Movie News That Matters

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Twihards Rejoice! Legions of fans queued up for sold out midnight showings across the US for the latest chapter of Stephenie Meyer’s wildly successful Twilight Saga, Breaking Dawn Part 1. Directed by Bill Condon (Kinsey, Chicago) & scripted by veteran series screenwriter/producer Melissa Rosenberg (Dexter, Birds of Prey), this installment of the billion dollar franchise has left many scratching their heads. Why two films? With a domestic opening weekend estimate of nearly 140 million dollars and worldwide estimate in excess of 283 million, the answer is simple, money

Clocking in at just under two hours, Breaking Dawn Part 1 is the shortest of the four films thus far. More of a bridge film between Eclipse and Breaking Dawn Part 2, the movie is at times slow, melodramatic and somewhat thin. Summit Entertainment could easily have condensed a few scenes, eliminated others and completed the book in one film. But what fun would that be?

As a self admitted Twihard, I realize this is not Pulitzer Prize winning material or even Oscar worthy film making. But, what these movies lack in substance, they more than make up for with hope and promise. And not the “I hope they promise to stop making these crappy movies” my husband was so fond of saying. Reaching a broad, mostly female audience, the theme of a deep forever lasting first love resonates with young people who hope they’ll one day be lucky enough to find it and a mature audience who remember the care free days of their first love.

Set designers and location managers out did themselves bringing the book to life. The long awaited wedding was sublime. Lush and verdant, it was as if the forest came alive with benches that looked like artfully carved felled trees, a petal covered moss forest floor and floral draped branches. It was a magical fairy tale reminiscent of Snow White’s wedding. The only thing missing were the woodland creatures but, as my friend pointed out, the Cullens may have eaten them for appetizers. With guests wearing muted tones of plums, wines and blues, the color palate was truly rich and beautiful as was the understated elegance of Bella’s (Kristen Stewart) dress. With Iron & Wine’s Flightless Bird, American Mouth playing in the background, the guests disappeared as Bella and Edward (Robert Pattinson) said their I do’s, showcasing the fact that, at that moment, they were the love and sole focus of the other.

Although the wedding came off without a hitch, some of the performances did not. Maggie Grace’s portrayal of the Denali coven “cousin” Irina felt stiff and forced. The contacts didn’t help. Instead of the desired otherworldly appearance, the Denali sisters looked less ultimate beauty and more plastic adult film star. The majority of the wedding toasts were campy, unnecessary and painful to watch. Humor for the sake of humor was not well received with many in the theatre groaning instead of giggling. But, there were some notable standouts as well. As Charlie Swan, Billy Burke was exceptional and Julia Jones nailed playing the bitter and somewhat broken Leah Clearwater. Taylor Lautner was convincing as love struck teen Jacob Black and it was refreshing to watch how his character has grown from goofy adolescent to rightful pack alpha. Stewart and Pattinson also showed, to a greater degree than past Twilight films, a widened range of emotions. A far cry from Stewart’s smirk, bite lip, smirk, writhe in pain or Pattinson’s sullen Cullen persona of New Moon and Eclipse.

The book’s long anticipated honeymoon scene, called by many fans “the fade to black’, was less racier than expected based on Pattinson’s Jimmy Kimmel remarks but satisfying just the same. Considering the PG 13 rating, the film gave fans a whisper of what they wanted without being overly explicit.

With the focus of the film on Bella, Edward, and to a lesser extent Jacob, there was little screen time for the rest of the Cullens and Quileutes. The face off over Bella was a welcome respite from the monotony of Bella’s pregnancy which gave new meaning to the tagline of Forever Is Only The Beginning. However, recognition must be given to the special effects wizards who did an incredible job making Stewart appear both gaunt and skeletal as Bella wasted away under the strain of the vampire/human pregnancy. The Quileutes, in wolf form, also seemed to move in a more predatory manner and the cgi interaction with real characters had more fluidity than past films.

