In “Takers” Matt Dillon and company do a phenomenal job at keeping you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. With an exceptional cast of characters including Chris Brown ,Zoe Saldana, rapper “T.I” and more, this suspenseful Action/ Thriller is one to not to be missed.
“Eat Pray Love” is a film about a woman who travels the globe in search of herself. The screenplay was adapted from a memoir of the same title, a New York Times Best Seller, written by Elizabeth Gilbert. The film begins in New York where Liz and her husband Steven are living in an unhappy marriage.
In "The Other Guys" audiences get another buddy cop film, only this time the outcome is actually entertaining. Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg star as the duo in director Adam McKay's newest comedic romp. Peppered with guest appearances and awkward moments this ends up being a surprisingly funny film.
There are many, overused phrases that can be used to describe a successful comedy, hilarious, amusing, side-splitting, but touching is usually not one of them. That is the case with "Dinner for Schmucks." The film is all the definitions and terms that could be used to describe a funny film and at the same time it is a tender one as well.
Mixing romance, drama and the supernatural, "Charlie St. Cloud" has more story elements then it knows what to do with and at times it shows. This Zac Efron vehicle is not without its moments though. While some scenes are cliché and, at times goofy, there are plenty of heartwarming ones as well.
Another weekend and yet another indie drama is released. Up this week is "The Kids Are All Right." The film surprisingly turns out to be more than all right, it ends up being superb as well as entertaining throughout. Doing a little voodoo math with the nuclear family, the story revolves around two parents raising their two children.
In his follow up to "The Dark Knight," Christopher Nolan creates a film that, while not as good as its predecessor, is business as usual for the filmmaker. And business as usual is stunning. Daring to create a film that, gasp, focuses on character development Nolan succeeds while lapping any other film that has been released this summer or this year.
In "Standing Ovation" audiences are given an underdog tale that feels like a movie made for the Disney channel. That does not mean it is necessarily a bad movie…if you take it for what it is. What it is, is teeny-bopper musical targeted towards adolescents in the pre-teen demographic.
In an attempt to make a "dramedy", a dramatic-comedy, directors Jay and Mark Duplass give audiences "Cyrus." Sporting a cast that has some name value, this film does little to entertain or add anything of value to the film industry or its viewers.
A strangely charming movie with a satirical message, "Micmacs" gave me something much more than I had expected. This humorous French film starts off with a bang… literally. To put it simply, the beginning scene sets up the rest of the movie to be followed by silly shenanigans and clever, revengeful plots to turn two big arms corporations against each other.
It’s very rare that a movie based on something as classic as an animated short from "Fantasia", can overcome the great expectations and wow audiences across the board. As anticipated, "The Sorcerer’s Apprentice" fell short, to say the least.
Arriving in theaters this weekend, "Despicable Me" attempts to provide good, fun, family entertainment and succeeds, surprisingly well. In what amounts to a Judd Apatow cast reunion, Steve Carell, Jason Segel and Russell Brand lend their voices to this Grinch-like, animated feature.
Recently The Hawkeye had the fortune of interviewing Jackson Rathbone, one of the stars of the upcoming "The Last Airbender" film who also plays Jasper Halle in the "Twilight" film series. In "The Last Airbender" Rathbone plays the character Sokka, friend to Aang.
As with any semi-successful franchise there is bound to be numerous sequels, prequels and whateverquels of varying degrees of quality. The "Predator" franchise is no different. With the newest entry in the series "Predators" we get a sequel that falls, in terms of quality, between the original, the best, and "Aliens vs.
The Film: In "A Single Man" we get a film that constantly switches back and forth from emotionally engaging to outright boring. The film's plot is a typical "man trying to find his way after loss" story. In this case the loss he is dealing with is that of his life partner, who was a man, after dying.
The Film: "The Last Station" has stellar leads with superb acting; unfortunately the story does not match the talent of its cast. The film covers the latter part of Leo Tolstoy's, the iconic author, life. This general outline seems interesting enough…but it isn't.
There is no arguing that any entry in the “Twilight” series is going to be a juggernaut at the box office. There is also no arguing that tween girls aren’t the best judge of what passes for a decent film and what doesn’t because “Eclipse” is on a distant planet in a galaxy far, far away from anything decent.
"Mother and Child" arrives with no hype or big advertising campaign behind it like the rest of this summer's offerings, but it just might be the best film released through the first half of the year. What started out as just another indie drama, sad characters in sad situations, quickly took another direction to become one of the most touching films of 2010.
Mixing western action with supernatural elements and a side order of comic book hokiness, "Jonah Hex" is a jumbled mess. Thankfully, at only 80 minutes, any viewers it might have are spared from wasting too much of their life away watching it.
During the summer season, amid its weekly potential blockbusters and mind-numbing entertainment, unique or intelligent indie films are sprinkled here and there. "Please Give" is neither of those. It is neither unique nor intelligent in any way.
