"The Condemned"
Quickcard Review
Jeff: ‘The Condemned’ light on action, heavy on the WWE
Plot: Ten criminals on death row are sent to an island to fight to the death. It’s broadcast for the world to see, and the winner will be set free with a cash prize. Jack Conrad (Steve Austin) is a last-minute fill-in, and though he is reluctant, Conrad is forced to fight against Ewan McStarley (Vinnie Jones) and the others.
(click to read the rest)
Friday, April 27, 2007
Steve Austin - "The Condemned" - Interview
‘The Condemned’ star ‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin chats with Beep
The night before I sat down with Steve Austin, there was a screening of his new film, “The Condemned.” After we were all seated, Austin strolled in, looking like a giant. It seems a natural fit for the former WWE wrestler to be the new action-star.
“The Condemned” stars Austin and Vinny Jones (“X-Men: The Last Stand”) as two of 10 convicts on death-row who are sent to a deserted island where they fight to the death while the world watches on the Internet.
The next day, I went to shake his hand and actually had a stronger grip then him. In fact, his whole demeanor was laid back. At no point did I fear my body would end up getting slammed. Austin struck me as a man who would rather be fishing, but somehow got stuck being famous.
(click to read the rest)
The night before I sat down with Steve Austin, there was a screening of his new film, “The Condemned.” After we were all seated, Austin strolled in, looking like a giant. It seems a natural fit for the former WWE wrestler to be the new action-star.
“The Condemned” stars Austin and Vinny Jones (“X-Men: The Last Stand”) as two of 10 convicts on death-row who are sent to a deserted island where they fight to the death while the world watches on the Internet.
The next day, I went to shake his hand and actually had a stronger grip then him. In fact, his whole demeanor was laid back. At no point did I fear my body would end up getting slammed. Austin struck me as a man who would rather be fishing, but somehow got stuck being famous.
(click to read the rest)
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Molly Shannon - "Year of the Dog" - Interview
‘Heavy’ petting: Molly Shannon chats with Beep about ‘Year of the Dog’
Molly Shannon is a superstar. She’s also been a Catholic school girl, a Joyologist and 50! She gets the chance to do that all over again when she hosts “Saturday Night Live” on May 12. Shannon will become the second female cast member to come back and host (the first being Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Shannon’s new film is a chance to enter into more a more dramatic arena, while still getting some laughs. It’s also Mike White’s directorial debut.
(click to read the rest)
Molly Shannon is a superstar. She’s also been a Catholic school girl, a Joyologist and 50! She gets the chance to do that all over again when she hosts “Saturday Night Live” on May 12. Shannon will become the second female cast member to come back and host (the first being Julia Louis-Dreyfus). Shannon’s new film is a chance to enter into more a more dramatic arena, while still getting some laughs. It’s also Mike White’s directorial debut.
(click to read the rest)
Friday, April 20, 2007
Hot Fuzz - Movie Review
"Hot Fuzz"
Scorecard Review
Jeff: 'Hot Fuzz' gives comedy, action and genius
Plot: Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is the best of the best. His arrest record is 400 percent higher than any other officer in London. He's so good, he's making the rest of the department look bad. Because of this, Angel is shipped off to the small, crime-free town of Sandford. There, he is partnered with Danny Butterman (Nick Frost), an over-eager cop dying for some action. Suddenly the town of Sandford has some mysterious accidents and Angel is convinced something is wrong.
Who's it for: This is a comedy for action die-hards (pun intended). The film definitely earns its R rating, with the over-the-top bloody violence in the second half of the movie.
Expectations: I had no expectations when I saw their first film "Shaun of the Dead." But after that, I was expecting more of the same from "Hot Fuzz." It's a brilliant, yet simple idea. Take a genre (zombie flick or cop-buddy movie) and add British comedy. Based on the previews, "Hot Fuzz" looked like non-stop action. This is not the case. The first half of the movie is setting up the action finale.
(click to read the rest)
Scorecard Review
Jeff: 'Hot Fuzz' gives comedy, action and genius
Plot: Nicholas Angel (Simon Pegg) is the best of the best. His arrest record is 400 percent higher than any other officer in London. He's so good, he's making the rest of the department look bad. Because of this, Angel is shipped off to the small, crime-free town of Sandford. There, he is partnered with Danny Butterman (Nick Frost), an over-eager cop dying for some action. Suddenly the town of Sandford has some mysterious accidents and Angel is convinced something is wrong.
