Review: "Pandorum"

Redemption at last! Lately I've endured the most insipid cineplex experiences and today that streak has come to it's conclusion. In dire need of a truly spectacular sci-fi adventure, I purchased my ticket hoping for the prime experience I've been denied. "Pandorum" offered a bevy of visual delights and incessant distress, beyond any conceivable notion of my own.

Aboard a desolate spaceship, whose destination is another habitable planet after Earth is depleted of it's natural resources, two flight crew members wake from a lengthy hyper-sleep to find themselves alone and without an inkling of who they are or of their mission operative. In a desperate attempt to keep themselves alive Bowen (Ben Foster) strikes out in an attempt to reset the core reactor to prevent the obliteration of their existence, or the extinction of the human race. Bowen is thwarted in his attempts to reach the reactor by mutated beings he must learn to evade at all costs. Keen on killing all the incubated human cargo, the mutants systematically bait the small band of fighters that Bowen has discovered. The journey is perilous and fraught with spine tingling chills.

"Pandorum" reminded me of a cross between "Aliens" meets "Event Horizon" meets "Supernova". Regardless of the similarities to the aforementioned films, "Pandorum" does stand on it's own merit. I found the film fresh and captivating while the storyline unfolds nicely with extremely well paced development. I felt the desperation and urgency. Ben Foster carries the film and is superb in every aspect.

I gave this film a 9 out of 10 stars, extremely entertaining and a suspenseful thrill ride, not to mention the shocking twist. "Pandorum" is definitely among my top sci-fi films of all time.

Review: "Fame"

Alan Parker created one of the most gritty and realistic forays into the musical genre, when he brought the hopes and dreams of a group of New York City performers to the big screen in 1980. Nominated for six Academy Awards, winning two for it's score and for the title song, created a frenzy in theaters, or at least for me, and I was ready to go conquer my dreams of becoming an actor. Unfortunately, I achieved that dream on a much lower scale and so did this reincarnation.

Director Kevin Tancharoen had the daunting task of capturing the drive and ambition of a handful of performing school hopefuls in an updated storyline, though his approach was probably intended to be fresh, this film could easily be filed under the sequel to any dance flick produced in the past ten years. I wont say that it didn't have it's moments, because it did, but they were few and far between and weren't enough to give it buoyancy. The cast, being mostly comprised of unknowns, with the exception of the faculty, had big shoes to fill. However there were two standout performances, Kay Panabaker (Jenny) and Naturi Naughton (Denise). Panabaker, the 'Doris' of the former film, gives a fresh and natural performance as the strict disciplined artist who must learn that fame is not the road to happiness. Panabaker's character was the only one to make the internal impact upon this viewer, in turn, I cared about her failures and achievements. I can't forget nor overlook Naturi Naughton's vocal prowess, but to attempt the vulnerable "Out Here On My Own", made famous by Irene Cara in the original film, and my favorite scene I might add, was just a lukewarm interpretation and easily forgettable.

The lack of energy and background development was the overall problem, not enough character development coupled with the quick-paced and all-over-the-place storyline added to the deterioration. Granted it is a task to cram four years into a two hour time frame, but too many storylines also added to the developmental limitations.

Sadly there have been numerous remakes lately that have just gone awry and this is another reel to add to the heap. As the remake machine churns out their lackluster attempts I am becoming increasingly jaded and less likely to part with the bill at my local cineplex.

Disney's 'Diamond Collection'

The reigning studio of animated masterpieces has announced their release schedule for their blu-ray 'Diamond Collection' over the next seven years. The Disney vaults will reopen to introduce viewers to the majesty of their enchanted tales, all presented in high definition quality for the first time. "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" will start off the fourteen title series on October 6, 2009, and will continue a schedule of two titles per year. The selected titles are as follows: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs; Beauty and the Beast; Fantasia and Fantasia 2000; The Lion King; Bambi; Cinderella; Lady and the Tramp; The Little Mermaid; Peter Pan; The Jungle Book; 101 Dalmatians; Sleeping Beauty; and Pinocchio. These are going to look fantastic in full 1080p and will definitely be welcome additions to my home video collection.

