The Movies According to Sylvie...

Blogging is said to be a medium where people can easily journal their day to day activities, events and adventures. As life would have it, I, a professional procrastinator, have finally taken the time to journal my great escape of November 1st, 2008. Yes! I have again had the great experience to go to the movies.

On November 1st, I found myself off the hook and was able to pawn kiddy duty to a very lucky person. This, right after Halloween when I knew my 12 year old's blood stream would be well coasted with sugar.

Again, heart beating a little faster I headed to Hollywood Theater to possibly view Daniel Craig's latest testosterone display in Quantum of Solace, the newest James Bond. With Eagle Eyes being my last experience, it seemed only fitting that only the latest Spy thriller could follow up to quench my need for adrenaline, this of course while sitting comfortably in a sitting position. As I walked to the theater entrance, disappointment surged as I realized Quantum of Solace's release wasn't until November 16. What was a moviegoer to do? Bummed wasn't the word. It was like pulling me away from Barnes and Nobles as I found the perfect mystery or dying of thirst and only having ice tea to drink. I was in urgent need of a fix and quickly found out that the only other alternatives I would consider were "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" (what can I say I love dogs in any shape or form) or "Pride and Glory" (another depiction of the yin and yang). At that instant, I was in no mood for laughs, I wanted action and intensity. What tipped the balance was probably the fact that Edward Norton, Colin Farrell and Jon Voight were all players. After a quick deliberation, stub in hand, I entered the familiar tunnel between my reality and my dreams, and walked into the dim lighted chamber where I regularly surrender my life temporarily. With only lukewarm reviews, I was ready to give Pride and Glory a chance to shine.

Two hours later, as the credit rolled, I was reminded again why I so enjoy Edward Norton. Eddie makes any film worth seeing. As an accomplished actor, he makes any of his characters engaging, real and multi-layered. Pride And Glory is an entertaining and captivating picture. To an extend, it stands solidly as a well defined story. As any movies dealing with the struggles of the police forces in the midst of metropolitan corruption in America, violence and blood played its necessary role. Set in New York, it was easy to picture where the movie was headed. Another attempt at displaying the good cop, bad cop storyline, using the good ole Irish families, loyal filial pride, and trying to reap glory while battling the ghosts of right and wrong. The story reminded me of David Ayer's Street Kings (again, bad cop, good cop) but with a Scorcese flair. I almost felt pity for the bad apples as you witness how lost and caught up they all are within their daily dealings of crime, temptation and injustice while trying to live life. So it was with great pleasure that I experienced no wasted time within the movie or viewing the movie. My hard earned money was well invested!

I left the theater feeling like I wanted to revisit Edward Norton's previous movies in which he excelled. (The list is long but The Illusionist, The Italian Job and Primal Fear come to mind)

Satisfied for now, I'm looking forward to my rendez-vous with James on November 16, where I'm sure I'll come home gushing to who wants to read that Daniel Craig is definitely the salvation the Bond franchise had been looking for in over 10 years!

Until then, "I'll see you when I see you!"...

EAGLE EYES - A run for my money?

For months now, I've had my eyes on "Eagle Eye". So Sunday I made the hard decision of taking some ME time. With a smile in my head and a skip in my step I was headed to one of my favorite place, the movie theater. A year or so ago, I discovered Shia Labeouf. In viewing his short resume, I've found myself appreciating his essence, his effortless deliveries and the ease in which he is growing within his craft which consistancy seems to continuously whisper to me that if everything goes according to plan, he should be on the A list momentarily. He's a natural!

I first discovered Shia in D.J. Caruso's directorial debut "Disturbia" in 2007. As a fan of Hitchcock's "Rear View Window", I couldn't escape the similarities. But, I'm no purist. I certainly have nothing against remakes. Give me a great story and if you can find a way to express it in 5 different ways and keep me focussed, I'm in. So needless to say, I thought "Disturbia" was fantastic. The ensemble cast was excellent, the suspense was thrilling and unpredictable to an extend and most importantly Shia shined. Shia = 1, early DVD release = 0!

To quiet my curiousity, I had to investigate this young dude. Of course well into my adulthood, I hadn't been exposed to his Disney breakthrough in the "Even Stevens" series or heard of the positive reviews of his first movie "Holes" with John Voight and Sigourney Weaver. Then, in awe, I watched "Transformer". Michael Bay's action packed big screen rendition of the popular 1980's animated TV cartoon. All I could say was wow. The amazing special effects doubled with yet again an incredibly talented ensemble cast blasted this movie into franchise mode. Yes, the sequel is underway as we speak.

Most recently, as many anticipated the fourth installment of Indiana Jones to hit the screen, Shia's momentum was still rolling as he carved himself a respectable place in history with his role of Indiana Jr. in "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull".

Slowly, I put some pieces together, background, unique childhood, divorced parents, upbringing in Echo Park, charming interviews and an obvious love for the craft.

At this point on Sunday, sitting in my chair, warmed up by 20 minutes of previews on what's coming in the next few months (i.e. mental list: Quantum of Solace (new 007), The Soloist (Robert Downey/Jamie Foxx), it begins. I love beginnings! I had seen the trailer for "Eagle Eye" many times, and somewhat knew what the plot might be about but not in real details. One of my pet-peeves about movies or books has always been the ability to figure out the outcome ahead of time. So, after 30 years of movie-viewing experience, when I sit in that chair, I expect to be entertained; if not by incredible storytelling then by cleverness, groundbraking styles or effects or the discovery of a fantastic actor.

Mission accomplished: Shia = 2, Inflated movie = 0.

