“X-Men: First Class” review
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Create a new branch of a very successful franchise "X-Men" is incredibly difficult. Not only because of huge budget and special effects satiety last part of the trilogy, leaving little room for maneuver. Not only because it starred the real titans, and even the supporting roles played by well known actors.
But because think of another distinct theme, based on a rather chaotic universe of comic book series "X-Men" - not an easy task. Director Matthew Vaughn was not afraid of these problems and directed the film, which is not inferior, and in some ways superior to its predecessors.
What is not inferior? First of all, this is the level of special effects, which, speaking of the franchise "X-Men" is very strange to call special. Films in this series are literally woven from them, and find a hole in this dense fabric is absolutely impossible.
Now about the story. It's not a secret that this movie is about familiarity of Eric Lensher and Charles Xavier - the future Magneto and Professor X - their friendship, which later developed into ... No, not in enmity, rather, in an irreconcilable bowing to each other.
By the way, there will be appropriate to retreat for lovers of history. Long before the picture was aware that its main action takes place against the backdrop of the Cuban Missile Crisis, brought the world to the brink of global nuclear war.
Young actors representing the "first grade", though not enough stars in the sky, but looks at the background of such titans as Kevin Bacon and Oliver Platt, rather gangbusters. The only weak link is the star of TV series "Mad Men" January Jones, who played Emma Frost. In her character are completely absent the soul and charisma. Although, perhaps, on the idea of the film, all of her role and should be limited to a few fashion shows and demonstrations of female accessories.
The film "X-Men: First Class" is a worthy continuation of the franchise and it could give a start of a new trilogy.
P.S. About the middle of the movie has a scene lasting a few seconds, which alone fully justifies the trip to the cinema. If at this moment in the hall you will not hear applause, it means that you have watched "X-Men: First Class" in the company of people who do not have the slightest idea about the Marvel universe.
“Kung Fu Panda 2″ review
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With the decline of the franchise "Shrek," which brought full-length animation to a whole new level, the film studio DreamWorks Animation has just obliged to find it an adequate replacement. Otherwise, its leading position in this segment of the film industry very soon would be put under doubt. With the release of the animated film "Kung Fu Panda" there was hope that a new successful combination of flawless animation and utterly devoid of humor, vulgarity was found. The second part cartoon confirmed: in front of us the franchise, managed to raise the banner of DreamWorks even higher.
It is difficult to describe all the advantages of "Kung Fu Panda 2", while not being desperate spoilers. The animation of the highest class is so closely intertwined with a brilliant script that dissect these two ingredients that distinguish the animated masterpiece of mediocrity, separately is quite impossible.
In the case of a panda named Poe we are dealing with this hurricane action, organic and sometimes quite suddenly passing in touching the staging, which in turn disrupted really funny jokes.
In any other animated movie so much pathos not diluted so successfully, as in "Kung Fu Panda 2."
Characters of the cartoon have been deepened. Almost all the main characters appear "past" in some of these mysteries, and some, like the praying mantis, even bored for her second half, which in the heat of passion tradition bites the male's head. Even minor villains magicians from DreamWorks Animation able to give stories and experiences that led them from the category of expenditure weight and forced some to empathize them.
As for the notorious stereoscopy, it is absolutely flawless, and justifies all the possible extra charges on tickets. "Kung Fu Panda 2" - is that rare project that is absolutely no room detractors stereoscopic revolution in the cinema once again contemptuously wrinkling his nose. What was lacking in "Pirates of the Caribbean 4" - depth of the projection, the competent work of the "camera" during filming of battle scenes and demonstrate the scale of what is happening - it's all there in the continuation of the history of Poe and his associates.
In short, "pandamania", which began in 2008, took more animated space in the current year, and threatens us all the inevitable sequel. In any case, it is clearly hinted at the last shots of "Kung Fu Panda 2."
“Do not be afraid of dark” movie trailer
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We have gotten the first full trailer for the upcoming horror film "Do not be afraid of dark", directed by Troy Nixey. Optimism trailer (and so vigorous enough) gives the fact that the film producer was Guillermo del Toro. And we know that Guillermo does only good things!
The film tells about a little girl (Bailey Madison), which her father (Guy Pearce) is carrying to a new (actually very old) house to live there with his new girlfriend (Katie Holmes). In the house (or rather, his basement), found, however, some rather unpleasant secrets. Overall, looks pretty scary movie rated PG-13 (Children under 13 years allowed in the theater only with accompanying adult).
The director of the movie Troy Nixey main specialty is the comic book artist and co-writer Guillermo del Toro by himself. The film is a remake of the 1973 TV movie "Don’t be afraid of dark" directed by John Newland.
The film will be released in theaters on August 26.
