Paranormal Activity continues to grow

Paranormal Activity, the scariest movie of the year continues to expand. After stellar reviews, especially from yours truly (check it out here), the viral “demand it” marketing has taken off, and given Paranormal Activity over $535,000 for this past weekend.

As a result, Paranormal Activity will be doubling its markets to over 40 now, with more to come this weekend. They are also adding additional shows at AMC Veterans all week to go along with the midnight showings already scheduled.

The film has already been a huge success in marketing with the “Demand it” campaign, compounded by word of mouth through Twitter with TweetYourScream. The budget was roughly $15,000, so expect some great things to come from this incredibly terrifying movie.

So, if you haven’t seen it yet, and are looking for a great scary movie, I encourage you to check it out…if you’re brave enough.

This story also appeared on Creative Loafings website. You can check out the journalistic goodness HERE.

Zombieland review

Zomedy: a movie that has zombies in the plot yet gets put in the comedy section at Blockbuster. Ok, sure, that is not the official definition, but its close enough. Zombieland takes that definition and runs with it in one of this year’s funniest movies.

The movie is about Tallahassee, brilliantly played by Woody Harrelson and Columbus, played by Jesse Eisenberg. These two people are exact opposites, one brash and aggressive, the other meek, and shy. Somehow, they have managed to survive while nearly everyone else in the world has been turned to zombies. After they meet two girls, they team up to visit a theme park to have one night of normalcy.

Besides the fact this movie is hilarious, it seems like they just sat around and thought up all the crazy stuff you and I would want to do if there were zombies, and they do it. Examples include “zombie kill of the week;” backing over zombies multiple times, smashing up abandoned storefronts and enjoying spraying thousands of bullets at the undead hordes.

On top of the crazy zombies, the characters are perfect, as is their portrayal. Tallahassee is easily liked by all as the crazy zombie killer who just wants a Twinkie. The interesting part is the guys past who is just briefly touched on. Eisenberg does a good job as the obsessive compulsive wimp guy who outlines rules for staying alive, which pop up frequently through the movie. Rules like “rule #4: Double Tap” are often made clear to the reason, along with others such as cardio and enjoying the little things.

The girls, Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin) are also portrayed very well. Emma Stone is hot, but it’s also clear she is no push around, and often is the brains in the group. It’s good to see a strong female character in a zombie movie.

Finally, another element that seems to stand out is the cameo. I won’t spoil anything, and I encourage you not to look it up before partaking, but the cameo is easily one of the best cameos of the year, possibly ever.

Zombieland is exactly what it looks like, a funny comedy with great characters, plenty of laughs, line after line of quotable dialogue and of course, zombies. I highly encourage you check this out for yourself, possibly twice, just to make sure!

Rule # 33: Zombieland Rocks!

Paranormal Activity Review

When I was 6 years old, I saw Jaws for the first time and was truly terrified my trip to the beach the next day would be my last. Despite my love for the water, I still feel the terror that movie caused. Now, twenty something years later, I experience that true terror again. This time, the terror isn’t in the water; it’s in the bedroom with a movie called Paranormal Activity.

I had heard reports that is was the scariest movie some people had seen, so I sought out the movie and “demanded it” on the films website, and sure enough, the movie came to Tampa (your welcome) but only for a midnight showing. After seeing the movie that only cost a small amount to make, I was truly terrified and amazed at something as simple as a shadow, and a random light turning on could be so scary.

The movie involves a couple who experience some sound effects the girl, Katie thinks are a ghost. When the boyfriend, Micah comes home with a camera, they set up the camera in the bedroom to film the goings on, and see if they can catch a ghost. Fortunately, instead of the comparable Blair Witch Project, Micah was smart enough to buy a tripod so the audience doesn’t get sick. The shot that is setup in the bedroom is the source of dread and terror throughout the film, as night after night, the haunting get more and more intense and the dread and suspense build with no release in sight.

I have to say, this is one of the scariest movies I have ever seen. The acting was pretty good, and the camcorder gimmick wasn’t as annoying as Blair Witch or Cloverfield. After the movie ended, the ending was so shocking, I just sat there, with my mouth open, trying to relax after the great terror I just saw. The most amazing part is this movie has no torture scenes; no blood and guts and no masked man running around with a big knife; in fact you never actually see the source of the terror, which is the scariest part.

