Every Thursday, I've decided to post 10 interesting facts about films! So, check in at least every Thursday to see what the new trivia is.
HARRY POTTER:
1) When Emma Watson (Hermione) was younger, she admited that she had a crush on fellow actor, Tom Felton (Draco).
2) Daniel Radcliffe suffered two ear infections following the underwater filming, in the fourth movie.
3)Stanislav Ianevski, who plays Viktor Krum, has only two lines in the entire film totaling 20 words.
HERCULES
4) This was the first Disney movie not based on a fairy tale, but rather Greek mythology.
5)When Hermes delivers the floral arrangement to Zeus and Hera, it is a direct parody of the logo for the floral delivery company FTD Florists, who uses Mercury, the Roman name for Hermes.
6)Phil cleans himself up using a lion's skin. The skin once belonged to Scar from The Lion King (1994).
GONE WITH THE WIND:
7) 1,400 actresses were interviewed for the part of Scarlett O'Hara. 400 were asked to do readings.
8First color film to win the Best Picture Oscar.
9)Rhett was not allowed to say, on film, "Maybe you'll have a miscarriage" right before Scarlett falls down the stairs; the line is changed to "Maybe you'll have an accident."
10)Leslie Howard (Ashley) was one of the few cast members not to attend the premiere in Atlanta.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Sunday, July 18, 2010
The Women (1939)
DIRECTOR: George Cukor
STUDIO: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
STARRING: Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell
RATING: PG
GENRE: Comedy, Drama
GRADE: B-
Wow. So THIS is where all the chick-flicks originated from! Just kidding, but this really is the ultimate chick flick. It's mostly about a group of 8 women, or so, gossiping and being deceitful towards their "friends" but almost every woman can relate.
It's a very cute movie, with a couple of laughs and you do pity the main character, but near the end, I just felt like yelling "either go get your man, or move on" because it had been over 2 years, so you'd think she'd figure it out by then.
Honestly, I did not like Norma Shearer in this movie all that much. Of course, it may had been her character, but I think someone else could've done a better job. It felt as though she jumped her emotions too quickly, so you actually may have got confused.
Nothing really to complain about, moved quite quickly for movies back in the '30s, and the length wasn't bad. I think it'll be a good movie for anyone who likes chick flicks, or Joan Crawford, because, as usual, she was amazing in this film!
STUDIO: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
STARRING: Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell
RATING: PG
GENRE: Comedy, Drama
GRADE: B-
Wow. So THIS is where all the chick-flicks originated from! Just kidding, but this really is the ultimate chick flick. It's mostly about a group of 8 women, or so, gossiping and being deceitful towards their "friends" but almost every woman can relate.
It's a very cute movie, with a couple of laughs and you do pity the main character, but near the end, I just felt like yelling "either go get your man, or move on" because it had been over 2 years, so you'd think she'd figure it out by then.
Honestly, I did not like Norma Shearer in this movie all that much. Of course, it may had been her character, but I think someone else could've done a better job. It felt as though she jumped her emotions too quickly, so you actually may have got confused.
Nothing really to complain about, moved quite quickly for movies back in the '30s, and the length wasn't bad. I think it'll be a good movie for anyone who likes chick flicks, or Joan Crawford, because, as usual, she was amazing in this film!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Used Cars (1980)
DIRECTOR: Robert Zemeckis
STUDIO: Columbia Pictures
STARRING: Kurt Russell, Jack Warden, Gerrit Graham
RATING: R
GENRE: Comedy
GRADE: B
Okay, this is the first time I've ever seen a GOOD movie with Kurt Russell in it, but I haven't seen that many. Well, he was barely in "Forrest Gump," but I don't really count that. I haven't seen many Russell films, but after this, I plan to see more.
This was a HILARIOUS movie, that reminds me why the '70s and '80s were the times when true comedy reigned. Basically, this plot is about a couple of guys trying to save their car lot of used cars, and when the owner unexpectedly dies, they have to pretend he's just on vacation to prevent his greedy brother from taking it. The plot thickens when his daughter shows up and she doesn't know he's dead!
Honestly, almost every scene made me laugh and at two lines in particular, I couldn't stop for awhile. I haven't laughed this hard since "Animal House" or "Some Like it Hot."
Unfortuantely, the QUALITY of the film is the bad part. There really isn't much depth or story, just a couple funny scenes that tie together for a plot. The cinematography was pretty well in this movie, as with signature director, Robert Zemeckis. Also, Al Lewis (who was more of a cameo than a role) did an excellent job!
