Movie-Holic » features http://www.movie-holic.com Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:38:42 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Snow White Movie to be Called ‘Mirror Mirror’ http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/11/05/snow-white-movie-to-be-called-mirror-mirror/ http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/11/05/snow-white-movie-to-be-called-mirror-mirror/#comments Sun, 06 Nov 2011 01:42:31 +0000 Tim http://www.movie-holic.com/?p=1325


The news has now come forward that Relativity Media has finally come to a decision about the name for the upcoming revisioning of of the classic Snow White movie. The new title is said to be ‘Mirror Mirror’.

The movie, which has finished filming and is scheduled to be released in March of 2012, is a comedic adventure that brings to life the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. I remember when my 6 year old daughter saw it for the first time. She loved it. I only hope that this particular movie will be well suited for my now 10 year old.

This revisioning of the movie stars the newcomer, Lily Collins, as the exiled princess who enlists the help of seven woodsman to help her get back her crown. Julia Roberts stars as the jealous evil Queen that steals the throne and starts the events into motion that hopefully will do justice to the original classical interpretation.

I guess we will have to see what ‘Mirror Mirror’ has on March 16, 2012.

]]> http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/11/05/snow-white-movie-to-be-called-mirror-mirror/feed/ 0 Sucker Punch DVD Review http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/07/15/sucker-punch-dvd-review/ http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/07/15/sucker-punch-dvd-review/#comments Sat, 16 Jul 2011 01:42:44 +0000 Tim http://www.movie-holic.com/?p=1271


Sucker Punch Review Sucker Punch is one of those movies that only Zack Snyder could write and direct. With a lot of the same elements that made 300 and Watchmen enjoyable were pretty evident in this movie about young girls locked within an institution that is not what is seems.

Sucker Punch is a movie that you either will hate or love. There is no middle ground with this movie. It a futuristic ride that is directly from the mind of Snyder. There is no rhyme or reason for anything that happens in the movie and your mind takes a trip of its own while you are engrossed during the entire the film is on.

Sucker Punch – The Basics

This is a movie about a tragic turn that eventually gets worse. When you think that all is well, it turns again. The movie starts with Emily Browning in her home after her mother has passed away. Through events in the home, her stepfather has her placed in an institution where things are not as it seems.

As the movie continues, Browning, who becomes known as Baby Doll is being pruned as a dancer of this house of ill-repute where the “patients” all work as dancers for high paying customers.

During this time Baby Doll begins to cope with her situation by escaping into an alternate reality where she has super-human like abilities. Sucker Punch ReviewThroughout different episodes her alternate reality is fighting impossible battles while her true self is “dancing” and captivating all who watch.

As a means of trying to escape, Baby Doll enlists the help of some of the other patients/dancers. Vanessa Hudgens shows her “bad girl” attitude in playing Blondie, and Abbie Cornish is Sweet Pea. Along with Jamie Chung and Jena Malone, this motley bunch sets off on their daring escape plan. All the while caught up in Baby Doll’s alternate dream like state where they defeat already dead Nazi’s and a large dragon.

Sucker Punch – The Action

The reason to watch the Sucker Punch movie is simply for the action sequence. Martial arts, swordplay, gun fighting, Zeppelin’s blowing up, and a fire breathing dragon make for a great show as Baby Doll slips into her dancing state.

All of the action is contained within this dream like state. Each of the actions also coincide with one of the “tasks” that they must perform in order to secure their escape plans. If they succeed in the alternate world all is fine, if they don’t… things get worse.

Sucker Punch – The Acting

If you were to watch a movie for stellar acting, breathtaking performances, and tear invoking drama, Sucker Punch would not be that movie.

This is not the movie to watch for the acting. It is deplorable at best. Even the stellar Carla Gugino’s performance sorely misses any level of even being good.

Sucker Punch Review

Sucker Punch – The Verdict

All in all, the movie was still worth watching. It is an enjoyable combination of Snyder-esque reality with some underlying moral story of selfless actions.

If you enjoyed other Snyder movie’s, you’ll like Sucker Punch If not… you’re likely not to like it.

As I said, you’re either going to love it or hate it. There is no middle ground.

