Right Cinema

It actually looks to be a pretty good movie week, all things considered. I was just reading a Slate article about how August shouldn’t even be a month anymore because it’s so awful and nothing happens in August. One of the arguments was the lack of good movie releases, but the movies releasing Friday put that argument to the test. We’ve got “Tropic Thunder” (finally!), “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”, “Mirrors”, and “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”.

“Tropic Thunder” Releases Friday

Tropic Thunder

People have been waiting for this movie for about a year, ever since news dropped that Owen Wilson would be replaced by Matthew McConaughey after being hospitalized. Ben Stiller recently opened up about Wilson’s struggles, saying, “It’s impossible to understand that kind of pain – depression or anything like that – until you’re in it.”

The movie is about a group of actors who think they’re filming a war flick, but who’ve been dropped off in the middle of an actual battlefield after their diva-like antics drive the director over the edge. And so far, the early reviews have been good, with one moviegoer saying,

Tropic Thunder makes you laugh. It’s just that simple. They aren’t the smartest laughs… they aren’t high brow laughs… but oh my goodness they are laughs nonetheless. This is a FUNNY flick.

Star Wars: The Clone Wars

Not much to say about this one - if you’re a Star Wars fan you’ll probably see it; if you’re not, you probably won’t. It’s an animated feature-length film building on the Star Wars franchise. It’s an involved plot with lots of characters all important in their own way: the Clone Wars are sweeping the galaxy, Anakin and Ahsoka end up in a battle against Jabba the Hutt, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda lead the clone army in battle, and the Separatists further their control of the Galactic Republic. Get ready for the fun.

Mirrors

Starring Kiefer Sutherland, Paula Patton and Amy Smart, “Mirrors” is a horror film about a guy who takes over as watchman in a building that has all kinds of mirrors. The freaky part starts when he realizes that the reflections are taking on lives of their own, and even follow him home, so that his son’s and wife’s reflections also join in on the action. Viewers are calling it “scary but predictable”.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

“Vicky Cristina Barcelona” is the latest Woody Allen film to star his muse, Scarlett Johansson. The film also stars Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz. In a fashion that only Woody Allen can do, this movie is a love triangle like no other. Two women on vacation in Spain fall for the same painter, but his ex-wife isn’t exactly out of the picture yet. If you like Woody Allen and you don’t mind Scarlett Johansson, I’m guessing you won’t be disappointed.

See the trailers for the movies below.

Videos

Every once in awhile there are mid-week movie releases that come just in time to get you through. For me this is one of those weeks, and I’ll be watching a double feature tomorrow night: “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2″ to get the tears out, and “Pineapple Express” to laugh afterward. A perfect combo.

“Pineapple Express” Releases Wednesday

Pineapple Express

I have to admit, it’s the MIA “Paper Planes” song that makes me want to see this movie more than I otherwise would - brilliant song selection on the trailer maker’s part. In the movie, which looks to be hilarious, Seth Rogen plays Dale Denton, a process server who enjoys smoking marijuana every now and again. But when Dale drops his joint at a murder scene, a joint that holds a very rare strain of the good stuff, Dale and his dealer, played by James Franco, hit the road to hide, chased by a drug lord and a crooked cop.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

If the sequel is anything like the original, grab a box of Kleenex, because it seems like the producers had one goal when making the first one - cry, ladies. The girls are back, played by Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively, and Alexis Beldel, and still growing as individuals and as friends. But don’t be nervous that it’s just the same thing over again. Critics are saying the movie a “thoroughly engaging sequel”

See the trailers for the movies below.

Videos

Meet Michael Rady, the hottie in the upcoming movie, “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2″. See his biography, photos and video here.

Michael Rady

Michael Rady’s latest movie, “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2″, will release on Wednesday, August 6. There is already a lot of buzz for the film, as the original did so well last summer. He plays Kostas, the Greek fling of Alexis Bledel’s character.

As a biography, Michael Rady was born on August 20, 1981, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, so his age is 26. His measurements are 6′.

In 2005, Michael was nominated for two Teen Choice Awards, in the categories Choice Movie Breakout Performance - Male and Choice Movie Love Scene. The nominations stemmed from the first “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants”, which was Michael’s first professional acting role. He says he learned the Greek accent in four days with intensive training with a dialect coach. Since then, he has appeared in several movies and television shows, including “Swingtown”, the new hit summer series on CBS. He is reportedly joining the cast of “Greek” in the fall.

Michael enjoys gardening and surfing.

