June Movies: Transformers 3, Green Lantern, Super 8, & Cars 2...

[Mark Vader]

I saw the Hangover and X-Men this weekend (a very rainy weekend, had to do something). I really enjoyed X-Men. Like many of the reviews have said, the guy who played Magneto is going to be making a name for himself shortly. He was really good. I wasn't too crazy about the whole Mystique subplot, but it worked out well enough, so I can't complain.

 

Oh, and the cameo was hilarious.

That was a great scene. How ironic that with all the superhero movies we are getting this summer, 3 of them being the first of their kind, and the X-Men prequel might turn out to be the best movie of the bunch. Agree with you on Michael Fassbender, he was great as Magneto.

 

So how was The Hangover?

[CosmicBills]

...

 

So how was The Hangover?

A carbon copy of the first ... for better and worse.

[shrader]

That was a great scene. How ironic that with all the superhero movies we are getting this summer, 3 of them being the first of their kind, and the X-Men prequel might turn out to be the best movie of the bunch. Agree with you on Michael Fassbender, he was great as Magneto.

 

I'd say it has the most easily identifiable story among the superheros movies. Yeah, they have their crazy superpowers, but the message behind the movie is an easy sell (one that apparently Brett Ratner couldn't sell).

 

So how was The Hangover?

 

I didn't comment on it for a reason.

[Dante]

Saw "Super 8" last night and I advise all of you to check it out. It is worth your time. For those of you that do not think that there are no more good mainstream movies being made in the summertime anymore, then you should see this.

 

Good acting by the kids in this film and fine direction by J.J. Abrams, "Super 8" has a great blend of drama, comedy & thrills.

 

I'm not going to get into details of the movie, all I can say is, see it and you will be pleased.

Have to disagree on this one. Movie just felt empty to me. As usual it was very well produced like Speilbergs movies always are. Great train wreck scene. Nice atmospheric town. Growing up in the 70's is was kinda nice to see some of the things I had as a kid. The Panasonic cassette player/radio. The Hunchback Of Notre Dame model. Creepy horror comics on the wall. But it was kind of a empty vessel beyond that. It has all been done before. It had all the cliched characters. Troubled parents disconnected from the kids. Evil,untrustworthy military out for their own gain with a square jawed uncaring white captain guy(think Avatar) as their point man. Usually I can endure the cliche's if the story is good. But as a rule, if a movie features these characters the plot is equally unoriginal. Unfortunately the best part of the movie was the end for a couple reasons. The movie the kids were making within the film was better than the real one.

jmho

[Mark Vader]

Saw "Cars 2" this weekend. The consensus is that this is Disney/Pixar's weakest franchise, and I would agree with that.

 

However I thought that this sequel was better than the first film, although that is not a difficult task. I liked that there was an actual story this time around. Once again the animation is superb. The depictions of Tokyo, Paris, Italian Riviera & London are fantastic. Michael Caine's "Finn McMissile" is a welcome character to this series, and the whole subplot of spies and alternative energy is quite good.

 

Unfortunately, like the first Cars movie, there just aren't that many big laughs, and Tow Mater's simpleton act can get tired after awhile.

 

Even though this is my least favorite series in the Disney/Pixar library, it is still enjoyable, as Pixar doesn't have to fully rely on toilet humor in order to get a laugh. So I do recommend this film. It's fun and enjoyable, just not an Oscar contender for Best Picture.

 

Let's face it, after a strong run of films like "Ratatouille", "Wall-E", "Up" & "Toy Story 3", you're bound to have a bump in the road once in awhile. Let's hope that Disney/Pixar gets back on track with next years "Brave".

[ajzepp]

Great job, Mark! I wasn't sure if I wanted to see Green Lantern, and the harsh reaction by the critics have me wanting to see it even less. That being said, one of the critics I rely on the most since he seems to have very similar taste in movies as I do, Harry Knowles, really enjoyed it. The one film I do plan to see in the theaters, though, is Captain America. I'm really looking forward to that one, as he's always been one of my favorite super heroes. I'm also very interested to see how the Avengers film continues to come together between now and next year. Should be interesting.

