Mark Vader Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 It is time for the 2013 Summer Season of movies to say goodbye, as the month of August arrives. Very few blockbusters arise from this time of year, but the studios hope to leave one or two treats for the summer crowd, before the weather changes and kids head back to school and football starts up. One such movie has been on the minds of movie goers for several months now. A movie that brings the return of a director who wowed audiences this same time of year. In August of 2009, Neill Blomkamp made his directorial debut in feature films with "District 9". The result was high marks from critics, very good box office numbers and an Oscar nomination for best picture. Four years later, Blomkamp finally returns with his latest film, "Elysium". In the year 2159 two classes of people exist: the very wealthy who live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium, and the rest, who live on an overpopulated, ruined Earth. Starring Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley, Wagner Moura, William Fichtner & Diego Luna. Liam Hemsworth, Gary Oldman, Amber Heard & Harrison Ford star in "Paranoia". An entry-level employee at a powerful corporation finds himself occupying a corner office, but at a dangerous price: he must spy on his boss's old mentor to secure for him a multi-billion dollar advantage. Actors Simon Pegg & Nick Frost and director Edgar Wright complete their "Blood & Ice Cream" trilogy("Shaun of the Dead" & "Hot Fuzz") with "The World's End". Five friends who reunite in an attempt to top their epic pub crawl from 20 years earlier unwittingly become humankind's only hope for survival. Also starring Martin Freeman & Rosamund Pike. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Chloe Grace-Moretz, Christopher Mintz-Plasse & Jim Carrey star in "Kick-Ass 2". The costumed high-school hero Kick-Ass joins with a group of normal citizens who have been inspired to fight crime in costume. Meanwhile, the Red Mist plots an act of revenge that will affect everyone Kick-Ass knows. Denzel Washington & Mark Wahlberg star in "2 Guns". A DEA agent and a naval intelligence officer find themselves on the run after a botched attempt to infiltrate a drug cartel. While fleeing, they learn the secret of their shaky alliance: Neither knew that the other was an undercover agent. Also starring Paula Patton & Bill Paxton. Jason Sudeikis & Jennifer Aniston star in "We're the Millers". A veteran pot dealer creates a fake family as part of his plan to move a huge shipment of weed into the U.S. from Mexico. Also starring Emma Roberts and Ed Helms. Forest Whitaker is "The Butler". An African-American eyewitnesses notable events of the 20th century during his tenure as a White House butler. The ensemble cast includes: Alan Rickman, Robin Williams, John Cusack, James Marsden, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Terrence Howard, Vanessa Redgrave, Lenny Kravitz, Jane Fonda, Oprah Winfrey, Liev Schreiber & Minka Kelly. Ashton Kutcher is "Jobs". The story of Steve Jobs' ascension from college dropout into one of the most revered creative entrepreneurs of the 20th century. Also starring J.K. Simmons, Josh Gad & Annika Bertea. In "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters", In order to restore their dying safe haven, the son of Poseidon and his friends embark on a quest to the Sea of Monsters to find the mythical Golden Fleece while trying to stop an ancient evil from rising. Starring Logan Lerman, Alexandra Daddario, Brandon T. Jackson, Nathan Fillion & Stanley Tucci. In "Planes", Dusty is a cropdusting plane who dreams of competing in a famous aerial race. The problem? He is hopelessly afraid of heights. With the support of his mentor Skipper and a host of new friends, Dusty sets off to make his dreams come true. Starring the voices of Dane Cook, Stacy Keach & Brad Garrett. In "The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones", When her mom is attacked and taken from their home in New York City by a demon, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl, Clary Fray, finds out truths about her past and bloodline on her quest to get her back, that changes her entire life. Starring Lily Collins, Lena Headey, Jamie Campbell Bower, Robert Sheehan & Jonathan Rhys Meyers. In "Closed Circuit", Martin and Claudia are lawyers -- and ex-lovers -- who find themselves put at risk after they join the defense team for an international terrorist's trial. Starring Eric Bana, Rebecca Hall, Ciaran Hinds & Jim Broadbent. In "Getaway", Brent Magna must get behind the wheel and follow the orders of a mysterious man to save his kidnapped wife. Starring Ethan Hawke, Selena Gomez, Jon Voight & Paul Freeman. In "You're Next", When