Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Review: Books: The Sins of the Fathers (Lawrence Block)
Techorati Tags: Books Book Review Lawrence Block The Sins of the Father Scudder Mystery
Originally posted on Amazon.com. Lawrence Block's home page.
The first book in the Matthew Scudder series.
Prior to this first book, Scudder had been a married with kids decorated police officer (detective) for fifteen years. One night, while in a bar, Scudder stopped a robbery attempt. Unfortunately, one of his bullets hit a seven year old girl, and killed her. Scudder had retired from the police force immediately afterwards, even though he received a department commendation for the action. Scudder also is separated from his family (divorced from wife, barely sees the kids), and as much as possible, from the human race without becoming a hermit. All of this back-story occurred before this first book in the series, and Scudder has still not gotten over the death. Now Scudder does "favors" for people, though he stresses that he is not a licensed private investigator.
The book opens with a Mr. Cale Hanniford and Matthew Scudder in a bar. Hanniford wants to hire Scudder to investigate his daughter's life, though not necessarily her death. Mr. Hanniford had not had any real contact with his daughter Wendy over the past three years, and wants Scudder to fill in the details of her life. Mr. Hanniford isn't looking to find Wendy's killer, because the guy covered in blood found outside the apartment had already been caught, and had already committed suicide in jail (the roommate). Right around when Mr. Hanniford learned that his daughter was dead, the "killer" is caught and dies. He didn't have time to process his daughter dying, and get angry with the murderer. He just wants to find out about Wendy and her life. Scudder is aware of the case and agrees to look into Wendy's life.
The copy of the book that I have is a short 276 pages in paperback. The pace is relatively slow, though the action occurs over mere days. The action mostly takes place in NYC and Utica NY.
Review: Books: Where There's a Will (Aaron Elkins)
Technorati Tags: Books Book Review Aaron Elkins Where There's a Will Gideon Oliver Skeleton Detective Mystery
Originally posted on Amazon.com; Aaron Elkins official website.
The book opens in 1994 with a female pilot, Claudia, and an oldish man, a Torkelsson brother, fleeing Hawaii in the night. The plane gently glides down to the ocean from 10,500 feet ("A light plane that has run out of fuel at an altitude of 10,500 feet does not plummet to earth like a safe falling out of a window"), a wing hits the water, and its all over for that flight.
Jump forward 10 years and some swimmers from a cruise ship spot the plane and investigate it (despite what may have been implied, there are not two complete skeletons in the plane). Going by the plane's registration number, the Torkelsson family is informed of the find.
The Torkelsson family lost two brothers on the same day in 1994, one apparently murdered by hitmen, and the other apparently fleeing for his life. Now that they know that plane went down, they have to reopen old wounds (three years after having the second brother declared legally dead). And, the family worries about their future. Dagmar, the sister, and the two brothers Magnus and Torkel lived together and built a large cattle ranch in Hawaii (an older brother also was involved, Andreas, but was long out of the picture in 1994-2004, though it is his children that fill out the Torkelsson next generation). As far as the family is concerned, Torkel died first in 1994, and then Magnus was declared dead in 2001 (I might have that last date wrong). If Torkel's will had been in effect, the nephews and nieces would have received a small amount of money. Since Magnus' will was in effect, as he was declared dead second, the nephews and nieces received very valuable pieces of the huge cattle ranch. With Magnus "alive" after Torkel, Magnus and Dagmar received the bulk of Torkel's estate, and then after Magnus was declared dead, the nephews and nieces received their cut. The business of the dueling wills plays in the background of the book.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, Gideon Oliver, the "Skeleton Detective," and his friend John Lau, FBI Agent, are visiting the family and are able to provide their particular expertise.
For the most part, the characters have distinct personalities and appear to be more than mere ciphers. There is a real feel that we might actually be in the Hawaii islands, and the plot is workable. Unfortunately, Aaron Elkins alternates from some very good books, to some pretty lousy books. This book falls in the middle. It is a little to shallow, though if you like the series, it is a nice short read.
Originally posted on Amazon.com; Aaron Elkins official website.