[shrader]

So Mark, will you be seeing anything this week?

[Mark Vader]

Great job, Mark! I wasn't sure if I wanted to see Green Lantern, and the harsh reaction by the critics have me wanting to see it even less. That being said, one of the critics I rely on the most since he seems to have very similar taste in movies as I do, Harry Knowles, really enjoyed it. The one film I do plan to see in the theaters, though, is Captain America. I'm really looking forward to that one, as he's always been one of my favorite super heroes. I'm also very interested to see how the Avengers film continues to come together between now and next year. Should be interesting.

DC & Warner Bros. are going to have a tough time justifying a Green Lantern sequel, poor reviews and not-so-stellar box office numbers really hurt.

 

Marvel is on a roll, and Captain America has a lot of people buzzing with anticipation. Chris Evans looks the part, and having Hugo Weaving as Red Skull has many fans thrilled.

 

The Avengers will kickoff next year's summer season. Unfortunately there will be no panel for it at Comic Con in San Diego this year. A major disappointment for fans. Another thing is that The Avengers will be the first Marvel movie distributed by Disney, who purchased Marvel in 2009. There is some speculation that there will be an Avengers presentation at Disney's D23 Expo in August at Anaheim. There will be plenty of anticipation for this film. Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johannsen, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Chris Evans & Mark Ruffalo(who replaces Edward Norton) all team up for this big flick.

[ajzepp]

DC & Warner Bros. are going to have a tough time justifying a Green Lantern sequel, poor reviews and not-so-stellar box office numbers really hurt.

 

Marvel is on a roll, and Captain America has a lot of people buzzing with anticipation. Chris Evans looks the part, and having Hugo Weaving as Red Skull has many fans thrilled.

 

The Avengers will kickoff next year's summer season. Unfortunately there will be no panel for it at Comic Con in San Diego this year. A major disappointment for fans. Another thing is that The Avengers will be the first Marvel movie distributed by Disney, who purchased Marvel in 2009. There is some speculation that there will be an Avengers presentation at Disney's D23 Expo in August at Anaheim. There will be plenty of anticipation for this film. Robert Downey, Jr., Scarlett Johannsen, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Chris Evans & Mark Ruffalo(who replaces Edward Norton) all team up for this big flick.

 

I really like the Ruffalo choice for Hulk. He's one of my favorite actors and should do a great job. I agree about Hugo Weaving, too...he'll be great in that role

 

I just hope everyone has been staying until the credits are over with these Marvel/pre-Avengers flicks!

[shrader]

Hugo Weaving adds another sci-fi/comic book movie (sorry, can't think of the right label here) to his resume? He's quickly becoming a king to all the nerds.

-Red Skull

-Megatron

-Agent Smith

-V

-Lord of the Rings (sorry, not familiar with those character names)

[Fan in Chicago]

Have to disagree on this one. Movie just felt empty to me. As usual it was very well produced like Speilbergs movies always are. Great train wreck scene. Nice atmospheric town. Growing up in the 70's is was kinda nice to see some of the things I had as a kid. The Panasonic cassette player/radio. The Hunchback Of Notre Dame model. Creepy horror comics on the wall. But it was kind of a empty vessel beyond that. It has all been done before. It had all the cliched characters. Troubled parents disconnected from the kids. Evil,untrustworthy military out for their own gain with a square jawed uncaring white captain guy(think Avatar) as their point man. Usually I can endure the cliche's if the story is good. But as a rule, if a movie features these characters the plot is equally unoriginal. Unfortunately the best part of the movie was the end for a couple reasons. The movie the kids were making within the film was better than the real one.

jmho

And I agree with you on your disappointment with Super 8. I am a Spielberg fan and seeing as this movie is supposed to be a homage to the Spielberg movies of the 70s, I was quite excited to see it. However, it dwells too long on the coming of age part and too little on the overall tale. If anything, Spielberg just has a feel for the moment on camera. He knows when to tug at your heart strings and when to get you charged up for an action scene. Unfortunately, JJ Abrams displays none of those characteristics in this movie. Just when the movie begins to pick up pace after a seemingly long 1 hour, he falls back into scenes of discussion and consternation between the kids and adults. The grip is immediately lost. Again, (without putting spoilers), the actual unfolding of the monsters story is very lacklustre and ends with a big whimper. No excitement, no emotion, no thrills. After a terrible Cloverfield, Abrams redeemed himself with the excellent Star Trek but loses himself once more.