The Film: "Youth in Revolt" is a wordy, sarcastic comedy that feels like an immature Wes Anderson film and I loved it. This film successfully mixes high-brow, subtle comedy with toilet humor to create an extremely entertaining experience.
Overblown explosions, larger than life characters, a fairly weak macguffin and action scenes so ridiculous they are cool. Oh, and attractive people with some witty dialogue throw in for good measure. That is what the big screen version of “The A-Team” is comprised of.
Its not unexpected, with Hollywood apparently running out of new ideas and comic books to adapt, that they return to the well of the remake. The latest remake is of a beloved classic that many of us grew up with, “The Karate Kid.” It took 26 years and three terrible sequels before the “reboot” was unleashed upon moviegoers.
Russell Brand and Jonah Hill team-up for "Get Him to the Greek" a spin-off of the mildly successful and even less funny film "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." Whoever decided this was a good idea saw something that I did not because "Get Him to the Greek" ends up being the funniest oil-and-water buddy film since "Superbad.
There have been countless films in the science fiction and horror genres that attempt to show what happens when foolish humans go against nature. Some have been very good and some have been awful. "Splice" is not an awful film but it does drift towards that end of the spectrum.
It just isn't summer without a movie being released starring some talking species of animal. This time we get talking dogs, with a cat thrown in for good measure. "Marmaduke" is an adaptation of the 56-year-old comic strip. Strangely enough this ends up as a better adaptation than several other movies based on comics, "Iron Man 2" for example… Marmaduke, voiced by Owen Wilson, is a great dane who is a bit rambunctious.
The Film: Having seen "Alice in Wonderland" twice in theatres it is safe to say that I loved the film. To read my review in its entirety go here. It is a great family film that captures the imagination with rich characters and a vastly, vibrant world.
Arriving with a sandstorm of controversy, and little fanfare, "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time" ends up being a waste of everyone's time who was involved or watches it. I honestly felt every minute of its one-hour and 46-minute runtime.
In a second attempt to destroy relationships Hollywood gives us "Sex and the City 2", something that will have men, at the very least, quitting the female half of the relationship, and maybe women all together, because they dragged them to see it.
In the past Hollywood has tried and failed, numerous times, to adapt popular skits from "Saturday Night Live" and "MacGruber" is their latest attempt. However, being a seventh sign of the apocalypse, it actually succeeds where the others have failed.
Looking over this year's summer schedule and seeing sure fire blockbusters such as "Iron Man 2" and "Robin Hood" kicking of the season who would have thought it would be a green ogre to be the first to turn in a decent film? This week Shrek triumphantly returns in the latest and final installment of the film franchise, "Shrek Forever After.
The Film: Anyone familiar with Michael Bay's films knows one thing; they're all action and special effects with little to no real, engaging storyline. In Armageddon we get a giant asteroid as the antagonist instead of giant hunks of talking metal.
The Karate Kid Blu-Ray The Film: There is really nothing to say about this film that has not been said in the previous 26 years since its initial release. The film is an American classic that I loved revisiting again. The best part is to see Pat Morita in the, now iconic, role of Mr.
Nearly a decade ago audiences were introduced to an ornery green ogre living in the swamps of Far Far Away. Since then the "Shrek" franchise has spawned three sequels, including this summer's "Shrek Forever After", and grossed over $2 billion dollars, not including the newest entry in the series.
Hardly a month goes by without a new romantic comedy hitting the silver screen. The general plot is always the same, guy or girl is lonely and is longing for their soul mate to complete them and, when they do finally meet, hilarity and misunderstandings follow.
Judging by the trailer you would expect Ridley Scott's "Robin Hood" to be an action heavy, dark and mature take on the age old character. It is dark and mature, but action oriented and interesting it is not. Instead what Scott and Crowe give audiences is a 141-minute film that leaves the viewer with thoughts of what could have been.
The Film: Not having seen "Tombstone" for some time, and having my film taste drastically change since I saw it last, I did not know whether I would like it or not. Not only did I like it, I loved it. "Tombstone" is a modern classic in the western genre.
The final installment of the Shrek franchise, "Shrek Forever After", is slated for release on May 21 and one of its stars, Walt Dohrm, took some time out to talk about the film and his role in it.
In "City Island" movie goers get another film about a dysfunctional family, this time the location doubles as the title. While audiences have been bombarded lately with smaller films about problematic families, "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Sunshine Cleaning", "City Island" does not come off as "been there, done that" fare.
While on the press tour to promote his upcoming film "Iron Man 2" actor Sam Rockwell, who plays one of the film's villains, Justin Hammer, took some time to answer questions from college students from all over the country. Riverside City College Was it freeing for you to create your own version of the character? "Yes.
