The Experiment

Plot: 26 men are chosen to participate in the roles of guards and prisoners in a psychological study that ultimately spirals out of control.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHlIlo6Txpk

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVLHKmJWE4E

Starring: Oscar winner Adrien Brody (The Pianist & Predators), Oscar winner Forest Whitaker (The Last King of Scotland & Repo Men), Cam Gigandet (Burlesque & Pandorum), Emmy nominee Clifton Collins Jr. ("Theif"(Mini-series) & Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), Oscar winner Fisher Stevens (The Cove & Fake), Maggie Grace (Knight and Day & Malice in Wonderland).

Written by: director ("Prison Break") based on the novel "Black Box" & the film "Das Experiment"

Directed by: Paul Scheuring (36K)

Review: Harrowing study of human nature. Films like these scare me more than horror films because they're based on truth. An experiment like the one in this movie really happened. Best described by Collins Jr's character, "Put monkeys in a cage and watch what they do." It raises so many questions about our prison system and social identity. What these people do to each other is sadistic and unfortunately, human. My only issues with this movie were with a few unanswered questions about why they picked test subjects and how they placed them in their roles of either prisoner or guard. It also seemed to wrap up very quickly at the end with, again, a few unanswered questions. It seemed a bit unresolved. I would've liked to have seen at least a few captions at the end of film explaining what happened to the subjects, how they were affected by the experiment, and who the company doing the experiment was. Fantastic acting, good character development, I rooted for the protagonist, a really interesting premise, and a satisfying payoff that kept me thinking about it. All of this data leads me, as an expert movie maven, to conclude that this was a very good movie, despite a few flaws.

Fun Facts: Elijah Wood was originally cast, but bowed out after only a few days of shooting. This movie is a remake of a movie based on a book that was inspired by the real-life Stanford prison experiment.

Rating:

Writing-B

Acting-A

Directing-A

Music-B

Cinematography-B

Editing-A

Hair-A

Makeup-A

Costumes-B

Art Direction-A

"Noteworthy"-good solid film

New Rating System

So seeing as how the whole star rating system has been done ad nauseum, I thought I'd come up with my own. Since the name of this blog is Memoirs of a Movie Maven, I thought it fit to come up with ratings that have to do with writing, whether it be tools, puns, plays on words, etc. They have little descriptions with each one. Whatever is in quotations is how it will appear exactly. Here they are from WORST to BEST.

"Rather Stab A Pen In My Eye than ever watch this movie again"- Worst movie rating

"Snailmail"- Long/boring/I fell asleep

"Kinda Like An Inkblot Test-Might be good to some, but I just didn't see it."

"Stamped Out (i.e. cookie cutter, been done before, etc.) so why bother?"

"Not the Brightest Crayon in the Box, but sure is pretty"- style over substance film-looks good but not much else going on

"Dear Diary, I secretly liked this film but, I'll never tell"

"Stamped Out but worth seeing"

"Noteworthy"- Good solid film- not the best rating but a really good rating

"Epic"- amazing bestest film rating ever- got this because the slang word epic comes from Epic Poetry.

Look for these new ratings at the bottom of each post. If anyone out there as any more ideas for ratings, then comment on this post and let me know.

Dinner For Schmucks

Plot: When he finds out that his work superiors host a dinner celebrating the idiocy of their guests, a rising executive questions it when he's invited, just as he befriends a man who would be the perfect guest.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOMngejmwKE

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAcqFcRcHmM

Starring: Emmy winner Steve Carell ("The Office" & Despicable Me), Paul Rudd (Year One & I Love You Man), Zach Galifianakis (Operation: Endgame & Up in the Air), 7X Emmy nominee Jermaine Clement ("Flight of the Conchords" & Despicable Me), Lucy Punch ((Untitled) & Hot Fuzz), Indie Spirit winner Bruce Greenwood (I'm Not There & Cell 213), Ron Livingston (Going the Distance & The Time Traveler's Wife), Kristin Schaal ("FCU: Fact Checkers Unit" & Valentine's Day), Jeff Dunham ("Sonny with a Chance"), Octavia Spencer (Small Town Saturday Night & Seven Pounds), Patrick Fischler ("Lie to Me").

Written by: David Guion (The Ex) & Michael Handelman (The Ex) based on the film "Le Diner de Cons".