Overall, if you're in the mood for just a silly, no-real-point-to-it kind of movie, this is parfait!
STUDIO: Columbia Pictures
STARRING: Kurt Russell, Jack Warden, Gerrit Graham
RATING: R
GENRE: Comedy
GRADE: B
Okay, this is the first time I've ever seen a GOOD movie with Kurt Russell in it, but I haven't seen that many. Well, he was barely in "Forrest Gump," but I don't really count that. I haven't seen many Russell films, but after this, I plan to see more.
This was a HILARIOUS movie, that reminds me why the '70s and '80s were the times when true comedy reigned. Basically, this plot is about a couple of guys trying to save their car lot of used cars, and when the owner unexpectedly dies, they have to pretend he's just on vacation to prevent his greedy brother from taking it. The plot thickens when his daughter shows up and she doesn't know he's dead!
Honestly, almost every scene made me laugh and at two lines in particular, I couldn't stop for awhile. I haven't laughed this hard since "Animal House" or "Some Like it Hot."
Unfortuantely, the QUALITY of the film is the bad part. There really isn't much depth or story, just a couple funny scenes that tie together for a plot. The cinematography was pretty well in this movie, as with signature director, Robert Zemeckis. Also, Al Lewis (who was more of a cameo than a role) did an excellent job!
Overall, if you're in the mood for just a silly, no-real-point-to-it kind of movie, this is parfait!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Despicable Me (2010)
DIRECTOR: Pierre Coffin and Chris Renaud
STUDIO: Universal Pictures
STARRING: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Miranda Cosgrove
RATING: PG
GENRE: Animation, Comedy, Family
GRADE: C+
I saw this today with my work, and the theatre was completely packed! I'd say, about 80% children under 9. So, I had to realize what environment I was in to understand why the audience roared/squealed with laughter when someone just slipped and fell. But, I digress...
This movie was VERY cute and perfect for children. It was heart-warming and funny for kids. If you need to take them out for a movie, this one is decent. There are a few more subtle jokes for the adults (dead-pan of children's interests, old film spoofing, ETC) but it's a movie MADE for children. Nothing really more.
It's not a horrible movie, and I would give it a "B-" but there's just not enough originality, I think. But, like I said, if you have small children that want to see it, it's pretty enjoyable.
STUDIO: Universal Pictures
STARRING: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Miranda Cosgrove
RATING: PG
GENRE: Animation, Comedy, Family
GRADE: C+
I saw this today with my work, and the theatre was completely packed! I'd say, about 80% children under 9. So, I had to realize what environment I was in to understand why the audience roared/squealed with laughter when someone just slipped and fell. But, I digress...
This movie was VERY cute and perfect for children. It was heart-warming and funny for kids. If you need to take them out for a movie, this one is decent. There are a few more subtle jokes for the adults (dead-pan of children's interests, old film spoofing, ETC) but it's a movie MADE for children. Nothing really more.
It's not a horrible movie, and I would give it a "B-" but there's just not enough originality, I think. But, like I said, if you have small children that want to see it, it's pretty enjoyable.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Movie Facts Thursday!
Every Thursday, I've decided to post 10 interesting facts about films! So, check in at least every Thursday to see what the new trivia is.
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN:
1)The names of the three main characters are all linked to birds. Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth Swann and William Turner, who was a famous ornithologist.
2)Johnny Depp improvised Jack Sparrow's catch phrase, "Savvy?"
3)Opposite of most Disney rides, the film was based on the ride, not vise versa.
THE LION KING
4)The line, "What do you want me to do, dress in drag and do the hula?" was improvised by Nathan Lane (Timon)
5)Scar's name before he got the scar was Taka.
6)The main plot of this film is based on William Shakespear's "Hamlet."
THE WIZARD OF OZ:
7)Judy Garland had to wear a painful corset-style device around her torso so that she would appear younger and flat-chested.
8The costume Bert Lahr (The Cowardly Lion) wore weighed 90 pounds.
9)The much quoted line "Fly my pretties, fly!" doesn't actually appear in the movie. The Wicked Witch of the West actually says, "Fly, fly, fly."
10)The horses in Emerald City palace were colored with Jell-O crystals. The relevant scenes had to be shot quickly, before the horses started to lick it off.
PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN:
1)The names of the three main characters are all linked to birds. Jack Sparrow, Elizabeth Swann and William Turner, who was a famous ornithologist.
2)Johnny Depp improvised Jack Sparrow's catch phrase, "Savvy?"
