Thank you for keeping the Hobbit in New Zealand

A great video clip of the support to keep 'The Hobbit' in NZ. I'm sharing this for two reasons:
1. It's GREAT news!
2. I'm in the video. I'm quoted during the voice-over part when they are flying over the snowy mountain saying something like, "Because of the love, and care that the New Zealand people put into the original trilogy..." Plus I'm seen towards the end of the video as well. It's exciting to be a part of this cool vid, and it's wonderful news that Middle Earth is staying where it belongs!

It's Official: The Hobbit gets the Greenlight!

Yes! It's official! The Hobbit has been Green-lit, and will start filming this upcoming February! I'm speechless a little bit, but very happy. I've been checking The Hobbit status almost daily since December 2009, and am all the more elated because of it. There have been endless hurdles for this movie over the past 3 years, but it's come out of the litigious nightmare to become a reality. I was initially excited to have Del Toro direct, but he pulled out as there were so many Hobbit hurdles to overcome just this last May, and he had other projects he wanted to work on too. Now we have Sir Peter Jackson at the directing reigns, and it couldn't be in better hands!

For those of you (including myself) that are still a little sad about Guillermo's departure fear not: There are going to be many creature designs, and animatics in The Hobbit that were personally overseen by him in the development process. So, Guillermo's vision (at least part of it) will be seen on film as well as PJ's. Guillermo has also been a co-head writer throughout the whole scripting process (along with Peter Jackson, Phillipa Boyens, and Fran Walsh--all of which were the head writers on the Lord of the Rings Trilogy). So good news still abounds, and I for one am a very happy hobbit.

We can expect the first film to hit theaters December 2012, and the second installment to hit one year later in December 2013.

The following links are to further hobbit greenlight news, and possible new cast member info as well! "For the Shire!"

Hobbit is Green-lit: http://marketsaw.blogspot.com/

Second story on The Hobbit's Greenlight: http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2010/10/15/39138-press-release-from-new-linewarner-bros-oscar-winner-peter-jackson-to-direct-%E2%80%9Cthe-hobbit%E2%80%9D-in-two-installments/

Casting and futher film information: http://www.theonering.net/torwp/

Sesame Street: Smell Like A Monster

Look at yourself. Now back to me!
I am on a horse. Moo!

Too Late to Apologize: A Declaration

What better way to honor our Founding Fathers???

PS-This amused me greatly!

2010 Summer Movie Grades

Here are my grades/rankings for the summer movie season of 2010!

1. Inception: A
2. Toy Story 3: A
3. Iron Man 2 : B+
4. Robin Hood: B+
5. Prince of Persia: B+
6. The A-Team: B
7. Knight & Day: B
8. Despicable Me: B-

Prince of Persia

It's nice when one goes into a movie not expecting much, and is able to walk out fully satisfied with the experience. Prince of Persia is such a movie. Most video game movies aren't worth snuff. Actually I can probably safely say that almost all video game adaptations are failures--Prince of Persia is a major step forward in reversing all of that.

The film is about an adopted young ruffian that finds favor in the king's eyes through his courageous, and selfless acts towards a friend of his on the street. The adopted riff-raff gets the title of prince and a life of luxury. Years pass and the warring Persian empire stumbles across a unique holy city and decides to capture it despite outcries from advisers saying that such an attack on a god favored sanctuary will be dire in the end. During the attack on the city our prince stumbles across a dagger that he later discovers will turn back time when used. This power is obviously not going to be overlooked by many, and a bounty of power-hungry parties pursue it. It is up to the prince, and his reluctant, elusive, meddling female companion (whose companionship he acquired during the raid on the holy city) to ensure that the magical relic is protected from the wrong sorts. The pursuit takes a personal toll on the prince as well, as those who are pursuing the dagger seek to frame him for heinous crimes.

The time-travel premise is played out surprisingly well. It has a fresh take on the much used movie gimmick, and surprised me with it's satisfying payoffs when the time-travel was used. Jake Gyllenhall provides a good enough performance as Prince Dastan, and I never had any complaints about his character throughout. When you boil it down this is a fun movie that aspires to be just that: fun. It has a similar feeling to Pirates of the Caribbean, but obviously doesn't have the genius of Johnny Depp. What it does have, though, is a very good, well-rounded cast that all equally pull there weight (especially a delightful performance by the always stellar Alfred Molina of Spider-Man 2 Doc Oc fame) in an amusing, enjoyable romp about the deserts and oasis' of the ancient Middle-East. A fun view.

Grade: B+

Robin Hood by Ridley Scott

The newest Robin Hood movie has been fairly hammered by critics. I have a one word response: "Why?" It baffles me to be honest. No, the movie isn't the next step in evolution (like some critics believe a movie has to be to be considered any good), but it's not to be dismissed.

This story of Robin Hood is an origin story of sorts. The tale is about how he became who we know him to be. It's a fun idea that plays out very well. Russell Crowe's Robin Hood isn't a prance-about-swashbuckler (which seemed to annoy people), but he's a tough warrior that is struggling to bring sense and order to a torn country. The story goes for a more realistic type of take on the classic character, and less of the fantastical one-liner affair that other Robin Hood's exude.

