Changeling

Drama

Directed by: Clint Eastwood

Rated R

140 mins

Changeling is one movie I have heard all critics rave about. The movie is based on true events that took place in Los Angeles, California in 1920. A mother is distraught when her son is kidnapped and prays for his safe return. She receives news they have found him but she suspects it is not truely her son. Starring in the film is Angelina Jolie, who critics say had an outstanding performance. Directing the film is Clint Eastwood. All reviews claim this is one of his best films.

Pirates of the Caribbean 4

So I've heard rumors for the past few weeks about Gore Verbinski directing another Pirates of the Caribbean movie. All the media have been researching it and not only have they concluded that Pirates of the Caribbean is a possibility, it is now a certainty. Returning cast members include Orlando Bloom, Kiera Knightly, Geoffrey Rush, and Johnny Depp (of course). I have also heard rumors that they are currently filming right now and the film is supposed to be released in 2011. If you remember the ending of the latest Pirate's movie, it ended with the fountain of youth concept. I suspect all will be on the hunt for it in the next film.

Top Movies Out in November

These are some of the most anticipated movies out soon.

1. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
   
   

2. Role Models
   
   

3. Quantum of Solace
   
   

4. Twilight
   
   

5. Soloist
   

6. Zack and Miri Make a Porno
   
   

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa is a sequel to the first Madagascar animated film in 2005 and comes out November 7th. It will again feature Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, and Jada Pinkett Smith. Role Models also releases in November 7th and stars Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott sign up to be Big Brothers after a court mandated them to do volunteer work. One of the most anticipated one on the list is probably Quantum of Solace. This is the second James Bond movie that stars Daniel Craig. Twilight comes out Nov. 21 and is a vampire movie starring many new and upcoming young Hollywood stars. The Soloist stars Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx about Jamie Foxx who is a homeless man but has an extradinary musical talent in which Robert Downey Jr. discovers and befriends him. This also comes out Nov. 21. Although the last movie on the list technically comes out in October, I put it on the list because of the recent success that Seth Rogen has had with Knocked Up and Pineapple Express. He returns with another comedy, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, starring Elizabeth Bank about two friends making a porn film out of desperation to make money.

I, Robot

Starring: Will Smith, Bridget Moynahan, Alan Tudyk, James Cromwell
Director: Alex Proyas
Writers: Jeff Vintar, Akiva Goldsman


Although this movie came out almost 4 years ago, I watched it for the first time recently. It is a story set in the future year 2035 where robots are designed to help humans with whatever they desire them to do. All robots are preprogramed with 3 laws: (1) a robot cannot harm a human, (2) a robot must follow all human orders except if it comes in conflict with the first law, and (3) a robot must protect its existence as long as it does not break the first two laws. Del Spooner (Will Smith) is a detective who is sent out to investigate the death of his friend and inventor of the 3 laws of robots, Dr. Alfred Lanning (James Cromwell). Spooner has a distrust for robots because of a previous incident. As he investigated, Spooner becomes well aware that a robot was involved in the murder despite the fact that all robots have the 3 laws in placed. With the help of Susan Calvin (Bridget Moynahan), they quickly discovered that the new NS-5 robots are responsible for the murder and can potentially kill other human beings. This movie was based off a book and the screenplay was adapted by it. Will Smith delievered his usual great performance as well as Bridget Moynahan. The movie plot moved very quickly and the action scenes were great. It was a great action film with a great story. Action movie addicts would love this movie and is a great classic.

Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

Romantic Comedy

Starring: Michael Cera and Kat Dennings

Directed by: Peter Sollett

Michael Cera plays a kid in high school who sends his own mixed CD's to his ex-girlfriend who he's still in love with. Kat Dennings also plays a high school senior who is the ex-girlfriend's friend. The whole movie was centered around learning about eachother and falling in love during one night in New York. Through the night, both run into different problems and situations. Cera and Dennings have great chemistry together. Cera with is comedic timing and delivery and Kat with her charisma and intellegence, make the movie highly enjoyable. Also adding to the comedy was Cera's gay friends and Kat's always drunk best friend. I thought the movie was a fun, cute little romantic comedy.

Burn After Reading

Comedy
September 12th, 2008
MPAA Rating: R for pervasive language, some sexual content and violence.

STARRING
George Clooney, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton, Brad Pitt

WRITTEN, PRODUCED & DIRECTED BY
Joel Coen and Ethan Coen

I saw this movie last week. It is about a CIA official (John Malkovich) who is bitter about being fired and writes a memoir to exploit his bosses. The memoir some how gets fallen into the hands of two dumb gym employees (Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand) who decides to release the information unless they were paid for its return. Although it was a comedy that have some funny parts, the movie overall didn't leave any lasting impressions on me. The plot was smartly written, but that's about it. No one actor or actress stood out in this movie as they all did a very good job in complimenting each other. Since this type of comedy isn't for everyone, I would recommend this only if you're looking to watch a smartly written and directed comedy with A list actors. Otherwise, most of us can just wait for DVD release of it.

Eagle Eye

Director: D.J. Caruso
Written by: Travis Wright, John Glenn, Hillary Seitz
Produced by: Alex Kurtzman, Robert Orci, Pat Crowley


I recently saw the movie Eagle Eye. The movie was
centered around technology and the evils of it. I thought the movie was actually pretty good, opposite of what critics thought. The movie was so fast paced and exciting that you couldn't wait until the next scene. It kept you so interested and it did a good job of making you think that these things could actually happen to someone. Shia LaBeouf did an outstanding job. You really get to see how versatile he is in his acting. Playing opposite of LaBeouf was Michelle Monaghan. She also did a fantastic job in capturing the audience. If you're in the mood to watch an action packed, exciting, and adventurous movie, go see this one.

Breaking down "Joan of Arc" VISUALLY.

La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc (1928)


directed by:Carl Theodor Dreyer





I know, I know, this movie is really old but it is SO worth watching if you like to see well thought out and planned movies. This movie is obviously in black and white and to top it off it is a SILENT movie. To fully appreciate this movie I have created a list of things you should look at to understand to understand the visual structure.

First thing you have to know about this movie is that CONTRAST is the idea behind it.

1. First of all, notice that the priests/judges(antagonist) have strong facial features. They are grotesque looking. Joan on the other hand, has symmetrical features.
2. The priests give fast, and strange performances. Joan moves slowly, like an angel.
3. IMAGE SIZE:
-98% shots of Joan are median shots or close-ups
-Priests: they have extreme wide shots or extreme close-ups
4. Joans' shots are more predictable. Shots of priests are more diverse.
-Joan's shots are cut next to the judges and therefore don't match in size. This suggests conflict and we feel close to Joan.
5. Judges are often decentered. This means that they are not right on the center of the shot. They are either way at the bottom of the shot or way at the top.
6. ANGLES:
-Dreyer uses low angles on Judges to make them look like monsters.
-Shots of Joan are at face level. Makes her look like a normal human being.

As you can see this movie was all about contrast. Dreyer, the director, doesn't want us to think actors are equal in this movie. There are many other techniques used by the director but these are just a few to give you something to think about if you ever have to watch this movie for class or for fun.