In Memorium: Patrick Swayze

Patrick Wayne Swayze was born in Houston, Texas on August 18, 1952. After his regular studies and rigorous athletic pursuits, Patrick could be found at his mothers dance studio learning his moves that would someday make him a household name. In 1972 he moved to New York to complete his formal dance training at Harkness and Joffrey ballet schools.

In 1975, Patrick married Lisa Niemi, a fellow student at his mother's studio. After a stint playing Prince Charming at the Disney park, Patrick's acting debut came in 1979 in "Skatetown U.S.A." a testament to the roller disco scene. Television appearances would be the mainstay for Swayze for the next few years with a gig on the hit series 'M*A*S*H' and a regular on the short lived series 'Renegades'. Swayze would gain recognition with younger audiences with his next two projects, the teen angst film "The Outsiders" and the survivalist drama "Red Dawn". Although Patrick was much older than the rest of the 'brat pack' he was still considered a member. The breakthrough role that catapulted Swayze was as dance instructor Johnny Castle in the surprise hit, "Dirty Dancing". 1990 would find Swayze starring in his most successful film of all time, "Ghost", opposite Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg. The following year Patrick would receive a Golden Globe nomination for 'Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy/Musical'. In an interview Patrick revealed that he started drinking heavily after his fathers death in 1982 and sought help for his alcoholism. He took a break from his career for rehabilitation at his ranches in California and New Mexico to raise Arabian horses. Patrick had lukewarm status in his film career, never reaching the box office success of "Dirty Dancing", "Ghost", or the action hit "Point Break".

In January 2008 Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had responded well to treatments received in March and by mid year could be seen out about enjoying basketball games and starting production on a new television series. However, in 2009 Swayze's health started to decline and admitted to Barbara Walters that the cancer had spread to his liver. During the interview hishe revealed his years of drinking and chain smoking and how it could have lead to the development of his illness. Patrick Swayze passed away on September 14, 2009 at the age of 57.

Having enjoyed Mr. Swayze's films since I was a teenager, he was a part of my life like so many others that watched him on the silver screen. However talented, in the past year I came to admire his strength and determination. Having gone through a health scare myself it gave me comfort to know that whatever the outcome, I wouldn't be alone in my fight and that that's what I had to do was "fight". Fortunate for me, my diagnosis wasn't life threatening but I have to credit Mr. Swayze's for part of my strength, he'll never know how he helped me and I'll always be appreciative for his willingness to be brave and upfront about his experience. He will be missed.

Selected filmography:

Skatetown U.S.A. 1979
The Outsiders 1983
Uncommon Valor 1983
Red Dawn 1984
Youngblood 1985
Dirty Dancing 1987
Tiger Warsaw 1988
Road House 1989
Next of Kin 1989
Ghost 1990
Point Break 1991
Father Hood 1993
To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar 1995
Black Dog 1998
Forever Lulu 2000
Donnie Darko 2001
Waking Up In Reno 2002
One Last Dance 2003
11:14 2003
Dirty Dancing, Havana Nights 2004
Keeping Mum 2005
The Fox and the Hound 2 2006
Powder Blue 2009
'The Beast' (2009, TV series)

Center Stage: Nicole Kidman

Born Nicole Mary Kidman in Honolulu, Hawaii on June 20, 1967. Living briefly in Washington, DC, the Kidman family returned to native Sydney, Australia when Nicole was four. Nicole showed a huge interest in ballet and started classes in mime and drama. In her later school years the acting bug took hold and became the mainstay in Nicole's life, often opting to miss outings with friends and could be found in the theater honing her craft.

In 1983 Kidman appeared in her film debut, "BMX Bandits", at the age of 15. Throughout the 1980's she appeared in the Australian soap opera 'A Country Practice', the mini-series 'Vitenam' and the film "Emerald Forest" (1988). In 1989, her starring role in "Dead Calm" as Rae Ingram wife of a naval officer John Ingram (Sam Neill), held captive on their yacht by Hughie Warriner (Billy Zane), while vacationing on the high seas would become her breakthrough performance. The film garnered good reviews from the likes of Variety and critic Roger Ebert.

