My Bloody Valentine 3-D

This gory 3-D adventure is the ultimate anti-valentine movie.

The plot contains all the right ingrediants for gore-loving horror fans everywhere. An old mine accident on a Valentines Day past, with one suspiscious survivor, gives way to the legend of psycho killer.

The girl next-door runs the small town super market. Her husband, the sheriff, is cheating on her with the cashier girl. And to mix it all up, a strange series of murders starts up all over again. This time, the killer has a trademark. Hearts, flowers, and valentines. In the end, it's all about finding out "who-dun-it" before he finds his next victim.

If you liked: Friday the 13th (original)
Psycho
Nightmare on Elm Street
Hostel
Identity

What's similiar at the box office: Friday the 13th (Imax and regular release)
The Uninvited

Bottom Line: For Valentines Day pessimists everywhere; sit down, put on your 3-D specks, and sit down for one gory Valentines ride, but beware the words "Be mine."

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Hooray for animation of the future

I must admit there is a certain type of movie that gets me every time. My boyfriend dreads the date of their release. He knows I just can't resist them. I mean have you ever met a girl that could?

I'm not talking about "chick flicks" or romantic comedies. No sir. The type of movies that make my heart sing are computer animated kid's flicks.

I was taken with "Toy Story" and I never looked back. There are so many good ones to recall. "James and the Giant Peach," "A Bug's Life," "Monster House," "The Incredibles," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," "Monsters Inc", "Ice Age," "Corpse Bride," the list is seemingly endless... And it's about to get longer.

Pixar and Disney released it's current lineup until 2012 of computer animated films last spring. Let's recap:

"Wall E," the Eco-friendly story of a compassionate little robot that could, came out in 2008. Now available on video.

"Bolt," a super-dog escapes the safe confinement of his movie trailer and ventures out into the outside world to save the day, also released in 2008, and is currently playing at the cheap seats.

Scheduled to come out at the end of May, "UP" is the story of a 78 year-old dreamer who meets his eight-year old match, and also learns a few things about life on the way.

What could be better than Disney's "Toy Story?" "Toy Story 3-D" Pixar's first Disney computer animated feature is scheduled to be released in a new 3-D version in fall of 2009. " Toy Story 2" and "Toy Story 3" will also have 3-D counter parts set to be released in 2010.

Christmas 2009, what a gift! Disney releases "The Princess and the Frog." Based on the musical, Disney-Pixar returns to old, but timeless animation styles. Set in New Orleans, what could be better than a love story with frogs?

"Rapunzel" the story of a long-haired princess locked away in a tower will be released in 2010 just in time for the holidays.

Two blue-footed newts must learn to love each other to save their species, in Disney's "Newt" set to release in the summer of 2011, in 3-D!

Also in 3-D, coming out for Christmas of 2011, look for "The Bear and the Bow." Merida, a daughter of royalty wants more than anything to be an archer. She finds herself on a perilous journey, that involves an ancient curse, magic and nature.

For 2012, look for "Cars 2" and "The King of Elves."

Hooray for animation of the future!

*Sources: firstshowing.net

At the cheap seats (Bolt, Valkyrie, The Secret Life of Bees)

Why pay $6-$8 to see a movie when it first comes out, when you can have the same experience by waiting a week or two, and pay only $3.50 a ticket?

That's right at Celebration Cinema at Woodland Mall, you can pay half the price to see movies a few weeks after their release date.

Here are a few reviews on movies you can see now, for less!

Bolt (rated PG)

Disney's Bolt features a cast of three lovable animated animal characters; an alley cat named Mittens, a hamster named Rhino, and of course a dog named Bolt, who has super powers...or does he?

Bolt, played by John Travolta, has grown up on the set of a very popular TV show. He plays a crime-fighting dog with super powers, who is always rescuing his favorite human, Penny, played by Miley Cyrus.

As always, the world of television ratings causes the show to take on a darker side. In one intense episode, they decide to leave the audience hanging, only the audience isn't the only one left in the dark.

Bolt, believing that his human has been captured by the evil Dr. Calico breaks out of his trailer, and takes off a journey that will change his world forever.

Voices include Susie Essman playing Mittens, Mark Walton playing Rhino, and many more.

If you liked: Wall E, The Incredibles, Toy Story, Cars

What's similar at the box office: "Coraline"

In one line: This kid's flick is a great see for audiences of all ages.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDWPsoKQoOs


Valkyrie
(rated PG-13)

Based on real attempts by members of Hitler's Nazis to assinate him and end the war, Valkyrie is not for the faint of heart.

Rated PG-13 for violence, this movie does not spare the audience the horrific acts of war. A group of rebels, lead by Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, played by Tom Cruise, tries to assasinate Hitler, and put in place a new regime.

This film reminds viewers of the other side of Germany, of those who fought to save their country, and as stated in the movie, they weren't all like him.

We all know how the story will end, yet in Valkyrie, you cannot help but get caught up in the moment. You will be sitting on the edge of your seat hoping for Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg's plan to overturn the ruling tyrant.

If you liked: Black Hawk Down, Letters from Iwo Jima, Saving Private Ryan, Schindler's list

What's similar at the box office: nothing at the moment

In one line: To those who love a good war movie; I wouldn't miss it.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

For trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSy96KB7Dh4


The Secret Life of Bees
(rated PG-13)

Based on the award winning novel, The Secret Life of Bees, is set in 1964 in the south, during the adaptation of the Civil Rights act.

Starring Dakota Fanning as Lily Owens, a teenager, who leaves her abusive father to find any clues about who her mother was, and why she left them.

Lily is also dealing with some inner demons. She cannot forget the day her mother returned. It was also the day she died. It was the day she shot and killed her own mother. She was only four.

Lily and her care giver, and plantation worker, Rosaleen, played by Jennifer Hudson run away. They arrive on August Boatwright's, played by Queen Latifah, door step in search of food and shelter.

From there on, Lily begins to find her place in life, and a future she never imagined. This story is unforgettable, and one that every teen age girl should see. It is about the world, and the way people are never truly good or evil, but a mix of both.

If you liked: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, Beloved, Fried Green Tomatoes, The Cider House Rules

What's similar at the box office: Closest would be Slumdog Millionaire

In one line: Dakota Fanning delivers a 4 star performance, which is like the icing on the cake, or in other words tops off an amazingly written screen play.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

For trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVCil2oSNYY

Watch Collegiate on Movies for more Cheap Seats reviews.

