Moovie Geek: May 2010

Guillermo Del Toro departs “The Hobbit”

Jonah Hex

Another DC film that caught my eye. There's been so much of them lately but I'm not complaining... Josh Brolin (Milk, No Country for Old Men) is Jonah Hex, a scarred bounty hunter. In order to obtain his freedom he has to stop the dangerous Quentin Turnbull (John Malkovich), a terrorist and also Jonah's old enemy.

I'm not expecting much from this one, but I might go see it just out of curiosity. I've read some critics that weren't very flattering... After all Malkovich has made some "interesting" choices so far and I would like to ascertain what intrigued him this time.

The movie's out on 18 June 2010 (US). I may wait for the DVD though...

Nicholas Nickleby

All you Charles Dickens' readers did you know that Nicholas Nickleby is now a movie? Well not now; since 2002... And of course 1947 which is a little more unlikely... To tell you the truth I didn't. And I feel bad about that. The only excuse is that the film was never released in Greece. I don't think it had the proper advertising, which is pretty weird, cause the cast is quite impressive. You'll see names like Christopher Plummer, Anne Hathaway, Jim Broadbent, Juliet Stevenson and Jamie Bell (little Billie Elliot who's grown up!). With a ranking of 7.3 out of 10 in IMDB, we arrive at the conclusion that the movie is anything than bad.

For those who haven't read the book (including me...), the story is about Nicholas, a young man who lost his father and due to financial reasons, he and his family are obliged to travel to London where Nicholas' uncle lives. Uncle Ralph tries to take advantage of their need and sends Nicholas to a school in Northern England, under the management of the inhuman Wackford Squeers. Luckily, Nicholas manages to escape and after a journey full of surprises he returns to London to defend his family.

I don't know about you, but I love 19th century scenery and outfit! First one to watch it, writes his comment here!

If you're searching for a DVD, here it is:

Alice in Wonder-land

I like fancy movies. Blockbusters. Multi-colored fairytales. Maybe that wasn't my night. I was a little tired to tell you the truth. The thing is that Alice didn't ravish me. I can't judge Mr Burton though. To me he's a genius. A unique man, which guides me hand in hand on every movie of his and grants me another perspective of the most common things. The 3d glasses helped a lot, but it wasn't exactly what I expected. Johny rocks as always. Anne Hathaway surprised me in a good way. Her clever approach made a perfect couple with Mr. Hatter, although I can smell Tim's interference in that... Don't shoot me but I haven't read the story. I expected to see the oddity of this timeless tale in the movie, but I guess I should have done backwards. Am I the only one who expects a sequel??

You can enjoy the DVD from Tuesday 01/06/2010

El secreto de sus ojos (The secret in their eyes)

An Argentinian federal writes a novel about a murder that happened 25 years ago. As he questions the validity of the facts and the identity of the real murderer he tries to discover the truth, motivated by a slight detail on a photo.

A very clever story full of suspense and a powerful ending even for the most demanding movie fans. Won the best foreign film Oscar (2010).

Watch the trailer:

Julie Andrews - the Gift of Music

Julie Andrews - The Gift of Music

Dame Julie Andrews appeared last night at the London O2 arena for the first time after 30 years. It is well known that she lost some high notes after an operation back in 1997, but this doesn't change the fact that I still get chills every time I watch her performing. She sang yesterday, even though many thought she wouldn't sing at all. As she said, in her exact words: "I can still sing the hell out of the Old Man River". She sang and performed in her very special, unique way that we have been used to for so many years. You know, when you're standing at the audience and you can't see the faces on stage, but you see this one so familiar silhouette and you just know it's Julie. The audience's enthusiastic reception at the moment of her entrance speaks for itself.

About the show, the first half included Rodgers' and Hammerstein's songs, as long as numbers from the films South Pacific, the King and I, the Sound of Music and Carousel. At the second half of the show, she narrated the musical adaptation of Simeon's gift, a children's book she wrote with her daughter Emma Walton. On stage with Julie, were five more singers who were there to deal with the high pitched notes and more demanding songs. The evening ended with Edelweiss from the beloved Sound of Music, the most powerful and moving moment of the concert.

I'm just waiting for the next Julie's performance, hopefully soon enough, with more trademark-songs for her. Till then... enjoy these:

"Do-Re-Mi"

"My Funny Valentine"

"Getting to Know you"

Machete

Mexican federal Machete (Danny Trejo) gets nearly killed in an assassination set up, from the man who employed him (Steven Seagal). He seeks revenge against his former boss with the help of an impressive cast including names such as Robert De Niro, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Alba and many more.

Release date: 3/09/2010

Did you know that: This film is being made because of the fake trailer's popularity after being featured in the theatrical version of Grindhouse (2007) along with the other fake trailers and advertisements featured in the film. "Thanksgiving" is the other popular fake trailer included in the film and was directed by Eli Roth and is now in development to be made into a full length film.

Watch the trailer:

Did you know that: Steven Seagal's first theatrically released film since Half Past Dead (2002).

The Blind Side

Not really an Oscar movie to my humble opinion... or Bullock's performance either. It is a pleasant film though. Sandra Bullock's far from the roles we've been used to.

An unprivileged teenager, Mike(Quinton Aaron), enters a football college program. With the help of a wealthy family and a mom (Sandra Bullock), who treats him as her own son, not only he manages to improve his poor educational level, but he also succeeds in qualifying for an NCAA scholarship. Based on a true story.

Did you know that: The real Michael Oher (born in 1986) is two years younger than Quinton Aaron (born in 1984).

Props

The Blind Side Crusaders #35 Uniform

Blind Side Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) Helmet

The Blind Side Michael Oher (Quinton Aaron) Costume

...and many more at...

Movie Memorabilia Movie Props and Costumes
Movie Props, Movie Memorabilia and Movie Collectible memorabilia from your favorite films!

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington

mini biography
filmography

News and upcoming events:

Unstoppable (2010)

Frank Barnes (Washington), an experienced engineer, jumps on a locomotive with a conductor, to chase a train with a toxic cargo. As the train approaches to a sharp curve, they try to control it and obviate a forthcoming ecological destruction.

Watch an explosion scene from the shooting footage of the film.

Release date: 12/11/2010

The book of Eli

The book of Eli is about a man heading westwards after he survived a holocaust. He carries a sacred book which he has promised to protect with his life. The movie distinguishes for its great western photography and the clever shooting setup, combining style and a very strong expressive perspective. Through his wander to his final destination Eli (Washington) shows great skill, patience and faith as weapons along with his sword and bow. The film includes some very strong scenes despite the fact that it's not to be described as an action movie.

For those who don't stand another disaster film, it's not what it seems... To me (same category...) it was a very pleasant surprise.

Did you know that: Denzel Washington performed all of his own stunts in the hand-to-hand fight sequences.

Props