Just Another...

Hello Cinemaniacs,

TGIF. The last couple of days here in New York have been amazing. The weather is so enjoyable now. Sunny, breezy, no humidity. Need I say more.

Today I wanted to share a movie that I have been tracking down for a while. A movie I found at Block Buster. I didn't want to rent it. I wanted to own it but they wouldn't sell it to me. Oh well I guess I will find it somewhere else.

Recently I went shopping for new movies to add to my ever growing collection. I racked up on a bunch of new movies. Excitement revving my engine I couldn't wait to get home to view them. When I came to check out Just Another Love Story caught my eye.

Excitement was revving my engine even more now than before because finally this movie I was searching for was right there for the taking. I added it to my collection and was on my way back home.

Just Another Love Story is awesome.

I don't want to give away any information that will spoil the picture for you.

I will tell you this Just Another Love Story draws you into a thick sticky web of circumstances with an array of lies, deceit, cheating, adultery, empathy, secrets, double cross, murder, corruption, twists, turns, a love story and all the things that keep you tied down.

Man this movie was entertaining.

I recall not so long ago hating to watch subtitled films. Now I am a regular fan. I have seen many more recently.

This is a keeper. I might watch it again over the weekend from a screenwriters perspective and not just as a movie carnivore.

Enjoy your Labor Day weekend Cinemaniacs.

Travel safe for those of you who will be traveling and drink responsibly if that is what you do. Be safe, be well, be happy and be blessed.

Just Looking

I was just wondering what I was going to write about today on this Throwback Thursday. I usually go back pretty far when I go back. Today I decided to do something completely different.

They say change is good. I had forgotten all about this movie even though I enjoyed watching it. I had the opportunity to see it several months ago and forgot the name.It is a coming of age movie that is really heartfelt. So without further or do here it is.

Just Looking is a coming of age story about a young teenager named Lenny played by Ryan Merriman. Lenny is from the Bronx and the movie takes place in the 1950's.

As a teenager Lenny's hormones are kicking into high gear and he cannot get sex out of his mind. When he is sent off for the summer to visit his aunt and uncle in Brooklyn he meets some new friends and a new adventure to learn more about sex.

This movie is a good look because it has comedy, family, adult situations, and everything that a young teenager is faced with growing up. It is so close to real life as far as looking at it all through the eyes of a young teenage male.

The movie is narrated by Jason Alexander who plays George on Seinfield. The story plot is good, dialog is rich and acting is really good.

I like it so much that I watched it more than once and would probably watch it again if given the chance.

So until next time Cinemaniacs have the best day that you possibly can and enjoy yourself.

My Favorite Throwback Movies

Welcome Cinemaniacs to another throwback Thursday.

Cooley High
Happens to be one of my favorite movies of all times. If it came out today it would be a critically acclaimed bromance flick. One that deals with the bond of friendship, drama, sex, drugs,coming of age, love and basketball, real world issues and even tragedy.

I love this movie because it captures the very essence of the setting and the experiences of these young men. It also has a very powerful message behind it.

The Life Before This
Is an awesome picture that I had in my movie collection before someone stole it. I had almost forgotten the name until I remembered the name of the actor who starred in it.

Several innocent bystanders are injured or killed when two robbers, fleeing from the police, run into the neighborhood cafe. I can remember the first time i saw this movie I was impressed. I never heard of it before nad many of you may not have either. It is a pretty good piece.

My Bodyguard
My Bodyguard happens to be a movie from the year 1980. It stars Chris Makepeace, Adam Baldwin and Matt Dillon. It tells the story of a young man attending a new school. A school where he gets harassed by a bully (Matt Dillon) who will not leave him alone.

This movie is one of my favorite coming of age flicks. Simply because kids get bullied all the time in school. This movie is a fun flick that a lot of people do not know about.

The Outsiders
This movie is my favorite gang picture. It has an all star cast. The movie deals with the story of a Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, C. Thomas Howell, Tom Cruise, Ralph Macchio, Rob Lowe and Diane Lane.