3)Opposite of most Disney rides, the film was based on the ride, not vise versa.
THE LION KING
4)The line, "What do you want me to do, dress in drag and do the hula?" was improvised by Nathan Lane (Timon)
5)Scar's name before he got the scar was Taka.
6)The main plot of this film is based on William Shakespear's "Hamlet."
THE WIZARD OF OZ:
7)Judy Garland had to wear a painful corset-style device around her torso so that she would appear younger and flat-chested.
8The costume Bert Lahr (The Cowardly Lion) wore weighed 90 pounds.
9)The much quoted line "Fly my pretties, fly!" doesn't actually appear in the movie. The Wicked Witch of the West actually says, "Fly, fly, fly."
10)The horses in Emerald City palace were colored with Jell-O crystals. The relevant scenes had to be shot quickly, before the horses started to lick it off.
ZATHURA: A Space Adventure (2005)
DIRECTOR: Jon Favreau
STUDIO: Columbia Pictures
STARRING: Jonah Bobo, Josh Hutcherson, Dax Shepard
RATING: PG
GENRE: Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Comedy
GRADE: D+
I saw this movie for the first time on a tour bus today. I must admit, I dozed out a little bit, but I got enough to give a thorough review.
This film is about two brothers, who don't really get along well and they decide to play a space-like board game. The only catch is what happens in the game, actually happens to the players! So, the rest is kind of predictable. They get into countless near-death experiences and realizes that the other sibling really means a lot to them.
I, for one, am not a huge fan of science-fiction movies (excluding Star Wars) so this film almost bored me. They pull a card, and "oh, no! Are they gonna almost die again?" The answer is 90%...yes!
Also, there is a twist in the end, which is interesting, but leads to multiple plot holes, where the audience has to think to grasp it. Overall, I really wouldn't recommend it, but if you like these types of movies, go ahead and see it.
STUDIO: Columbia Pictures
STARRING: Jonah Bobo, Josh Hutcherson, Dax Shepard
RATING: PG
GENRE: Action, Sci-Fi, Adventure, Comedy
GRADE: D+
I saw this movie for the first time on a tour bus today. I must admit, I dozed out a little bit, but I got enough to give a thorough review.
This film is about two brothers, who don't really get along well and they decide to play a space-like board game. The only catch is what happens in the game, actually happens to the players! So, the rest is kind of predictable. They get into countless near-death experiences and realizes that the other sibling really means a lot to them.
I, for one, am not a huge fan of science-fiction movies (excluding Star Wars) so this film almost bored me. They pull a card, and "oh, no! Are they gonna almost die again?" The answer is 90%...yes!
Also, there is a twist in the end, which is interesting, but leads to multiple plot holes, where the audience has to think to grasp it. Overall, I really wouldn't recommend it, but if you like these types of movies, go ahead and see it.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The Last Airbender (2010)
DIRECTOR: M. Night Shyamalan
STUDIO: Paramount Pictures
STARRING: Noah Ringer, Dev Patel, Nicola Peltz
GENRE: Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
GRADE: C-
Well, I've always been a fan of the TV show, AVATAR: The Last Airbender, but this movie is just a summary of the first season. There is such little character development and their stories are so loosely told, that it almost makes it boring.
The exciting stuff, however, is definitely all the bending scenes. However, it seems like 85% of the time, when someone is about to bend, they have to do ten martial art tricks and THEN there's the small bending. The acting wasn't horrible, but Shymalan could've done SO much more with the actors by actually directing them. Sometimes, it felt as if a scene could've gone deeper or more lighthearted, but the actors seemed almost lost.
Honestly, if you like the idea of the 4 nations, and different control of the elements, then by all means, watch the television series. There's more fun and a lot more stories that make you care about the characters.
STUDIO: Paramount Pictures
STARRING: Noah Ringer, Dev Patel, Nicola Peltz
GENRE: Action, Adventure, Family, Fantasy
GRADE: C-
Well, I've always been a fan of the TV show, AVATAR: The Last Airbender, but this movie is just a summary of the first season. There is such little character development and their stories are so loosely told, that it almost makes it boring.
The exciting stuff, however, is definitely all the bending scenes. However, it seems like 85% of the time, when someone is about to bend, they have to do ten martial art tricks and THEN there's the small bending. The acting wasn't horrible, but Shymalan could've done SO much more with the actors by actually directing them. Sometimes, it felt as if a scene could've gone deeper or more lighthearted, but the actors seemed almost lost.
Honestly, if you like the idea of the 4 nations, and different control of the elements, then by all means, watch the television series. There's more fun and a lot more stories that make you care about the characters.