Who's it for: This is a comedy for action die-hards (pun intended). The film definitely earns its R rating, with the over-the-top bloody violence in the second half of the movie.
Expectations: I had no expectations when I saw their first film "Shaun of the Dead." But after that, I was expecting more of the same from "Hot Fuzz." It's a brilliant, yet simple idea. Take a genre (zombie flick or cop-buddy movie) and add British comedy. Based on the previews, "Hot Fuzz" looked like non-stop action. This is not the case. The first half of the movie is setting up the action finale.
(click to read the rest)
Year of the Dog - Movie Review
"Year of the Dog"
Quickcard Review
Jeff: 'Year of the Dog' good for a few laughs, a lot of discomfort
Plot: Peggy (Molly Shannon) is a friendly co-worker, aunt and most importantly, dog lover. When her dog Pencil suddenly dies, Peggy tries to find her place in a world she isn't socially comfortable in.
Who's it for: Dog and animal lovers. Actually, that's not strong enough, you need to be obsessed. If you look at your pet and say, "Does mommy need to take you outside for a tee-tee," then this is your film. Also, Mike White wrote and directed this and it feels very similar to his other screenplays, "The Good Girl," and "Chuck & Buck."
(click to read the rest)
Quickcard Review
Jeff: 'Year of the Dog' good for a few laughs, a lot of discomfort
Plot: Peggy (Molly Shannon) is a friendly co-worker, aunt and most importantly, dog lover. When her dog Pencil suddenly dies, Peggy tries to find her place in a world she isn't socially comfortable in.
Who's it for: Dog and animal lovers. Actually, that's not strong enough, you need to be obsessed. If you look at your pet and say, "Does mommy need to take you outside for a tee-tee," then this is your film. Also, Mike White wrote and directed this and it feels very similar to his other screenplays, "The Good Girl," and "Chuck & Buck."
(click to read the rest)
In the Land of Women - Movie Review
In the Land of Women
Quickcard Review
Jeff: 'In the Land of Women's' acting's fine but casting's off
Plot: Women love falling for Carter Webb (Adam Brody). After a famous actress, Sophia (Elana Anaya), breaks up with him, Carter heads to Michigan, to take care of his ailing grandmother. Across the street he encounters Sarah (Meg Ryan) and a family of women. Through them, he attempts to figure himself out.
Who's it for: It's a coming-of-age drama with a little humor thrown in.
Expectations: I feel like it's been a decade since I've seen Meg Ryan in a film, so that interested me, but otherwise I didn't really have any expectations. My "O.C." watching consists of one episode about four years ago.
(click to read the rest)
Quickcard Review
Jeff: 'In the Land of Women's' acting's fine but casting's off
Plot: Women love falling for Carter Webb (Adam Brody). After a famous actress, Sophia (Elana Anaya), breaks up with him, Carter heads to Michigan, to take care of his ailing grandmother. Across the street he encounters Sarah (Meg Ryan) and a family of women. Through them, he attempts to figure himself out.
Who's it for: It's a coming-of-age drama with a little humor thrown in.
Expectations: I feel like it's been a decade since I've seen Meg Ryan in a film, so that interested me, but otherwise I didn't really have any expectations. My "O.C." watching consists of one episode about four years ago.
(click to read the rest)
Adam Brody - "In the Land of Women" - Interview
Inside Adam Brody's land of women: Ex-'O.C.' star chats with Beep
And yes, he tells Beep, some do scream at him
With a title like “In the Land of Women,” you don’t know what to think. Images of a man trapped on an island only to discover he is surrounded by beautiful native women immediately come to mind ... or maybe that’s just me. But that’s not Jonanthan Kasdan’s first film.
(click here to read the rest)
And yes, he tells Beep, some do scream at him
With a title like “In the Land of Women,” you don’t know what to think. Images of a man trapped on an island only to discover he is surrounded by beautiful native women immediately come to mind ... or maybe that’s just me. But that’s not Jonanthan Kasdan’s first film.
