Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Happy Birthday, Mama

There is a suprise coming.  Hope you have a great day and, of course, many, many, many more.

Monday, May 6, 2013

"Aftershock" with Eli Roth Due May 10, 2013


Radius/TWC

Present AFTERSHOCK


FROM ELI ROTH

The only thing more terrifying than Mother Nature…is human nature.

AFTERSHOCK will open in the following California theatres on May 10th:

TCL Chinese Theatre/Chinese 6 (6925 Hollywood Blvd.)

Loz Feliz 3 (1822 N Vermont Ave.)

Terrance Cinema 6 (28901 S. Western Ave.)

Laemmle’s NoHo 7 (5240 Lankershim Blvd.)

Roxy Stadium 11 (5001 Verdugo Way)

Plaza Cinema 14 (255 West Fifth St.)

Cinema City (742 Vine St.)

Triangle Square 8 Cinemas (1870 Harbor Blvd.)

Dos Lagos 15 (2710 Lakeshore Dr.)

California Oaks 17 (41090 California Oaks Rd.)

BLVD Cinemas (742 W. Lancaster Blvd.)

Apple Valley 14 (14 Apple Valley.)

Reading Valley Plaza Stadium 16 (2000 Wible Rd.)

New Barstow Station Cinema 6 (1503 E Main St.)


Directed by Nicolás López
Written By Eli Roth (@eliroth) and Nicolás López (@nicolaslopez)
Starring: Eli Roth, Andrea Osvart, Ariel Levy, Selena Gomez

In the middle of a night of wild partying, a hapless American tourist (Roth) and his friends are suddenly plunged into a living hell when a powerful earthquake rips through the coastal town of Valparaíso, Chile.

Running time: 90 minutes

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Review: "Iron Man 3" About the Man in the Iron

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 31 (of 2013) by Leroy Douresseaux


Iron Man 3 (2013)
Running time: 130 minutes (2 hours, 10 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence throughout, and brief suggestive content
DIRECTOR: Shane Black
WRITERS: Drew Pearce and Shane Black (based on the characters and stories created by Stan Lee, Don Heck, Larry Lieber, and Jack Kirby)
PRODUCER: Kevin Feige
CINEMATOGRAPHER: John Toll (director of photography)
EDITORS: Peter S. Elliot and Jeffrey Ford
COMPOSER: Brian Tyler

SUPERHERO/SCI-FI/ACTION

Starring: Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Guy Pearce, Rebecca Hall, Ty Simpkins, Ben Kingsley, James Badge Dale, Stephanie Szostak, William Sadler, Miguel Ferrer, Jon Favreau, and Paul Bettany (voice)

Iron Man 3 is a 2013 superhero film co-written and directed by Shane Black and starring Robert Downey, Jr. in the title role. It is the third movie in the Iron Man film franchise and the seventh installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (which began with the first Iron Man movie in 2008). In Iron Man 3, Tony Stark/Iron Man is forced to rebuild his world after it is torn apart by a formidable terrorist.

Iron Man 3 finds billionaire inventor Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) suffering from anxiety after his experiences with The Avengers. He has built several new Iron Man suits, which causes friction with his girlfriend and current CEO of Stark Industries, Pepper Potts (Gwyneth Paltrow). Also, Tony’s friend, James “Rhodey” Rhodes (Don Cheadle), is now the U.S. government’s go-to-guy when it needs Iron Man-type help. Rhodes in his War Machine armor has also been re-branded as the Iron Patriot.

Tony has been working non-stop for months, but one thing that does catch his attention is the global tension caused by a mysterious terrorist known as The Mandarin (Ben Kingsley). After his friend, Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau), is gravely wounded in one of The Mandarin’s terrorist attacks, Tony vows revenge, but The Mandarin strikes first. Tony begins a journey of rebuilding and retribution, which is complicated by a cast of characters that includes friends and foes and even people whose allegiances are suspect.

Iron Man 3 is spectacular. Destruction is rendered in vivid colors and in awesome visual effects generated by computer software with the god-like ability to create new realities. But I was buying it the way I did for the first two Iron Man films. Don’t get me wrong, Iron Man 3 is good, and I enjoyed it – for the most part. For all its superhero action pageantry and its out of this world combat between demigods and demigod wannabes, I was only somewhat titillated.

