Written By: Alan Moore Illustrated By: Dave Gibbons

Get ready for the first big blockbuster of the year! That’s right, this Friday “300″ director Zach Snyder attempts his second graphic novel adaptation “Watchmen”. If you are one of some who know nothing about the Watchmen, get ready to be educated! The graphic novel Watchmen, written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, is considered to be the greatest graphic novel of all time.  The story is set in an alternative 1985, if the world really did have super heroes. Now, myself having only read just about half of the graphic novel so far, have been intrigued by its spectacle. From what I gather, the novel has a lot of hidden text which raises many questions. 

The movie has created the right buzz. Since the very first trailer was released last summer at the premiere of “The Dark Knight” people have been talking about this film. It seemed to come out of nowhere for my generation who maybe wasn’t reading comics or graphic novels so much from the 1980s. But even still it awed crowds of many ages, causing us to salivate over the graphics and the curiosity of what the film was all about. In turn, curiosity led to the purchase of the graphic novel by many so they could read up on what to expect this spring.

Although “Watchmen” had some great publicity, the film also encountered some rough waters last December that almost caused a riot for fans. The film is being distributed by Warner Brothers, however, last year Twentieth Century Fox filed a lawsuit against Warner Brothers claiming that they had all rights to distribute a Watchmen movie. According to an article on nbcsandiego.com, “On Christmas eve, a Los Angeles federal judge ruled that 20th Century Fox holds a copyright interest in the fanboy comic book movie ‘Watchmen.’” You can read the court ruling here, but this had fans in a frenzy! There was buzz of pushing back the release date and this upset the masses. Ultimately, the two distributors were able to come to a resolution and the film was able to keep its original release date. JSOnline talks about the resolution here.

Release Date: 03/06/09

I believe the film has received enough critical acclaim that “Watchmen” is sure to be a box office success. Of all the adaptations from different mediums, graphic novels have turned out to be the biggest crowd pleaser. We see that from movies such as”300,” “Sin City” and “The Dark Knight.” It will be interesting however, to see if “Watchmen” does as well in revenue as “The Dark Knight” considering the MPAA rating difference. “Watchmen” is rated R while “The Dark Knight” managed to attain a PG-13 rating. This may result in a smaller turn out but only slightly. This film is shaping up to be a cult favorite and I am definitely jumping on that bandwagon!

“Watchmen” is also another release for the IMAX and if you have the chance, see it there! There are no words for what that screen does for the spectacle of action packed films such as this. As far as having a knowledge of what’s going on with this movie, you can read acclaimed critic, Roger Ebert’s review here. However, I would agree with the people who say if you’re watching the movie for the story, then reading the novel is crucial. However, if you’re just looking for an awesome array of special effects and amazing scenery then you will most likely be entertained!

Until next time movie fans!

-Lauren-

Well if you thought last week’s releases were a bust…don’t hold your breath for this week. Apparently history has taught movie maker Andrzej Bartkowiak absolutely nothing about how well adaptations of popular games do at the box office. “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li” is no exception to this rule.

Release Date: 02/27/09

Of all the ghastly plots one could think up, all video game movies are relatively the same. Try to wrap your mind around this synopsis taken from fandango.com: On the streets of Bangkok, crime boss Bison instigates a wave of violence in the slum districts, grabbing power and land no matter what the costs to its residents. His ruthless tactics are met by a team of heroes consisting of Chun-Li, a half-Caucasian/half-Asian beauty who gave up a life of privilege to become a street fighter, battling for those who cannot fight for themselves; her kung fu master, Gen, once a feared criminal, who now fights for the forces of good; Interpol cop Charlie Nash, who has tracked the crime boss all over the world, and Nash’s partner, gangland homicide detective Maya Sunee. I know, sounds like a winner yes?

I just don’t understand how this mistake could happen again! Did “Super Mario Brothers” and “Mortal Kombat” teach us nothing? Not to mention “Street Fighter,” the first atrocity of this franchise and more recent video game adaptations such as “Resident Evil.” Fans of the movies are most often fans of the video games themselves and consider these adaptations guilty pleasures more than works of art.

In a recent blog from EW.com about “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li” a fan writes his opinions of the film.  Seemingly stoked about the film’s release he states, “Smallville‘s Kristin Kreuk (pictured) stars as our lightning-kicking heroine, and the film is, roughly, the story of how she came to battle M. Bison (Neal McDonough) and his evil minions. Balrog (Michael Clark Duncan, which…amazing) and Vega (Black Eyed Pea Taboo) are both in it, but, gasp, no Ryu and no Ken. (No Dhalsim and no Sagat, either, so I’m going to have to hope yoga fire and tiger up-per-cut are in the sequel.)” The rest of his enthusiastic review is here, however note that you need only read it if you share the same liking for the Street Fighter game. He failed to mention how previous adaptations rarely did the games justice, because video game plots are not made to have complex story lines. Usually, we have to fight and kill to beat the bad guy and save the girl. The movie tries to add emotion that just doesn’t work.

