Hey! Don't Forget!
This week's poll on Time to Vote Tuesday is still open! Place your votes.
(Click on February 21st on the calendar in the righthand margin).
Take a Peek at This Week’s ADDITIONAL Trailers!
Okay,
Every so often a week presents several trailers that are pretty fun to watch and there are too many to place into Thursday’s post (“Trailer Time Thursday!”).
It is in those weeks that you are able to be fortunate enough to have a sequel of sorts when Friday rolls around! 
This was one of those weeks!
Here, for your viewing pleasure, are the additional trailers of this week that are definitely worth a peek! Enjoy!
The Raven (trailer #3). Do you think Edgar Allen Poe himself is the killer?
Imposter. Who is the person they found and what is his intent?
The Raid: Redemption. Want more? There is a much more graphic and action-packed trailer that released months back. You can view it HERE if you wish. (be warned, it’s for Mature audiences, so if violence isn’t your thing…don’t click.)
Wrath of the Titans (trailer #2). Mullet-Man takes on the scourges of the underworld…and Zeus isn’t as powerful as we thought!
John Carter (featurette). Are you ready for this Disney adventure?
Some additionally fun trailers this week. In other trailer news: Expect a new trailer for The Avengers in the next 5 days, along with a first look at the upcoming remake Total Recall in the next month. Stay tuned.
For more of this week’s trailers, don’t miss yesterday’s post “Trailer Time Thursday!” 2.23.12
Thanks for reading! Happy Watching!
-T, The Focused Filmographer
“Trailer Time Thursday!” 2.23.12
Today is THURSDAY!!! And you know what that means!! 
It is officially time for another fun-filled edition of “Trailer Time Thursday!”
Finally, your weekly fix of “Triple-T” (aka: “Trailer Time Thursday!”) has arrived!!
In case this is your first visit to “Triple-T,”here’s what it’s all about:
Seeing as how everyone loves movie previews, “Trailer Time Thursday!” was created to bring all of the trending trailers that you may have missed in theaters, or just need to see, all in one convenient place! It makes Thursdays so great! Get ready! Your Preview Pandemonium awaits!
ENJOY!!! 
Blue Like Jazz. Based on the best-selling novel, a young man seeks to escape his religious background and upbringing and leaves to a college of exact opposite believes on a search for meaning, himself, and truth. Let the music play on April 13, 2012.
American Reunion (theatrical trailer). Ah, the crew is back in town. Here is the latest of movie trailers for the 4th American Pie film. Expect a lot of the same innuendos, pranks, adventures, embarrassments, and more as they get back together and reminisce about great memories…while creating more.
Battlefield America. Just when you figured competitive dance movies couldn’t get any worse. Remember You Got Served? Well, here’s the next film in the series only this time, the stars of You Got Served are serving as coaches to a bunch of battling kids. I know, right? I couldn’t believe it either until I saw the trailer, and that’s why I put it up for you to see because I knew you’d never believe me. ha. Check out this one. The film releases in June.
Brave (sneak peek clip). Pixar’s Brave is set to release this upcoming summer. Starring the company’s first heroine, Brave focuses on Princess Merida and her bravery as it were against all obstacles and all odds. Enjoy this look at the upcoming animated adventure.
Delicacy. Audrey Tautou (Amélie) stars in this french romantic comedy focusing on the delicacy of life and love. After losing her husband, and believing there is no other “one” for her, an interested and interesting suitor comes along. Check out the trailer.
Mirror Mirror (trailer #2). This newest trailer for Tarsem Singh’s Snow White film shows a bit more footage and tones down the silliness to attract the would-be scorners. Looks like it’s going after that other Snow White film. Which one are you most interested in seeing? Be ready to look into the mirror on March 30.
This Week’s “Special Trailer Spotlight”:
The Dark Knight Rises (in style of The Prestige
Ok, this week, I really did save the best for last! You MUST watch this fan-made trailer for The Dark Knight Rises that is done in the style of Christopher Nolan’s 2006 film, The Prestige. It fits so well with the magic trick speech from the film. All I can do is sit back and applaud YouTube user Dominaz3000 for some great work on this trailer.
I. Love. This. Trailer.
Well done. Check it out.
Well, that’s it for this round of ‘Triple-T’!
My favorite trailers from today: I don’t really have a favorite this week. They all are rather so-so to me. Oh well, that’s how it goes sometimes. Which ones are your favorites??