There is one glaring thing that dampened my enthusiasm for Iron Man 3, and it is the entire Tony Stark anxiety, panic attack, quasi-PTSD, crisis of faith/conscience factor that is at the heart of Iron Man 3. To me, Tony’s angst comes across as contrived. I just wasn’t buying it. Didn’t we already litigate Tony Stark’s mental demons, relationship shortcomings, and personality glitches in Iron Man 2?

I did enjoy Gwyneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, and the actress shows that if the filmmakers did more than just scratch the surface of this character, they’d have something super. In addition, Don Cheadle easily moves past being the replacement actor (as Terrence Howard played Rhodes in the first Iron Man), as he fully comes into his own as James Rhodes. Here, Cheadle is funny and engaging, and he clearly has the film personality to be an action-movie star – certainly in superhero movies. Also, Ty Simpkins is surprisingly good as the Harley, a non-annoying, forthright boy.

In terms of tone, attitude, and spirit, Iron Man 3 is different from its predecessors. In fact, it seems odd, and The Mandarin subplot keeps things weird – perhaps too much. So Iron Man 3… maybe I’ll like it more when I see it again, on DVD or television. It is a good movie, but I can only be generous enough to give it a grade of “B.”

6 of 10
B

Sunday, May 5, 2013


Happy Birthday, Sarah

And congratulations on your upcoming graduation.

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Abrams, Takei, Samberg, Facebook, and Star Trek

Just days before Star Trek Into Darkness opens in theaters worldwide, JJ Abrams will answer YOUR questions on Facebook Live.

WHO: Featuring: JJ Abrams: Writer/Director/Producer (Star Trek Into Darkness, Super 8, Lost)

The Host: Andy Samberg: Actor/Comedian/Writer (Saturday Night Live,Celeste and Jesse Forever, The Lonely Island)

Special Guest: George Takei: Actor/Activist (Star Trek, Oh Myyy! (There Goes the Internet), Allegiance)

WHAT: JJ Abrams is a filmmaker whose work, on both the small and big screen, has been shaping our culture for decades. On May 10th 2013, just days before Star Trek Into Darkness opens in theaters across the globe, the acclaimed director visits the Facebook Headquarters in Menlo Park along side his friend Andy Samberg to answer your questions live. This is an exclusiveopportunity for Facebook fans to ask anything about the Star Trek universe, and to boldly go where few have gone before. Who knows, maybe even Sulu (GeorgeTakei) might beam in for a guest appearance.

RSVP to watch and participate live on Facebook here: http://bit.ly/abramslive

WHEN: Streamed live at 5:30pm PT / 8:30pm ET, Friday, May 10, 2013

WHERE: www.FacebookLive.com

Friday, May 3, 2013

Review: "Doctor Strange" Casts Animated Spell

TRASH IN MY EYE No. 119 (of 2007) by Leroy Douresseaux


Doctor Strange (2007)
Running time: 76 minutes (1 hour, 16 minutes)
MPAA – PG-13 for action violence and some frightening images
DIRECTORS: Patrick Archibald, Jay Oliva, and Richard Sebast with Frank D. Paur (supervising)
WRITERS: Greg Johnson; screen story by Craig Kyle and Greg Johnson
PRODUCERS: Frank D. Paur and Avi Arad
EDITOR: George Rizkallah with Aeolan Kelly
COMPOSER: Guy Michelmore

ANIMATION/SUPERHERO/ACTION/ and FANTASY/DRAMA

Starring: (voices) Bryce Johnson, Paul Nahauchi, Kevin Michael Richardson, Michael Yama, Susan Spano, Fred Tatasciore, Tara Strong, and Jonathan Adams

The subject of this movie review is Doctor Strange, a 2007 animated film based on the Marvel Comics character, Doctor Strange. Also known as Doctor Strange: The Sorcerer Supreme, this is the fourth straight-to-video (or direct to DVD) animated film produced by MLG Productions, a subsidiary of Marvel Animation and Lionsgate. The character, Doctor Strange, and the first comic book series featuring him were created by Steve Ditko and Stan Lee, the original creators behind Spider-Man.