the Davison family comes under attack during their wedding anniversary getaway, the gang of mysterious killers soon learns that one of victims harbors a secret talent for fighting back. Starring Sharni Vinson, Nicholas Tucci, AJ Bowen & Joe Swanberg. In "The Grandmaster", The story of martial-arts master Ip Man, the man who trained Bruce Lee. Starring Ziyi Zhang, Tony Leung Chiu Wai & Chen Chang. Finally in "One Direction: This is Us", Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis' meteoric rise to fame, from their humble hometown beginnings and competing on the X-Factor, to conquering the world and performing at London's famed O2 Arena. Calendar with Trailers 8/2 "2 Guns": http://www.2guns.net/ 8/7 "Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters": http://www.percyjacksonthemovie.com/us/ 8/9 "Elysium": http://www.itsbetterupthere.com/site/ "We're the Millers": http://werethemillers.warnerbros.com/#home "Planes": http://movies.disney.com/planes/ 8/16 "The Butler": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3594757657/ "Paranoia": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3075778073/ "Kick-Ass 2": http://www.kickass-themovie.com/ "Jobs": http://jobsthefilm.com/ 8/23 "The World's End": http://www.theworldsendmovie.co.uk/ "You're Next": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1610393113/ "The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones": http://www.themortalinstrumentsmovie.com/ "The Grandmaster": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4109412633/ 8/28 "Closed Circuit": http://www.focusfeatures.com/closed_circuit?utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_campaign=ClosedCircuit 8/30 "Getaway": http://www.getawaymovie.com/ "One Direction: This is Us": http://www.1dthisisus-movie.com/site/ That's all for now. Indepndent Films will be posted later. Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajzepp Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Even though the only one I'll end up seeing at the theater is Elysium, there are a few on that list that I'm actually looking forward to. I think casting Kuchar in the role of Steve Jobs was a mistake, though. There are always different degrees of how well an actor can really transform into a known figure in a biopic-type film. Daniel Day Lewis as Lincoln would be at one end of the spectrum...Jim Carrey as Andy Kaufman might be said to be sort of in the middle...and then you have, seemingly, Kuchar as Jobs. I'm only basing this off the trailer, so I'll reserve judgement until I see the actual film, but Ashton came off as Ashton trying to imitate Jobs...not as a professional actor delving into a historical figure and attempting to bring him to life on screen. I dunno, I just don't think I'm going to be able to buy it...hard for me to believe there weren't literally 50 other actors who could have done a better job there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrags Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Can't wait to see Elusium. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in Chicago Posted August 2, 2013 Share Posted August 2, 2013 Can't wait to see Elusium. I second that. Blomkamp, Foster, Copely. Scifi, allegories of immigration/sweat shops ..... Also looking forward to Worlds End. The combo of Pegg, Frost and Wright is comedic gold. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted August 2, 2013 Author Share Posted August 2, 2013 Even though the only one I'll end up seeing at the theater is Elysium, there are a few on that list that I'm actually looking forward to. I think casting Kuchar in the role of Steve Jobs was a mistake, though. There are always different degrees of how well an actor can really transform into a known figure in a biopic-type film. Daniel Day Lewis as Lincoln would be at one end of the spectrum...Jim Carrey as Andy Kaufman might be said to be sort of in the middle...and then you have, seemingly, Kuchar as Jobs. I'm only basing this off the trailer, so I'll reserve judgement until I see the actual film, but Ashton came off as Ashton trying to imitate Jobs...not as a professional actor delving into a historical figure and attempting to bring him to life on screen. I dunno, I just don't think I'm going to be able to buy it...hard for me to believe there weren't literally 50 other actors who could have done a better job there. Yeah Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs does not interest me. The movie does not look that good either. "The Butler" looks very contrived to me. I like Forest Whitaker, but this ensemble cast seems odd. Robin Williams as Eisenhower? John Cusack as Nixon? It's as if the people behind this project said "Hey, let's get all these big name people to play all of these