Review: Somewhere

Sofia Coppola returns to familiar territory with her latest film, “Somewhere.” More rewarding than the somewhat disappointing “Marie Antoinette,” “Somewhere’s” simplistic and intimate storyline about a lost A-list actor is very refreshing. While some may not enjoy the movie’s unhurried pace, I found the film fascinating. Sofia Coppola’s long and intrusive shots made “Somewhere” feel like a case study — the subject, a man who has everything yet is seemingly unhappy.

Johnny Marco (Stephen Dorff) is a Farrari-driving playboy who lives in the Chateau Marmont where he is often entertained by twin pole dancers.

An action star, Marco is a part of a big franchise, yet his status doesn’t impress his co-star Rebecca (Michelle Monaghan), who can’t stand him. Similar to the films he makes, one would think a man of his status lead an exciting life. We soon discover his world is pretty mundane.

He spends hours sitting on the ledge of his balcony looking nowhere. Sexual liaisons with beautiful young women, although fun, are not as exciting as they once were. Enter Johnny’s daughter Cleo (Elle Fanning), whose very presence shakes things up a bit. Out of nowhere, Cleo’s mother informs Johnny she needs a break, dropping their daughter on him for a few weeks before she goes off to summer camp.

Due to Marco’s film schedule and lifestyle, father and daughter barely know each other. Yet through video game tournaments, ice-skating practice and a trip to Milan, they grow close and Johnny begins to realize how much of Cleo’s life he missed out on. A bittersweet moment happens right as the 11-year-old heads off to camp. Another follows once Marco is forced to face his loneliness.

“Somewhere” was brilliantly shot. By choosing to capture Marco’s everyday routine through lengthy close-ups, the viewer becomes completely engaged. I know I was. An unconventional way to tell a narrative, this proves challenging for the actor. In Stephen Dorff’s case, since most of his scenes are solo, he is forced to draw entirely upon himself. If he mugged for the camera, his performance would have read insincere, hokey even. Thankfully, Dorff’s portrayal of a 30-something celebrity searching for a sense of direction was authentic and not artificial.

Elle Fanning was simply radiant. She conveyed the light Marco lacked in his lowly life perfectly and the pair’s chemistry was just right. Much of the perfect cohesion can be attributed to the fact that Coppola, with permission from Fanning’s parents, had Dorff pick Fanning up from school daily before the project began, creating a bond between the two.

Similar to “Lost in Translation,” “Somewhere” is character driven. Minimalism is Sofia Coppola’s forte. She also has the uncanny knack of leaving the viewer wanting for more. In the film’s opening scene, Johnny Marco races his Ferrari in circles, obviously headed nowhere. But by the time the credits roll, it’s made very clear he’s headed somewhere. Where to exactly? That’s up to the viewer to decide.

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Under Review: ‘The Fighter’

Not since “Rocky” have I been moved to tears by a movie about a boxer. “The Fighter” managed to leave me shattered — but in a good way.

A true-life account of two brothers, the powerful boxing movie directed by David O. Russell is not your typical sports film. In fact, I would venture to say it’s a picture about family dynamics with well-choreographed fighting sequences peppered throughout. Sure to hold the intellectual’s interest, there is enough emotional strife without becoming melodramatic and for the action enthusiast the boxing scenes are pretty brutal without being gratuitous.

Set in Lowell, Mass., the story is about brothers Dicky (Christian Bale) and Micky Ecklund (Mark Wahlberg). Dicky was a boxer who may or may not have knocked out Sugar Ray Leonard. Unfortunately, drug addiction ends his boxing career relegating him to becoming a trainer. For years, the elder Ecklund instructs his brother. Living vicariously through him, he gives Micky counsel on how to best his opponent. But, eventually, Dicky’s bad habit becomes detrimental and Micky, at the behest of his girlfriend Charlene (Amy Adams), decides to dismiss his brother once he is arrested and sent to jail.

Meanwhile, Micky’s overbearing mother and manager, Alice (Melissa Leo), is determined to hold onto the reigns. She doesn’t appreciate Charlene’s interference and, in an amusing scene, she along with her seven daughters, attempt to put a stop to her meddling. This, of course, puts Micky in the middle, but forces him to take a stand and do what’s best for himself and his career.