While some would have preferred a densely packed longer movie instead of the cash cow milking Summit Entertainment is displaying by splitting Breaking Dawn into two films, fans of the series are already clamoring for more. Despite what critics are saying, if you are a fan of Twilight, you will enjoy this movie. I did, and am anxiously awaiting the release of Breaking Dawn part 2 in November 2012.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

CBS Stars Descend on Comic-Con

CBS, SHOWTIME(R) AND THE CW TO CONVENE AT COMIC-CON(R) 2011

Panels and Autograph Signings Will Feature Cast Members and Creative Teams

Behind CBS's "NCIS: LOS ANGELES," CBS Television Studios/CW's "Ringer"

And SHOWTIME Series "Dexter ®" and "Shameless"

CBS to Launch a "Person of Interest at Comic-Con" Promotion

And Host "Person of Interest" Cast Autograph Signings

In Conjunction with the Warner Bros. Television Panel
For the Network's New Crime Thriller Series

"The Big Bang Theory" Cast Members Return by Popular Demand to Sign Autographs and Headline a Warner Bros. Television Panel

Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs, Stars of CBS's Highly Anticipated

New Comedy Series, "2 Broke Girls," to Sign Autographs -

As Will Pamela Adlon from "Californication"

CBS Interactive Will Host the CNET Base Station with GameSpot

And Cover Comic-Con's Hottest News, Events and Series

Via CBS.com and GameSpot.com

Popular "Survivor" Winner Jenna Morasca to Serve

As the Official Master of Ceremonies of the CBS/SHOWTIME/CW Booth (#4129),

Which Will Feature Contests, Signings, Thousands of Giveaways

And a Series-Themed Green Screen Photo Op

CBS, SHOWTIME and the CW are San Diego-bound with fan-favorite stars, coveted creative teams, exclusive previews - and superb swag - for Comic-Con 2011. From Preview Night, Wednesday, July 20, through Sunday, July 24, the company will have an extensive presence through panels, a booth, autograph signings, contests, interactive opportunities and on-site coverage via CBS Interactive's CBS.com, GameSpot and CNET.

The panels will include a SHOWTIME session with the Emmy Award-nominated and Peabody Award-winning series "Dexter," and the new hit series, "Shameless" as well as an exclusive first-look trailer of the upcoming new SHOWTIME drama series, "Homeland"; a CBS Television Studios/CW panel for the gripping new thriller series,

"Ringer," in which Sarah Michelle Gellar makes her highly anticipated return to television; and a CBS "Teching Out with NCIS: LA" panel, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the series and stars of the #2 drama/scripted series use some of the coolest and most advanced technology available today. The CBS Television Studios/CW and CBS panels will also feature exclusive trailers and giveaways for those in attendance.

Stars scheduled to attend include Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch from "The Big Bang Theory"; Pamela Adlon from "Californication"; Michael C. Hall, C.S. Lee, David Zayas and James Remar, as well as special guest stars Colin Hanks and Mos from "Dexter"; Morena Baccarin from "Homeland"; LL COOL J, Chris O'Donnell, Renee Felice Smith and Barrett Foa from "NCIS: LOS ANGELES"; Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson and Taraji P. Henson from "Person of Interest"; Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nestor Carbonell, Ioan Gruffudd and Kristoffer Polaha from "Ringer"; William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum and Justin Chatwin from "Shameless"; and Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs from "2 Broke Girls."