A selfish and vain physician, Dr. Stephen Strange (Bryce Johnson), loses the use of his hands in an automobile accident. Although he is no longer able to perform surgery, he can still be a doctor, but he has always seen himself foremost as a surgeon. Putting his career on hold, Strange obsesses over finding a cure for his hands, and as his career dies, Strange falls apart.

Directed by a stranger named Wong (Paul Nahauchi), Strange makes a life-altering journey to Tibet, where he hopes to be healed by the Ancient One (Michael Yama). However, this Ancient One is Earth’s “sorcerer supreme,” and he has plans to heal more than just Strange’s hands. With the help of Wong, Stephen studies magic and learns to let go of the past. As Strange’s knowledge of and ability to wield mystical powers grows, the Ancient One hopes Strange will replace him as the sorcerer supreme, much to the chagrin of Mordo (Kevin Michael Richardson), a follower of the Ancient One who covets his master’s position and power. Soon, Stephen must embark on a mission to protect humanity from a dark, other-dimensional god called Dormammu (Jonathan Adams), but he and the Ancient One will discover a traitor in their midst.

Doctor Strange is by far the best of the Marvel/Lionsgate films to date. It is the first of this series that is equal to Warner Bros.’ animated television series and straight-to-video animated films that are based on DC Comics characters. Doctor Strange’s story is strong – capturing the rise and fall and redemption of the protagonist. It has an epic feel, a good supporting cast, and convincingly evil adversaries.

The animation is quite good, as the characters, creatures, and objects move very well. The layout, background art, set decoration, and conceptual design are all top notch, and the color has a painterly quality. Considering all that, Doctor Strange does indeed seem strange next to the earlier MLG animated films, which while entertaining, do not match the excellence of Doctor Strange.

7 of 10
A-

Tuesday, August 21, 2007


Thursday, May 2, 2013

"Man of Steel" Soundtrack Due June 11 2013

Man of Steel Two-Disc Soundtrack Featuring Original Music by Hans Zimmer Set for Release June 11th

Limited Deluxe Edition Soundtrack Also Available

Man of Steel: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Available For Pre-Order

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--On June 11, 2013, WaterTower Music will release two configurations of the Man Of Steel: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. The album will be available in standard form as well as a limited edition deluxe version at all physical and digital retailers. Academy Award®, Grammy, and Golden Globe-winning composer Hans Zimmer composed the music for this highly anticipated project, joining forces for the first time with director Zack Snyder.

“The challenges of creating a Superman score are daunting because Superman is so iconographic," said Snyder. "I really feel like what Hans created is perfect. Subtle and stirring, epic and commanding. Honestly, Hans crushed it."

Fans will have the ability to choose between the standard two disc, 18-song soundtrack, and a limited, deluxe edition of the soundtrack. This deluxe edition will be housed in a special embossed steel case, contain 24 score selections, and give fans the ability to access multiple videos showing an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the music. Both the standard and deluxe editions will include the epic track “Man of Steel (Hans Original Sketchbook)” which clocks in at over 28 minutes long. This exclusive track is performed solely by Zimmer, and allows listeners to experience firsthand his initial experiments with the film’s music, which ultimately lay the foundation for the film’s final score.

Those fans who purchase the CD version of the deluxe edition will have the opportunity to download all 24 songs in DTS Headphone: X, which reproduces a cinematic multi-speaker surround sound experience using only the user’s headphones. DTS Headphone:X presents a whole new way to hear mobile entertainment over headphones. The technology garnered rave reviews from the likes of The Wall Street Journal, and Cnet, among others at this year’s CES convention.

Additionally, a double, 180 gram vinyl configuration of the soundtrack is slated for a summer release.

In addition to his orchestral arrangements, Zimmer, no stranger to stepping outside the confines of traditional film scoring, has assembled two unique musical entities to contribute music to Man of Steel. The first, a “drum orchestra,” which was brought together for the album, is described by soundtrack co-producer Peter Asher as “some of the best drummers in the world all playing simultaneously in a space designed for a symphony orchestra – using not only rock drum kits but tympani and field drums as well.”