Cannes 2011: “The Artist” Michel Hazanavicius
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At a time when the whole world actively moves to digital and 3D, to remove black-and-white and silent film can only crazy one. However, the director Michel Hazanavicius makes impression of a man who knew exactly what he was doing. The result was brilliant: "The Artist" at the last moment came in the competition program of Cannes and was very warmly received by critics.
The protagonist of "The Artist" - a silent film star George Valentine (with a mustache and smiling Jean Dujardin) - starred in and films like "Russian Romance" and "German Romance" and his faithful terrier - almost like Tintin. George plays the Musketeers, mysterious beauties wearing masks, fences, dances, seduces women, but it does not say a word. But on the yard is 1927, and film finds a voice. On this Valentine learns from the head of the studio "Film graph" Al Zimmer's (John Goodman). The actor laughs at the idea of shooting "talking" movies and directed to leave the studio, where he was waiting for the grateful fans. Among the screaming girls - the charming Pippi Miller (Berenice Bezho). She accidentally encounters with Valentin, but he immediately gets to the girl sympathetically.
Two years pass. George mired in poverty: investing all his money into the project "Tears of Love" (of course, silent), the actor went bankrupt because no one wants to watch dumb movies. At the same time, Pippi turned into a real star. Starting at the site statistics in movies Valentine, Miller quickly gained popularity. However, she did not forget who owes her new status, and come to the aid of George.
Authors of the film painstakingly researched Hollywood 20's and even came to America, have managed to show the Americans are places that are already forgotten. The story itself resembles the relationship of Greta Garbo and John Gilbert, and Dujardin and Bezho, creating their own images, guided by Douglas Fairbanks, Gloria Swanson and Joan Crawford. Hazanavicius didn’t want to achieve realistic: it was important to convey the atmosphere with which he coped brilliantly. As far as historical relics, in one scene the hero Dujardin lies on the bed in the apartment of Mary Pickford stars. In general shooting took place in American studios and in the halls.
After learning about the "The Artist", many critics were skeptical of the idea to take on the role of Hollywood stars French actors. But it must be noted that Dujardin and Bezho look great. They do not need to speak in English, so that the focus does not give out their origin. Actors have spent six months learning beat dancing and watching a lot of silent movies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgAvXlG68Y8
Cannes 2011: “Drive” by Nicolas Winding Refn
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One of the most original competition films of the main program filmed by Denmark director. And it's not about "Melancholy" by Lars von Trier, but of "Drive" by Nicolas Winding Refn. Neonuar in the style of "Bullitt" and "Samurai" with Ryan Gosling in the lead role won the most critics. Nicholas and Ryan told how they met and how came the idea off this unusual action, appeared in competition at the Cannes Film Festival.
Press conference on the film was full of expletives, does not shun any way the director. In the hall there was always laughter while watching a movie on during certain scenes was heard applause. While standing ovation at the end of the picture was not, during the title "Drive" after the press showing the audience applauded, not sparing the hands.
"Drive" has turned out like it’s and conceived Refn: viscous mixture of European art-house with the help of American actions, as well as with the addition of Asian cruelty. In this case, the main character looks like a Samurai - quiet, noble, and loyal to his master. Ryan Gosling, like Nicholas, did not believe it, that the producers allow them to remove such a film. Initially it was assumed that "Drive" will be a big Hollywood production. The driver offered the role of a nameless Hugh Jackman, the actor has long been attributed to the project. Then the studio-majors abandoned the idea to shoot a movie about a stuntman, Jackman was eliminated and in the material has interested Gosling – he has persuaded producer to call in the director's chair Danish choreographer.
At day, the driver works a stunt, but at night he earns money on taking the gangsters from crime places. He was silent, not saying too much, but masterfully controlled machine. Meet with a single mother Irene (Carey Mulligan) makes a pleasant break in his life. When Irene's husband has left jail, driver departs. However, his employer Shannon (Bryan Cranston) wants to put him on a real race. To do this he needs a good race car. Shannon appeals to wealthy friend Bernie (Albert Brooks) to invest money. Bernie agrees, but calls his friend Nino (Ron Perlman) to enter into share. Once the driver detected bleeding in the garage of Irene husband and Irene learns that a criminal past does not let him. The driver decides to help - and does it for nothing.
Music does play a huge role in the project. Usually, Refn has really unique approach to the selection of material. For example, he flatly refuses to use rock music, and insists on pop songs and melodies in the style of techno a la Kraftwerk. At the same cars were not the most important stuff - Refn admitted that he had no rights at all and he does not understand in cars.
"We simply chose the cars that look cooler!" – said director.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FvRl2OB5PBk
What is preparing for us the new TV series year?