"Gran Torino" provokes ... everyone

Possibly one of Clint Eastwood's best performances yet, "Gran Torino" is not one to miss at the box office.

Eastwood's character, Walt Kowalski is a retired war vet, who has never quite forgotten the horrific events in his past. It is his experiences in the Korean war that have left him somewhat "scarred" from the audiences' standpoint.

Eastwood introduces Kowalski at his wife's funeral, as a hardened, cynical, white-haired racist that seems distant at best, from his two grown sons and their families. They urge him to join a retirement community, but Kowalski insists on staying in the home and neighborhood he has known his entire adult life.

The neighborhood is evolving. It is becoming a multicultural community, which only fuels Kowalski's prejudices. Next door, a family of Hmong immigrants strive to make their way in this Michigan neighborhood.

Thao, Bee Vang, the oldest male of the family, is pressured into joining his cousin's gang. As an initiation, he must steel Kowalski's prized possession, his 1972 Gran Torino. His unsuccessful attempt saves him from the gang lifestyle, and ironically throws him into an unexpected relationship with his next door neighbor, that changes the both of them forever.

Eastwood spares no empathy in expressing every racial slur in the book. Some may be offended by this language, however it is his language and demeanor that give his character depth, and also show the dynamism of human nature. It is the very people he has stereotyped so harshly in the past that understand him better than his own family.

Be prepared to experience a range of emotions is this amazingly written screen play. At times you will be laughing, then crying, then holding your breath. However, with the reoccurring theme of life and death throughout the movie, it is no surprise that each of these emotions plays a significant role in the plot.

If you liked: "American History X"
"Unforgiven"
"Babylon"
"Million Dollar Baby" (Although this was not one of my favorite movies, many themes can be compared in both flicks."

What's similar at the box office: "Doubt"

In one line: With red carpet quality performances, look for "Gran Torino" to scoop up nominations in categories across the board.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

For trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuJjTyEnKFA

"Bedtime Stories" not a bad family flick

Filled with raining gumballs, a treadmill friendly guinea pig, and of course a booger monster, Happy Madison's Bedtime Stories is a ride through a world of imagination.

As one of Adam Sandler's better productions, this film truly inspires children to dip into a world of pretend.

Skeeter, played by Sandler, works as a handyman around what was once, his father's hotel. His father, was forced to sell it when Skeeter was just a boy, but left the new buyer, Barry Nottingham, played by Richard Griffiths, with one request.

Someday, Skeeter be allowed to run the hotel. With Nottingham's word, the hotel was his.

The years pass by and Skeeter finds himself being passed over time and time again for management positions. Finally, while watching his estranged niece and nephew, Skeeter realizes that there still is a little magic left in the world.

The bedtime stories he shares with the children become reality. It appears his luck has changed.

This movie is a great family flick. Some may be disappointed that there could be just a bit more emphasis on the stories themselves, and more magical events. The first colorful and magical event is when it starts raining gumballs. This is the perfect idea of a bedtime story through the eyes of a child.

However, the "magical" events following, seem small in comparison, and lack that glint of childhood sparkle. They belong to the world of adult magic and mystique. For example, they are more career and romance oriented, than a shower of raining gumballs.

More kid magic would have been a great asset to this film. I wanted to see more color and magical creatures. Director, Adam Shankman, could have benefited from getting his hands dirty and incorporating more of the goofy, crazy, messy, gritty, and comical stuff that resides in the imagination of kids everywhere.

All in all, "Bedtime Stories" is classic proof that happy endings still exist, no princess needed, in everyday life. It would be a great rental for family movie night once it hits the shelve of your neighborhood movie store.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

To see the trailer click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSlZmA3dAS8

“Marley & Me” is a holiday treat for audiences

“Marley & Me” is a light, family comedy based on the columns and best-selling novels of John Grogan, a Philadelphia Inquirer columnist. The full name of the novel, “Marley & Me: Life and Love With the World’s Worst Dog,” briefly and beautifully summarizes what both the book and the film are about.

Marley, named after Bob Marley, is a boisterous, fun-loving Labrador retriever who John buys to placate his wife Jenny after the b-word pops up in their marriage (baby, in case you were wondering). Initially dubbed as a clearance puppy, the Grogans quickly learn that Marley is more than a handful.

The film, released on Christmas Day, spends most of its time showing all the shenanigans caused by Marley (swallowing a necklace, chasing a UPS man, attacking an obedience school trainer, chewing and urinating on many, many things), usually while dragging John behind him on a leash. The beauty of this film is that anyone who’s ever owned a pet can relate. You can fully laugh, cry, and enjoy every special moment with Marley and his family simply because most of us have been there. Despite the relentless hardships caused by Marley, it’s very clear that he is John and Jenny’s emotional constant as they struggle with work, kids and their marriage.

While Jennifer Aniston is likable and effectively carries her role as Jenny, a working journalist turned mother, it’s Owen Wilson in the role of Josh Grogan that makes this film work. His portrayal of John and his interaction with Marley is heartwarming. It’s the relationship between John and Marley that illustrates this film’s message: even though having a pet is hard work, you just can’t help loving them.



Bottom Line: “Marley & Me” is a heartwarming, family film that will make audiences laugh, cry and cheer. It’s for anyone who has ever been through the experience of owning and loving a family pet.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Next Review: Sandler's "Bedtime Stories" may appeal to children, but it lacks its promised magic.

Man on Wire: A documentary that will keep you on your toes

Ever dreamed of taking a walk in the clouds? Well Philip Petit certainly did. It was this dream that drove him to performing the world's highest tight rope walk, and possibly also the most dangerous.

It was this dream that led Petit to spend his entire life with only one goal in mind; to walk between the towers.

"Man on Wire" is a documentary that brings Philip Petit's 1974 high-wire stroll to life.

Filmed in 2008 by James Marsh, Petit's journey to full fill his goal to walk between the twin towers is chronicled. There is real footage of Petit and his accomplices while he prepares for the feat, and also during the actual tight rope walk from one tower to the next.

The title comes from a security guard on the roof of the towers shouting, "Man on wire!"
When interviewed later in the movie the guard claims that even he thought the chance to view Petit's high-rope walk was a once in a lifetime experience.

I was captivated by the photographs taken of Petit during his 45 minute walk across the wire. Most are in black and white, but this only empowers the omniscient feeling of awe they reflect. It is like time has stood still as all of New York gazed into the sky, at the two World Trade Center Towers, and the man who walked between them.

However, I was disappointed that the film did not make one reference to the highly acclaimed children's book by Mordicai Gerstein, "The Man who Walked Between the Towers."