For all you Street Fighter fans, I pray this movie is not as horrible as my expectations for it are. However, there is little to no hope for it and I pray they don’t make a sequel! Hollywood’s ignorance has gone too far to continue releasing the box office bombs these video game adaptations become. If you dare, check the movie’s trailer at the bottom. If violence isn’t your bag, maybe there’s a tween you know that you can take to see the pop sensations, the Jonas Brothers to see their live action concert in “Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience.” Please don’t die of excitement now! Until next time movie fans!

-Lauren-

Release Date: 02/20/09

I have returned once again to talk about the latest movie releases.  This Oscar weekend we have “Fired Up!” a story about Shawn (Nicholas D’Agosto) and Nick (Eric Christian Olsen) who are top scorers on the Ford High School football team…both on and off the field. When they hatch a scheme to trade their footballs for pom poms and join the school’s most beautiful girls at cheer camp, the new team members actually give the girls’ historically awful cheer squad a chance at success. And when Shawn falls for the head cheerleader (Sarah Roemer), the boys must learn some new moves and unleash their inner spirit to prove their intentions before the all-important cheer competition finals.

I already know what you’re thinking, or maybe what you’re dying to scream out loud…PLEASE NOT ANOTHER ONE! Not another movie about sex crazed teens trying to put up their numbers with the ladies and in so doing, unexpectedly fall for the one girl who hated them at the beginning of the movie. Is there no originality left in this world? In a recent review of “Fired Up!” posted by Matt Mungle he states, “This film is more than predictable and the only things that make it funny are the random characters and the overall humor of the world of cheerleading. This isn’t a film  to rush out to see and many will find its sophomoric antics and rehashed story lines a let down.” You can click here for the full review.

I think releasing this movie on this particular week was a ballsy move. I mean come on, it’s Oscar weekend! And it has been proven that Oscar weekend has box office slumps. Depending on how many teens are actually captivated by this repetitive story line, will determine how much revenue the movie manages to draw in. Granted, teens are a huge demographic for movie goers but this movie has no spark as we say. It’s no “Superbad” so I think this movie will find it hard to keep its head above the water. You can make your own opinion by watching the “Fired Up!” trailer at the bottom of this post.

Release Date: 02/20/09

Another movie that chose to bite the bullet to be released this week was the next domestic dramedy by Tyler Perry, “Madea Goes To Jail.” EW.com recently posted an article about this film saying how the previous Madea films have been successful so they may not encounter box office issues this weekend.  

Whether or not you choose to be at the movie theater this weekend, keep in mind that future releases early next month are sure to make up for the box office bombs. Until I bring you more juicy movie news, I’ll catch you later movie fans!

-Lauren-

So we come to yet another Friday of new releases.  This Friday, however, could have you laughing until tears run down your face or screaming bloody murder!  For all who haven’t realized by now, it’s Friday the 13th and we have but another hack and slash Jason Vorhees movie.  This 2009 remake of the 1980s cult classic film is directed by Marcus Nispel and produced by Michael Bay, the same pair responsible for the oh-so-amazing 2003 remake of “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.”

Release Date: 02/13/09

Now, to be quite honest if you couldn’t already tell from my sarcasm about “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre,” horror films are not my cup of tea.  Sure, I like a thriller every so often, but these movies I have to admit are a little on the pathetic side.  According to most slasher movie fans who see these remakes of their favorite classics, they often come away disappointed.  However, as stated in a recent movie review of this 2009 remake of “Friday the 13th” on EW.com, this film is sure to be better than most of the latest horror film attempts like “Prom Night” or “My Bloody Valentine.”

If you know nothing about the “Friday the 13th” series then I would say you have to see at least one of these movies sometime in your life.  That way you’ll know what everyone is laughing about when they make another one. Maybe I’m being unfair because I hate horror flicks but even still the series has gotten a bit tired since 1980. How many times can they bring this guy back to life?

Strictly speaking from a publicist’s point of view, I do believe they marketed this film really well.  Lucky for the producers, February had their lucky date to release their unlucky movie, but so did March… and November. I doubt I would have done anything different relating to the release date. The fact that “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” remake was made by the same people might pose a problem regarding audiences because that film wasn’t well received, but I think the advertisements and trailers for “Friday the 13th” have refueled the fire for fans of the series, so props to marketing! The film has received a lot of internet buzz on whether this movie will pass the test. The question is, are any of you brave enough to test it? 