Toy Story 3 (2010)
DIRECTOR: Lee Unkrich
STUDIO: Pixar Animation Studios
STARRING: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
GENRE: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family
GRADE: B+
A perfect ending to the trilogy! True, it's not my favorite of the 3, but it is still an excellent movie. This is the only, and I mean only, trilogy I've seen that each film can hold it's own in history. Pixar always does a great job, but the Toy Storys are some of the best.
It's obviously the darkest film of the three, dealing with loss, moving on, and ultimately death. I don't want to give away too much, but it is a very sad and moving ending, and I will admit this. I cried.
This film also spoofed/referenced great parts in prison movies and war films. I thought it was a very cute and kid-friendly film, despite the darker parts in it. It was a bit predictable, but that's only a small complaint! 2 thumbs up for Pixar!
STUDIO: Pixar Animation Studios
STARRING: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack
GENRE: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family
GRADE: B+
A perfect ending to the trilogy! True, it's not my favorite of the 3, but it is still an excellent movie. This is the only, and I mean only, trilogy I've seen that each film can hold it's own in history. Pixar always does a great job, but the Toy Storys are some of the best.
It's obviously the darkest film of the three, dealing with loss, moving on, and ultimately death. I don't want to give away too much, but it is a very sad and moving ending, and I will admit this. I cried.
This film also spoofed/referenced great parts in prison movies and war films. I thought it was a very cute and kid-friendly film, despite the darker parts in it. It was a bit predictable, but that's only a small complaint! 2 thumbs up for Pixar!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010)
DIRECTOR: David Slade
STUDIO: Summit Entertainment
STARRING: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner,
GENRE: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
GRADE: D+
Here we are again. The Twilight series. Teens are crazy about it, mostly because it sounds like it was written BY a teenager. The plot is one whiny, pansy girl who can't decide between the "gorgeous" and "sensitive" guy or the "caring" and "buff" guy. Oy...every girl's dream.
Sadly, many people believe these movies are good, while this one was the best in the series, I believe, I still say that there are major flaws. As usual, Stewart and Pattinson are flat in almost every scene. It's hard to even know the tone of it, because their emotions are all the same. Actually, Stewart smiled 2 times and Pattinson 4! A record, I must say.
Lautner's acting has actually decreased, since the first. He's obviously taken lessons from the "professionals" like the other leads. Actually, Bryce Dallas Howard (played Victoria) did a decent job, and Xavier Samuel (Riley) wasn't horrible. The supporting characters read through their awful dialogue.
Luckily, this plot wasn't as mind-numbing as the last few. Only problem with direction was some of the action sequences were so close up, I couldn't exactly tell what was happening. Same with the romance scenes, only the opposite. I could see the spit transfer from their mouths. It was awkward, and fortunately brief.
I realize this is my longest post yet, but I tend to rant on less accredited movies, such as this one.
STUDIO: Summit Entertainment
STARRING: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner,
GENRE: Drama, Fantasy, Romance
GRADE: D+
Here we are again. The Twilight series. Teens are crazy about it, mostly because it sounds like it was written BY a teenager. The plot is one whiny, pansy girl who can't decide between the "gorgeous" and "sensitive" guy or the "caring" and "buff" guy. Oy...every girl's dream.
Sadly, many people believe these movies are good, while this one was the best in the series, I believe, I still say that there are major flaws. As usual, Stewart and Pattinson are flat in almost every scene. It's hard to even know the tone of it, because their emotions are all the same. Actually, Stewart smiled 2 times and Pattinson 4! A record, I must say.
Lautner's acting has actually decreased, since the first. He's obviously taken lessons from the "professionals" like the other leads. Actually, Bryce Dallas Howard (played Victoria) did a decent job, and Xavier Samuel (Riley) wasn't horrible. The supporting characters read through their awful dialogue.
Luckily, this plot wasn't as mind-numbing as the last few. Only problem with direction was some of the action sequences were so close up, I couldn't exactly tell what was happening. Same with the romance scenes, only the opposite. I could see the spit transfer from their mouths. It was awkward, and fortunately brief.
I realize this is my longest post yet, but I tend to rant on less accredited movies, such as this one.
A Night in Casablanca (1946)
DIRECTOR: Archie Mayo
STUDIO: United Artists
STARRING: Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx
GENRE: Comedy
GRADE: A-
This movie is an ideal Marx Brothers film! It has all their quick-witted and fast paced humor. Groucho, Harpo, and Chico all play their parts beautifully! I've always been a Marx Bros. fan, but this is probably my favorite one.
