Zombieland (2009)

Shaun of the Dead has always been my go-to zombie comedy so I never really cared about watching other movies of the genre. Then eight/nine years ago I fell in love with Emma Stone which translated in me watching every single film she made. Zombieland was one of them, and, despite Jesse Eisenberg, it was love at first sight and now it's kinda replaced Edgar Wright's film.

The story follows Columbus (Jesse Eisenberg), a geeky young man trying to survive the zombie apocalypse by following a long list of rules he has created. On his way to Ohio to see if his parents are still alive, he meets Tallahassee (Woody Harrelson), a man who hates zombies and enjoys killing them like nobody else on a quest to find the last Twinkie, and they decide to travel together. While on their journey, they meet Wichita (Emma Stone) and Little Rock (Abigail Breslin), two sisters who are heading to an amusement park nearby Los Angeles which is believed to be zombie-free.

Plot-wise, there's not a lot going on in Zombieland as the plot is extremely simple and uncomplicated, it doesn't have any surprising twist nor turn, and, to be completely honest, there are a lot of conveniences and it doesn't make a hell of a lot of sense. It's its simplicity and its silliness though that makes it work. 

The characters don't have a lot of depth nor complexity either as they all are one-dimensional, cardboard-like characters. Yet, there's something memorable and likeable about each one of them, whether it's the neurotic geek who is probably afraid of his own shadow, the kinda psychotic cowboy obsessed with Twinkies, or the girl with the perfect hair, perfect makeup and well-thought outfit during the zombie apocalypse or her tremendously ignorant teen sister.

Columbia Pictures

The actors don't do anything new as they all play characters they've played before —Jesse Eisenberg is the only exception because he plays Jesse Eisenberg— but they share a nice chemistry and they are fun to watch, especially Woody Harrelson who gives a humorous performance as the tough guy who just wants a Twinkie and seems to be born to play this kind of role.

Ultimately, Zombieland is not a smart movie, one of those films that keep you hanging with its twists and turns. On the contrary, it's pretty simple dumb, but the cast, Bill Murray's funny cameo and the often black humour make for a pretty entertaining flick.

The Favourite (2018)

Though I haven't seen all of his non-English language films, I really liked all of Yorgos Lanthimos movies I've seen so far, especially The Lobster, one of the most striking films I've seen —it's been more than two years since I watched it and I still find myself thinking about it quite often. The Favourite stars one of my favourite actresses, Emma Stone, and an actress I really like, Rachel Weisz, so saying that I was excited about it is a bit of an understatement. 

Set in early 18th century England, the story follows Queen Anne (Olivia Colman), who occupies the throne, and her close friend, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz), who actually rules the country through her influence on the Queen. Soon Sarah's younger cousin, Abigail Hill (Emma Stone), starts working as a servant and quickly makes her way into the Queen's favour as she sees a chance to return to her aristocratic roots. 

I don't know whether Lanthimos's film is historically accurate or not as I know nothing about Queen Anne —nor about most of England's history— but overall the story is quite interesting and captivating. There are moments though when the story feels dragged as the act goes on too long —the story is divided into eight acts— and the title chapters, while building anticipation for what's coming next, they also kind of ruin the surprise. Hence, I was not able to fully appreciate, enjoy the story, and I really felt the running time. 

Thankfully, The Favourite relies quite a lot on its characters and that's easily its greatest strength. Queen Anne is the most fascinating one as she is intimidating and insecure at the same time. Unpredictable, childish, needy, stubborn, manipulative but also lustful, loving, and witty. She's also physically impaired and often played with, but I never found her pathetic; on the contrary, she is very sympathetic. Most of the credits for it arguably go to Olivia Colman who gives a stunning performance. She switches expressions during close-ups in such a subtle way, she handles the humour very well and she truly conveys the Queen's sadness and melancholy. 

The two supporting characters, Sarah and Abigail, aren't as interesting but Weisz and Stone give such great performances, these two women also end up being compelling —Weisz's dialogue delivery is impeccable, and Stone portrays Abigail's wide range of emotions very well and is believable both as the sweet, and naive and the brutal girl. Also, they have a beautiful chemistry. 

Fox Searchlight Pictures

Robbie Ryan's cinematography is truly outstanding, with its gorgeous shots and camera angles aiming to increase the film's comic side. The unique score is quite effective. Costumes and set designs look beautiful. 

Ultimately, The Favourite is Lanthimos's most accessible film as he still makes a social commentary —regarding gender roles and sexuality— but its tones are definitely lighter than his previous works, which I guess is the reason it didn't fully work for me as I found the humour to be often ineffective, and while the performances were great, the film wasn't always compelling —I was quite bored, to be honest. 

