The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
I’m a fan of the revenge movies such as V for Vendetta (all time favorite), Count of Monte Cristo, Memento, and Man on Fire; just to name a few. However, after reading The Millennium trilogy and watching the 2009 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo starring Noomi Rapace as the epic Lisbeth Salander and Michael Nyqvist as Mikael Blomkvist, I was hooked on this series and finished with The Girl Who Played with Fire and The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest.
Mind you these movies were written and produced in Swedish, but when I heard that they were bringing it to America to re-make, I didn’t know if I should rejoice or be scared out of my mind.
The 2011 Girl with the Dragon Tattoo teaser trailer…was nothing less than epic. Can’t get over the Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” reproduced by Trent Reznor (NIN) and Karen O (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah’s). I am still nervous about Rooney Mara portraying the damaged Lisbeth Salander and I hope Daniel Craig can do Mikael Blomkvist justice as well. Very happy to see Christopher Plummer in the cast list though. The teaser trailer gives me hope for the movies and I am very excited and a little impatient for December to roll around.
If you have not already looked into this trilogy via movie or books (the books are ALWAYS better), you need to. I’m being very serious…you really need to step away from the computer or better yet hit up amazon that way you never have to leave your seat, and purchase the books.
Fair warning, these are very dark and twisted books with heavy rape, violence, and language; but we are all big kids here right?
You will enjoy it all the same because Lisbeth is just so badass.
The Hunger Games
If you don’t know what The Hunger Games is then you should know that this is definitely a bandwagon worth hopping on. Those dealing with “P.P.D.” (Post Potter Depression) can look forward to a new series that could be the next Harry Potter. Though these two series are vastly different, the underground fan following of Suzanne Collins’ book trilogy The Hunger Games is much larger than anyone has yet to see.
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.
Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.
Now that Lionsgate has announced the movie to be released March 23, 2012 it has sent the fans into a frenzy and thirsting for more. Jennifer Lawrence, who recently played Raven/Mystique on the big screens X-Men: First Class, has been announced as the beloved heroine, Katniss Everdeen, for the Hunger Games movie. Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth have also been added to the casting list as the fans favorites Peeta (Hutcherson) and Gale (Hemsworth).
Lawrence has my vote!
As we await the 200+ days until the movie arrives, check out the Official Hunger Games movie website to grab their HOT poster widget and movie countdown.
Things are going to start heating up really quick.
There’s an app for that
The summer’s only half way over, so there’s still plenty of time to enjoy the warm weather, fun nights out with friends, and travel plans you’ve been considering, but haven’t quite gotten around to. Here are 5 free apps to download on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to help you get the most out of your summer and make your plans run a little bit smoother:
1. Gas Buddy: We all know that one of the most painful things to pay for this summer is filling up your gas tank. With gas prices constantly changing, this app will show you the cheapest place to find gas wherever you are. (Network/Wi-Fi needed)
2. Mixology™ Drink Recipes: Even if you’re not a bartender, this app gives you access to thousands of drink mixes to impress your friends. It allows you to search in several ways, depending on what you want to make, and gives enough options to be sure to please everyone you’re entertaining!
3. Urbanspoon: Finding a restaurant (especially while on vacation) can be somewhat of a hassle, trying to please everyone and find somewhere you don’t go every week. This app can help! Urbanspoon allows you to do an open search of restaurants in your area or a specific search where you can dictate price, neighborhood, and type of food you want to eat. (Network/Wi-Fi needed)
4. Lose it!: Has this been the summer you were going to lose weight… but it hasn’t happened yet? This app can help you get on track. It allows you to set personal goals and food choices. Each day, record your food intake and the amount of exercise you do to stay within your previously set goals, and start to lose the weight you want.
5. Fandango Movies: Tickets and Times: With the amount of movies that are coming out this summer, download this app to make sure you never miss one. This app shows the times of the movies you want to see at a theater near you… plus allows you to purchase tickets in advance! (Network/Wi-Fi needed)
Anything that comes up this summer, remember… there’s an app to help!
