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.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, June 22, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, June 19, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, June 12, 2009
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.
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.
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