"Survivor" winner Jenna Morasca will serve as the official Master of Ceremonies at the CBS/SHOWTIME/CW booth (#4129) to welcome and inform fans about the company's various Comic-Con activities, and host numerous trivia games featuring fun prizes. Booth giveaways will include "NCIS: LOS ANGELES" iPhone skins, "Person of Interest" tee-shirts and sharpies, "2 Broke Girls" change purses and sharpies, and assorted CBS series DVD sets; SHOWTIME will, once again, provide thousands of their sought-after SHOWTIME Comic-Con bags. "Big Brother's" sassy "robot" Zingbot will make several booth appearances on Sunday, July 24 to pose with fans and hand out four collectible Comic-Con edition "Big Brother" buttons. Also, CBS Consumer Products/StarTrek.com will offer hundreds of Enterprise bottle opener key chains, as well as a series of wristbands with Star Trek phrases on them. A new addition to the booth this year is a special green screen photo booth, which will enable fans to insert themselves within cast shots for "Ringer," "2 Broke Girls," "NCIS: LOS ANGELES," "Person of Interest," "The Big Bang Theory," "Dexter," "Weeds," "Shameless" or "Homeland."
CBS will present a "Person of Interest at Comic-Con" promotion throughout the five days of Comic-Con. CBS's "Person of Interest" is a new crime thriller from J.J. Abrams and "The Dark Knight" co-writer Jonathan Nolan about a presumed dead former-CIA agent who teams up with a mysterious billionaire to prevent violent crimes by using their own brand of vigilante justice. As of Wednesday, July 20, Comic-Con attendees will have the opportunity to enter a sweepstakes to win a customized and cast-signed "Person of Interest" iPad 2 - five in all. Details about the giveaway will be Tweeted from @cbsatComicCon, posted at the CBS/SHOWTIME/CW Booth (#4129) and listed on CBS.com's microsite (www.cbs.com/comiccon2011/) on July 20.

Also on Saturday, Warner Bros. Television will host the "Person of Interest" panel (6:45-7:30 PM in Room 6BCF) with stars Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson and Taraji P. Henson, and executive producers Jonathan Nolan and Greg Plageman.   The cast and executive producers will also interact with fans at the CBS/SHOWTIME/CW booth and the Warner Bros. booth (#4545). (Fans will have the opportunity to view the first episode of "Person of Interest" at the Warner Bros. Television Sneak Peek Premiere event on Wednesday, July 20 at 6:00 PM in Ballroom 20.)

Comic-Con favorites Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg and Kunal Nayyar from the Emmy Award-nominated and Golden Globe Award-nominated, #1 comedy series, "The Big Bang Theory," will this year be joined by recurring cast members Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch. On Friday, July 22, they will interact with fans at the CBS/SHOWTIME/CW booth and the Warner Bros. booth and, along with creators/executive producers Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady and executive producer Steven Molaro, will participate in Warner Bros. Television's "The Big Bang Theory" panel from 12:30-1:30 PM in Ballroom 20.

Kat Dennings ("Thor," "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist") and Beth Behrs, stars of CBS's highly anticipated new comedy series, "2 Broke Girls," will sign autographs in the CBS/SHOWTIME/CW booth. In the series, they play two young women waitressing at a greasy spoon diner who strike up an unlikely friendship in the hopes of launching a successful cupcake business. Pamela Adlon from Golden Globe Award-nominated SHOWTIME series "Californication" will also appear in the booth to sign autographs.
CBS.com will offer a window into CBS events, news and action at Comic-Con for fans throughout the country via www.cbs.com/comicon. Coverage will include interviews with attending CBS stars, "man on the street" interviews, on-demand video coverage of the CBS series panels, photos from key Comic-Con and CBS events and interactive games that enable fans to immerse themselves in the excitement of Comic-Con. In addition to CBS.com, fans can get real-time updates through Twitter (@CBSatComicCon or @CBS) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/CBS), including live tweeting of panels and events and immediate access to photos and video.

CBS Interactive is hosting the CNET Base Station with GameSpot, where Comic-Con super fans can recharge their gadgets, play some of the hottest new video game titles in the GameSpot Game Room, grab snacks (including thousands of "2 Broke Girls" cupcakes), and win prizes. The CNET Base Station is located at the iconic Lou & Mickey's restaurant at the heart of the gateway between San Diego Convention Center and the adjacent Gaslamp Quarter, and will be open Thursday, July 21 and Friday, July 22, from 11:00 AM-8:00 PM. For more information and to register for the event, visit http://cnetbasestation.eventbrite.com/.