Catch Up on Summer’s Movies So Far
Robots, smoke, and explosions, oh my!
It’s nearly the July 4th holiday! Yes, summer is in full swing–and you may not have noticed that a ton of blockbusters have already hit theaters, with even more to come. In anticipation of some much-appreciated time off, here’s a movie guide to help you spend a few hours in air-conditioned bliss:
Today, June 29: Transformers: Dark of the Moon (official site), 3rd in the series. Shia LaBeouf and a girl who isn’t Megan Fox run around with lots of CGI-robots and loud explosions.
Friday, July 1: Larry Crowne (official site), with American treasures Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. The cute “grown-ups” romantic drama for people who don’t want to watch robots.
Friday, July 8: Horrible Bosses (official site). The star power of Jason Bateman, Kevin Spacey, Jennifer Aniston, Jamie Foxx, Colin Farrell, and Colin Farrell’s horrific combover makes this one look like a winner.
These movies have already been released–better hurry up if you still want to catch them on the big screen. Click to go to the trailers.
Thor, Bridesmaids, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, The Hangover 2, Kung Fu Panda 2, X-Men: First Class, Super 8, Green Lantern, Cars 2, and Bad Teacher.
It’s a lot to keep up with, but may you find a comfy seat at your favorite theater and make it through. (Or you could just spend more time outside and Netflix everything in the fall.)
#1thingIcantstand – Footloose Remake
Yesterday I saw the trailer for the upcoming MTV remake of Footloose and I am some what at a loss as to what to say.
Mind you, I love the original; I can’t help but shake my tail feather when Never by Moving Pictures turns up and Kevin Bacon starts his five minute dance-athon in that grungy factory.
However, is this a classic they should mess with? After seeing the trailer, I’m not so sure.
Exact story line, modern time, and throw in a mixture of “Step-Up” who knows what is going to happen. I guess they ran out of good “Step-Up” story plots and have moved on to someone elses work.
But I digress.
Who knows, MTV could blow us all out of the water with these newcomers Kenny Wormald, playing Ren MacCormack, and Julianne Hough, cast as Ariel Moore.
Time will tell.
For now check out the trailer below and tell us what you think! Can Kenny rock that awesome maroon blazer like our beloved Kevin Bacon?
Tags: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog
Latest posters for Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Pt II
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part II, the eighth and final movie of the series, promises to be something EPIC. Check out some of the new posters below–I’m especially pleased to see some previously unsung heroes getting their solo poster due. Like Neville! In the books, he’s such a great character: it’s a shame that the movies had to gloss over his story, but here’s to hoping that he gets his props in this last movie. Check out the trailer here, and thanks to MuggleNet.com for the images.
July 15 can’t come quickly enough.
Harry Potter, man of the summer.
Time to step up, Neville Longbottom.
Severus Snape. <3
Draco Malfoy: wicked or just scared?
Bridesmaids have more fun.
Source: http://a-red-lipstick.blogspot.com/
Ruth Hussey was nominated for an Academy Award for her portrayal of “last-minute” bridesmaid Elizabeth Imbrie to Katharine Hepburn’s Tracy Lord in The Philadelphia Story.
- Source: http://twoweddingbelles.blogspot.com/
Cameron Diaz could have picked a better choice of bridesmaid than Julia Roberts in My Best Friend’s Wedding.
Rebel with a gun
Fifty-six years ago two young actors appeared together in a twenty-three minute episode of General Electric Theater. Today, both men have reached heights of popularity and cultural significance neither could have predicted. And after more than half a century “The Dark, Dark Hours” starring James Dean and Ronald Reagan has been discovered.
The Atlantic has the video – edited down to 6 mins – of James Dean portraying a rebel with a gun (10 months before the premiere of Rebel Without A Cause) holding a doctor (Reagan) and his family hostage while trying to get medical attention for his wounded friend.
What struck me most about this short film is the hint of roles to come in Dean’s performance, most notably the conversations between Dean (calling Reagan ‘Dad) and Reagan (calling Dean ‘Sonny’) and the physical altercation between the two followed by the emotional breakdown of the younger actor.
