Justin Long

Movies out Friday:

The Brothers Bloom - This movie looks awesome. It has many big-name stars (Adrien Brody, Mark Ruffalo, and Rachel Weisz) and a very intriguing story that is sure to have many laughs. You can be sure I'm going to have a very good review soon.

Drag Me to Hell - Not even Justin Long or Alison Lohman could drag me to see this movie (pun intended). I can't even watch the previews without being scared out of my mind! How can a PG-13 movie look so terrifying?!

Up - I absolutely love Pixar, but I'm not so sure about this one. How funny can a floating house be? But I will of course see it because, let's face it, Pixar has never put out a terrible movie. Ever. I challenge you to find one.

Hilarious and Good-Looking Special Features:

Underrated movie of the post:

Accepted - This movie was very funny and allows the audience to live vicariously through the students at Justin Long's make-believe college. Who wouldn't want to "study" whatever you want? Also, because the "majors" are so diverse, it keeps you laughing and interested throughout the whole movie because there is always something funny around the corner.

Movies to see:

The Brothers Bloom, Up, and Accepted.

Boredom Induced Movie Reviews:

Mindhunters - This movie was actually very good. I was pleasantly surprised. I recorded it off of SpikeTV (strike 1) only knowing that LL Cool J starred in it (strike 2) and knew it was a psychological thriller (strike 3). Needless to say, I didn't have high hopes, but within twenty minutes I was completely absorbed. At some points I was utterly terrified and I couldn't figure out who the killer was until the very end! (If you don't know about my insane prediction skills, that is saying something.) If that isn't enough to convince you, it also stars Val Kilmer, Christian Slater, Johnny Lee Miller and a bunch of other unknowns who you will probably recognize, but listing their names here would be pointless.
Conversations with Other Women - This movie was a huge let-down. I'll admit that I only watched it because of Aaron Eckhart and Helena Bonham Carter, but I thought the plot looked a little interesting as well. It turns out that it wasn't. The whole film is in split-screen with each half focusing on different people (in the same room half the time!) which is highly distracting and I couldn't figure out which screen I should be watching. Highly annoying. And if that wasn't bad enough, all they did was talk (except for the twenty minutes of soft-core porn) and discuss their lives. Add in Aaron Eckhart's character whining like a little girl and HBC committing adultery and you've got one lame movie.
The Last Word - If you'll remember I posted the trailer for this movie in my last post. I have to say that it was just as funny as I thought it would be. Ray Romano was hilarious, Winona Ryder was a bona-fide insane person, and Wes Bentley was so lovable it wasn't even funny. The story was contrived, but with a crazy twist to keep it interesting and the ending was unexpected and cute. All and all, a very good film.

Trailer of the post:

This movie looks fantastic! Not only does it star Timothy Olyphant, Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich, but it looks exciting! Holy crap!

Name 7 Justin Long:

Die Hard 4, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, Dodgeball, Herbie: Fully Loaded, He’s Just Not That Into You, Waiting, Accepted.

Kevin Bacon:

Justin Long was in He's Just Not That Into You with Jennifer Aniston who was in Picture Perfect with Kevin Bacon: 2 steps.

Quote Quiz #77 winner:

Molly takes 2 in a row with Mr. Deeds! Can she get another one? Hm? Hm?! HMMMM?!?!

QQ #78: Name this Justin Long movie:

"Am I making a spectacle? Because I could make a much bigger scene. I'm sorry, Pittsburg, listen up Monroevers, my name is Brandon St. Randy, and I love Bobby Long!"

a. Waiting...
b. Love Song For Bobby Long
c. Zack and Miri Make a Porno
d. Accepted

Winona Ryder

DVDs out Tuesday:

New In Town - I was suckered into seeing this movie and I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. The plot was completely contrived and done millions of times before, but I found myself enjoying the film anyway. Zellwager and Connick, Jr. worked marvelously together and who doesn't love J.K. Simmons? That guy's hilarious. (I still don't find Harry Connick, Jr. good looking, though. Sorry Megan. Haha.)

We're Back! A Dinosaur Story - This movie is one of my all-time favorite kid movies ever! I am beyond thrilled that it's finally on DVD and will be rushing out to buy it as soon as I get paid on Friday. Woot! (Note: This is where I get my "The Museum of NATURAL History" for those of you who were looking at me funny during Night at the Museum 2 over the weekend.)

Klepto Goodies.