Additionally, GameSpot will cover Comic-Con from the gaming perspective, with special editions of its daily Web show, "On the Spot," from 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, PT (2:00-5:00 PM, ET), on Thursday, July 21, Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 22 as well as special editions of "Tonight on the Spot" on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. GameSpot coverage will also feature a live backpack cameraperson, capturing the action from the entire show floor with direction from users at home, who can email their requests to livecamtour@gamespot.com. Visit http://comic-con.gamespot.com/ closer to the event for regular updates, including the times of GameSpot's evening shows.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS ABOUT THE PANELS:

The CBS Television Studios/CW "Ringer" Panel (Thursday, July 21, 1:45-2:45PM in Ballroom 20):
Sarah Michelle Gellar ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer") makes her highly anticipated television return in the gripping new thriller, "Ringer," as a woman who, after witnessing a murder, goes on the run, hiding out by assuming the life of her wealthy identical twin sister - only to learn that her sister's seemingly idyllic life is just as complicated and dangerous as the one she's trying to leave behind. Be the first to see an exclusive sneak peek of the new television series about family secrets and stolen identities, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Entertainment Weekly Executive Editor Kristen Baldwin with series stars Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nestor Carbonell ("Lost," "The Dark Knight"), Ioan Gruffudd ("Fantastic Four"), Kristoffer Polaha ("Life Unexpected"), Executive Producer Pam Veasey ("CSI: NY") and Co-Executive Producers Nicole Snyder ("Supernatural") and Eric Charmelo ("Supernatural").

Additionally, there will be a never-before-seen trailer and exclusive fan giveaways during the session, including portable custom "Ringer" stools for everyone in attendance, a chance to win a three-night stay in a luxurious suite at a high-end hotel adjacent to the convention center during the remainder of their Comic-Con stay, and cast-signed Comic-Con posters for 100 lucky fans.

For the latest updates on "Ringer" and behind-the-scenes coverage of Comic-Con 2011, go to www.cwtv.com/shows/ringer, http://www.twitter.com/ @cw_network and @CBSTVStudios #Ringer and www.facebook.com/ringer.

The SHOWTIME Panel and Exclusive SHOWTIME Trailers (Thursday, July 21, 5:30-7:30 PM in Ballroom 20):
The SHOWTIME panel will include the casts and creative teams behind the Emmy Award-nominated series, "Dexter," and the new hit series, "Shameless" - and will feature exclusive first looks at trailers for Season Six of "Dexter" and their upcoming new drama series "Homeland." Get the inside scoop on what's in store for the dysfunctional Gallaghers on "Shameless" as TV Guide Los Angeles Bureau Chief Mike Schneider leads an interview and Q&A with series stars William H. Macy, Emmy Rossum and Justin Chatwin, along with executive producer John Wells. Additionally, Comic-Con fans will be the first to see the world premiere new season trailer for "Dexter," after which KROQ Entertainment Reporter Ralph Garman will moderate a revealing interview and Q&A session with series star and executive producer Michael C. Hall, series stars C.S. Lee, David Zayas and James Remar, special guest stars Colin Hanks and Mos, and executive producers Sara Colleton, Scott Buck and Manny Coto. Also, Comic-Con favorite and "Homeland" series star Morena Baccarin will make a special appearance to introduce the exclusive trailer for the new fall series, "Homeland," a psychological thriller involving a volatile CIA officer and the war on terror which also stars Claire Danes, Damian Lewis and Mandy Patinkin. Howard Gordon ("24," "The X Files") and Alex Gansa ("24") are the executive producers. For up-to-the-minute information on SHOWTIME and its stars at Comic-Con, fans can check out www.twitter.com/SHO_Network or www.sho.com/comiccon.