Are you ready for the weekend in theaters? Here’s what releases this weekend, February 24, 2012:
Thanks for reading! Happy Watching!
-T, The Focused Filmographer
Review: The Vow
The Vow
- Starring: Rachel McAdams (The Notebook), Channing Tatum (Dear John), Sam Neill (Jurassic Park)
- Directed by: Michael Sucsy
- Synopsis: “Paige and Leo (Rachel McAdams and Channing Tatum) are a happy newlywed couple whose lives are changed by a car accident that puts Paige in a coma. Waking up with severe memory loss, Paige has no memory of Leo, a confusing relationship with her parents (Sam Neill and Jessica Lange), and an ex-fiancé (Scott Speedman) she may still have feelings for. Despite these complications, Leo endeavors to win her heart again and rebuild their marriage.” (collider)
- Rated: PG-13 for some language, partial nudity, intense accident scene, and sexual content
- Trailer:
“One Day, Dear John wrote a Letter to Juliet in The Notebook and made The Vow.” -see what I did there!! Huh?!
2012′s cinematic Valentine’s Day offering “The Vow” stars actor Channing Tatum who attempts to “step up” his game with “mean girl” Rachel McAdams in this romantic drama inspired by true events.
Heading to the cinema on a Saturday night (kicking and screaming might I add), I crammed myself into the theater already full of lovey-dovey couples holding hands, giggling, and whispering sweet nothings into each others’ ears. “Oh, great…it really IS going to be that kind of movie.” I said to myself as the wishful thoughts of hoping I “accidentally” wandered into a screening of Star Wars Episode I or This Means War fluttered away.
Crap.
Disgruntled at myself for making a deal with a friend that now had me sitting in a chair about to watch an actor that I don’t enjoy, I prepared for the worst. Only, the worst wasn’t all that bad.
This romantic drama is little more than a chick-flick. Loaded with high levels of emotions on which it plays, there is a bit of true life in the mix. The best part about this story being told: the cast. Being inspired by the true event that hit the news a few years back, the cast takes on their respective roles and delivers in a way that is quite impressive actually.
- Rachel McAdams once again proves why she is one formidable actress and often plays the role of the love interest. She is so good at it and draws sympathy, anger, sadness, and love towards her character.
- Channing Tatum- Okay, he did pretty well too, actually. He plays the part of the forlorn and almost victimized husband quite well. “Victimized” by the events, it is his journey that is focused on the most. His subtle comic relief also played a natural part in the film, making his character a rather likeable guy.
- Sam Neill, Jessica Lange, and additional cast- exactly what I’d expect from their parts and, while some of their characters were somewhat unnecessary and 1-dimensional, they add enough drama to the screen to make it life-like.
With the premise of the story already being known, I expected a lot more focus to be on McAdams’ character and her journey of lost memories and the hopes of regaining them. I mean, the film could have taken more advantage of the obvious question of if she will regain her memory or fall in love with her husband of five years a whole lot more than it did.
Instead, most of the story dealt solely with Tatum’s character and his struggles to keep his business afloat, to pay his bills, to compete with overbearing parents-in-laws, on top of trying to fight for the love of his life. The film took the central event of the story and placed it in the backseat while focusing on the struggles of the husband and his choice to stay true to his vow of love. While that is a great focus, it left the film lacking.
As far as romantic dramas are concerned, this is a decent film. Avoiding being truly “Hollywood-ized” I can appreciate the fact that I wanted to leave a few times. You say, “What??” Yes, I wanted to leave…not because the film was bad or anything, but because of the level of frustration I began to feel for and with Tatum’s character and the way things were coming at him. It ended up being a lot more relatable than expected. And that’s a good thing, I guess.
Leaving the theater that evening, I had mixed emotions. Full of excitement that I made it through, my debt had been paid (see my tweet below that I posted directly after), and the movie had ended; but also frustrated with the events that led to the end.
@FilmsWith_T- Impressed with myself for surviving THE VOW…
9:18 PM – 18 Feb 12 via Twitter for Android
I hoped for more, but yet was oddly satisfied with the ending that the majority of viewers did not like. (*shrugs shoulders*) I saw a review somewhere (I apologize, I do not remember where it was.) that read something along these lines: “The Vow is a forgettable movie about memory.” Ha! I tend to agree.
