Filmsy - Movie Reviews Blog

Biel’s Powder Blue DVD Release Only

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Sorry guys but if you have been waiting to see Jessica Biel in her new stripper role in Powder Blue you just won’t be seeing it in the cinemas anytime soon. Her new movie wasn’t able to make the cut and instead will be released on DVD this June. That means that not only won’t you be seeing her skin on the big screen but you’ll have to wait a month to buy a copy and enjoy it in your own homes.

The movie is supposed to be more than just a Jessica Biel stripper movie and the plot promises a whole lot more but it makes us wonder why it still wasn’t good enough to make it to the big screen. Other disappointed cast members of Powder Blue include Patrick Swaye, who plays the part of a sleazy club owner; Redmayne, a mortician head over heels for Biel’s character Rose Johnny; and Forrest Whitaker, a suicidal ex-priest. Luckily Whitaker, who’s also a producer of the film doesn’t feel suicidal over the movie being snubbed.

Hopefully Jessica Biel’s career will start faring as well as her love life is although right now even her next movie doesn’t seem to be making waves this early. In case her career doesn’t pan out well at least she has a fall back plan because according to Cher Tippetts of Entertainmentwise, “Jessica Biel has all the necessary requirements to become a real-life stripper, according to the woman who trained her in the art of exotic dance…should the Hollywood roles ever dry up, which could be a real possibility following Powder Blue.” Oh well, I bet she’ll have the last laugh.

Thumbs Up for The Soloist

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The Soloist is earning is getting great reviews and you can add mine to that. The film is based on a true story. It centers around the friendship developed between LA Times journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) and a musically gifted but mentally ill Nathaniel Ayers (Jamie Foxx).

Nathaniel Ayers once studied at Julliard but due to a mental breakdown cannot cope with the strict code that society enforces and so ends up living in the streets, which is where Lopez finds him and befriends him. Being a journalist, Lopez of course started writing human-interest stories about Ayers but also starts on a quest to save Ayers. As time goes by Lopez realizes that his friendship with Ayers is the one that’s opening his eyes and making him see the richness of life. A movie about life and friendship that tackles the hard issues of homelessness and mental illness, the Soloist may lack the fast-pace of action flicks and will not awe you with effects but it is thoughtful and moving.

As for the acting, Robert Downey Jr was able to perfectly capture the character showing us the depth of emotions of the deeply troubled journalist. Jamie Foxx was equally perfect giving such a great performance that watching it you’ll forget that it is just acting. His portrayal of Ayers could just break your heart. Extra props to Jamie Foxx as well for his patience in learning to play the violin because it sure did pay off, even classical music enthusiasts agree that he was very convincing when he played the violin and the cello.

The movie is a must-see if you wish to see a quality film that is more than just about effects. This one you must see for the story and superb acting.

Finding Forrester Again and Again

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I am not the type of person that likes to watch movies over and over but there are rare exceptions and Finding Forrester is one of them. Just this afternoon I sat down for an hour and a half to enjoy this exceptional film. Exceptional not in its twists and turns because it is predictable nor in cinematography but exceptional in the thoughts and emotions it evokes. No it didn’t get me bawling but it is the kind of film that will stay relevant and strike a chord in people’s hearts because of the truths even as time passes. At least it does that for me, after all it’s been almost a decade since the film came out and about every other year I manage to find time to watch it.

Finding Forrester is about a brilliant young boy named Jamal Wallace (Rob Brown) who lives in the Bronx and is accepted to a very prestigious private school. It centers on his friendship with a Pulitzer prize winner/recluse William Forrester (Sean Connery) and shows how the friendship helped Jamal grow as a writer and William to once again reach for his dreams and come out of his shell.

The movie got multiple nominations and is considered to be one of the best films of 2000. It also won some awards though the Oscars didn’t give it nod. Still director Gus Van Sant really hit the home run with this. If you want a quiet movie night at home this is the movie to watch.

Star Trek Trailer a Big Hit

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Star Treks’ trailer has me all excited. Though it has always had a very faithful following the movie series was not something I really liked. The funny thing is that I am so into the books but for some reason never got into the movies. I blame it on my hyper-active imagination which makes the movies pale in comparison. This time though it might be different.

Star Trek has always been cool but you just have to see the trailer to see why it’s gotten even cooler. I do hope the movie doesn’t disappoint. For now though the verdict is that Star Trek is making a huge comeback. Props to JJ Abrams for managing to revitalize the movie…or at least the trailer. Hopefully the trailer editors didn’t do too good a job making the trailer tons better than the actual movie.

The cast also helps with Chris Pine as James T Kirk, Zachary Quinto as the young Spock (That alone makes the movie worth watching! Sorry but I’m obviously a fan.), Leonard Nimoy as the old Spock, Zoe Saldana as Uhura, Eric Bana (another one for the ladies) as Nero, and Winona Ryder as Amanda Grayson.

The movie premieres May 8. Come May I will surely be dragging people with me to see the movie. My guess though is that the dragging part won’t be necessary once my friends see the trailer.

Watch the Star Trek trailer in HD at Apple.com

Best “Hard Times” Movies

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Ma Joad And Son

Looking for a good “feel bad then feel good” movie? I know that sounds kinda wrong but you know what I mean…movies that are about the hard times in life…at the end of the day, despite the grimness of these movies, you tend to feel a glimmer of hope. This could be due to the fact that you know that somehow, some way, there will be a rainbow at the end of the road. Whatever the reason, I think that this would be a good time to watch one of these movies – and then celebrate your life afterwards.

The Grapes of Wrath
Definitely a good portrayal of how harsh life can be. This movie is actually a documentary cum poem based on John Steinbeck’s novel of the same name. If you have not read the novel (I can’t imagine why not!), the gist of the story is that a farming family from Oklahoma migrates to California to find work. The actors (Henry Fonda and Jane Darwell) are excellent and brings the novel to life. An old movie but very much relevant to today.

Cinderella Man
This movie is more recent and it certainly was a hit when it was released. The story is based on the life story of Jim Braddock, played by Russell Crowe, and how he struggled with the fact that he could not provide for his wife (Renee Zellweger) and children. He gets a chance to do so by fighting in the boxing ring. The movie is a good mix of emotions, sports, and relationships.

The Pursuit of Happyness
If you cannot appreciate this movie, then I don’t know what to do with you! Will Smith did a superb job playing the role of the lead character. Who can forget scenes wherein he and his son were living on the streets?