David O. Russell should be commended for his fantastic work here. Although the movie clocks in at just less than two hours, I couldn’t help but feel cheated. So very invested in the characters and their journey, I wanted more. At the edge of my seat during poignant moments, I was completely enthralled. The pacing was perfect. There were no unintentional lulls — just moments of substance.

Mark Wahlberg impressed me. Sure, at times he gets a bad rap. But in “The Fighter,” he was more than adequate. He conveyed the frustration Micky harbored toward his then-toxic family and elevated his performance in any scene with Christian Bale.

Then there’s Leo, who was jarringly perfect as the enabling and manipulative Alice. She was so fantastic in the part that I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her husband George (played by Jack McGee), particularly when she hurls a frying pan at him, striking him square in the shoulder.

As spitfire Charlene, a college dropout who has definitely been around, Amy Adams leaves her cute comfort zone. She’s a tough, no-nonsense kind of girl who delivers some of the best lines and throws a mean punch, too.

But the actor everyone will be and should be discussing is Christian Bale. As Dicky Ward, Bale proves just how versatile he is. Thirty lbs. lighter, but not as terrifyingly thin as he was in “The Machinist,” he channels the real life Dicky. There is no trace of Bruce Wayne or Patrick Bateman or remnants of Bale himself. As evident during the final moments of “The Fighter,” Bale is simply genuine.

I cannot forget to mention the well-crafted screenplay. Written by screenwriters Scot Silver, Paul Tamasay, Eric Johnson and Keith Dorrington, the actors are given more than enough material to work from and the director, adequate substance to lead. It took a few years to bring this story to fruition. Four in fact. That’s how much time was needed to get Wahlberg into boxing shape, giving testimony to the actor’s conviction. It was definitely time well spent.

Go see “The Fighter” this weekend. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry and you’ll cheer. Most of all, you’ll leave the theater fulfilled.

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Seth MacFarlane Throws Party to Celebrate ‘It’s a Trap!’ Release

Seth MacFarlane sure knows how to throw one heck of a party. To commemorate the Dec. 21 release of “Family Guy’s” latest “Star Wars” spoof “It’s A Trap!,” MacFarlane and Fox celebrated in style at the Supperclub in Hollywood Dec. 14. The red carpet was littered with paparazzi, each of course wanting to take photos of MacFarlane and other notable talent, including Dr. Drew, Bill Maher, Nathan Fillian (“Serenity”), Jerry Ferrara (“Entourage”) and Jake Busey (“The Good Guys”). Who knew they were fans of “Family Guy”?

Everyone at the event was in great spirits. Not only was this shindig in honor of MacFarlane and his successful series, it was also a holiday gathering. Drinks were, of course, on the house and cleverly named. For example, I started off the night with Meg’s Margarita, and ended it with Cleveland’s chocolate mint drink. Both bars within the lively establishment were fully stocked with plenty of bartenders at work whipping out drinks at mach speed. Also popular with the party-goers were the delicious hors d’oeuvres served along with the tasty cocktails.

Once equipped with beverage and snack, everyone congregated around Santa Brian for pictures. Dressed as Kris Kringle himself, the smooth pooch was accompanied by a sexy Mrs. Claus. One wouldn’t expect anything less from Brian. That’s just how he rolls. While attendees memorialized the memorable moment with photos with Santa, Christmas music boomed throughout the white barroom, ushering everyone into the holiday spirit and before the area grew too crowded, large red curtains parted open revealing a sizable lounge.

At that moment, DJ Vice switched up the music, replacing the holiday tunes with dance, old school R & B and some Top 40. Shaped in an immense square, the walls of the main room were lined with white plush couches where guests could mingle and enjoy bottle service. In the center was a large dance floor. Straight above, to coincide with the “It’s A Wrap” themes, were a pair of Princes Leias suspended from the ceiling. Between them was a hunky Jedi in an open robe, wielding a light saber. He wielded it quite well.

Stormtroopers, complete with Santa hats, shook their groove thang with guests. An amusing sight to behold, I was reminded of the “Star Wars Christmas Special.” If you haven’t seen it, do run a search for it via Youtube. You won’t be disappointed, I assure you.

As the DJ continued to crank out good tunes, projecting behind him upon a huge screen was “It’s A Trap!” Every now and then, the music would stop so that everyone could listen to snippets from the hilarious homage to “Return of the Jedi.”