Click here to get the Sucker Punch (Two-Disc Extended Edition) [Blu-ray]

]]> http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/07/15/sucker-punch-dvd-review/feed/ 0 Due Date Blu-Ray Review http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/07/15/due-date-blu-ray-review/ http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/07/15/due-date-blu-ray-review/#comments Sat, 16 Jul 2011 00:42:29 +0000 Tim http://www.movie-holic.com/?p=1273


Due Date DVD In the realm of “buddy” movies that involve a road trip, there are several instant classic hits. Due Date, which stars Robert Downey Jr. (Ironman) and Zach Galifianakis (The Hangover), was dubbed as the next great buddy movie that involved a cross country road trip.

Sadly, it didn’t turn out that way.

There were some moments where I thought Due Date was going to start getting funny, but was let down again and left with an empty 95 minutes of my life.

In the tradition of hilarious road trip movies such as Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, Tommy Boy, The Blues Brothers, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, Dumb & Dumber, and even the cult classic Beavis & Butthead Do America stand head and shoulders above Due Date.

Due Date – A Quick Look

The movie had tremendous appeal for audiences because of the once again wildly popular Robert Downey Jr. and the mildly amusing Zach Galifianakis. Downey Jr. plays Peter Highman who is a highly strung architect who is in Atlanta at the time when his wife is getting near the date to deliver their first child. Hence, the name Due Date. He is tasked with the mission of going home to L.A. after a business meeting. This would not be any problem, except for the introduction of Ethan Tremblay (Galifianakis) into the story line.

From there things get progressively worse from being kicked off the flight they are both on to crashing the rental car off a bridge, one of them getting shot after being detained at the US/Mexican border.

As I said, tremendous appeal. It should have been a non-stop laugh fest. However, the laughs were very few and very forced at times. I actually felt like I had to laugh at certain points because the situation supposedly called for it.

Due Date – The Acting

I am not quite sure where the movie went wrong. With the power of both Downey Jr. and Galifianakis in the picture it should have been on par with Tommy Boy and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. The only problem with that is the lack of chemistry between the two was painfully evident.

Chris Farley and David Spade were made to act together. Everything they did turned into comedic gold. The same thing with John Candy and Steve Martin. They made those top “buddy” movies special because they were special together.

Downey Jr. and Galifianakis were not.

It’s not that they did a bad job of acting. They just didn’t go a good job together.

Due Date – The Comedic Element

Due Date ReviewAs is the case with many movies the movie trailers and teasers make the movies seem much better than they actually are.

I was looking forward to this movie as the trailers were put together in such a way that they made you laugh. But, when you put the scenes in the context of the movie… the laughter just wasn’t there.

The comedy seemed forced as the relationship between the two characters were forced because of their situation.

Due Date – The Good

In every movie there has to be some good in it. I don’t care if it is the worse movie in the history of movies… there has to be at least one scene, one word, one moment where something good happens.

Jamie Foxx provides this with his appearance as Peter’s friend in Texas. Without giving any spoilers it involved a truck, Tremblay in the back, and speeding over large bumps in the road. I actually did laugh at that moment. due date review

Due Date – The Verdict

If you are a fan of either one of these actors you might just find enjoyment in that alone. But, if you are looking for a good comedic movie… keep looking.

But…. if you want to waste 95 minutes of your life…

Click here to get the Due Date [Blu-ray]

]]> http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/07/15/due-date-blu-ray-review/feed/ 0 Transformers: Dark of the Moon Review for Movie Lovers http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/07/03/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-review-for-movie-lovers/ http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/07/03/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-review-for-movie-lovers/#comments Mon, 04 Jul 2011 01:14:01 +0000 Tim http://www.movie-holic.com/?p=1238


Bumble Bee in Transformers 3 Transformers: Dark of the Moon has opened up across the country and the reviews continue to pour in. I asked a few days ago if you were planning on going to the theater to see the new Transformers movie and let it out that I was going the day after opening.

Well, I have seen Transformers: Dark of the Moon and continue to try and catch my breath. This is a movie like no other. If you have already seen it, you know what I am talking about. If not, then you must go.

Transformers: The Basics

While this review is not concerned with how close the story, the robots, and the mayhem stayed with the actual cartoon, it is for those who simply love movies.

I grew up in the ’80′s, but was not a big Transformers fan. I didn’t watch the cartoons, didn’t play with the cars, and really couldn’t tell you any of the robot names other than Optimus Prime and MegaTron. And, I probably never will see the cartoons or play with the toys. But, I now love Transformers.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon is the third movie in the franchise – and most definitely the best one. It continues the story of the Transformers on earth, the life of Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf), and the special detachment of service men that are assigned to work with the robots.

