Survival in space, the trouble with teens, a disastrous family gathering, Somali pirates, Robert Redford vs. the World, Midwestern sweepstakes blues, Sarah Polley's family album, horrific Danish accusations, Woody Allen rides a streetcar, and the pit wants what it wants. Here are the Best Films of 2013. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com
Chuck Logan is a seasoned author who's published nine books, with the majority of them devoted to the exploits of Phil Broker, an undercover cop from the far, snowy reaches of Minnesota. The force of justice and devoted father is about to receive his first big screen adaptation with "Homefront" (opening November 27th), a Sylvester Stallone-scripter action film starring Jason Statham as Broker. The cast also includes Winona Ryder, Kate Bosworth, and James Franco. Recently, Blu-ray.com critic Brian Orndorf had the opportunity to sit down with Logan to discuss his experience with "Homefront" and his future plans for publishing as the e-book revolution grows. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com
Twentysomething
love without protection, SEALs in need of Strasberg, Tom Cruise vs. Bon Jovi,
Billy Crystal’s bathroom routine, the hilarity of colon cancer, the lulz of internet
horror, McG and the game of love, a movie with a devil of a non-ending, and a
brutal pair of Perrys. These are the worst films of 2012.
An
Iranian uproar cooled by Hollywood fakery, a failed boy scout on the hunt for
true love, fast food friction, the true price of greed, the slaughter of
reality show stars, the quest to bring Osama bin Laden to justice, positive
thinking put to the ultimate test, shaken and stirred, a mechanical best friend,
and a visit to a nightmare factory via the woods. These are the best films of
2012.
Opening on April 13th is a film that’s almost impossible to describe. “The Cabin in the Woods” marks the directorial debut for screenwriter Drew Goddard, who achieved early industry success with his work on the monster movie “Cloverfield” and the hit television shows, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Lost.” Reteaming with Joss Whedon, Goddard looks to shake up the stale conventions of the horror genre with “Cabin,” a marvelous joyride of scares and giggles that’s a pure valentine to the moviegoing experience. Recently, I had an opportunity to sit down and discuss this wonderfully peculiar picture with Goddard, a man palpably excited to see his oft-delayed feature finally released. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com
Opening this week is the documentary “Page One: Inside the New York Times,” which follows a year in the life of the behemoth of print journalism as it struggles with sweeping changes in the media landscape, captured by director Andrew Rossi. In June, Rossi spoke at the 2011 Investigative Reporters and Editor Convention, also screening his film to a room of prominent journalists. The filmmaker also offered a few moments to discuss his picture and his feelings on the future of the industry.
A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away there was a motion simulator attraction titled “Star Tours,” born from the imagination of George Lucas and his iconic “Star Wars” franchise. For over two decades, the entertainment experience remained unchanged at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, leaving fans to wonder if the semi-dated attraction would ever see a significant overhaul. After all, being an unabashed tinkerer, why would Lucas leave one of the more vividly imagined forays into his ATM-like empire unmolested? Would “Star Tours” remain the same forever? I mean, honestly, how many times can a person do the trench run before a case of the sleeps sets in?
“Soul Surfer” (opening in theaters on April 8th) recounts the amazing true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton (played in the film by AnnaSophia Robb), who survived a horrific shark attack, losing her left arm at the age of 13 but not her will to continue life on idyllic Hawaiian waves. It’s a story of perseverance, faith, and family, capturing a teenage girl as she faces an extraordinary situation with a shockingly sound mind. Recently, I had the chance to speak with Hamilton (now 21 years old) about her experience with the film and her life beyond the waves.
I received an unexpectedly warm response to my original Terrace Theater story. My inbox was filled with support and stories, people who wanted to share their grief over the loss of this movie palace. It was a gush of nostalgia that encouraged me to head back to the site of the crumbling theater, yet I completely forgot to post the pictures from the trip. This is a more unedited look at the state of the building, with a few peeks inside. As always, click the picture for a larger view.
Ariel’s rebirth, Affleck’s revenge, stuttering blues, attack of the clones, superpoke supremacy, Rooster’s rage, a toothless friendship, apartment hell, unspeakable loss, and zombie flowers. These are the best films of 2010.
BRIAN ORNDORF 