Natalie Portman!, Natalie Portman!, Natalie Portman!

Source: CinemaBlend.com

I don't know if any of you can guess by my title or not, but Natalie Portman is one of my favorite females...(cough)...actresses, ever!  According to CinemaBlend.com, she is set to play Lady Macbeth in "See Saw Films' adaptation of Macbeth."  She will be opposite Michael Fassbender, as well as, his lady.  CinemaBlend.com also writes:

Macbeth's cast is already remarkable. Making this project even more enticing is that its buzzed about script will be directed by Justin Kurzel, who won notice with his true-crime drama Snowtown, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2011.

 So, we have two incredible cast members, along with an incredible cast and director.  This sounds like it will be an incredible film.  Natalie Portman just makes me want to see this film even more too!  Also, Macbeth should be going into production sometime later this year.  This one is way too far off, I wish it was being released this summer!

Gears of Hollywood?

Source: CinemaBlend.com

CinemaBlend.com is reporting that a Gears of War movie is in the works.  As an adaptation of the video game Gears of War, this film could be big.  As a tie-in with our Movie History: A Survey text, Universal is in a first-look deal with Scott Stuber, the guy handling production duties for the Gears of War film.  Stuber has worked on Ted and Safe House.  However, it is important to note that no studio has committed to making this film.  

Video game movies don't always have the best success rate, so it's interesting to see which studio picks this project up.  I can see Universal making this movie, as they have had some incredibly visually stunning films in the past.  We'll just have to wait and see.  In the meantime, I should start playing Gears of War.

Things Aren't Always Dandy in the Film World

In an interesting case, filmmaker, Michael Costanza, is suing Paramount Pictures, as well as, producers of the Paranormal Activity franchise.  Big surprise.  Michael Costanza is the writer and director of the no-budget 2002 independent horror film, The Collingswood Story.

Michael Costanza's claim tells, according to CinemaBlend.com, "...he presented sections Collingswood to the studio in 2010 for a pitch meeting that ended with his material being turned away, and that portions of the fourth entry of the found footage horror series are almost exactly the same as the ideas he brought to them."

Costanza is suing for unspecified damages.  Part of the suit includes Paramount destroying all material based on any of his concepts.  Michael Costanza can be best described in the immortal words of George Costanza,"I'm like a weed Jerry." I find this law suit credible and quite humorous.  I'll have to see both films and see for myself, whether or not, Paramount Pictures used his ideas.

J.J. Abrams and Star Wars: Episode VII?

CinemaBlend.com features an article on their websites which discusses an interview with J.J. Abrams.  Katey Rich, from CinemaBlend.com, writes, "...While responding with simply a smile when asked about details for Star Wars Episode VII, and insisting over and over again that there's no way he can share details about a movie that doesn't exist yet, he did talk about the relief of having George Lucas around as a consultant-- especially after making Star Trek years after creator Gene Roddenberry's death..."  This could be a really incredible Episode 7 if J.J. Abrams is at the helms.  It would be weird to not have George Lucas direct the movie, but I want a new Star Wars film; it's been too long since the last installment.  J. J. Abrams states in the interview:

I meant if I viewed this from a fan’s point of view—and no one’s a bigger Star Wars fan than I am—or from a legacy standpoint, it would scare the hell out of me. But instead of trying to climb this mountain in one giant leap, I’m just enjoying the opportunity and looking to the people I’m working with. I’ve known Kathy for years. I’ve worked with the screenwriter, Michael Arndt, for a long time. I’ve known George for a number of years and he’s now a friend. Even if this wasn’t Star Wars, I’d be enormously fortunate to work with them.

I'm excited to read follow up details in the future about Star Wars: Episode VII.

Zombieland: The Series

Zombieland is one of my favorite movies of all time, so when I saw that they made a series out of it, I was pumped!  The film is a guide on how to survive a zombie invasion, while it stands as one of the most creative recent movies.  I had a bit of fear when I found out it was being made into a series.  I was hoping that the show wasn't completely awful compared to the movie.  After watching the trailer, it looks like this series is going to be awesome.  Amazon is hosting the show on their website with the Prime Instant Video service.  You can watch for free over at Amazon right now.  Eli Craig is directing this series adaptation.  Now, I should warn everyone, they changed the cast.  Woody Harelson, Emma Stone, Abigail Breslin, and Jesse Eisenberg are now out; Kirk Ward (Tallahassee), Maiara Walsh (Wichita), Izabela Vidovic (Little Rock), and Tyler Ross (Columbus) are now in.  The film has such incredible script writing and directing, along with editing; I'm glad they're keeping this series going.