Also if you are looking for Petit to hold the spirited image of the children's book hero, you will not see it. Petit is shown in the documentary as a spirited individual who follows his dream, and also concedes to the shortcomings of humanity. Instead of going to celebrate with his long-time supporter and girlfriend, he sleeps with a beautiful women who approaches him and praises him after his walk. And with that, alas...A man is again changed by the power of fame.

The power in this documentary is not within the traditional aspects of film critique, but in the amazing once in a life time content. No one has repeated what Petit has accomplished and no one may ever match it. That is the beautiful and amazing power of this film.

I would recommend this documentary to anyone who has an interest for the unusual. The combination of interviews with Petit and his friends and also the photographs and original film make this documentary a collage of an amazing moment in history, and also one, as noted in the film, that will never repeat itself.

Petit's book, "To Reach the Clouds" was a great influence on the film.

To view the trailer which is temporarily unavailable on our blog, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIawNRm9NWM

Aging Backwards, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" mesmerizes

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

Tagline: “My name is Benjamin Button, and I was born under unusual circumstances.”

Based on the short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” in theaters Dec. 25, is a stunning film about a man who is born in his 80s and ages in reverse.
Despite Benjamin's bizarre, unlikely situation, the film's story, helmed by director David Fincher of “Fight Club” and “Se7en,” is beautiful, profound and surprisingly relevant.
Though Benjamin, portrayed by Brad Pitt, experiences life differently from those around him, the issues of life, mortality and death affect him too.

Please wait, may take a moment (or many) to load. ;-)

Benjamin's life may be lived backwards, but he still encounters and experiences many of the milestones and tribulations of any human life. His story is singular, but the messages and thoughts it incites are universal.
Fate can be fickle, Fincher's tale seems to say, but what we do with our time on earth is one of the few things we can control.

Though “Button” is not the epic it aspires to be, it is lifted by Pitt's subtle yet mesmerizing performance. Pitt brings charm, vulnerability, and a whimsical faith to Benjamin, making him an endearingly likable character, whose remarkable story will remain with viewers long after the final credits have rolled.

Bottom Line: An interesting storyline, beautiful sets and a poignant message are all bolstered by Pitt's masterful performance. Definitely worth seeing this holiday season.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

*For the full review, pick up the newest copy of the Collegiate, on stands Dec. 10th.

Trailer Mix: Summer, 2008, Part II

Wanted (Trailer)
James McAvoy and Angelina Jolie star as a couple of action heroes who can bend time and space. It looks like Jumper, but instead of teleporting, they can distort objects in the air. (Like using the force!) It's a stylized trailer, but I have a hard time seeing much of a good movie beyond what they showed us. Plus, whenever a movie uses rock music in a trailer, it usually means they are trying to compensate for something really bad. It's like the "please go see it!" cue of trailers.
Verdict: Cautiously pessimistic.

The Forbidden Kingdom (Trailer)
Jackie Chan and Jet Li star in a movie called The Forbidden Kingdom. Your hopes are high already, aren't they? They use now-cliche Matrix-esque moves, completely unimaginative fantasy landscapes, formulaic relationship dynamics and it seems like not terribly funny writing for Jackie Chan. Plus, the movie seems like a funny romantic buddy/comedy in the veins of A Knight's Tale, but then switches over to Mortal Combat. Yessiree, this movie will be a hit!
Verdict: Wait for reviews... but it'll probably be a hit anyways.

Tropic Thunder (Trailer)
A bunch of prima donna actors are sent into the Viet Nam jungle on their own as some sort of revenge by their director. They wind up being kidnapped, mistaken for real U.S. soldiers, and hilariousness ensues! Or is supposed to, at any rate. One of the characters in the movie, "the award winner," underwent plastic surgery so he could play the part of a black guy. So they have Robert Downey "I'm making another comeback!" Jr. in blackface. Haha?
Verdict: Not interested.

Mamma Mia! (Trailer)
Based on the musical based on the music of ABBA. A bride-to-be discovers that she has no clue which of three men is her father. So she invites all three to her wedding to figure out who is her real daddy. Musical numbers ensue.
Verdict: Looks cute, but I'll pass.

The Fall (Trailer)
This 'independent' film has a charming enough premise: a bedridden man tells stories to a young girl to entertain. But why is he telling her the stories? Hhhmm? Is it so he can have her poison him? I don't know why. But the girl cries in the trailer, and then there's gollum? And old Mexican costuming in the Persian empire? I don't know. But I love Princess Bride and Big Fish, and this movie looks to be in sort of the same league. And it has Lee Pace from TV's Pushing Daisies!
Verdict: Wait for reviews, optimistically

Trailer Mix: Summer, 2008, Part I

I don't see a whole lot of movie trailers. I don't see as many movies as I'd like, and I just don't go out of my way to watch movie trailers on Moviefone or Apple like I should. (Considering I'm a movie blogger and all.) So I sat down tonight and watch a few trailers. Here are my raw thoughts.

Speed Racer (Trailer)
This live-action update of the classic cartoon is done by the same siblings who made The Matrix franchise. But, this movie looks good! It seems to have a story, emotional interest, and perhaps a beginning, middle and end. And the movie is so colorful that it could be worth the price of admission for the visuals alone.
VERDICT: Kind of interested.

WALL•E (Trailer)
This Pixar animated feature centers around a speechless robot who becomes self aware and falls in love with our culture and finds it adoring, thus making us find him adoring. Then he goes on an adventure to wherever humans have colonized, and he is so cute and adventurous throughout, I smile when I see a trailer for this film. It looks like the most fun, genuine, heartwarming film that I'll have seen in a long time.
VERDICT: I'll be there opening weekend.

Get Smart (Trailer)
I don't expect this movie to be good. First off, it's a theatrical remake of a 1960's television series. That tends to go wrong. Secondly, the trailers have been funny. Yes, that's a problem. Because now days, all the funny stuff from a comedy is shown in the trailers. Third, the whole vibe of the movie feels too much like an American version of Johnny English. And no offense to Steve Carrell, but if Rowan Atkinson can't make the bumbling slapstick spy work today, it's hard to see how anyone can. (Plus, I kind of hated Johnny English. Like, a lot. Except for that ABBA scene, which was funny.)
VERDICT: I'll stay home and read lampooning reviews, which might be funnier!