Directed by: 2X Emmy winner Jay Roach (Recount(TV))

Review:

The 21st century's What About Bob?. This movie, though not very original with some unrealistic situations, managed to make me laugh. Movies with the obnoxious friend that ruins the protagonist's life usually annoy me, but Carell's sympathetic performance made me like him. He gave the character some dimension. As with most comedies, my favorite characters are the side characters. There are some great ones here including Galifianakis as a mind-controlling IRS agent, psychic chicken lady, the crazy ex-girlfriend, Clement as the pretentious artist, and taxidermy mice. It was also nice to see the "girl-friend" role played by an up and coming actress who will actually benefit from such a role in a bigger film, rather than some big name actress who's just there for a paycheck. A funny and unexpectedly touching film.

Fun Facts: When this project was in early development, Sacha Baron Cohen was set to play the lead. After the credits there is a short scene that shows what happened to Fender after the movie. In one of the mice dioramas, a bottle of Dom Perignon is called "Veber". Francis Veber wrote and directed The Dinner Game (1998), the film which inspired this remake.

Rating:

Writing-B

Acting-A

Directing-B

Music-A

Cinematography-A

Editing-B

Hair-A

Makeup-A

Costumes-A

Art Direction-A

**1/2 Stars

Moonshot (TV)

Plot: The story leading up to the July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 moon landing launch.

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMINSD7MmT4 -here's a vid of the actual moonlanding so you can compare

Starring: Daniel Lapaine ("Identity" & "Jericho"), 3X Saturn award winner James Marsters ("Buffy the Vampire Slayer" & "Smallville"), Andrew Lincoln ("Strike Back" & Wuthering Heights (TV)).

Written by: Tony Basgallop ("Worried About the Boy")

Directed by: Emmy nominee Richard Dale (Inside the Twin Towers & "When We Left Earth: The Last NASA Missions")

Review: A giant leap for TV movies. This documentary style historical drama takes you behind the scenes at the events of and leading up to the Apollo 11 mission interjected with actual behind the scenes filmed coverage, news reels, and audio recordings. Scenes containing actors were mostly taken from copied scenes from actual behind the scenes camera footage of the entire mission and from NASA transcripts. Even with this being a docu-drama, there was still a sense of cinematic story and character arch, with Masters delivering a powerful performance as Buzz Aldrin. The big budget big wigs could learn a thing or two from the History channel.

Fun Facts: When this movie was first aired on the History Channel (US), the moment when the character of Neil Armstrong puts his foot on the moon was timed to within a minute of the 40th anniversary of Armstrong actually stepping on the moon.

Awards:

Emmy Awards
Year	Result	Award	Category/Recipient(s)
2010	Nominated	Emmy	Outstanding Made for Television Movie
			Outstanding Sound Editing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special Peter Baldock (sound supervisor) Michael Feinberg (dialogue editor) Richard Todman (music editor)

Rating:

Writing-A

Acting-A

Directing-A

Music-A

Cinematography-A

Editing-A

Hair-B

Makeup-B

Costumes-A

Art Direction-A

Visual Effects-A

***1/2 Stars

Up

Plot: By tying thousands of balloon to his home, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Right after lifting off, however, he learns he isn't alone on his journey, since Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years his junior, has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkqzFUhGPJg

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EkCdK6bUls

Voices by: Emmy nominee Edward Asner(Carl) ("Spider-Man" & "The Boondocks"), Oscar nominee Christopher Plummer(Charles) (The Last Station), Delroy Lindo (Beta) (This Christmas & Ransom), Emmy nominee John Ratzenberger(Construction Foreman Top) ("Cheers" & Toy Story 3 (Hamm)).

Written by: the directors w. story also by Indie Spirit Winner Thomas McMarthy (The Visitor)

Directed by: Oscar winner Pete Docter (WALLE & Monsters, Inc.) & 2X Oscar nominee Bob Peterson (Finding Nemo & Ratatouille).

Review: Upping the ante for animated films. Strong story that seems like it could've been an live-action drama. The animation and voice-over work was amazing, and the story was so strong I forgot I was watching animation. I was just watching a really good movie. Side characters are also my favorites in animated movies and this movie has some great ones:The movie did flounder a bit after the two characters hit the ground, but then it picked up and finished off with a very satisfying ending. I even teared up a few times during this movie. Adults and kids alike will enjoy this movie.