The nineties saw Kidman starring in larger, high-profile roles and would eventually lead to her international success. The first of these roles was the Ron Howard directed, car racing action flick "Days of Thunder" (1990) playing opposite Tom Cruise. During production Kidman and Cruise began a relationship that would eventually lead to their wedding by the end of the year. Kidman and Cruise would star alongside each other for Ron Howard again in 1992's "Far And Away". Kidman caught the attention of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and received her first Golden Globe nomination for her portrayal of murderous newscaster Suzanne Maretto, in the satirical comedy "To Die For". Kidman rounded out the decade starring alongside Sandra Bullock in the highly enjoyable, supernatural romance film "Practical Magic" and in Stanley Kubrik's final directing effort, "Eyes Wide Shut" opposite husband Tom Cruise.

2001 was a huge year and saw Kidman starring in two blockbuster hits, Baz Lurhmann's musical "Moulin Rouge!" and the moody thriller "The Others". A Golden Globe nomination and win for 'Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical' was cinched for her portrayal of ill-fated heroine Satine in "Moulin Rouge!" Sadly, her Academy Award nomination for 'Best Actress' alluded her. The following year Kidman portrayed Virginia Woolf in Stephen Daldry's "The Hours" and earned Kidman her second 'Best Actress' Academy Award nomination and first win in 2003. The following years would be fraught with mainstream success and a mixture of good reviews and pans from critics.

Kidman's personal life was going through upheaval during the epitome of her career, a much publicized divorce from Tom Cruise and speculation of an affair with Jude Law occurring while starring opposite each other in "Cold Mountain". Kidman threw herself into her work while keeping a low public profile. In 2004 Lenny Kravitz and Kidman were spotted together and shared a brief romance. While in attendance of a 'G'day LA' event Kidman met second husband, country singer and fellow Aussie, Keith Urban in 2005. The pair were married the following year in Australia and bought a home in Tennessee and in 2008 welcomed their first daughter, Sunday Rose.

Nicole Kidman remains one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood and one of the most diverse, and on a personal note, my favorite actress. Aside from her impressive acting abilities, Nicole has surprised audiences by doing all of her own singing in her films, from the fabulous and sexy Satine in "Moulin Rouge!" to the playful Norma Jean in "Happy Feet". Nicole is a beautiful human being and humanitarian being a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF since 1994 and raising funds for disadvantaged children around the world. There is nothing that this lady can't accomplish and with several projects in the works well into 2011, we're guaranteed great performances for years to come!

Selected filmography:

BMX Bandits 1983
Dead Calm 1989
Days of Thunder 1990
Billy Bathgate 1991
Far and Away 1992
To Die For 1995
Batman Forever 1995
The Peacemaker 1997
Practical Magic 1998
Eyes Wide Shut 1999
Moulin Rouge! 2001
The Others 2001
The Hours 2002
Dogville 2003
Cold Mountain 2003
The Stepford Wives 2004
Birth 2004
The Interpreter 2005
Bewitched 2005
Happy Feet 2006
The Invasion 2007
The Golden Compass 2007
Australia 2008
Nine 2009

Review: "9"

Director Shane Acker has just given theatergoers an animation masterpiece. "9" is truly a magnificent piece or work and obviously a labor of love to everyone involved, including 'Midas touch' producer, Tim Burton.

"9" depicts the world in a post apocalyptic state while weaving a poignant social commentary on the rapid advancements made in technology. In an attempt to create a peaceful society, the human race lacked the forethought to the potential dangers to our environment and our very existence. Viewed through the eyes of 9 (Elijah Wood) and his band of comrades and their plight for survival from the beastly hunter intent on extinguishing them, they stumble upon an amulet containing clues to their existence and hidden secrets that could lend to their survival.


This thought provoking work of arts proclamation was honest and direct and the visuals could be viewed as somewhat raw and bleak, but I believe them to be upfront, necessary, responsible and valid, given today's social climate. While vastly entertaining it isn't finger pointing rhetoric. The neophytes encompass a large majority of our same hopes and fears that any viewer could identify with. The voice talent ensemble was diverse, John C. Reilly (5), I thought him a bit of odd casting usually being cast in screwball comedies, was a pleasant surprise and a character I strongly identified with.

I am eagerly anticipating a blu-ray release and the pleasure of viewing this pleasing work in full high definition. I strongly urge everyone to see "9", in my opinion, one of the best animated features with a message in years.