Iron Man (Trailer)
Robert Downey Jr. makes another comeback, this time as an action hero. Goody. At least the alter-ego is a self-obsessed wisecrack, which is kind of fun to watch. Why is it fun to watch? Because everything else looks like it's not worth it. A human, flying? It looks like Jet Jaguar. The upside? Gwyneth Paltrow is in it. (Well, that's an upside for me at least.)
VERDICT: Wait for reviews.

The Happening (Trailer)
M. Night Shamalyan's latest vehicle. This time, Mark Wahlberg is his main actor, playing a science teacher who is baffled after people start dropping dead all across the nation. Well, who wouldn't be?
VERDICT: Wait for reviews, but, cautiously optimistic that it will be good.

Sex and the City (Trailer)
The "Big" HBO hit (Get it? Big? Mr. Big?) is coming to the Big Screen in a Big movie about Big things happening in Carrie's life that are BIG, like a BIG wedding to Mr. Big! But then, someone runs away? And the women eat ice cream in Central Park? I... don't know what happens in this movie, and the trailer was long, too. I've never seen the show, and I think it's a movie only for fans of the show. Thank goodness, though, this isn't a Lipstick Jungle movie.
VERDICT: Unless I have to see it on a date, I'll pass.

Breaking up is hard to do

Plans to split Deathly Hallows and The Hobbit surface

Forget seven, for the colossal Harry Potter films eight is now the new magic number. Recent news has surfaced stating that Warner Bros. is debating breaking the seventh installment in the Potter series into two separate movie halves. The reason, sources say, is that fitting the entire plot from the dense storyline in Deathly Hallows will not only be exceedingly difficult, but could also incite mayhem and riots from fans. Another source for motivation is that this plan could possibly double profits as well. Production for the Potter films will be all done at one time, with a planned November 2010 release for the first half and a May 2011 date set for the second half, and final film of the popular fantasy series.

In similar fashion, studios are planning on plitting The Lord Of The Rings’ prequel into two films as well. Rings’ star Elijah Wood confirmed the dual Hobbit film plans, saying that the second installment would act as a narrative bridge between the prequel and the trilogy. Rings’ director Peter Jackson, New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. made the decision. Though New Line Cinema’s recent string of bad press has now ended in the company being swallowed up by Warner Bros. Another decision hanging over their heads is selecting the right man to direct these highly anticipated films. Currently, Jackson says he is too busy with other projects to helm The Hobbit movies himself. Moreover, Jackson says he doesn’t want to keep fans waiting. Though the rumors regarding director choices have changed continuously, several sources now cite Guillermo del Toro as the “chosen one.”

As far as my two cents go, no other director will compare to Jackson’s mastery on the three Rings movies, but at least he’s still involved in the project. Though, I don’t think any fans would mind waiting if they got to have their favorite ‘Kiwi’ director leading the way (he’s from New Zealand).

For now, producers are hoping for a 2010 Christmas release for the first Hobbit film.

Oscar Winners and Losers

We've made the predictions. Now it's time to face the harsh light of reality. Who got the most right? Who was way off base? (Hint: it was me.) The answers - and the winners of the Academy Awards - are below.

Best picture: No Country for Old Men
Rebekah said: No Country for Old Men
Charles said: Michael Clayton

Best actor: Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood
Rebekah said: Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood
Charles said: George Clooney, Michael Clayton

Best actress: Marion Colillard, La Vie En Rose
Rebekah said: Julie Christie, Away From Her
Charles said: Laura Linney, The Savages

Best supporting actor: Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men
Rebekah said: Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men
Charles said: Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Charlie Wilson's War

Best supporting actress: Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton
Rebekah said: Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton
Charles said: Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone

Animated feature: Ratatouille
Rebekah said: Ratatouille
Charles said: Ratatouille

Art direction: Sweeny Todd
Rebekah said: Sweeny Todd
Charles said: Sweeny Todd

Cinematography: There Will Be Blood
Rebekah said: Sweeny Todd
Charles said: No Country for Old Men

Costume Design: Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Rebekah said: Sweeny Todd
Charles said: Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Directing: No Country for Old Men
Rebekah said: No Country for Old Men
Charles said: Michael Clayton

Documentary Feature: Taxi to the Dark Side
Rebekah said: No End in Sight
Charles said: Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience

Documentary Short: Freeheld
Rebekah said: Freeheld
Charles said: Sara's Mother

Film Editing: The Bourne Ultimatum
Rebekah said: No Country for Old Men
Charles said: The Bourne Ultimatum

Foreign Language Film: The Counterfeiters
Rebekah said: The Counterfeiters
Charles said: The 12

Makeup: La Vie En Rose
Rebekah said: La Vie En Rose
Charles said: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Original Score: Atonement
Rebekah said: Atonement
Charles said: The Kite Runner

Original Song: Falling Slowly (Once)
Rebekah said: Falling Slowly (Once)
Charles said: That's How You Know (Enchanted)

Short Film -- Animated: Peter and the Wolf
Rebekah said: I Met the Walrus
Charles said: Meme Les Pigeons Vont Au Paradis

Short Film -- Live Action: Le Mozart Des Pickpockets
Rebekah said: Tanghi Argentini
Charles said: Le Mozart Des Pickpockets

Sound Editing: The Bourne Ultimatum
Rebekah said: Transformers
Charles said: Transformers

Sound Mixing: The Bourne Ultimatum
Rebekah said: Transformers
Charles said: Transformers

Visual Effects: The Golden Compass
Rebekah said: Transformers
Charles said: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Screenplay -- Adapted: No Country for Old Men
Rebekah said: No Country for Old Men
Charles said: Atonement

Screenplay -- Original: Juno
Rebekah said: Juno
Charles said: Ratatouille

TOTALS (Right/Wrong):
Rebekah: (14/10)
Charles: (5/19)
24 points possible

WINNER: Rebekah! Good game. Good game.

Live Thoughts from The Oscars

11:50 - And that's it for my coverage. Thanks for reading!

11:47 - DENZEL! He quickly introduces the Best Picture nominees. Like, really quickly. And the Oscar goes to... No Country for Old Men. The Coen brothers quickly come back from off-stage back on to the stage. Another guy starts talking. It's such a cliche speech. There have been almost no memorable speeches tonight. There was Tilda Swinton's dig at Batman & Robin, but...

And that's it. At 11:47, Jon Stewart signs off.