Those who love sappy romantic dramas, I’m sure you can find several reasons to love this film. I liked it, just didn’t love it. Touching, upsetting, endearing, and frustrating. A picture of how life sometimes truly is.
Here’s a vow for you. I vow to not despise Chann…oh what am I thinking? I can’t do it. Sorry. Still not a Chan-Fan. haha.
Thanks for reading! Happy Watching!
Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars for The Vow (right in the middle)
-T, The Focused Filmographer
up next: “Trailer Time Thursday” (still finishing up reviews for The Secret World of Arrietty and Take Shelter)
New Posters of the Week (2/21)
Today, we once again get to take a look at all of the…
Hooray!! You already know that a fun guilty pleasure of mine is collecting movie posters! If you love movie posters like I do, then you are likely to enjoy the latest ones of the week! Several new posters hit the web since the last time we looked at posters.
Take a look: (To view the fullscreen slideshow, click on any one of the posters below and scroll through with the arrow keys.)
Well, what do you think? Which ones are your favorites in this week’s spotlight? I personally like Lockout, Delicacy, and John Carter.
Leave a comment!
To see past editions of this post (Spotlight on New Posters of the Week), click HERE. (posters courtesy ImpAwards)
Have a great day!
-T, The Focused Filmographer
It’s “Time to Vote Tuesday!” 87
Today is Tuesday! and if you’ve been coming here for any length of time, you know that, for most people Tuesday is just the day after Monday, but for you it means that “Time to Vote Tuesday” is here!! YES!!!
What is “Time to Vote Tuesday”?:
“Time to Vote Tuesday” is the session of fun weekly polls which spark thought, debate, and intrigue! Each poll closes in a week with results posted on the following ‘TVT’!
Last week’s poll, “The Sidekick Comics“ has now closed. Click HERE to visit and see which animated sidekicks you voted as your favorites.
Thank you to everyone that voted in last week’s polls and made it fun with your comments!
In this edition of ‘TVT’ this week’s poll, entitled “Sporty Stories”, takes a little glance at sport-related films. Do you like sports movies? When compared to actual sporting events, do you find them to be disappointing? I like sports movies myself, but I began to ask myself: “Which sports do I like more in movies?” and, “Do I like sports movies for the sports in them more than for the drama in them?”
Hmm.
So:
Place your votes. Leave a comment. If you had to choose the TOP SPORTS MOVIE OF ALL TIME, which would it be?
The poll closes on 2-28-12 and the results will post on next week’s “Time to Vote Tuesday!”
Thanks for reading! Happy Watching!
-T, The Focused Filmographer
***Don’t forget: For additional polls, updates, trailers, news, and more, become a fan/follower on Facebook and Twitter.
Movie News Monday for February 20, 2012!
Welcome to this week’s edition of “Movie News Monday!” (“MNM!”)!!
What is ‘MNM’all about?
In case this is your first time here, “Movie News Monday!” (MNM) is the place to visit every Monday for a quick recap of trending entertainment news! I’ve collected info, rumors, etc from all over just for you to keep you updated on movies being released, actors/actresses in roles, dvd releases to keep a lookout for, which movie won in the box office over the weekend, etc! Are you ready for your weekly update? Here it is!
This Just In!!…
#1- “The Weekend Winner.” This past weekend, several movies contended for the #1 spot in the box office, including the Valentine’s Day special The Vow. Three new releases went up against The Vow and Safe House, but none of them made it to the top. It was last week’s new releases that ended up wrestling to make it to the top. Which movie did you opt to support this past holiday weekend?
Here are the weekend’s estimated results for Fri, Feb 17-Sun, Feb 19:
- Safe House ~$24M
- The Vow ~$23.6M
- Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance ~$22M
- Journey 2: The Mysterious Island ~$20.1M
- This Means War ~$17.6M
- Star Wars: Episode I- The Phantom Menace (3D) ~$7.9M
- Chronicle ~$7.5M
- The Woman in Black ~$6.6M
- The Secret World of Arrietty ~$6.4M
- The Grey ~$3.0M
Congrats to Safe House on its surprising box-office takeover! 