Underrated movie of the post: Beetle Juice. This movie scared the pants off of me when I was a wee child and I'll admit I haven't ventured back since. However, I know it is a cult classic and (apparently) a good movie. So I'm going to put it on my Netflix queue...but I'll let it work it's way up nice and slowly.

Movies to see: New in Town, We're Back! A Dinosaur Story, and Beetle Juice.

Before we get to the rest, I'd like to add a new Goodie to the rest in honor of Summer Vacation. It's called:
Boredom Induced Movie Review of the Post: Driving Lessons and Highlander.
Driving Lessons was actually a very humorous movie if you're able to understand British humor. Everything is very understated, but still funny when you think about it. It stars (my love) Rupert Grint, Julie Walters and Laura Linney (she's in EVERYTHING!!). Poor Rupert Grint is a teenager surrounded by a bunch of crazy-asses making it hard for him to overcome his weirdo phase and become a normal person. Julie Walters is beyond hilarious and Laura Linney is insane. All in all, a very cute movie. The best part was watching the Outtakes. British Outtakes are vastly different than American Outtakes in that the British ones aren't funny in the slightest. I honestly don't know why they included them to begin with.
Highlander is a ridiculous movie, but it was made in the '80s so what can you expect? They didn't really explain why there are immortals and why "there can be only one". I'm convinced that they just made it so they would have an excuse to cut the heads off people. Sean Connery plays an Egyptian/Spanish immortal (with a Scottish accent), Christopher Lambert is the Highlander with a stupid accent that is supposed to be Scottish (but isn't), and Roxanne Hart plays a CSI that falls in love with the Highlander after she stabs him and he doesn't die. Go figure.

Trailer of the Post: Wondering why I decided to whip Winona Ryder out of nowhere? I stumbled across this fantastic trailer and had to share. Enjoy The Last Word. It's already out on DVD, but who says my Trailers of the Post can't be for DVDs too?



Random fact of the post: Johnny Depp used to have a tattoo proclaiming "Winona Forever" and when they separated he got it altered to say "Wino Forever". Imagine being replaced by booze? Harsh.

Name 7 Winona Ryder: Little Women, Beetle Juice, Edward Scissorhands, Sex and Death 101, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Mermaids, Alien: Resurrection.

Winona Ryder was in The Last Word with Ray Romano who was in Ice Age 2 with Queen Latifah who was in Beauty Shop with Kevin Bacon: 3 steps.

Quote Quiz #76 winner: Molly with The Hot Chick! Yay!

QQ #77: Name this Winona Ryder movie:
"Awww, he's choking. We should leave."

a. Sex and Death 101
b. Beetle Juice
c. The Last Word
d. Mr. Deeds

Rachel McAdams

Movies out this weekend:

Terminator: Salvation - See below.

Dance Flick - While most of these spoof movies are dumb, I might not mind seeing this one. The Wayans brothers can be pretty cool.

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian - I'm pretty freaking excited to see this movie. I mean, Dick Van Dyke is cool, but all the new additions to the cast (Hank Azaria, Bill Hader, Amy Adams, etc) are very exciting and should make this movie even better than the first!

Summer Movie Review Part 2:

Angels & Demons - Book-wise, Angels & Demons is better than The Da Vinci Code. Movie-wise, I'd have to say they are about the same. Both have equal amounts of puzzles and intrigue. One thing that A&D has over DVC is Ewan McGregor. Not only does he bring a certain sense of beauty to the film, but his portrayel of the Camerlango was fantastic. The entire movie was suspenseful and some of the effects were pretty spectacular. They tweaked a few details, but half the time I didn't notice. That's how exciting it is!

Terminator: Salvation - Christian Bale was the main actor advertised for this film, but I honestly believe that Sam Worthington is far more deserving. This guy stole the show and it wasn't hard. Bale kind of over-acted, but it wasn't too bad. I mean, John Conner has a lot of issues and that whole "world on my shoulders" thing, but I liked him better when Nick Stahl played him in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines because he was less angst-y. But back to Sam Worthington. He was awesome and his fight scenes were kickass! Being half-robot and all-hot has its upsides.
Everyone else's acting was pretty good (other than Christian Bale's) and Helena Bonham Carter's little part was a very pleasant surprise. She is awesome. Bryce Dalla Howard's part as Kate Conner was actually a little disappointing. She was great for the entire five minutes that she was in the film. Moon Bloodgood had more screentime and she was a new character! Besides that, Kate Conner was preggo the whole time and there wasn't even a baby payoff in the end! I ask you, what ws the point? Anton Yelchin was really cute and even verging on good looking. He's had a hard few weeks going from outer space to post-Judgment Day, but he pulled it off well. (Get it? He was in Star Trek? I know, I'm a nerd.)
The movie as a whole was fantastic, though. The action was great and the story was perfect. I would have liked a little more drama when grown-up John Conner met his teenage father Kyle Reese, but it was just bad timing... I was actually very surprised when the movie ended. I was so engrossed that I wanted more. The ending was nice and wrapped-up with the possibility of another sequel, though. And we all know that Hollywood can't do just one movie. Sequels are all we see now-a-days. But I'm not really complaining, I love sequels.