Kathleen Rowell wrote the screenplay from a book that was penned by S.E. Hinton. Francis Ford Coppolla directed it and it is amazing movie. I can watch this movie over and over again. Everything about it including the lead song of Stevie Wonder's Stay Gold is awesome.

The characters are well rounded, the story plot of a single older brother struggling to do what it takes to keep his family together and the subplot of the greasers vs. socials brings the whole thing together. What a treat!

I'm going to quit while I am ahead because if I don't I will keep going on. Until next time cinemaniacs. Enjoy your evening.

It's Murder

It has been a long time since I did a post on my blogs. Sorry to those of you who look forward to reading what I have to say. I have been busy working up a storm developing some new things that you will soon be seeing in the weeks to come.

Happy Throwback Thursday to you all.

Today I want to talk about two pictures that I really enjoyed.

The first is a movie Murder Inc. that tells the story of the organized crime unit in 1920-1940's. Murder Inc. was comprised of Jewish and Italian gangsters from various gangs throughout the Brownsville, East New York and Ocean Hill section of Brooklyn, NY.

People wonder why the Brownsville, and East New York sections of Brooklyn were so wild and rowdy. Look at its history.

Murder Inc. was an elite hit squad who killed for the mob accepting murder contracts from mob bosses all around the US and they were Louis 'Lepke' Bucholter exclusive kilers.

For all of you mob fans who may not be familiar with the fact that after the formation of the National Crime Syndicate. Two friends of Lucky Luciano, Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel formed the killing squadron of Murder Inc.

This movie tells the story of the notorious Jewish mobster Louis 'Lepke' Bucholter.

I really enjoyed this 1960 work of cinematography. Which also stars Peter Falk as Abe 'Kid Twist' Reles.

A gem of a movie. If you have never seen it check it out. I can watch it again. It's brilliant.

The Hustler

Hello Ciemaniacs,

It's a beautiful day outside. Thursday is now officially Throwback Thursdays where I will discuss a few pictures from yesteryear.

When I think of the word hustler i think of a person who just so happens to be a con artist of some sort. I believe that a true hustler is one who possesses skills of the Yellow Kid Weil and can charm a snake.

I have watched many grifter pictures where con artists work their sleight of hand, hypnotic persuasion to get their way. I have seen some of the greats do their thing on the silver screen.

There are some that stand head and shoulders over the rest. Then there are hustler pictures that are just more heartfelt, deeper and more than meets the eye excellence.

I recently watched a 1961 film entitled the Hustler, which stars Paul Newman, Jackie Gleason and George C. Scott.

The Hustler tells the story of a pool hall junkie out to challenge Minnesota Fats to an all out game of pool.

Paul Newman plays pool hustler Eddie Felson, Jackie Gleason plays the flashy pool great Minnesota Fats. The plot is good, subplots are good, storyline is great, the acting is superb and it really pulls you into the story.

I have to say that this movie is nothing short of brilliant. I like to watch movies I enjoy more than one time to find something that I never saw the first. I can honestly say from watching it one time I believe it to be a brilliant masterpiece.

Fragments

Hello Cinemaniacs,

I was wondering about what movie I would write about today since I watched a number of them over the weekend.

I was a bit undecided about which genre would I share. Then it hit me since I saw quite a few I should first tell you about a movie that stood head and shoulders above the others.

So without further or due here it goes. I watched a movie entitled Fragments (Winged Creatures). Fragments is written by Roy Freirich. Fragments stars Forrest Whitaker, Kate Beckinsale, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, and Guy Pearce.

It is four tightly woven stories that intertwine with one another. A stop for a nice breakfast at a diner goes horribly wrong when a crazed gunmen goes on a shooting spree. A meeting by chance turns into a circumstance that changes the lives of everyone in the diner.

This movie is awesome. Great storyline, great acting, and a great ending. This is one of my favorites of the year. This is a must see that you should not miss period.

Summer Time, Summer Time, Sum Sum SummerTime

When it comes to weather I love the winter with an undying passion to rival the love of a couple madly in love with each other. When it comes to movies I love the summer time with a passion because this is when the chart topping blockbusters make their debut on the silver screen.