#2- “The Legend Returns.” A sequel is in the works to follow the 2007 thriller I Am Legend. For those of you who watched the first one starring Will Smith, this may come as interesting news, especially since Will Smith is also looking to be returning in his role as Dr. Robert Neville. A script is currently underway which will be presented to Will Smith at which point in time he will decide whether or not to reprise the role he played in the major blockbuster of 2007 (Over $585 million worldwide!).
For those that watched I Am Legend, you realize the interesting obstacle that the writers have to overcome in allowing certain aspects and characters to appear in the sequel (*tip-toeing around spoilers*). I can see them utilizing the alternate ending (click HERE) to introduce a sequel, but otherwise, I’m not too sure how it would all play out.
Director Francis Lawrence has already made clear that he felt the sequel project was dead and currently has no connections to the project.
What are your thoughts? Are you even a fan of the first one? Interested in a sequel? Wish they’d leave it alone? Share in the comment section.
#3- “Painting the Galaxy RED.” RED 2, sequel to the action-packed 2010 film, is coming soon! RED stars Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, John Malkovich, Mary-Louise Parker, Morgan Freeman, Karl Urban, Brian Cox (whew, who wasn’t in this film?!), and, boy, what a blast of a film it is! (Trailer)
The sequel currently has no current release date, but the project reportedly has just about landed a director. Enter Dean Parisot, director of 1999′s Galaxy Quest.
Photo courtesy Collider.com
Academy Award winner Parisot’s ability to blend comedy and action together has been mainly focused on TV series over the past decade or so. His involvement in this projects looks to be a highly promising addition to the film. Currently, Willis is reportedly making room for the sequel in his schedule while the additional star cast members have yet to be approached for any negotiations.
What do you think? Are you excited to see RED 2 come to fruition? Were you a fan of Galaxy Quest?
#4- ”From Sherlock to Perry Mason.” Robert Downey, Jr. -the comeback story of this millennia. He’s done Sherlock Holmes, Iron Man, and several others along the way! Downey, Jr. also produces projects and has partnered up with producer/writer Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern) for a new project.
Guggenheim is currently in negotiations with Warner Bros to pen a script for said project that Robert Downey, Jr., along with his producer wife Susan Downey, are set to produce -a Perry Mason film. Based on an original concept of Downey, Jr’s and David Gambino, the upcoming proposed project is to follow the classic detective’s tales which are ”set in the 1930s and feature characters such as Mason’s secretary, Della Street, private investigator Paul Drake, and Mason’s longtime courtroom nemesis, Hamilton Burger.”
Downey, Jr. is, of course, to star as the super sleuth. Perhaps they can make a film in which Holmes and Mason work against each other and the clock to solve the crime of the century! haha.
What do you think? Are you interested in seeing Downey, Jr. as ANOTHER detective? Or should he just stick with Sherlock Holmes?
#5- “This Week’s Blu-ray release.” This week, look for the following films on Blu-ray to possibly add to your collection:
Puss in Boots- Puss in Boots receives his first full-length feature after his beloved entrance into the Shrek franchise. Not “The best animated film of last year,” (as the cover claims), but there still remains a shred of the Shrek universe to enjoy. Look for it this week. (Read my REVIEW)
Also releasing: Tower Heist, J. Edgar, Martha Marcy May Marlene, and London Boulevard.
Well, that’s it for this round of “Movie News Monday!”
Thanks for reading! Happy Watching!
-T, The Focused Filmographer
up next: “Time to Vote Tuesday!” along with reviews for: Take Shelter, The Vow, and The Secret World of Arrietty. Stay Tuned.
Checking Out the “Happy-Haps!”: OSCAR EDITION
What are the “Happy-Haps?!”
…as in the happy happenings that are going on in the movie blogosphere! This is the day of link-love for several movie bloggers and sites that have written articles/reviews that I have not been able to bring to your immediate attention! Today is your day to catch up on many other stories and goings on that just might make you smile…hence the name “The Happy-Haps!”
With the 84th Academy Awards Ceremony just ONE week away, this special edition of the “Happy-Haps” focuses on articles about Oscar nominated films!
(keep in mind that every word highlighted below in gold is a clickable link!)
Happy-Hap #1- Scott at Front Room Cinema takes a look at two of the biggest nominated films of the upcoming 84th annual award ceremony: Hugo and The Artist. Comparing them to each other, join the debate of which of these two masterpieces of 2011 is most deserving!
-Check it out here: Happy-Hap#1!