 

X-Men and Thor were pretty good.

[zevo]

blake lively is smoking.....

[UConn James]

"Green Lantern" was just... nauseatingly formulaic.

 

"Super 8" was a sideways thumb, trending downward. I doubt I will remember this movie in five years.

[Mark Vader]

Here are this month's Independent Films.

 

Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer star in "Beginners". At the age of 75, Hal decides to tell his son, Oliver that he (a) has terminal cancer and (b) is a gay man with a younger lover. Also starring Melanie Laurent.

 

Michael Sheen and Maria Bello star in "Beautiful Boy". A married couple on the verge of separation turn to one another in the wake of a shocking act committed by Sam, their 18-year-old son.

 

In "Submarine", 15-year-old Oliver Tate has two objectives: To lose his virginity before his next birthday, and to extinguish the flame between his mother and an ex-lover who has resurfaced in her life. Starring Craig Roberts, Sally Hawkins & Paddy Considine.

 

Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts star in "The Art of Getting By". George is a high-school senior who has coasted for four years without ever having done his schoolwork. When he's befriended by Sally, a popular but complicated girl who recognizes in him a kindred spirit, he begins to reassess his take on life and his future.

 

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon star in "The Trip". When The Observer asks Steve Coogan to tour Northern England's finest restaurants, the actor's idealized getaway soon turns into an exasperating assignment with best friend/professional rival Rob Brydon in tow.

 

Several foreign films make their USA release this month:

 

From Norway comes "Trollhunter". After learning that real-life trolls exist after years of being covered up by a government conspiracy, a group of Norwegian film students set out to catch the creatures on camera. Starring Otto Jespersen & Robert Stoltenberg.

 

From The Netherlands & Luxembourg comes "Bride Flight", a romantic drama that charts the lives of three women from different backgrounds, forever changed when they emigrate to New Zealand as war brides after WWII. Starring Karina Smulders, Anna Drijver & Elise Schapp.

 

From Mexico comes "Leap Year", in Mexico City, Laura's personal life is string together by a series of one-night stands. She meets Arturo, and the pair enter into an intense sexual relationship. As days go by, Laura crosses out the days on a calendar, revealing her secret past to her increasingly vexed lover. Starring Monica del Carmen & Gustavo Sanchez Parra.

 

From France comes "The Names of Love", a young, extroverted left-wing activist who sleeps with her political opponents to convert them to her cause meets her match in the form of a middle-aged Jewish scientist. Starring Sara Fostier and Jacques Gamblin.

 

And from Democratic republic of Congo, France & Belgium comes "Viva Riva!". In the city of Kinshasa, gas is in high demand and short supply. Riva, a con man of sorts, recruits some locals in a scheme to steal a supply of fuel and sell it for a profit -- a plan that puts Riva on a collision course with Azor, a local crime boss. Figuratively adding fuel to the scenario is Riva's lust for Nora, Azor's girlfriend. Starring Patsha Bay, Diplome Amekindra & Manie Malone.

 

There are also a few documentaries this month.

 

Conan O'Brien stars in "Conan O'Brien Can't Stop". A documentary on Conan O'Brien's comedy tour of the U.S. and Canada after losing his post at "The Tonight Show". Also starring Andy Richter and Stephen Colbert.

 

"Rejoice and Shout" is a documentary on Gospel music's 200-year history. Starring Smokey Robinson, Mavis Staples and Willa Ward.

 

"Buck" is a documentary on Buck Brannaman, a renown "horse whisperer" who helps people connect with their animals.