The physical altercation between Dean and Reagan plays out much in the same fashion as Dean’s altercation with Jim Backus, who played his father, in Rebel Without a Cause – though this time it’s the father figure attacking the younger man.
Reagan attacking Dean quickly escalates into Dean’s emotional breakdown – mimicking, almost exactly – the scene Dean may already have been preparing for in East of Eden, when he, as Caleb Trask, tries to buy his father’s love (Raymond Massey) only to be rejected, sending him into a tailspin of self-destruction.
In many ways ”The Dark, Dark Hours” can be seen as a sort of screen test for Dean, working through many of the themes and acting styles that he will then bring to the three film roles he left behind, in Rebel Without a Cause, East of Eden and his final picture, Giant.
Make yourself a dang quesadilla!
I was once a lone wolf: a man who appreciates the art of cinema, but is equally as passionate about all things gustatory. The modern world just isn’t meant for refined Renaissance men such as I, I would lament. Then Urban Daddy tipped me off to this new website. A place where those who watch Billy Madison and think, “How can I recreate that extra sllllllloppy Sloppy Joe sandwich for my own enjoyment,” or, between fits of uncontrollable laughter, wonder, “Where can I get my hands on some of that My Big Fat Greek Wedding bundt cake,” will be enlightened.
Rejoice! There are others like me! Now I’ll know where to turn when my next viewing of Napoleon Dynamite evokes a full-on cheese quesadilla hankering: movierecipes.net.
Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway
The Runaways, one of our most highly anticipated movies will finally debut in theaters on March 19th. We’ve been waiting a very long time to see seems to be two great actresses bringing to life two amazing performers: Kristen Stewart as Joan Jett and Dakota Fanning as Cherie Currie.
Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book-A-Million, Borders or an Independent Bookseller.
Click here to read a preview of the first two chapters.
About Neon Angel: A Memoir of a Runaway by Cherie Currie
Cherie Currie, with her signature Bowie haircut and fishnet stockings, was the groundbreaking lead singer of ’70s teenage all-girl rock band the Runaways. At the tender age of fifteen, she joined a group of talented girls—Joan Jett and Lita Ford on guitar, Jackie Fox on bass, and Sandy West on drums—who could play rock like no one else.
Arriving on the Los Angeles music scene in 1975, they catapulted from playing small clubs to selling out major stadiums, headlining shows with opening acts like the Ramones, Van Halen, Cheap Trick, and Blondie. Currie lit up the stage with the provocative teen-rebellion songs “Cherry Bomb,” “Queens of Noise,” and “Born to Be Bad,” riding a wave of hit songs and platinum albums, all while touring around the world.
On the face of it, Currie’s is a riveting story of girl empowerment and fame. But it is also an intensely personal account of her struggles with drugs, sexual abuse, and violence. She and her bandmates, runaways all, were thrown into a decadent, high-pressure music scene where on the road, unsupervised for months at a time, they had to grow up fast and experience things that no teenage girls should. Neon Angel exposes the side of the music industry fans never get to see, and chronicles the group’s rise to fame and their ultimate demise.
Shocking and inspiring, funny and touching, Neon Angel stunningly re-creates a bygone era of rock and roll, all the while providing an inside look at growing up hard under the relentless glare of the public eye, and chronicling one tough woman’s fight to reclaim her life.
About The Runaways
The Runaways is based on lead-singer Cherie Currie’s book ‘Neon Angel’ – a reflection of her experiences as a rock star, but also delivering a strong anti-drug warning to teens and others. David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” serves as a metaphor for the narrative– a slow countdown, a surreal but spectacular rise to fame, then alienation and burnout – a long long way from home.
The movie chronicles THE RUNAWAYS from 1975 – 1977; formed by teenage girls living near Hollywood, CA., and heavily manipulated by their manager Kim Fowley as ‘jailbait rock’ (all the girls were 16 or younger when the band recorded their first album). The band ultimately succeeds on their own merits as musicians, becoming the first all-girl rock-band to ever break into the world of arena-filling hard rock acts.