I have to say that there are some movies that I am excited about that have dropped and will drop before the summer is done.

Here are movies that I seen that rock.

Terminator Salvation I really didn't want to go see this movie simply because two was so explosive and hard to follow behind and three was action packed but lacked all of the special effects poured into two. It just so happened that I gave this a try because Christian Bale signed on to it. I love Christian Bale's work he is a genius of the craft.

I was blown away by it. Terminator Salvation was an action packed thrill ride.

Public Enemies with Johnny Depp was the truth in this biopic that vividly portrayed the life of John Dillinger, gave quick glances of Pretty Boy Floyd and Baby Face Nelson. It is a very gritty gangster picture that pulls no punches. Packs a thunderous earthquake of entertainment.

Movies I Want 2 See

Transformers 2

12 rounds (Out on DVD now)

Movies About 2 Come I Don't Want 2 Miss
Final Destination 4: The Final Destination in 3-D
I have posted a link 2 the trailer for your enjoyment.


GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra

The Messengers 2:The Scarecrow (Out on DVD now)

7 Days to Live

Well I'm wrapping this up 4 now. Until next time, Cinemaniacs have a great day.

Paid

Sunday I watched a movie entitled Paid. A foreign film. Yes I do foreign films. I'm versatile like that. I just love good movies. It doesn't matter where it is from as long as it is worth watching.

Paid is a foreign gangster film that plays out like a well orchestrated chess match between two masters of the game. Everything from the setting, the lighting, the music are all colors of a kaleidoscope spinning rapidly. Bringing fourth a great source of entertainment.


What do you get when you take a drug czar on top of his game get him involved with a young call girl who just so happens to steal his heart. He soon wants to possess her soul. Then add a dash of coincidence that she falls for a hit man who feels for her too.

It just so happens that he works for the smitten drug czar. Shake it all up and you get one hot feisty dish of child endangerment, drugs, sex,keep it on the down low, murder, intrigue double crosses,and of course a great tastefully done gangster flick worth watching.

The actors do an amazing job bringing this story to life. Tom Conti gives an excellent performance.

Paid pays off big time. Paid can teach screenwriters and directors how to put together a movie that is done cleverly correct. I am taking notes on that one. It has all the right stuff, so check this out.

Until next time Cinemaniacs, be well, live well and enjoy all that life has to offer you.

Pathology

Hello Cinemaniacs,

I had a real Reel Cinemaniac weekend that was awesome.

Every movie I sat down to watch was absolutely positively phenomenal. My success ration is never that high. I guess there is a first time for everything. So this week I am going to give you a lot of good movie that you can sit back and enjoy.

So without further or due let me share with you a good flick that I was more or less hesitant to purchase. On my routine video sweep I usually purchase anywhere between $50 and $100 worth of movies at once. Various times I found myself at several of my different movie spots and seeing this movie entitled Pathology.

I would look at the cover read the movie premise on the back of the cover and say well maybe I will get this next time. I would put it back down and pick up something else that reads like flap copy to a good novel. Let me share for quality purposes what that actually means.

I'm sure you have either seen a hard cover novel or own one. You know the types with pictures of the author on the back of the book and when you open the book there is a premise for the book at the beginning on the book cover flap. This is flap copy.

Anyway on my last routine video sweep I decided that it was definitely time to purchase Pathology. So I bought it took it home and had the chance to watch it this morning.

First in foremost, I have to say that this movie is better than I ever even expected. I felt that this movie was at least worth watching. When I say that it is better than I ever expected I mean it blew my socks off and rocked my world at the same time.

Pathology is fully loaded with intrigue, conflict, gore, sex, manipulation of the highest order, love, lust, envy, jealousy, a sticky love triangle, hardcore competitiveness, and of course there is mayhem.

This movie has everything. The icing on the cake is the surprise ending that will have you jumping out of your seats in disbelief. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish more movie packed this much dynamite in them to blow you away.

I'm always keeping you ahead of the game. Until next time have a Reel Cinemaniac day.