The vibe was definitely exuberant Tuesday night, and everyone had a great time. Me included. But what impressed me most was the camaraderie. Many of the attendees were people who worked with Seth MacFarlane from the “Family Guy’s” inception. Having spoke with several, each had wonderful things to say about the creator. “He’s a man with no ego,” one animator said. An editor told me that he really is a “nice guy.” I was fortunate enough to witness MacFarlane’s graciousness first hand. Although many guests wanted photos with the talented animator, writer, producer, comedian, actor … I could go on and on, he does everything … he was ever so patient.

His counterpart, Seth Green, was also amiable. I didn’t think to ask him about his thoughts on the “Buffy” reboot and I can just kick myself for not doing so. Maybe next time. Until then, I’ll watch “It’s A Trap!” again and I’ll keep a close eye on Seth MacFarlane’s next project, “Ted” a hard R comedy about a man and his teddy bear. At present, Mila Kunis, Adam Scott and Mark Wahlberg are in negotiations to star in the adult comedy. I can’t wait to hear more details about it. Rest assured, as more info becomes available, it will be covered here at It’s Just Movies.

Thankfully, Seth MacFarlane and the gang has left us “It’s A Trap!” to keep us occupied. The Blu-ray and DVD streets Dec. 21.

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Review: True Grit

Normally, I’m against remakes. As a rule, I cannot stand them. But, unfortunately, Hollywood views the re-inventions of prior source material as an easy way to make a buck. I call this lazy film-making. But when I discovered The Coen Brothers were trying their hand at the John Wayne classic I was intrigued.

Although great, I always felt the original “True Grit” could have been, well, grittier — improved upon. The Coen Brothers manage to do both here. Not to say I didn’t enjoy the original, but for me it was dated and from my understanding deviated quite a bit from the novel written by Charles Portis.

The story in “True Grit” is pretty straight-forward. Mattie Ross (Hailee Steenfeld) is a 14-year-old girl seeking revenge for her father’s murder. To assist her on her quest, Mattie hires a marshal with “true grit” named “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to track down her father’s killer through Choctaw territory. Not convinced he will carry out the deed, Mattie accompanies Cogburn — against his wishes. Along the way, the pair is soon joined by a Texas Ranger, La Boeuf (Matt Damon), who is after Chaney for a murder committed in Texas.

From the supporting actors to the leads, every contribution in this film is top notch. Then again, the Coen Brothers always had the uncanny knack of discovering the best and most interesting talent. In fact, most of the actors appeared to have been hand-picked because their specific look mirrored “True Grit’s” rough environment, making the film all the more visceral and real.

But the standout performances are without a doubt from Bridges, Steinfeld, Damon and Josh Brolin. Newcomer Hailee Steinfeld is a force to be reckoned with. What impressed me the most about this young thespian is how she played the part fearlessly. Not many actresses could hold a candle to the Oscar-winning Bridges, let alone someone so young.

Brolin is probably in the picture for all of 15 minutes. But within that brief time period, he plays one hell of a rat. As La Beouf, Damon was the perfect do-gooder, Disgusted by Cogburn’s drunken unconventional way of doing things; the Texas Ranger fought him tooth and nail. Without any difficulty, Damon conveyed the lawman’s frustration in a manner that showed how dedicated he was about bringing Chaney to justice.

Saving the best for last is the master: Jeff Bridges. He was amazing here, nothing short of perfection. If anyone was concerned whether he could fill the Duke’s shoes, they need not be. His Cogburn is of his own design, not to be confused with John Wayne’s version. Both are great, yet different, and fit the time period in which each movie was made. It always amazes me at how well Bridges slips into character, leaving barely a trace of himself. He truly is a brilliant. And one thing is for certain; the Best Actor race will be very tight this year.

To sum things up, “True Grit” is a first-rate picture. I’m sure this has been said with every Coen Brother release, but it bears repeating. The Coen Brothers have done it again.

“True Grit” opens Dec. 22.

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Test Screening Review of Paul

Since the entertaining 30-minute presentation of “Paul” at this year’s Comic-Con, I’ve been anticipating the film’s arrival in theaters. The panel at Geek mecha was comprised of Greg Mottola, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, Seth Rogen, Jeffrey Tambor and the illustrious Sigourney Weaver. The banter amongst the talent was amusing; not only was I clued in on how fun it was to work on the project, but also the film’s quality, which I assumed to be fantastic since all involved had total faith I wouldn’t be let down.