The movie focuses on the band’s formation, and their meteoric rise to fame. Their first single, ‘Cherry Bomb’, gets some attention in the United States, where THE RUNAWAYS’ U.S. tour hits major venues (Cobo Hall, with RUSH) and sleazy rock-clubs, often pairing them up with The Ramones, Cheap Trick, Tom Petty, and other popular 1970′s rock acts. But ‘Cherry Bomb’ and several other songs from THE RUNAWAYS’ first 2 albums become huge hits in Japan — and their arrival for a set of shows there in 1977 is like Beatle-Mania. The band is overwhelmed by the Japanese reception. Almost prophetic, THE RUNAWAYS’ last big hit song in Japan is ‘Neon Angels On The Road To Ruin’.
Cherie is initially thrilled to be in the band, and lives the rock star life. She pushes the edge — and their records sell well, generating lots of media controversy and hype. But during the tour of Japan, her personal life disintegrates, and she burns out — ultimately leaving The Runaways when they return to the U.S. The bass player (Jackie Fox) quits too, leaving only Lita Ford, Joan Jett and Sandy West. Joan Jett has decided that rock & roll is her life, and that The Runaways is her ‘family’; she is upset by Cherie’s decision to leave, but knows that decision is best — for Cherie.
THE RUNAWAYS’ success was earth-shaking in rock music — changing the rules forever. But with the successful 5-girl lineup no longer intact after the Japan tour, their future was dubious, at best. Lita Ford (guitar) and Sandy West (drums) still think the band can make it big again, so they persevere with Joan Jett.
Leitch’s Tribute to Roger Ebert
Will Leitch, founding editor of Gawker‘s sports blog, Deadspin, contributing editor at New York magazine, and author of the bitingly funny book-length sports manifesto God Save the Fan, has shed the trademark irreverence that famously drew the ire of Buzz Bissinger on Costas Now long enough to write a stirring and memorable tribute to legendary film critic Roger Ebert.
In his modestly titled essay, ”My Roger Ebert Story,” Leitch describes his lifelong admiration for Ebert, a fellow native of Illinois, alum of the University of Illinois, and editor at the school’s paper, The Daily Illini, and how their lives intersected several times during Leitch’s late teens years and early 20s. Surprisingly – or maybe not, for those who know him - Ebert kept up a lively correspondence with Leitch, encouraged his passion and talent, and went out of his way to help kickstart Leitch’s career as a writer.
The pinnacle of the story, and the low point in their relationship, comes when Leitch recalls penning an opinion piece called “I Am Sick Of Roger Ebert’s Fat F—-ing Face,” which he claims now was an immature attempt to establish himself, unfortunately by positioning himself in stark (read: disrespectful) opposition to the old guard. One doubts that Leitch has ever harbored more regret than he does for writing that piece – and wonders whether this essay isn’t an overdue public atonement for it.
In spite of its passing reference to “humping Ebert’s leg,” Leitch’s tribute proves that he is a writer capable of far more than the scathing blog posts about sports figures and corporate media, which launched his career as a nationally recognized commentator. Though he’ll never grow up to be Roger Ebert the way he dreamt he might as a child, if he stays on course he just might become as valued and valuable a critic.
No uncertainty about Uncertainty
We are all faced with hundreds, maybe thousands, of minuscule decisions each day. Bus or subway? Where and when to go to lunch? Work late or cut out early? The other day during a much-needed day of hookey from the YIL-factory I was walking by the IFC Center and saw a poster for Uncertainty, next showing in twenty minutes. I was sick of walking the streets in the cold and not buying Christmas presents so I ducked into the theatre and am very glad I did.
Manhattan or Brooklyn?
Easy question. Where to spend the 4th of July. Your girlfriend’s family’s party in Brooklyn or your buddy’s party in Manhattan. Flip a coin.