Almost every scene is hysterical and clever. True, it may seem immature humor compared to today, but when someone refers to the funniest comedian of today Jonah Hill or Seth Rogen, then they obviously haven't seen any real movie with integrity. I love this movie, but contrary to belief, it is not a spoof of Casablanca. However, it holds it's own.
STUDIO: United Artists
STARRING: Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx
GENRE: Comedy
GRADE: A-
This movie is an ideal Marx Brothers film! It has all their quick-witted and fast paced humor. Groucho, Harpo, and Chico all play their parts beautifully! I've always been a Marx Bros. fan, but this is probably my favorite one.
Almost every scene is hysterical and clever. True, it may seem immature humor compared to today, but when someone refers to the funniest comedian of today Jonah Hill or Seth Rogen, then they obviously haven't seen any real movie with integrity. I love this movie, but contrary to belief, it is not a spoof of Casablanca. However, it holds it's own.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Secondhand Lions (2003)
DIRECTOR: Tim McCanlies
STUDIO: New Line Cinema
STARRING: Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, Haley Joel Osment
GENRE: Comedy, Drama
GRADE: B
This movie was truly unexpected. It almost seems to come out of nowhere, with that strangest plot and characters, but somehow...it seems to work. Both Caine and Duvall are perfect for their carefree, elderly characters, and Duvall can bring in the seriousness/depth for how hurt he was. Osment did a fair job as well, but he didn't really have the best dialouge to work with.
The directing in this movie is almost as close to flawless as you can get! Every line that is delivered is great and mostly hysterical! There was very little character development, but there really wasn't any that needed, except for maybe the old men, but that was just slightly.
It is a STRANGE and RANDOM movie, to put it in laymen's terms, but it was very enjoyable and fun.
STUDIO: New Line Cinema
STARRING: Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, Haley Joel Osment
GENRE: Comedy, Drama
GRADE: B
This movie was truly unexpected. It almost seems to come out of nowhere, with that strangest plot and characters, but somehow...it seems to work. Both Caine and Duvall are perfect for their carefree, elderly characters, and Duvall can bring in the seriousness/depth for how hurt he was. Osment did a fair job as well, but he didn't really have the best dialouge to work with.
The directing in this movie is almost as close to flawless as you can get! Every line that is delivered is great and mostly hysterical! There was very little character development, but there really wasn't any that needed, except for maybe the old men, but that was just slightly.
It is a STRANGE and RANDOM movie, to put it in laymen's terms, but it was very enjoyable and fun.
Sabrina (1954)
DIRECTOR: Billy Wilder
STUDIO: Paramount Pictures
STARRING: Audrey Hepburn, Humphery Bogart, William Holden
AWARDS: Oscar, Best Costume Design
GENRE: Romance, Comedy, Drama
GRADE: B+
My impression of this movie was very cute. I love Audrey Hepburn's character development and I disagree with the multiple critics that say that Bogart was miscast. I think that he was almost perfect! He had the seriousness that was needed for a workaholic tycoon and I note that he still was serious, because he couldn't understand love. Not really, at least. So, he was confused and angry when he felt something for Hepburn's character.
Not to say that Holden did a bad job either, he just got little screen time. The photography in this film is gorgeous and always just the right light on females, which is something you can expect from movies before the 1980s. If anything, I'd say the direction was a little flat and it was a bit predictable, but I still got excited in that last scene when Bogart and Hepburn embrace. It was nice how no words were spoken.
This was definitely a great film, and recommend it for any old romantics out there!
STUDIO: Paramount Pictures
STARRING: Audrey Hepburn, Humphery Bogart, William Holden
AWARDS: Oscar, Best Costume Design
GENRE: Romance, Comedy, Drama
GRADE: B+
My impression of this movie was very cute. I love Audrey Hepburn's character development and I disagree with the multiple critics that say that Bogart was miscast. I think that he was almost perfect! He had the seriousness that was needed for a workaholic tycoon and I note that he still was serious, because he couldn't understand love. Not really, at least. So, he was confused and angry when he felt something for Hepburn's character.
Not to say that Holden did a bad job either, he just got little screen time. The photography in this film is gorgeous and always just the right light on females, which is something you can expect from movies before the 1980s. If anything, I'd say the direction was a little flat and it was a bit predictable, but I still got excited in that last scene when Bogart and Hepburn embrace. It was nice how no words were spoken.
This was definitely a great film, and recommend it for any old romantics out there!
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