See more photos of Michael Rady and a video below.

Photos and Video

Sure there was “Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights”, but did that really count as a sequel? If Patrick Swayze wasn’t big in it, I say no. But the classic love story that began with a watermelon (come on, you remember, “I carried a watermelon?”) isn’t dead yet. Rumor has it there is another Dirty Dancing sequel coming, and Patrick Swayze has been approached to appear in it.

Patrick Swayze In Dirty Dancing Sequel?

After being given an unfavorable diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, Swayze has bounced back strong and is even working again. He is currently filming “The Beast”, a television show about the FBI. And now other offers are reportedly pouring in, including for “Dirty Dancing” follow-ups:

‘It’s great news Patrick is so well and there are a lot of offers for him,’ a source tells the Daily Express. Everyone wants him to star in a Dirty Dancing sequel. It’s just a matter of him making his mind up.’

So what would Swayze’s role be in such a sequel? He’s already done the dance instructor cameo, and it would just be overkill to do that twice. I think he should play a father figure in this next one - say his daughter is this big dancing star, love story ensues, Swayze has the chance to play the protective father. What do you think? I know, it could use some work.

See more photos of Patrick Swayze and a classic clip from “Dirty Dancing” (the watermelon scene - because I knew you didn’t believe me) below.

Photos and Video

Meg Ryan gets fat, or in her own words “enormous,” for her latest movie role. She didn’t actually gain an extra 250 lbs, but Ryan did have to sit in make up for three hours each day. You can see the pictures below.

Meg Ryan Fat!

The fat suit is being worn for the film, “My Mom’s New Boyfriend.” Meg plays Marty Durand, the mother of an FBI agent who loses weight and begins to date Hollywood hottie Tommy, played by Antonio Banderas. The only problem is Tommy is an international art theif being tracked by agent Henry Durand, Marty’s son. Henry is played by Colin Hanks who I just watched play the same role of FBI agent opposite Diane Lane in “Untraceable” the other night. Something tells me the two movies are a bit different.

As far as Ryan in the suit, she says it was no big deal.

“I didn’t mind the make-up. I like a character who is all about transformation. She was enormous, and now she’s foxy.”

You can see the fat Meg Ryan here. You can also see the movie now. It premiered on DVD June 17. It sounds like a great cast, Selma Blair also stars, but I think there’s a reason it went straight to video. See for yourself in the trailer below. At this point Meg can make all the bad movies she wants, and I’d still love her.

Photos and Video

Another week, another DVD release. The DVDs releasing this week bring you action, adventure, and fun for all ages. We’ve got “The Spiderwick Chronicles”, “10,000 B.C.”, “Definitely, Maybe”, “Persepolis”, and “Charlie Bartlett”.

“Definitely, Maybe” Releases On DVD June 24

Definitely, Maybe

Have you had a bad Monday? Do you really need a feel good movie you can curl up to with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s? Then “Definitely, Maybe” is the DVD pick for you this week. Starring Ryan Reynolds, Abigail Breslin, Isla Fisher, Rachel Weisz, and Elizabeth Banks, the story is about a little girl dealing with her parents divorce. She’s worried about her dad, and in the midst of the unpacking, she convinces her dad to tell her the story of how her parents got together. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll enjoy Ryan Reynolds.

The Spiderwick Chronicles

In the family film department this week, we’ve got “The Spiderwick Chronicles”. Starring Freddie Highmore (previously seen in “August Rush”), the story is about a boy who finds a mysterious book that opens the doors to an unseen world. While it appears beautiful at first glance, soon the ugly ogre rears his head, and the boy and his family must figure out how to get their world back to normal. The critics mostly love it, saying it’s fun for both kids and adults, and let’s face it, those are the best movies.

10,000 B.C.

I actually watched “10,000 B.C.” in the theater … on opening night. Don’t ask me how it happened, it just did. But interesting fellow movie-goers aside, the movie actually wasn’t all bad. It’s a strong story of love, courage, and fulfilling your destiny. After a band of horse-riding vandals ransack D’Leh’s village and kidnap his love, he must lead the few strong survivors into battle to regain the love of his life (played by Camilla Belle) and restore peace to his village. And, yes, there’s some pretty good special effects.

Persepolis

A favorite in the foreign film and animated film categories at the Oscars, as well as Toronto, Telluride and Sundance, “Persepolis” is the story of a young girl living in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. When the main character, Marji, begins to speak out against the new tyranny of the Islamic fundamentalists, her parents send her to study in Vienna and stay out of trouble. Feeling like she doesn’t belong in either location, Marji must find her true identity in unfamiliar territory.