11:44 - Best Director montage. Just in case you were thinking this category is new to this year, it isn't. And man, many styles of eyeglasses have NOT aged well at all. Martin Scorsese comes out to introduce this year's nominees. Says that the award will mean "so much" to the recipient. So, don't lose, everyone! The Oscar goes to... The Coen brothers, No Country for Old Men. They don't have a lot to add to what they said earlier. (Heh.) But, the one uses up the time just the same, thanking everyone for letting them "play in their corner of the sandbox."

11:30 - Best Actor montage. Women have always introduced this award, it seems. I guess we learned something tonight! I also forgot Forest Whitaker won last year. Did I even watch last years show? Helen Mirren comes on stage, looking absolutely regal. "Ambition. Immorality. Greed. Deviousness. Misery. venality. Remorse. Nobility. Generosity. Decency. And good old fashioned cajones." That is how she describes the performances of the characters in the leading actor roles. How can they not show "I Drink Your Milkshake" during the clips? The Oscars are out of touch with the heartland!

Daniel-Day Lewis wins for There Will Be Blood. That is scary music, orchestra! Stop it! I don't want nightmares tonight. He speaks eloquently, confusingly. Rebecca Miller, the lady wearing bows, is thanked. "Thank you, Paul." (?) More thanks, and he's done giving the most lifeless acceptance speech. Guess who won't be getting any airtime on the morning shows? For shame, DDL. For shame. But, the blogs will have plenty of "I Drink Your Oscar" headlines, so, we're even?

11:25 - Jon Stewart introduces Harrison Ford, who gets Indiana Jones music from the orchestra. "Movies are made of ideas. And pictures. And words." Profound words, writers. Profound words. The nominees for original screenplay are introduced. Winner: Diablo Cody, Juno. Hooray! Is she wearing those one-million dollar shoes?

"This is for the writers!" she exclaimed. "I worship you guys." "I want to thank the Academy," she cliches. She also thanks Ellen Page, who I adore. Diablo also thanks her family for "loving her exactly the way I am," before crying and leaving the stage. Aw! I was expecting something pithy, but, that worked too, Diablo Cody.

11:20 - The show has been entertaining enough this year. Sure, it's been kind of boring (*cough*Once*cough*), but it hasn't been too bad.

11:15 - Enough with those soldiers! Let's have Tom Hanks introduce the full-length documentary features! Guys, after this award, I think we only have 4(?!) awards left to hand out. So exciting! But on a more immediate note, the Oscar goes to... Taxi to the Dark Side. "Here's to all doc. film makers." A few people clap. "Let's hope we can turn this country around, move away from the dark side and turn back to the light." Ladies and gentlemen, first political speech of the night! Then we get a montage with Elton John. Yessh.

11:13 - Tom Hanks. Jon Stewart jokes that he has "a lot of nerve" being there when he's not nominated. Very true! Tom Hanks introduces special video from Baghdad. Soldiers introduce nominees for Best Documentary Short Film. Nice tough, Gil! The Oscar goes to... Freeheld. Lady is crying. Good TV!

11:08 - Amy Adams comes on screen, introduces Original Score by reminding us that famous movie themes are famous. This category is often, if you'll pardon my Portuguese, crappy. Atonement wins. Dario Marianelli wins. Not Ratatouille. Congrats, Dario. You stole the Oscar! And then bores us all.

11:06 - I'm really surprised by how often Jon Stewart has been on stage. It actually feels like he's a host!

11:05 - Hillary Swank. She has the dubious task of introducing the "In Memorium" montage. Yes, another montage. There Will Be Montages. No Country for Montages, Montage Clayton, however you want to say it, there's here and ever present. Jack Valenti died. Laraine Day, Suzanne Phlesete (sp?), Peter Zinner, and many others were honored. Last, but not least, Heath Ledger.

11:00 - Jon Stewart. Marketa Irglova comes out and get's to say her thank you's for "Falling Slowly." That is terrific. She gives a nice speech about dreams and hope and always having hope, and oh my word, that's not Miranda Otto that's Laura Linney. Holy cow! They look alike. He introduces Cameron Diaz and her smile. She stutters, I laugh, she does too. She introduces Cinematography. Her arms are looking great! Robert Elswit wins for There Will Be Blood. He thanks everyone. Daniel Day-Lewis isn't there right now? That's awkward.

10:56 - Hey, that ABC movie Raisin in the Sun has Audra McDonald in it! Aw, I miss Private Practice. (Shut up, detractors.)

10:55 - John Travolta's plane's landing lights are on. Ha? Now a montage for best directors? Or, just Steven Spielberg, specifically. On another note, I would pretty much have to get every. single. prediction right. to tie with Rebekah in the Oscar pool. This calls for an emoticon! :(

10:52 - John Travolta. He presents the category for Original Song. It is his favorite category. Sadly, he doesn't sing each song when he reviews them. "Falling Slowly" from Once wins. Why? It was a great song, but I think the others were better constructed. I still like the song, though. He talks quickly, she doesn't even GET A CHANCE TO SPEAK, the poor dear.

10:50 - McDreamy. "So Close" from Enchanted. Who is that singing? He has a haircut that's kind of like an early Clay Aiken, but messier and a bit curly. And they could turn his audio up, because he's kind of quiet. And his jacket is DOTTED. Black with white dots. You can't tell from a distance, but up close? Yeah, it's kind of ugly. The dancers are good, though!

10:45 - Jon Stewart jokes about having to restart the Oscars. Penelope Cruz, Selma Hayak's BFF/GF, introduces Best Foreign Language Film. Is that... fair? I mean, she's made some foreign films, but is that typecasting? Or stereotyping... award show presenters? Never mind. All that matters is the winner: The Counterfeiters".

10:35 - Nicole Kidman introduces Robert Boyle tribute package, honoring his career in design and art direction. Boyle then is led up on stage. Jennifer Garner smile-cries, Daniel Day-Lewis is stone faced. Is that Miranda Otto in the crowd or someone else? And why do old men wear white scarfs? He says that the applause is the "good part of getting old" and that he does "not recommend the other." Heh. He talks for a while. When you can an achievement award, you do not get the orchestra. Viggo Morteson's beard is still kind of creepy. Everybody pretends to be paying attention, while Boyle rambles on about visions and movie making. Polite applause, then commercials.

10:30 - Renee Zellwegger introduces best Film Editing. The Bourne Ultimatum wins, AGAIN. Considering the movie had about 3 shots per SECOND, I say that the editing team deserves it.

10:25 - Jack Nicholson. WHY? Creep-y. Introduces a montage for Best Picture. Year. by. Year. Time to take a nap! Seriously, we go from 1930 to 2007. I didn't think they'd actually do it, but, yes, they did. EVERY single year.