 

"Page One: Inside the New York Times" is a documentary filmed over one year at the New York Times and its newly created media desk, a group of reporters working to keep the paper in step with the transforming media landscape.

 

And "Turtle: The Incredible Journey" is a nature documentary that follows a loggerhead turtle as she sets out on a journey that looks to take her from the Florida beach where she was born, to the Arctic and Africa, and ultimately back home to lay her eggs.

 

Calendar with trailers. Note: These dates are for Exclusive or Limited release. These films may appear in your area at a later date.

 

6/3

"Beginners": http://www.focusfeatures.com/beginners/

 

"Submarine": http://warp.net/films/submarine

 

"Beautiful Boy": http://www.beautifulboythemovie.com/

 

"Rejoice and Shout": http://www.magpictures.com/rejoiceandshout/

 

6/10

"Trollhunter": http://www.trollhunterfilm.com/

 

"The Trip": http://www.ifcfilms.com/uncategorized/the-trip

 

"Bride Flight": http://www.brideflightmovie.com/

 

"Viva Riva!": http://www.vivarivamovie.com/

 

6/17

"The Art of Getting By": http://www.foxsearchlight.com/theartofgettingby/

 

"Buck": http://www.buckthefilm.com/

 

"Page One: Inside the New York Times": http://www.magpictures.com/pageone/

 

6/24

"Conan O'Brien Can't Stop": http://conanobriencantstop.com/

 

"Leap Year": http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2862521369/

 

"Turtle: The Incredible Journey": http://www.turtle-film.com/

 

"The Names of Love": http://www.namesoflovemovie.com/

 

That's all for now. I will have the July movie slate up very soon. Enjoy!

[CowgirlsFan]

Here are this month's Independent Films.

 

Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer star in "Beginners". At the age of 75, Hal decides to tell his son, Oliver that he (a) has terminal cancer and (b) is a gay man with a younger lover. Also starring Melanie Laurent.

 

Michael Sheen and Maria Bello star in "Beautiful Boy". A married couple on the verge of separation turn to one another in the wake of a shocking act committed by Sam, their 18-year-old son.

 

In "Submarine", 15-year-old Oliver Tate has two objectives: To lose his virginity before his next birthday, and to extinguish the flame between his mother and an ex-lover who has resurfaced in her life. Starring Craig Roberts, Sally Hawkins & Paddy Considine.

 

Freddie Highmore and Emma Roberts star in "The Art of Getting By". George is a high-school senior who has coasted for four years without ever having done his schoolwork. When he's befriended by Sally, a popular but complicated girl who recognizes in him a kindred spirit, he begins to reassess his take on life and his future.

 

Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon star in "The Trip". When The Observer asks Steve Coogan to tour Northern England's finest restaurants, the actor's idealized getaway soon turns into an exasperating assignment with best friend/professional rival Rob Brydon in tow.

 

Several foreign films make their USA release this month:

 

From Norway comes "Trollhunter". After learning that real-life trolls exist after years of being covered up by a government conspiracy, a group of Norwegian film students set out to catch the creatures on camera. Starring Otto Jespersen & Robert Stoltenberg.

 

From The Netherlands & Luxembourg comes "Bride Flight", a romantic drama that charts the lives of three women from different backgrounds, forever changed when they emigrate to New Zealand as war brides after WWII. Starring Karina Smulders, Anna Drijver & Elise Schapp.

 

From Mexico comes "Leap Year", in Mexico City, Laura's personal life is string together by a series of one-night stands. She meets Arturo, and the pair enter into an intense sexual relationship. As days go by, Laura crosses out the days on a calendar, revealing her secret past to her increasingly vexed lover. Starring Monica del Carmen & Gustavo Sanchez Parra.

 

From France comes "The Names of Love", a young, extroverted left-wing activist who sleeps with her political opponents to convert them to her cause meets her match in the form of a middle-aged Jewish scientist. Starring Sara Fostier and Jacques Gamblin.