Charlie Bartlett

In the comedy department this week, we have “Charlie Bartlett”, a story about a high school student struggling to make the transition from private school to public school. But he finds his calling as the high school shrink, who happens to get some meds prescribed by his own psychiatrist. He sets up shop in the boys’ bathroom, and the students line up the dozen to get Charlie Bartlett’s advice. Rated overall as a B-, you’re sure to get a few laughs out of this film.

See the trailers for the movies below.

Videos

Apparently, the New York premiere of ‘Sex and the City’ was not all fashion and Swarovski crystals as previously noted. There were many, many people turned away and it caused quite a scene.

‘Sex and the City’ New York Premiere - Part II

The debut of the film in New York took place at Radio City Music Hall, which seats 6,000 people. Officials are estimating that approximately 2,000 people were turned away after the hall was full. Fans received the tickets through promotional giveaways authorized by New Line Cinema.

The mostly female crowd surged against police barricades, cursing and stomping in their stilettoes at the cruel turn of events.

It’s not like the fans didn’t show up early to get their spot in the “first come, first server” line.

They gave out all these tickets just to make a big scene. It’s not right. It’s not fair. I’m very disappointed,” said Heather Dispresso, 20, of Long Island who had waited in line for three hours only to be turned away.

Read the rest of this entry »

Friday is almost here, and with it there are new movies. Here are the movies releasing this week, on Friday, May 30. There’s only two this week: “Sex and the City” and “The Strangers”, so whether you want to laugh or jump out of your seat, you’ve got options.

“Sex and the City” Releases Friday

Sex and the City

Friday night, it’s going down. Groups of girls are going out in droves, wearing their best Carrie garb and drinking their cosmos, all in the name of one movie: “Sex and the City”. But as much hype as there is, it sounds like the film doesn’t live up. But did you really expect it to? And is it really necessary that the movie is 2 hours 15 minutes? I smell overkill.

While one qualm with the film is the way the characters have remained stagnant over time, the big complaint is the abundance of product placement. It is also much tamer sex-wise than the television show ever was - I’ll let you decide whether that’s a good or a bad thing. One reviewer writes,

There are some good lines, but the much-feted banter is far less soulful or funny than that in Bridget Jones’s Diary. Sex and the City won’t disappoint any of its fans. But like its characters - Samantha, who’s on the verge of 50, and Carrie, who looks like a skeletal transvestite - it’s getting on a bit. This really should be its final hurrah.

Having said all that, I’ll be wearing my stilettos, martini glass in hand, on Friday.

The Strangers

Liv Tyler is back, and this time she’s going horror film - a movie that will make you think twice about renting a cabin for the weekend somewhere. In “The Strangers”, Liv and her husband, played by Scott Speedman, check into a large house for the weekend, but their romantic getaway is interrupted by a group of people who want to torture the couple just because “they were home”.

Feelings on this movie are about 50-50. I guess you’ll either love it or hate it, but either way I bet you jump out of your seat at least once.

See the trailers for the movies below.

Videos

The stars were out and the moons aligned for the ‘Sex and the City’ premiere in New York City last night. This party sounds like one for the record books.

Sex and the City New York Premiere

You can see all the pictures you can handle of the premiere here.

Sarah Jessica Parker looks ravishing in a long, flowing gown with her hair down. Kim Cattrall and Jennifer Hudson went with a shorter dress but still look beautiful. Cynthia Nixon was of course also there, but no sign of her lesbian partner Christine Marinoni. Maybe they were trying to deflect questions about possible upcoming nuptials. I’m loving the color Kristin Davis chose but the dress is not my favorite. The ladies looked great, but the premiere itself sounds like tough competition.

Word is Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristen Davis, Cynthia Nixon and Kim Cattrall will walk down a pink carpet smothered in 10,000 sparklying crystals. At the after-party, at MOMA’s Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Sculpture Garden, 500 crystal heart ornaments will hang in the garden’s trees while a Blossom chandelier of pink and green crystals will be hard to miss.

The Swarovski crystals were everywhere. A $100,000 crystal-encrusted sofa, curtain, lanterns, sculptures and serving trays with the “Sex and City” logo were all made of crystal.

The premiere sounds amazing and I can’t wait to see the film. You can see more pictures of the star, Sarah Jessica Parker, below.

Photos