I highly recommend this movie for anyone looking for a good scare. This movie is an excellent date movie, because it will get the two of you (or three, I don’t judge) holding each other for comfort; but guys, remember; don’t expect the date to go farther if you scream like a little girl!



EDITORS NOTE: This did appear on Creative Loafing's website. Here is the link, as always, I appreciate the clicks!!  

http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/dailyloaf/2009/10/03/movie-review-paranormal-activity/
 

How it should have ended: Terminator/Back to the Future

So, I had never heard of Howitshouldhaveended.com, but after this video, it could become my favorite website ever....yes, better than muppetsporn.com (I really ought to see if that website is real).

So, the folks over at Howitshouldhaveended.com put together a great mashup of Terminator and Back to the Future, and showed what could and should have happened. Seriously this 1 minute trailer is better than Terminator 3 and Salvation combined!

So, check it out, and remember, you don't have to take my word for it!  (Take THAT LeVar Burton)

Transformers 3 is coming, and some chick is signed on too....

Oh, and what's-her-name looks to be along as well. Ya know who I'm talking about, right, that hot chick? I know no one has heard of her, but she is hot, and has a big mouth, and looks good standing over the engine of a car... Megan... oh, yeah, Megan Fox.

According to director Michael Bay's website, he has started day 1 of preproduction with a meeting with ILM, probably on how to make more explosions, or put testicles on Optimus Prime, but whatever. Apparently, according to Bay, tomorrow he has a meeting to discuss character plans. The date the movie is scheduled to come out is July 1st, 2010. Originally, Bay had said he wanted some time off from the world of robots in disguise to make a small movie, but obviously something, more than likely a crazy amount of money changed his mind.

Bay also noted that Megan Fox would be returning and took the opportunity to be clever.

"Megan Fox, welcome back. I promise no alien robots will harm you in any way during the production of this motion picture. Please consult your Physician when working under my direction because some side effects can occur, such as mild dizziness, intense nausea, suicidal tendencies, depression, minor chest hair growth, random internal hemorrhaging and inability to sleep. As some directors may be hazardous to your health, please consult your Doctor to determine if this is right for you."

So, get your earplugs ready, and prepare for another explosive adventure with Shiah, Megan, Optimus and the rest...oh yeah, and there maybe some stuff blowing up.

EDITORS NOTE: Here is the link to the Creative Loafing post. I would appreciate the click!
http://blogs.creativeloafing.com/dailyloaf/2009/10/02/transformers-3-coming-in-july-2011/

Is QT blowing smoke or will the bride ACTUALLY be back?

In an interview on an Italian talk show, the host was asking famed movie director and fellow movie geek Quentin Tarantino about some possible sequels. He said 'maybe' to an Inglorious Basterds sequel, 'no way' to a Pulp Fiction sequel, and when the host stopped, he said, 'what about the last question,' which caused the host to pause, when QT said 'what about a Kill Bill 3?" When the host asked the question, QT exclaimed "Yes! The bride will fight again."

Alright, calm down, I know you may have had an accident due to the excitment, but there has been talk about this for awhile. The question is, will it ever come about, and if it does, will it be live action or an animated piece? Also, what would it be about? Not to get all spoilerific, but Bill is dead, so I don't think the bride would be going after Bill anymore. Do you have any good ideas?

There were a few ideas tossed around, but two that I liked were a revenge tale from one of the surviving Crazy 88's, going after the bride, and the other is a bit more off the wall with the daughter of the bride taking on the family business.

Either way, there could be a lot of blood, and some sword work, so, party on!

Top MacGuffins in cinema history

EDITORS NOTE: This also appeared on Creative Loafing's website, HERE. I would appreciate the support of a click, as always. And, BTW, it was 7 not because I couldn't think of 8, but because I'm rebelling against society and their fascination for even numbered things.

A MacGuffin is a term coined by the famous Alfred Hitchcock and used continuously by George Lucas as a plot element, generally an object that drives a storyline and the characters. So, check out some of the most famous, and you’ll get the idea. After that, let me know if you can think of any good ones I missed!