I was impressed by what little was teased. Knowing what Pegg and Frost were capable of from their previous work, I expected the clips to be funny and they were. Plus, it was cool to discover the writers created the film in tribute to sci-fi fans and Comic-Con geeks like myself. So, when I got the invite for “Paul” last week, of course I made sure my schedule was clear. As one would have anticipated for a screening like this, the theater was packed. Demographic wise, I’d say the test audience was comprised of 18- to 35-year-olds — mostly male.

Now, onto the good stuff. If you’re not familiar with the movie’s plot, here’s a brief run down. “Paul” is about an alien held captive by the U.S. Government after his ship crashed some time in the 1940s. Fast forward to today: Paul breaks out of his imprisonment but ends up crashing the car he fled in during the process. Enter Graeme (Pegg) and Clive (Frost), a couple of extra-terrestrial enthusiasts on a road trip across America to the most popular UFO landmarks. The geeky pair aid the runaway alien on his quest for freedom.

I know this all sounds very pedestrian, but leave it to the geniuses behind “Hot Fuzz” and “Shaun of the Dead” to make such a simple story anything but. “Paul” was simply hilarious and in some ways sentimental. Don’t let the latter scare you away, however. Pegg and Frost are very aware of their target audience; so don’t expect any scenes created just for the sole purpose of making a person verklempt. “Paul” isn’t that kind of movie.

What it is, however, is a humorous road trip with a foul-mouthed alien and two blokes whose dreams of making first contact with a Grey comes to pass by accident.

Come to think of it, Paul was sorta green.

… but I digress.

Everything works pretty much. I’ll get to what didn’t for me in a moment. But let’s start with the pros.

Everyone in the cast was pretty fantastic. But the stand-out for me was not the alien. It was Jason Bateman. He’s a bit of a badass in “Paul” and surprisingly he does badass well. Bill Hader of SNL fame and Joe Lo Truglio from “Reno 911” play the two remaining agents, whose modern-day slapstick routine will have audiences rolling and Jeffrey Tambor’s cameo provides a good chuckle. Kristin Wiig as a self-righteous religious person is definitely amusing, but I had some issues with her, which I’ll get to in my cons. Seth Rogen’s voice work wasn’t bad, but again, more in cons. However, the pair that completed the film was, of course, Pegg and Frost. No, I haven’t forgotten about Sigourney Weaver. She was amazing and she looks it, too, but she’s mostly heard and not seen.

The issues I had with the film don’t outweigh the fun I had while watching. I can ignore the fact that I found Seth’s voice, although adequate, rather bland. I can overlook Kristin Wiig’s sometimes-annoying characterization of a zealot. And, lastly, I can definitely cast aside any problems I felt about the editing since, after all, what I viewed was a rough cut. I’m sure the glitches will be fixed long before the movie’s release.

All in all, “Paul” is a cleverly written and well-directed film and it’s a must see for sci-fi and comic-book fans. It’s a movie that will sit with you. I myself have been thinking of certain scenes a week after the screening. That being said, I’ll definitely see the finished product on March 18 next year when the film officially opens. I’m sure many of my fellow fanboys and girls will do the same and it’s doubtful they will be disappointed.

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Warner Bros. Re-Booting ‘Buffy’ Without Joss Whedon

In the latest news of wtf-ery, Warner Bros. plans to remake “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” without Joss Whedon. The studio, which is celebrating “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallow’s” huge box office success, purchased the rights from director Fran Rubel Kuzui and Sandollar Productions. Whit Anderson, an actress turned screenwriter whose credits are quite slim, wrote the script for the Slayer reboot.

Although Charles Roven of Atlas Entertainment says that Anderson’s approach to the iconic vampire slayer is “pretty compelling and a lot of fun,” I don’t see this working. The only Buffy fans want to see on the big screen is Whedon’s — not some weak copy and that is exactly what Anderson’s version will be. What I want to know is what does Warner Bros have against Joss Whedon?

First it was “Angel.” The show was abruptly canceled even though the ratings were better than “7th Heaven” at the time. Then, it was the “Wonder Woman” film project. Due to creative differences, Joss Whedon walked. Now, it’s “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” The powers that be are ignoring the fact that Joss Whedon’s brilliant, intelligent and funny writing, along with Sarah Michelle Gellar’s perfect acting, is why the series was so successful and has a huge following today.