P.S. This just in Internet Movie Database dot com now has television shows and movies on it that you can watch. So check it out when you have the chance.

Finally

Hello Cinemaniacs,

It has been a while since I did a new post. I was mourning the death of my aunt June and took a brief hiatus to deal with it and get my mind right.

I want to discuss a picture I watched last night. About a month ago I started out on a quest to find this picture. After visiting the usual suspects, video stores and so fourth I came up empty handed. That is until yesterday afternoon when I walked into Blockbuster Video.

Usually I browse the aisles of the latest flicks that have dropped. Many of them I know about before they drop. It is through this discipline that I find some priceless gems to share with you. I like to take time grabbing movie cases scrolling through their premises to give me inspiration to select worth while movies.

Yesterday's trip to Blockbuster was to find a series that was shown on the Sci-Fi network The Lost Room for my son Arthur. I looked and looked but I didn't find a copy to buy. Eric found a copy but it was disc 1 but I need disc 2. Oh well I guess I have to check someplace else for it.

I began gathering other movies to purchase which I have been waiting to see. That's when it leaped out at me, Powder Blue.

Finally my quest was over. I grabbed it faster than a person would grab free $100 bills in this downsized economy and recession.

I saw previews of it that stirred my interest from the starting gate. Now I was finally getting ready to see it. I grabbed all of the other pictures I wanted to see and made my way to the checkout counter.

Later that night it was pizza and Powder Blue. What can I tell you about Powder Blue?

I can tell you it has a great story line.

I can tell you that is has some great actors in there. Including one of my favorites Forrest Whitaker.

Powder Blue has passion.

Powder Blue has conflict.

Powder Blue has pain.

Powder Blue has heartache.

Powder Blue has unfed desires.

Powder Blue has four ordinary people all searching for something that their lives are missing.

Powder Blue has four ordinary people who are at the end of their rope looking for some kind of reprieve.

Powder Blue weaves four important stories together in the vein of Crash and Crossing Over it is an awesome picture.

All I can say is Powder Blue Powder Blue you don't want to miss it. Powder Blue.

Until next time my cinemaniac family.

Always remember to enjoy the moment, enjoy life and may your day be filled with unlimited smiles and abundant enjoyment.

Roman

Hello Cinemaniacs,

Welcome back. Today I want to talk about a film that included in an earlier post entitled Twisted Tales August 27, 2008. I never really elaborated on the movie and feel the need to do so now.

One Sunday night, I forget the date I was channel surfing as usual looking for something to watch that would keep me interested longer than five minutes.

I turned to the movie channel to a movie named Roman. Roman is written and stars Lucky McKee. Roman is a tale revealing the life of a recluse who longs for companionship, love and happiness. At work he is looked on as a weirdo without a life. He doesn't even own a television.


Roman's life will never be the same after he feasts his eyes upon a beautiful girl next door. She is his fantasy girl. The type a man can't help to long for. His obsession for this young lady leads to a chance visit from this beauty and things go horribly wrong. I don't want to spoil it for you.

There is an inciting incident that kicks this movie into gear. Roman is a great movie i it's own right. Lucky McKee does an excellent job on the script and an excellent job with playing the part of Roman.

I never knew what I was in for when I turned to this movie. It is one of the weirdest love stories that you will ever see. The movie came out in 2006. I didn't get the chance to see it then but I must say that it was definitely worth the wait.

I will definitely be on the lookout for anything that Luck McKee has coming out. I like the way he put this together. He has a new fan in me.

The Poker Club

Hello Cinemaniacs,

It is once again that time we all know and love. Sit back, relax yourself and your mind as i tell you about this movie I watched two weeks ago.

One late night I was channel surfing looking for something to watch. I found myself turning to my last resort after going through all of the cable stations. I have all of the movie stations. But there was nothing on worth watching or worth watching again on.

The ON Demand station is my last resort. So I went through each movie listed. Those known and unknown.

The unknown ones I opened up to read the premise of the film. That is because I want to see if the movie is worthy. I only purchase something off On Demand when I'm intrigued to believe I have to see this movie.