Fun Facts: Very first animated film, as well as the first 3D film, ever to open the Cannes Film Festival. The term 'A113' is the number of the courtroom, and can be found on the gold sign Carl sits next to while waiting to be called (Courtroom A113). A113 is a frequent Pixar in-joke based on one of the room numbers for the animation program at Cal Arts. The Fenton's Ice Creamery featured in the movie actually exists and has two locations. As per Pixar tradition, John Ratzenberger once again provides a voice in the movie, making him the only actor to do a voice in every Pixar film. Russell's Wilderness Explorer sash has several in-jokes and tributes. The most obvious is a Luxo Jr. (1986) ball. One badge has a hamburger with a candle in it. This is a nod to Merritt Bakery in Oakland. Another badge is a tribute to 2-D animation, showing a perforated paper that is used by 2D animators to line up their drawings correctly. He also has badges for First Aid and Second Aid, which may be a reference to a short on the Up website where Russell struggles to apply bandages to Carl. Yet another badge depicts a multicolored pinwheel - the "hang" icon of Apple's Mac OS X operating system, equivalent to the Windows hourglass icon. Several of these badges are shown in the credits. The three main dog characters, Alpha, Beta and Gamma, as well as being named for the Ancient Greek alphabet, also reference three classes of workers in Aldous Huxley's novel Brave New World.

Awards:

Academy Awards, USA
Year	Result	Award	Category/Recipient(s)
2010	Won	Oscar	Original Score Michael Giacchino
			Best Animated Feature Film of the Year
	Nominated	Oscar	Best Achievement in Sound Editing
			Best Motion Picture of the Year
			Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen

Annie Awards
Year	Result	Award	Category/Recipient(s)
2010	Won	Annie	Best Animated Feature
			Directing in a Feature Production
	Nominated	Annie	Animated Effects
			Character Animation in a Feature Production Daniel Nguyen
			Character Design in a Feature Production
			Music in a Feature Production
			Storyboarding in a Feature Production
			Storyboarding in a Feature Production
			Writing in a Feature Production

Grammy Awards
Year	Result	Award	Category/Recipient(s)
2010	Won	Grammy	Best Score Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media Michael Giacchino

Rating:

Writing-A

Voice Over-A

Directing-A

Music-A

Cinematography-A

Editing-B

Visual Effects-A

***1/2 Stars

Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World

Plot: Scott Pilgrim must defeat his new girlfriend's seven evil exes in order to win her heart.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9nS9iDsaj8

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2jGDcdtuCI

Starring: Michael Cera (Juno), Alison Pill ("The Pillars of the Earth" & Milk), Mark Webber (The Laramie Project & Boiler Room), Johnny Simmons (Jennifer's Body), Keiran Culkin ("30 Rock" & Igby Goes Down), Oscar nominee Anna Kendrick (Up in the Air & Eclipse), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Live Free or Die Hard & Factory Girl), Chris Evans (Push & Fantastic 4 movies), Cannes winner Don McKellar (Last Night & eXistenZ), Brie Larson ("United States of Tara" & 13 Going on 30), Mae Whitman ("Parenthood" & "Family Guy"), Saturn award winner Brandon Routh (Superman Returns & Zack and Miri Make a Porno), Jason Schwartzman (Rushmore & "Bored to Death"), Emmy winner Bill Hader ("South Park"), Emmy winner Clifton Collins Jr. (Thief mini series), Thomas Jane (Killshot & Deep Blue Sea),

Written by: director & Michael Bacall (Bookies) based on the graphic novel by Bryan Lee O'Malley (Hopeless Savages).

Directed by: Edgar Wright (Shaun of the Dead)

Review: Scott Pilgrim vs. the summer box office. This movie has not done well in the theater. Why? Perhaps it is the seemingly small market of audience members this movie was made for. In fact, if you have ever read a comic book/graphic novel/comic strip (I will go so far as seen a cartoon or movie adaption of those), watched an anime (Yes those scenes from Kill Bill Vol.1 count), or played a video game, then you will love this movie. If you have done none of those above things, then the references in this film will go right over your head. I have done all three though I in no way consider myself a gamer, anime buff, or comic con ticket holder, and I loved this movie. Full of anime, comic, and gaming references, this movie feels like you're inside the head of Scott Pilgrim viewing the world the way he sees it. For example, if he wins a fight against one of his new girlfriend's exes, they explode and turn into gold coins. Anyone who's at least played Mario will recognize the reference. Great cast, great visuals, and very funny even in the parts of the film without the references. Go see this movie and help Scott Pilgrim rule the box office.