Paper Man (2009)

I stumbled across Paper Man years ago while I was scrolling through Emma Stone's filmography and, since I love her, it ended up on my watchlist. But eventually, it got lost among the thousands of movies in there. 

The film follows Richard Dunn (Jeff Daniels), a 40-something failed writer who still talks to his childhood imaginary friend, Captain Excellent (Ryan Reynolds). When his wife Claire (Lisa Kudrow) drives him to Long Island and leaves him there, alone, so that he can finish his book, Richard meets Abby (Emma Stone), a 17-year-old whom he hires to babysit, despite the fact that he has no kids. When she finds out, Abby seems completely fine with it and the two start to bond. 

I didn't know anything about the film's plot when I started watching and I have to admit that Ryan Reynolds wearing that ridiculous superhero costume almost put me off, but I'm glad I kept watching since it turned out to be such a warm and heartfelt story about the unlikely friendship between an adult man and a teenage girl. Sure, it's pretty straightforward and predictable, but it's interesting enough to keep you watching. 

That happens because Paper Man is all about the relationships and interactions between its characters. It kind of sounds crazy and like it doesn't make a lot of sense as some of the characters are imaginary, but it works. The relationship between Richard and Captain Excellent, Richard and Abby, and Abby and Christopher (Kieran Culkin), a strange boy who follows Abby everywhere, they all serve to show the human need to have someone, to not be alone. 

The friendship that develops between Richard and Abby is very sweet and touching as it fills the void each character has in their lives. It's romantic without being too romantic, and it's a joy to watch it grow. The main reason for it is the beautiful, natural chemistry between Jeff Daniels and Emma Stone --their performances are excellent, the first as a lonely, depressed and unhappy writer, the latter as a vulnerable young woman with no friends and a neglectful boyfriend. 

MPI Media Group

As for the rest of the cast, Kieran Culkin does a good job as the nerdy guy who has a crush on Abby, and Ryan Reynolds brings to the film his great comedic presence and his charm and, no matter how stupid the joke is or how stupid he looks with that costume, he will make you laugh. They both are underused in the film though. Lisa Kudrow was a bit of a surprise. I wasn't sure how she would fit the film but, as it turned out, she provides some good comic relief. 

Ultimately, Paper Man has its flaws --like the simple and predictable story, some paper-thin characters, especially the supporting ones, and at times it tries too hard to be dramatic-- but it's a charming little film that deserves to be watch. 

Must Watch: New Trailer For Dreamworks Animation's THE CROODS

I've been waiting for this one! This first trailer for Dreamworks Animation's THE CROODS opens the door to what I think could be the dawning of a new era for DWA. I've known all along about the plot that an caveman outsider with "new technology" enters into the Crood's family unit and disturbs the so called peace (a comedic idea developed by John Cleese?), but with this trailer we're seeing an entirely new dynamic open up about the family's daughter who is so anxious to explore. What I'm seeing here is some storytelling magic from DWA, expanding on an already great idea with some new arcs about living life to the fullest with the energy and bravado of youth.

Will it pay off for the Croods? How does Ryan Reynold's outsider character play out? Questions to be answered soon. In the meantime, enjoy the first trailer! Joining Reynolds is Nicholas Cage and Emma Stone along with Cloris Leachman, Clark Duke and Catherine Keener.

Here's the storyline for the movie:
The Croods is being written and directed by two-time Academy Award nominee Chris Sanders (HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, LILO AND STITCH) and Kirk DeMicco (SPACE CHIMPS) and produced by Kristine Belson (HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON) and Jane Hartwell (SHREK). It stars Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Catherine Keener, Clark Duke and Cloris Leachman. The Croods is a comedy adventure that takes us back to a previously undiscovered era in the history of our planet known as the Croodaceous, when nature was still a work-in-progress… full of never-before- seen creatures and landscapes. Audiences will relate to the hilarious family antics as an imaginative and resourceful newcomer helps the Croods navigate their way through the fantastic world beyond their cave.

THE CROODS opens on March 22, 2013. For all of our Croods coverage, click here.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 Secures Garfield And Webb; Stone In Talks!

Wonderful news! The best Spider-man / Peter Parker actor (in my opinion) has been re-inked to headline THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 for Columbia. Andrew Garfield, who at the same moment can be bashful and timid but yet ooze new found power has been secured. Hey - that DOES sounds like Peter Parker.