Gorgeous Goodies!

Underrated movie of the post: The Family Stone. This movie was very very good. I've never seen a movie before this that had an extreme amount of comedy and drama all at once. I was literally laughing and then crying only a minute later! It was perfectly balanced, though. Not too much of one or the other. Just good times all around.

Movies to see: Terminator: Salvation, Dance Flick, Night at the Museum 2, The Family Stone.

Trailer of the post: Sherlock Holmes! I'm so excited!! Guy Ritchie is amazing.



Name 7 Rachel McAdams: Red Eye, Mean Girls, The Notebook, The Family Stone, The Lucky Ones, Wedding Crashers, State of Play.

Rachel McAdams was in The Notebook with James Marsden who was in Hairspray with Queen Latifah who was in Beauty Shop with Kevin Bacon: 3 steps.

Quote Quiz #75 winner: Katie with Mrs. Henderson Presents!

QQ #76: name this Rachel McAdams movie:
"You're the only boy who makes my heart beat faster and slower at the same time."

a. The Notebook
b. Hot Chick
c. The Family Stone
d. The Lucky Ones

Judi Dench

DVDs out Tuesday:

Fanboys - This movie has been advertised sporadically over the past few years and it was finally released in theaters a few months ago. I haven't seen it, but I plan to and it better live up to all the hype.

My Bloody Valentine 3D - Not interested.

Paul Blart: Mall Cop - This movie was very funny. Way funnier than Observe and Report as far as mall cop movies go. Who doesn't love Kevin James? He's hilarious.

Valkyrie - Tom Cruise runs around with no arm or something planning to blow up Hitler. Too bad he was late, 55 years too late! Bah ha ha!

Queen of the Goodies.

Underrated movie of the post: Chocolat. By far one of the most likable characters Dench has played (who doesn't love a crazy old lady?) and an overall great film. Chocolat doesn't get much public credit, but it really is a fantastic movie.

Movies to see: Fanboys, Paul Blart: Mall Cop, and Chocolat.

Trailer of the post: Nine. A little musical number to keep things interesting this year.



Name 7 Judi Dench: Pride and Prejudice, Chocolat, Die Another Day, Chronicles of Riddick, Mrs. Henderson Presents, Notes on a Scandal, Shakespeare in Love.

Judi Dench was in Shakespeare in Love with Colin Firth who was in Where the Truth Lies with Kevin Bacon: 2 steps.

Quote Quiz #74 winner: Kristina with The Island. Fantastic movie. If you haven't seen it yet, you need to.

QQ #75: Name this Judi Dench movie:
"When you lose a son in the war you do know, no matter what anyone might say, that his death has been in vain. It won't stop others from following, other wars, other young men."

a. Goldeneye
b. Chronicles of Riddick
c. Mrs. Henderson Presents
d. Pride & Prejudice

Ewan McGregor

Movies out tomorrow:

Angels & Demons - Can I just say how excited I am for this movie? First off, it's a prequel and Da Vinci Code was just superb so the bar is set pretty high. Secondly, it's a Ron Howard and he's just awesome. Thirdly, I love the book! Puzzles and mysteries are awesome. And lastly, Ewan McGregor!

Good-looking Goodies

Underrated movie of the post: Big Fish. I've only seen this movie once and admittedly don't remember all of it, but I do remember how much I love it. Clearly, I need to see it again, but I highly doubt my feelings will lessen. In fact, I'm sure they will only be strengthened because this is a Tim Burton movie. I have yet to see a Tim Burton movie that I didn't enjoy or even love. Throw in a hunky Ewan McGregor and an very good story and you've got yourself a great film.

Trailer of the post: Gamer. This. Looks. A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!