News like this makes me wish Whedon’s “The Avengers” beats the hell out of “Green Lantern” at the box-office, and from the spots I’ve seen of “Green Lantern,” I don’t think that will be hard to do.

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‘Harry Potter’: Seven Films Down, One to Go

My world has been forever changed since J.K. Rowling introduced me to “The Boy Who Lived” back in 1998. It is through Harry Potter that I’ve discovered witches and wizards and learned of a special academy that trained them. Like many, after finishing the first book, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” — or “Philosopher’s Stone,” as it is so rightly named in the U.K. — I became immediately transfixed with the World of Wizardry. “Chamber of Secrets” couldn’t have been written fast enough and although I found it to be the weakest of the series, I still enjoyed it. Then came “The Prizoner of Azkaban”; different in tone, it alluded to the dark times ahead for Harry.

It was during this time I learned these series of magical books would be transferred to film. J.K. Rowling had struck a monumental deal with Warner Bros and by 2001, the film adaptation for the first novel premiered respectfully in London first then the U.S.

I was both excited and apprehensive, as film adaptations often fail to encompass the essence of the source material. However, with Chris Columbus at the helm, I was slightly relieved. But what of the kids? Who would play Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and, most importantly, Harry Potter? Understandably, casting was extensive. Columbus and President Alan Horn of Warner Bros. understood the importance of finding the perfect actors since much of their young lives would be consumed by this role.

Interesting enough, Daniel Radcliffe’s parents turned down the role of Harry Potter from fear such a major undertaking would ruin his childhood. Little did they know then it would do the opposite. Having found the ideal Hermione in a studious Emma Watson and the perfect Ron in a playful Rupert Grint, producer David Heyman still needed the perfect Potter. Thankfully, Heyman was able to convince Radcliffe’s parents to allow their son to screen test for the part, which, of course, the then 11-year-old landed.

J.K. Rowling, upon watching the screen test, told Columbus, “That’s how I always imagined Harry Potter.”

The rest, as they say, is history.

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” was not only a commercial success but also a critical one and filming for “Chamber of Secrets” was well under way. It was crucial to film each installment back to back because young actors, as they often do, grow rather quickly.

Yet, by the time the third film began production, the Potter family suffered a great loss in the death of Richard Harris, who lost his battle with Hodgkins Disease. Who could possibly replace him? After circling Christopher Lee, Ian McKellan and Peter O’ Toole, Sir Michael Gambon was chosen. Not a bad choice by any means, although some die-hard fans feel Gambon’s portrayal of Dumbledore lacked warmth.

In “The Prisoner of Azkaban” — the most critically-acclaimed film of the series — Radcliffe, Watson and Grint were noticeably more confident as actors. This fact proved challenging at times to director Alfonso Cuaron, a newcomer to the Potter -verse. But he welcomed the trio’s questions because who knew the characters better than themselves? Incidentally, it was with Cuaron’s direction along with an assignment, which required the three to write a paper about themselves in character, that further assisted with character development. True to form, Emma Watson turned in a 30-page paper, Radcliffe’s was about half that. Grint didn’t bother to do it at all. When asked why, Rupert said that Ron wouldn’t have done it. Ah, yes, perfect casting.

“Goblet of Fire,” helmed by Mike Newell, another newbie, is where we encounter the death of a student. By now, the kids are no longer kids but teen-agers and their skills have strengthened considerably. The acting is impressive and the chemistry between Radcliffe, Watson and Grint is undeniable.

The precedent for new directors was well established, but David Yates broke the pattern by “Order of the Phoenix,” as he remained on board for “Half-Blood Prince” and both parts of “Deathly Hallows.” As each book became darker and bleaker, so did each film, and under Yates’ direction, the movies stayed true to Rowling’s work … for the most part. Some fans voiced distress with the condensing of “Half-Blood Prince.” But with “Deathly Hallows” broken up into two parts, followers of Potter needn’t feel alarmed.

Watching Radcliffe, Watson and Grint grow over the past decade has been almost as moving and exciting as watching the films. Thankfully, none have fallen to the pressures of Hollywood and have kept out of trouble. As for future projects for the trio, Radcliffe is continuing to act in film and onstage. The stage production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Even Trying” opens next spring and “The Woman In Black” will hit theaters some time next year. Watson is attending Brown University and is enjoying a normal life away from Harry Potter. Rupert Grint just finished “Eddie The Eagle,” a film about England’s first ski-jumper to enter the Winter Olympics.