If you like Ridley Scott at all, then you WILL like this movie. It's not perfect, but what movie is? Even the best of movies have those who find fault in them. Entertainment-wise the movie stands strongly, and there is no worry about acting: everyone is near-top notch. I have to admit that I'm a Russell Crowe fan. That being said though, this iteration of the man of the hood is a good yarn.

Grade: B+

Iron Man 2

Easily two thumbs up on this movie. Robert Downey Jr. commands every scene he's in, and Don Cheadle is a more than adequate replacement for James "Rhodey" Rhodes. Gwyneth Paltrow is just flat out fun to watch, and her character balances everything out so well, and adds that extra layer of character depth to the whole movie that really makes it all work. I love Mickey Rourke as the villain, and my only complaint there is that they didn't give him a little more dialogue because his character is just so intriguing to me. Very fun summer action flick, with a bounty of good comedic moments too. Not a masterpiece in movie-making, but a fun ride that I'm sure I'll be taking a few more times.

Grade: B+

The King of Kong

"The King of Kong: A fistful of Quarters." An unusual documentary about the high price, and the intense stress of obtaining the world record in the game of "Donkey Kong." Yep, you heard right, Donkey Kong! The story of the back and forth battle for the 20+ year standing record between the elusive Billy, and the determined Steve is nothing short of captivating. I was a little skeptical when my brother, Chris, let me borrow this movie, but was most pleasantly surprised. It's funny, intense, frustrating, liberating, and enlightening. I'm not joking, it's an in depth experience that goes beyond just the game. In the words of the protagonist, "It's not even about 'Donkey Kong' anymore...".

This movie has an underdog hero, a conniving, scheming, calculating villain, and a quirky mediator to top it all off. There's deceit, anger, love, lying, cheating, rivalry, and camaraderie. A movie that once again proves that life can be stranger than fiction. The more I ponder over this film the more I think fondly upon it. The eventual antagonist even has the equivalent of henchmen for crying out loud! Hilarious and infuriating!!! A must see for anyone interested in a good laugh, and an even better story. It's out now on DVD. Released in 2007. Run-time: 90 minutes. Rated PG-13 (barely...mostly PG).

Grade: A

Clash of the Titans

I saw the old iteration of the "Clash of the Titans" many, many years ago, and have very few memories of it. What I do remember is that it was not that good, but entertaining none-the-less. The new movie follows those same sentiments almost exactly. " Clash of the Titans" is not that good... film-making-wise, and the script is flawed on multiple levels, but it somehow squeezes out fun entertainment! I can't totally explain it, but I really liked the movie. It's not one that you will be dissecting, and delving into. It's not a movie that will be discussed in any awards ceremonies, but it is escapist fun, and it knows it. Clash doesn't try to be better than it really is, and it hits well on its intended targets. I feel comfortable recommending it to most people--so long as they know to go into the movie with the idea that it's not high art, but fun escapism.

Grade: B

How To Train Your Dragon

I saw this movie last night and was very pleasantly surprised! I loved the animation, and I feel this is DreamWorks studios best release to date. It best competes with it's big animation rival Pixar. I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. The story is fun, and heart-felt. I especially liked the fact that they steered away from most pop-culture references, and came out to tell a story. It didn't try to be overly funny with lame jokes, and it didn't dumb down some of its more emotionally poignant moments because of the children in the audience. I especially loved the giant dragon at the end--Cool Stuff! A good, fun, dragon-fighting and flying romp! I recommend this movie to just about anyone! And kids will probably love it.

Grade: A-

In honor of St Patty's Day I submit the following link to a fun video I made on JibJab. Enjoy!

http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/vCnO2R0dRWqeqNj9

Alice in Wonderland, Avatar, and Holmes

I never reviewed AVATAR, but rest assured that I thought it was spectacular! Left the film in awe. My favorite movie released in 2009. Most everyone has seen this one already so the review on this is not entirely necessary. Still only seen it once, but am dying to see it again.

Avatar Grade: A

I never reviewed SHERLOCK HOLMES, but I can tell you that you should definitely see it when you can--dollar theater or DVD. It has wonderful/beautiful (and Oscar nominated) art direction; plus, Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law are entertaining throughout. You can't seem to go wrong with Robert Downey Jr. these days--it's hard to take your eyes off of his performances.

Sherlock Holmes Grade: B+

ALICE IN WONDERLAND is what I'm reviewing for now. Simply put, a waste of wonderful source material, and talent. How could a movie with the tremendous talents of Tim Burton, Johnny Depp, and Helena Bonham Carter be so ensconced mediocrity? Wasn't terrible, but wasn't memorable. Whomever wrote the screenplay drifted from the original story, and made up one of their own. A story in which Alice is older, and is returning to Wonderland only to remember nothing of it turned out to be quite un-magical, and disapointing. It is very kooky, but the charm is not there. Things just sort of happen without any real explanation...which might be good for a film based on this source material, but in this case it's bad. Some of the few upsides include a fun performance from the Cheshire Cat, a moody performance from the Caterpillar (voiced by Alan Rickman of Harry Potter Snape fame), and decent performances from Depp and Bonham Carter as the Red Queen. They got the most out of the script they could...at least that's what it felt like. The art direction was pretty good overall, but not strong enough to carry the film on its shoulders alone.

I would say worth seeing once, and although the 3D was done very well it is not worth your money, if you do see it in theaters, to go the 3D route. I would advise the dollar theater or DVD rental.

Alice in Wonderland Grade: C+