Happy-Hap #2- Flixchatter shares 59 reasons that she loves the triple Oscar-winning classic Roman Holiday (1953) starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. Amid her list there is definitely a reason or two for you to watch this wonderful piece of cinema if you never have before…or a reason to rewatch it. Join in her appreciation and take a look at Roman Holiday.
-Check out her spotlight here: Happy-Hap#2
Happy-Hap #3- Head on over to Fogs’MovieReviews where Dan takes a moment to review a film that surprised many when it received a nomination for Best Motion Picture. Does the tearjerker Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close deserve an Oscar? Have you seen this film starring Tom Hanks, Sandra Bullock, Max von Sydow and young newcomer Thomas Horn? Don’t miss the review and help decide!
-Read the review here: Happy-Hap#3
Happy-Hap #4- Russell from 1:37 Exactly shares his reasons as to why he doesn’t care about the Oscars at all. Are you tired of all the news about nominees and winners? Do you think this popularity contest of sorts grossly omits several would-be masterpieces and other deserving works of art? Join in on the debate and reasoning while reading his take on why the Oscars don’t matter.
-Check it out here: Happy-Hap#4
Happy-Hap #5- Be sure to catch up on all of the Oscar nominated Documentaries thanks to the great coverage provided over at Never Too Early Movie Predictions. This is a great page with tons of coverage of all of the other categories too. Don’t miss this Happy-Hap!
-Don’t miss this one: Happy-Hap#5
Happy-Hap#6- Nick over at Anomalous Material shares a great look at the Oscar nominated Live Action Shorts. This category is oftentimes full of great gems that go widely unknown until after receiving a nomination. Be sure to check out the list and brush up on this category prior to next Sunday’s award ceremony.
-Check out all the shorts you’ve missed here: Happy-Hap#6
Happy-Hap#7- Impassioned Cinema‘s editor/author, Max, shares his shocks and disappointments of this year’s Academy Award nominations the day they were announced (January 24th). Not fully up to speed on who received which nominations or who got snubbed? Stop on in to Max’s page and get to know the nominees. Share your own thoughts on those deserving and undeserving!
-Check out all of the nominees here: Happy-Hap#7
Happy-Hap #8- Jaina over at Time Well Spent takes time to share her thoughts on a film that is sure to win an Oscar (surprising some): The Muppets. Nominated for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Song, check out what she had to say about Kermit and Ms. Piggy who will also be presenting at this year’s award ceremony!
-Don’t miss her fun thoughts here: Happy-Hap#8
For more on the 84th Annual Academy Awards, be sure to visit the official site HERE. The ceremony is just a week away!
Well, those are the “Happy-Haps” of the day- The Oscar Edition! After checking each out, you should be better caught up and prepared to impress your friends with predictions of winners and events! Which “Hap” made you Happiest?! Leave a note, discuss and debate! Don’t just read and leave! Share the love!
Thanks for reading! Happy Watching!
-T, The Focused Filmographer
up next: Reviews for some of this weekend’s new releases! Stay tuned!
Be sure to check out more from each of the awesome pages on today’s list. They consistently have some GREAT content, news, contests, and more! Let the Happy-Haps keep you happy each day!
Review: Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance
- Starring: Nicolas Cage (Face Off), Ciarán Hinds (The Debt), and Idris Elba (Thor).
- Directed by: Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor
- Synopsis: “In the successor to the worldwide hit Ghost Rider, Johnny – still struggling with his curse as the devil’s bounty hunter – is hiding out in a remote part of Eastern Europe when he is recruited by a secret sect of the church to save a young boy (Fergus Riordan) from the devil (Ciaran Hinds).” (collider)
- Rated: PG-13 for language, intense action/disturbing images and sequences.
- Trailer:
“Ol’ Hot Head hits the road, again!”
Travel back in time with me for a moment.
The date: February 16, 2007. The movie: Ghost Rider. Nicolas Cage has finally gotten to star as a superhero, albeit not as Superman which he always wanted to be. Fans of Ghost Rider (and Nicolas Cage) are excited to see Marvel’s introduction of the dark rider to the big screen. Fire, skulls, chains, motorcycle, Eva Mendes, Nic Cage…what was there to not like?