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Channel CW is preparing for us a lot of pleasant and unpleasant surprises in the next year. Tom Welling, who had already bid farewell to his decade of work in the final episode of "Smallville" (finally we saw the best of Superman), to part with another of his brainchild, the TV series "Devil," where he acted as producer. Sorry, of course, but we hope the special is not entertained, because the ratings were actually quite weak. Let us hope that our superhero does not remain without work. But this will be the end of the sad.
Fans of series like "Gossip Girl," "Vampire Diaries", "90210", "One Tree Hill" and "Supernatural" can rejoice, because the channel management gave the green light to new seasons of these shows. Unfortunately, "Supernatural" and "One Tree Hill", 7 and 9 seasons, respectively, may be the last. This is for anyone not a surprise, because in both cases, the plot is about to become obsolete themselves, and these "old men" it is high time to give way to promising new products. With regard to the latter, currently The CW has ordered three series.
The first - "Secret circle" is based on the novel by the author of "The Vampire Diaries" Lisa Jane Smith. It will be about a young witch who lost her mother moved to another town and suddenly realized that she - the key to the battle between good and evil. The role of this most witches will play Britt Robertson, already known to us by other serials from channel The CW - "Life is unpredictable".
Another promising show can be "Ringer", where starring the much-loved Buffy Sarah Michelle Gellar. Let's see how she could change roles and play a former alcoholic, with a full baggage of problems, including inadequate sister - twins and hunters who wanted them.
On the third series, commissioned by the channel, while little is known, except that this medical drama called "Hart of Dixie". The plot is simple: a young doctor moved from the metropolis to a small town in the American south and begins to treat people.
Well next year we are waiting for a fascinating journey, and until all the serials are gone for the summer break until September.
"Ringer" trailer
"Secret circle" trailer
"Hart of Dixie" trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ESIh5k-Zozs
“Pirates of the Caribbean 4: on stranger tides” review
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The movie "Pirates of the Caribbean 4: on strange tides" has everything. London heyday of the Baroque, lush tropical scenery, sexy mermaid, the Spanish conquistadors, filibusters of all stripes, Edward Teach, nicknamed Blackbeard, his beautiful daughter and, of course, constant in his grimaces and trinket Jack Sparrow. There's no just one thing - "Pirates of the Caribbean" in that form and quality, in which it has won the whole world.
The first and most noticeable flaw of the movie, oddly enough, it's very Johnny Depp. From the first frame shows that he honestly fulfills his enormous fee, but no more. In the eyes of his former hero has no enthusiasm, nor the former prowess. He was very tired from having to comply with the prescribed his character codes of conduct and periodically pour liners in his style. Depp plays Jack Sparrow heavily, not the same way, like it was in the original trilogy.
Others stars of the main roles seem hardly better, but in their case the fault lies entirely on the scriptwriter, who could not think of any more or less memorable scenes or dialogue. Charismatic Barbosa (Geoffrey Rush), one appearance of which in the finals of "Dead Man's Chest" could provoke applause in the hall, looks like an old grouch. Captain Blackbeard (Ian McShane) endeavors to become the new Davy Jones, but does not inherit one-tenth of the grandeur and drama of the latter. His caring daughter (Penelope Cruz), despite his hot Spanish blood, causing a deep sense of nostalgia for lacking some outstanding advantages, but much more energetic and sexy Elizabeth Swann.
As for secondary characters, which, in theory, were supposed to supplant Will Turner and his beloved, Commander Norrington, as well as the inseparable couple - Pintel and Ragetti, then their images are so superficial and so deprived of bright traits that after watching the audience hardly at all will remember their story lines. And so why in the picture has appeared Judi Dench, whom filmmakers were so proud of to invite, and not at all clear.
The second negative point - is the sea. Or rather the almost complete absence of it in the picture. And this despite the fact that the film is dedicated to pirates, and not the archaeologists who went in search of ancient artifacts. No sea battles and nightmarish monsters, no even the weakest of allusions to the spirit of boundless freedom and adventure, which literally permeated every frame of the original trilogy and was the primary motivation for all heroes. It is obvious that the sea and everything connected with it, fell victim to the irrepressible desire of Walt Disney Company to reduce the budget because, as you know, shooting on the water are extremely complex, and special effects - very expensive.
And yet, paradoxically, "Pirates of the Caribbean 4: on strange tides" are worthy of going to the cinema. Even though the complete lack of dynamics and spirit, despite tired Depp, elusive villains and secondary characters. Worthy because the "Pirates of the Caribbean" - this is probably the best thing that happened to the adventure cinema since "Indiana Jones". In any case it is necessary to carry out Captain Jack Sparrow to retire in proper manner.
Cannes 2011: Nanni Moretti “Habemus Papam”
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Nanni Moretti drama "Habemus Papam" begins like "Angels and Demons": Cardinals gather in conclave to elect a new pontiff. However, the chosen papa takes time off work in the first few minutes, experiencing most severe panic attack.
