Movie Review: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium by JR

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (2007)
Starring: Natalie Portman, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Bateman
Directed by: Zach Helm
Genre: Family/Fantasy/Comedy
MPAA Rating: G
Release Date: November 16, 2007

Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) owns a magical toy store, but will be retiring soon and leaving the business to his only other employee, Molly (Natalie Portman). He hires Henry, an accountant, to stabilize his finances before he leaves, and nobody is happy about any of it.

Since I first saw the trailer for “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium”, I knew it was a movie that I would love. The colors, the quirkiness, Natalie Portman’s haircut, I just knew. Sometimes you just know. As disappointed as I was to read all of the negative reviews, I was still excited to see it. The movie didn’t disappoint at all.

Dustin Hoffman is enchanting as Mr. Magorium. Just as he has transformed into wonderful characters such as Captain Hook and Raymond Babbitt, he does it again here. He’s simply adorable! He has such emotion in everything he says. You really believe that he’s been alive for over 450 years. You really believe him when he says that his toyshop is magical. You really believe him when he says that he’s “leaving”. Not “retiring”, not “dying”, but leaving. Isn’t that a nice idea? That we get to choose when we “leave”? Now if that isn’t great children’s storytelling, I don’t know what is.

Natalie Portman as Molly is just as magical as Dustin Hoffman as Mr. Magorium. Molly is a sweet girl in her early twenties who doesn’t seem to know what she wants in life. She used to be a pianist and has always dreamed of being professional, but finds herself stuck in the toy shop, not quite ready to move forward. When Mr. Magorium announces his departure, she is truly sad despite her dreams to leave the toy store. The relationship between Molly and Mr. Magorium is so sweet and innocent, very father/mentor to her daughter, it shakes her world when he says he is leaving. She always thought he’d be around. It forces her to realize where she really belongs. It’s the wake-up call she needed.

Jason Bateman rounds out the recognizable cast as Henry the accountant. Or as they all not so lovingly call him: The Mutant. Unfortunately, Bateman doesn’t receive nearly enough screen time as he deserves, so his character just seems like it was thrown in at the last minute to be an adversary/unlikely love interest. Still, when he inevitably comes around in the end, it’s very touching.

The special effects in this film are what appeal to the target audience, and they are spectacular. The colors are beautiful and the toys really to seem to come to life. It’s just as captivating to an adult as it is to a child. Some of the shots are simply breathtaking as well, such as the scene where Molly and Mr. Magorium take over an unsuspecting mattress store, and where Molly and Mr. Magorium dance in the park over bubble wrap. The movie is simply magical.
So say what you like about Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium. Say that it’s boring and hokey. Whatever you like, go ahead. But for the people who are kids at heart, Mr. Magorium’s is the place to be.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Jenny Rushing
beccajane67@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Beowulf IMAX 3D by CD

Title: Beowulf in IMAX 3D
Starring: Brendan Gleeson, Anthony Hopkins, Ray Winstone, Robin Wright Penn, John Malkovich
Directed By: Robert Zemeckis
Produced By: Martin Shafer, Roger Avary, Neil Gaiman
Genre: Action/Adventure, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Animation
Release Date: November 16, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence including disturbing images, some sexual material and nudity.
Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures International, Paramount Pictures


In the age of heroes comes the mightiest warrior of them all, Beowulf. After destroying the overpowering demon Grendel, he incurs the undying wrath of the beast's ruthlessly seductive mother, who will use any means possible to ensure revenge. The ensuing epic battle resonates throughout the ages, immortalizing the name of Beowulf. -Yahoo Movies


First let me start off by saying I popped my 3D cherry with this film. I had been to the IMAX previously to see Transformers, but I had yet to experience the awesome power of 3D. This film was meant to be see in 3D, no doubt in my mind. The whole world comes alive and you really do feel as if your part of the movie.

That being said, on with the movie review! I am sure you have all read the story/poem of Beowulf. So there is no need to go into the story line in this review. It is a classic story that needs no explanation. So, lets delve right into what everyone has been talking about. No, I don't mean Ms. Jolie's enhanced chesticles. I am talking about the graphics.