The book opens in 1994 with a female pilot, Claudia, and an oldish man, a Torkelsson brother, fleeing Hawaii in the night. The plane gently glides down to the ocean from 10,500 feet ("A light plane that has run out of fuel at an altitude of 10,500 feet does not plummet to earth like a safe falling out of a window"), a wing hits the water, and its all over for that flight.
Jump forward 10 years and some swimmers from a cruise ship spot the plane and investigate it (despite what may have been implied, there are not two complete skeletons in the plane). Going by the plane's registration number, the Torkelsson family is informed of the find.
The Torkelsson family lost two brothers on the same day in 1994, one apparently murdered by hitmen, and the other apparently fleeing for his life. Now that they know that plane went down, they have to reopen old wounds (three years after having the second brother declared legally dead). And, the family worries about their future. Dagmar, the sister, and the two brothers Magnus and Torkel lived together and built a large cattle ranch in Hawaii (an older brother also was involved, Andreas, but was long out of the picture in 1994-2004, though it is his children that fill out the Torkelsson next generation). As far as the family is concerned, Torkel died first in 1994, and then Magnus was declared dead in 2001 (I might have that last date wrong). If Torkel's will had been in effect, the nephews and nieces would have received a small amount of money. Since Magnus' will was in effect, as he was declared dead second, the nephews and nieces received very valuable pieces of the huge cattle ranch. With Magnus "alive" after Torkel, Magnus and Dagmar received the bulk of Torkel's estate, and then after Magnus was declared dead, the nephews and nieces received their cut. The business of the dueling wills plays in the background of the book.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, Gideon Oliver, the "Skeleton Detective," and his friend John Lau, FBI Agent, are visiting the family and are able to provide their particular expertise.
For the most part, the characters have distinct personalities and appear to be more than mere ciphers. There is a real feel that we might actually be in the Hawaii islands, and the plot is workable. Unfortunately, Aaron Elkins alternates from some very good books, to some pretty lousy books. This book falls in the middle. It is a little to shallow, though if you like the series, it is a nice short read.
Review: Books: Map of Bones (James Rollins)
Technorati Tags: Books Book Review James Rollins Map of Bones
Some good websites for the book: author's home page and interview with the author about the book. Amazon.com (where this review is also posted). HarperCollins.com (includes author interview; chapter excerpt; author tour). Collection of customer reviews.
This book is about a secret organization's search for hidden and or forgotten knowledge. As the saying goes, knowledge is power, and this organization is much more interested in the power today in the 21st century. The secret organization, a offshoot/cell/chapter of the Dragon Court, traces its history back to the middle ages and the member's blood is "pure." They are descendants of kings and queens, and other aristocrats. While the Dragon Court exists in real life, according to Rollins, this is a fictional subset of that group. Joining the Dragon Court's quest is a woman from a mercenary group. Directly fighting the actions of the Dragon Court are one member of the Vatican's intelligence service, one member of Italy's police division that handles antiquities (Lieutenant Rachel Verona), and the USA SIGMA organization (specifically, three team members: team leader: Grayson Pierce). SIGMA is an undercover US agency that employees military trained agents that also have advanced degrees in various science fields. Why is the Vatican involved? The first attack by the Dragon Court is on a church in Cologne Germany (and the book is deeply involved with the activities and history of the early church).
The story/plot has been well-constructed and follows a logical path. The characters are, mostly, almost fully formed, though the large group of characters do sometimes slide back into being just names on the page. The book is set in Germany, Italy, Egypt, and France (though some of the action occurs in other countries as the characters pass through them). The historical connections made are interesting and plausible (though it would probably require extensive research to examine the issue).
Rollins is one of the few authors that I have actually been able to read from the very beginning, and I have read every book he has published (and I've liked all of them). This particular book, according to Rollins, was ten years in the making and contains mystery, action-adventure, and touches on romance. For the most part the books was very gripping, tense, and exciting. In the end, I would give this book 4.40 stars.