(click here to read the rest)
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
"Hot Fuzz" cast, director - Interivew
‘Hot Fuzz’ cast, director: It’s not a cop spoof
From the makers of “Shaun of the Dead” comes “Hot Fuzz.” This time, instead of a British comedy tangling with zombies, it’s a cop action flick with plenty of laughs.
I sat down with Edgar Wright (director, writer), Simon Pegg (actor, writer) and Nick Frost (actor) and managed to get a few questions into the general conversation.
(click here to read the rest)
From the makers of “Shaun of the Dead” comes “Hot Fuzz.” This time, instead of a British comedy tangling with zombies, it’s a cop action flick with plenty of laughs.
I sat down with Edgar Wright (director, writer), Simon Pegg (actor, writer) and Nick Frost (actor) and managed to get a few questions into the general conversation.
(click here to read the rest)
Friday, April 13, 2007
Disturbia - Movie Review
"Disturbia"
Scorecard Review
Plot: Disturbed ... Suburbia ... Get it? After a traumatic event, Kale (Shia LaBeouf) becomes withdrawn and eventually hits a teacher, getting three months of house arrest. While stuck at home, Kale begins to daydream about one neighbor and become suspicious of another.
Who’s it for: This is mainly for the teenagers, but unlike other teen thrillers, I think this crosses over and adults will enjoy it as well.
Expectations: Zero. I’ll be honest, this was my fifth advance screening in five days. I knew Shia LaBeouf was in the film and that was it. I didn’t know the name or genre of the film ... and I think that helped. The first half of the film plays out more like “The Girl Next Door” and it sucked me in so when the scary stuff happened, I was hooked. If you’re lucky, you won’t have seen any previews which are sure to play up the thriller angle of this film.
(click here to read the rest)
Scorecard Review
Plot: Disturbed ... Suburbia ... Get it? After a traumatic event, Kale (Shia LaBeouf) becomes withdrawn and eventually hits a teacher, getting three months of house arrest. While stuck at home, Kale begins to daydream about one neighbor and become suspicious of another.
Who’s it for: This is mainly for the teenagers, but unlike other teen thrillers, I think this crosses over and adults will enjoy it as well.
Expectations: Zero. I’ll be honest, this was my fifth advance screening in five days. I knew Shia LaBeouf was in the film and that was it. I didn’t know the name or genre of the film ... and I think that helped. The first half of the film plays out more like “The Girl Next Door” and it sucked me in so when the scary stuff happened, I was hooked. If you’re lucky, you won’t have seen any previews which are sure to play up the thriller angle of this film.
(click here to read the rest)
Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters - Movie Review
"Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie Film for Theaters"
Quickcard Review
Plot: There is a shake, meatball and box of French fries ... but you know them better as Master Shake, Meatwad and Frylock and together they are Aqua Teen Hunger Force. The TV show gets the big-screen makeover and the film explores the mysterious circumstances that brought these three together. A piece of exercise equipment, known as the Insanoflex, threatens to destroy the universe (I think). The Plutonians and the Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past are joining forces to take control of the deadly device. Who will save the day? Who cares?
(click here to read the rest)
Quickcard Review
Plot: There is a shake, meatball and box of French fries ... but you know them better as Master Shake, Meatwad and Frylock and together they are Aqua Teen Hunger Force. The TV show gets the big-screen makeover and the film explores the mysterious circumstances that brought these three together. A piece of exercise equipment, known as the Insanoflex, threatens to destroy the universe (I think). The Plutonians and the Cybernetic Ghost of Christmas Past are joining forces to take control of the deadly device. Who will save the day? Who cares?
(click here to read the rest)
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Shia LaBeuof - "Disturbia" - Interview
From 'Even Stevens' to Steven Spielberg
'Transformers,' 'Disturbia' star Shia LaBeouf chats with Beep about how life has changed for the former child star
Shia (Shy-a) LaBeouf (La-Buff). You’re going to hear that name a lot this summer. Not only is he starring in “Disturbia,” opening this Friday (April 13), but later, he has a small, independent film called “Transformers” opening up on the Fourth of July weekend (note the sarcasm).
(click to read the rest)
'Transformers,' 'Disturbia' star Shia LaBeouf chats with Beep about how life has changed for the former child star
Shia (Shy-a) LaBeouf (La-Buff). You’re going to hear that name a lot this summer. Not only is he starring in “Disturbia,” opening this Friday (April 13), but later, he has a small, independent film called “Transformers” opening up on the Fourth of July weekend (note the sarcasm).