When watching CGI films there are 4 things that show you whether or not the rendering is top notch or not. 1. Hair: Usually in CGI movie's they try to get the hair as realistic as possible, but still fall short of realism. This is not the case in Beowulf. Every strand of hair can be seen, even in the facial hair of the characters. 2. Grass: This is another tough one to pull off because grass is a chaotic element. The scenery in this film looks so real you almost feel as if your looking out a window into your back yard rather than watching a movie on the big screen. 3. Water: Realistic looking water is a big challenge for programmers. It is another instance of a chaotic element, with the way water flows and how transparent and reflective it is. Finally 4. Fire: In the past what was done to create the fire effect was simple taking video of a fire and then placing it on top of the scene. As far as I know this was not done in the movie. You could tell it was actually rendered yet, at the same time, it still looked real.

The soundtrack was decent. Nothing all that spectacular to report on it. Just your basic dramatic sweeping orchestral fare. It all fit into the world the movie created. I was enjoying the drunken ballads song by both the king's men and Beowulf's men.

Casting wise I think they did a superb job and got a class A list of actors to bring this epic to fruition. Sir Anthony Hopkins as King Hrothgar was a great choice. It was funny to see him playing a drunk. Ray Winstone played Beowulf to perfection. Another perfect casting choice was Cripsin Glover as Grendel, when you need a creepy freaky dude to play a creepy freaky character look no further than Mr.Glover. Finally, Angelina Jolie was the embodiment of the wicked and twisted temptress that was Grendel's Mother.

Now onto what I didn't like about this film. (Insert dramatic twist music) The first thing was the nudity of Beowulf. I didn't mind him being naked, but the lengths they went to in concealing his mini me bordered on hilarious. At one point I had to remind myself that I was watching a classic piece of literature brought to life and not another installment in the Austin Powers series. Another thing was the incessant need to use motion blur. I get it, the friggen camera and object are moving! I mean really, is their intent to give the viewers motion sickness? I dig seeing the action, not seeing something that vaguely resembles action. It kind of reminds me of when I was younger trying to watch scrambled porn.
Lastly this movie should NOT have been rated PG-13. Rating the film as such just goes to show how far out of whack the MPAA is. This movie is laden with sexual content and gruesome deaths. They seem to think that just because it is animated violence that it is less ugly. Newsflash, animated just means they can really get in there a make it look the best/worst.

I do give a word of warning though, 3D is not for everyone. The technology used to bring the film into the eye popping 3D world may have ill effects on some people. I started getting a headache half way through the flick, but put on my big boy pants and dealt with it. I mean come on it's Beowulf.


Final verdict? Go see it, in IMAX 3D.


I AM “NOT” BEOWULF!

Crobertdunham@yahoo.com

Movie Review: Hitman by ME

Title: Hitman
Starring: Timothy Olyphant, Dougray Scott, Olga Kurylenko, Robert
Knepper, Ulrich Thomsen
Directed By: Xavier Gens
Produced By: Charles Gordon, Adrian Askarieh (II)
Genre: Action/Adventure and Adaptation
Release Date: November 21st, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: R for strong bloody violence, language, and some
sexuality/nudity.
Distributors: 20th Century Fox Distribution

There is nothing wrong with making a movie from a video game. Most ofthe time the stories are longer and more intricate to keep people interested. Sometimes, when a property crosses to a new medium, things are lost or the creators try throwing too many in-jokes for fans of the game. Hitman doesn't do that. It makes for an above average action flick that balances story with intense fighting while not catering to the fans or dumbing it down for a new audience.

Hitman doesn't waste any time creating a backstory for our hero Agent 47 (Timothy Olyphant). Genetically engineered and raised by The Orginization as an assassin for hire, Agent 47 finds that he is setup and is now on the run from The Organization, a determined INTERPOL agent (Dougray Scott), a crooked Russian Politician (Ulrich Thomsen) and his pocketed policeman Yuri (Robert Knepper). All while trying to keep Nika (Olga Kurylenko) alive as she is the only other one who knows what is going on.

There are only three real players in Hitman. Olyphant is a good actor who gives Agent 47 just enough personality for you to not think of him as a mindless killing machine. He shows his adeptness with weapons and then turns around and easily shows how little experience he has with women. Namely, Olga Kurylenko, who really doesn't have much to do except show of her body and cry a bit. Dougray Scott as Mike was the best performance only because I think Olyphant had to hold a lot of emotion back. I can't really back it up with examples because most of these characters are your basic cookie cutter characters, but are fleshed out enough for my taste.