It was getting pretty late as I scanned the list. After going through various movies and reading various premises I started jotting down a list of what I wanted to see.

The Sandman must have been hitting me with his sleepy bat because I was getting weaker and weaker so i set the T.V. to shut off.

The next day I grabbed my list and went to Brooklyn to go see my movie guy in search for the movies I jotted down the night before. I purchased my movies and left out. Then I took a stroll around my old neighborhood.

Being such a reel cinemaniac, I stopped inside of another video store and that's when I fell into a trance. A trance of movie madness. I was deep under now. My eyes scrolling the store shelves jammed packed with all sorts of movies.

I was like a kid at an amusement park with passes to get on all the rides and no lines to wait on at all. My heart was pounding, eyes bulging, mind racing, and I had some decisions to make.

They had so many of the other movies I wanted to see. I was about ready to leave and then I seen it.

The Poker Club.

I already read the premise the other night while scrolling through on demand stations. I copped it and popped it in when I got situated at home.

The movie is about a group of buddies who gather together to play their routine poker game. When a thief breaks in the inciting incident kicks this movie into high gear. I don't want to spoil it for you but this is a good picture.

It has all the right stuff. A good plot packed with a various murders, suspense, fear, what you will and wont do for your family, and a tornado twist that will blow you away.

The Poker Club is definitely a dead man's hand. One that is a quick ride that goes by in a breeze. Check it out at your leisure and let me know what you think.

I am looking to add some new elements to the blog so I want to hear from those of you who read it.

Let me know what you want to see more of in this blog.

Why don't you share a movie that you have seen that you think the rest of us would enjoy seeing.

I am definitely looking forward to your feedback.

Until tomorrow cinemaniacs.

Snapshots, Movies and Legacies

Yesterday was one one of the saddest days of my life. I mean that from the bottom of my soul. In fact, this whole week has been.

Ed McMahon passed away this week. I can still here him announcing Here's Johnny on the Tonight show that I would sneak behind the couch to watch after being tucked in for bed. Ed McMahon was many things to many people.

He will remain to be one the greatest sidekicks in television history. But he was so much more than a sidekick. A true class act and gentleman of his own right. I remember watching Star Search faithfully.

He has touched so many lives. We love you Ed.

Hopefully in his next act if it well with his soul he will get to be one of the announcers in heaven.

Now let me go on to talk about three movies that changed the game as far as movie making goes.

The first stars the beloved Farrah Fawcett whom we both love and will be great missed.

The movie is the Burning Bed. This movie was phenomenal because never before has a television movie stirred so much controversy pertaining to domestic violence. The Burning Bed spoke to the realities that few people in screenwriting were addressing.

It remains to be a trendsetter in cinematography and great film making.

Without the Burning Bed I don't think that my writing idol Stephen King could have been able to come up with a book or a movie would have been made Misery.

Without the Burning Bed people would have been too afraid to address this issue and probably not have come up with movies like:

Sleeping with the Enemy

Fatal Attraction

Basic Instinct

Enough

Faith McNulty, Rose Leiman Goldemberg,Robert Greenwald brought and set up all the C4 and Farrah Fawcett pushed down the plunger and explosion happened that set our souls ablaze. We couldn't help but take notice.

What a movie and what a legacy.

The second movie is the Apostle which stars Robert Duvall,Farrah Fawcett and Billy Bob Thornton. This movie has all the right stuff. Great characters, brilliant acting and a plot that pushes an express mail envelope full of priceless gems.

This is one of the best movies I ever stumbled upon that addresses religion, infidelity, frail humanity, struggle, murder, suspense, an array of adventure with an amazing on screen metamorphosis. It is one of the best little known films ever made.


This movie is a brilliant film for any lover of cinema to see.

Finally one of the last movies I want to address is a remake of the Wizard of Oz entitled the Wiz.

The Wiz is an adaptation of the Wizard of Oz that captured the African American experience. It stars Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Nipsey Russell, Mabel King, Richard Pryor and Lena Horne. Little known secret Dorothy's house was right down the block from Brooklyn's own Albany projects.