The Film: "Legion" is a film that takes a tired concept and attempts to put a new twist on it, but only mildly succeeds. A group of people are stuck in a building fighting to survive what is attempting to get in, tired concept. God has apparently lost faith in humanity and there is a horde of demons descending on the place to kill the unborn child, who happens to be the second coming of Jesus, of one of its inhabitants, new twist.
"Babies"-- an ominous title that could either be a really cheesy horror film or an equally cheesy family film about talking babies. Instead, the audience gets a 78 minute documentary about actual babies. To what purpose, I do not know. The documentary follows four babies from birth to when they take their first steps, the first year of their lives.
In "Iron Man 2" Robert Downey Jr. and company take the formula that worked in the first and tried to build upon it. Unfortunately, the concoctions' end result nearly blows up in their faces. The second entry in the series is truly a mixed bag-- some things worked and some things did not.
Arriving with a wave of controversy "The Human Centipede (First Sequence)" is definitely a horror film out of the ordinary. Dutch film director Tom Six delivers audiences a heinous concept without the genre's blood and gore. The latter is surprising when you consider the film's subject matter.
Sitting in the theatre, midway through "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo", I had an epiphany: this movie is kind of f'ed up and kind of awesome. With a title like that you would expect it to ba a corny Asian cartoon import, but it is not. Instead it is an intelligent film where the viewer is not allowed to shut their brain off while watching it.
May 7 Iron Man 2 Most of the original players return with a few awesome additions for arguably the year's most anticipated sequel. Mickey Rourke and Sam Rockwell join the cast as the sequels villains, while Scarlett Johansson comes on board as the Black Widow.
The 36th Annual Student Art show opened on Thursday, April 22, at the Ybor campus art gallery in the performing arts building. Visual arts students submitted nearly 200 pieces from a number of classes including 3-D design, ceramics, drawing, photography, and digital design.
The Tampa Theatre opened on October 15, 1926, when the cost of a ticket was 25 cents. The theatre is not known for its cutting-edge picture or sound. But, what it lacks in style it makes up for with substance. Playing a combination of old films, Oscar nominees and indie films it attracts true film lovers.
The summer of 2008 was packed with potential blockbusters, the majority of which were comic book adaptations. Jump ahead two summers and that has slightly changed. However, the two summers due share one thing in common; Iron Man will have moviegoers and fan boys alike packing the theatres.
With “A Nightmare on Elm Street” we get another remake of a horror classic. Fortunately for audiences, this one is better than average. Deciding to go the route of mining the series instead of just making a straight cookie-cutter version, director Samuel Bayer creates something like an alternate reality “Elm Street” film.
With "The Losers" and “Kick-Ass we get two very different comics adapted to film in one month. "Kick-Ass" was an adaptation of a "superhero" comic; "The Losers" is an adaptation of an espionage thriller. The Losers is a five man elite team in the United States Special Forces.
With a film about teenagers taking it upon themselves to don costumes and fight crime you would expect it to be just another teen-angst, superhero film. “Kick-Ass” is not and the film's title alone is an indication of that. "Kick-Ass" doubles as the title of the film and the main characters alter ego.
I walked into this film knowing next to nothing about it. Coming off "Date Night" from the previous weekend and at least knowing this is an ensemble comedy I did not have high hopes for it. Usually ensemble comedies end up being the actors trying to out-funny each other.
"Dreamers, Artists, and Troublemakers" gathered at the Ybor School of Visual and Performing Arts Thursday for the opening reception of the Eighth Annual Ybor Film Festival, which ran through the weekend with workshops, film screenings and other performances.
Two of Hollywood's funniest team-up for the film industries latest comedic offering, too bad it ends up being a date where no one gets lucky. The film revolves around a married couple who have lost the spice in their relationship. So, they decide to go out for a night on the town and what starts out as being a simple bad judgment call, they take another couples dinner reservation, ends up putting their lives at risk.
Get all your daily veggies in this wonderful pasta recipe. Rotini 12 servings 1 box 16oz of Rotini Primavera pasta 1 bag of broccoli florets frozen 1 jar of sliced mushrooms 2 cans of whole baby carrots 1 can of artichoke hearts 1 jar of sun dried tomatoes 1 pkg.
Music was in the air March 6 when the Ybor City campus music faculty gave a recital to showcase their skills. Held on the main stage of the performing arts building at Ybor, the recital showcased the abilities of the professors upon whom many students rely for musical instruction.
With the current dismal condition of our economy, it comes as no surprise that Hollywood would provide a twist on repossession and this is the case with “Repo Men.” The film revolves around a company that provides artificial organs to consumers who need them.
With Matt Damon’s new film “Green Zone” we cover the early days of the Iraq war, which is based on the non-fiction book “Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq's Green Zone” . The only question is whether we need another film about the issue.