The action sequences are more believable than the Matrix and not shot using todays favorite, the shakey cam. You can actually see what's going on on the screen, imagine that! What is lacking is a bit of backstory for Agent 47, but I understand that there isn't a lot of story given to him in the game either, so I'll let that one slide. Also missing are the blatant nods to the fans of the game... well mostly. There was one scene where 47 crashes into a hotel room where two kids are playing... yep,
you guessed it – Hitman. But, that was the only cheesy game reference I noticed.

Hitman is definitely worth a rental on DVD. None of the action is grandiose enough to really warrant seeing on the big screen and parents can't even dump the kids in the theater while Christmas shopping as the film is rated R for violence and a little more nudity than I expected, even if only from Olga Kurylenko. All in all a solid effort by writer Skip Woods and director Xavier Gens. I really wanted to make a joke about how decent of a movie it is for being written by a “Skip” and
directed by an “Xavier”, but the film is better than that low of a blow.

7 out of 10

Visit the official site at http://www.hitmanmovie.com/

Keep reading,

Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: August Rush by ME

Title: August Rush
Starring: Freddie Highmore, Robin Williams, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Terrence Howard
Directed By: Kirsten Sheridan
Produced By: Ralph Kamp, Louise Goodsill, Robert Greenhut
Genre: Comedy and Musical/Performing Arts
Release Date: November 21st, 2007 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG for some thematic elements, mild violence and language.
Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution

Convinced that music is the key to finding his parents (Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys Meyers), 11 year old Evan (Freddie Highmore) leaves the orphanage and ventures out into the world. He discovers an awe inspiring talent for music within himself that he uses to help his parents find him. Along the way he meets people who wish to help him find his way, those who wish to exploit his musical talent for their own gains, and some who just want to help him realize his full musical potential.

August Rush could almost be considered a fairy tale. You have the little boy searching for his lost parents using an almost magical talent, the mother, all in white searching for her lost son, the father looking for his long lost love, the helpful fairy (Terrence Howard's character), and the bad guy trying to keep August and his talent all to himself.

Being a musician myself, I seem to have an affinity for movies about musicians. Especially films that portray music in a new and interesting way. August Rush is one of those films. Taking environmental noise and creating music from city sounds like traffic, footsteps and cars to show how a prodigy can find music in everyday sounds is expressed very well. Relatively new Director Kirsten Sheridan knows how to pull the heartstrings, only falling into the sappy section once or twice.

Freddie Highmore, Keri Russell, Jonathan Rhys Meyers , Terence Howard and Robin Williams are all on the ball here. Highmore exudes such joy at making music that every time he played, I couldn't help but smile. Russell and Rhys Meyers seem to be a big part of the story without really being a big part of the story. It's all about Highmore, not even Robin Williams, who by the way looks like he raided Bono's garbage for his wardrobe, can't even outshine him. Williams himself continues his streak of playing roles that are a little different for him. His turn as Wizard is a blend of all of his talent, humor and drama with a little craziness thrown in for good measure. Terrence Howard's part, although small, gives him another opportunity to prove that he will be a big name in the future. The first time he meets Evan/August, you can see in his eyes how much he cares.

The look and feel of the film are appropriate for each part of the story. You have a slightly gritty feel for rock and roller, a lighter feel when telling Lyla's side of the story and the best example is Wizards condemned theater, home to a group of children that he trains musically to panhandle. That set looks remarkably like the Lost Boys village in Hook, coincidently starring Robin Williams as well. Speaking of coincidences, there are way too many in the film, everybody crosses paths in there journeys or just misses them, which gets overused and seems a little hokey at times.

August Rush may be predictable, but the music, cast and emotion make up for the predictability and the sometimes ridiculous coincidences that pepper the film. This movie will appeal to a wide audience, from music aficionados to kids, romantics to couples and anybody who just wants to feel good. I highly recommend August Rush to the masses.