Some good websites for the book: author's home page and interview with the author about the book. Amazon.com (where this review is also posted). HarperCollins.com (includes author interview; chapter excerpt; author tour). Collection of customer reviews.
This book is about a secret organization's search for hidden and or forgotten knowledge. As the saying goes, knowledge is power, and this organization is much more interested in the power today in the 21st century. The secret organization, a offshoot/cell/chapter of the Dragon Court, traces its history back to the middle ages and the member's blood is "pure." They are descendants of kings and queens, and other aristocrats. While the Dragon Court exists in real life, according to Rollins, this is a fictional subset of that group. Joining the Dragon Court's quest is a woman from a mercenary group. Directly fighting the actions of the Dragon Court are one member of the Vatican's intelligence service, one member of Italy's police division that handles antiquities (Lieutenant Rachel Verona), and the USA SIGMA organization (specifically, three team members: team leader: Grayson Pierce). SIGMA is an undercover US agency that employees military trained agents that also have advanced degrees in various science fields. Why is the Vatican involved? The first attack by the Dragon Court is on a church in Cologne Germany (and the book is deeply involved with the activities and history of the early church).
The story/plot has been well-constructed and follows a logical path. The characters are, mostly, almost fully formed, though the large group of characters do sometimes slide back into being just names on the page. The book is set in Germany, Italy, Egypt, and France (though some of the action occurs in other countries as the characters pass through them). The historical connections made are interesting and plausible (though it would probably require extensive research to examine the issue).
Rollins is one of the few authors that I have actually been able to read from the very beginning, and I have read every book he has published (and I've liked all of them). This particular book, according to Rollins, was ten years in the making and contains mystery, action-adventure, and touches on romance. For the most part the books was very gripping, tense, and exciting. In the end, I would give this book 4.40 stars.
Review: Film: Layer Cake
Technorati Tags: Movies Movie Review Layer Cake Daniel Craig 007
[also posted on Amazon.com] Layer Cake's official website (UK - available on DVD 7/3/05); website (US; includes trailer). Movies.com (includes a chart of reviews). BBC's review. Rotten Tomatoes website for the film.
Layer Cake is a complicated movie with, oddly enough, many layers. You really need a scorecard with this type of movie. There's the gang lead by Daniel Craig (unnamed in the movie, and credited as a string of X's), which tends to use the services of a higher up gang lead by Jimmy Price (Kenneth Cranham), with Colm Meaney (Gene) the contact between the two gangs, most of the time. Jimmy's tossed Craig two business opportunities, one a "favor" and the other more in line with Craig's business. The "favor" involves tracking down the missing daughter of a powerful "friend" of Jimmy's (the girls done a "runner" from a drug rehab center; this powerful "friend" has a gang of his own, though he is more mainstream than the others, most of them, though, including Craig, have legitimate covers). The business opportunity involves Duke's gang (lead by Duke - Jamie Foreman). Duke's gang of amateur's is trying to break into the business, and have something like a million pills for sale. Pills they acquired in Amersterdam from another gang. Pill's they stole from this "Serbian" gang (I believe that's what they kept calling that gang), and the Amersterdam gang has sent off a hired killer named Dragon (maybe that's the Serbian) to get the pills back and "settle" matters (he is known for taking heads).
Well, Craig's the main focus of the movie and is currently working on two jobs (both for Jimmy's gang). He has sent off two others (whose connection to Craig I didn't figure out, though I believe they are contract workers) to search for the girl, while Craig personally handles the Duke business (with backing from people from Jimmy's gang, including his right hand man Colm Meany). Another gang enters the picture in the form of the buyers from "up north," Trevor's gang (Trevor - played by Louis Emerick). Craig's character is a well-organized business like guy that doesn't particularly like guns. Jimmy is an older guy with odd tendencies to curse, but he is another one that believes that the drug trade should be handled like a business. Duke's gang has the loud, flashy, somewhat disorganized style of operations. Jimmy's "friend" is more mainstream than Jimmy, but still a criminal (his "gang members" are ex-military personnel). The other two gang's, Trevor's and the Amerstadam one, are harder to determine.