Further and perhaps just as important, Marc Webb ((500) DAYS OF SUMMER) has also been tapped to return as director. It looks like he'll direct the sequel before having to go back to Fox Searchlight to finish his commitment with them. Time will tell. I thought that despite the normal studio filter than is placed on creativity, Webb's webhead tale was nicely done. But would I rather see a full blown, unfiltered Webb take for Spidey 2? You bet.

Alex Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Jeff Pinker have penned the script so we should expect a solid story yet again, despite different writers. I loved the first movie.

Here's Doug Belgrad, Columbia's president on the re-signing:

"We could not be more confident in the direction we are taking this new Spider-Man storyline and we are tremendously excited to be ramping up production again with Marc at the helm and Andrew continuing on as Peter Parker. We can’t wait to share what we have in store for Peter and Spider-Man with audiences worldwide."

Emma Stone is still in talks to pick up her magnificent turn as Gwen Stacy. I suppose if things turn sour for whatever reason Mary Jane Watson could emerge for the first time, but for heaven's sake sign Stone. She's good for this franchise.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN 2 is slated for a May 2, 2014 release with lensing to commence in Q1, 2013. And after the first one made $751 million, the stakes are high.

Source: Variety

Movie Review: THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN, 8 Stars And Amazing 3D!

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First of all this review will not have any spoilers, so relax you can read the whole thing and not be precisely tipped off about anything. I do talk loosely about one scene that bothered me but no details are given. However the comments are free reign and anything goes as far as spoilers!

I saw director Marc Webb's THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN last night in IMAX 3D (yes, I scored a poster) and let me tell you it is well worth the price of admission.

Allow me to admit that I am very biased toward Spider-man. He was MY superhero growing up so if this movie is halfway decent, I'm going to love it. I was smiling broadly many, many times through this movie which is something I normally don't do.

There is only one scene in the movie that was far from being perfect. Towards the end there is a need for our webslinger to get across town and he needs assistance. The assistance that's rendered totally does not belong in the movie and I was actually thinking about one the best moments from Sam Raimi's Spidey universe and hoping that Webb wouldn't feel the need to replicate it somehow. 

You know what though? That scene smells like studio interference, not the director. This is complete conjecture on my part, but I can't see Webb buying into it. I think Sony over-analyzed what was good with the original franchise and tried to do it again (pun intended). We'll discuss in the comments. The intentions were good.

My movie rating was quite severely cut simply because of this scene! It weakened my suspension of disbelief. It messed up the story for me. It blew my total enjoyment frankly. Everything that had nicely been built previous to this was dampened. But not devastated.

Enough on the subject for now.

What else? Aunt May's hair should have been grey or greying and not perfectly dyed, but Sally Field otherwise was perfect. Martin Sheen was a bit too close to Peter, but I liked the message he gave him.

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What did I like? More like what did I love! The 3D was jaw dropping at times, especially in the end sequence. You can tell the native 3D truly captured detailed scenes like the panning aerial shots of New York and it's bridges. I love the feeling that the 3D was caught effortlessly - a natural, green feeling if you will. You can thank 3ality Technica and Red for that. John Schwartzman again lived up to his name as one of the world's premier cinematographers. There were only two moments where anything broke the screen and came at you and those were suitably ejected using visual effects. 

The fight scenes were breathtaking, really. Such inventive choreography! When Parker turns into Spider-man you can feel his worry and excitement at the same time. Wonderful directing achievement.

James Horner slammed another movie score home run. Loved his work on this.

The visual effects? Wow. Remember SUPERMAN's tagline "You will believe a man can fly"? Ok, maybe you don't, but it applies here... "You will believe a man can swing. And shoots web from his wrists. And duck bullets. You get the idea..." Beautiful job guys! And a happy marriage between practical and visual effects too. Check out this great article (fx guide) on the various effects for THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN.

Make up your own mind about Andrew Garfield. Don't read other reviews. Don't listen to anybody else. For me though, HE WAS PERFECT. This guy was born to be Peter Parker. Other than being slightly tall for the role, he makes up for in every other way. His looks, posture, physique, voice, mannerisms and his inept social skills was portrayed PERFECTLY. Let me say that again. PERFECTLY. I should know, Peter Parker / Spider-man was everything for me growing up. If you are a fan of the character, go see this movie.

Emma Stone nailed Gwen Stacy too, but at times she is almost didn't seem to fit the science geek persona. Rhys Ifans did remarkably well with Curt Connors / The Lizard given that everything I had seen him in previously was no where near this role.

I could care less about the timing of this reboot. I could literally watch a Spider-man movie every six months and not tire of it. Try telling it's too soon for a spidey movie to any true fan.