(click to read the rest)
Friday, April 06, 2007
Grindhouse - Movie Review
"Grindhouse"Scorecard Review
Jeff: Despite B-movie trappings, ‘Grindhouse’ gets top marks
Plot: It’s two movies for the price of one. The term “grindhouse” comes from the low-budget exploitation films of the ’60s and ’70s, and this homage is replete with missing reels and classic graphics. First up is Robert Rodriguez with “Planet Terror.” Cherry (Rose McGowan) is a go-go dancer and Wray (Freddy Rodriguez) is her old love. Some chemicals get out, which means people become zombies, Cherry loses a leg, and Wray does his best to help her and the rest of the survivors fight, cut, shoot and blow their way out of town. After some fake trailers it’s Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof.” Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell) has a killer car, and he loves to saddle up to young, unsuspecting women. But really, all he hopes for is a chance to rev-up his muscle car and take them down.
Who’s it for: The perfect audience would be die-hard B-movie fans. But beyond that, this is a movie experience with a lot of over-the-top violence and some definite cringe-worthy moments. And when I say experience, I mean long. So settle in. No seriously, get comfortable. “Grindhouse” is 191 minutes. And don’t bring the kids. I can’t imagine a worse movie getting stuck next to an 8-year-old, except maybe “Eyes Wide Shut.”
(click to read the rest)
Jeff: Despite B-movie trappings, ‘Grindhouse’ gets top marks
Plot: It’s two movies for the price of one. The term “grindhouse” comes from the low-budget exploitation films of the ’60s and ’70s, and this homage is replete with missing reels and classic graphics. First up is Robert Rodriguez with “Planet Terror.” Cherry (Rose McGowan) is a go-go dancer and Wray (Freddy Rodriguez) is her old love. Some chemicals get out, which means people become zombies, Cherry loses a leg, and Wray does his best to help her and the rest of the survivors fight, cut, shoot and blow their way out of town. After some fake trailers it’s Quentin Tarantino’s “Death Proof.” Stuntman Mike (Kurt Russell) has a killer car, and he loves to saddle up to young, unsuspecting women. But really, all he hopes for is a chance to rev-up his muscle car and take them down.
Who’s it for: The perfect audience would be die-hard B-movie fans. But beyond that, this is a movie experience with a lot of over-the-top violence and some definite cringe-worthy moments. And when I say experience, I mean long. So settle in. No seriously, get comfortable. “Grindhouse” is 191 minutes. And don’t bring the kids. I can’t imagine a worse movie getting stuck next to an 8-year-old, except maybe “Eyes Wide Shut.”
(click to read the rest)
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Should Wrigley Field allow billboards in its ivy? - The Debate
Should Wrigley Field allow billboards in its ivy? Yes.
It’s 50 Cent who says, “Things change, they don’t stay the same.” So for anyone who finds themselves disgruntled that the Chicago Cubs have added advertising to the ivy — get over it.
(click here to read the entire debate)
It’s 50 Cent who says, “Things change, they don’t stay the same.” So for anyone who finds themselves disgruntled that the Chicago Cubs have added advertising to the ivy — get over it.
(click here to read the entire debate)
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Rock Climbing - Day Trippin' - Feature
Learning the ropes of rock climbing
The weather is changing and perhaps, a little outdoor expedition is what you crave. Climbing a big rock might just be what the adventure doctor ordered. Most of us are probably not ready to jet off to Arizona for a weekend to dangle off of a cliff, but if you want to imitate Tom Cruise from “Mission: Impossible II” (the climbing skill, not the hair), there are lot of places, both indoors and outdoors, where you can flex your climbing muscles right here in the Midwest.
(click to read more)
The weather is changing and perhaps, a little outdoor expedition is what you crave. Climbing a big rock might just be what the adventure doctor ordered. Most of us are probably not ready to jet off to Arizona for a weekend to dangle off of a cliff, but if you want to imitate Tom Cruise from “Mission: Impossible II” (the climbing skill, not the hair), there are lot of places, both indoors and outdoors, where you can flex your climbing muscles right here in the Midwest.
(click to read more)
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