Fun Facts: The stunt doubles of Lucas Lee are actually the stunt doubles for Chris Evans. Only a quarter of the doubles resemble Evans. Beck wrote "Ramona" and composed the music for Sex Bob-Bomb. Edgar Wright has stated the movie was done in the style of a Musical, but instead of the characters breaking into song and dance, they break into a fight. Numbers are shown relating to a number of the (exes). Lucas Lee's trailer and car show "2" as does his neck tattoo. "3" is shown on Todd's shirt while "4" appears above the door to the Clash at Demonhead after-party. Level 7 is displayed for Scott's final battle while Scott himself is seen wearing (and drinking) "Zero" a number of times. I do not want to give all of the specifics of each reference away because I don't want to spoil the movie. I will instead list the names of the references:The Legend of Zelda and it's sequels (VG), "Clash at Demonhead", Soul Caliber, Super Mario Bros. 2 (VG), Castlevania (VG), X-Men, "Mighty Atom", The Warriors, Pac-Man (VG), Flash Gordon, , Final Fantasy II (VG), Akira, Sonic the Hedgehog (VG), EarthBound (VG), Tank Girl, The Matrix, Street Fighter Alpha 3 (VG), "Naruto", "Bleach", My Super Ex-Girlfriend, "Desu Noto", Rock Band (VG).

Rating:

Writing-A

Acting-A

Directing-A

Music-A

Cinematography-A

Editing-B-a tad over-long

Costumes-A

Art Direction-A

Hair-A

Makeup-A

Visual Effects-A

*** Stars

B.T.K. (2008) (V)

Plot: Inspired by the real-life serial killer Dennis Rader, a murderer who systematically tortured and killed his victims for over two decades while evading the police for over 30 years. Told from the point of view of Rader.

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXa_YreEFEs. Here's a clip of the real Dennis Rader so you can compare the actor to the real killer.

Starring: Kane Hodder (The Afflicted & Frozen).

Written & Directed by: Michael Feifer (Abandoned (V) & Drifter: Henry Lee Lucas)

Review: Bind. Torture. Kill. This was the MO for the one of the longest running serial killers in history, Dennis Rader. This is called the fictionalized story, but most of the elements of who he is are all there. The MO, his job, community life, town. The only difference here is that they have him committing a few murders right before he's caught, very similarly to some of the murders between '74-'91. He didn't murder anyone after 91, according to investigations. Ordinarily, fictionalizing a real event so much would bother me, but in this case it didn't because he conceivably could have continued killing up until he was caught. This film was a character study that took us right into his head. My only complaint aside from a few acting follies is the fact that they changed the sex of one of his kids. He has one daughter and one son, not two daughters. Overall though, I thought it was a low-budget but interesting interpretation on the possible inner psyche of the B.T.K. serial killer, complete with narration including a poem Rader actually wrote after he was caught. Eerie.

Rating:

Writing-B

Acting-B

Directing-C

Music-B

Cinematography-C

Editing-C

Costumes-B

Art Direction-A

Hair-A

Makeup-A

Visual Effects-C

** Stars

Second Samuel

Warner Robins Little Theatre Presents

Title of Play: “Second Samuel” by Pamela Parker

Location: Warner Robins Little Theatre (478-929-4579)

502 South Pleasant Hill Road, Warner Robins, GA.

Play dates: Evening performances: September 9-11, & 16-18 at 8:00 pm

Sunday Matinee: September 12th at 2:30 pm

PLEASE CALL 929-4579 TO MAKE RESERVATIONS

Reservation lines are open each Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm beginning August 28th through September 18th for the run of the show

Tickets are: $15 adults, $10 groups of 10 or more (payable in advance) $12 Seniors, Military, & Students (MUST have ID)

EVERY THURSDAY: 2 FOR 1 SPECIAL

BUY ONE TICKET AT $15 GET THE SECOND TICKET FREE

If you bring in a non-perishable food item, you will receive $1 off your ticket (excluding 2 for 1 Thursdays)- Proceeds from Food Drive benefit Sacred Heart Christian Service Center.

This delightful and emotionally touching play about life and friendships is set in the rural Georgia town of Second Samuel. The town has its share of “characters” along with its share of “secrets”. This play was so loved when we did it about ten years ago that WRLT wants to bring it back for your enjoyment. If you remember any of the “secrets”…please keep them so those new to the play can have as much fun as you did the first time you saw it.

W.