In conclusion, THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN could have easily been 9 stars, as the cinematography, acting, 3D, score and visual / special effects were outstanding. A few more edits, a reshoot perhaps and a tad more Peter Parker struggling with this thoughts ALONE would have sealed it. But Marc Webb did an admirable job. Well worth your time and money! It's not THE AVENGERS by any stretch, but heck - this is our friendly neighborhood Spider-man.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN has done $7.5m from domestic midnight shows last night which is on par with what SPIDER-MAN 3 made. IMAX pushed the way with a $4000 screen average.

Was the 3D as good as PROMETHEUS? Yes in my books. On par. Get out and see it!! 8 stars.

Special thanks to Empire Theatres for the screening!
 

You're Going To Flip Over The Three New TV Spots For THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN

Well - you should enjoy them IF you make the decision to watch them! There ARE new scenes in these so once again, you have been warned that SPOILERS are present. That said, I don't think they are massive spoilers but rather visual and shot shot spoilers. Still, it's distracting to be watching a movie in the theater and then be constantly reminded that I've seen this before... in the commercial. Your call.

Here's the storyline for THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN:
One of the world’s most popular characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed in The Amazing Spider-Man. Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay written by James Vanderbilt, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the film in association with Marvel Entertainment for Columbia Pictures, which will open in theaters everywhere in 3D on July 3, 2012.

The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN opens on July 3.

via Latinoreview

Must Watch: Two New Clips From THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN Featuring Gwen Stacy And Swinging Special Effects!

I have to give the spoiler warning here again especially with the first clip featuring Gwen Stacy because this is clearly something that many won't want to see because it will ruin a pristine viewing experience of THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN. But I must say, the visuals are OUTSTANDING - shot natively on 3ality Technica rigs.

The second clip focuses on the practical special effects of Spider-man swinging through the city.

Here's the storyline to the movie:
One of the world’s most popular characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed inThe Amazing Spider-Man. Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay written by James Vanderbilt, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the film in association with Marvel Entertainment for Columbia Pictures, which will open in theaters everywhere in3D on July 3, 2012.

The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.


That being said, if you NEED to see these clips - by all means. I started watching it and then stopped saying WHOA. Enough. :-) Here you go... **SPOILERS - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED**

Proceed to 3:45 for the clip, or watch the hilarious interview with Emma Stone...

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN opens on July 3!

Sources: NBC | Yahoo 
 

Must Watch: New Overseas Trailer For THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN: New Scenes!

Hey guys, if you have already seen the trailers that exist already, seeing this one won't spoil too much more for you. A bit more humor and a bit more Connors. Personally, I recommend watching it if only to see a tiny bit more of the humor that should be present in any Spider-man film.

Here's the storyline:
One of the world’s most popular characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed in The Amazing Spider-Man. Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay written by James Vanderbilt, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the film in association with Marvel Entertainment for Columbia Pictures, which will open in theaters everywhere in 3D on July 3, 2012.

The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero.

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN opens on July 3.

Must See: New Images From THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN

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Oh yes - love the shot of Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy swinging down to the street! What a shot. Too bad the EW watermark has to be everywhere on these things though.

Can't wait to see these visuals - the color usage alone has my interest piqued. Add on 3D and well, we'll be in the comics themselves :-)

Here's the movie's storyline:
One of the world’s most popular characters is back on the big screen as a new chapter in the Spider-Man legacy is revealed in The Amazing Spider-Man. Focusing on an untold story that tells a different side of the Peter Parker story, the new film stars Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Campbell Scott, Irrfan Khan, with Martin Sheen and Sally Field. The film is directed by Marc Webb from a screenplay written by James Vanderbilt, based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Matt Tolmach are producing the film in association with Marvel Entertainment for Columbia Pictures, which will open in theaters everywhere in 3D on July 3, 2012.

Click to enlarge

The Amazing Spider-Man is the story of Peter Parker (Garfield), an outcast high schooler who was abandoned by his parents as a boy, leaving him to be raised by his Uncle Ben (Sheen) and Aunt May (Field). Like most teenagers, Peter is trying to figure out who he is and how he got to be the person he is today. Peter is also finding his way with his first high school crush, Gwen Stacy (Stone), and together, they struggle with love, commitment, and secrets. As Peter discovers a mysterious briefcase that belonged to his father, he begins a quest to understand his parents’ disappearance – leading him directly to Oscorp and the lab of Dr. Curt Connors (Ifans), his father’s former partner. As Spider-Man is set on a collision course with Connors’ alter-ego, The Lizard, Peter will make life-altering choices to use his powers and shape his destiny to become a hero. 

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN opens on July 3.