On The Rise: Megan Fox

Born May 16, 1986 in Rockwood, Tennessee. Megan Denise Fox started her ascension in the entertainment industry at the tender age of five training in dramatics and dancing. By the time she was ten, Megan and family made the move to Florida where her training continued by enrolling in acing and modeling classes.

In 2001, Fox had landed her first acting gig in the Olsen twins' family feature "Holiday In the Sun". Megan became a staple on the small screen in various roles on hit shows "What I Like About You", "Two and a Half Men", and "Hope & Faith". Megan's earliest memorable role was as Carla, Lindsay Lohan's rival in "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen". After a few more television appearances, Megan had garnered the attention of Dreamworks executives and most importantly Michael Bay, resulting in a breakthrough role in the 2007 summer smash "Transformers". Playing opposite Shia LeBeouf, as his love interest in the film, the two established a solid friendship off screen as well, labeling him, "One of her favorite people ever".

In 2008, this olive-skinned beauty was voted #1 Sexiest Female by FHM readers. Having completed the follow up to the mega hit, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen", Megan can be seen in the upcoming sexy horror flick "Jennifer's Body" and next year in the DC Comics inspired western/horror adventure, "Jonah Hex". Megan Fox is a star on the rise and is someone to keep an eye on. (C'mon, it's not hard to do that at all!)

Selected filmography:

Jonah Hex 2010
Jennifer's Body 2009
Tranformers: Revenge of the Fallen 2009
How To Lose Friends & Alienate People 2008
Transformers 2007
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen 2004
Holiday In the Sun 2001

Review: "Gamer"

This past week Lionsgate released the action/sci-fi/thriller "Gamer" starring one of today's leading action flick heroes, Gerard Butler. Directed by Mark Neveldine, the man behind "Crank" and "Crank 2: High Voltage", there is plenty of quick-paced action and excitement.

"Gamer" is set in a not-too-distant futuristic society and revolves around the highest rated, gaming/reality show "Slayers" and it's reigning hero Kable (Butler). This, humans in control of other humans show, is the brain child of notorious billionaire Ken Castle (Michael C. Hall of 'Dexter'). During play gamers achieve control through a nanochip implanted in thier 'slayers' brain. In a bargain for their freedom, convicts are the technopuppets at the mercy of their players. Kable's weekly survival depends solely on his seventeen year-old, reputable player Simon (Logan Lerman) and his skilled tactical maneuvers.

In the frenzy of this technological nightmare and on the cusp of regaining his freedom, Kable is urged to make a daring escape aided by an underground organization, HUMANZ, intent on terminating Castle's sadistic technology. Armed with only his vengeance and desire to save his family from Castle, Kable must now rely on his own gambit to even the score.

Reminiscent of movies "Condemned" and more recently "Death Race", "Gamer" provided a somber perspective on the advancing desensitization of the human race. Corruption and control valued over human life. I found myself numb having seen this uninspired interpretation of the future. However, "Gamer" provided plenty of action and cutting-edge technological visual delights for even the most advanced tekkie. If you're in the mood for gaming, but don't want to put the skills forward, then "Gamer" is the perfect way to spend ninety minutes.

From The Vaults: "Creepshow"

Just in time for the Halloween season, the 1982 George Romero and Stephen King collaboration "Creepshow" has been pulled from the backlog vaults and given the high definition treatment.

"Creepshow" combined several genre's to offer something for everyone, from comedy to sci-fi, it's all here told in five vignettes with a wraparound story all based on the infamous E.C. comics of the 1950's. Included are "Father's Day", "The Lonesome Death Of Jordy Verrill", "Something To Tide You Over", "The Crate," and finally the skin crawling "They're Creeping Up On You". Upon viewing, it's interesting to see a much younger Ed Harris, in the early portion of his career, before hitting stardom. Also, we have the lesser known scream queen of her time Adrienne Barbeau, second only to Jamie Lee Curtis.

Pulling in over 20 million domestic at the box-office, "Creepshow" continues to entertain horror enthusiasts around the globe. This is definitely a purchase I'm going to make to gear up for my Halloween viewing season.