 

And from Democratic republic of Congo, France & Belgium comes "Viva Riva!". In the city of Kinshasa, gas is in high demand and short supply. Riva, a con man of sorts, recruits some locals in a scheme to steal a supply of fuel and sell it for a profit -- a plan that puts Riva on a collision course with Azor, a local crime boss. Figuratively adding fuel to the scenario is Riva's lust for Nora, Azor's girlfriend. Starring Patsha Bay, Diplome Amekindra & Manie Malone.

 

There are also a few documentaries this month.

 

Conan O'Brien stars in "Conan O'Brien Can't Stop". A documentary on Conan O'Brien's comedy tour of the U.S. and Canada after losing his post at "The Tonight Show". Also starring Andy Richter and Stephen Colbert.

 

"Rejoice and Shout" is a documentary on Gospel music's 200-year history. Starring Smokey Robinson, Mavis Staples and Willa Ward.

 

"Buck" is a documentary on Buck Brannaman, a renown "horse whisperer" who helps people connect with their animals.

 

"Page One: Inside the New York Times" is a documentary filmed over one year at the New York Times and its newly created media desk, a group of reporters working to keep the paper in step with the transforming media landscape.

 

And "Turtle: The Incredible Journey" is a nature documentary that follows a loggerhead turtle as she sets out on a journey that looks to take her from the Florida beach where she was born, to the Arctic and Africa, and ultimately back home to lay her eggs.

 

Calendar with trailers. Note: These dates are for Exclusive or Limited release. These films may appear in your area at a later date.

 

6/3

"Beginners": http://www.focusfeatures.com/beginners/

 

"Submarine": http://warp.net/films/submarine

 

"Beautiful Boy": http://www.beautifulboythemovie.com/

 

"Rejoice and Shout": http://www.magpictures.com/rejoiceandshout/

 

6/10

"Trollhunter": http://www.trollhunterfilm.com/

 

"The Trip": http://www.ifcfilms.com/uncategorized/the-trip

 

"Bride Flight": http://www.brideflightmovie.com/

 

"Viva Riva!": http://www.vivarivamovie.com/

 

6/17

"The Art of Getting By": http://www.foxsearchlight.com/theartofgettingby/

 

"Buck": http://www.buckthefilm.com/

 

"Page One: Inside the New York Times": http://www.magpictures.com/pageone/

 

6/24

"Conan O'Brien Can't Stop": http://conanobriencantstop.com/

 

"Leap Year": http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2862521369/

 

"Turtle: The Incredible Journey": http://www.turtle-film.com/

 

"The Names of Love": http://www.namesoflovemovie.com/

 

That's all for now. I will have the July movie slate up very soon. Enjoy!

 

Christopher Plummer..a busy man for his age..."Priest" and now "Beginners"

[Mark Vader]

Saw "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" and while it is an improvement over "Revenge of the Fallen", the Transformers once again take the back seat to Sam Witwicky. In fact the last two movies should've been entitled "Sam Witwicky and some robots from outer space".

 

If you are a Transformers purist like I am, you will be disappointed, if not then you might have a good time with this film. The addition of Sentinel Prime is very good and Leonard Nimoy's voice of the character is great. In fact he delivers the best line in the whole movie. Patrick Dempsey is a surprise and shows more range than we see from him on Grey's Anatomy.

 

Aside from that there is plenty to forget. Yes the special effects are top notch, and although I did not see this movie in 3D, I'm sure it would be a great viewing in that format. Rosie Huntigton-Whitely is eye candy and nothing more. Shia LaBeouf whines and yells a lot. John Turturro is the same obnoxious unappealing character, and John Malkovich & Frances McDormand are just wasting their time in this flick.

 

Don't get me started on the use of the Decepticons in this movie. They look awesome, but that's about it. There is a brief fantastic scene with Megatron, Soundwave, Starscream & Lazerbeak and no humans in sight. It is a scene that just makes you wish you had more of in this entire trilogy. Alas it is all you get.

 

It looks like this will be the end for Transformers on the big screen for a little while and that is good. When the franchise is continued, hopefully Paramount will find a better director, better writers and better actors for this franchise. Then finally Transformers can be taken just a little bit more serious.