The acting is superb, not a bad apple in the bunch. The plot is strong and has, as the saying goes, many layers. The setting is interesting, showing a side of London I do not normally see (along with scenes from other locations). And the music is good. Overall, I would give the movie 4.38 stars. The movie is directed by Matthew Vaughn and written by J.J. Connelly based on his book.
I had gone to see this movie because it starred Daniel Craig, an individual with Bond rumors surrounding him (that he could be the individual playing the 007 role in the next Bond movie, Casino Royale). I came away with the impression that Craig could adequately play the Bond role, though he would have a harder looking face (more weathered) than has played the part in the past. There are even moments in the movie where Craig with a gun looks very much like Bond.
[also posted on Amazon.com] Layer Cake's official website (UK - available on DVD 7/3/05); website (US; includes trailer). Movies.com (includes a chart of reviews). BBC's review. Rotten Tomatoes website for the film.
Layer Cake is a complicated movie with, oddly enough, many layers. You really need a scorecard with this type of movie. There's the gang lead by Daniel Craig (unnamed in the movie, and credited as a string of X's), which tends to use the services of a higher up gang lead by Jimmy Price (Kenneth Cranham), with Colm Meaney (Gene) the contact between the two gangs, most of the time. Jimmy's tossed Craig two business opportunities, one a "favor" and the other more in line with Craig's business. The "favor" involves tracking down the missing daughter of a powerful "friend" of Jimmy's (the girls done a "runner" from a drug rehab center; this powerful "friend" has a gang of his own, though he is more mainstream than the others, most of them, though, including Craig, have legitimate covers). The business opportunity involves Duke's gang (lead by Duke - Jamie Foreman). Duke's gang of amateur's is trying to break into the business, and have something like a million pills for sale. Pills they acquired in Amersterdam from another gang. Pill's they stole from this "Serbian" gang (I believe that's what they kept calling that gang), and the Amersterdam gang has sent off a hired killer named Dragon (maybe that's the Serbian) to get the pills back and "settle" matters (he is known for taking heads).
Well, Craig's the main focus of the movie and is currently working on two jobs (both for Jimmy's gang). He has sent off two others (whose connection to Craig I didn't figure out, though I believe they are contract workers) to search for the girl, while Craig personally handles the Duke business (with backing from people from Jimmy's gang, including his right hand man Colm Meany). Another gang enters the picture in the form of the buyers from "up north," Trevor's gang (Trevor - played by Louis Emerick). Craig's character is a well-organized business like guy that doesn't particularly like guns. Jimmy is an older guy with odd tendencies to curse, but he is another one that believes that the drug trade should be handled like a business. Duke's gang has the loud, flashy, somewhat disorganized style of operations. Jimmy's "friend" is more mainstream than Jimmy, but still a criminal (his "gang members" are ex-military personnel). The other two gang's, Trevor's and the Amerstadam one, are harder to determine.
The acting is superb, not a bad apple in the bunch. The plot is strong and has, as the saying goes, many layers. The setting is interesting, showing a side of London I do not normally see (along with scenes from other locations). And the music is good. Overall, I would give the movie 4.38 stars. The movie is directed by Matthew Vaughn and written by J.J. Connelly based on his book.
I had gone to see this movie because it starred Daniel Craig, an individual with Bond rumors surrounding him (that he could be the individual playing the 007 role in the next Bond movie, Casino Royale). I came away with the impression that Craig could adequately play the Bond role, though he would have a harder looking face (more weathered) than has played the part in the past. There are even moments in the movie where Craig with a gun looks very much like Bond.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
TV: Shows Renewed And Axed + New Shows
Technorati Tags: Television TV ABC NBC WB FOX
ABC: According to TV Guide.com ABC has decided to not order new seasons of "My Wife & Kids," "8 Simple Rules," "Complete Savages," "Blind Justice" and "Eyes."
I watched "Blind Justice" and "Eyes" and thought they were good enough shows to have a real shot at making it, but if they're dead, they are dead.
