Category: Family Flicks

Review: SECRETARIAT

 

At last we’re off to the races with the opening of SECRETARIAT – the rousing tale of the 1973 Triple Crown winner and the greatest race horse of all time!

Based on the novel “Secretariat: The Making of a Champion” by William Nack, SECRETARIAT centers on Penny Chenery (Diane Lane), Secretariat’s owner, and how she broke into the “boys only club” of thoroughbred horseracing in 1969. The real Penny Chenery, now 88, even has a cameo in the film as a spectator at the Belmont Stakes race. Walt Disney Pictures decided the time was right and put the story in the very capable hands of director Randall Wallace (MAN IN THE IRON MASK, BRAVEHEART screenplay) and writer Mike Rich (THE ROOKIE). With the unbelievable, mud-in-your-face cinematography of Academy Award winner Dean Semler (DANCES WITH WOLVES) and the galloping sound work of 20 time Oscar-nominee Kevin O’Connell, SECRETARIAT is as close to a real horserace as you’ll ever get.

What’s terrific about SECRETARIAT is that it’s not a feminist film by any stretch of the imagination. It’s purely the story of a woman who, as Chenery recently said, wanted to be recognized for doing something as a person, not solely as a woman. For once in her life, Chenery took the lead and stood her ground with one of her father’s wealthiest business partners. Going up against a husband and brother who tried to dissuade her, a lonely Chenery found the inner strength to turn Big Red into a champion.

Oscar nominee Diane Lane is spot on in her role as the The First Lady of Horse Racing and gives the portrayal such bravery and confidence. She’s the tie that binds the film. Look for a possible Best Actress nomination for Lane. The on-screen meshing between she and Secretariat trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich) is electric.

That’s what I love about Malkovich. The actor can go from buffoonery roles like in the upcoming spy-comedy RED to the more serious outing as the down and out, eccentric trainer Laurin. He has a range and method that most actors can only dream of. To be sure, the film is filled with affable performances from James Cromwell, Fred Thompson, Kevin Connelly, Dylan Baker, and Dylan Walsh, with particular notice to Nelsan Ellis (HBO’s True Blood) as Secretariat’s groom and real-life jockey Otto Thorwarth as Secretariat’s jockey, Ron Turcotte. But it’s Malkovich’s easygoing scenes that are really the most absorbing.

With the stirring score by Nick Glennie-Smith (PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN films) and the precision editing of 2-time Oscar nominee John Wright (HUNT FOR RED OCTOBER, SPEED), ultimately the movie comes down to the three big races of the Triple Crown. The Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes are both recreated magnificently with real race horses and jockeys. But what die-hard racing fans would hope for comes in the second race, the Preakness, in which we are treated to seeing the actual race from 1973, complete with the original “here comes Secretariat!” call of the race. One of the film’s highlights are 3…THREE!… big race scenes and even though we all know who wins, its nonetheless very exciting.

The best thing about this movie is that they don’t add a lot of extraneous storylines for dramatic effect. It never tries to be more than it is. The focus is solely on the story of where Secretariat came from and how he won the Triple Crown, a feat that had not been achieved in 25 years. Unbelievably, only two other horses have won since Secretariat. Seattle Slew in 1977 and Affirmed in 1978. The filmmakers have done a good job of keeping everything relatively historically accurate, even though they made it seem like Secretariat came from a broken down, failing horse farm. The reality is, the same owners had Riva Ridge, the winner of the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont the previous year, 1972.

Special props to the makeup & hair designers and costume designers Michael Boyd (GETTYSBURG, WE WERE SOLDIERS) and Julie Weiss (TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE, SHANGHAI) – their contributions to this period piece truly breathe extra life into this special film about two superheroes. What impressed me the most was what director Wallace captured in the film – not another documentary, but the fact that Secretariat wasn’t racing against other horses; he was running for the joy of it.