That’s how Uncertainybegins. With the flip of a coin. What follows are two separate movies: one follows Bobby (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) and his girlfriend Kate (Lynn Collins) to Brooklyn. Intertwined is the second movie – what would have happen had the two chosen to spend the day in Manhattan.
At first glimpse the premise is reminiscent of the less-than-stellar Gwyneth Paltrow 1998 film Sliding Doors (I much prefer her Great Expectations from the same year). To keep both Uncertainy story lines separate the film’s writers/directors used color: Yellow for Manhattan (clothes, taxi that brings them there) and Green for Brooklyn (clothes, minivan that brings them there). A much more clever device than Paltrow’s odd blonde/brunette hair cut and coloring.
What follows are two incredible stories as different as can be. In Manhattan Bobby and Kate find a cellphone in the back of a cab that leads to a fast-paced, gripping espionage story of murder, blackmail and what two people would be willing to do for more money than they could ever fathom having with action scenes of roof jumping that rival the Jason Bourne films. Not an easy feat for an independent film.
In Brooklyn, surrounded by her family, Bobby and Kate come to terms about their feelings for each other, their future, her mother’s disapproval. It is an intense, sometimes stifling, family/relationship drama.
The in-depth, claustrophobic nature of the film and the relationship presented on screen set to a defined period of time of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn films reminded me of a mix of Ethan Hawke/Julie Delpy Before Sunrise and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers/Scarlett Johansson Match Point.
While not the perfect movie – a few of the loose ends seem to tie up a bit too easy at the end – Uncertainly certainly is a movie to be seen. Levitt, once again as he did in (500) Days of Summer (which you may or may not have heard I kinda liked), proves his ranking as one of the top actors under thirty today and Lynn Collins shows her dramatic abilities are far superior to her roles in True Blood and X-Men: Wolverine (which is a damn good show and a fine movie themselves).
Its too late to see Uncertainty at the IFC Center in New York (though it does seem to be still playing in LA), but the smart folks over at IFC released the movie On Demandsimul with the theatre release. So look for it there.
Our Favor!te Things 2009: Kevin
Considering he saw (500) Days of Summer eight times (at last count), we’re pretty surprised that our marketing head honcho Kevin Callahan actually had time to enjoy other pop culture delights this year. Apparently he did, and apparently these were his favor!tes.
Favor!te Film: (500) Days of Summer. Because “this is not a love story.” Because in the hands of actors less talented than Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel the movie could have taken an entirely different direction, but what they do in it is remarkable. Because I want to live in Tom Hansen’s apartment. Because of this.
Favor!te Concert: Nirvana, Live at Reading. Because very rarely can you be transported back in time and witness something amazing happen.
Favor!te Album: Green Day, 21st Century Breakdown. Because five years ago Rolling Stone wrote “Tell the truth: did anybody think Green Day would still be around in 2004?” and Green Day not only proved their importance then with American Idiot but far-surpassed it in 2009 with 21st Century Breakdown. Because seeing Billie Joe Armstrong in concert is a religous experience. Because What’s the latest way that a man can die / Screaming hallelujah? Because even though Billie Joe has a son in high school, you still believe him when he tells you how mom and dad will never understand.
Favor!te Book: The Selected Works of T.S. Spivet, Reif Larsen. Because every now and then you can get completely lost in the mind of a book’s character and forget that he doesn’t actually exist. Because Reif Larsen has created an inventive forms of storytelling. Because the interrior looks like this.
Favor!te Art-type thingy: Hamlet. Because Jude Law made the funny lines actually funny. Because he didn’t over do “To Be or Not to Be.” Because the scene of Polonius’s murder was the best version I’ve ever seen. Because in my opinion Getrude is the toughest role to have and Geraldine James was incredible in it. Because the costumes and set decorations were brilliant in their simplicities. Because it snowed on stage. Because I’m a Hamlet snob so for me to like it as much as I did, it must be good.
Favor!te Fashion: Hoodies. Because a hoodie under a blazer is warmer than a winter coat. Because 2007 was the last time GAP made a decent hoodie. Because 2007′s hoodies are now perfectly worn-in.
