Well, the Oscar Nominees have been announced and I. am. pissed. To be perfectly fair, I have only seen a handful of “Oscar contenders” as of the moment, but what the hell happened? The Dark Knight got served: no Best Picture Nomination, no Director Nomination, no nothin’. effff.
Sometimes I feel like Oscar and I need to go to couples’ counseling… Why? Because I hate him.
I’d sure dust off my old Nintendo if this was real. Someone make some gameplay and release this thing!
WB seems confident about Watchmen, asks for bump-up in decision
… Warners is asking that the hearing be moved up to as early as Monday because “time is critical,” the studio argues in papers filed this week. The studio must soon commit tens of millions of dollars in marketing for a film it isn’t sure it can release.
Dark Knight rocks the People’s Choice Awards
“The Dark Knight” was the big winner at the 35th annual People’s Choice Awards.
The summer blockbuster won for favorite movie, action movie, cast, superhero (Christian Bale) and onscreen matchup (Bale and Heath Ledger) during the ceremony, carried live Wednesday by CBS.
But who really cares?
Golden Globe nominations for Best Drama
‘The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,’ ‘Frost/Nixon,’ ‘The Reader,’ ‘Revolutionary Road,’ ‘Slumdog Millionaire’
Golden Globe website names Anne Hathway as winner
he only problem is, Golden Globes are not announcing their winners until the Golden Globes air on Sunday.
While this is obviously not confirmation that Morbius will be in Spider-Man 4, it’s our first hint at a villain we might see in the upcoming sequel. I’m sure most people would claim that the excess of villains was what hurt Spider-Man 3 the most. So is using Morbius next time an improvement?
Kind of weird.
… is this expected, or did WB catch the MPAA in a lenient mood?
Jan. 20th: Will The Watchmen be released?
The drama surrounding the Watchmen movie is getting ready to hit it’s climax. As some of you may not know, Fox studios has taken legal action against Warner Bros to prevent WB from releasing the movie. The reason… WB made the movie they didn’t own all the rights too… turns out Fox owned the right (all or in part) and never gave their consent for WB to proceed with making the movie. Fox tried to communicate with WB about it, but apparently WB just ignored them until the movie was done and Fox had to go to court with it.
Add writing to Batman‘s bag of tricks. “The Dark Knight” has earned a nomination for best adapted screenplay from the Writers Guild of America.
UPDATE:
Rourke and Rockwell = Iron Man 2 villans (maybe)
Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler) and Sam Rockwell (Frost/Nixon) are in talks to star as the villains in Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 2, being directed by Jon Favreau from a script by Justin Theroux, according toVariety and The Hollywood Reporter.
The Dark Knight and The People’s Choice Awards
The Batman film will vie for awards in such categories as favorite cast, action movie, on-screen matchup and superhero
One of the best RT lists, if not THE best, I have seen: Grumpy Old Men
Best part? Star Wars Episode II made the list.. and, of course, Royal from The Royal Ten.s
we at Rotten Tomatoes thought it would be a perfect time to compile a list of some of the stodgiest, crabbiest, most curmudgeonly old codgers ever to grace the silver screen.
OP continues to keep you updated on the 2008 election with a series of videos – from rap to folk to skits to hits, this is one of the hardest hitting editions yet. Hope you enjoy.
Are you tired of CNN, Fox, even Reuters? Well, I’ve got the perfect prescription for your pain: GaNooze. This guy is crazy (funny) and a blast to watch. I may disagree with some of what he says, but his meter makes up for it. Give him a try – he won’t disappoint. He. is. insane.
McCain just can’t seem to get a win lately. From making a joke about a gorilla molesting and battering a woman to not knowing that Czechoslovakia no longer exists, he’s making a fool out of himself. Here’s another example of him hurting his chances to become our next president (Montanans, you are sure to enjoy this funny little skit).
Hip hop has definitely made it into youtube election analysis and advocacy. We’ve got a kid proposing a branch to branch hip hop song (he’s actually pretty good), a Russian dog trainers analysis (through rap) of the election, McCain as the Prince of DC, and a youtube channel called “Hip Hop for Obama”: here’s an example.
Speaking of Hip Hop for Obama, Jay-Z was making calls on behlaf of Obama during the primary: hear a message he left on a voter’s phone. I wish I had gotten that call.
And I’ve got more for you relating to phones. Here’s a video of John McCain calling Clinton and burping/farting, leaving her very confused. You say you want more farts? I know it’s a bit juvenile, but I never really get tired of these. I also have a (fake) phone conversation between Obama and Bill Clinton for you.
This video may be the best reflection on the Obama/Clinton primary, yet. Monty Python fans are sure to get a kick out of this one.
And did you think The New Yorker‘s cover featuring Obama got too much attention? Well check out the cover they did of McCain.