Name 7 Ewan McGregor: Star Wars 1, Moulin Rouge, Emma, The Island, Stay, Deception, Big Fish.

Ewan McGregor was in Moulin Rouge with Nicole Kidman who was in Eyes Wide Shut with Tom Cruise who was in A Few Good Men with Kevin Bacon: 3 steps.

Quote Quiz #73 winner: Kristina with The Flintstones.

QQ #74: Name this Ewan McGregor movie:
"What's with all the biting?"

a. Moulin Rouge
b. Big Fish
c. Star Wars II: The Clone Wars
d. The Island

John Goodman

DVDs out today:

Taken - This movie was brilliant. It was action-packed and suspenseful and kept you guessing til the very end. Liam Neeson was awesome! Maggie Grace was a little more annoying than I imagined. I had such high hopes for her... But at least she was only in it for a little while.

Underworld: Rise of the Lycans - I. Love. Underworld. Even if this movie wasn't focused on the Kate Beckinsale/Scott Speedman story, I freaking love Michael Sheen so learning his backstory was great! Who knew there was so much to it? It just goes to show that it's always the handsome brooding types that have the most interesting lives.

Summer Movie Review Part 1:

X-Men Origins: Wolverine - I know I already kind of discussed how cool this movie was, but I thought that reiteration couldn't hurt. There are still some non-believers out there. I know of a few people who didn't absolutely adore the movie like I did and the only reasons I can come up with to explain this anomaly is that 1) They haven't seen/love the other X-Mens or 2) The movie was just far too short. I'll admit that there should have been more and the hour and a half didn't allow that. But hey, maybe when it comes out on DVD there will be more! I can't wait!

Star Trek - There are no words or pithy comments that can accurately explain the enormity of this movie. It was beyond expectations and, in a word, brilliant. (Even my father loved it and that's saying something.) The film had the perfect balance of action, drama, and comedy AND tons of allusions to the original TV show. From someone who is only vaguely knowledgable on Star Trek (i.e. characters, actors, and that's about it), even I enjoyed all the references. Plus, JJ Abrams in all of his genius tweaked the plot just enough that it is both the prequel AND a completely different story. So it can continue on a new path if desired. Genius.
But back to the review, there was far too many Eric Bana close ups (his face filled the screen too many times to count) which were unnecessary. And that's not just because I don't care for him as an actor. It's a fact. Zachary Quinto performed admirably as Spock. Chris Pine was hilarious. Karl Urban was just fantastic and the most believable of them all. John Cho and Anton Yelchin weren't focused on very heavily, but seemed to pull off their respective characters. Zoe Saldana was a little more than annoying, but pretty awesome in the same respect. Simon Pegg should have been in it more because he was awesome (as always). The other big names (Tyler Perry, Bruce Greenwood, Leonard Nimoy, Winona Ryder) were all nice additions and made the movie much more interesting. And for my final words: watch out for the beginning. Bring tissues.

Goodman Goodies!

Underrated movie of the post: Emperor's New Groove. By far one of the top 5 Disney movies of all time. Hilarious with a hint of a moral lesson about treating people nicely if they are worse off than you.

Movies to see: Taken, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Star Trek, Emperor's New Groove, and Star Trek (Yes, I know I said Star Trek twice).

Trailer of the post: The Princess and the Frog. I like it. I like it a lot.



Name 7 John Goodman: Speed Racer, The Borrowers, Death Sentence, Coyote Ugly, Emperor’s New Groove, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Monsters Inc.

John Goodman was in Death Sentence with Kevin Bacon: 1 step.

Quote Quiz #72 winner: Beth puts her name up on the board with The Lookout. Way to go!

QQ #73: Name this John Goodman movie:
"The kid had a tail. What was I supposed to do? Pretend I didn't notice it?"

a. The Borrowers
b. The Flintstones
c. Emperor's New Groove
d. Monsters Inc.

Jeff Daniels

Movies out Friday:

Star Trek (!!!!!) - So. Excited. (Reminder: You do not have to be a Trekkie to go see this movie. You just need to be kind of into action/sci-fi and definitely into super hot dudes!)

Next Day Air - This movie has a hint of Guy Ritchie, only American-ized and about drugs. It stars Mos Def and Donald Faison, two very funny dudes. Maybe, maybe not...

Goodies.

Underrated movie of the post: 101 Dalmatians. This movie is a fantastic interpretation of the classic cartoon into live action. Disney knew what they were doing from the get-go. Glenn Close was brilliant.