Also ABC plans to move "Alias" to 8pm Thursday and "Lost" to 9pm Wednesday. Oh, and Fred Savage ("Wonder Years," "Working"; midseason: "Crumbs" - includes Jane Curtin), Freddie Prinze Jr (Mr. Sarah Michelle Gellar, "Freddie" - from the producers & writers of "The Drew Carey Show"), Heather Graham ("Scrubs," "Boogie Nights"; midseason: "Emily's Reasons Why Not") and Geena Davis (show title: "Commander in Chief" - first female president of USA and includes Donald Sutherland) are heading to ABC's lineup next year. Futon Critic.com's story. FALL NEW: 3 Comedies & 3 dramas; Midseason: 3 comedies & 3 dramas and 1 "alternative" series. "Jake in Progress" set to return at midseason (replacing MNF when it ends).
NBC: the Futon Critic.com story. Fall: 3 new dramas, 1 new comedy and 2 new unscripted series.
CBS: Not yet released their schedule
WB: has also announced a lot of moves (look at the TV Guide story and/or the Futon Critic.com story, the Futon Critic story includes midseason information). Don Johnson ("Miami Vice," "Nash Bridges") is returning to the small screen in a Jerry Bruckheimer show: "Just Legal." This time Johnson is a lawyer. "Jack & Bobby" & "Summerland" have been canceled. "Charmed" has been renewed for another season. Announced: 3 new dramas & 1 comedy for Fall and 2 comedies and 2 dramas for midseason.
FOX: 24 renewed for 2 more seasons. Arrested Development renewed.
UPN: not yet released schedule.
A list of CANCELED shows: here.
A list of RENEWED shows: here.
A list of SUMMER shows: here.
A chart of the 2005 Fall schedule, tentative, is here (note: "Scrubs" appears to be missing from the chart, but isn't really, NBC currently plans on bringing the show back later in the season (I believe last year that they renewed the show for 2 more seasons, this would be the 2nd season)). CBS & FOX have not announced their 2005 schedules yet (oh, and don't expect to actually see the schedule remain unchanged going into Fall 2005, the announced schedule is almost never the actual used schedule). thefutoncritic.com's chart.
A lot of interesting information can be found on thefutoncritic.com, for example this is a combined rundown of the actions taken by NBC (renewed/canceled/summer shows/fall 2005 shows/2006 shows). Check out the front page for similar layouts for most of the other channels.
TV Guides Matt Roush's dispatches about the next season, or more specifically, the "upfronts." TV Guides "The Biz" notes about the "upfronts."
ABC: According to TV Guide.com ABC has decided to not order new seasons of "My Wife & Kids," "8 Simple Rules," "Complete Savages," "Blind Justice" and "Eyes."
I watched "Blind Justice" and "Eyes" and thought they were good enough shows to have a real shot at making it, but if they're dead, they are dead.
Also ABC plans to move "Alias" to 8pm Thursday and "Lost" to 9pm Wednesday. Oh, and Fred Savage ("Wonder Years," "Working"; midseason: "Crumbs" - includes Jane Curtin), Freddie Prinze Jr (Mr. Sarah Michelle Gellar, "Freddie" - from the producers & writers of "The Drew Carey Show"), Heather Graham ("Scrubs," "Boogie Nights"; midseason: "Emily's Reasons Why Not") and Geena Davis (show title: "Commander in Chief" - first female president of USA and includes Donald Sutherland) are heading to ABC's lineup next year. Futon Critic.com's story. FALL NEW: 3 Comedies & 3 dramas; Midseason: 3 comedies & 3 dramas and 1 "alternative" series. "Jake in Progress" set to return at midseason (replacing MNF when it ends).
NBC: the Futon Critic.com story. Fall: 3 new dramas, 1 new comedy and 2 new unscripted series.
CBS: Not yet released their schedule
WB: has also announced a lot of moves (look at the TV Guide story and/or the Futon Critic.com story, the Futon Critic story includes midseason information). Don Johnson ("Miami Vice," "Nash Bridges") is returning to the small screen in a Jerry Bruckheimer show: "Just Legal." This time Johnson is a lawyer. "Jack & Bobby" & "Summerland" have been canceled. "Charmed" has been renewed for another season. Announced: 3 new dramas & 1 comedy for Fall and 2 comedies and 2 dramas for midseason.