This particular installment focuses on the return of Sentinal Prime. A general of Cybertron who was lost when his ship was lost in space. The cargo in this ship was an invention that would save all of the Transformers from extinction. As the Decepticons hide out around the world, they maneuver the humans into finding the ship on the dark side of the moon along with the precious cargo.

From there mayhem ensues. And it is edge of your seat mayhem that does not stop until the end credits roll.

Transformers: A Review for Movie Lovers

Optimus Prime As I mentioned, I have not been a fan of the Transformers toys or cartoons. So, coming into this review it is not about the “true” story. It is about the movie itself. And what a movie it is.

Michael Bay may have redeemed himself in the eyes of many Transformers fans after they shred The Revenge of the Fallen to bits of scrap metal. I can’t say much, I loved it. However, you can tell that a lot more thought went into Dark Side of the Moon. This goes into every aspect of the movie.

The action is elevated exponentially as well as the actual storyline and flow of each sequence. Gone is the choppy, almost forced, sequences. Only to be replaced with a seamless transition into each scene.

The same type of comedic instances (crass language, sexual innuendos, and witty comments) are found, but with a little less offense to them.

The biggest change overall would be the way that the robots are portrayed and interact. They actually look real. This, in my mind, cements it as one of the best action movies of all time. The realism is superb.

What About The Action?

Over the top sequences is what makes a truly memorable action thriller. And Michael Bay knows how to deliver that. I have to admit there was one aspect to the movie that I would give a low grade for. It took awhile to get into the action.

But, when it did… you didn’t dare to blink.

The first half of the movie consists of a lot of building up of the storyline. A lot of historical aspects are brought into the story to help the viewer understand what is actually going on. While this is necessary, I found it a little tedious. Then again, I just wanted the fighting, the explosions, the screaming, the mayhem to begin.

As the Decepticons began to put their plan into action, Dark of the Moon distanced itself from other action movies as an example. An example of how to do it right.

Fast, Non-Stop, Over the Top Action

The Decepticons take over Chicago, destroy buildings, and take a lot of human life. As the special forces sneak into the city they find an almost ‘War of the Worlds’ type invasion. Without releasing any spoilers, the team heads into a skyscraper in order to shoot a rocket into one of the ‘pillars’ that the Decepticons are using to bring Cybertron into Earth’s proximity. From there it gets fast, furious, non-stop and breathtaking.

The fight scenes between Autobots and Decepticons – especially when Optimus Prime goes on a rampage – are much better than the first two installments.

Transformers: Dark of the Moon – Should You See It?

When it comes to summer blockbusters, Transformers: Dark of the Moon is exactly what one should be. It is pure high-octane enjoyment for anyone looking for a thrilling ride at the movies. The first hour and a half is a little slow, but it is justified with the intense hour that follows.

Should you see it? Yes. However, do yourself a favor before you do. Go to the bathroom first. Because once it starts… you won’t have time to.

Should you wait for the Blu-Ray or DVD release? No. The experience of seeing it in full surround sound and a giant theater screen is how Transformers: Dark of the Moon should be seen at least once or twice. I, myself, plan to go again in a few days. Once I catch my breath.

Have you seen it yet? What did you think?

]]> http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/07/03/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-review-for-movie-lovers/feed/ 1 Transformers: Dark of the Moon Starts Tonight! http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/06/30/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-starts-tonight/ http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/06/30/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-starts-tonight/#comments Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:39:22 +0000 Tim http://www.movie-holic.com/?p=1233


Transformers Dark of the Moon Movie Poster Transformers: Dark of the Moon makes it theatrical debut tonight! After the months of waiting, reading reports, watching movie trailers, and now seeing some initial movie reviews the third installment in the Transformers cinematical franchise is here.

Transformers Dark of the Moon Trailer

Are You Going To See Transformers: Dark of the Moon?

I realize that there are many who have mixed feelings about the first two. For me, I loved them. In fact, I would rate them within my top five all time favorite movies. I’m not a purist so keeping to the “actual” Transformers cartoon is not a big requirement for me in loving the movies. I like the fun. The ride. The “lose yourself for two and a half hours” escape from reality.

With that said, are you looking forward to seeing Transformers: Dark of the Moon? Are you going to be checking it out tonight? Or, waiting for the lines to die down? Are you going to see the regular film or the 3D version? Unfortunately for me, my schedule does not allow me to see it tonight. But… tomorrow I’m going for the 3D version!

If you’re going, or you have already seen it… please leave a comment below!