This recap wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the composers who have worked on each film. Out of them all, John Williams is the most recognizable and his brilliant “Hedwig’s Theme” happens to be my ringtone. Patrick Doyle, Nicolas Hooper and Alexandre Desplat deserve a mention because their great work is on par with Williams and helps to further engross the viewer into the magical realm J.K. Rowling created.

The success of the “Harry Potter” films and books can easily be attributed to the bit of realism interwoven into fantasy. From the very beginning, you are rooting for Harry. He’s easy to relate too and so are his best friends Hermione and Ron. It is because of this relatability that millions will flock to theaters world wide to see how their story ends.

I will be one of them.

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1” opens today. Be sure to catch it.

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‘Wolverine’ Sequel Gets a New Title

So, the sequel to “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” won’t be called “Wolverine 2.” Instead Darren Aronofsky confirmed that the new title will be “The Wolverine.” Upon hearing this news, I’ve decided to erase any remnants of “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” from the recesses of my brain because, let’s face it, that film was pretty bad.

Even Hugh Jackman conceded to fan disillusionment, admitting it could have been better. Thankfully, with Aronofsky directing the sequel, there is hope. The title change alone alludes to not only a change in tone but quality.

Finally, we will get to see the ass-kicking, full of rage Wolverine from the comics. Set in Japan, if the script is canon, fans are in for a rich storyline filled with action and heartache. Since this is the second project Aronofsky and Jackman have worked on together (after “The Fountain”), I envision the director will inspire Jackman to give yet another emotional performance .

More can be read about Aronofsky’s new approach to the second Wolverine movie atHitFix.com.

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Trailer Talk: ‘Kung Fu Panda 2′ (Teaser Version)

One word comes to mind after watching the teaser trailer for “Kung Fu Panda 2: The Kaboom of Doom”: HILARIOUS. Just as the trailer dictates, the awesomeness returns next summer and if the sequel is as amusing as this teaser, the second film will be as funny as the first. The characterization of Po is as vibrant as ever and his movements, fluid. Perhaps another Academy nomination is in the future for his Dreamworks.

Kung Fu staring contest!

Oh, those witty writers. I wonder if Jack Black came up with that bit himself. Speaking of which, of course he’s back to voice Po and also returning is The Furious Five voiced by Angelina Jolie (Tigress), Lucy Liu (Viper), Jackie Chan (Monkey), Seth Rogen (Mantis) and David Cross (Crane). But wait, that’s not all! Rounding out the amazing voice talent are the outstanding Dustin Hoffman and Gary Oldman, martial artist and actress Michelle Yeoh and the legendary James Woods. Jean-Claude Van Damme is also listed amongst the impressive cast.

I think the plot for “Kaboom of Doom” sounds great. Now that Po is a Dragon Warrior a new villain emerges whose goal is to rule China and destroy Kung Fu. Oldman is the voice behind the baddie named Lord Shen, which makes me all the more anxious to see this movie.

“Kung Fu Panda 2” opens May 27, 2011.

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A New TV Spot for ‘The Tourist’ Makes a Visit

A new TV spot for “The Tourist” debuted Friday and it’s slightly different than the trailer. Removed from the 30-second teaser is any sequences which could be misconstrued as comedic and the music isn’t a rock song by Muse. Even with these changes, I’m still not jazzed about this film when I probably should be.

The Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck film stars two of the most sought-after actors working — Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie — and a good portion of the movie was shot in beautiful Venice. Still, despite these tantalizing factors, the film hasn’t won me over.

Maybe the reason behind my disenchantment is the fact that both principal actors don’t exactly look their best here. Depp looks bloated, Jolie too skinny. In addition to the physical letdown, the Elise character appears to mirror Jolie’s outward persona and Frank, although different than Depp’s eccentric roles, isn’t all that interesting.

However, I’m holding out hope the film will surprise since it was directed by Donnersmarck, who won an Academy Award for “The Lives of Others.” After all, the film is a remake of the French movie “Anthony Zimmer.” Perhaps the director chose specific sequences in both the trailer and TV spot to mislead the audience. But as of now, the film seems to be all glam with no substance.

We shall soon see if my pessimism is warranted. “The Tourist” opens nation-wide Dec. 10.