FOX: 24 renewed for 2 more seasons. Arrested Development renewed.
UPN: not yet released schedule.
A list of CANCELED shows: here.
A list of RENEWED shows: here.
A list of SUMMER shows: here.
A chart of the 2005 Fall schedule, tentative, is here (note: "Scrubs" appears to be missing from the chart, but isn't really, NBC currently plans on bringing the show back later in the season (I believe last year that they renewed the show for 2 more seasons, this would be the 2nd season)). CBS & FOX have not announced their 2005 schedules yet (oh, and don't expect to actually see the schedule remain unchanged going into Fall 2005, the announced schedule is almost never the actual used schedule). thefutoncritic.com's chart.
A lot of interesting information can be found on thefutoncritic.com, for example this is a combined rundown of the actions taken by NBC (renewed/canceled/summer shows/fall 2005 shows/2006 shows). Check out the front page for similar layouts for most of the other channels.
TV Guides Matt Roush's dispatches about the next season, or more specifically, the "upfronts." TV Guides "The Biz" notes about the "upfronts."
Monday, May 09, 2005
Film: Movies Seen
During the last two weekends I've had two days wherein I watched two moves in a row.
On April 30th I saw The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2nd weekend: $9.1 million) and then immediately thereafter I watched Sin City.
Unfortunately, I saw the Hitchhiker mini-series about a month before I saw the movie, and while it was nice to see the movie on the big-screen, I spent most of my time comparing and contrasting the movie and the mini-series. The film was ok, might have been better if I hadn't just seen the mini-series.
I hadn't planned to watch Sin City, and was thinking that I might skip it, but I watched it anyway and found that I liked it a lot more than I expected.
On May 8th I saw XXX: State of the Union (2nd weekend: $5.4 million) and then immediately thereafter I saw Kingdom of Heaven (1st weekend: $20 million domestic, $56 million international).
Despite the lackluster performance at the box office, I decided to watch XXX2 during its second weekend at the box office. For some reason, I just couldn't get into the movie, and in the end, would probably give it something around 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I had gone to the theater to see Kingdom of Heaven, but because of the start times, I couldn't see it immediately and watched XXX2 instead. My method of movie watching rarely requires me to watch any commercials and occasionally requires seeing some previews. I bought a ticket for the 3:45 Kingdom of Heaven showing right after XXX2 ended (around 3:57). I arrived, found a good seat, and watched a couple of previews, while missing the long annoying commercials I'd otherwise have to sit through. Kingdom of Heaven was an interesting movie, and I ended up giving it 4.4 out of 5 stars (I doubt it, but I might review it eventually, like I did for Kung Fu Hustle and Sahara).
Washington Post.com's box office article.
Entertainment Weekly's chart.
On April 30th I saw The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2nd weekend: $9.1 million) and then immediately thereafter I watched Sin City.
Unfortunately, I saw the Hitchhiker mini-series about a month before I saw the movie, and while it was nice to see the movie on the big-screen, I spent most of my time comparing and contrasting the movie and the mini-series. The film was ok, might have been better if I hadn't just seen the mini-series.
I hadn't planned to watch Sin City, and was thinking that I might skip it, but I watched it anyway and found that I liked it a lot more than I expected.
On May 8th I saw XXX: State of the Union (2nd weekend: $5.4 million) and then immediately thereafter I saw Kingdom of Heaven (1st weekend: $20 million domestic, $56 million international).
Despite the lackluster performance at the box office, I decided to watch XXX2 during its second weekend at the box office. For some reason, I just couldn't get into the movie, and in the end, would probably give it something around 3.5 out of 5 stars.