Coming Attraction: "9"

On September 9, 2009 Focus Features will release the highly anticipated animated feature "9". Taking place in a post-apocalyptic world where all humanity has been obliterated, neophyte 9 discovers a group of his kind existing in obscurity. Intent on total annihilation, stalking menacing machines hunt out 9 and his tiny band of reluctant cohorts. 9 (Elijah Wood) must convince the group to rise up and combat the machines to sustain any chance of a future civilization.

Personally, I have been eagerly awaiting this film. The visuals look spectacular, an action-packed story and with Tim Burton lending his magic touch as producer, I smell a success at the box-office. Take a look at the official trailer.

Center Stage: James Cagney

Born James Francis Cagney in New York City, New York on 17 July 1899. Cagney, forever the Iconic gangster, epitomized the definition of tough guy. Cagney's early years in Hollywood were spent at Warner Brothers studios churning out crime/gangster films. As convincing as he was a the ruthless menace from the wrong side of the tracks, Cagney possessed the gift of dance an in many of his films, the old soft-shoe can be seen hoofing it up. Cagney's most impressive moves, coupled with a top-notch acting performance, garnered him the coveted Academy Award for 'Best Actor in a Leading Role' in "Yankee Doodle Dandy" at the 1943 ceremonies. However, two other nominations, in the same category, alluded him. Cagney would continue acting into the 1960's and retire to briefly return in the early 1980's to appear opposite friend and frequent co-star Pat O'Brien in "Ragtime". James Cagney died on March 30, 1986 from a heart attack. Though he was only 5'6" in stature, he was one of the silver screens biggest leading men and box-office draws. "Top of the World Ma!", indeed!

Selected filmography:

Ragtime	1981
One, Two, Three	1961
The Gallant Hours	1960
Shake Hands With the Devil	1959
Never Steal Anything Small	1958
Man of a Thousand Faces	1957
Tribute to a Bad Man	1956
A Link in the Chain	1955
Love Me or Leave Me	1955
Mister Roberts	1955
The Seven Little Foys	1955
A Lion is in the Streets	1953
What Price Glory?	1952
Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye	1950
The West Point Story	1950
White Heat	1949
The Time of Your Life	1948
13 Rue Madeleine	1946
Blood on the Sun	1945
Johnny Come Lately	1943
Captains of the Clouds	1942
Yankee Doodle Dandy	1942
The Bride Came C.O.D.	1941
The Strawberry Blonde	1941
City for Conquest	1940
The Fighting 69th	1940
Each Dawn I Die	1939
The Oklahoma Kid	1939
The Roaring Twenties	1939
Angels with Dirty Faces	1938
Boy Meets Girl	1938
Something to Sing About	1937
Ceiling Zero	1936
Great Guy	1936
Devil Dogs of the Air	1935
G Men	1935
A Midsummer Night's Dream	1935
Footlight Parade	1933
Lady Killer	1933
Taxi!	1932
Blonde Crazy	1931
The Public Enemy	1931

Review: "(500) Days Of Summer"

I'm just back from the local cinema and I have to say that I've really spent my time and money wisely. Unsure of what I wanted to see, I took a chance on a recommendation from a co-worker and have really viewed something completely unique and most importantly, entertaining.

Director Marc Webb has created a cinematic romance for the ages, though not your typical happy ending, it has an honest depiction of the joys of a blossoming romance and the painful truths of unrequited love. The insight is genius and at several instances I found myself reeling on several of the emotions of past relationships. This arousal was highest during the split screen 'expectation / reality' sequence. The fine line between friendship and love did the old balancing act and personally had me hoping love would prevail. Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel's onscreen chemistry was convincing throughout and purposeful.

The only distraction was the interspersed narrative which seemed unnecessary and stated the obvious, in turn, quite possibly talked down to viewers. However, the highlights of the film were the whimsical musical interludes. The most enjoyable ensues when Tom (Gordon-Levitt) makes his way to work through the city in an enjoyable dance sequence to Hall & Oates "You Make My Dreams".

Packed with plenty of laughs, usually provided by Tom's pals, and quirky situations made for a most enjoyable outing. I have added "(500) Days of Summer" to my 'All-time favorites' list and highly recommend that everyone see this film.