Category: Movies (Page 442 of 497)

And the role of Iron Man will be played by…

September 29, 2006 / Jason Zingale

Robert Downey Jr.?

That’s the word on the block, anyways, and while I don’t particularly think it’s a great choice, it’s definitely an interesting one.

Based upon Marvel’s iconic Super Hero, Iron Man tells the story of Tony Stark, a billionaire industrialist and genius inventor who is kidnapped and forced to build a devastating weapon. Instead, using his intelligence and ingenuity, Tony builds a high-tech suit of armor and escapes captivity. Upon his return to America, Tony must come to terms with his past. When he uncovers a nefarious plot with global implications, he dons his powerful armor and vows to protect the world as Iron Man.

Downey has proven himself versatile many a times, and it looks like Marvel is really looking to make a splash with their first independently produced feature film. Jon Favreau is set to direct, with a summer 2008 release date.

Action Movies, External Movies, Gossip, Movies

If you want to get anything else done today…

September 27, 2006 / David Medsker

…then by all means stay away from this online “dark movie” quiz, sponsored by M&M’s. You will not stop until you’re finished. I got 39 out of 50 before I just had to walk away. (If my employers are reading this, I did this on a Friday night, not during regular business hours, whatever those are.)

Movies, News

Angelina shrugged…

September 26, 2006 / Deb Medsker

“Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful.”

…and said, “Sure, I’ll take the lead role in one of the most daunting book-to-film translations of all time. Piece of cake. Why not?”

The translation in question is none other than “Atlas Shrugged,” the sprawling, 1200-page epic penned by Objectivist author Ayn Rand back in 1957. Panned by some as an ode to selfishness, while lauded by others as a piercing indictment of communism and the welfare state, the book explores a future in which the nation’s greatest thinkers, artists and industrialists voluntarily withdraw their talents from public access — forcing the “little people” to fumble along without them.

According to a joint survey conducted by the Library of Congress and the Book of the Month Club, “Atlas Shrugged” is “the second most influential book for Americans today.”

Second only to what, you ask? The Bible. How’s that for high stakes?

And yet, if anyone can pull off the role of a woman dedicated to promoting “rational self-interest” above all else without coming off like a right-wing harpy…it’s probably the same woman who can steal the Sexiest Man Alive from America’s Sweetheart and, due largely to her significant humanitarian efforts, still come out of it smelling like a rose.

Good luck, Angelina. Don’t screw this up.

Actresses, Movies, News

Angelina Jolie

Rapid Fire Rejects, Volume X

September 26, 2006 / Jason Zingale

“Guys and Balls”
The following conversation occurred when a press release for the new comedy appeared in my inbox:

“I’ll check this out. It could be funny.”
“For real?”
“Sure, I’ll give anything about soccer a chance… even if it’s about gay German soccer.”

Unfortunately, it’s not very funny, and there isn’t quite enough soccer to warrant anyone not from the LGBT community to give this a shot.

“8th and Ocean: The Complete First Season”
This may just be the dumbest show on television. Ten superficial models lay around their free apartments in Miami, Florida bitching about the following “problems”:

1. I’m too skinny
2. I have acne, and my twin sister doesn’t
3. I’m so good looking, I can have any girl I want
4. I can’t take off my bra during a shoot, or Jesus might find out

Boo-hoo. What can only be described as “The Real World: Laguna Beach” (in other words, it takes the worst parts of both shows – which is pretty much everything), “8th & Ocean” may be appealing to teenage girls curious about the modeling business, but any other self-respecting person would never tune in to this garbage.

“Windy City Heat”
Dubbed by many as one of the funniest movies ever made, this Comedy Central production about an elaborate prank on wannabe actor Perry Caravello is one of the absolute worst “comedies” that I’ve ever been forced to sit through. Do people really find an untalented, overweight schmuck screaming like a banshee for 90 minutes hilarious? That’s just sad. Very, very sad.

“Love For Rent”
Oh gawd, just what we didn’t need: another lost-in-translation love story about a poor Latin girl who falls for a rich American guy. Don’t watch this film. Instead, go rent “Love Actually” or “Spanglish.”

External Movie DVDs, Movie DVDs, Movies, Reviews

DVD shuffle: 09/26/06

September 26, 2006 / Jason Zingale

Out on DVD this week:

1) The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift – RENT: No one makes a more enjoyable popcorn flick than the import racing franchise. Plus, there are lots of hot Japanese girls to oogle at.

2) The Lake House – PASS: Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves fall in love… two years apart. How fascinating! Actually, no, not at all.

3) Curious George – RENT: Kids are going to love this full-length feature about the troublesome monkey, but adults may find it a bit too – what’s the word – childish.

Also out on DVD this week are a couple indies (“Down in the Valley,” “Notorious Bettie Page”), a few horror reissues (“A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”) and new TV season sets of “The Batman,” “Teen Titans” and “One Tree Hill.”