Seeing that it’s truly a great, heart-warming film, look for SECRETARIAT to be this year’s THE BLIND SIDE come Academy Awards time. At the various screenings which began in March, everyone has been cheering and yelling out “go, go, go” even though we all know the outcome of the victorious ride. SECRETARIAT is the kind of Disney family film from the golden days sure to make you laugh, cry, and give you a euphoric boost – a little something we all need in these trying days.

Rating: 5 out of ***** stars

SECRETARIAT opens today. The film is rated PG for brief mild language. Check out the film’s official site here, on Facebook and Twitter.

International Poster & Trailer for THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER

Check out the new international poster and trailer for the third installment of 20th Century Fox’s adaptation of C.S. Lewis’s Narnia series, THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER.

Wow. From the looks of it, I really think this might just be the best of the series! What do you think fellow Narnia fans?

Synopsis:

Return to the magic and wonder of C.S. Lewis’ beloved world, via the fantastic Narnian ship, the Dawn Treader. In this new installment of the blockbuster ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ motion picture franchise, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie, along with their cousin Eustace and their royal friend King Caspian, find themselves swallowed into a painting and on to the Dawn Treader. As they embark on an incredible adventure of destiny and discovery, they confront obstacles beyond imagination.

Distributed by 20th Century Fox, directed by Michael Apted (COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER,) and starring Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, along with the voices of Liam Neeson (Aslan) and Bill Nighy (Reepicheep), NARNIA: THE VOYAGE OF THE DAWN TREADER will be in theaters for this holiday season on December 10, 2010.

For all the latest NARNIA news, visit the film’s official site here and on Facebook here.

Source: Collider.com

AMC Theaters Exclusive 25th Anniversary Rerelease Of BACK TO THE FUTURE

Great Scott! AMC Theatres has some big news on the rerelease of the biggest movie of 1985 – BACK TO THE FUTURE.

Join us for an AMC exclusive event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of an iconic family movie, Back To The Future. Don’t miss your chance to relive the journey at these two showings:

  • Saturday, October 23 – 12:30 p.m.
  • Monday, October 25 – 7:00 p.m.
    Exactly 25 years since the night Marty McFly traveled back in time.

All guests will receive a full-sized poster commemorating the 25th Anniversary limited-release of the movie with their ticket purchase, while supplies last. 

Each theatre will also have special movie-related giveaways prior to the movie as a part of the experience. We’re excited to bring this digitally remastered film back for a new generation to see the film as it was intended – up on the big screen. Bring your family to experience a film that stands the test of time. Or, flash back with friends and recreate your original experience with new digital technology – before it fades away.

Click here to find a participating AMC theatre near you!

For more info, check out AMC Theatres on Facebook.

New YOGI BEAR Theatrical Trailer

This cute  trailer for YOGI BEAR has arrived and, boy, is it different than the teaser we showed you earlier this summer. Enjoy kids!

This new adaptation of Hanna-Barbera’s classic cartoon stars Dan Aykroyd (Driving Miss Daisy) as the voice of Jellystone Park’s most famous troublemaker, Yogi Bear and Justin Timberlake (THE SOCIAL NETWORK) as the voice of Boo Boo, Yogi’s faithful pal and co-conspirator in his tireless schemes to separate Jellystone Park patrons from their lunches.

The film’s live-action cast also includes Anna Faris (OBSERVE AND REPORT) as nature documentary filmmaker Rachel Johnson, Tom Cavanagh (NBC’s Ed) as Yogi’s amiable nemesis Ranger Smith, TJ Miller (CLOVERFIELD) as Smith’s diligent deputy, Ranger Jones, and Andrew Daly (THE INFORMANT!) as the conniving Mayor Brown.

Synopsis:

Everyone’s favorite pic-a-nic basket-stealing bear comes to the big screen in YOGI BEAR. Jellystone Park has been losing business, so greedy Mayor Brown decides to shut it down and sell the land. That means families will no longer be able to experience the natural beauty of the outdoors — and, even worse, Yogi and Boo Boo will be tossed out of the only home they’ve ever known. Faced with his biggest challenge ever, Yogi must prove that he really is “smarter than the average bear” as he and Boo Boo join forces with their old nemesis Ranger Smith to find a way to save Jellystone Park from closing forever.

