Sunday, September 19, 2010
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Movie is Surprisingly Strong
Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010)
Running time: 92 minutes (1 hour, 32 minutes)
MPAA – PG for some rude humor and language
DIRECTOR: Thor Freudenthal
WRITERS: Jackie Filgo, Jeff Filgo, Gabe Sachs, and Jeff Judah (based upon the book by Jeff Kinney)
PRODUCERS: Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson
CINEMATOGRAPHERS: Jack Green (director of photography)
EDITOR: Wendy Greene Bricmont
COMEDY/ANIMATION/FAMILY
Starring: Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Rachael Harris, Steve Zahn, Devon Bostick, Chloe Grace Moretz, Karan Brar, Grayson Russell, Laine MacNeil, Alfred E. Humphreys, and Connor and Owen Fielding
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a film based on the first book in a bestselling, illustrated children’s book series of the same name by Jeff Kinney. The film follows the trials and tribulations of a wise-cracking, pre-teen as he lives through his first year in middle school.
Even as he enters, Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon) thinks middle school is the dumbest idea ever invented, but he is confident that he will easily become the school’s most popular kid. Greg is worried that his chubby friend, Rowley Jefferson (Robert Capron), will not fit in, so he goes about trying to rid Rowley of anything that makes him look like a little kid, and therefore makes Greg look bad by association. Each of Greg’s attempts at becoming a “class favorite” fails or backfires, but when Greg lets Rowley take the blame for one of his own mistakes, Greg may not only lose his best friend, but he may also become the least popular kid in school. Luckily, Greg is getting it all down on paper in his diary, filling it with thoughts, opinions, stories and cartoon doodles – the Diary of a Wimpy Kid.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid is a lively movie – mixing social and family comedy (albeit from a kid’s perspective) with animated segments designed to mimic the stick figure art of the original books. Children will adore this bright and funny movie, but adults will also delight in this surprisingly momentous story, with its keen observations on human nature. Life lessons and redemption abound, but the movie never seems preachy.
The main reason this movie works is the performances, especially the young cast, and Zachary Gordon as Greg Heffley is by far the best. Gordon gives a performance that is surprisingly professional. Gordon doesn’t pretend to be a character like so many child actors, but actually becomes Greg Heffley, making the character seem like a real kid. Working within the parameters of the nimble filmmaking of director Thor Freudenthal, Gordon drives this movie, making Diary of Wimpy Kid not at all wimpy.
7 of 10
A-
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Second Season of "Castle" Arrives on DVD
CASTLE: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON
Available on DVD September 21, 2010
“The show has drama, suspense, and a smokin’ hot lead character.” – Cosmopolitan, February 2010
BURBANK, CA, July 2010 – The critically-acclaimed complete second season release of ABC’s smart, witty dramedy Castle showcases the unique partnership between “ruggedly handsome” crime novelist, Richard Castle (Nathan Fillian) and hard-nosed NYPD detective, Kate Beckett (Stana Katic)-- in a fantastic five-disc DVD set -- available on DVD September 21, 2010 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.
ABC’s Castle: The Complete Second Season invites viewers to dive into their real world crimes, and relive all the compelling second season cases in a great set that includes all 24 second season episodes; cool never-before-seen bonus features; on-set bloopers and behind-the-scenes access features that allow fansto go inside one of the network’s critically acclaimed and most exciting series!
Castle and Beckett’s unconventional partnership and banter creates humorous situations and romantic tension unlike anything on TV. During this past season, Castle and Beckett’s relationship has grown stronger as they’ve dodged bullets, captured killers, and solved countless murder cases in their unorthodox partnership. But by the Season Two finale, Beckett’s new relationship with a robbery detective has pushed Castle away, forcing them both to confront their feelings for one another. When Castle leaves to finish writing his second Nikki Heat novel, Naked Heat, Beckett has to watch him walk away, unable to express her true feelings and unsure whether he will return to the precinct.