The Lone Ranger

Well, in the long line of remakes, this one seems to be one of the more interesting ones.  The Lone Ranger, directed by Gore Verbinski, is set to be released on July 3rd.  The first thing I noticed about the movie poster: Disney.  I don't know how I feel about Disney making this film, mainly because it could be a total disaster with them putting the film out, or it could be a success.  Some Disney films are great, while some are just sub-par.  Now the big news: Johnny Depp is playing Tonto in this adapation.  I think him playing this role will save this film.  Armie Hammer will be playing John Reid / The Lone Ranger.  This film could be a hit, but we will just have to see.

Not for a While

Since we've studied crime films of the past, I wanted to talk about somebody making a film of the Boston Marathon attacks.  I do believe someone will make a film about the terror, but I really hope it isn't for a long time.  Dennis Lehane was interviewed by CNN, and he said that he will not be writing a story about this event.  Movies based on a true story can be quite popular and entertaining.  I have yet to see Zero Dark Thirty and I know that some things in the film can be fictionalized.  If they ever do make a film about Boston, I hope they don't fictionalize it.  If they end up making a film, it shouldn't be for years.  Also, I think movies can help us heal in this tough time.  I don't think I'll be watching any violent films for a while.  I just can't do it.  Comedy films are therapeutic, though.

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Movies and Sports as an Escape

Sports and movies can be used as an escape for people after extremely tough times.  I wanted to relate the escape of movie watching these days, to the escape years ago.  All throughout the years, movies have been an escape from the real life we all know too well.  This is one of the things that I love most about movies.  After I'm done watching a film or sporting even, I feel refreshed and my mood is much better.  Movies have been doing this for people since the very first film was created.  I find it very cool how all of the films we read about and all of the movies out currently, relate immensely in this way.  During these tough times in Boston, I plan on watching some Bruins, Red Sox,  and Celtics games, as well as some classic flicks.

Boston Attacks, Man of Steel Trailer #3

Let me start this off by saying that I'm praying for all of the families and friends of all of the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, including all Massachusetts citizens.  It was truly a sad day yesterday, but Boston is strong, and we will prevail.

As for media for the day, the 3rd official Man of Steel trailer was just released and it looks to be the best yet.

The 3rd official trailer shows a lot more film footage than the previous trailers.  Russell Crowe is perfect for this movie, as well as Kevin Costner, and the actor who portrays Superman/Clark Kent, Henry Cavill.  Thee are some dramatic scenes in the trailer and some comedy thrown in as well.  I'm excited for this film, although it's hard to be at this time.

The State of Movies

I wanted to reflect on how I've felt about the state of movies this day in age.  First, I don't know how I feel about all of these horror movie remakes.  Some have been good, but others have been awful.  I don't know how I feel about Rob Zombie and his Halloween reboots.  I hope Carrie turns out to be a good film, and if it doesn't, it will further my feeling of horror movie remakes.  Some films have been good lately, such as, The Dark Knight Rises, Skyfall, Ted, the Taken series, and others.  Some, on the other hand, have been brutal.  With a new Scary Movie coming out, I keep feeling like films lack creativity and style these days.  There are a lot of great films, but some just feel cookie cutter.  Where is the creative film making?  I want originality!

Buckwild Canceled

MTV's newest hit, Buckwild, has been canceled.  After just one season, the show could have been a hit, but after the death of three cast members, MTV decided to pull the show.  The deaths were the result of carbon monoxide poisoning during an SUV ride through the mud.  Buckwild featured West Virginians partying hard in the best southern ways.  Many people don't realize the danger of carbon monoxide.  My mind immediately recalled the deaths of several Massachusetts residents during the blizzard in February, due to people starting their cars with snow blocked tail pipes.  MTV was hoping to make up for Jersey Shore's absense, but this is an unfortunate event.  So the question remains: what will be the next big hit on MTV?

Man of Steel - TV Spot #1, In Theaters June 14th

So it's been announced that Man of Steel, the latest endeavor into the superhero genre for Christopher Nolan, is coming to theaters June 14th.  The latest TV spot for the film is featured above, which I should tell you, looks really cool!  This definitely feels like a darker take on the Superman story.  The movie was written by David S. Goyer and Christopher Nolan.  Nolan is noted most recently for his epic Dark Knight trilogy.  I feel like Nolan is exactly what the Superman films need.  I've loved all of the older Superman movies and TV shows; I just think that a darker and more modern take on Superman is the right move.  There are some big name actors and actresses in the film, such as Amy Adams, who plays Lois Lane in the new film.  This was a very good choice!  Russell Crowe portrays Jor-El (I can't remember who that is), and Kevin Costner takes on the role of Jonathan Kent, Clark Kent's father.  The role of Superman/Clark Kent is done by Henry Cavill, and sadly, I don't know much about this guy.  He seems to fit the role perfectly, though.  I'm really excited about this film and June will be here before we know it!