Directed by Eric Brevig ( JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH) and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures, YOGI BEAR will be in theaters on December 17, 2010.

Visit the film’s official website here and on Facebook

Photos by Warner Bros. Pictures

LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS – THE OWLS OF GA HOOLE: Music Video

Acclaimed filmmaker Zack Snyder makes his animation debut with the fantasy family adventure LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS – THE OWLS OF GA HOOLE based on the beloved Guardians of Ga’Hoole books by Kathryn Lasky. Warner Bros. Pictures has released this music video “To The Sky” by Owl City. Enjoy!

Synopsis:

The film follows Soren, a young owl enthralled by his father’s epic stories of the Guardians of Ga’ Hoole, a mythic band of winged warriors who had fought a great battle to save all of owlkind from the evil Pure Ones. While Soren dreams of someday joining his heroes, his older brother, Kludd, scoffs at the notion, and yearns to hunt, fly and steal his father’s favor from his younger sibling. But Kludd’s jealousy has terrible consequences—causing both owlets to fall from their treetop home and right into the talons of the Pure Ones. Now it is up to Soren to make a daring escape with the help of other brave young owls. Together they soar across the sea and through the mist to find the Great Tree, home of the legendary Guardians—Soren’s only hope of defeating the Pure Ones and saving the owl kingdoms.

The film features the voices of Emily Barclay, Ryan Kwanten, Miriam Margolyes, Richard Roxburgh, David Wenham, Abbie Cornish, Emilie de Ravin, Helen Mirren, Sam Neill, Geoffrey Rush, and Hugo Weaving. Zack Snyder is directing the film from a screenplay by Emil Stern and John Orloff.

From Warner Bros. Pictures, LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS THE OWLS OF GA’HOOLE will soar into theaters in 3D, 2D and IMAX on September 24, 2010.

Visit the official site here and take The Guardian Oath here. Visit the film on Facebook.

Warner Bros. Fall/Holiday Preview Includes A First Look At Clint Eastwood’s HEREAFTER

Warner Bros Pictures has released their film schedule for the upcoming fall/holiday season. The one that I found the most curious was this first photo of Matt Damon and Bryce-Dallas Howard in Clint Eastwood’s HEREAFTER. Variety’s article from 2008 said, “it is described as in the vein of THE SIXTH SENSE.” I’m very interested to see what Eastwood does with this genre.

The other films in the WB press kit are THE TOWN, LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GAHOOLE, LIFE AS WE KNOW IT, HEREAFTER, DUE DATE, HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS – PART 1, and YOGI BEAR.

THE TOWN (Crime Drama) September 17:

There are over 300 bank robberies in Boston every year. And most of the professionals live in a one-square-mile neighborhood called Charlestown. One of them is Doug MacRay, but he is not cut from the same cloth as his fellow thieves. Unlike them, Doug had a chance at success, a chance to escape following in his father’s criminal footsteps. Instead, he became the leader of a crew of ruthless bank robbers, who pride themselves on taking what they want and getting out clean. The only family Doug has are his partners in crime, especially Jem, who, despite his dangerous, hair-trigger temper, is the closest thing Doug ever had to a brother. However, everything changed on the gang’s last job when Jem briefly took a hostage: bank manager Claire Keesey. When they discover Claire lives in Charlestown, Jem gets nervous and wants to check out what she might have seen. Knowing what Jem is capable of, Doug takes charge. He seeks out Claire, who has no idea that their encounter is not by chance or that this charming stranger is one of the men who terrorized her only days before. As his relationship with Claire deepens into a passionate romance, Doug wants out of this life and the town. But with the Feds closing in and Jem questioning his loyalty, Doug realizes that getting out will not be easy and, worse, may put Claire in the line of fire. Any choices he once had have boiled down to one: betray his friends or lose the woman he loves. “The Town” is a dramatic thriller about robbers and cops, friendship and betrayal, love and hope, and escaping a past that has no future.

Cast: Ben Affleck, Rebecca Hall, Jon Hamm, Jeremy Renner, Blake Lively, Titus Welliver, Pete Postlethwaite, and Chris Cooper. 

This film has been rated R for strong violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use.

LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: THE OWLS OF GAHOOLE (Fantasy Adventure) In 3D and 2D in select theatres and IMAX on September 24:

Acclaimed filmmaker Zack Snyder makes his animation debut with the fantasy family adventure. The film follows Soren, a young owl enthralled by his father’s epic stories of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole, a mythic band of winged warriors who had fought a great battle to save all of owlkind from the evil Pure Ones. While Soren dreams of someday joining his heroes, his older brother, Kludd, scoffs at the notion, and yearns to hunt, fly and steal his father’s favor from his younger sibling. But Kludd’s jealousy has terrible consequences—causing both owlets to fall from their treetop home and right into the talons of the Pure Ones. Now it is up to Soren to make a daring escape with the help of other brave young owls. Together they soar across the sea and through the mist to find the Great Tree, home of the legendary Guardians of Ga’Hoole—Soren’s only hope of defeating the Pure Ones and saving the owl kingdoms.

Cast: Emily Barclay, Abbie Cornish, Ryan Kwanten, Anthony LaPaglia, Miriam Margolyes, Helen Mirren, Sam Neill, Richard Roxburgh, Geoffrey Rush, Jim Sturgess, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham.

This film has been rated PG for some sequences of scary action.

LIFE AS WE KNOW IT (Romantic Comedy) October 8:

Holly Berenson (Katherine Heigl) is an up-and-coming caterer and Eric Messer (Josh Duhamel) is a promising network sports director. After a disastrous first date, the only thing they have in common is their dislike for each other and their love for their goddaughter, Sophie. But when they suddenly become all Sophie has in the world, Holly and Messer are forced to put their differences aside. Juggling career ambitions and competing social calendars, they’ll have to find some common ground while living under one roof.

Cast: Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel, Josh Lucas, Christina Hendricks, Hayes MacArthur

This film has been rated PG-13 for sexual material, language and some drug content.

HEREAFTER (Drama) October 22:

HEREAFTER tells the story of three people who are haunted by mortality in different ways. Matt Damon stars as George, a blue-collar American who has a special connection to the afterlife. On the other side of the world, Marie (Cecile de France), a French journalist, has a near-death experience that shakes her reality. And when Marcus (Frankie/George McLaren), a London schoolboy, loses the person closest to him, he desperately needs answers. Each on a path in search of the truth, their lives will intersect, forever changed by what they believe might—or must—exist in the hereafter.

Cast: Matt Damon, Cécile de France, Jay Mohr, Bryce Dallas Howard, Marthe Keller, Frankie McLaren, George McLaren, Thierry Neuvic, Derek Jacobi.

The movie is not yet rated.

DUE DATE (Comedy) November 5:

Peter Highman (Robert Downey Jr.) is an expectant first-time father whose wife’s due date is a mere five days away. As Peter hurries to catch a flight home from Atlanta to be at her side for the birth, his best intentions go completely awry when a chance encounter with aspiring actor Ethan Tremblay (Zach Galifianakis) forces Peter to hitch a ride with Ethan—on what turns out to be a cross-country road trip that will ultimately destroy several cars, numerous friendships and Peter’s last nerve.

Cast: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Michelle Monaghan, Juliette Lewis, Jamie Foxx

This film has been rated R for language, drug use and sexual content.

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS – PART 1 (Fantasy Adventure) In 3D and 2D in select theatres and IMAX on November 19:

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS – PART 1, the seventh and final adventure in the Harry Potter film series, is a much-anticipated motion picture event to be told in two full-length parts. Part 1 begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort’s immortality and destruction—the Horcruxes. On their own, without the guidance of their professors or the protection of Professor Dumbledore, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever. But there are Dark Forces in their midst that threaten to tear them apart. Meanwhile, the wizarding world has become a dangerous place for all enemies of the Dark Lord. The long-feared war has begun and Voldemort’s Death Eaters seize control of the Ministry of Magic and even Hogwarts, terrorizing and arresting anyone who might oppose them. But the one prize they still seek is the one most valuable to Voldemort: Harry Potter. The Chosen One has become the hunted one as the Death Eaters search for Harry with orders to bring him to Voldemort…alive. Harry’s only hope is to find the Horcruxes before Voldemort finds him. But as he searches for clues, he uncovers an old and almost forgotten tale—the legend of the Deathly Hallows. And if the legend turns out to be true, it could give Voldemort the ultimate power he seeks. Little does Harry know that his future has already been decided by his past when, on that fateful day, he became “the Boy Who Lived.” No longer just a boy, Harry Potter is drawing ever closer to the task for which he has been preparing since the day he first stepped into Hogwarts: the ultimate battle with Voldemort.

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, John Hurt, Miranda Richardson, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Imelda Staunton, Bonnie Wright.

This movie is not yet rated.

YOGI BEAR (Live-Action/Computer Animated Adventure in 3D.) In 3D and 2D in select theatres on December 17:

Everyone’s favorite pic-a-nic basket-stealing bear comes to the big screen in “Yogi Bear.” Jellystone Park has been losing business, so greedy Mayor Brown decides to shut it down and sell the land. That means families will no longer be able to experience the natural beauty of the outdoors — and, even worse, Yogi and Boo Boo will be tossed out of the only home they’ve ever known. Faced with his biggest challenge ever, Yogi must prove that he really is “smarter than the average bear” as he and Boo Boo join forces with their old nemesis Ranger Smith to find a way to save Jellystone Park from closing forever.

Cast: Dan Aykroyd, Justin Timberlake, Anna Faris, Tom Cavanagh, TJ Miller, Andrew Daly.

This film is not yet rated.

Source: Warner Bros.

New HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS Pics!

Here are 9 new photos from HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS featured in Entertainment Weekly’s Fall Movie Preview issue.

Film’s Synopsis:

Part 1 begins as Harry, Ron and Hermione set out on their perilous mission to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort’s immortality and destruction—the Horcruxes. On their own, without the guidance of their professors or the protection of Professor Dumbledore, the three friends must now rely on one another more than ever. But there are Dark Forces in their midst that threaten to tear them apart.

Meanwhile, the wizarding world has become a dangerous place for all enemies of the Dark Lord. The long-feared war has begun and Voldemort’s Death Eaters seize control of the Ministry of Magic and even Hogwarts, terrorizing and arresting anyone who might oppose them. But the one prize they still seek is the one most valuable to Voldemort: Harry Potter. The Chosen One has become the hunted one as the Death Eaters search for Harry with orders to bring him to Voldemort…alive.

Harry’s only hope is to find the Horcruxes before Voldemort finds him. But as he searches for clues, he uncovers an old and almost forgotten tale—the legend of the Deathly Hallows. And if the legend turns out to be true, it could give Voldemort the ultimate power he seeks.

Little does Harry know that his future has already been decided by his past when, on that fateful day, he became “the Boy Who Lived.” No longer just a boy, Harry Potter is drawing ever closer to the task for which he has been preparing since the day he first stepped into Hogwarts: the ultimate battle with Voldemort.

Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Ralph Fiennes, John Hurt, Rhys Ifans, Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Imelda Staunton, Jason Isaacs, Miranda Richardson, Warwick Davis, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Brendan Gleeson and Bill Nighy and directed by David Yates, look for HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS – PART 1 from Warner Bros. Pictures in theaters on November 19, 2010 followed by PART 2 next summer July 15, 2011 . Click here to see the film’s official website, become a fan on Facebook and follow it on Twitter.

Source: EW

Review: RAMONA AND BEEZUS

Ramona’s her own person…she doesn’t care about coloring inside the lines. That’s exactly what comes across loud and clear throughout 20th Century Fox’s extremely sweet RAMONA AND BEEZUS. This faithful adaptation is based on the Beverly Cleary books which took young readers along on the adventures of young Ramona Quimby (Joey King) and her big sister Beezus (Selena Gomez). For those not acqainted with this series, Ramona calls her older sister “Beezus” because she could not pronounce “Beatrice” when she was learning to talk.

Ramona’s 3rd grade life is filled with brightly colored images and accidents a-plenty while she attempts to help the family save the house when Dad (the handsome John Corbett) is laid off from his job and Mom (Bridget Moynahan) has to go back to work. Even the littlest of Ramona’s adventures manages to cause mischief, especially at the expense of Mom’s younger sis, Aunt Bea, who’s rekindling her romance with high-school sweetheart Hobart (Josh Duhamel). Ramona’s Dad finds the solution to the family’s financial problems when he’s hired for a new job in a different state, something he’s not entirely all that enthused about. It quickly becomes a tough time for the Quimby family with the thought of leaving their home, family and friends. The connection and chemisty between father and daughter during the rough patch in both their lives is precious.

Most of what Ramona does, be it good or bad, is met with smiles and pats on the head and when she’s frustrated – watch out! She vents her frustrations by verbally spewing out such bad words like “guts”. You get em Ramona! Too bad that’s not the only thing kids say these days. Anyway, Joey King reminds me of that little actress, Louanne, from 1980’s OH, GOD! BOOK II. Both young actresses are synonymous with precocious and adorable. With a twinkle in her eye, King brings unabashed zaniness to the role and I’m looking forward to seeing her in her next movie, as well as the undoubted RAMONA sequel that’s sure to follow. By the by, the film is in glorious 2D. Big plus!

RAMONA AND BEEZUS is one of the nicest movies aimed at young girls with the best message of all – just be yourself and, remember, always color outside the lines.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 stars for a giggly, G-rated, good time!

Have a Look at ‘Appa’ and 2 Last Looks at Shyamalan’s THE LAST AIRBENDER…

…or by all the numerous clips we’ve been showing you, “A Look At The Whole Movie Before You See It,” might be a better title. I must admit, as a die-hard fan of M. Night Shyamalan, as well as composer James Newton Howard, I’m just so excited about THE LAST AIRBENDER. Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies have released to YAHOO! Movies two final clips before the film opens on July 1st.

First Clip – Zuko (Dev Patel) fights with fire.



Second Clip – Aang (Noah Ringer) fights with fire and ice.

Behind the Scenes Unleashed Look At CATS AND DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE

YAHOO! Movies has behind the scenes look at the upcoming CATS AND DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE from Warner Bros. Pictures.

Synopsis:

In the age-old battle between cats and dogs, one crazed feline has taken things a paw too far. Kitty Galore, formerly an agent for cat spy organization MEOWS, has gone rogue and hatched a diabolical plan to not only bring her canine enemies to heel, but take down her former kitty comrades and make the world her scratching post. Faced with this unprecedented threat, cats and dogs will be forced to join forces for the first time in history in an unlikely alliance to save themselves – and their humans – in CATS & DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE, a comedy that blends live action with state-of-the-art puppetry and computer animation. It’s time for the fur to fly.

Starring Chris O’Donnell, Jack McBrayer, Fred Armisen Paul Rodriguez Christina Applegate, Michael Clarke Duncan, Neil Patrick Harris, Sean Hayes, James Marsden, Bette Midler, Nick Nolte, Joe Pantoliano, Katt Williams, CATS & DOGS: THE REVENGE OF KITTY GALORE will be unleased in 3-D on July 30, 2010. Follow the film on Facebook.