]]> http://www.movie-holic.com/2011/06/30/transformers-dark-of-the-moon-starts-tonight/feed/ 1 ‘Harry Potter’ to pass ‘Star Wars’? http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/11/20/harry-potter-to-pass-star-wars/ http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/11/20/harry-potter-to-pass-star-wars/#comments Sat, 20 Nov 2010 22:49:39 +0000 Tim http://www.movie-holic.com/?p=1152


I have to say that I am not all that excited about the possibility of the Harry Potter franchise overtaking that of my beloved Star Wars films. But, it seems that there may be a new champion when it comes to overall box office strength.

The George Lucas inspired movies of the Star Wars saga has for many years been the ruling champ when it comes to movie franchises. In total the six films of the galactic saga has raked in more than $1.9 Billion! That is simply amazing when you stop to think about it. But, the J.K. Rowling story of the boy wizard and his wizardy friends may be on the course of overtaking that top spot with its six film run.

While this is great news to the Potter faithful, for those who believe in the Force want another Star Wars movie soon! Right now the Potter franchise is sitting at a little over $1.7 billion in overall box office draw. Estimates put this particular movie over that of the Lucas films before the end of the year.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows may push the franchise over the top, but for how long? Do you think anything else can catch up to it? What about the new fleet of Batman movies? Or will Avatar end up overtaking the top spot with fewer movies?

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]]> http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/11/20/harry-potter-to-pass-star-wars/feed/ 0 Remake of ‘Wizard of Oz’ Based on Original Script http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/11/20/remake-of-wizard-of-oz-based-on-original-script/ http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/11/20/remake-of-wizard-of-oz-based-on-original-script/#comments Sat, 20 Nov 2010 21:00:01 +0000 Tim http://www.movie-holic.com/?p=1144


When it comes to Hollywood coming up with new ideas for movies, there is a mixed bag of both good and bad ones. Warner Brothers might be on the verge of a bad one. It seems that the movie company is in talks with Robert Zemekis to direct a remake of the beloved classic of The Wizard of Oz.

As the continuing trend of remakes is going forward with ever increasing vitality there isn’t going to be any movie that is safe. One of the bright shining points of this proposal to remake the MGM classic The Wizard of Oz is that it is going to based completely on the original script. Many of today’s remakes do not resemble the original, so this would be a breath of fresh air. But, remake The Wizard of Oz?

Isn’t there any other ideas that can be told?

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]]> http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/11/20/remake-of-wizard-of-oz-based-on-original-script/feed/ 0 Karate Kid Remake Trailer With Jackie Chan And Jaden Smith http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/02/26/karate-kid-remake-trailer-with-jackie-chan-and-jaden-smith/ http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/02/26/karate-kid-remake-trailer-with-jackie-chan-and-jaden-smith/#comments Fri, 26 Feb 2010 14:14:38 +0000 Tim http://www.movie-holic.com/?p=1124


The year of the remake continues with the release of the 1984 classic The Karate Kid. The new 2010 version is starring the combination of Jackie Chan as Mr. Han, the Mr. Miyagi of the new version, and Jaden Smith who is portraying Dre Parker.

While I am not sold on the need for a new Karate Kid movie I do think that the trailer looks pretty good. Maybe we shouldn’t call it a complete remake. After all, the characters and setting are changed. The story is basically similar, but it just isn’t The Karate Kid without Mr. Miyagi and Daniel-san.

The Karate Kid 2010 Trailer

Well, I guess we’ll see. The Karate Kid is scheduled to release in theaters on June 11, 2010.

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]]> http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/02/26/karate-kid-remake-trailer-with-jackie-chan-and-jaden-smith/feed/ 0 Blood: The Last Vampire DVD Review http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/02/22/blood-the-last-vampire-dvd-review/ http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/02/22/blood-the-last-vampire-dvd-review/#comments Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:14:35 +0000 Tim http://www.movie-holic.com/?p=1107


I have to admit that at the beginning of this – I do like anime. I am kind of a closet anime fan. I don’t really watch any with anybody in my family, but love to watch anime like Naruto, and Bleach. I also like anime books of the following and others. One of my favorites has been Blood: The Last Vampire. I don’t really know what has drawn me to this one in particular, but I was hooked by the single series manga of the same name.

When this live action movie came out I was pretty excited to check it out. I didn’t quite make it to the movie theater release, but I did finally catch in on DVD. And…

Why Do They Mess With A Good Thing?