I can say now that the first 15 minutes of the movie were worth the $6.oo ticket cost. To see young Shia play emotions during the funeral scene just validated my belief that inside his veins run the blood of an accomplished actor capable of great things to come. (Remember River Phoenix!)

I think it was about right after these 15 minutes (once my eyes had dried up a bit) that I was abducted into the movie and stopped breathing! At that point, I felt like I had embarked on a roller-coaster where my visual senses along with my sense of hearing had been taken hostage.

The intensity of the action was non-stop. Intertwined within the streets of the city and then into the arteries of Washington, D.C., the chases never end. I felt exhausted just watching. I totally enjoyed the connection between Shia and Michelle Monaghan and marvelled at the stamina delivered with their combined 4 legs. Their characters meshed immediately eventhough there was no time to develop their chemistry. Another pleasant surprise, was the truely entertaining Billy Bob Thornton as Agent Morgan, a no-nonsense government official in charge of the whole investigation behind the whole scheme. His barbes were delivered in such funny ways that each chuckling helped me catch my breath during these breaks from the intensity. Another guilty pleasure is to see Ethan Embry as Agent Grant.

Unfortunately, as the movie progressed the plot became more and more implausible which annoyed me a bit. As events piled up one on top of another and with the Supreme Voice having access to unlimited technologies used by the masses, it somewhat became a bit too much. Feelings of "deja vu" from other movies also started invading my consciousness. But, in all fairness, I didn't have much time to analyze this short setback as the unpredictability of the plot brought me right back into the story. I was totally invested emotionally into the fate of all the characters.

Another one of my favorite movie experience, aside from popcorn, is a good twist. Fortunately, as this delectable 2 hours I had just spent hyperventilating neared the end, there it was, 5 minutes before the roll of credits.

All in all, I would rate "Eagle Eye" a strong 7 out of 10. Like most movies out there, this isn't an artsy movie. It's a heart pumping, palm sweating good thriller and should be judged as such. I came out of the movie theater satisfied, smiling and again, with a taste for the future; the future projects of this young dude Shia Labeouf.

Goodnight Handsome...

It's with great sadness that today I wake up to the news that we as a nation have lost another cinematic icon. At age 83, Paul Newman passed away yesterday loosing his battle against cancer.

Aside from his 60 years of legendary performances as an actor, Paul Newman was also recognized as a great humanitarian. His many philanthropic endeavors, which included his Newman's Own line of food products, his camps for terminally ill children (which was first set up in Connecticut and then expanded all over the nation), and the Scott Newman Foundation which finances anti-drug films to educate children (this after his own son's death in 1978 from an overdose), are reported to have currently generated more than $220 Million in charity donations since their inception. Not bad for a man who has never pursued fame, publicity, and recognition.

Paul Newman lived his life with integrity, wisdom and a quiet and steady vision. Unlike the Hollywood of today, he shyed away from the limelight, never giving authographs as he felt the act projected a higher status which he didn't believe he deserved or wanted.

As a child born in the 60's, I grew up discovering Paul Newman and have always experienced him as one of the most handsome actors of his times. Hollywood back then was different; a bit more glamorous and less "fast food". Studios back then always made movies for big screen, not on the chance of an early release to DVD. When Paul Newman starred in a movie, you knew you were in for a great viewing. My earliest recollection of a Paul Newman movie is probably "Cold Hand Luke". From then, that smile hooked me. As my exposure to movies expanded, I discovered "The Long Hot Summer", then the fabulous "The Prize" with another legend Edward G. Robinson, and then my favorite of all "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" with the amazing Elizabeth Taylor.

It's hard to pinpoint which movie really defines Paul Newman as his characters always seemed to suit him perfectly.

Today, I along with baby-boomers mourn the loss of another part of our youth. I hope that the magic of Paul Newman's light will live on. That his name, in addition to bringing up a picture of an amazingly handsome man with unique blue eyes an charming smile, will also bring up the quintessential humanist who lived his life with spirit, with honesty, loyalty, and with passion until the final curtain...

The Half-Blood Prince Trailer is out.

With young and mature audiences having zealously read the Harry Potter books, it seems only natural that movie versions would also feed the frenzy. As the anticipation for each new theatrical release mounts year after year, it isn't surprising to find fans and critics in awe with the quality of the screenplays and the unforgettable performances delivered by the now well known cast. I have to admit that my introduction to Harry Potter was one created out of boredom. I picked up the first installment "The Sorcerer's Stone" which was laying on a table, left to gather dust by a friend's young son. Little did I know that only a few days after I would finish this book, I would feverishly run to the store to see if I could put my hands on the next volume. Luckily for me I did and there and then my incredible and exciting adventure with Harry took root. I have felt excitement at every book release and at every movie premiere. This year is no exception. As I stared hypnotically at my first siting of The Half-Blood Prince trailer, it became clear to me that this new chapter would surpass the previous one as it conveyed the darkness I felt reading the book. The main attraction, Hero Fiennes-Tiffin, nephew of Ralph Fiennes who plays Lord Voldemort. It was apparent to me that Hero, even at his young age has the talent to become a household name in the very near future. Based on the few seconds I've seen, his character portrayal of Tom Riddle is right on spot. From the darkness, the vulnerability and the soulless expressions, his delivery is chilling. With a recent change to the movie's original November 2008 released, my excitement will have to be in check until next summer. But I've got my ticket to Hogwarts right here with me and I'll board the train next July 2009 right on time at gate 9 3/4. I hope to see you there! Check out the original trailer below:


YouTube - [OFFICIAL] Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - HQ Teaser Trailer