"Sicko"
Jeff: ‘Sicko’ an unsettling look at health care system
Plot: Michael Moore’s new documentary is all about the health care industry. He spends some time discussing the uninsured, but mainly focuses on those who think they are safe with their health insurance policies. Moore also takes us to other countries like Canada, France and Cuba to showcase some differences.
Who’s it for: This should be for every one of us who is concerned, but Moore has made enemies on the right who will probably boycott the film.
Expectations: I was excited to see what Moore would do as a filmmaker and what I would learn about the industry. I’ve spent the majority of my adult life without a solid health care plan and therefore have lived in financial fear of any health problems.
(click to read the rest)
Friday, June 29, 2007
Ratatouille - Movie Review
"Ratatouille"
Jeff: No spice to 'Ratatouille’
Plot: A rat named Remy dreams of becoming a chef, and when he washes up in Paris, he has a chance. The problem, of course, is that humans don’t care for rats, much less ones that have been touching their food. An unlikely friendship forms when a bumbling trash boy named Linguini wants to work for a famous five-star restaurant, and together Remy and Linguini attempt to make an impression and prove anyone can cook.
Who’s it for: It’s actually for adults. The comedy comes from physical humor and there isn’t tons of it, so kids are left watching people and rats cook.
Expectations: Pixar is the gold seal of animated movies. Sure, I didn’t think “Cars” had the zing of “Finding Nemo” or “Toy Story 2,” but I figured that was only more motivation for “Ratatouille” to be fantastic.
(click to read the rest)
Jeff: No spice to 'Ratatouille’
Plot: A rat named Remy dreams of becoming a chef, and when he washes up in Paris, he has a chance. The problem, of course, is that humans don’t care for rats, much less ones that have been touching their food. An unlikely friendship forms when a bumbling trash boy named Linguini wants to work for a famous five-star restaurant, and together Remy and Linguini attempt to make an impression and prove anyone can cook.
Who’s it for: It’s actually for adults. The comedy comes from physical humor and there isn’t tons of it, so kids are left watching people and rats cook.
Expectations: Pixar is the gold seal of animated movies. Sure, I didn’t think “Cars” had the zing of “Finding Nemo” or “Toy Story 2,” but I figured that was only more motivation for “Ratatouille” to be fantastic.
(click to read the rest)
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Live Free or Die Hard - Movie Review
"Live Free or Die Hard"
Plot: John McClane (Bruce Willis) is back trying to save the day, but this analog cop just ran in to a digital problem. The U.S. computer infrastructure has been taken over and suddenly everything can be controlled. Havoc ensues as John tries to save a computer hacker (Justin Long) and the rest of America.
Who’s it for: Well, it’s PG-13, which means we’ll probably only hear one F-bomb. I’m sure this film will be a great example about how tons of explosions and death doesn’t matter to the ratings board.
Expectations: Explosions are cool, especially when Willis is shouting out one-liners. But it’s been a while, so I didn’t want to get too excited about “Live Free or Die Hard.”
(click here to read)
Plot: John McClane (Bruce Willis) is back trying to save the day, but this analog cop just ran in to a digital problem. The U.S. computer infrastructure has been taken over and suddenly everything can be controlled. Havoc ensues as John tries to save a computer hacker (Justin Long) and the rest of America.
Who’s it for: Well, it’s PG-13, which means we’ll probably only hear one F-bomb. I’m sure this film will be a great example about how tons of explosions and death doesn’t matter to the ratings board.
Expectations: Explosions are cool, especially when Willis is shouting out one-liners. But it’s been a while, so I didn’t want to get too excited about “Live Free or Die Hard.”
(click here to read)
Michael Winterbottom - A Mighty Heart - Interview
‘A Mighty Heart’ director Michael Winterbottom chats with Beep
And no, he didn't get teased about his name
Director Michael Winterbottom has a wide variety of genres under his belt, but lately it’s been the war in the Middle East that has captured his attention. First, he directed “The Road to Guantanamo” which was part documentary, part drama. And now he has directed the adaptation, written by Mariane Pearl, “A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of my Husband, Danny Pearl.” This is the real-life story of The Wall Street Journal reporter, Danny Pearl, who was working in Pakistan, and goes missing. The book and now film chronicle the ordeal Mariane (played by Angelina Jolie) went through as Danny went missing, the effort to find him and his eventual murder.