Favor!te TV Show: Gossip Girl. Because I lost a little faith after Seaon 2, but Season 3 has more than made up for it.
Favor!te Blog/Website: HTMLGiant. Because it contained the Best Essay of 2009: Blake Butler‘s “James Joyce does not exist.”
Favor!te Real Housewives: Dina Manzo and Caroline Manzo from Real Housewives of New Jersey. Because they are thick as thieves.
Favor!te Twitterer: @God. Because, well, he’s God.
Favor!te You Tube Video: When Pandas Attack. Because this is the video proof that underneath all that fur, pandas are mean fuckers.
Bonus:
What are you most excited about for 2010? Emile Hirsch’s Hamlet may surprise a lot of people. Ed Westwick as Heathcliff and Gemma Arterton as Cathy in a new Wuthering Heights. And I still have high hopes for Shutter Island.
Who do you most want to smooch on New Year’s Eve? Patricia Highsmith. Because “My New Year’s Eve Toast: to all the devils, lusts, passions, greeds, envies, loves, hates, strange desires, enemies ghostly and real, the army of memories, with which I do battle — may they never give me peace.” – Patricia Highsmith, January 1, 1947. 2:30 am.
Bare with me
for a moment. The Telegraph is reporting that actor and downright nice guy (cause, you know, we’re friends) Daniel Radcliffe will have a nude scene in the upcoming Harry Potter and his Deadly Member the Deathly Hallows.
The article quotes the film’s director, David Yates, “Dan has appeared nude in the past. There are a couple of scenes in the new film in which he will undress, but we’re still thinking about how to present it.”
I don’t suggest taking a lesson from the newly minted almost-nude former future son-in-law of Sarah Palin, Levi Johnston. His recent Playgirl photo spread was, while thrilling, a bit of a let down.
oh levi ...
This will be nothing new for Mr. Radcliffe who went full frontal (and dorsal for that matter) 8 times a week, both on Broadway and in London’s West End in Equus. He also has a book coming out at the end of the year. In it, he allows photographer Tim Hailand to follow him for a day — all day — including a trip to the shower. Good form, Daniel; I like where you’re going with this.
Radcliffe in Equus
My only request is that this not be a publicity stunt, like Levi’s. All talk and no Potter.
On a steel horse (or train) I ride…
A few days ago we caught you up on all the goings on with Bon Jovi. And there’s more!
New Jersey Transit Commuters – be on the look out for the poster below on your trains through out the month of November. Take a photo of the barcode on the bottom left with your barcode enabled smart phone, sit back and enjoy some great content on the Bon Jovi mobile website. It will make your commute fly by.
Then take a photo of the poster and email it to YourItList@HarperCollins.com and we’ll send the first 10 people a free copy of Bon Jovi: When We Were Beautiful.
Dress Like a Wild Thing
So I know we’re all super excited for Where The Wild Things Are movie to come out in theaters October 16th. In fact, some people may even be so excited they feel inclined to dress like a wild thing for the occasion. If you are one of those special people, then the new Opening Ceremony Where The Wild Things Are collection–created in collaboration with director Spike Jonze– is for you. Get your Wild Thing on for as little as $220 for the Alexander faux-fur mini skirt, or splurge for the $600 Max jumpsuit (with tail).
$600 max jumpsuit, photo courtesy of openingceremy.us
Check out the rest of the furry collection here. Of course, if these prices don’t fit in your Wild budget, then try this lower-priced suggestion from nymag.com.
Just three frames
I love the idea behind the site Three Frames. It’s essentially exactly what it sounds like…three frames from a movie or TV show, in order and shown in rapid succession on a loop. The results are hilarious, amazing and sometimes scary (in my humble opinion). After I came across the site I found myself getting sucked in and going through the entire archive. It reminds me of those cameras that have four exposures, so the final photo has just a hint of motion in it.
Also, if you have any idea what movie these stills are from, post it in the comments section because topless machine guns = movies I must see.