Each of the stars of this movie are unforgettable icons.

Michael Jackson went on to make some of the most amazing music videos the world has ever seen. His music videos were movies in themselves. The world stopped to watch these videos. In awe at this dazzling display of rarely seen artistry from an amazingly unforgettable icon

Thriller

You Rock my World

Remember the Time

Beat it

Bad

The hits go on and on. Ones that will forever stand the test of time.
What amazing snapshots, movies and legacies these people have left for us.

R.I.P. Farrah, Ed, and MJ.

That's it for today cinemaniacs. Until next time be well, be safe, enjoy your weekend, and tell everyone special to you that you love them. Life is too short.

The Killing Gene

Tuesday night I popped in a DVD that I never viewed before entitled the Killing Gene. Now I have to say that I really liked this film. The way the movie is shot with a dark feel to it. That captures the essence of the whole story. It is about two cops on the hunt for a serial killer with a a very devious and demented mind.

Stellan Skarsgard (Exorcist the Beginning,the Glass House)plays Eddie Argo, a veteran cop investigating a line of ritually symbolic murders along with his female rookie partner.

The killer gets more bolder with each kill.

Keeping both cops guessing with scarce clues. I wonder why I never seen this movie before because it has been out since 2006. I feel like a kid who got to the prom after it was over.

I have to admit this movie kept me guessing even as a writer and movie critic. I was clueless and it blew me away when I found out who was doing the killing.
This movie packs a wicked twist at the end that leaves it standing in a class all by itself.

So I say put this on your list of must see movies. That is of course, if you have not already seen it already. Until next time cinemaniacs, live your life, be well, relax and watch a good movie.

The Night Train

Every now and then you come across a movie that adds some elements of yesterday to it. By doing it so gracefully that you think you are being transported back in time. Only to realize that this isn't Kansas Dorothy.

The other night I watched a movie entitled Night Train which stars Danny Glover, Leelee Sobieski, and Steve Zahn.

Night Train makes you reminisce about great movies of old that take place on a train. Brian King is writer and director of this movie. He does a brilliant job luring you into this movie. The way a spider spins it's web trapping it's prey.

I don't really like giving too many details on a movie that may spoil it for you. So what I will do is tell you this you do not want to miss this flick.

Danny Glover plays Miles the train conductor, Leelee and Steve both play passengers seated in the back of the train in a cabin. The interior inside the train is rather old you cannot really place the time. King does a great job with keeping you guessing what time this is apart from it being Christmas Eve.

When the train stops it pick up a gentleman who almost misses the train and Miles lets him on without a ticket. He doesn't speak English, it is cold outside and Miles will let him pay him the price of the ticket after he seats him in the cabin that Steve and Leelee are in.

This is just so happens to be the inciting incident that ignites all the unexpected explosives. After the train makes this stop the temperature drops outside and inside the train as well.

Before long this regular train ride becomes a wicked ride filled with greed, double crosses, murder, blood and twists that keep you guessing what is going to happen next. It is scheduled for release on July 7.

But if you cannot wait that long to see this movie I know where you can get it from.

Blockbuster has an early release of the movie. Brian King did an excellent job with this movie so you will thank me for suggesting it to you. I know you will enjoy it thoroughly. Until tomorrow cinemaniacs.

Crossing Over: I'm a Fan

Yesterday's post was way too short so I decided after consulting with one of my beloved confidants to do an addendum to the post.

I wanted to add some elements that I failed to include in my last post.

First and foremost Crossing Over is one of the best films that I have seen this year. It is also one of the best films that I have ever seen that deals with the subject of immigration. This movie has strong characters driven by their passions to get ahead in life.

The original lead on the film was Sean Penn ho bowed out for reason I do not know. Harrison Ford came on board to take the lead and the rest is history.

Now as a writer who is about to delve into the screenwriting craft myself I have to give kudos to Wayne Kramer for bringing this movie to life.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the name you may be more familiar with his works.