(click to read the rest)
And no, he didn't get teased about his name
Director Michael Winterbottom has a wide variety of genres under his belt, but lately it’s been the war in the Middle East that has captured his attention. First, he directed “The Road to Guantanamo” which was part documentary, part drama. And now he has directed the adaptation, written by Mariane Pearl, “A Mighty Heart: The Brave Life and Death of my Husband, Danny Pearl.” This is the real-life story of The Wall Street Journal reporter, Danny Pearl, who was working in Pakistan, and goes missing. The book and now film chronicle the ordeal Mariane (played by Angelina Jolie) went through as Danny went missing, the effort to find him and his eventual murder.
(click to read the rest)
"A Mighty Heart" - Movie Review
"A Mighty Heart"
Plot: Based on the book “A Might Heart: The Brave Life and Death of my Husband Danny Pearl,” Angelina Jolie plays Mariane Pearl during 2002 when Daniel Pearl, South Asian bureau chief, was taken hostage and eventually murdered. Mariane did everything she could to find Daniel during his final days in Pakistan, all while she was pregnant with their first child.
Who’s it for: This is not your typical summer popcorn flick. It’s a heavy drama.
Expectations: In most situations, I believe Angelina Jolie is one the best actors out there. I thought she missed with her performance in “The Good Shepherd,” so I figured she’d bounce back with this one. Plus, I didn’t know much about Daniel Pearl’s story so I was hoping to get educated.
(click to read the rest)
Plot: Based on the book “A Might Heart: The Brave Life and Death of my Husband Danny Pearl,” Angelina Jolie plays Mariane Pearl during 2002 when Daniel Pearl, South Asian bureau chief, was taken hostage and eventually murdered. Mariane did everything she could to find Daniel during his final days in Pakistan, all while she was pregnant with their first child.
Who’s it for: This is not your typical summer popcorn flick. It’s a heavy drama.
Expectations: In most situations, I believe Angelina Jolie is one the best actors out there. I thought she missed with her performance in “The Good Shepherd,” so I figured she’d bounce back with this one. Plus, I didn’t know much about Daniel Pearl’s story so I was hoping to get educated.
(click to read the rest)
Evan Almighty - Movie Review
"Evan Almighty"
Jeff: ‘Evan’ isn’t that almighty
Plot: Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) returns in this sequel to “Bruce Almighty.” Evan is now a Senator, taking his wife and kids to Virginia. God (Morgan Freeman) makes a visit and expects Evan to build an ark. Animals start to gather and Evan begins to resemble Noah, all while he tries to keep his sanity and new political friends like Congressman Long (John Goodman).
(click to read the rest)
Jeff: ‘Evan’ isn’t that almighty
Plot: Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) returns in this sequel to “Bruce Almighty.” Evan is now a Senator, taking his wife and kids to Virginia. God (Morgan Freeman) makes a visit and expects Evan to build an ark. Animals start to gather and Evan begins to resemble Noah, all while he tries to keep his sanity and new political friends like Congressman Long (John Goodman).
(click to read the rest)
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Bruce Willis - "Live Free or Die Hard" - Interview
Bruce Willis chats with Beep about the latest ‘Die Hard’ ... and cross-dressing
Bruce Willis. Yes, THE Bruce Willis. The kind of person for whom you can capitalize all the letters of the word “the” because he’s that big of a name. I mean, we’re talking David Addison, Butch Coolidge, James Cole, Harry Stamper, Dr. Malcolm Crowe and, of course, John McClane, the trouble-prone protagonist of the “Die Hard” series. Willis was in Chicago last week promoting the fourth installment, “Live Free or Die Hard.”
I can remember going to see “Hudson Hawk” opening weekend, and being one of the few to love it. And it still kills me that “Unbreakable” won’t be a trilogy because it only made $95 million.
When someone this big rolls into town, it’s hard to get a one-on-one. But I did join in on a round table, so instead of our usual format, I’m going to do my best to recreate the vibe of the experience (while leaving the garbage on the cutting room floor). I’m going to assign parts, too. There were radio people there and other print guys. Seven of us total (though some remained silent) with Willis.
Willis arrived with a shaved head, cap and seemed to have just woken up at about 12:30 p.m. But his Starbucks helped him shake off the “Ocean’s Thirteen” premiere the night before.
(click to read the rest)
Bruce Willis. Yes, THE Bruce Willis. The kind of person for whom you can capitalize all the letters of the word “the” because he’s that big of a name. I mean, we’re talking David Addison, Butch Coolidge, James Cole, Harry Stamper, Dr. Malcolm Crowe and, of course, John McClane, the trouble-prone protagonist of the “Die Hard” series. Willis was in Chicago last week promoting the fourth installment, “Live Free or Die Hard.”
I can remember going to see “Hudson Hawk” opening weekend, and being one of the few to love it. And it still kills me that “Unbreakable” won’t be a trilogy because it only made $95 million.