"Habemus Papam" has already started at the Italian box office - on the rules of the Cannes Film Festival picture is participating in the contest can be shown at its home, but nowhere else. 450 copies of the film distributors have brought to the collection of nearly $ 2 million in the first weekend. Nanni Moretti - not a beginner at Cannes, and his "Son's room" 10 years ago took the "Palme d'Or" as best film. Perhaps this is why critics were a little surprised with "the Pope": despite the death of the pontiff in beginning, the picture starts as a real comedy.
"Not me, Lord, not me," - whispered cardinals, sitting in the Sistine Chapel. To be a Pope is not only honor, but also rater difficult. Like in Spider-Man - with a great power comes and great responsibility.
Cardinal Melville (movie veteran Michel Piccoli) getting the post, gets into panic and can’t even find the strength to get out onto the balcony to greet the faithful, gathered in front of the Cathedral of St. Peter in the Vatican. Since the Pope is healthy physically, it was decided to invite to him psychiatrist (Nanni Moretti), who attempt to determine the cause of depression of the former Cardinal. But what is really going on with the Melville, will get to know only the former wife of a psychiatrist to whom he will appear at the reception, posing as an actor.
Has a "pope" chance for prize at the Cannes Festival? It’s hard to say. "Habemus Papam" - quite a mainstream, who came to Cannes on the blat, issued to director for former deserts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=790hP70LCMI
Cannes 2011: Woody Allen’s movie
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On 10 May has started the 64th Cannes Film Festival. Movie opening - a comedy from Woody Allen "Midnight in Paris" - was a pleasant revelation after the last of the master, but the start of the main competition program, the drama "Sleeping Beauty", the audience has met with silent astonishment.
Forty-fifth film by Woody Allen was not the only explanation for his love of French capital, but a variation on the theme of "well, where we do not." We are definitely not in the past. The hero of "Midnight" - Hollywood screenwriter Gil Pender (Owen Wilson). He travels to Paris with his fiancée Ines (Rachel McAdams) and her parents. Gil wrote the book, falls in love with the city and persuades the bride to move. While Ines, dissatisfied with the desire to groom a charmed Paris, seeking a secular communion in the company with a randomly encountered knew everything by Paul (Michael Sheen), Gil stray city at night and accidentally gets into a passing convertible with a merry company of French.
Young people leave off the taxi near the bar where plays Cole Porter music, walk around inside the ladies in the clothing 20's, and the first English-speaking man (Tom Hiddleston) is represented by Fitzgerald. A few minutes later Gil realizes that his dream has come true to be in the amazing time and place – in Paris, 20-ies. He became acquainted with Hemingway, Picasso, Dali, Bunuel and even show the manuscript of his novel Gertrude Stein. But most importantly, Gil meets beauty Adrian (Marion Cotillard), through which understands a lot of important things for himself.
Allen began his film with a set of extremely banal shots with views of Paris, which is presented in every tourist - from the Eiffel Tower to the Moulin Rouge.
"My acquaintance with Paris was held by American films in which it was showed - the director explained the reason for excessive gloss. - You just know Manhattan the way I showed it to you. I wanted to show emotional Paris, with my own eyes. "
Malin Akerman has joined “Rock of ages”
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As Amy Adams won the role of Lois Lane in "Superman" by Zack Snyder, the actress did not star in the musical "Rock of ages". Director Adam Shankman spent time searching for a new actress, resulting in a duet with Tom Cruise will be a Swede Malin Akerman.
Akerman will play a journalist Constance, which intends to write an article about released in circulation rocker Stacy Jackson (Tom Cruise). She seduces him, and, according to the musical, in bed, they merge, not only with bodies, but also voices: the actors sing the song of Foreigner «I Want To Know What Love Is». The song in the original reads as follows:
Note that Amy Adams was not the first actress that Shankman was calling on the role of Constance. At first he courted Anne Hathaway, but she won the role of cat-woman in "Dark Knight Rises" and refused from the musical. It's funny that both actresses, selected by the director, preferred roles in films about superheroes.
Malin Akerman has already been tested in a comic book "Keepers." She joins an impressive cast of "Rock of ages" along with Bryan Cranston, the star of the series "Breaking Bad." The latter will play the mayor of Los Angeles. In the role his wife will be Catherine Zeta-Jones. Also in the film are engaged Alec Baldwin, Mary J. Blige, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, well, the main parts are performed by young actors Julianne Hough and Diego Boneta.
The star of "Couples Retreat" has just finished filming at "Medallion" with Nicolas Cage, and this fall, the actress will be seen in the comedy "The passion to change places." It seems that Malin quietly agrees to replace other actresses: she recently won the role of porn star Linda Lovelace in the biopic, which has long been attached to Lindsay Lohan.