Now, fast forward just a little bit to February 17, 2007. Everyone who went to see Ghost Rider is now on Facebook telling everyone that Ghost Rider was horrible, boring, stupid, an incredible letdown, a sloppy mess, pointless, a waste of time, etc. Okay, to be fair, ALMOST everyone is saying that. A few say that it was okay, a good first shot at the hero, and that the sequel will be THAT much better and to just wait. (Yes, we’re still talking about Ghost Rider…not Green Lantern).
Okay, now, move forward in time to, let’s say, 6 months ago. Trailers begin to appear for the sequel Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance. Promising a continued, yet different look at the world’s darkest hero. The tortured soul and antihero Ghost Rider rides again. No Eva Mendes this time around, but Idris Elba will be there. You know, the gate keeper guy dressed in gold from Marvel’s other film, Thor.
Hope rears its ugly head telling all that the sequel will be amazing and SO much better than the first installment.
Hope lied.
February 17, 2012: The morning I wake up after a midnight preview of the sequel in question. (Keep in mind that I sat in the theater ALONE as all of the other movie goers last night chose to watch Journey 2, The Secret World of Arrietty, and This Means War instead. That’s right…Journey 2: The Mysterious Island was chosen OVER Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance! Just let that sink in for a minute.)
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance is almost just as bad as its predecessor. For some, this is a good report, but for me…well, you can add this to the list of films that wasted another 90 mins of my time that I will be demanding back when on my deathbed.
The hellblazing hero returns with a new quest, new allies, new enemies, and a new director/writer; but with the same dismal character types, same tease of tons of action and yet very little in comparison to other superhero flicks, the same lack of caring for the characters, the same stupid villains, and the same incongruous acting of Nicolas Cage (I’m not hating on Cage. I like the guy. I just want to see him in better movies again like The Rock, Face Off, Adaptation).
Sure, the film style is pretty neat at times, and the special effects: interesting at most. But if you already suffered through the first film…don’t sit through it again in the form of a trying sequel. I guarantee you saw all of the cool parts and sequences in the multiple alluring trailers and tv spots (You even saw the end in the trailer!). And the action doesn’t make up for the ridiculous characters, plots, anti-climatic flow of events, and all of Cage’s “unappealing” faces that he makes (see below).
The only thing this movie will set to fire: your money. Oh…and your temper after it consumed your money.
Thanks for reading! Happy Watching!
Score: 1 out of 5 stars for Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (To be renamed Hot Head is not Cool, Part 2)
-T, The Focused Filmographer
Review: This Means War
This Means War
- Starring: Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde), Chris Pine (Star Trek), and Tom Hardy (Warrior)
- Directed by: McG
- Synopsis: “The world’s deadliest CIA operatives are inseparable partners and best friends until they fall for the same woman. Having once helped bring down entire enemy nations, they are now employing their incomparable skills and an endless array of high-tech gadgetry against their greatest nemesis ever – each other.” (collider)
- Rated: PG-13 for some sexual content and language (originally rated R)
- Trailer:
Bugs Bunny said it best: “Of course you realize, this means war!”
Who would’ve guessed that introducing Elle Woods from Legally Blonde, Captain James T. Kirk from 2009′s Star Trek, and Eames from Inception together would have amounted to a fun film such as this? Apparently, director McG (Terminator Salvation, Charlie’s Angels, NBC’s Chuck) did and he did it in a fun way.
Starting off with a bang…literally, This Means War starts off with all the excitement and promise of a James Bond/Mission Impossible film with the two best friends and partners Tuck (Hardy) and FDR (Pine) dressed in standard Bond-issue tuxedos and brandishing side-arms that seem to never miss their mark. Confident and unaccustomed to being bested by any enemy, these two are suddenly stopped in their tracks when one Lauren S. (Witherspoon) enters the picture.
Lauren: Single and successful. Gorgeous and looking for “Mr. Right.” She ends up dating both of them without knowledge of their connection to each other…and without their knowledge of the other man’s involvement. But spies being spies…information begins to leak and thus the movie’s main plot is born.
Ah, the classic “Spy vs. Spy!” Impressively, both Tuck and FDR utilize all of their training, skills, and resources in hilarious recon, seek and destroy missions, and infiltration/covert outings…only each of their respective focuses are on the moves of the other spy and Lauren under the pretense of national security.