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About two weeks ago, James Cameron was rumored to direct Angelina Jolie in yet another film about the Queen of the Nile – In 3D. Because of the purportedly brilliant script, written by Bran Helgeland, Sony co-chair Amy Pascal wanted to fast track production on and with Cameron at the helm the film had big box office potential. But even with the talent attached to this project, as well as the rumored fantastic screenplay, I didn’t think Cameron would sign on, simply because I didn’t feel he’d direct something that wasn’t of his own design. “Cleopatra” is Angelina Jolie’s vanity piece. It has her written all over it. She would have creative control, not Cameron.

So, when news hit that James Cameron’s next project would be two sequels to “Avatar” and not “Cleopatra”, I wasn’t shocked. “Avatar” has been Cameron’s obsession for years and given the film’s financial success ($2.8 billion), I didn’t think he’d postpone continuing the franchise for a biopic that will not make as much change. Plus, the sizable donation Fox gave to Cameron’s green fund probably helped with the decision-making. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Cameron’s talk with Sony was nothing more than a ploy as a means to up his salary. If this was the case, it worked and well played.

Unfortunately, or fortunately if you’re not a fan of tall blue beings, we’re going to have to wait a bit for the “Avatar” sequels. The scripts will take time to produce and, of course, there’s the extraordinary special effects involved. The soonest we’ll see the “Avatar” sequels are December 2014 and 2015.

I gotta admit, even though I am excited about this announcement, I’m kinda disappointed. I was looking forward to Cameron’s imagining of “Battle Angel Alita.” Manga at it’s finest, “Alita” is about a cyborg who becomes a bounty hunter. If you’ve never heard of it, I suggest you pick up the manga by Yukito Kishiro first, then Netflix the anime.

For now, Neytiri will tide me over. She’s about as bad-ass as Alita. Here’s hoping there are more fight sequences with the Na’vi native in the upcoming 3-Disc special edition Blu-ray release of “Avatar,” due Nov. 15

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Under Review: ‘The Exorcist’ Extended Director’s Cut’ on Blu-ray

The moment I popped in “The Exorcist Extended Director’s Cut” on Blu-ray, I was reminded of what I was in for. To greet me was Linda Blair’s possessed face painted in an eerie green glow accompanied with demonic noises. Immediately, I remembered how frightening this film is. The first time I watched it, I was around 12 or 13. Raised Catholic, I had nightmares for days and slept with a rosary.

Eventually, the unsettling dreams faded and I was able to get a good night’s sleep, but the unsettling imagery from “The Exorcist” is unforgettable. I’m sure if you ask anyone which scenes freaked them out most, they’d be able to tell you without batting an eye.

Of course, Regan’s spinning head comes to mind. But that scene is trumped by the shocking masturbating-with-a-crucifix sequence, which even in the midst of slasher films such as “Saw,” continues to disturb to this day. Back then; ultra-violence wasn’t needed to scare an audience. It certainly wasn’t required in “The Exorcist’s” case. William Blatty’s writing along with William Friedkin’s direction and Linda Blair’s disturbing performance as the possessed girl was more than sufficient.

Regan’s (Linda Blair) possession isn’t clear overnight simply because in the very beginning her symptoms were minute. However, as her illness worsened, the tests became more severe and the drugs used to sedate her more potent. It wasn’t until the 12-year-old lunged onto a psychiatrist under hypnosis that her doctors finally suggested something unconventional. Exorcism.

If I remember right, before “The Exorcist” there weren’t any films about the practice to expel evil spirits from a person’s body. Yet without a reference point, Friedkin was able to create a terrifying film that made the viewer believe such a rite existed and a very young and talented Linda Blair made us think demon possession could occur. It is because of the film’s success, every other movie about exorcism moving forward has tried to emulate Blatty and Friedkin’s creation in one way or another. None have come close to being at the same level.

So, when the director’s cut was released on Blu-ray a few weeks ago, I had to purchase a copy. Included of course in the extended edition is the spider-walk scene from the 2000 re-release in addition to a three-part documentary about how the film was made, where it was shot and the different versions of “The Exorcist.”

There are two discs in total: the theatrical cut and the director’s cut. Within the theatrical Blu-ray disc, there are more extras, which comprise a making-of documentary from 1998, theatrical trailers, sketches and storyboards and TV spots. But the best part of the package is the 40-page hardbound digi-book filled with photographs.

What also makes the Blu-ray a worthwhile purchase is the digitally-restored audio. The sound is very rich and clean. I couldn’t get over the different layers used to create one haunting sound. The visuals are as crisp as you would guess, too.