When someone this big rolls into town, it’s hard to get a one-on-one. But I did join in on a round table, so instead of our usual format, I’m going to do my best to recreate the vibe of the experience (while leaving the garbage on the cutting room floor). I’m going to assign parts, too. There were radio people there and other print guys. Seven of us total (though some remained silent) with Willis.
Willis arrived with a shaved head, cap and seemed to have just woken up at about 12:30 p.m. But his Starbucks helped him shake off the “Ocean’s Thirteen” premiere the night before.
(click to read the rest)
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer: Movie Review
"Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer"
Jeff: ‘Rise of the Silver Surfer’ falls flat
Plot: The four-pack of superheroes encounter the insanely powerful Silver Surfer, but unfortunately, meeting him means the world coming to an end. The misunderstood Silver Surfer leaves a path of destruction wherever he goes. Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben try to work with the government to put a stop to the Silver Surfer, but things get complicated when Dr. Doom makes a comeback. All of this, plus Reed and Sue are trying to get married.
Who’s it for: Fans of the first and kids. The “FF” films just don’t pack the punch of the other superhero films like “Batman Begins,” and don’t have the humor of “The Incredibles.”
Expectations: I was very surprised they were making a second film. But then I did have that glimmer of hope … maybe they would make Dr. Doom dark and nasty, maybe the Silver Surfer could save the movie … maybe.
(click to read the rest)
(click to read the rest)
Jeff: ‘Rise of the Silver Surfer’ falls flat
Plot: The four-pack of superheroes encounter the insanely powerful Silver Surfer, but unfortunately, meeting him means the world coming to an end. The misunderstood Silver Surfer leaves a path of destruction wherever he goes. Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben try to work with the government to put a stop to the Silver Surfer, but things get complicated when Dr. Doom makes a comeback. All of this, plus Reed and Sue are trying to get married.
Who’s it for: Fans of the first and kids. The “FF” films just don’t pack the punch of the other superhero films like “Batman Begins,” and don’t have the humor of “The Incredibles.”
Expectations: I was very surprised they were making a second film. But then I did have that glimmer of hope … maybe they would make Dr. Doom dark and nasty, maybe the Silver Surfer could save the movie … maybe.
(click to read the rest)
(click to read the rest)
Nancy Drew - Movie Review
"Nancy Drew"
Jeff: ‘Nancy Drew’ lost after refusing to pick one path
Plot: It’s been 60 years since the teen sleuth has been on the big screen and this time Emma Roberts (Julia’s niece) stars as the teen sleuth who movies to Los Angeles with her father (Tate Donovan). Once there, she goes back and forth on whether or not to poke her noise into the mystery death of a famous actress.
Who’s it for: This one is mainly for teenage girls, without enough to satisfy mystery fans. And I question whether the older “Nancy Drew” fan base will be entertained.
Expectations: I never read “Nancy Drew” or “The Hardy Boys.” I was a “Choose Your Own Adventure” guy, but I was looking forward to seeing what could be done with this film. After all, they have already planned a sequel, so the studio believes in it.
(click to read the rest)
Jeff: ‘Nancy Drew’ lost after refusing to pick one path
Plot: It’s been 60 years since the teen sleuth has been on the big screen and this time Emma Roberts (Julia’s niece) stars as the teen sleuth who movies to Los Angeles with her father (Tate Donovan). Once there, she goes back and forth on whether or not to poke her noise into the mystery death of a famous actress.
Who’s it for: This one is mainly for teenage girls, without enough to satisfy mystery fans. And I question whether the older “Nancy Drew” fan base will be entertained.
Expectations: I never read “Nancy Drew” or “The Hardy Boys.” I was a “Choose Your Own Adventure” guy, but I was looking forward to seeing what could be done with this film. After all, they have already planned a sequel, so the studio believes in it.
(click to read the rest)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Emma Roberts - "Nancy Drew" - Interview
Doing the Drew: Emma Roberts chats with Beep
Teen star stepping out the shadow of her famous family and into the shoes of the iconic sleuth
Sure, her dad is Eric Roberts (“Heroes”) and her aunt is Julia Roberts, but after June 15, most people are going to think of the teen detective Nancy Drew when they see 16-year-old Emma Roberts. She’s already famous with the Nickelodeon crowd, having starred in “Unfabulous.” And just like other young actresses, she’s got a pop album. In talking with Roberts, we discussed the club scene, her family of actors and, of course, the famous Nancy Drew.