7) The Matrix – The Matrix

This one is debatable as a true MacGuffin, because it’s not necessarily an object, but an environment. However, throughout the movie, the question “what is the Matrix” is asked, and answered with varying layers, with the ultimate answer establishing it as a MacGuffin. Now, my head hurts.

6) Death Star – Star Wars Ep. IV

The one element that brings the characters together, it’s not a moon, it’s a space station. Thanks to this MacGuffin, Han and Chewie meet up Obi Wan, Luke and Leia and cause Luke to take his first step towards becoming a Jedi badass.

5) The Delorean – Back to the Future

The time machine, built into the totally awesome car, this MacGuffin works throughout the trilogy to varying degrees, but in the first one, the time machine requires Marty to kiss his mom, man up his dad, and get struck by lightning, all in one night.

4) The Ark of the Covenant – Raiders of the Lost Ark

There are few who are better than Lucas at employing the use of a MacGuffin, as he demonstrates in one of my favorite movies ever. The Ark of the Covenant is the object the Nazis and our hero Indy go after, and don’t forget, the Ark is responsible for some child-scarring face melting scenes.

3) The Letters of Transit – Casablanca

In the greatest love story ever told, it’s not love that brings everyone together, its letters of transit, allowing two people to escape the jail that is Casablanca. The letters are what bring everyone together, but it does amount to a hill of beans to Rick, not with the very fine Ilsa.

2) The Ring – Lord of the Rings

This MacGuffin is in the title, and is the reason for some great fight scenes, and forty-two endings. Despite this not being one of my favorite series, you can’t deny how important the ring is in this movie.

1) Rosebud – Citizen Kane

In the biggest, most parodied MacGuffin of all time, Rosebud takes the cake on this list. Throughout the movie, you’re trying to figure out who or what “Rosebud” is, only to find out it’s a friggin’ sled. Of course Rosebud is much more than that, but still, it’s a sled.

So, there it is, my top 7. What did you think? Are there any other really great ones I missed? Do you think the car should beat the sled?

A new Highlander

Happy Friday, movie geeks. Today's post is reguarding the new Highlander. No, I don't really have much scoop on it, but I'm sure they will replace Christopher Lambert with someone else. I think they should get Ryan Reynolds to do it. Ok, ok, calm down, I was only kidding, I mean Zac Efron....put the knife down...alright, seriously, my pick for the immortal would have to be Alexander Skarsgård (Eric on True Blood). This guy has the look, the physique, and could easily be the immortal.

So, the real reason for the post is a funny I found on The Movie Blog, which cracked me up, and made me wanna share it with my many adoring fans...echo....echo....echo.

David Cronenberg and the Fly again

EDITORS NOTE: Hopefully, this will be in Creative Loafing today, in which case I will have a tease here, but for now, here is the whole shebang.

That's right, film fans, the director of such movies as A History of Violence and The Fly will be getting back to work on a remake of the Fly. Generally, remakes are done to bring fresh blood and a new take on a classic story to audiences who may not have seen it, but Cronenberg seems to just want to get back to work on one of his greatest hits.

Check out the rest, including a fantasy casting over at Creative Loafing (yay, it got posted!) HERE

Dr. Horribles Emmy feed

Dr. Horrible hacked into the Emmy feed to interrupt an interesting speech from accountants on how they calculate the votes. Here is what he said....
And, seriously, how can you not laugh at this?!?

Would you miss wandering the wall?

I've discussed quite a bit about my feelings on video stores, and their unfortunate decline, but now, one of the best movie news sites, /Film has a post about whether you would miss the brick and mortar stores. Here is the post, check out the comments, they seem to range from people who will miss it to those who are diehard Netflix users.

"In their most recent episode, they wax nostalgic about VHS (who among us DIDN’T love storing 8 hours of footage on a single cassette tape?) and Dan Trachtenberg concludes that while there were positive aspects of the video store experience, a lot of what people are holding onto when it comes to the demise of video stores is actually some romanticized notion of what the rental experience was like, rather than reality."