historic figures." I think it would have been better to get more character actors or some unknowns to play these parts and not make it a big ego love fest for all of these actors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in Chicago Posted August 11, 2013 Share Posted August 11, 2013 Saw Elysium on Friday. (tried to keep it spoiler-free) Good: - Good plot, realistic but grand visuals - Good acting all around. Damon really excels as an action hero far more than he did in any of the Bourne movies. Copley follows up his fish-out-of-water performance (District 9) with a thoroughly bad-a$$ Kruger with the right amount of villiany. Supporting cast is adequate. Foster looked wasted as all she does is bark orders and try to sound scheming. - Excellent direction. I was particularly heartened to see him do an excellent sophomore act cos I was worried he is a one-shot wonder. He most definitely is not. Him and Duncan Jones are the hope for the future of brainy sci-fi Could be better: - The climax could be better. It has a good build-up but needed more of an edge-of-the-seat feel - Again, plot closure could be a bit better Overall, it was well expected that Blomkamp intentionally drifted from the visceral feel of District 9 to a more mainstream movie. Critics who lament that it is 'too loud' (it isnt IMHO) or too populist may be well served to read their own glowing reviews of decidedly shallower and generic blockbusters this year (yea, I am looking at you Iron Man 3, Man of Steel). While other summer blockbusters have their place with big action, huge sets etc, there is a very nice place for a deeper movie like Elysium. having said that, Blomkamp did not go full Hollywood on us and that may be a bit of a failing. At some points, he could have toned down the political commentary and concentrated on giving more thrills. (see Spielberg. He builds up the characters and story, but when it is time for action, he goes all mini-Michael Bay and provides goosebumps). But Blomkamp is a young director and he will learn that over time. Overall, I recommend it if you like a little depth to your scifi. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CowgirlsFan Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 I want to see "The Butler". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted August 28, 2013 Author Share Posted August 28, 2013 Sorry I'm late with these. Here are this month's Independent Films. Paul Rudd and Emile Hirsch star in "Prince Avalanche". Two highway road workers spend the summer of 1988 away from their city lives. The isolated landscape becomes a place of misadventure as the men find themselves at odds with each other and the women they left behind. Rooney Mara, Casey Affleck and Ben Foster star in "Ain't Them Bodies Saints". The tale of an outlaw who escapes from prison and sets out across the Texas hills to reunite with his wife and the daughter he has never met. In "The Spectacular Now", A hard-partying high school senior's philosophy on life changes when he meets the not-so-typical "nice girl." Starring Miles Teller, Shailene Woodley, Kyle Chandler & Jennifer Jason Leigh. Amanda Seyfried and James Franco star in "Lovelace". The story of Linda Lovelace, who is used and abused by the porn industry at the behest of her coercive husband, before taking control of her life. Kristen Bell is "The Lifeguard". A former valedictorian quits her reporter job in New York and returns to the place she last felt happy: her childhood home in Connecticut. She gets work as a lifeguard and starts a dangerous relationship with a troubled teenager. Rachel McAdams and Noomi Rapace star in "Passion". The rivalry between the manipulative boss of an advertising agency and her talented protégée escalates from stealing credit to public humiliation to murder. Directed by Brian De Palma. Keri Russell stars in "Austenland". Obsessed with the BBC production of "Pride and Prejudice", a woman travels to a Jane Austen theme park in search for her perfect gentleman. In "Drinking Buddies", Luke and Kate are co-workers at a Chicago brewery, where they spend their days drinking and flirting. They're perfect for each other, except that they're both in relationships. Starring Olivia Wilde, Jake Johnson, Anna Kendrick & Ron Livingston. In "I Give It A Year", Newlywed couple Nat and Josh are deliriously happy despite their differences, though friends and family aren't convinced that they can last. Starring Rose Byrne, Anna Faris, Rafe Spall & Simon Baker. Lake Bell directs and stars in, "In A World...". An underachieving vocal coach is motivated by her father, the king of movie-trailer voice-overs, to pursue her aspirations of becoming a voice-over star. Amidst pride, sexism and family dysfunction, she sets out to change