(click to read the rest)
Teen star stepping out the shadow of her famous family and into the shoes of the iconic sleuth
Sure, her dad is Eric Roberts (“Heroes”) and her aunt is Julia Roberts, but after June 15, most people are going to think of the teen detective Nancy Drew when they see 16-year-old Emma Roberts. She’s already famous with the Nickelodeon crowd, having starred in “Unfabulous.” And just like other young actresses, she’s got a pop album. In talking with Roberts, we discussed the club scene, her family of actors and, of course, the famous Nancy Drew.
(click to read the rest)
Friday, June 08, 2007
Ocean's Thirteen - Movie Review
"Ocean's Thirteen"
Scorecard Review
Jeff: ‘Oceans Thirteen’ brings cool back
Plot: Willy Bank (Al Pacino) double-crosses Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould) and that’s all Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) need to get the gang back together for another heist.
Who’s it for: Anyone who liked “Ocean’s Eleven.”
Expectations: Just like everyone else, I didn’t think “Ocean’s Twelve” compared to the original (remake). So I figured director Steven Soderbergh and company would try to get it right this time.
(click to read the rest)
Scorecard Review
Jeff: ‘Oceans Thirteen’ brings cool back
Plot: Willy Bank (Al Pacino) double-crosses Reuben Tishkoff (Elliott Gould) and that’s all Danny Ocean (George Clooney) and Rusty Ryan (Brad Pitt) need to get the gang back together for another heist.
Who’s it for: Anyone who liked “Ocean’s Eleven.”
Expectations: Just like everyone else, I didn’t think “Ocean’s Twelve” compared to the original (remake). So I figured director Steven Soderbergh and company would try to get it right this time.
(click to read the rest)
Surf's Up - Movie Review
"Surf's Up"
Quickcard Review
Jeff: ‘Surf’s Up’ a fun tribute to hanging ten
(not just another penguin flick)
Plot: Penguin Cody Maverick (Shia LaBeouf) is an up-and-coming surfer who travels to Hawaii from Antarctica for his first-ever surfing competition. He befriends the gnarly Chicken Joe (Jon Heder) and the washed-up Geek (Jeff Bridges) and attempts to understand the true nature of what it means to surf.
Who’s it for: Die-hard surfers and kids, though I can’t imagine a surfer is going to assume an animated flick will properly capture the nature of their lifestyle/sport.
Expectations: Another penguin movie? That’s all I could think. But as soon as “Surf’s Up” began, this animated film became more, really almost a documentary.
(click to read the rest)
Quickcard Review
Jeff: ‘Surf’s Up’ a fun tribute to hanging ten
(not just another penguin flick)
Plot: Penguin Cody Maverick (Shia LaBeouf) is an up-and-coming surfer who travels to Hawaii from Antarctica for his first-ever surfing competition. He befriends the gnarly Chicken Joe (Jon Heder) and the washed-up Geek (Jeff Bridges) and attempts to understand the true nature of what it means to surf.
Who’s it for: Die-hard surfers and kids, though I can’t imagine a surfer is going to assume an animated flick will properly capture the nature of their lifestyle/sport.
Expectations: Another penguin movie? That’s all I could think. But as soon as “Surf’s Up” began, this animated film became more, really almost a documentary.
(click to read the rest)
Friday, June 01, 2007
Knocked Up - Movie Review
"Knocked Up"
Scorecard Review
Jeff: 'Knocked Up' a knock out
Plot: It’s a one-night stand that has consequences. But luckily for us, the consequences are consistent laughter. Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) is a pot-smoking slacker who is the complete opposite of Allison Scott (Katherine Heigl), an up-and-coming E! Entertainment journalist. But when they get pregnant, both are willing to see if they can make it work in just nine short months.
Who’s it for: It’s a great date movie: Men will be laughing along with the group of boys in the film and women will be properly rolling their eyes. It’s the perfect balance.
Expectations: If you’ve seen a preview, you know this is from the same director as “40 Year Old Virgin.” You know this because they mention it EVERY chance they get. Another thing about the preview … they don’t show any of the truly funny moments.
(click to read more)
Scorecard Review
Jeff: 'Knocked Up' a knock out
Plot: It’s a one-night stand that has consequences. But luckily for us, the consequences are consistent laughter. Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) is a pot-smoking slacker who is the complete opposite of Allison Scott (Katherine Heigl), an up-and-coming E! Entertainment journalist. But when they get pregnant, both are willing to see if they can make it work in just nine short months.
Who’s it for: It’s a great date movie: Men will be laughing along with the group of boys in the film and women will be properly rolling their eyes. It’s the perfect balance.
Expectations: If you’ve seen a preview, you know this is from the same director as “40 Year Old Virgin.” You know this because they mention it EVERY chance they get. Another thing about the preview … they don’t show any of the truly funny moments.
(click to read more)
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