Carrie 2013

Well, there's a new Carrie coming out this October and much like my other posts, I hope it will be good.  There has been so many horror remakes lately; I can't keep up with them all.   Chloë Grace Moretz plays Carrie White, in the remake.  The trailer looks really good, and I'm glad this doesn't look like it will be another crappy remake of a classic film.  Chloë Grace Moretz looks like she will have a major performance in the new version of Carrie.  Kimberly Peirce is taking over directing duties and if the movie is anything like the trailer, it's going to be very well shot.  I'm excited for this one!

British Censorship?

While watching some British TV shows on Netflix, something hit me!  British television doesn't seem to have the same strict censorship that American shows have.  The Brits don't seem so strict about things such as swearing, nudity, and smoking.  Some American networks, such as FX and Comedy Central, seem to be following in this British idealism.  In one respect I find their free-spirited television method refreshing, but it also feels different for me.  I have a feeling that American networks will be following the format of FX, and showing more and more crude themes.  This just seems to be the way the country is heading, for better or worse.  I love American TV shows (Seinfeld being my favorite), but I also love British ones as well.  Their sense of humor is a bit different across the pond, but I like that!

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SEVENDUST, 'BLACK OUT THE SUN' - ALBUM REVIEW

Hard Rock pros, Sevendust, march on with new album Black Out the Sun. 

Source: Metalsucks.net

Consistency: a tough task for any band to pull off.  Consistency, along with always keeping their music fresh and relevant, are exactly what Sevendust has done over their illustrious 20+ year career.  Every album that the band has put out has been quality work and their latest record Black Out the Sun follows that pattern, precisely.

After the departure of founding member and guitarist, Clint Lowery, Sevendust remained at form and put out three quality albums.  However, something was missing from their sound (no disrespect to fill-in guitarist Sonny Mayo).  The full tone of Lowery's guitar distortion was not there, and his guitar tone is one of the defining elements of Seasons, Home, Animosity, and the self-titled Sevendust album.  When Clint joined Dark New Day, that full-bodied guitar tone went with him, helping create one of the best sonically sounding and impressive debut albums out there; this of course being Twelve Year Silence.  When Lowery returned to Sevendust in 2008, the album Cold Day Memory marked a return to the Sevendust sound that I grew up with.  That album was one of the best full-band-back-together albums I have ever heard.  Black Out the Sun takes all that to another level with Lajon Witherspoon (lead vocals), Clint Lowery (lead guitar, backing vocals), John Connolly (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Vince Hornsby (bass), and Morgan Rose (drums, backing vocals).  I was hoping for a heavy, yet melodic sound to the new album and that's exactly what Black Out the Sun delivers.  This record honestly sounds like it could have been released during the Animosity era, which makes me ecstatic.

Sevendust fully went back to their roots on Black Out the Sun, and the acoustic 80's metal-esque intro track, "Memory," introduces the album perfectly.  Starting the album off with acoustic guitar was very refreshing.  Every first song on a Sevendust album, has been over the years, extremely solid and one of the best tracks on the track list.  In this case, the first song is "Faithless," and right from the aggressive opening, it becomes clear that it's one of the heaviest and downright impressive tracks that the band has ever written.  While staying old-school, the track feels fresh, and the chorus features a melodic element similar to Animosity.  "Till Death" follows suit and delivers a heavy, thrash metal, and Home-like experience.  The track truly shows the skill and musicianship of every member in the band.  The lead-in to the second verse is one of my favorite moments on the album.  "Mountain" is a fury of blues inspired, drop-A guitar riffs, with soul-driven vocals that will have you singing the chorus for months.  The song feels like a new venture for the band; a direction that really pays off.

"Cold as War" is reminiscent of "Crucified" off their 2001 Animosity album.  The opening chorus' guitar riff and soaring vocals throughout the track, were what stood out to me.  The title track, "Black Out the Sun," starts off with a lightly overdriven guitar intro that leads into a riff that could have been taken directly off Animosity (it's one of the best riffs on BOtS).  The song is a personal one for the band, pertaining to the passing of Lowery's father.  My prayers are with the entire Lowery and Sevendust family.  You can hear the emotion beaming off the lyrics, vocals, and guitar work.  The title track has a very strong chorus and the guitar solo, including multiple harmonies, is just plain beautiful (especially the blending of the guitar notes and vocal note on the last chorus' line of "Why did you black out the Sun").  The end riff-age of the song is truly special, as well.  The whole track is one of my favorite Sevendust moments.