If you’re still unsure about whether or not this is worth the cash to see on the big screen, I’d say it’s probably worth checking out with a group of friends especially today! Not convinced? Check out the trailer below and if it still doesn’t excite you, the comedy “Confessions of a Shopaholic” starring Isla Fisher, also opened today and has gotten many good reviews. Click here for more on that film. Otherwise, have a great Friday the 13th and I’ll catch you later movie fans!

-Lauren-

Release Date: 02/06/09 Photo By: MSN Movies

Hey Movie Fans!

I’m here to talk about some of the latest movie releases.  Today’s list includes “Push” directed by Paul McGuigan, starring Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, and the fierce Djimon Hounsou.

 The film surrounds a group of telekinetic American ex-patriots who band together in an attempt to take down the clandestine government agency that’s genetically transforming normal citizens into powerful psychic warriors.  You can click here for more juice about the movie.

If there are any fans of fairy-tale nightmare films or of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” director Henry Selick, then “Coraline” is the pick for you!  Also starring the talent of Dakota Fanning, according to the

Release Date: 02/06/09

movie’s Web site, this film is the first stop-motion feature shot in stereoscopic 3-D. The film has many enthused about the adventure adapted from the popular children’s novel by Neil Gaiman, about a girl who walks through a secret door in her new home and discovers an alternate version of her life – a better version. But when the fantasy turns nightmarish, Coraline must rely on her bravery to get back home.  The movie certainly has that magical aspect to it.  Simply for the amazing graphics this movie has to offer, I would recommend it even to the non-animation lover! “Coraline” is a MUST SEE this week!

Finally, the movie I have been waiting to discuss that has gotten  A LOT of buzz is “He’s Just Not That Into You.”  Directed by Ken Kwapis, the movie is adapted from the bestseller put out by “Sex and the City” scribes, Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo.  The movie has a hilarious A-list cast which includes, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson, and Justin Long.  

Release Date: 02/06/09

The synopsis for the movie reads that the film tells the stories of a group of interconnected, Baltimore-based twenty- and thirtysomethings as they navigate their various relationships from the shallow end of the dating pool through the deep, murky waters of married life, trying to read the signs of the opposite sex… and hoping to be the exceptions to the “no-exceptions” rule.

Now, I realize what many of you must be thinking. NO! Not another one we can’t bear to see another cliche chick flick! Well, besides what the movie may look or sound like based on its shallow description, I must deny all claims of this being a hard core chick flick.  I encourage all males to go and see this movie, be it with a girlfriend, friends, wife or sister, whomever!  The movie has also plead its case that even though it seems to be a movie for women, this movie is for everyone because it skips out on those regular cliches we have come to HATE!

To help me prove this, I have posted a hilarious clip from the film’s site with stars from the movie, Justin Long, Bradley Cooper, and Kevin Connolly pleading their case of just how non-cliche the movie is, persuading guys not to fear this movie and to go check it out!  It looks like a fun movie so go head out to your local movie theater to see the latest, you know you have nothing better to do! Until next time movie fans!

                                           -Lauren-

Now, in 2009 the highest grossing movie in years next to “Titanic,” “The Dark Knight” also received none of the highest honors including Adapted Screenplay, or Best Picture.  Many fans of this caped crusader blockbuster had high hopes for the film to do well at the Academy Awards this year.  Unfortunately for them, the film was nominated for eight categories, mostly technical awards, which definitely deserve recognition,  however the only prestigious nomination the film has attained is a posthumous Best Supporting Actor nomination for Heath Ledger.  

Not only were fans livid that the film received no Best Picture nomination, but many were upset to see that the movie’s director, Christopher Nolan also received no Oscar nod for his outstanding vision. According to an Oscar’s Blog  on yahoo.com, screenwriter for “The Dark Knight” Jonah (AKA Jonathan) Nolan stated to fans, “It’s truly humbling that you guys would take the time and effort to try to get the film recognized. I, like you, was disappointed that Chris didn’t get some recognition this morning, but for Heath and so many of the people who worked so hard on this thing to get nominated is thrilling.”

I think if I were one of the members of the Academy, I would try to put my vote toward something that is truly great in both story line and entertainment value.  They always wonder why the award show’s ratings are bad, and frankly it’s because they’re selecting movies that no one hears about until after the nominations are announced. I don’t disagree that what they select is undeserving of an award, I simply believe that movies like “The Dark Knight” deserve their fair chance in the running.  It may be a comic book movie, but it has proven to be one of the best of all time!  

If awards shows are your bag then you can catch the Oscars live on February 22nd at 5 PT/8 ET on ABC.  For more information on the nominees for the 81st Annual Academy Awards check out the video below. Until next time movie fans!

                                         –Lauren–