Posts Tagged ‘Star Wars’

My favorite movies are Purple Rain, Grease, and The Bodyguard. Call me lame, but it makes perfect sense that as a music enthusiast, I hold in high regard movies that rock … literally.

And those who best know me are fully aware that getting me to go to the movies is like asking me to exercise without my iPod. Chances are, I’m not gonna do it.

But despite being void of the musical-like themes to which I’m usually attracted, when the Red Tails hype hit, I knew this movie was a must-see for me.

Starring Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Terrence Howard and fully funded by George Lucas, Red Tails tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, a group of African-American pilots who fought during World War II as part of the United States military. The film highlights the Airmen’s plight to be recognized for their valiant combat service during the tumultuous Jim Crow era.

The well-written screen play (John Ridley and Aaron McGruder) seamlessly introduces its cast of colorful characters. Each soldier has his own set of memorable nuances, and observing the spectrum of their personalities makes you feel as if you’re hanging out with a group of life-long buddies. From Ne-Yo’s (Andrew “Smokey” Salem) lovable southern twang…

…to Terrence Howard’s (Colonel A.J. Ballard) strong-willed temperament…

each character’s liveliness makes even mundane soldier tasks seem interesting.

Red Tails aerial combat scenes were extraordinarily breathtaking. From bullets hitting the planes’ canopies to spectacular nose dives from simulated altitudes, the sophisticated special effects create impressive, authentic battle scenes. Only Avatar and Star Wars have boasted more special effects than Red Tails.

Considering the prejudices Tuskegee Airmen faced, Red Tails could have easily been heavy with negative rhetoric. While the film does acknowledge the Airmen’s obstacles, it focuses more on their triumphs as brave, All-American heroes.

A positively, awesome movie that will encourage older generations to reflect on the past and will inspire younger generations to be hopeful for promising tomorrows!

Instead of talking about the Harry Potter’s, 2012’s or The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’s of 2009 that are so far away from hitting theaters it seems like they won’t premiere until … well 2012, we’re going to look at five upcoming flicks that will be at a theater near you before the Obama’s have time to fully move in.

Bride Wars – Opening January 9, 2009. There’s nothing like sharing wedding plans with a best girlfriend, but when plans start to overlap, it’s likely to evoke more nightmares than Freddy Krueger. “Wars” seems to have a bouquet of comedic potential as well as girls in white dresses – fighting. But before all the guys zone out this movie does offer something for them too. Two of the prettiest actresses in Hollywood – Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson.

Taken – Opening January 30, 2009.  Staring Liam Neeson as an ex-Secret Agent who has to rescue his estranged daughter (former “Lost” star Maggie Grace) who was kiddnapped while in Paris.  As reviewer Mr. Green from CrimeCritics.com describes, “it’s a film in which you enjoy watching HOW he will succeed. And let me state, you will enjoy every punch Bryan (Neeson) delivers to every henchmen.”

Fanboys – Opening February 6, 2009. I think “Fanboys” will be the “Superbad” of 2009. Yes, it’s about a group of “Star Wars” fans set to break into George Lucas’ business headquarters, Skywalker Ranch, and steal a copy of “Star Wars Episode 1.” Before you groan at the sound of a Sci-Fi movie, know that it’s really a coming of age story about friends who take a huge risk for one of their own. To lend some credibility, Producers include Kevin Spacey and the Weinstein Company.

He’s Just Not That Into You – Opening February 9, 2009. This chick flick makes the list because: 1) it’s based on a NY Times Best Seller, Oprah endorsed book and 2) EVERYONE is in it. That’s no exaggeration. Here’s just some of the cast: Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love), Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly (The Day The Earth Stood Still), Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Ben Affleck, Justin Long (Mac commercials), Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers), Sasha Alexander (Yes Man), Kevin Connolly (Entourage), and MANY others.

Push – Opening February 9, 2009. Dakota Fanning, Chris Evans and Djimon Hounsou star in this film about “psychic espionage.” A Government agency is genetically modifying people to have psychic abilities and “getting rid” of those who don’t want to participate. Fanning and Evans need to find an individual who could help end the dangerous agency. So, Government Misconduct + Exotic Location (Hong Kong) + Psychic, Telekinetic, Move Stuff With Your Mind Abilities + The Cinematographer Who Did “Donnie Brasco,” “Gangster No. 1,” “Wicker Park” & “Lucky Number Slevin” = A Must See Movie!

The incomparable James Earl Jones, who certainly needs no introduction, will receive the 2008 Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in January 2009.

Though Jones has acted in nearly 100 films, as well as headlined on Broadway, the 77-year-old is best known as the voice of Darth Vader of the Star Wars trilogy (who can ever forget, “Luke, I am your father!”?), and the voice of Mufasa in The Lion King.

He is also the sobering voice behind CNN’s tagline, which simply says, “This is CNN.” Never has any news program sounded so reliable. The SAG award will feel right at home in Jones’ abode, alongside his many other awards and recognitions, including an Oscar nomination, two Tony awards, three Emmys, and the National Medal of Arts.

A man in his mid-twenties leaves medical school in order to find work to support his feeble mother who is in a nursing home. He can’t afford the care that his mother is receiving so he becomes a con man. He consistently goes to various restaurants and purposely causes himself to choke mid-way through his meal, luring a “good Samaritan” into saving his life.

He keeps a detailed list of everyone who saves him and sends them frequent letters about fictional bills he’s unable to pay. The people feel so sorry for him that they give him money, send him cards and letters asking him about how he’s doing, all the while helping pay mom’s bills.

Sound crazy? This is just one aspect of the plot of Chuck Palahniuk’s novel Choke, a best-selling novel being adapted into a movie by the same name which hits theaters on September 26.

The film is directed by Clark Gregg, starring Sam Rockwell and Angelica Huston. If you’re a fan of Palahniuk’s work, you’re well aware of his visionary talents and the success of a little film based on his first novel called Fight Club. Directed by David Fincher, Fight Club is a generational staple. The kind of film that has a legion of devotees proudly reciting lines from it like Star Wars geeks.

Choke may not have the star power of Edward Norton and Brad Pitt to reel in viewers, but it’s a Palahniuk adaptation and that fact alone makes the film must-see viewing for fans of Gen X’s most visionary artist.

Kristen Aldridge: Your films have grossed more than any other actor in cinematic history, how does it feel to have that accomplishment?

Samuel L. Jackson: It’s kind of interesting to have that kind of metal. It really means that I’ve been in a couple of films that were really really monster hits, and most of them happen to be named “Star Wars”! That’s great but it means also that a lot of people have seen me work, and that I brought a lot of joy to a lot of people and I really appreciate that as my legacy.

Kristen Aldridge: For your film “Black Snake Moan” you learned how to play guitar?

Samuel L. Jackson: I did! I never actually played guitar before this movie. Every day I was in my trailer for hours, like tearin’ my fingers up. But I had great teachers, and I went to Big Jack Johnson’s house in Mississippi and played with him, which was awesome.

Kristen Aldridge: You’re back as host of the Video Game Awards tonight, can you give us a sneak peak of this year’s awards?

Samuel L. Jackson: (laughing) I’m a little bit older!

Kristen Aldridge: No, you always look great!

Samuel L. Jackson: I’m more used to it, I know the crowd a little bit, things will be a little more exciting. We’ve got a bigger stage, great performers, good presenters, and the games this year are off the hook!

Kristen Aldridge: Who do you think will win for best video game of the year?

Samuel L. Jackson: That’s really tough. Giz Awards seem really hard to beat, although I just played “Guitar Heroes” and I’m kind of digging that game.