Edited July 5, 2011 by Mark Vader

[ajzepp]

Saw "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" and while it is an improvement over "Revenge of the Fallen", the Transformers once again take the back seat to Sam Witwicky. In fact the last two movies should've been entitled "Sam Witwicky and some robots from outer space".

 

If you are a Transformers purist like I am, you will be disappointed, if not then you might have a good time with this film. The addition of Sentinel Prime is very good and Leonard Nimoy's voice of the character is great. In fact he delivers the best line in the whole movie. Patrick Dempsey is a surprise and shows more range than we see from him on Grey's Anatomy.

 

Aside from that there is plenty to forget. Yes the special effects are top notch, and although I did not see this movie in 3D, I'm sure it would be a great viewing in that format. Rosie Huntigton-Whitely is eye candy and nothing more. Shia LaBeouf whines and yells a lot. John Turturro is the same obnoxious unappealing character, and John Malkovich & Frances McDormand are just wasting their time in this flick.

 

Don't get me started on the use of the Decepticons in this movie. They look awesome, but that's about it. There is a brief fantastic scene with Megatron, Soundwave, Starscream & Lazerbeak and no humans in sight. It is a scene that just makes you wish you had more of in this entire trilogy. Alas it is all you get.

 

It looks like this will be the end for Transformers on the big screen for a little while and that is good. When the franchise is continued, hopefully Paramount will find a better director, better writers and better actors for this franchise. Then finally Transformers can be taken just a little bit more serious.

 

I've honestly had an arse-ful of Shia LeBeouf. There seems to be a running joke about how Nicolas Cage is in every movie, but even Nicolas Cage is sick to death of Shia LeBeouf. He was great when he was a kid, cause he seemed wiser than his years and he exhibited charisma for his age. But for gosh sakes, enough of this kid. He's the exact same character in every movie. I really don't understand the appeal anymore. I'm not sure if I'll see Transformers in the theater or on BD, but I know I'll see it sooner or later. I hope I enjoy it better than you did, mark lol.

[Fan in Chicago]

I've honestly had an arse-ful of Shia LeBeouf. There seems to be a running joke about how Nicolas Cage is in every movie, but even Nicolas Cage is sick to death of Shia LeBeouf. He was great when he was a kid, cause he seemed wiser than his years and he exhibited charisma for his age. But for gosh sakes, enough of this kid. He's the exact same character in every movie. I really don't understand the appeal anymore. I'm not sure if I'll see Transformers in the theater or on BD, but I know I'll see it sooner or later. I hope I enjoy it better than you did, mark lol.

I enjoyed Transformers 3 far more than Tr-2. Though thats not saying much, it is a fun film primarily for a non-purist like me. But I echo your feelings about LeBouf. Guy is a talentless, uncharismatic, under-built, unfunny person masquerading as an actor. I have no idea why Steven Spielberg continues to pimp him so much. He is a product of successful movies and not the other way around.

[ajzepp]

I enjoyed Transformers 3 far more than Tr-2. Though thats not saying much, it is a fun film primarily for a non-purist like me. But I echo your feelings about LeBouf. Guy is a talentless, uncharismatic, under-built, unfunny person masquerading as an actor. I have no idea why Steven Spielberg continues to pimp him so much. He is a product of successful movies and not the other way around.

 

Exactly. I don't know anyone who has ever said, "I can't wait to go see that new Shia LeBeouf flick!" Surely there must be other male leads in their 20s who can do as good or better of a job than this guy. I still can't believe I had to watch this kid in an Indiana Jones movie. I'm still groaning over that casting decision, but like you said, Spielberg has a woody for him.

 

I'm a non-purist too, so I'm hoping to enjoy Transformers when I do see it, in spite of monsieur LeBeouf.

[boyst]

watched green lantern, transformers, and thor over the weekend. Watching xmen next. All were good, with green lantern being best. transformers was...dull...but the chick in their! god-dum, thats a arse on her.

 

also, my nephew loved cars 2, if anyone cares, my neice evidently only cared about eating the popcorn.