"Teching Out with NCIS: LA" Panel (Friday, July 22, 7:00-8:00 PM in Room 6BCF):
The "Teching Out with NCIS: LA" panel will feature series stars Chris O'Donnell, LL COOL J, Renee Felice Smith and Barrett Foa, and series creator/executive producer Shane Brennan, and will be moderated by Christina McLarty, a correspondent for CBS Television Distribution's "The Insider." The session will give fans a behind-the-scenes look at how the series uses some of the coolest and advanced technology available today, as well as how the cast members utilize technology and social media in their own personal lives to connect with their fans. Find out what's real, what's not and what's in store for season 3.

Everyone attending the panel will receive a limited collector's edition "NCIS: LOS ANGELES" shirt with "Hettyisms," including: "I sense impending mayhem," "Oh, bugger!" or "Undercover work is a matter of confidence."

For the latest updates on "NCIS: LOS ANGELES" and behind-the-scenes coverage of Comic-Con 2011, follow on twitter @NCISLA_CBS and @CBSTVStudios, and follow the cast @LLCoolJ @ChrisOdonnell @BarrettFoa @Ericcolsen @DanielaRuah @ReneefSmith.

THE DAILY CBS/SHOWTIME/CW BOOTH HOURS:

Wednesday, July 20 (6:00-9:00 PM)

Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, July 24 (9:30 AM to 7:00 PM)

CBS/SHOWTIME/CW BOOTH AUTOGRAPH SIGNING SCHEDULE:

Thursday, July 21:

12:30-1:30 PM - "Dexter" stars C.S. Lee and James Remar

2:00-3:00 PM - "Shameless" stars Emmy Rossum and Justin Chatwin

3:30-4:00 PM - "Ringer" star Nestor Carbonell

Friday, July 22:

11:30 AM-12:30 PM - "Dexter" star David Zayas

1:00-2:00 PM - "Californication" star Pamela Adlon

2:15-3:00 PM - "2 Broke Girls" stars Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs

3:15-4:15 PM - "The Big Bang Theory" stars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch

4:30-5:30 PM - "NCIS: LOS ANGELES" stars Chris O'Donnell, Barrett Foa and Renee Felice Smith

Saturday, July 23:

11:30 AM-12:30 PM - "NCIS: LOS ANGELES" star LL COOL J

4:15-5:15 PM - "Person of Interest" stars Jim Caviezel, Michael Emerson and Taraji P. Henson

In addition to @CBSatComicCon, fans can check out www.twitter.com/CBSTweet to follow even more behind-the-scenes moments with CBS stars at Comic-Con.

Panels and Autograph Signings Will Feature Cast Members and Creative Teams

Behind CBS's "NCIS: LOS ANGELES," CBS Television Studios/CW's "Ringer"

And SHOWTIME Series "Dexter ®" and "Shameless"

CBS to Launch a "Person of Interest at Comic-Con" Promotion

And Host "Person of Interest" Cast Autograph Signings

In Conjunction with the Warner Bros. Television Panel
For the Network's New Crime Thriller Series

"The Big Bang Theory" Cast Members Return by Popular Demand to Sign Autographs and Headline a Warner Bros. Television Panel

Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs, Stars of CBS's Highly Anticipated

New Comedy Series, "2 Broke Girls," to Sign Autographs -

As Will Pamela Adlon from "Californication"

CBS Interactive Will Host the CNET Base Station with GameSpot

And Cover Comic-Con's Hottest News, Events and Series

Via CBS.com and GameSpot.com

Popular "Survivor" Winner Jenna Morasca to Serve

As the Official Master of Ceremonies of the CBS/SHOWTIME/CW Booth (#4129),

Which Will Feature Contests, Signings, Thousands of Giveaways

And a Series-Themed Green Screen Photo Op

ADDITIONAL DETAILS ABOUT THE PANELS:

THE DAILY CBS/SHOWTIME/CW BOOTH HOURS:

Wednesday, July 20 (6:00-9:00 PM)

Thursday, July 21 through Sunday, July 24 (9:30 AM to 7:00 PM)

CBS/SHOWTIME/CW BOOTH AUTOGRAPH SIGNING SCHEDULE:

The 8th Installment of J.K. Rowlings's Epic Tale Concludes with High Action, Drama & Love

The only thing slow about Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2 was the line to get into the theatre.