While we’re on the subject of McCain, I’ll throw this video out there – it explores the anger that is McCain (through song).
I know that the OP election “coverage” has been a bit biased, so I thought I’d bring attention to the McCain girls (which are essentially a youtube answer to the Obama girl). What do you think? I’m not exactly sold.
But how about the lil Bush girl vs the Obama girl? Ok, obviously this is another pro-Obama video.
And here are some great musical numbers about this election, etc. (not very funny, but still good):
Because The Dark Knight is getting so much (well deserved) attention on OP, I thought I’d put up this video. It’s a bit amateur, but is nonetheless enjoyable.
I only have a few more videos for you, but they’re all good. Like The Onion‘s piece on No Value voters and the message to all those who will be voting for Obama or have voted for Obama and have a Mama. Or the message to that boob of an egoist (I used to not mind him, but every day he grinds on me a bit more).
Three videos left.
A lot of attention is given to Bill O’Reilly, but how about Headline News’ tool, Glenn Beck? This video remix is priceless. Watch this creeper in action.
I have two more videos for you in this edition of election coverage. The first video, like others in this edition comes from Barely Political and it provides you with a quick, but accurate summary of this year’s election. Watch it. It’s been one of my favorites for a while now.
And finally, Mike Gravel may be out, but this video from May(?) is one of a kind. You have to see Mike Gravel (the real Mike Gravel) sing and rap in an attempt to win over the Obama girl. This video also comes from Barely Political, which is hit of miss, but hits more than misses.
Hope you enjoyed this edition of OP’s continuing election “coverage.”
Directed by Guillermo del Toro, I was expecting greatness, especially because I was a marginal fan of the first film. Hellboy 2 wasn’t bad and it wasn’t great. I’d say it had more potential to be great than it did to be bad, but fell short.
There is a strange level of attempted comedy, most of it actually succeeded. The attempts at dramatic romance were painful. An example of this would be a horrible fight/lovers’ tiff, which left me thinking “why the hell am I watching this?” Then, shortly after, Hellboy and Abraham are drunk and singing their woes – that was funny.
I think the previous juxtaposition of scenes serves as a pretty accurate metaphor for the film: the good was always followed by the bad and then followed by the good.
At moments I would be thinking film was awful and then I would think it was great – it’s a roller coaster of despair and enjoyment.
The one thing this film really has going for it was that it set-up, very well, sequels and I mean that in the best way possible.
B-
NOTE: I am not a Hellboy graphic novel reader, so I was looking at this film solely as a film.
and then… I saw The Dark Knight and I felt like I had been baptized anew in a fire fueled by angel hair. It is honestly one of the best films I have EVER seen. Only twice in my life have I left an entertainment event with the feeling I left Batman with last night.
Dir. Christopher Nolan; Writ. Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan; Starring Heath Ledger, Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhall, Michael Caine, Aaron Eckhart
Yes, I got to it first. It may be a little unfair, but I feel a bit entitled. I’m the one who put it on the marquee; I’m the one who tries to con people into 45oz of more popcorn for 50 cents; and I’ll be the one paying for taxi cabs after missed, last buses. It’s all worth it for an early screening of Batman.
Coming out of the Dark Knight, I have to say I was a little sad. I wasn’t disappointed, and I wasn’t mourning Ledger’s death (not at that particular moment anyway). I was a little sad because I doubt I will ever see a better comic book movie.
Let me say, every good remark or hope you’ve heard or had is true.
Ledger’s Joker is infallible. Never is there a moment where you see the actor behind the villain. There was only the slightest of seconds when I was able to pull down my awe and terror of the Joker to contemplate Ledger, and without the bathroom break I took I doubt it would have happened at all(I wouldn’t recommend drinking much soda during this film. At two and a half hours, your bladder is liable to explode and it’s impossible to find a scene you’re worth risking). In that moment, my only thought was, “Hit me with brick! If that’s Heath Ledger, who in this galaxy was in First Knight?” Don’t get me wrong. Everyone knew he was great after Brokeback, but that gay cowboy is peanuts next to the Joker.
The Dark Knight is a Batman movie. Heath Ledger makes it a Joker movie. Bruce Wayne is Batman and we all get to watch him evolve in a deteriorating world. He confides in Alfred; loves Rachel, and trusts in Harvey Dent. Yet, the Joker’s transformation is so much more sensual and pronounced. The script does provide insight into the Joker’s maniacal philosophy, but, through madly visual and vicious acts of violence alone, Ledger’s subtle and impeccable acting creates a vivid evolution that passionately shanghais the film.
Gosh, from his beginnings in Gotham as criminally-insane mastermind with a couple of great magic tricks, to his climb to being an impassioned psychopath on a big playground with a casual stroll to a school bus, Ledger as the Joker is a powerhouse. He so dwarfs everyone else, you wouldn’t give a horse’s patoot about Bale, Freemen, Caine, or Gyllenhall if they were sitting right next to you at the theater.