Castle: The Complete Second Season also stars Ruben Santiago-Hudson as NYPD Captain Roy Montgomery, Tamala Jones as Medical Examiner Lanie Parish, Jon Huertas as NYPD Detective Javier Esposito, Seamus Dever as NYPD Detective Kevin Ryan, Molly Quinn as Alexis Castle, with Susan Sullivan as Martha Rodgers.
Bonus Features:
• On Set With Seamus & Jon — Go Behind The Scenes With Cast’s Resident Comedians, Seamus Dever And Jon Huertas, As They Reveal Secrets Of The Set
• On Location With Nathan — Nathan Fillion Introduces Us To Some Of His Favorite Crew Members And Demonstrates Some Interesting Tricks Of The Trade
• Manhattan‘s Most Unusual Murders — Discover How The Production Team Stages Murders Using Research, Props And Special Effects With Inside Stories From The Producers, Actors And Set Designers
• Deleted Scenes
• Misdemeanors: Bloopers & Outtakes
Castle: The Complete Second Season is priced at $45.99 SRP (US) and $54.99 SRP (CAN).
Street Date: September 21, 2010
DVD
Suggested Retail Price: $45.99 US; $54.99 Canada
Feature Run Time: Approx. 1018 minutes (24 1-hour episodes)
Rating: US: TV-14 DLSV
Canada: PG Not Recommended for Young Children, Violence
Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (1.78:1)
Languages: English; Spanish and French subtitles
Review: "Ninotchka" and Greta Garbo Are Eternally Beautiful (Happy B'day, Greta Garbo)
Ninotchka (1939) – Black & White
Running time: 108 minutes (1 hour, 48 minutes)
DIRECTOR: Ernst Lubitsch
WRITERS: Charles Brackett, Billy Wilder, and Walter Reisch; from an original story by Melchior Lengyel
PRODUCER: Sidney Franklin (no screen credit) and Ernst Lubitsch
CINEMATOGRAPHER: William (H.) Daniels
EDITOR: Gene Ruggiero
Academy Award nominee
ROMANCE/COMEDY
Starring: Greta Garbo, Melvyn Douglas, Ina Claire, Sig Rumann, Felix Bressart, Alexander Granach, and Bela Lugosi
1939 was a banner year for movies, seeing the release of films such as Goodbye, Mr. Chips, Gone with the Wind, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stagecoach, The Wizard of Oz, and Wuthering Heights, among many, many others. Another film stood out because of a catchy advertising campaign. When ads for the film, Ninotchka, proclaimed “Garbo Laughs!,” film fans knew they were in for a special treat as the legendary actress Greta Garbo starred in her first romantic comedy. The now-famous film slogan was actually created before the screenplay was written, and the film was built around it. Ninotchka, now considered by some to be a classic film about romance in Paris, went on to earn Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Actress, Original Story, and Screenplay.
Three Soviet envoys: Michael Simonavich Iranoff (Sig Rumann), Buljanoff (Felix Bressart), and Kopalski (Alexander Granach) arrive in Paris during springtime to sell some czarist jewels to earn enough money for their government to buy bread for the Russian populace, as the country’s own food production has come up too short to feed the Soviet masses. The trio, however, falls in love with their decadent new capitalist environment and spend their time being wined and dined. Nina Ivanovna Yakushova, known to her friends as Ninotchka (Greta Garbo) is the dour, severe Soviet official sent to straighten out the mess her three comrades have made. However, the special magic of Paris in the spring turns business to pleasure when she meets a suave Frenchman named Count Leon D’Algout (Melvyn Douglas). Leon is a friend of the Russian exile, Grand Duchess Swana (Ina Claire), who is the rightful owner of the czarist jewels in question, as she was a noblewoman before the Bolsheviks overthrew the Czarist Empire in Russia. Initially, Leon’s only thoughts are to reclaim the jewels for his friend and probable lover, the Grand Duchess, but he falls for Ninotchka, who resists at first, but soon succumbs to Leon’s charms. Will their budding romance survive a jealous Grand Duchess and Ninotchka’s Soviet bosses.