I had gone to the theater to see Kingdom of Heaven, but because of the start times, I couldn't see it immediately and watched XXX2 instead. My method of movie watching rarely requires me to watch any commercials and occasionally requires seeing some previews. I bought a ticket for the 3:45 Kingdom of Heaven showing right after XXX2 ended (around 3:57). I arrived, found a good seat, and watched a couple of previews, while missing the long annoying commercials I'd otherwise have to sit through. Kingdom of Heaven was an interesting movie, and I ended up giving it 4.4 out of 5 stars (I doubt it, but I might review it eventually, like I did for Kung Fu Hustle and Sahara).
Washington Post.com's box office article.
Entertainment Weekly's chart.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Film: Movies Opening Today: May 6, 2005
Three movies are opening wide this weekend, and five are opening in selected theatres (according to Yahoo.com; Washingtonpost.com; IMDb - Now Playing).
Note: both Yahoo and IMDb include critics reviews (or "buzz).
Opening Wide:
Crash (R - Sexual Content & Violence) Crime Drama/Mystery (IMDb)
1 hour and 40 minutes
The movie is directed by Paul Haggis (TV: "Family Law," "Due South") and stars Sandra Bullock (Jean; "Love Potion No. 9," "Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous"), Don Cheadle (Graham; "Ocean's Twelve," "Hotel Rwanda"), and Matt Dillon (Officer Ryan; "Herbie: Fully Loaded," "One Night at McCool's").
The movie follows many people in the LA area during a 36 hour time period as they have car accidents. The accidents spark racial tensions. Movie has been sitting around since 2004.
Official Website.
Washingtonpost.com
Showtimes
House of Wax (R - Horror Violence, Sexual Content, Language) Horror Thriller (IMDb) Yahoo.com - 1 hour and 26 minutes; Washington Post - 1:53 runtime
The movie is directed by Jaume Serra and stars Elisha Cuthbert (Carly Jones; "24"), Chad Michael Murray (Nick Jones; "A Cinderella Story," "One Tree Hill"), Brian Van Holt (Bo/Vincent; S.W.A.T.), Paris Hilton (Paige Edwards; Raising Helen, "The Simple Life: Interns").
This is a remake of the 1953 movie starring Vincent Price. A group of college students are stuck in a town and are hunted by two brothers that want to put them in wax.
Two Washington Post reviews. Hunter - Go see the movie; Thomson - don't go or you will be wishing for the characters to die.
Official Website.
Washingtonpost.com (Editor's pick)
Showtimes
Kingdom of Heaven (R - Strong Violence and epic warfare) Historical Drama (IMDb) 2 hours and 25 minutes
The movie is directed by Ridley Scott (Gladiator), and stars Orlando Bloom (Balian of Ibelin; Troy, Black Hawk Down), Liam Neeson (Godfrey; Excalibur, Krull, Rob Roy, Michael Collins, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace), Eva Green (Sibylla; The Dreamers), and David Thewlis (Hospitaler; Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction, Timeline, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban).
A young blacksmith becomes a knight and tries to protect the people of Jerusalem from a large number of enemies.
Two Washington Post reviews. Hunter - Go see the film; Thomson - Don't see this film that is "A mere backdrop for a boy toy with good hair."
Official Site.
Washingtonpost.com
Showtimes
Opening wide next week: IMDb: Layer Cake (Daniel Craig, Bond contender), Unleashed (Jet Li), Monster-in-Law (Jennifer Lopez, Michael Vartan ("Alias"), Jane Fonda), Kicking & Screaming (Will Ferrell), Mindhunters (LL Cool J, Val Kilmer, Christian Slater); Yahoo's list.
The links from the last week's movie openings post should lead you to this week's movie openings.
Note: both Yahoo and IMDb include critics reviews (or "buzz).
Opening Wide:
Crash (R - Sexual Content & Violence) Crime Drama/Mystery (IMDb)
1 hour and 40 minutes
The movie is directed by Paul Haggis (TV: "Family Law," "Due South") and stars Sandra Bullock (Jean; "Love Potion No. 9," "Miss Congeniality 2: Armed and Fabulous"), Don Cheadle (Graham; "Ocean's Twelve," "Hotel Rwanda"), and Matt Dillon (Officer Ryan; "Herbie: Fully Loaded," "One Night at McCool's").