10:20 - Playing Wii Tennis with a kid called Jamia. Hee! Colin Farrell, who slid across the stage and then complained. Colin, please cut your hair. He introduces a song, "Falling Slowly" from the movie Once. Good enough. A little... sleepy? But still good. I'm more enchanted by the many, many lights on stage than the song, though. Nice orchestra shot, Gil!

10:16 - Those guys were Seth Rogan and Jonah Hill. Apparently, I am not a "cool" college student, because I did not know that. I should probably go ahead and enroll in the AARP now.

10:10 - Best Actress montage. How can we get this award now? It's 10, and we still have what, another then awards? left before "the big ones." Will Best Film be next? Will Best Documentary be the crowning jewel of the night? Presenting the award for Lead Actress is Forest Whitaker. His lines are kind of boring, just like the show itself! Oh, TV.

Wasn't Cate Blanchett's reaction to her own clip hilarious?

And the Oscar goes to... Marion Cotillard, Lae Vie En Rose. Really? Congratulations, lady! I thought only people from movies that I watched could win. But, just the same, congrats. She gives a great, typical speechless speech.

10:05 - Jon Stewart is keeping track of who is pregnant. "And the baby goes to... oh my god, Angelina Jolie." Dame Judi Dench and Halle Barry now together. Nope! It's two guys. (Who?) They argue about who gets to reads each other's lines. I don't know who they are, so it's not funny for me. They introduce Best Sound Editing. Seriously, who were those guys? The winner is the team who worked on The Bourne Ultimatum. The winners are blanking out, and it's kind of cute. She correctly predicts the music. Then the guys talk again. Continuing with the sketch.

Sound mixing. The winner is the team from: The Bourne Ultimatum. One of the guys says "And the winner is" instead of "The Oscar goes to," which is kind of funny in a not-actually-funny kind of a way.

10:00 - What would I do if Oprah gave me a million dollars, then told me to give it away, but then gave me a million dollars anyways? I'd be very confused.

9:55 - Miley "Hannah Montana" Cirus. Hey, what happened to her accent? She had one during the Barbara Walters special...? She presents "That's How You Know," from Enchanted, sung by Kristin Chenoweth. (Olive from Pushing Daisies!) Kristin C is completely awesome in every way. And, no offense, but she must be on serious heels or they got small people to dance on stage, because the lady is tiny! (But also one of the most talented talents in the business and a true treasure.)

9:52 - Sid Ganis, the President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He is here to explain the whole Oscar process to us, in case we are too dumb or too forgetful to know how it works. And they have a montage to explain it. Yes, there is a montage to explain everything. It's light-hearted and better than past year's sleep-inducing explanations. Jon Stewart remarks "I always thought it was superdelegates."

9:48 - Stewart makes 'joke' about Jack Nicholson getting the audience pregnant. Then introduces Josh Brolin and James McAvoy. They say classic movie lines. Worst Nicholson impersonation ever. Hee! Best Adapted Screenplay winner is: No Country for Old Men. The Coen brothers finally get an Oscar!

9:45 - Come home to WZZM 13? I am home, watching it. So...? Jessica Alba talks about the Scientific and Technical Awards. It's the geeky award show that actually is important but no one really cares about, because have you seen it? No. POINT PROVEN. Congratulations, guys!

9:38 - Montage of Best Supporting Actresses. Then Alan Arkin presents this year's nominees. And the Oscar goes to... Tilda Swinon's hair! Her agent has buttocks like the Oscar statuette, or so she says. She references George Clooney's Batman costume with the nipples, thanking his dedication to the art, I think, but I think that was a great time to embarrass him for that movie again.

9:30 - Holy cow, that "Raise It Up" performance was great! Jon Stewart again. He's actually hosting an Oscar show! He introduces Owen Wilson. He introduces Short Film. He talks about how 40- minutes isn't enough time to tell a story. LIE! Most hour-long TV dramas are about 40 minutes. Also, half-hour comedies. But I digress, because I'm more of a TV guy. The winner is... Le Mozart Des Pickpockets. ANOTHER speech in a foreign language.

And... now Jerry Seinfield as his Bee Movie character. STOP THE PROMOTION! Montage of bees in movies. STOP IT, PLEASE. This is creepy. Nominees for animated short film. Presented by a bee? Anyway, the winner THERE is Peter and the Wolf. No lie, this night is not going well for the predictions for either Rebekah or me. We are tied again, 4-4.

9:25 - Jon Stewart said that Javier told "his mother where the library is." Funny! Jon Stewart talks about montage about binoculars and telescope. It's... actually riveting. There's also a "bad dreams" salute. Funny! He introduces Keri Russel. I didn't know she would be presenting! She's gorgeous tonight. She introduces the second nominated song, "Raise It Up" from her film, August Rush. It is sung by the choir and soloist from the film. It is good and I am in love with the song. I am so happy to entertain, it seems.

9:20 - Jennifer Hudson presents the Supporting Actor category. It's kind of a long intro package, to be honest. The winner is: Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men. He speaks in Spanish. Did he say a sware word? My audio dropped for a second. In other news, the Oscars have been on for 50 minutes and we just got 1 major award. This is going to be a long night...

9:15 - Cate Blanchett now, presenting Art Direction. She's wearing a plum purple dress. Daring! The winner is Sweeny Todd. Joke about Cate Blanchett playing a pitbull, Jon Stewart. He now introduces a montage for past supporting actors.

9:10 - I loved that "searching eye" MasterCard commercial. Can we make that into a movie, please? DWAYNE "The Rock" JOHNSON presents award for Best Visual Effects. His joke about Indiana Jones had me laughing, but not anybody in the audience. Too bad, so sad. The winner is: The Golden Compass.

9:00 - Happy Working Song from Enchanted now. Amy Adams singing. I never saw Enchanted, so this is all new. This is kind of a cute song, very classic-Disney. Montage of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones-Douglas reflecting on Oscar wins. Folks, this is an artifact of "Show B," the alternate Oscars show that was planned in case the writer's strike wasn't done in time for this show.

8:58 - Brad Bird's acceptance speech about his junior high guidance counselor was priceless. "What if movies didn't exist?" "I'd have to invent them!" Katherine Heigl now. Why? She's presenting the award for makeup. La Vie En Rose wins. Rebekah and I are now tied in our predictions, with each having 2 right and 1 wrong. And orchestra, that speech didn't even last 20 seconds? Give them a break!