The film works on several levels, but its best charms come from Greta Garbo’s great comic performance as the title character and from the hilarious screenplay that wickedly pokes fun at the stuffy and dour Soviet regime of the times. Ms. Garbo is sly and droll as the no-nonsense and no-fun Ninotchka who first arrives in Paris. Her kabuki-like mask of seriousness brings the best out of Melvyn Douglas, and his performance as Leon, trying to woo Ninotchka, to make her laugh. As she finally gives in and laughs at Leon’s jokes, we can see Ms. Garbo’s mask begin to slowly break before she finally erupts in genuine laughter that really turns on this film’s magic.
The screenplay (co-written by the legendary Billy Wilder) is known for all it’s witty asides and sharp jabs at the Soviets, but the writers also take gentle swipes at the overly pampered and spoiled rich who live so lavishly that they don’t really appreciate or notice how well they have it. Directed with flair and finesse by Ernst Lubitsch (The Shop Around the Corner and To Be or Not to Be), a director known for his sophistication, Ninotchka is a film treasure and a great romance for moviegoers who love the enchanting best of that genre.
8 of 10
A
NOTES:
1940: Academy Awards: 4 nominations: “Best Picture,” “Best Actress in a Leading Role” (Greta Garbo), “Best Writing, Original Story” (Melchior Lengyel), and “Best Writing, Screenplay” (Charles Brackett, Walter Reisch, and Billy Wilder)
This film entered the National Film Registry, Library of Congress in 1990.
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
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Friday, September 17, 2010
Who Will Get to See "Paranormal Activity 2" First?
Press release:
YOU DECIDE WHO SEES “PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2” FIRST!
"Demand” That Your City is One of the Top 20 to Win A First Look At the Eagerly Awaited Next Installment
HOLLYWOOD, CA (September 16, 2010) – Paramount Pictures will debut PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 for the fans that “Demand” to see it first. The Demand it!® campaign launches at midnight tonight, and the first 20 cities with the highest “demands” for the movie will be invited to attend a free screening on Wednesday, October 20th at 11:59 pm, before the film’s nationwide release.
“The support of the online community was phenomenal on the first film.
We want to reward them for that support by offering them the chance to see it first,” said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures.
Dread Central is calling PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 “The most anticipated horror event of the year,” and Bloody Disgusting states, “If the first one gave you nightmares, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 looks to induce night terrors!”
“What is unique and exciting about PARANORMAL ACTIVITY is the depth of commitment from fans who ‘demanded’ to see it.” said Adam Goodman, President of Paramount Film Group.
To “demand” PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 visit: http://www.paranormalmovie.com/.
The Demand it! campaign is available to U.S. and Canadian residents aged 17 and older ends at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, October 13th. The top 20 cities will be announced on Friday, October 15th. No purchase necessary.
Follow PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/TweetYourScream for audience reactions and important announcements.
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 is produced by Jason Blum and Oren Peli with story by Michael R. Perry and screenplay by Michael R. Perry and Christopher Landon, and directed by Tod Williams.
YOU DECIDE WHO SEES “PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2” FIRST!
"Demand” That Your City is One of the Top 20 to Win A First Look At the Eagerly Awaited Next Installment
HOLLYWOOD, CA (September 16, 2010) – Paramount Pictures will debut PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 for the fans that “Demand” to see it first. The Demand it!® campaign launches at midnight tonight, and the first 20 cities with the highest “demands” for the movie will be invited to attend a free screening on Wednesday, October 20th at 11:59 pm, before the film’s nationwide release.
“The support of the online community was phenomenal on the first film.
We want to reward them for that support by offering them the chance to see it first,” said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures.
