor films.

For those film buffs out there you may recall [potential spoiler alert – the links may give away the plot of the new film] The Last Man on Earth with the remarkable Mr. Vincent Price. A classic film, in black and white, that doesn’t get enough attention these days. Others may be more familiar with the cult film The Omega Man with Mr. Charlton Heston. Both films are based on the same storyline as the up-coming version.

There is little I can say about the film without giving away vital elements. What I will say is that there are many compelling elements to this story, depending on how it is developed. There is a stark harshness, and reality in the film that did not exist when the first 2 versions were made some 30+ years ago. The theatrical trailer fills you with a deep sense of loneliness, loss and painful change. That is the heart of the films.

I can only hope that several elements of the Mr. Vincent Price original, particularly the last 15 minutes, are incorporated in this latest version. There is no question that aspects of the Mr. Charlton Heston remake will carry through, conveying more of a chance for special effects. Given what may be a sparse first half of the film, I expect Mr. Smith’s acting ability to shine brightly.

As many know I generally don’t like the trend of remakes and re-visioning that has enveloped Hollywood. Most films that have been re-done are virtually absent any of the qualities that made the original films worth watching. Often the original remains far superior to the remake. One example would be the re-make of Halloween, the original had scares and intensity without ever showing a drop of blood. I severely doubt its remake will capture the same qualities and will have lavish amounts of blood, much to its loss. Considering the quality of Mr. Smith, and the nature of the prior films, I think this will be an exception to the rule of how bad Hollywood does re-makes these days.

As I mentioned above, the trailers caught my attention as well as all in the theaters. Both leading men are known for their ability and choice of quality films. I’ll even go so far as to say that critical nods will probably go to both performances, based on what I have seen. I’m going out on a limb but mark my words, one or both films will be up for an award. Now that I’ve said that, see the films and see if I’m right. If I am wrong I will mention it, I hope though that my first impression is correct.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Ocean's 13 is worth the bet - 6.11.2007.1

Well what can be said about Ocean’s 13? It was far better than the second movie in the series. But in saying that I take away from the fun and action that takes place. The pace may not be as fast, nor the plot as slick, but it’s a movie that redeems the series. The interaction among the actors is quite good as well.


The various actors that were not as well known in the first Ocean’s movie get a lot more time in this going. They are good in their roles but the roles are not as in-depth as you might wish. Mr. Casey Affleck’s Spanish is excellent, the characters understanding of Mandarin Chinese is equally good. Mr. Don Cheadle’s American accent (as opposed to his character’s Eastender norm) is quite entertaining. But that brings up a point,

Most of the characters expand their abilities. Virtually all the team expands to take on aspects of the con that others previously did. The twins handle explosives, the computer geek takes on an inside man position as does the gymnast and Basher. Not too extreme, but different.

Another new aspect is the very direct introduction of political themes. From Oprah giving a family a house, to Mexicans working for $3.50 a week, to a children’s camp. The political themes are right in your face, but thankfully not detracting or interrupting the story, much. The last minute of the film let’s you walk away with a smile. But there is more thought and discussion left in your mind than most movies compel. At least for me.

Did I enjoy it? Yes. Do I get that companies doing business in Mexico take extreme advantage of the weak labor laws and cheap costs? Abundantly. Is Mr. Eric Idle wasted in his role? Without question. Though Mr. David Paymer’s brief appearances just hit the right mark.

I saw the movie with a friend that has never seen the first 2 movies, don’t ask why not. Talking about it afterwards, she enjoyed the movie but didn’t get a bunch of the nuances. I didn’t realize it right away but, there are a bunch of little easter eggs for everyone who has seen the prior movies and pays attention. Like Bruiser.

Well suffice to say, it’s a good movie. Seeing it in a theater is fun, especially if you saw it with friends who saw the first 2 movies. Even if you haven’t seen them, you will enjoy it. But I think it will be just as good on DVD. You can make your choice on that though.

This is what I think, what do you think?

What movie will you go see? - 3.20.2007.2

So what are you planning to watch this summer? There is a huge list of movies coming out soon, and for once there are several that look quite good. An obvious choice would be Pirates of the Caribbean 3 or the Harry Potter movies. Another solid choice is Spiderman 3. But what about a movie that isn’t a sequel of a good idea?

Well there aren’t a lot of choices for the non-repeat films. Even horrible films such as the Fantastic Four have a sequel. Why? No idea, it’s not as if the first film was good. Perhaps the teenage boys hoping to peak at an invisible Ms. Jessica Alba is the motivation. I really can’t imagine it being much else. While I am a fan of the Silver Surfer, and his effects look quite good, I doubt that this movie will do justice to him or Galactus. Perhaps I will be wrong, but they screwed up Dr. Doom and the initial storyline so I doubt this will be better. Wait for the DVD.

Another sequel that has gone one movie too far is Rush Hour 3. I love Mr. Jackie Chan, he is quite accomplished and has made multiple good movies. Rush Hour 2 was not one of them and I fear 3 will rank beside The Tuxedo. Mr. Chris Tucker was good in the limited role in Fifth Element, and decent in the original film. But his acting abilities are stretched to breaking in the subsequent film and I believe will have snapped in this film. Don’t expect much and you may get just that. Get the bootleg DVD.

A possibly good movie sequel could be Ocean’s Thirteen. The cast is back plus someone else. Someone that you would never expect. No it’s not the baby. Ms. Ellen Barkin seems to be taking over the role done by Ms. Julia Roberts. And Mr. Al Pacino is the bad guy. That is the main reason this may be good. He picks his roles well. The rest of the cast are solid, and obviously they work together as well as a cast of stars can. But I just don’t get how they have the 13th member on the team. We will see. I’d go to the theater for this. (a trailer for this film is out now.)

Another positive choice should be the last in the Jason Bourne series, the Bourne Ultimatum. The final part of a 3 book series, of which the movies do not follow the books verbatim, this should be great. The first 2 films were well done. Mr. Matt Damon has handled the role expertly each time previously. He sells the action sequences well and his acting is above par. The writing and plots make sense and are intelligent. This may be the best outside of Pirates and Spiderman. Definitely a movie theater choice.

Other choices that are up for grabs include The Simpson’s Movie, another sequel Evan Almighty (following up Bruce Almighty), and the Adam Sandler movie I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry. I can’t even guess how these will go.

Oh don’t let me forget the Transformers movie. Considering the supposed focus of the film will be the humans I won’t see it. There is no point if the title characters are not the main feature of the film. Not to mention that the main audience of the movie are over a decade past 20-something, not appealing to what they remember is a bad choice. But I’m sure they will get the toy sales. If the movie is not focused on the Autobots or Decepticons, hold onto your memories and wallets and let it fade away.

But I can’t imagine where the original films are. I mean even an original version of a book that hasn’t already been done. I know that the Steven King sons have a script available. There have to be others. Hollywood has not done every idea ever made. Heck there are a number of good comic books that are just waiting to have their characters transferred to the big screen. Forbid the fact that someone actually has an idea. Or a really good one. The shock will just be too great. Until then expect to hear about Rush Hour 4, the Carrot Man movie, Friends the Movie and the adaptation of The Sword of Shanara.

This is what I think, what do you think?