Mindhunters, the Cooler, and the remake of Running Scared which I believe is superior to the original which starred Billy Crystal and Gregory Hines. Kramer has a way with adding the right subplots that keep the story rolling like spinners on a classic fully loaded candy apple Super Sport.

Wayne Kramer uses the same flair in Crossing Over that he used to make Running Scared and Mindhunters really good movies.

What makes a movie rock?

Good characters & good actors, good premise, good storyline & dialog, a nice plot and a subplot that not only makes you care about it all but adds a wicked twist to your story. Crossing Over has it all my friend.

I am a fan of Kramer's works now because this guy had all the right stuff. He has two new movies coming out in the near future Fully Automatic and Evilseek. I will keep you posted

Until next time cinemaniacs enjoy your day.

Crossing Over

Over the passed couple of days I have been checking out movies galore. Thursday, I watched a really good picture starring Harrison Ford called Crossing Over.

I like Harrison Ford films. He plays an good hearted ICE agent(Immigration and Customs Enforcement) who is loves his work. It just so happens that they events within the next couple of days everything is about to change.

Whoever wrote this screenplay is very skilled with the pen. I thoroughly enjoyed watching Crossing Over. Harrison Ford gives a great performance as always. Once again proving that he's still on top of hist game and a master at his craft.

So if you have not yet seen this gem go out and get it.

Until next time cinemaniacs be well.

KILLSHOT

The other day while going movie shopping I tried searching for a movie that I was trolling for for quite sometime. The movie is entitled Killshot which stars Mickey Rourke, Thomas Jane, Dianne Lane Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Rosario Dawson.

It is a movie based on an Elmore Leonard Book. It the story of a Mafia hitman Armand Black Bird(Rourke) who goes on a job and is identified by a couple. Who after their run in with Black Bird go into a witness protection program for protection.

I really don't want to go into more detail for fear I will spoil the movie for you.
Bang, bang, bang, it's kill or be killed in this flick. This movie has all of the right stuff. Each actor brings these characters to life and make the movie that much more enjoyable. A good drama with a flair of violence, good action, and a nice plot to seal the deal for you.

You can rent it from your favorite spot, wherever that may be. This is one I wanted to have in my library. Until next time cinemaniacs, remember you deserve to see the best flicks and here about the best picks.

Public Enemies

The other day I went to the screening of Public Enemies.

I must warn you ahead of time that this movie is awesome. It is a must see.

If you love gangster movies the way I do you will not be disappointed at all.

Johnny Depp does a great job in capturing Dillinger's persona. Depp is a brilliant actor who really doesn't get his props the way that he should.

I loved him in Blow and I love him even more in Dillinger.

I would love to see him play more gangster roles to solidify his name in the acting game.

Al Pacino did it in the Godfather Trilogy,Scarface, & Carlito's Way,

Robert DeNiro did it in the Godfather II, Once Upon a Time in America, the Untouchables,Good Fellas & Casino.

Hopefully his portrayal of Dillinger will do it for him.

Two Tommy Guns up for this banger along with a twenty one gun salute.

Michael Mann really did an outstanding job with this movie. I mean everything from the storyline, dialog,great acting, history, action, the wardrobe & vehicles, and the shot angles he really pulled out all the stops for this one. I have to say I was blown away by this movie.

There is a very strong possibility I will go see it again when it comes out on July 1st because it's definitely worth watching again.

Go Check That Out

Last night, I went to see the Taking of Pelham 123 loved every minute of it.

I already knew I would but, there is nothing like spending $12.50 for a movie and not being upset because you wasted your time and money on garbage. This movie delivered the goods.

Pelham 123 is chocked with all the right stuff that a movie should have a tight plot, an uncanny hero, a good villain, passionate characters, some good action, a time clock, a twist of mystery, great dialog and yes there will be blood.

If you have not already had the opportunity to see it yet go check that out.

Denzel Washington and John Travolta are both fabulous in this flick you will not be disappointed.

Today is D-Day

It's been a longtime but I'm back people.