Directed by David Yates, the eighth and final installment in the blockbuster franchise is an action packed adventure that masterfully concludes the beloved series in a battle of epic proportions. Faster paced and more closely following the book than previous films, HPATDHP2 is a visually stunning emotional tale of duality; life and death, good and evil, redemption and damnation.

This is the first of the eight films to utilize the widely popular 3D technology. And use it they did. The enhanced images explode from the screen resulting in a richer more magical atmosphere than prior films in the series. In this case, the use of 3D heightens the depth and dimension of the film rather than detracting from it.

Opening where the last movie left off, a triumphant sneer is splayed across Lord Voldemort’s (Ralph Fienes) serpentine features as he desecrates Dumbledore’s grave and claims the wizarding world’s strongest tool, the Elder Wand. As Voldemort, Death Stick in hand, continues to search for Harry (Daniel Radcliff), our heroic trio resumes their pursuit for the remaining Horcruxes.

Aided by the Goblin Griphook (Warwick Davis), Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) in the guise of Bellatrix (Helena Bonham Carter) visit Gringotts and endure a harrowing coaster ride that would leave even the most seasoned amusement park rider dizzy.

An amazing film with a truly stellar British cast, HPATDHP2 delivers several notable performances; from Professor McGonagall (Dame Maggie Smith) aptly using the magic she has so devotedly taught for decades, to the lovable but bumbling Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) who once again stands up for what is right in the face of insurmountable odds. But, it is Alan Rickman’s brilliant portrayal of Professor Snape that is one of the most poignant of the film with a series of flashbacks that left nary a dry eye in the theatre.

The intense on screen battle dominates roughly half the film. Leaving a trail of destruction reminiscent of a World War 2 blitz in their wake, Death Eaters smoky forms zip and buzz through the castle while giants and stone guardians face off on the front lines. With all battles, friends are lost and families are torn apart. An overwhelming sense of despair settles over our heroes as the catastrophic number of casualties is realized. Recognizing there is only one thing to do, Harry bravely becomes the martyr to enable his friends to live.

The subsequent overt religious imagery provides a striking contrast to the otherwise dark themes as we find Harry and Dumbledore bathed in white light. God-like in appearance with cascading robes and an ethereal glow, Dumbledore counsels Harry, as he has become what many have long considered him to be, a savior.

Setting up the final confrontation, an imprisoned Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane) gently cradles Harry’s form as Voldemort again marches on the castle. This time, to claim victory and demand fealty. Harry jumps out of Hagrid’s arms as a stunned Voldemort scrambles to regain control of the situation while protecting what is left of his fractured soul.

Having come full circle, the end is as it started and was always supposed to be; Harry and Voldemort, facing off in a battle of good vs. evil, love vs. hate, light vs. dark.

The film concludes with a glimpse into the future and the promise of happy tomorrows for our trio.

At times, certain scenes felt a bit rushed. Such was the case with the showdown between the fiercely protective Molly Weasley (Julie Walters) and the sadistic Bellatrix Lestrange. There were also attempts by Screenwriter Steve Kloves to lighten the mood by inserting quips and comedic moments. While most worked, some did fall flat. Regardless, the resulting film is a dazzling epic that will be enjoyed by generations to come.

Harry Potter is not only the boy who lived, he is the boy who grew up before our eyes, stole our hearts & brought JK Rowlings magical world to life.

Warner Bros. Pictures’ Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 2 opens nationwide July 15th 2011.

Buzzine Review