In honor of Halloween this year, pick up a copy of “The Exorcist Extended Director’s Cut.” You’ll be glad you did. However, make sure to watch it in broad daylight.

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Under Review: ‘Hereafter’

Clint Eastwood doesn’t waste any time grabbing the audience’s attention. In the opening sequence of “Hereafter,” the viewer is swept into a tsunami. Death and destruction in its wake, we are introduced to the first character of the film, Marie LeLay (Cecile de France), a television anchor from France on vacation with her boyfriend. While shopping for gifts, the tsunami strikes, dragging Marie underwater and nearly killing her. Near death, Marie experiences the hereafter. Consumed by a white light, she experiences weightlessness and envisions ghostly silhouettes, which represent those who have passed on.

This is a powerful sequence in what is unfamiliar territory for Eastwood, who isn’t a special effects director. He hasn’t helmed films about the unknown either. However, being that the legendary actor and director celebrated his 80th birthday this year, perhaps this film was cathartic.

The second story moves to San Francisco where a simple man with a great gift resides. George Lonegan (Matt Damon) doesn’t see his ability to connect with the dead as a gift, however. To him, it is an unwanted burden. But at the prodding of his brother Billy (Jay Mohr), George goes back on his word and gives a reading to one of Billy’s associates. Thankfully, Eastwood doesn’t go the gimmick route here. No ghosts appear out of nowhere and angelic music doesn’t take over the scene, therefore the viewer is kept within the fantastical moment.

Lastly, in London, twin boys Jason and Marcus (George and Frankie McLaren) fight to remain in their home. Their mother is a junkie. High on heroin and drunk on whatever liquor is available in the residence, she is visited infrequently by child protective services. The brothers not only know the drill, they have it down and with cunning are able to ward off foster care placement by covering up for their unfit mother. Unfortunately, enabling the mother leads to a devastating loss, which leaves one unable to move on.

All three gripping narratives, connected by death, are set at the perfect pace. By not rushing, Eastwood gives each story the time it deserves to develop, engrossing the audience entirely. Additionally, Eastwood’s somber directing style works well with Peter Morgan’s contemplative screenplay.

The stand out story amongst the three? The twins. The least interesting, surprisingly, is the psychic. Not to say Matt Damon didn’t give a strong performance, he did. It’s just that his story didn’t resonate as much as the brothers or the French journalist.

My only grievances were with Eastwood’s score, which he composed himself, and the film’s flat ending. I didn’t think the piano flowed with the film. At times, it was jarring and the film’s finish felt contrived and a bit of a letdown. But it didn’t ruin my overall positive experience of the film.

As there isn’t enough reasonable discussion on the topic of life after death, “Hereafter” is definitely worth checking out. It opens nationwide Oct. 22.

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Trailer Talk: Paranormal Activity 2

I watched “Paranormal Activity” in midst of the hype and before the ending could be spoiled for me. Like many who watched the low budget horror flick, I was scared out of my mind. Even worse, I couldn’t get a good night’s sleep for at least a week because as a kid I was afraid of things that went ‘bump’ in the night. I’m not entirely sure if director and writer Oren Peli realized he’d induce nightmares amongst the millions who watched the low budget horror flick, but I’m positive he’s happy he was able to do so. Mission accomplished.

A year later, we now have “Paranormal Activity 2.” Because of the original’s huge success, ($193 million worldwide) a sequel was obvious … and unnecessary. The moment confirmation hit the web that a second was in the making, I thought the following: It won’t be as good as the first. Not that it matters to the studio. In the end they just want to make a profit. However, Oren Peli has been very vocal about not letting his fans down. So, with that said I watched both trailers with an open mind.

I liked the first teaser. Not much was given away and the viewer was reminded of just how terrifying the first film was. The second trailer … revealed too much. Complete with haunted baby, it feels gimmicky. What’s pretty clear is that a new family has settled into Micah and Katie’s former apartment and as expected strange things started to occur shortly after moving in.

Cut to surveillance footage where we see a door shutting on its own, a guy running blindly in the dark and a baby pulled the back of the crib, save for the infant part, there’s really nothing new to see here. But since Peli is adamant about this being just as good as his first creation, one can only guess and hope some original scary bits weren’t shown in the trailer.

Meh. I’ll see it.

“Paranormal Activity 2″ opens Oct. 22.

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