"Nobody Wants It" has an old-school Sevendust feel, consisting of heavy guitar riffs, and a melodic, Seasons-esque chorus.  The key modulation on the final chorus is a great touch, setting up an extremely heavy ending.  Beautifully overdriven guitar arpeggios, ultimately, help make "Dead Roses" one of the most melodic songs on the new album.  The chorus is fast and melodic, which adds another element to the record.  The first single off the album, "Decay," does not disappoint.  With a palm-muted, groove-driven verse, and a chorus that sounds directly off Home, "Decay" is one of Sevendust's most impressive singles to date.  The tune has one of my favorite endings, as well.  If you want two songs that sound like they're from Animosity, then look no further than "Dark AM" and "Picture Perfect."  The verses and choruses on both tracks feel new, but could have easily been recorded in the early 2000's.  Both songs have immensely strong opening riffs, verses, and choruses.  "Picture Perfect" boasts one of the most melodic choruses on the album, which pleases my melodic side.  The bridge is also one of the best bridges that Sevendust has ever written; it's filled with so much emotion that I keep repeating it over and over.  "Got a Feeling" reminds me a lot of previous tracks, such as "Angel's Son" and "Skeleton Song."  Clint's vocals are incredible on this song, along with Lajon's amazing bridge melodies.  Also, there is such beautiful guitar work that leads into the thought-provoking line, "God really knows us all."  The closing track, "Murder Bar," finishes this album off the right way: heavy.  This song delivers, with a high energy verse (sounding like old-school Sevendust), a heavy chorus, and an aggressive breakdown.  The drum and guitar work really shine on "Murder Bar," and the second verse features musicianship that is rare these days.

Sevendust has delivered another quality album with Black Out the Sun.  The repeat value is high on this one, while the record retains the heavy and melodic elements of previous albums in their catalog.  I initially won't rate this one as high as Seasons, Animosity, and Home, but after a month or so of listening to the album, it might garner a higher rating.  Ultimately, I would compare Black Out the Sun to Cold Day Memory, maybe even rate it a step higher.  Black Out the Sun is right up there with the Sevendust greats, culminating as a mix among Animosity, Home, Seasons, and Cold Day Memory.


Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Purchase Black Out the Sun from SEVENDUST.com, Best Buy, Amazon , or iTunes.

Track Listing:

1. Memory
2. Faithless
3. Till Death
4. Mountain
5. Cold as War
6. Black Out the Sun
7. Nobody Wants It
8. Dead Roses
9. Decay
10. Dark AM
11. Picture Perfect
12. Got a Feeling
13. Murder Bar

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Alfred Hitchcock

After reading about this amazing director I wanted to write about him.  He directed over 60 films and appeared in cameo appearances in his works.  Many of the work he did in the past can be seen in films today.  I remember him most for directing Psycho back in the 60's and he definitely had a unique style to his film directing.  The new television show Bates Motel is based on the Psycho book.  He is truly a director for aspiring directors to look up to.  Check out IMDB.com for a complete list of everything he's worked on.

Arrested Development - Season 4

One of my favorite shows (along with Seinfeld) over the years has been Arrested Development.  After the abrupt cancellation of the comedy, I was obviously saddened.  Not many shows can match the comedic humor and flow of Arrested Development.  Now that the show is back for a 4th season, I'm very excited.  Season 4 will be airing on Netflix in May, with all 14 episodes available at the same time.  The movie, however, is still in the works.  I'm pumped for a movie of the show, but I don't know what to expect from it.  A new season will be amazing; in the future a movie will be equally amazing too.  

Grown Ups 2

While watching the Lakers game tonight, I saw an ad for Grown Ups 2 come on the screen.  I remember seeing the original Grown Ups movie in theaters when it came out.  I'm a big time Adam Sandler fan and I liked this movie.  I don't think it was his best movie to date, but it had it's funny moments.  I don't exactly know how I feel about a second run at it.  In one respect, I think it will be cool, but I also have a feeling it could be a massive failure.  I hope they don't try and force the jokes, but instead, they should just let the comedy flow naturally.  Thankfully, the cast is returning, which is very good news for the sequel.  Time will tell, but I hope the film is good.

G.I. Joe 3?

Variety reported today that the G.I. Joe movie franchise is getting a third installment. Paramount had no comments on the reports. I have yet to see the second G.I. Joe, but the first one was awesome. They got some major stars for the second installment, such as The Rock and Bruce Willis. I'm excited they're making a third installment. Do you guys think the big stars help or hurt the franchise?