8 out of 10

Official Site - www.augustrushmovie.warnerbros.com

Until Robin wins a Bono look alike contest,
keep reading

Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

Movie Review: Blade Runner: The Final Cut by ME

Title: Blade Runner: The Final Cut
Starring: Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Edward James Olmos, M. Emmet Walsh
Directed By: Ridley Scott
Produced By: Brian Kelly, Hampton Fancher, Michael Deeley
Genre: Action/Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Thriller
Release Date: Various Dates
MPAA Rating: R for violence and brief nudity.
Distributors: Warner Bros. Pictures Distribution

The lights go down, the projector hums. Up on the big screen is Blade Runner, a movie that has gained an immense following over the last 25 years, myself included. With multiple versions of the film out there, hopefully Blade Runner: The Final Cut will be the (groan) final cut. I own the special edition Director's Cut that was released in 1999 and there are only a few noticeable differences. Gone is the stuntman in a wig for Zhora's death scene, re-shot and edited in with new footage that removes what some say is the worst stunt in history. They even got Joanna Cassidy to play Zhora again. Otherwise it's pretty much the same as the Director's Cut. So why spend your money to see it on the big screen? Because it's all about seeing Blade Runner on the big screen. If you are lucky enough to have a screening near you I would recommend attending. I love when my favorite films come back to the big screen. See, I was too young to catch Blade Runner at the theaters when it was originally released and to see the final version up there, how could I pass that up?

If you have been in a coma for the past 25 years, Blade Runner is a Ridley Scott film based on the novel Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep by Phillip K. Dick. Harrison Ford stars as Deckard, a cop (or Blade Runner) who tracks down life-like androids called replicants. A group escapes and finds it's way back to Earth and Deckard is pulled out of retirement to dispose, or retire as it's called in the film, this group. Also starring Rutger Hauer, Sean Young, Daryl Hannah, Edward James Olmos and M. Emmet Walsh, Blade Runner is considered a classic by most moviegoers.

I really don't think that full review of the film is really necessary but for those who want to know a little more I will say that this movie has garnered so much attention over the years for a reason. Extremely thought provoking as it raises questions dealing with racism, discrimination, the inability to change ones future as well as the question of what is humanity in the first place. Excellent acting and directing by Ridley Scott based on a novel by Phillip K. Dick is what keeps Blade Runner relevant even now. Just an all around great sci-fi movie that will be around (and still relevant) for at least another 25 years.

Now if you are lucky enough to live in or near one of the cities that is showing Blade Runner: The Final Cut, I recommend you take advantage of it as it may be the last time you get to see it in theaters. I've included a list of the cities, theaters and the type of print they have. If you are here in Detroit and know the Landmark Main Art Theater in Royal Oak, then you know that the older theater only adds to the time warp effect of seeing Blade Runner on the big screen, with the old school columns in the main theater as well as the lobby that even has couches for you to sit back and discuss the film with your friends. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! It's only going to be at the Main Art for ONE WEEK ONLY starting Nov. 16^th.

Until the final final cut of Blade Runner,
keep reading

Mitch Emerson
mitchemerson@hotmail.com

10/26 - Seattle (Cinerama, Seattle - 35mm)

10/26 - Washington D.C. (Uptown, D.C. - 35mm)

10/26 - Portland (Cinema 21, Portland - 35mm)

10/26 - Salt Lake (Gateway Megaplex, SLC - Digital)

11/2 - Chicago (Music Box, Chicago - 35mm)

11/2 - Santa Barbara (Arlington, Santa Barbara - Digital)

11/2 - Baltimore (Landmark Harbor East, Baltimore - Digital)

11/9 - Boston (Coolidge Corner, Brookline - 35mm)

11/16 - Detroit (Main Art, Detroit - 35mm)

11/18 - Austin (Paramount, Austin - 35mm)

11/30 - San Francisco (Embarcadero, San Francisco - 35mm)

11/30 - Dallas (The Inwood, Dallas - 35mm)

11/30 - San Diego (Ken, San Diego - 35mm)

11/30 - Minneapolis (Uptown, Minneapolis - 35mm)

12/7 - Denver (The Landmark @ Greenwood Village - Digital)

12/7 - Philadelphia (The Ritz 5, Philadelphia - 35mm)

12/25 - Boston (The Brattle, Cambridge - 35mm)

1/2/08 - Austin (The Paramount, Austin - 35mm)

1/4/08 - Nashville (The Belcourt, Nashville - 35mm)

1/18/08 - Durham (Carolina, Durham - 35mm)

2/1/08 - Columbus (Drexel Gateway, Columbus - 35mm)

2/15/08 - San Francisco (Castro, San Francisco - 35mm)

2/29/08 - Sacramento (Crest, Sacramento - 35mm)

Movie Review: Bee Movie by CD

Title: Bee Movie
Starring: Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger, Kathy Bates, Chris Rock, Matthew Broderick
Directed By: Stephen Hickner, Simon J. Smith
Produced By: Jerry Seinfeld, Steven Spielberg, Christina Steinberg
Genre: Comedy and Animation
Release Date: November 2nd, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG for mild suggestive humor.
Distributors: Paramount Pictures

Barry B. Benson is a graduate bee fresh out of college who is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a rare trip outside the hive, Barry's life is saved by Vanessa, a florist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans are mass consumers of honey and decides to sue the human race for stealing bees' honey. -Yahoo Movies.