Blood: The Last Vampire is a great story… in the manga series. I was even happy with the 2001 anime version. They tried to stay as close to the original storyline as possible. I mean, what is better than the last vampire fighting an age old battle against ferocious demons?

Sadly, that isn’t what you get with the live action 2009 version. In fact, you get a story that is typical Hollywood. A girl who is searching for meaning, battling against otherworldly figures in order to find closure in who (what) she is. Yes, there was demons, but not in the way they are presented in the manga. I was a little disappointed in it.

But…

Blood: The Last Vampire Is Still Not A Bad Movie

Blood: The Last Vampire s still not that bad of a movie. I found myself actually enjoying it a little. No, it is not a big blockbuster movie. No, there isn’t any over the top acting. No, there isn’t a real exciting storyline.

But, it is a good movie. It moves along and doesn’t really get all that stale anywhere. I was a little worried about this at the beginning, but it picked up and moved pretty good.

The Last Vampire Story

The movie, at its very basic core, is about a girl, Saya (played by Gianna Jun), who is the last vampire employed by a secret, covert American agency to eradicate the world of demons in a post-WWII Tokyo. That part is almost true of the Manga. But, it involves people from the base who start to get involved also. A typical general’s daughter, Alice (played by Allison Miller), becomes involved when some her father is killed by some of the people who employ Saya and come after her. However, there is also an underlying story of Saya wanting to find Onegin, (played by Koyuki) the head demon who killed her father.

Overall, Blood: The Last Vampire Is Decent

Through the movie you get a glimpse of Saya’s past, what she is struggling with, inner turmoil, some action, cool swordplay, and some gore. So, the movie does not fall flat on its face. It is good… or at least decent. I am glad that I did not run out to the movie theater to see it and decided to purchase the DVD instead.

Blood: The Last Vampire Trailer

Blood: The Last Vampire Movie Clip

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]]> http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/02/22/blood-the-last-vampire-dvd-review/feed/ 0 The Haunting In Connecticut DVD Review http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/02/17/the-haunting-in-connecticut-dvd-review/ http://www.movie-holic.com/2010/02/17/the-haunting-in-connecticut-dvd-review/#comments Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:32:44 +0000 Tim http://www.movie-holic.com/?p=931


I would like to say that this movie lived up to the hype surrounding it, but the truth is; The Haunting in Connecticut was mediocre at best.

As the hype machine was set into motion when this movie was getting ready to hit the theaters, I just knew that this movie was going to be pretty good. Based in a true story in Connecticut, the movie chronicles the happenings when a family moves into an old home that use to be a funeral home. Just that storyline alone is enough to make you want to see it.

I was very excited to check out this movie when it came to DVD. I wasn’t able to check it out in the theaters when it was here, and now I am glad I didn’t waste a Friday night and $30 for my wife and I and popcorn.

The Good

The Haunting in Connecticut is not that bad of a movie. It was just a little disappointing after getting excited from all the advertisements, and television specials. The movie starts out like any vintage horror movie. A family that is trying to get a new start, in a new town, but ends up in the wrong house. Sort of Amityville Horror-esque. But, since it is based upon a true story (again, a little bit of Amityville Horror) I was willing to give it the benefit of the doubt. The movie does have some pretty creepy parts in it.

The focus of the movie is on the son and mother. The son, played by Kyle Gallner, goes through pretty much hell while he is trying to get better from a rare disease. From the beginning of the movie you begin to feel sorry for the guy because you know what is going to happen to him. However, you begin to lose that feeling pretty quickly. The mother, played by Virginia Madsen, is there being the strong motherly type who never gives up on her son. However, through all of this, some very messed up things begin to happen to her son.

Besides some of the more creepier parts, the acting was pretty good. The brightest spot of the movie has to be the way that the actors seemed to be actually living the horrors of the film rather than just acting them out. There were some points where I felt drawn in by the acting and started to actually “feel” for them.

The Bad

When you go to see a ghost flick, you want to be shown something that you haven’t seen before. I have already alluded to the fact that this movie is much like Amityville Horror than an original ghost story. Every true ghost story can not be the same. The scary moments, while some were creepy, were not all that jumpy. They didn’t give you that “look over your shoulder” moments.

The Haunting in Connecticut Is Good For A Rental

For those of you who are diehard horror fans, adding The Haunting in Connecticut will give you another DVD, or Blu-Ray, to your collection, but nothing truly substantial as far as movie thrills is concerned. You’re better off giving this one a rent through Netflix, or iTunes.

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