The special effects, the acting, the story they’re all great, but a review of the Dark Knight had to be a review of the Joker.
A+
If you’re on this site and have read this review, it probably means to at least some extent you appreciate movies (or if not, art). So, I feel safe saying, you’re an idiot if you don’t see this movie, and you’re probably a loser if you don’t see it soon.
The Dark Knight comes out in less than 24 hours. I hope it’s as good as my brain thinks it will be.
Jacob Quinn and Mute with Stupefaction are stopping by Boulder, CO (my current place of residence). A show is in the works. The tour of force (I’m not French, who else would you like me to spell it?) is making this little detour on their way from Chicago to San Fransisco. I’m pumped like a basketball.
For updates, check Mute with Stupefacation’s blog.
At the moment, 2008 looks like it could possibly top the incredible year we had for movies in 2007. There are about 20 films I already can’t wait to see. To keep this post more on the short side, I’ll refrain from writing too much about each entry, but I will post links to each film’s IMDB page, in case you want to know more. This is one of those lists that will change weekly as the year progresses, but here it is as of January 31st…
20) The Argentine/Guerrilla
A Che Guevara biopic from Steven Soderbergh (Traffic). Guevara will be played by Benicio Del Toro, who is always fantastic.
19) Be Kind Rewind
Michael Gondry is directing, and his films have all been unique and moving. This looks just plain fun.
18 ) Where the Wild Things Are
Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation) has always been wonderful, and this is a great story. Plus, this is Paul Dano’s first starring role. Hopefully this actually comes out this year.
17) Bruno: Delicious Journeys Through America for the Purpose of Making Heterosexual Males Visibly Uncomfortable in the Presence of a Gay Foreigner in a Mesh T-Shirt
As much as I loved Borat when it first came out, I’m a little sick of it now. However, that doesn’t make me any less excited for Bruno. This should be completely over-the-top.
16) The International
From the director of Run, Lola, Run. It’s got Clive Owen and Naomi Watts in the lead roles. That’s all I know, but I can’t wait to see it.
15) The Wrestler
The only reason this made it on the list is because Darren Aronofsky, who made The Fountain and Requiem for a Dream, is the director. I love his past work, and so while I’m looking forward to this, I honestly don’t think it looks all that great. Hopefully I’ll be wrong.
14) Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay
It was either this or Seth Rogen’s Pinapple Express. Only one stoner comedy could make the list. This, in my opinion, had a much funnier trailer, so here it is.
13) Body of Lies
This is a new Ridley Scott crime thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. All the big names give me hope.
12) Revolutionary Road
Stars Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, and is directed by Sam Mendes (American Beauty). This has oscar written all over it, which means it’ll probably crash and burn, but we’ll see.
11) Synecdoche, New York
Anything involving Charlie Kaufman is at least worth a look. He’s the mind behind films like Adaptation, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Human Nature, and Being John Malkovich. This is his first time directing, and he’s got Philip Seymour Hoffman in the lead role. It’ll be good.
10) The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Based on the book by F. Scott Fitgerald. Directed by David Fincher (Seven, Fight Club). Stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. Mhmm.
9) Quantum of Solace
Casino Royale’s follow up. They’ve got a great director for this one (Marc Forster), and Daniel Craig is back as bond. I’m excited.
8 ) Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Even if this turns out to be awful I’ll be there opening day. It’s a guaranteed fun time.
7) The Lovely Bones
It’ll be great to see Peter Jackson directing again. This will probably be more in the vein of Heavenly Creatures, smaller budget and all. Saoirse Ronan, the incredible child actor from Atonement, is the star. Can’t wait.
6) Wall-E
The new Pixar film. I’ve enjoyed everything they’ve put out so far (maybe not Cars, though), and I think this looks as good, if not better, than all of them, even Ratatouille and Finding Nemo.
This is Baz Luhrmann’s follow-up to Moulin Rouge. It should be epic, beautiful, and daring, just like everything he’s done in the past.
4) Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince
Director David Yates is back. Considering how well he did with Order of the Phoenix, despite it being my least favorite book, I can’t wait to see what he can do with Half-Blood Prince, which just happens to be my favorite of the 7 books. I actually expect this to be the best Harry Potter yet.
3) Burn After Reading
This is high on the list for no other reason than it’s the new Coen brothers film, and last year’s No Country for Old Men was pretty amazing.
2) Ponyo on a Cliff
Legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki’s (Spirited Away) swan song. This, unlike most animated films, will be done with water-colors. No CGI, completely hand-drawn. It’ll be beautiful. Plus, Miyazaki’s managed to never make a bad movie.
1) The Dark Knight
My most anticipated for mostly obvious reasons. Batman Begins was pretty incredible, and all signs are pointing to the sequel being even better.
Owl Pellets 