Dread Central is calling PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 “The most anticipated horror event of the year,” and Bloody Disgusting states, “If the first one gave you nightmares, PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 looks to induce night terrors!”
“What is unique and exciting about PARANORMAL ACTIVITY is the depth of commitment from fans who ‘demanded’ to see it.” said Adam Goodman, President of Paramount Film Group.
To “demand” PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 visit: http://www.paranormalmovie.com/.
The Demand it! campaign is available to U.S. and Canadian residents aged 17 and older ends at 11:59 pm on Wednesday, October 13th. The top 20 cities will be announced on Friday, October 15th. No purchase necessary.
Follow PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/TweetYourScream for audience reactions and important announcements.
PARANORMAL ACTIVITY 2 is produced by Jason Blum and Oren Peli with story by Michael R. Perry and screenplay by Michael R. Perry and Christopher Landon, and directed by Tod Williams.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
VIZ Media Announces Anime DVDs FOR September and October 2010
VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES THE LATEST BLEACH, NARUTO AND VAMPIRE KNIGHT DVD RELEASES FOR SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER 2010
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced several new DVD releases scheduled for September and October that expand the company’s popular BLEACH, NARUTO and VAMPIRE KNIGHT animated series.
New BLEACH Releases Include:
BLEACH Volume 32 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN • Available September 21st
Captain Hitsugaya’s advance Soul Reaper troops get involved in some unexpected sidelines during their stay in the World of the Living. When Karin Kurosaki agrees to go up against a tough group of middle school students in a game of soccer, Hitsugaya himself steps in to lend a hand. Then all the top members of Karakura First High School’s kendo team are injured, and Ikkaku is brought in to put the remaining team members through a training regimen from hell! Contains episodes 132 thru 135.
BLEACH UNCUT BOX SET SEASON 6 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available September 28th
Back in the World of the Living, Ichigo Kurosaki has been officially recognized as a Substitute Soul Reaper by the Soul Society. But trouble soon comes to Karakura Town in the form of Visoreds, a group of ex-Soul Reapers that have crossed over into the realm of the Hollows. As they try to recruit Ichigo to their side, it is revealed that former Captain Sosuke Aizen is attempting to create an army of Hollows with Soul Reaper powers called Arrancars. It will take Ichigo and his friends, along with a detachment of Soul Reapers, to keep them from destroying the town. Contains episodes 110 thru 121 (Original and Uncut)
For more information on BLEACH, please visit http://www.bleach.viz.com/.
New VAMPIRE KNIGHT Releases Include:
VAMPIRE KNIGHT Volume 2 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $19.97 U.S. / $28.99 CAN • Available September 28th
A new teacher arrives at Cross Academy with a hidden identity and possibly deadly connection to Zero, whose suffering is driving him to desperation. Yuki's feelings are torn between Zero and Kaname, and her determination to help Zero may lead her to betray the one she loves most. Contains episodes: 5-8
For more information on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, please visit: http://www.shojobeat.com/
New NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Releases Include:
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN BOX SET 4 SPECIAL EDITION • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $69.97 U.S. / $99.99 CAN • Available October 19th
Team Kakashi's spying mission brings them face to face with the Leaf's most deadly enemy, Orochimaru. Naruto's rage brings forth the Nine-Tailed Fox, but at great risk to both himself and those he cares for the most. With Naruto's rampage quelled, the team continues on to Orochimaru's lair to find Sasuke, but the mysterious Sai has disappeared. Could one of their own be planning the ultimate betrayal?
The Special Edition Box Set contains 14 episodes (episodes 40-53) on 3 discs, and a special limited edition collectible Sasuke figure.
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN BOX SET 4 STANDARD EDITION • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available October 19th
DVD-only collection featuring 14 episodes on 3 discs. Limited edition collectible figure not included.