The Gasparilla International Film Festival sails into Tampa Bay starting March 18 and anchors here until March 21. Opening night will be a major highlight of the festival. The festival will include an opening night red carpet and reception, followed by more fun filled days of screening, and ending with a final ceremony in Hyde Park.
"If anything ever happened to you I'd never forgive myself", is a line that is as original as a politician lying during election season. Yet it makes its way into another movie. This sums up what "The Wolfman" is: unoriginal and nothing that we have not seen or heard a hundred times before.
Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I am giving you a delicious recipe for Eggs Benedict, for a step up from your typical bowl of cereal. My family has always made this for special occasions, and I hope you take the time to do the same.
For MacDill students and anyone else interested in a closer look at the jobs of men and women who protect America, Tampa will be filled with military for Navy Week. The 2010 Tampa Bay Navy Week will be rolling in March 13-21 at MacDill Air Force Base where the highlight of the week is a performance by the Blue Angels, a highly skilled aviation group known to deliver impressive performances.
“Murder changes everything,” says the film’s main character Susie Salmon, played by Saoirse Ronan. Unfortunately, even murder could not make “The Lovely Bones” anything but a hit-and-miss affair. While not a terrible movie, it was not a great one either.
The new art exhibit on display at the Ybor campus art gallery is an array of sculptures composed of chicken wire, copper, fabric, and bird forms. The exhibit, “Cancelled” by Maria Saraceno, is on display through Jan. 28. On Jan. 14 a reception for Saraceno included live music performed by the band Alone Together, who had a Spanish type sound that brought students to their feet dancing.
Words fly through the air like bullets on a battlefield, but there is no harmful intent to them. These words are meant to enlighten and entertain. This is the English language at its finest. This is HCC’s poetry slam, and poetry lovers got their first taste of what will be six months long celebration of the art and attitude of spoken word.
Decorative street piano’s have been appearing all around the world for years and now the piano’s have made their way to historic Ybor City. Ten decorated pianos have been placed throughout the Ybor area in hopes to be played and admired by the public, free of charge.
If there’s any time of year to guiltlessly sit around eating sweets all day with family and friends, it’s the holidays. And I know quite a few people who couldn’t agree more. Baking cookies is a way to make memories with those you love most during this special time of year.
After traveling to more than 40 countries, and taking in the culture of the unique places he has visited, Michael Novilla, owner of NOVA 535 was bored with the social gathering spots seen in America and began searching for a creative outlet. Novilla’s goal was to bring an international art gallery, swanky lounge, and cool event space together under one roof.
HCC celebrates world art with “Snake Dance Moon: A Contemporary Native American Art” display. During the month of November, the Ybor School of Visual and Performing Arts Gallery was full of modern Native American works by three different artist; Doug Coffin, Brian Coffin and Linda Haukaas.
Jazz has a place at Ybor City’s Hillsborough Community College campus. “It’s the best band I’ve had,” said Winslow having directed the band for three years. Robert Winslow, the director of the music department’s jazz band at HCC, has been at HCC for three years as a full-time professor.
Be fly at the Fly
The Fly Bar and Restaurant is one of those places where you want to be seen. This trendy yet urban restaurant features a share style menu where diners can share their menu selections. The recently updated menu offers a wide variety of choices for people to choose from; replacing traditional appetizers with more sophisticated selections, such as pan-fried soft-shelled crab.
Peruvian artist Juan Pacheco brings an inspired installation to HCC
Art comes to its creator’s in many forms of inspiration, and Ybor campus got a taste first hand from the creators hands themselves. Juan Pacheco was featured in the Performing Arts building at the Ybor campus from Oct. 5-Oct. 28 introducing his work to students and art aficionados alike.
The collective imagination has always been fascinated by facts and ideas that are hard to explain or, sometimes unexplainable. For generations, ghost stories and haunted places have held people’s attention. For centuries people around the world have listened and retold these legends that are so intruiging.
On Sept. 13, the Ybor Chamber Music Department presented Carlos Audi, on violoncello, and Hamilton Tescarollo, on piano, in recital. The program was in three movements, the first from César Franck, the second from Samuel Barber and the last from Astor Piazzolla.
"Swing Your Empire" is Roger Chamieh’s cutting edge art exhibition. He delivers a dynamic show with finesse, and challenges preconceived notions of fixed sculpture. His uniquely provocative and strangely beautiful display stimulates viewers to think outside the box.
The timing was ripe for Curtis Belz to bring the fascinating solo show “Jails, Hospitals, and Hip-Hop” to Ybor in late September. In the wake of music icon Michael Jackson’s untimely death, the flurry of debate over President Obama’s proposed healthcare reform, and the ceaseless sting of the economic recession, the words of playwright Danny Hoch’s captivating show found a new voice in the intensely talented Belz.
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