8:55 - Jon Stewart now. Making a iPhone/movie experience joke. Introduces a presenter. Anne Hathaway and Steve Carell, who are starring ina movie together, if I'm understanding correctly. "You never cease to amaze me with your constant need for attention." Ha! Sorry, I'm going to be saying that a lot. Skit about Carell thinking they were introducing documentaries. It's kind of cute. And the winner is... Ratatouille!

8:50 - George Clooney now. "Hi, you guys." Are those shadows under his eyes? That is a huge screen on stage. "But the one thing that has always been consistant -- it's long." And that takes us into a clip show for past Oscars. It was funnier as a VH1 special. Celiene Dion plays on the soundtrack.

8:45 - Jennifer Garner is the first presenter. (I love her...) She also looks good tonight. She presents the Costume Design category. Elizabeth: The Golden Age wins. And that is THE shortest Oscar speech ever. She practically said "thank you" and walked off. Crazy!

8:40 - Stewart now talks about nominees. Some good laughs. Audience seems to be receptive this year, surprisingly. "Too often the Academy ignores movies that aren't good," he said of Norbit. Hee! Oh, Dennis Hopper is here. Good thing he knows that now! (He was in season one of 24 as Victor Drazen.) Joke about Iraq movies gets lukewarm response. Same with democratic joke.

8:35 - Stewart references WGA strike. "Welcome to the makeup sex." Ha? Then talks about the cancellation of the Vanity Fair party, and how writers wouldn't be there anyways. Okay, that was kind of funny. Then talks about this year's batch of "Oscar-nominated psychopathic killer movies." "Does this town need a hug?" HA!

8:32 - Sponsors. Then, Jon Stewart. Let's see how much people hate him this year!

8:30 - The 80th Annual Award Show is starting. A computer-animated sequence. Really? A homage to Cars, Transformers, monster movies, Hulk, and now just every movie period, really. It's a scary night to be in Hollywood. Apparently.

8:28 - How does Jack Nicholson always get the front row seat? This is an award show for people nominated that year. This isn't the White House press briefing room, and he is not Helen Thomas.

8:26 - Did they really need three people on ABC to host a half-hour special? Especially when lots of the red carpet stuff was pre-taped?

8:20 - Ready and waiting for the show to start. The actresses are wearing a lot of red tonight! Also, did you all see that dress (Daniel Day-Lewis's date) with all the bows? What was that? More in a bit, when the show starts...

Oscar Predictions: Rebekah's Picks

With the Academy Awards only days away, thanks to the end of the WGA strike, I shall now share my thoughts on who should win and who will win the lovely, golden statuettes. By the way...these are the correct predictions. ^_^

Leading Actor
Should Win: Johnny Depp, Sweeney Todd
Will Win: Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood
EXPLANATION: Johnny Depp has forever been denied his well-deserved gold. And with Sweeney, the masterful Depp brought depth to an otherwise despicable character. However, Day-Lewis has swept other awards, including the SAGs, Golden Globes, and Broadcast Film Critics.

Supporting Actor
Should Win: Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men
Will Win: Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men

Leading Actress
Should Win: Ellen Page, Juno
Will Win: Julie Christie, Away From Her
EXPLANATION: Ellen may have captured audience's hearts, but her performance could be seen as too exaggerated. In this race, Christie's understated performance will prevail.
Write-in: Amy Adams from Enchanted. Yes, I know, I am seriously dreaming here.

Supporting Actress
Should Win: Cate Blanchett, I'm Not There
Will Win: Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton

Animated Feature
Should Win: Rataouille
Will Win: Rataouille
EXPLANATION: No contest here. This precious Pixar production is a sure thing.

Art Direction
Should Win: Sweeny Todd
Will Win: Sweeny Todd

Cinematography
Should Win: Atonement
Will Win: There Will Be Blood

Costume Design
Should Win: Sweeney Todd
Will Win: Sweeney Todd

Directing
Should Win: Jason Reitman, Juno
Will Win: Ethan & Joel Coen, No Country for Old Men

Documentary Feature
Predicted Winner: No End in Sight

Documentary Short
Should Win: Sara's Mother
Will Win: Freeheld

Film Editing
Should Win: The Bourne Ultimatum
Will Win: No Country for Old Men

Foreign Language Film
Predicted Winner: The Counterfeiters

Makeup
Should Win: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Will Win: La Vie En Rose

Original Score
Should Win: Ratatouille
Will Win: Atonement

Original Song
Should Win: "That's How You Know" (Enchanted)
Will Win: "Falling Slowly" (Once)

Best Picture
Should Win: Juno
Will Win: No Country for Old Men
Write-In: 3:10 To Yuma, (which was horrendously snubbed from major catagories) or the delightful Enchanted (Honestly, the gorgeous Patrick Dempsey & James Marsden in the same film? Give the casting director a goshdarn Oscar!!)

Short Film -- Animated
Predicted Winner: I Met the Walrus

Short Film -- Live Action
Predicted Winner: Tanghi Argentini

Sound Editing
Should Win: Ratatouille
Will Win: Transformers

Sound Mixing
Should Win: 3:10 To Yuma
Will Win: Transformers

Visual Effects
Should Win: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Will Win: Transformers

Screenplay -- Adapted
Should Win: There Will Be Blood
Will Win: No Country for Old Men

Screenplay -- Original
Should Win: Juno
Will Win: Juno

So there you have it. See if your favorites, and our predictions, win by tuning in on Feb. 24th 5PT/8ET on ABC. For more information, or to print out your own ballet, visit the official Oscars web site at: http://www.oscar.com/

Indiana Jones Trailer

In case you've missed it, here's the trailer for the new Indiana Jones movie:

Cloverfield Monster Unveiled

Sure, Cloverfield came out a month ago. That doesn't mean we've really gotten a good look at the monster! Thankfully, we now have pictures of the toy, showing Mr. Cranky Pants in all his gruesome, ugly glory.

Oscar Predictions: Chuck's Picks

The Oscar's are coming up soon. For a complete list of nominees, you can click here. But to make things a little more interesting, I teamed up with our Opinion Editor, Rebekah, to make predictions on who will win and who should win. My take is posted below, and Rebekah's will be coming shortly. And better yet, when the Oscars are said and done, we'll post who got the most right and who was completely wrong.

Leading Actor
Should Win: Daniel Day-Lewis, There Will Be Blood
Will Win: George Clooney, Michael Clayton
EXPLANATION: I think Michael Clayton will be a surprise winner and take a lot of people by shock in a lot of categories. It is politically charged and a Clooney film. It is Oscar gold.