NARUTO UNCUT SEASON 4, PART 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available October 26th
In the Hidden Leaf Village there are few things that Naruto and Choji love more than a steaming bowl of Ichiraku ramen. But when the daughter of the noodle shop owner is kidnapped, they’re on the case. Then, missions for the Leaf ninja lead them to the Land of Bears after a fallen meteorite and on to the Land of Greens where the team must protect a princess. When an evil ninja who’s after the princess gets in their way, Naruto puts his life on the line to save her! Contains episodes 164-191.
For more information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, please visit http://www.naruto.com/
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; and website at http://www.viz.com/.
VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced several new DVD releases scheduled for September and October that expand the company’s popular BLEACH, NARUTO and VAMPIRE KNIGHT animated series.
New BLEACH Releases Include:
BLEACH Volume 32 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $24.92 U.S. / $35.99 CAN • Available September 21st
Captain Hitsugaya’s advance Soul Reaper troops get involved in some unexpected sidelines during their stay in the World of the Living. When Karin Kurosaki agrees to go up against a tough group of middle school students in a game of soccer, Hitsugaya himself steps in to lend a hand. Then all the top members of Karakura First High School’s kendo team are injured, and Ikkaku is brought in to put the remaining team members through a training regimen from hell! Contains episodes 132 thru 135.
BLEACH UNCUT BOX SET SEASON 6 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available September 28th
Back in the World of the Living, Ichigo Kurosaki has been officially recognized as a Substitute Soul Reaper by the Soul Society. But trouble soon comes to Karakura Town in the form of Visoreds, a group of ex-Soul Reapers that have crossed over into the realm of the Hollows. As they try to recruit Ichigo to their side, it is revealed that former Captain Sosuke Aizen is attempting to create an army of Hollows with Soul Reaper powers called Arrancars. It will take Ichigo and his friends, along with a detachment of Soul Reapers, to keep them from destroying the town. Contains episodes 110 thru 121 (Original and Uncut)
For more information on BLEACH, please visit http://www.bleach.viz.com/.
New VAMPIRE KNIGHT Releases Include:
VAMPIRE KNIGHT Volume 2 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $19.97 U.S. / $28.99 CAN • Available September 28th
A new teacher arrives at Cross Academy with a hidden identity and possibly deadly connection to Zero, whose suffering is driving him to desperation. Yuki's feelings are torn between Zero and Kaname, and her determination to help Zero may lead her to betray the one she loves most. Contains episodes: 5-8
For more information on VAMPIRE KNIGHT, please visit: http://www.shojobeat.com/
New NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN Releases Include:
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN BOX SET 4 SPECIAL EDITION • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $69.97 U.S. / $99.99 CAN • Available October 19th
Team Kakashi's spying mission brings them face to face with the Leaf's most deadly enemy, Orochimaru. Naruto's rage brings forth the Nine-Tailed Fox, but at great risk to both himself and those he cares for the most. With Naruto's rampage quelled, the team continues on to Orochimaru's lair to find Sasuke, but the mysterious Sai has disappeared. Could one of their own be planning the ultimate betrayal?
The Special Edition Box Set contains 14 episodes (episodes 40-53) on 3 discs, and a special limited edition collectible Sasuke figure.
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN BOX SET 4 STANDARD EDITION • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available October 19th
DVD-only collection featuring 14 episodes on 3 discs. Limited edition collectible figure not included.
NARUTO UNCUT SEASON 4, PART 1 • Rated ‘T+’ for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 U.S. / $71.99 CAN • Available October 26th
In the Hidden Leaf Village there are few things that Naruto and Choji love more than a steaming bowl of Ichiraku ramen. But when the daughter of the noodle shop owner is kidnapped, they’re on the case. Then, missions for the Leaf ninja lead them to the Land of Bears after a fallen meteorite and on to the Land of Greens where the team must protect a princess. When an evil ninja who’s after the princess gets in their way, Naruto puts his life on the line to save her! Contains episodes 164-191.
For more information on NARUTO and NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, please visit http://www.naruto.com/
About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; and website at http://www.viz.com/.
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