Movies to see: STAR TREK, Next Day Air (maybe), and 101 Dalmations.

Trailer of the post: Away We Go. I don't even care what this is about, but John Krasinski is in it and I love him.



Name 7 Jeff Daniels: 101 Dalmatians, Speed, The Lookout, Pleasantville, Good Night and Good Luck, The Hours, My Favorite Martian.

Jeff Daniels was in Traitor with Don Cheadle who was in Ocean's 11 with Brad Pitt who was in Sleepers with Kevin Bacon: 3 steps.

QQ #71 winner: Kristina with Surf's Up! That's 3 in a row!

QQ #72: name this Jeff Daniels movie:
"Ah, and by stage I'm assuming you mean the kind with a pole?"

a. 101 Dalmatians
b. My Favorite Martian
c. Speed
d. The Lookout

Would you like a Blanchett?

DVDs out today:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - This movie was long but brilliant. And I don't care if it's plot line matches up with Forrest Gump. I liked Forrest Gump too! Also, this movie sneaks up on you in the end emotion-wise. I didn't think I was going to cry, but all of a sudden I was! Tricksy, tricksy Brad Pitt.

Last Chance Harvey - I didn't see this movie but I want to. I'm not even sure what it's about, but I know it stars Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson, both of whom I love.

Kind of a slow week DVD-wise. Let's see if we can liven things up with...

Cate Blanchett Goodies!

Underrated movie of the post: Bandits. This movie originally attracted me because it stars Bruce Willis, but the quirky characters and the twist at the end won me over. It's a good Saturday-morning-relaxation-time movie.

Movies to see: Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Forrest Gump, Last Chance Harvey, and Bandits.

Disappoinment of the post: Apparently there is going to be another remake of Robin Hood. Cate Blanchett is Maid Marian which is cool. But Russell Crowe is Robin Hood. Why make a remake that is just going to bore the pants off of people?

Trailer of the post: District 9. This movie looks weird for many reasons, but could be interesting if they put out a better trailer.



Name 7 Cate Blanchett: Elizabeth, Notes on a Scandal, Lord of the Rings, Bandits, Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Gift, Babel.

Cate Blanchett was in Curious Case of Benjamin Button with Brad Pitt who was in Sleepers with Kevin Bacon: 2 steps.

Quote Quiz #70 winner: Kristina again with Surf's Up! You're right, you do need a life. But then again, if you need a life for knowing obscure things about movies then where does that put me?!

QQ updates. It's been another 10 QQ's so here're the standings:
Katie: 21
Molly: 18.5
Katrina: 12
Kristina: 5
Janette: 3

QQ #71: name this Cate Blanchett movie:
"I can read for you. But that's about all I can do."

a. Curious Case of Benjamin Button
b. The Gift
c. Bandits
d. Notes on a Scandal

Shia LaBeouf (a.k.a. Louis Stevens)

Movies out today:

Battle for Terra - Some cartoon movie about little worm aliens and humans being jerks and trying to kill them all. It's good that we're teaching children early that they're all going to grow up and kill helpless aliens.

Ghosts of Girlfriends Past - While I don't particularly like Matthew McConaughey or Jennifer Garner, this movie looks mildly entertaining and I plan on seeing it.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine - This movie was great! It was the perfect start to the Summer Blockbusters. It was action packed and full of enough X-Men references to make my inner-nerd gasp and point excitedly at the screen every five minutes.

Goofy Goodies

Underrated movie of the post: Holes. This movie is great. I love the book too. Disney did well on this one and considering the last few movies they put out, finding a good live action Disney movie from the last decade is a miracle in and of itself.

Movies to see: Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and Holes.

Trailer of the post: The newest version of the Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen trailer! Looks. Amazing.



Name 7 Shia LaBeouf: Indiana Jones 4, Eagle Eye, I Robot, Charlie’s Angels 2, Transformers, Constantine, Even Stevens Movie.

Shia LaBeouf was in Charlie's Angels 2 with Lucy Liu who was in Chicago with Queen Latifah who was in Beauty Shop with Kevin Bacon: 3 steps.

Quote Quiz #69 winner: Kristina with Waterboy! Well done!

Quote Quiz #70: Name this Shia LaBeouf movie:
"____, we're in the shower together! Y'can say whatever you want."

a. Even Stevens
b. Holes
c. Surf's Up
d. Disturbia