Paintball battles, first date “firsts”, and bad advice-giving friends, surround this hilariously unintentional love triangle of a film but it is loads of fun once you get past the beginning and get straight to the story that counts. This film tries to implement too much with an unnecessary story line of a dangerous international villain that remains on the C.I.A’s top bad guy list. Consequently, feeling the need to tie the film together in this manner, This Means War suffers and goes from being a semi-believable fun rom-com action type film to a “Nope, that would never happen” kind of a film.
BUT…it’s still fun and not all that bad. You will laugh quite a bit. And Chris Pine and Tom Hardy really work well together on screen and make up for the sub-par aspects of this post-Valentine’s Day fun flick. I look forward to more films starring these two Hollywood stars.
(According to IMDB Bradley Cooper James Franco Sam Worthington, Colin Farrell, Justin Timberlake and Seth Rogen all were either considered for or offered the lead roles, but the roles eventually went to Chris Pine and Tom Hardy. A very wise choice.)
Predictable to the very end. I’ll be interested in if you can pick who gets the girl in the end?
This Means War: An action-filled romantic comedy full of over the top action, beautiful people, and enjoyable laughs. Girls will love it, guys will like it (don’t worry guys, it’s okay to be dragged to this one!)
Thanks for reading! Happy Watching!
Score: 2.5 out of 5 stars for This Means War
-T, The Focused Filmographer
“Trailer Time Thursday!” 2.16.12
Today is THURSDAY!!! And you know what that means!! It is officially time for another fun-filled edition of “Trailer Time Thursday!”
Finally, your weekly fix of “Triple-T” (aka: “Trailer Time Thursday!”) has arrived!!
In case this is your first visit to “Triple-T,”here’s what it’s all about:
Seeing as how everyone loves movie previews, “Trailer Time Thursday!” was created to bring all of the trending trailers that you may have missed in theaters, or just need to see, all in one convenient place! It makes Thursdays so great! Get ready! Your Preview Pandemonium awaits!
ENJOY!!!
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Historians have often loved to paint the idea of a secret life of so many iconic figures of times past. Director Tim Burton now brings you the secret life of the 16th President of the United States of America. Identity revealed in Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter which is set to banish all other theories on June 22, 2012.
*Featurette for Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter- Curious about the trailer? Interested in seeing/learning more? You SHOULD watch this insightful featurette that I actually like more than the trailer itself. Click HERE.
Dark Tide. Halle Berry…wait, WHO? When was the last time we saw her in a movie? For most of us, that was 2006′s X-Men: Last Stand (although she’s been in a couple of movies since then). Dark Tide features Berry’s character who returns to the home of the great white sharks after a nearly fatal encounter scared her from the deep waters nearly a year prior. Courage, fortitude, and relationships will be tested.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World. An odd pairing of Steve Carell and Keira Knightley find them close to the demise of the world and facing decisions with seemingly no consequences as the world’s destruction is imminent. Only thing important now is who to spend the last few days on earth with and what to do during that short time. The earth-ending asteroid descends into theaters on June 22, 2012.
Intruders. Clive Owen stars in this horror thriller that is sure to grab the attention of scary movie lovers. Faceless intruders torment an 11 year old girl in her home and she and her father fight off fear and the ghastly invaders. Limited U.S. release is March 30, 2012.
Damsels in Distress. On April 26th, the damsels in distress will be the ones doing the rescuing. Check out this trailer presenting the flipside of what you’d expect this film to be about. The guys getting rescued by the girls.
Salmon Fishing in Yemen (trailer #2). The more I see of this film, the more intrigued I am to watch it. I love Emily Blunt and enjoy Ewan “in ever movie” MacGregor. Enjoy this second trailer for the March 9 release of Salmon Fishing in Yemen.
This Week’s “Special Trailer Spotlight”:
Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance featurette
A featurette for the sequel to 2007′s disappointing offering from Marvel of the dark rider attempts to show why those who didn’t like the first one (such as Yours Truly) should be looking forward to giving good ol’ Nic Cage as Ghost Rider a second chance. Check it out. Are you ready to see this one this weekend?
Well, that’s it for this round of ‘Triple-T’!
My favorite trailers from today: I don’t really have a favorite this week. They all are rather so-so to me. Oh well, that’s how it goes sometimes. Which ones are your favorites??
Are you ready for the weekend in theaters? Here’s what releases this weekend, February 17, 2012:
Thanks for reading! Happy Watching!
-T, The Focused Filmographer
up next: Reviews for This Means War and Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance.