The membership of this elite assembly consists of many of today’s top musicians including John JR Robinson, Jason Bonham, Josh Freese, Pharrell Williams, Danny Carey, Satnam Ramgotra, Toss Panos, Jim Keltner, Curt Bisquera, Trevor Lawrence Jr., Matt Chamberlain, Ryeland Allison, Bernie Dresel, Vinnie Colaiuta and Sheila E. Their contribution, under Zimmer’s musical direction, creates a towering and powerful musical accompaniment to the film.

Another distinctive group the composer assembled was a gathering of eight of music’s finest pedal steel guitarists who play classical string section parts. This collective, consisting of Chas Smith, Marty Rifkin, Skip Edwards, Boo Bernstein, Peter Frieberger, Rick Schmidt, JD Maness, John McClung, was described by Asher as, “a uniquely new metallic orchestra” added it’s own distinct and soaring musical stamp to the soundtrack.

The Man Of Steel: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is currently available for preorder at Amazon and will be available for preorder on iTunes starting May 7.

SOUNDTRACK TRACK LISTING

Disc 1 – Flight

1. Look to the Stars

2. Oil Rig

3. Sent here for a Reason

4. DNA

5. Goodbye My Son

6. If You Love These People

7. Krypton's Last

8. Terraforming

9. Tornado

10. You Die or I Do

11. Launch

12. Ignition

13. I Will Find Him

14. This is Clark Kent

15. I Have So Many Questions

16. Flight

17. What Are You Going to Do When You Are Not Saving the World?

Disc 2 – Experiments from the Fortress of Solitude

1. Man of Steel (Hans' Original Sketchbook)

2. Are You Listening, Clark? (Deluxe Edition Only)

3. General Zod (Deluxe Edition Only)

4. You Led Us Here (Deluxe Edition Only)

5. This Is Madness! (Deluxe Edition Only)

6. Earth (Deluxe Edition Only)

7. Arcade (Deluxe Edition Only)

Hans Zimmer has scored more than 100 films, which have, combined, grossed over 19.6 billion dollars at the worldwide box office. He has been honored with an Academy Award®, two Golden Globes®, three Grammys®, an American Music Award, and a Tony® Award. In 2003, ASCAP presented him with the prestigious Henry Mancini award for Lifetime Achievement for his impressive and influential body of work. He also received his Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in December 2010. Some of his most recent works include the History Channel’s miniseries The Bible; the Christopher Nolan-directed films Inception, The Dark Knight and The Dark Knight Rises; and Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows. Upcoming titles include Ron Howard’s Rush, Gore Verbinski’s The Lone Ranger and Steve McQueen’s Twelve Years a Slave.

Zack Snyder directed Man of Steel from a screenplay by David S. Goyer from a story by Goyer & Nolan, based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Entertainment. Charles Roven, Christopher Nolan, Emma Thomas and Deborah Snyder are the producers, with Thomas Tull, Lloyd Phillips and Jon Peters serving as executive producers. The film stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni and Russell Crowe.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Legendary Pictures, a Syncopy Production, a Zack Snyder Film, Man of Steel. The film will be released in 3D and 2D in select theaters and IMAX®, and is slated for release on June 14, 2013. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.


About Headphone: X
DTS Headphone: X enables content owners (e.g., movie studios, music labels or retail) to capture the acoustics of a high quality audio production studio and control the manner by which they are reproduced at the consumer end. Content providers can rest assured that the sonic reproduction presented to the listener can match the mix they so carefully crafted.

About WaterTower Music:
WaterTower Music , the in house music label for Warner Bros., has been releasing recorded music since 2001. Distributed through InGrooves Fontana, WTM has released over 150 titles, including the film soundtracks to “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” “The Dark Knight Rises,” “Project X,”, “Rock of Ages,” “Hairspray,” “Sex and the City,” “Elf,” “The Notebook,” and “Love and Basketball” among others. Its 2013 schedule includes “42,” “Pacific Rim,” and “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.”