What do you think, is it nostalgia getting the better of us, or are we gonna miss the thrill and spontaneity of going to the store?  Discuss.

MarioKart trailer is hilarious!

After watching this fake trailer for MarioKart, the movie, I guarantee you'll be perfecting your "Maarrriiooo" accent. I could totally do something like this! Check it out.

Jennifers Body made like a Tree and blew

Is anyone else surprised Jennifer's Body didn't do a bit better than $6.8 million? Megan Fox is the hottest draw in Hollywood right now, and Diablo Cody has a reputation of being incredibly edgy, or so she claims, so why did this movie come in fifth to Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs?

You can't blame it on the marketing, everyone knows they've seen the tease about Megan Fox kissing the other fine looking girl in the trailer, and images have been getting clicks from horny little fanboys since last year. So, is it that they focused too hard on the male demographic, or what about the fact the film was about one female, fighting off another crazy female in a movie directed by a female and written by a female?

Alright, so my take is the reason it bombed is because of the cheesey value. The movie looks like a mediocre version of Army of Darkness, without the prime attraction, Bruce Campbell. Let's face it, Army of Darkness is an aquired taste, and the movie bombed horribly in theaters, but got a cult following later on. Besides, the star of Jennifers Body has only been in a few movies, and really only was the star of the two Transformers movies, so she doesn't have much of a loyal fanbase yet.

I would say, all these reasons and more, combined with Megan Fox acting like a crazy person in interviews means this movie will eventually get picked up as a cult phenomonon, but don't expect any money in theaters. What do you think, was it the female thing? Is it because Megan Fox can't act, or Diablo Cody can't write, or is it because the movie will most likely blow? Discuss:

Psych review - Bollywood Homicide

EDITORS NOTE: This may appear on Creative Loafings site, but, I have no clue; and yes, I am now referring to myself as "Editor," get over it.


After a week off, Psych is back, and in Bollywood Homicide, better than ever! This weeks episode has dramatic tension, a return of Rachel Leigh Cook’s character, Abigail, along with some great interaction with detective’s Lassiter and O’Hara. So, come, partake in the festivities with me, and don’t forget to look for the pineapple.

This week, we have Sendhil Ramamurthy guest starring as Raj, a man who loves women, only to have them nearly killed by random accidents. After Raj’s girlfriend is nearly killed, he decides to get help from Shawn and Gus and stop a curse that Shawn believes is something else. Along the ride, we have Abigail being an adorable girlfriend who observes her boyfriend get schooled by Detective Lassiter. Juliet meets Abigail, in what is one of the best moments of tension and akwardness in the season, and with Shawn still trying to put it all together, Juliet decides to put herself up against the curse to solve the crime.

This episode also had a great guest cameo in Broken Lizard’s own Jay Chandrasekhar. Besides the great character development was a very ordinary mystery that finally brings the show back to its roots, and shows Shawn conflicted between Abigail and Juliette. The whole time, Lassiter is loving showing up our favorite psychic, and making Shawn look bad. The scene where Lassiter is on the other side of the interrogation room and screams in joy is priceless, along with Shawn and Gus nearly dyeing due to the hot Indian food made me laugh to end, something that had been missing in previous episodes.

Overall, this episode had everything Psych fans were looking for, along with some great character development, and some wonderful guest stars. I loved this episode, and can’t wait for the next one.

So, until next week, Psych fans, it’ll be the same Psych time, same Psych channel.

Long Live NPH

So, I don't know if anyone saw the Emmy's or not, but it was one of the better awards shows I've seen. Generally, comedy does not mix with awards shows, either its just hokey, like the VMA's, or its forced, like the Oscars; here, however, it flowed nicely, and it mainly has to do with the host, Neil Patrick Harris. NPH provided the opening number, a lot of commentary, and many of the comedic moments, including Dr. Horrible taking over the Emmy's for a short time, only to get smacked around by Captain Hammer.

So, if you haven't watched it, forget the acceptance speeches, and just watch the rest, because it was very funny. I can only hope the Oscars wrote down everything and work on making something half as entertaining as this, and of course, get NPH to host.

Oh, and the part with Ricky Gervais is a must see, that guy is comedy gold, and had me in stitches!