What can be said about a kid's movie filled with talking bees? Well your gonna find out my friends.

My wife and I took our son to see this film for 2 reasons, 1: he really wanted to see it and had been good. 2: My wife loves bees, so much so that she is actually a bee keeper. So this movie was like heaven for them both. I on the other hand had a real difficult time disconnecting from reality enough to enjoy this movie. Certain things just seemed TOO fantastical. Case in point, bees in my opinion shouldn't need to drive cars. Also because of this movie my wife has been over heard plotting on how to borrow 500,000 bees to see if they really can lift,fly and land a jumbo jet.

There isn't too much that makes this film stand out from all the other animated talking animal movies. The animation is average. Which is to say it's not horrible, but its nothing ground breaking. The soundtrack was the normal Disney instrumental fare. The only differences were Sheryl Crow sang a song for the end of the movie and they played Sugar Sugar by The Archies towards the mid point of the film.

One part I did enjoy was right in the beginning, you get a black screen with the fact that bee's shouldn't be able to fly. Their bodies are to fat and their wings are too small, so it is scientifically impossible for them to be able to fly. The reason given as to why they can fly was...”Bee's don't care what humans think is impossible”.

Another humorous element was the mention of “Bee Jesus” which sparked a very spirited bit of commentary on the way home. This movie is rife with the ability to make bad bee puns for weeks. Which as of yet has not stopped in my home.

I have sat and watched the previews again to see why I didn't enjoy this film that much, I think it could just be I wasn't in the right mindset. It has what it needs to make it watchable by the adults, but it isn't on the same level as some of the other kids movie's this past year.

This is definitely a movie I would recommend for your kids, but you might want to wait till it comes to DVD. That way if you don't dig it, you can read a book or something while it is on.

Awaiting the second Buzzing of Bee Jesus

Crobertdunham@yahoo.com

PETER JACKSON'S SECRET SCI-FI MOTION PICTURE "DISTRICT 9"

SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT ACQUIRES NORTH AMERICAN AND ALL ENGLISH- LANGUAGE DISTRIBUTION RIGHTS
TO PETER JACKSON'S SECRET SCI-FI MOTION PICTURE "DISTRICT 9"

Deal Includes Distribution Rights
in a Significant Number of Foreign Territories



Los Angeles, CA - November 9, 2007 - Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired North American distribution rights as well as distribution rights in a significant number of foreign territories, including all English speaking territories, to the Peter Jackson produced sci-fi motion picture "District 9" from QED International. The announcement was jointly made today by Peter Schlessel, President of Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group, and QED International CEO Bill Block.

Academy Award® winner Peter Jackson is producing "District 9" through his WingNut Films production banner. QED International, the Los Angeles based production, financing and international sales company, is fully financing the film. Jackson 's manager Ken Kamins of Key Creatives is serving as executive producer along with Bill Block.

Neill Blomkamp makes his feature film directing debut with "District 9", which he co-wrote with partner Terri Tatchell. The film is scheduled to begin shooting in Spring 2008 in South Africa . Details of the film's plot are being tightly guarded while pre-production is underway.

Bill Block says, "Amy Pascal, Michael Lynton and Jeff Blake and the entire team at Sony really understand this film and we couldn't be more excited to be in business with them. They are completely committed to the unique vision Neill and Peter have for ‘District 9.’

"We have seen some of Neil's enormously creative work launching Halo 3 and he is a true talent who understands how to use visual effects in full service of the story. With Peter Jackson and his team at WETA workshop working with Neil, we believe District 9 can be a true event tentpole on our release slate," said Amy Pascal, Co-Chairman of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Negotiating the acquisition were Peter Schlessel for Sony Pictures Entertainment; Ken Kamins and attorneys Peter Nelson and Eric Suddleson on behalf of Peter Jackson; and Bill Block and Paul Hanson for QED International. Lara Thompson, Senior Vice President of Acquisitions for Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group, was also integral in securing the rights to the film for the studio.