Plot: Oliver Stone's biographical take on the life of George W. Bush, chronicling from 1967 to his days in college, to his military service, to his governorship of Texas, leading to his 2000 candidacy for president, his first four years, and his 2004 re-election campaign.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVu8dK3MZ4o

Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=py_xw5ykRC0

Starring: Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (Milk), Colin Hanks ("The Good Guys"), Toby Jones ("Agatha Christie: Poirot"), Dennis Boutsikaris ("House M.D."), Emmy winner Jeffrey Wright ("Angels in America"), Thandie Newton (2012), Scott Glenn ("The American Experience"), Oscar winner Richard Dreyfuss (The Goodbye Girl), Bruce McGill ("Rizzolie & Isles"), Jesse Bradford (Flags of Our Fathers), Oscar nominee James Cromwell (Babe), Marley Shelton (The Perfect Getaway), Michael Gaston (Inception), Oscar winner Ellen Burstyn (Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore), Jason Ritter ("Parenthood"), 4X Emmy nominee Noah Wyle ("ER"), Elizabeth Banks ("30 Rock"), Rob Corddry ("Children's Hospital"), Ioan Gruffudd ("Family Guy": The Splendid Source).

Written by: WGA award winner Stanley Weiser (Freedom Song (TV) & Wall Street)

Directed by: 3X Oscar winner Oliver Stone (Born on the Fourth of July & South of the Border)

Review: Oliver Stone's biopics are never historical time lines; rather they are character studies about that person. Character studies are basically psychological evaluations that are left up to the filmmaker’s interpretation. That's how you have to look at all of his biopics, including W. This works for his other films. The problem with W. is that it's too soon for a biopic. You have to have the perspective that comes with time in order to create a character study. Otherwise you are left with a character study based on rumors and speculations rather than facts. Not enough of that information is available because the movie Bush wasn't even out of office when the movie was released. If you look at it like a work of fiction, it still doesn't work. There are times when the characters feel like caricatures based on SNL skits. Brolin and Banks are the only exceptions, and even Brolin has his moments of cartoonishness. The movie teeters into satire territory marked by a use of over the top patriotic music. Other times, typically the flashbacks, is where it feels like a serious drama about the burdens of being a legacy. Make up your mind Mr. Stone. There were times of brilliance such as the scene of the April 13, 2004 presidential address that is almost identical to the actual address(watch my reel to real clip at the top) but no perspective, thin caricatures, and flip-flopping genre styles makes this movie never seem real. Interesting premise that would've worked had it been made in 15 years. Better option: The Doors.

Fun Facts: Josh Brolin prepared for his role as George W. Bush by telephoning hotels and talking to the people simply to hear the accent. He also watched videos of Bush to try and get the style of his walk right. Robert Duvall is rumored to have been considered for the role of Dick Cheney. Christian Bale was initially cast as George W. Bush. However, he withdrew from the production at the last minute. This movie was filmed sequentially. Josh Brolin lost a considerable amount of weight to play W. in his youth and had to quickly gain it back to play him middle-aged. According to James Cromwell (who plays George HW Bush'), 'Oliver Stone (I) originally offered the role to Warren Beatty and Harrison Ford. Oliver Stone's son Sean Stone makes an appearance as one of the college boys. A cut scene featured Michael Shannon as Arthur Blessitt, who first converted Bush to Christianity. Filmed in only 46 days. Filming during the middle of Summer in Louisiana meant that elaborate prosthetic makeup could not be used, due to fears the humidity would melt the actors' faces. During the scene in which Bush is seen flying a naval jet on board the Aircraft Carrier, the show that broadcasts his incident is a political commentary program titled "Spin-Ball" which received both a Conservative and Liberal prospective. The show is actually a 'spoof' of the two highly rated and well known political commentary programs, "The O'Reilly Factor" (1996) on Fox News (hosted by Bill O'Reilly, known for his 'No Spin Zone" which broadcasts a more conservative viewpoint); and MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews" (1997), which demonstrates a more liberal viewpoint. Admiral Deborah Loewer, who was on President Bush's detail the morning of 9/11, was the film's technical advisor. As a former Marine, Scott Glenn is the only actor playing a member of the Bush administration who has actual military experience. Oliver Stone and George W. Bush were both in Yale's class of 1968, though Stone dropped out after one year and went to Vietnam instead of graduating, while Bush graduated with his class.

Rating:

Writing-C

Acting-C-would be an F if not for a few performances

Directing-B-technically well-directed

Music-D

Cinematography-B

Editing-C

Costumes-B

Art Direction-A

Hair-A

Makeup-A

Visual Effects-B

*1/2 Stars-for a few of the performances, nice technical direction, and a few brilliant scenes. The rest was just bad.