the voice of a generation. In "Short Term 12", A 20-something supervising staff member of a foster care facility navigates the troubled waters of that world alongside her co-worker and longtime boyfriend. Starring Brie Larson, Frantz Turner, John Gallagher, Jr. & Kaitlyn Dever. In "Instructions Not Included", A man who has made a new life for himself and the daughter left on his doorstep 6 years ago finds his family threatened when the birth mother resurfaces. Starring Eugenio Derbez, Karla Souza, Jessica Lindsey & Loreto Peralta. Finally in the documentary "Cutie and the Boxer", This candid New York love story explores the chaotic 40-year marriage of famed boxing painter Ushio Shinohara and his wife, Noriko. Anxious to shed her role as her overbearing husband's assistant, Noriko finds an identity of her own. Calendar with Trailers. Note: These dates are for exclusive or limited release. These films may appear in your area at a later date. 8/2 "The Spectacular Now": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1538631961/ 8/9 "Prince Avalanche": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3735267609/ "Lovelace": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1468180761/ "In A World...": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3460998681/ "I Give it a Year": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3971000601/ 8/16 "Ain't Them Bodies Saints": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3749291545/ "Austenland": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1871030553/ "Cutie and the Boxer": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi295676185/ 8/23 "Drinking Buddies": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3669338393/ "Short Term 12": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi443328025/ 8/30 "Passion": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1621600537/ "Instructions Not Included": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2761992473/ "The Lifeguard": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1099082009/ That's all for now. I'll have the September movies up later. Until then.....Enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
\GoBillsInDallas/ Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 In "Getaway", Brent Magna must get behind the wheel and follow the orders of a mysterious man to save his kidnapped wife. Starring Ethan Hawke, Selena Gomez, Jon Voight & Paul Freeman. Selena Gomez as a computer nerd. Seriously. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted September 2, 2013 Author Share Posted September 2, 2013 (edited) Selena Gomez as a computer nerd. Seriously. Just wait until we get to October for "Gravity". George Clooney & Sandra Bullock as astronauts. Edited September 2, 2013 by Mark Vader Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Jack Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 "The Butler" looks very contrived to me. I like Forest Whitaker, but this ensemble cast seems odd. Robin Williams as Eisenhower? John Cusack as Nixon? It's as if the people behind this project said "Hey, let's get all these big name people to play all of these historic figures." I think it would have been better to get more character actors or some unknowns to play these parts and not make it a big ego love fest for all of these actors. Saw it yesterday, agreed with what you said. And whoever played Ronnie, looked like they were wearing a latex mask. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted October 29, 2013 Author Share Posted October 29, 2013 Saw it yesterday, agreed with what you said. And whoever played Ronnie, looked like they were wearing a latex mask. The sad thing, is that this movie will probably get nominated for best picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fan in Chicago Posted October 29, 2013 Share Posted October 29, 2013 The sad thing, is that this movie will probably get nominated for best picture. Aa long as its not Gravity. How such a plotless, drama-less, over-acted piece of nonsense garnered such terrific reviews and $$s will forever be a mystery to me. Or should I have posted this in the unpopular opinions thread? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Vader Posted October 30, 2013 Author Share Posted October 30, 2013 Aa long as its not Gravity. How such a plotless, drama-less, over-acted piece of nonsense garnered such terrific reviews and $$s will forever be a mystery to me. Or should I have posted this in the unpopular opinions thread? "Gravity" will get nominated, and I'm sure Sandra Bullock will get a nomination as well. Although, as of right now, it looks like "12 Years A Slave" is the movie that is the favorite to win best picture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts