Pop Culture Buzz

This song just simply rocks! I love this version of The Zuton’s song “Valerie”. Mark Ronson is a genius and his collaborations are pitch perfect. You have got to love the fact that Amy Winehouse isn’t even in this video, but the Winehouse clones apparently are a dime a dozen in the U.K. Check out the uber cool music video below:

THE ORGINAL SONG “VALERIE” IS BY THE U.K. BAND THE ZUTON’S

WATCH THE ZUTON’S “VALERIE” MUSIC VIDEO HERE:

This movie looks charming and pleasant enough to rent on DVD. I enjoy quirky independent movies like “Juno”. I just hope this movie doesn’t go into familiar territory trying to be too subversive. Michael Cera is becoming quite the comedic actor after T.V.’s “Arrested Developement” and the big hit “Superbad”. He is worth the vieiwng of “Juno” alone.

ELLEN PAGE & MICHAEL CERA IN “JUNO”

Wow, this music video is a politically charged hot button topic on its own! I like the melodic blend of Brown and Oconnor’s voices but am a little put off by the serious nature of the song. I guess it is safe to say that this song won’t be making the top 40 music charts here in the states anytime soon.

GRADE: B-

“Severance” is “Hostel” meets T.V.’s “The Office”. It is a gory, horror comedy hybrid that works on many levels. The last few horror movies I have seen have been pretty terrible; “Halloween”, “Hostel 2″, “The Hills Have Eyes 2″. “Severance” was made for fans of the horror genre much like other recent gory comedies such as; “Shaun of The Dead”, “Black Sheep” and “Fido”. I like these little pieces of cinematic junk food, but nothing compares to the dark comedy horror classics of the past like Sam Raimi’s “Evil Dead” series and Peter Jackson’s “Dead Alive”.

When the president of a high-profile international-arms supplier takes his six best employees to an Eastern European mountain retreat, their team-building getaway turns into a life-or-death game of kill or be killed. The trip takes a turn for the worst when a deadly enemy infiltrates the retreat with the singular goal of ensuring that no one gets out alive. The hilarious and gory action will leave you laughing out loud and then screaming with revulsion.

The way the film combines humor and horror is skilled and the script is smarter than average for the genre. There are some down right gruesome images in this film, but most are followed by a hilarious sight gag or joke. If you can get over the intense gore you will enjoy the great balance of shrewd comedy writing with pulse pounding chasing scenes. “Severance” isn’t high art or a cinema classic, it is a silly horror movie with bite and wit.

If you have not heard the news, the new “Star Trek” movie (the eleventh movie in the franchise!) will be a “prequel” and it’s plot will surround the roots of the crew and how the crew of the Enterprise began their story. The new film will use young actors instead of the “old” crew we are familiar with (William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy).

THE NEW “CAPTAIN KIRK”?

Here are some casting rumors that are currently swirling around J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek XI. First up: Yesterday IESB.net reported that Mike Vogel has been tapped to play James Kirk. Film credits for the 28-year-old Vogel, a former model, include appearances in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Poseidon, and — perhaps most importantly a role in Abrams’ forthcoming “Cloverfield” (or whatever it’s called).

THE NEW “SKOTTY”?

Meanwhile, IGN.net reported yesterday that Paul McGillion, best known for his role on Stargate: Atlantis, has confirmed that he has auditioned for the role of chief engineer Montgomery “Scotty” Scott. McGillion issued the obligatory “great honor” statement, saying “Obviously it would be a great honour to follow in James Doohan’s footsteps.”

THE NEW “SPOCK”!

In a report posted yesterday at MTV Movies, Adrien Brody confirms that he was at least briefly up for the role of Spock. Last December it was reported that Zachary Quinto of NBC’s “Heroes” had expressed interest in being the new Spock for Star Trek XI. Recently J.J. Abrams confirmed that Quinto will indeed play Spock.

THE NEW “UHURA”!

Aside from Quinto, the latest Trek’s confirmed cast now includes Zoe Saldana as Uhura and Anton Yelchin as Pavel Chekov. With the film’s release date still over a year away, we can expect to read plenty more of these reports.

THE NEW “CHECKOV”!

I loved del Toro’s 2006 Oscar winning movie “Pan’s Labyrinth” a lot. Even though del Toro only produced this movie, and did not direct it, his fingerprints are all over this trailer. At this point I look forward to anything del Toro puts out.

PICS FROM “THE ORPHANAGE”

This trailer doesn’t give us enough details as to if this movie will be gory or not. I am hoping for some subtle horror and tense moments but am not convinced that this is not del Toro “light”.

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR “THE ORPHANAGE” BELOW:

The Coen Brothers make great movies, everyone knows that. “Fargo” is brilliant, “Raising Arizona” is a comedic gold mine and “The Big Labowski” is a perfect stoner comedy. This movie looks like a blend of some of their more familiar work and I cannot wait!

CHECK OUT THE INTENSE TRAILER FOR “NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN” BELOW:

Once again France has created another funky, dance crazy duo with some hot talent to back up the style. This is the best dance song of the fall (so far) and “D.A.N.C.E.” is a great single, period! I look forward to hearing the whole album “Cross” and any remixes that Justice may have. If this single is any indication I am in for a treat!

“D.A.N.C.E” Is From The Album “Cross”

WATCH THE JUSTICE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “D.A.N.C.E.” HERE:

*** 1/2 STARS

Before I watched the brilliant “Death Proof” this past weekend, David Cronenberg’s crime thriller masterpiece “Eastern Promises” was my new favorite film of 2007. Both films use gritty realism and cinematic tactics to create an all too real world depiction of violence without glamorizing the gore. The way these two films handle adult situations is not only artistically beautiful but also refreshing in its portrayal of violence without hype.

David Cronenberg is the master at this type of gory movie magic, his films are proof of this craft; “The Fly”, “Dead Ringers”, “Existenz”, “A History of Violence”, “Naked Lunch”. I look forward to every film he releases and now I look forward to each time he collaborates with Viggo Mortensen. Mortensen not only deserves an Oscar nomination for his role as a Russian mobster, but he may even deserve to get it with his gritty and very sexy performance. Mortensen has a raw intensity that is smoldering on the big screen. In this film his Russian accent and body tattoos only pepper an already extreme character portrayal.

Naomi Watts play Ana, a midwife at a London hospital, who finds a Russian-language diary on the body of a young woman who dies in childbirth. As Anna starts becoming attached to the dead woman’s baby she also becomes entangled in a web of dark secrets. In the process of trying to translate the mysterious diary she begins to risk the lives of her family members and herself. Along the way she can’t help but cross paths with Mortensen’s character resulting in an emotional and dramatic twist ending.

If you liked “The Departed” because it depicted a new side of the mafia genre, then you will love every minute of the exquisite “Eastern Promises”. Full of lush, sweeping camera shots and beautiful London scenery this dark film will keep you captivated. Cronenberg and Mortensen have crafted another wonderful adult thriller with brains for adults to enjoy, do not miss this film in theaters if you can!

Pink’s 2006 c.d. “I’m Not Dead” continues it’s world domination with another great pop song “Who Knew?”. Pink is in the top 3 #1 selling artists in the world right now. She remains to be huge outside of the U.S. but only has mild “hits” here in the states. I love Pink and can pretty much bet the gay remix for this song will be better than the original.

WATCH THE “WHO KNEW?” MUSIC VIDEO HERE:

Joaquin Phoenix has been putting out a lot of fantastic movies lately and “Reservation Road” looks like the kind of movie that could garner him the Oscar recognition he deserves after losing for “Walk The Line” and “Gladiator”.

Oscar winner Jennifer Connelly is always great to watch and Mark Ruffalo is on a role after the terrific “Zodiac”. If this movie can bring in the intensity of wonderful dramas like “In The Bedroom” and “The Deep End” it may work on all levels.

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR “RESERVATION ROAD” BELOW:

GRADE: A+

Let me just say right off the bat that “Death Proof” is my FAVORITE movie of 2007 (so far) and it is also my favorite Quentin Tarantino movie of all time, hands down! Those are big words, I know. “Pulp Fiction” is a classic and I have seen it a dozen times, but it is not my favorite. My second favorite of Tarantino’s is actually “Reservoir Dogs”. Something about this movie just worked on all levels for me. As a comedy, a smart/witty “talkie”, a suspense thriller and horror. This movie is a movie geek’s wet dream and it is full of sexy, fun dialogue and acting worth some recognition around award season this winter.

The first half of this movie is full of your typically delightful Tarantino banter. I held onto every word and nuance that was spoken in these first scenes. Tarantino delivers ripe and fresh conversation that comes off as “real” and not contrived. There are some shear moments of genius screenwriting in the first hour of this film. The camera angles, the type of camera used, the soundtrack..they all have such a cohesive feel which makes this movie believable.

Tarantino wrote and directed this high-octane thriller that stars Kurt Russell as a serial murderer who uses his revved-up car as a killing machine. After transforming his Dodge Charger into an indestructible weapon, Stuntman Mike climbs behind the wheel to terrorize a group of women on the road. But Russell’s character later finds out that he may have picked the wrong girls to fuck with. Rose McGowan, Rosario Dawson, Jordan Ladd and Vanessa Ferlito also star in the ultimate road rage film.

The final half of this movie is where all of the really, really good stuff is. Professional stunt woman Zoe Bell (who plays herself) has a tense well choreographed 15 minute car chase scene that will have you sweating bullets the whole time. You will be on the edge of your seat with your fists clinched during this hair raising uncut chase. Rosario Dawson has never been so bad ass and lovely as she is here in this portion of the film. The last few minutes of this movie give it one of the best endings of a movie I have EVER seen. “Death Proof” kicks major ass and it will leave you slack jawed and in shock….but in a good way!

I was hypnotized by this movie, it had me in it’s grip throughout every tightly woven scene with it’s exquisite dialogue and taught acting. Kurt Russell is dead on with his delivery as the sociopath “Stuntman Mike”. Russell is truly in his prime with “Death Proof” and Tarantino tapped the right guy for this role. I cannot say enough about this film, I am excited to watch it over and over to catch what little moments I may have missed the first few times.

Ahh, the Sugababes. The poor man’s “Spice Girls” if you will. They have been selling millions of albums over sea’s for years but continue to remain unknown here in the states. Maybe it is for the best, we have a “Pussycat Doll’s” over here and they aren’t all that great either.

Although I may sound jaded by these girls, I actually enjoy this song and some of their old stuff. I gaurantee there is a gay remix of it out there that I will like ten times more than this original though. What do you think of the Sugababes new song off their new album “Change”? Are they pop music junk food or crap?

If you are anything like me then you are sick of Tom Cruise and hate his public persona, but love his films. Well, most of his films that is, I hate the “Mission Impossible” franchise with a passion, but I digress.

This all star cast could be a home run much like that of “A Few Good Men” or it could turn out to be another plodding clunker with too many names in it. If this trailer is any indication we may be in for a great ride this winter when this film is released. Let’s hope Meryl Streep continues her lucky streak of roles and churns out another Oscar nomination!

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR “LIONS FOR LAMBS” BELOW:

(STORY FROM ROTTENTOMATOES.COM):

George Miller (”Babe”, “Mad Max”) is is in the process of making a live-action “Justice League of America” film that is on the fast track at Warner Bros. Within a week of this announcement there has already been some casting news leaked! According to a report posted at Variety last night, the production may have found its Wonder Woman, and she might be Jessica Biel.

She’d be sort of perfect, no? Variety says Warner Brothers “prefers to announce an entire cast rather than piecemeal deals”. Biel’s involvement could not only add some marquee weight to the “JLA” cast, but also help spark new interest in Joel Silver’s long-gestating Wonder Woman film.

Rumor has it that Brandon Routh who plays “Superman” is not interested in the high concept superhero film either is “Batman’s” current star Christian Bale. So with another “Superman” and “Batman” movie in the works, who will play these roles in the “Justice League” movie set to be released in 2010? I am thoroughly excited to see this movie, this was one of my favorite comic books of all time!