Well, what do you know, someone’s found a use for Lifetime after all — you know, for their scripted series department. Also, Tyler Perry wants to ruin television, Bruce Willis gets Joed, and American Idol judge negotiators yell Mission Accomplished.
Hollywood dish is mostly best served cold.
A.O. Scott and Manohla Dargis noted that though “[the archetypes] populating contemporary movies don’t line up with reality, … they offer clues about what the [people] of our dreams look like, or at least what moviemakers are trying to sell us.” Though certain character tropes have been oft referenced and analyzed (e.g. sassy black and/or gay friend, Manic Pixie Dream Girl, the White Savior, damsel in distress, the Nice Guy™), there are other ones out there! Here are two new (or at least lesser known) ones to consider:
I propose that they just make a movie called Reboot, which discusses the process of rebooting a movie. You know, how they decide which marginally successful 1980’s movie hasn’t been touched by the hand of Michael Bay or Brett Ratner (who’s producing this year’s Oscars by the way. We have been forsaken.) and then how they sell its earning potential to a studio. Can’t you just imagine the Weekend at Bernie’s pitch meeting, or the discussion of Killer Klowns from Outer Space over sushi? I’m not really sure how these things happen. Maybe it’s more like spinning a Price Is Right Wheel, but somehow these ideas make it to the big screen mostly to our utter confusion and despair.
Let’s take a look at what Hollywood has on tap for the coming future.
Hello, good people of Nerdsylvania! I know that I’m preaching to the choir when I tell you that nerds come in all colors, shapes, genders, sizes and levels of cleanliness. But, sometimes it’s necessary to have a bit of a refresher course every now and then. That’s why this installment is so important. This week we learn that DC still loves the ladies, Spider-Man has a brand new enemy, The Game of Thrones welcomes a new resident or two and something about Perry White is different. All this and the Demon King of England in this week’s NERD NEWS ROUNDUP!
There’s nothing better than getting down to the final moments of a movie and being totally absorbed and invested in what’s playing out on that screen. Watching it unfold becomes a bit like magic. Whether you credit the acting or the storytelling, when you come across a movie ending that is just so good, so breathtaking, or moving, it gives you the same sense of satisfaction as say finding $10 in between sofa cushions, or waking up an hour before your alarm. For a real movie lover it can make shelling out $12 and braving the undulating horde of opening weekend moviegoers worth it. You’ve gotta be careful, though. Every once in a while you’ll come across flammable polyester culottes wrapped in a golden fleece, and you’ll wind up witnessing a certified suckfest.
Take a look at a few movies that have left many of us speechless. Continue reading
Roman Polanski’s Carnage will have its world premiere at the 68th Venice Film Festival before making its North American premiere at the 49th New York Film Festival. The film is adapted from Yasmina Reza’s Tony-winning play, God of Carnage, which focuses on two couples who attempt to resolve their sons’ playground altercation only to engage in arguments of their own.
The limited setting and exploration of the darker side of human nature seem especially suited to Polanski’s sensibilities. Anticipation for the film has increased with the news that it would open NYFF. Read film critic Anthony Kaufman’s reaction here. Given the fact that the source material won a Tony and that both Polanski and three quarters of his principal cast are Oscar winners, is Carnage guaranteed to bring the goods? Regardless of awards, is Polanski’s body of work (and likewise, each actor’s) enough to suggest that Carnage will be a home run? Continue reading
Crasstalkers have an impressive knowledge of, and appreciation for, the movies. A beautiful shot. A perfectly placed song. A well delivered line. It’s those memorable lines that you quote that we are talking about today. Continue reading
Howdy readers! Some of you will go see Cowboys & Aliens while an unfortunate few will get dragged off to see the Smurfs by your children or a nostalgic and soon-to-be ex. Some of you might be at home sorting your Whale’s Vagina Comic Con swag into the “Keeper” and “eBay” piles. Some of you might even be deciding whether it’s classier to drink Scotch or Wine while playing Team Fortress 2 (the answer is Scotch, btw). Whatever you do this weekend, one thing is for certain: You need nerdy news.
Guess what? I have nerdy news. This week, Madden 12 gives you a 2nd chance, Martin Luther rears his ugly head, Dinosaurs are everywhere and another boardgame gets a movie in this week’s Nerd News Roundup!
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Let’s start with Bridesmaids. One of the biggest, most successful comedies of the summer, right? Fawning articles everywhere about how Kristen Wiig is the Next Great Female Comic Voice. A 90% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. All my friends post glowing status updates about it on Facebook. It was the “must see” comedy of the summer.
Well. I kind of hated it. Let the sniping begin! Continue reading
Here’s a list of movie scenes that are made great by the music to which they are set. I didn’t delve into the performances of songs in movies which is definitely going to be another list. Also, sorry if I didn’t include your favorite but there were definitely enough to make a second list. Without furthur ado, here is the not-so-definitive list. Continue reading