Supporting Actor
Should Win: Javier Bardem, No Country for Old Men
Will Win: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Charlie Wilson's War

Leading Actress
Should Win: Ellen Page, Juno
Will Win: Laura Linney, The Savages
EXPLANATION: I really, really want Ellen Page to win. She was so good in Juno!

Supporting Actress
Should Win: Tilda Swinton, Michael Clayton
Will Win: Amy Ryan, Gone Baby Gone

Animated Feature
Should Win: Rataouille
Will Win: Rataouille
EXPLANATION: This is my favorite movie of 2007, and one of my all-time favorites.

Art Direction
Should Win: Atonement
Will Win: Sweeny Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Cinematography
Should Win: Atonement
Will Win: No Country for Old Men

Costume Design
Should Win: Atonement
Will Win: Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Directing
Should Win: Juno
Will Win: Michael Clayton

Documentary Feature
Should Win: Taxi To The Dark Side
Will Win: Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience

Documentary Short
Should Win: Freeheld
Will Win: Sara's Mother

Film Editing
Should Win: No Country for Old Men
Will Win: The Bourne Ultimatum

Foreign Language Film
Should Win: The Counterfeiters
Will Win: The 12

Makeup
Should Win: La Vie En Rose
Will Win: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Original Score
Should Win: Ratatouille
Will Win: The Kite Runner
EXPLANATION: The Oscars tend to go for very subdued, kind of "boring" soundtracks. Even though the Ratatouille score was phenomenal and half the charm of the movie, it won't get the honor it deserves.

Original Song
Should Win: So Close (Enchanted)
Will Win: That's How You Know (Enchanted)

Best Picture
Should Win: Juno
Will Win: Michael Clayton

Short Film -- Animated
Should Win: Madame Tutli-Putli
Will Win: Meme Les Pigeons Vont Au Paradis

Short Film -- Live Action
Should Win: Tanghi Argentini
Will Win: Le Mozart Des Pickpockets

Sound Editing
Should Win: Ratatouille
Will Win: Transformers

Sound Mixing
Should Win: Ratatouille
Will Win: Transformers

Visual Effects
Should Win: Transformers
Will Win: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

Screenplay -- Adapted
Should Win: There Will Be Blood
Will Win: Atonement

Screenplay -- Original
Should Win: Juno
Will Win: Ratatouille

Best of '07: Must See DVDs

Return of the Western: The movie in '07 that made cowboys cool again--and without twangy country music--was James Mangold's 3:10 To Yuma starring Christian Bale, Russel Crowe and an intoxicating Ben Foster. Bale--possibly the greatest actor of his generation--stars as a rancher with the thankless job of getting Crowe's outlaw onto the 3:10 train to court in Yuma (ahh, now the title makes sense). Inevitably, a battle of wills ensues. The stellar performances by all three leading men are what make this film a hit. It's a steady remake that updates and improves on the original (1957). This film boasts an amazing script with memorable moments--and anexpected cameo from Luke Wilson (wha?)--who knew cowboys could be so captivating?
Available on DVD now

Sci-Fi Lovers convene!: For the sci-fi lover in you, look no further than Danny Boyle's Sunshine, starring the immeasurably talented Cillian Murphy (Red Eye, Batman Begins, The Wind That Shakes The Barley). To put it simply, the sun is dying, and after losing contact and hope in the first shuttle sent to regenerate the star, Murphy's character leads a second team for a last ditch attempt. Onboard, crew members are on edge as they venture into this hopelessly life-and-death situation. Boyle directed the zombie thriller 28 Days Later, and his penchant for unique camera angles and shots translates into this film. Overall, it has difficult moments to follow, but with an unforseen twist, it's definitely a top-notch space thriller.
Available on DVD now

Enjoyable Family Fluff: A romantic drama featuring John Cusack, Amanda Peet and (surprise, surprise) Joan Cusack, Martian Child is about a science fiction writer who adopts a little boy. The problem is this boy claims to be from Mars and therefore, is not properly assimiliated into the ways of normal human beings. Yes, it's actually a coping mechanism, but it's a difficult one for Cusack, even as a science fiction writer, to break. Introducing Bobby Coleman in the title role, this film may be filled with fluff, but it's also a poignant tale carried by John Cusack's endearing portrayal of the man that adopts this lost, confused little boy . If you want to laugh and cry, this is a good watch for any occasion.
Available on DVD Feb. 12

Movie News Briefs: 'Cloverfield 2' greenlit

- The Cloverfield monster will return to give everyone nightmares. And motion sickness. No word on if the film will continue after the first movie, or if it will re-tell through someone else's eyes.
- A new poster for The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian was revealed. Remember the posters for Lord of the Rings? You do? Then you won't find this one original at all.
- The soundtrack to Juno topped the U.S. album charts, beating out Alicia Keys. I suddenly love the music scene very much again.
- Promotions for the upcoming film Leatherheads seems to be very, shall I say, odd?
- Another photo was released from Indy 4, showing a VERY angry Cate Blanchett.

Review: Cloverfield

I recently had the opportunity to go see Cloverfield, the monster movie from storytelling mogul J.J. Abrams. (He of Lost and Alias fame. And Six Degrees, too, but don't mention that.) The story revolves around a group of friends who band together to get through the city during a tough time in their lives. Wait, no, sorry, that's the plot for Sex in the City/Cashmere Mafia/Lipstick Jungle.
I should mention the reason their lives are so difficult is because a monster is destroying the city.

SPOILERS BELOW

The monster also eats people, too. And has weird spider-like monsters that were (leeching off the main monster? Sentinel's of the monster?) attacking the people throughout the city. And if you were bitten, let's just say things did not go well for you. ("The Marla scene" is perhaps one of the grossest things I have seen on screen.)

The friends were mostly engaging and believable. And in today's society where everyone is more self-centric and media-savvy, the fact that these people thought of themselves as somewhat invincible and taped the whole thing came off as genuine.

You may have heard some people talk about motion sickness problems during the movie. What you have heard is true. The shaky camera, although it gives realism, is very intense. And combined with some disturbing and engaging scenes on the screen, it is tough not to feel a knot in your stomach. I don't buy popcorn or pop at the movies anymore, but if you do, I would maybe advice not drinking anything, because this is a somewhat scary movie.

This is a great movie, though. I would recommend it, and I might see it again - on a smaller screen. Stay through the credits, though. Not only will you hear a great music piece that pays homage to old monster movies, but you will get another clue to the events of the movie.