The movie follows many people in the LA area during a 36 hour time period as they have car accidents. The accidents spark racial tensions. Movie has been sitting around since 2004.
Official Website.
Washingtonpost.com
Showtimes
House of Wax (R - Horror Violence, Sexual Content, Language) Horror Thriller (IMDb) Yahoo.com - 1 hour and 26 minutes; Washington Post - 1:53 runtime
The movie is directed by Jaume Serra and stars Elisha Cuthbert (Carly Jones; "24"), Chad Michael Murray (Nick Jones; "A Cinderella Story," "One Tree Hill"), Brian Van Holt (Bo/Vincent; S.W.A.T.), Paris Hilton (Paige Edwards; Raising Helen, "The Simple Life: Interns").
This is a remake of the 1953 movie starring Vincent Price. A group of college students are stuck in a town and are hunted by two brothers that want to put them in wax.
Two Washington Post reviews. Hunter - Go see the movie; Thomson - don't go or you will be wishing for the characters to die.
Official Website.
Washingtonpost.com (Editor's pick)
Showtimes
Kingdom of Heaven (R - Strong Violence and epic warfare) Historical Drama (IMDb) 2 hours and 25 minutes
The movie is directed by Ridley Scott (Gladiator), and stars Orlando Bloom (Balian of Ibelin; Troy, Black Hawk Down), Liam Neeson (Godfrey; Excalibur, Krull, Rob Roy, Michael Collins, Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace), Eva Green (Sibylla; The Dreamers), and David Thewlis (Hospitaler; Basic Instinct 2: Risk Addiction, Timeline, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban).
A young blacksmith becomes a knight and tries to protect the people of Jerusalem from a large number of enemies.
Two Washington Post reviews. Hunter - Go see the film; Thomson - Don't see this film that is "A mere backdrop for a boy toy with good hair."
Official Site.
Washingtonpost.com
Showtimes
Opening wide next week: IMDb: Layer Cake (Daniel Craig, Bond contender), Unleashed (Jet Li), Monster-in-Law (Jennifer Lopez, Michael Vartan ("Alias"), Jane Fonda), Kicking & Screaming (Will Ferrell), Mindhunters (LL Cool J, Val Kilmer, Christian Slater); Yahoo's list.
The links from the last week's movie openings post should lead you to this week's movie openings.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Film: Bond Update
Technorati Tags: Movies James Bond
A reporter, Jeffrey Westhoff, from something called the "Northwest Herald" predicts that the Bond series will die without Brosnan. He feels that fans will feel that Brosnan has been treated badly, and Casino Royale will flop. He notes that Premiere magazine noted that Brosnan might not be too old to play the part, but that the type of woman the Bond producers want to add to the roster of Bond girls will look like "jailbait in the arms of Brosnan." Westhoff believes that the current front runner, Daniel Craig, will be another George Lazenby.
Another good website on the matter is the www.ianfleming.org site.
1) Names floated to test waters.
2) Clive Owen will be announced as the next Bond within a week (that has March 29, 2005 date on the story).
3) Big change planned for the franchise, notes the next director.
4) The most recent article is from April 14, 2005, and notes that Brosnan's name is still possible as the Bond in the next movie.
A reporter, Jeffrey Westhoff, from something called the "Northwest Herald" predicts that the Bond series will die without Brosnan. He feels that fans will feel that Brosnan has been treated badly, and Casino Royale will flop. He notes that Premiere magazine noted that Brosnan might not be too old to play the part, but that the type of woman the Bond producers want to add to the roster of Bond girls will look like "jailbait in the arms of Brosnan." Westhoff believes that the current front runner, Daniel Craig, will be another George Lazenby.
Another good website on the matter is the www.ianfleming.org site.
1) Names floated to test waters.
2) Clive Owen will be announced as the next Bond within a week (that has March 29, 2005 date on the story).
3) Big change planned for the franchise, notes the next director.
4) The most recent article is from April 14, 2005, and notes that Brosnan's name is still possible as the Bond in the next movie.