Today is D-Day. I have waited for this moment that is finally here. I will keep this extremely short and to the point. Today Denzel Washington and John Travolta are going to set the screen ablaze across the nation with the movie Pelham 123.

I already know I will be blown away by this movie. The icing on the cake is it will be well worth the 12.50 ticket.

I'm looking forward to seeing record breaking box office numbers for the grrrreat Denzel Washington and Pelham 123.

Denzel is in my book the best actor on the planet. Denzel is the real deal. Keep on doing what you love honing your craft so we can keep loving what you do.

My prayers of comforting strength to Travolta family.

People go out to see this movie with your family and friends this weekend and tell me what you think.

Have an amazing weekend.

John Cusack

Everyone has their own favorite actor. I mean I have mines.

Notice that used mines because i happen to have several favorite actors.

Besides your favorite actor there are actors who you like who fall into the good or great category. Then there are actors who may not even end up on your list but you have respect for their craft.

I have actors whom I like but feel they never really get their due in the industry.
So it is with this in mind that I penned this post. John Cusack is an actor I enjoy watching. So I complied a list of my favorite flicks with John Cusack.

16 Candles

Martian Child

The Ice Harvest

Stand By Me

Identity

The Contract

Grosse Pointe Blank

Better off Dead

City Hall

Say Anything

The Thin Red Line

Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil

Must Love Dogs

1408

Runaway Jury

Americas Sweethearts

How to Get the Most Out of Movie Trailers?

Warning! The following information is important to anyone who doesn’t want to end up wasting your money on a movie not worth seeing.

Are you tired of going to see movies that leave you disappointed because they failed to deliver and leave you feeling cheated?

Well one of the greatest things ever invented is the movie trailer. Why?
Because the trailer helps sell the movie to the audience long before a ticket is purchased. After watching hundreds of trailers I have worked out a fool proof way that lets me really know if I want to see a movie when it hits the screen.

Step 1: When Watching a Trailer Always Read Between the Lines
How do you read between the lines of a movie trailer? Well it’s simple watch the trailer at least three times. This way you become pretty much familiar with the sequence of events and what they are trying to sell you on.

Step 2: They Say the Third Time is a Charm
After watching the trailer three times you will get a really good idea of if and why you want to see this movie. If the trailer doesn’t grab you within the 3 minute or less sequences, then chances are the movie won’t do so either.

Step 3: Don’t be Fooled by Cheap Tricks
It is possible to still get tricked into going to see a movie that you want to walk out on. The last time a trailer helped pulled me into seeing a movie I wanted to walk out of was in 2007. In fact, the trailer was flooded with the best parts of the movie and yes I got caught out there.

Everybody gets fooled once in a while.

Magicians use sleight of hand, psychologists use sleight of mouth and movie producers use sleight of sale (which consists of all of the above) to work magic upon viewers to come and see their latest and greatest.

Step 4: Go by Your Gut Instinct
Be sure to go by your gut instinct on if you should see a movie or not. In fact, this should be number one. I say this because if you ware or were not moved internally by the trailer then you may want to hold off on going to see this new picture.

Step 5: Watch Movie Trailers Before Going to See the Movie
In this day and age you can watch movie trailers for the comfort of your home on cable and satellite television. There are also various online sites such as www.youtube.com and other movie sites that are filled with movie trailers. You can even do a Google search to find other sites which may not be familiar to you.

New Years Revolution

Out with the old and in with the new.

We made it to 2009. Let us all rejoice that we have been given the opportunity to see a new year (525,600 minutes to be exact).

A new year bids farewells to yesterday and hello to new possibilities, new beginnings and new opportunities that you have never seen or heard of before. I don't know what your new years resolutions are?

I don't know what your goals may be for this year? What I can tell you is this:

I wish you all heaven. The power to endure come what may and that the peace of God envelops your whole life.

So with this charge I declare to you on this day, dream bigger, stand like the brave, and persevere in the presence of adversity keep God first and all other things shall be added unto you.

It’s time to get on my 2009 grind and shine like the star I am.

You are too.

Act like you know, do what you plan to do, walk confidently into your destiny and be happy.