Movie Talk

Transformers:Revenge Of The Fallen Review

2009-06-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Transformers:Revenge Of The Fallen was released into theaters on June 24th.The film stars Shia LeBeouf and Megan Fox.The film is rated PG-13 and contains profanity,sensual scenes,adult humor,and drug references.

Transformers:Revenge Of The Fallen was a good film,but it did have its flaws:

1.The action sequences were dragged out much longer than they needed to be. The last action sequence in Egypt was the main culprit. Also, with long action sequences came the long length of the film:147 Minutes.

2.The film seemed to be desperate for laughs in certain scenes and too funny in others. For a film like Transformers, you need a good balance of humor and seriousness.

3.The film also had too much adult humor for my taste. The original Transformers film had minor bits of adult humor, but this film was full of it. I'm not saying the film should be a kid's movie. I'm just saying that it should not be a film that could be rated R if you added a couple more scenes.

While the film had its flaws, I still think that it was a relatively good movie. The producers spared no expense on the impressive CGI work for the Autobots and the Decepticons.(The budget was $200 Million.)

I give this film a 6/10.

Thanks!

Orion A.

Amelia Trailer

2009-06-28T18:55:00.000-07:00

I just recently came across this trailer for a new biopic about famous female pilot Amelia Earhart.The film stars Hilary Swank,Richard Gere,and Ewan McGregor.

From watching the trailer,I can see that this will be a great movie.I am usually not disappointed with a biopic.

Thanks!

Orion A.

Back In Business!

2009-06-28T18:51:00.000-07:00

Hello,

It's been almost a year since I've been active on this blog,but I am willing to continue with a better plan than my previous attempts.Soon,I will be posting a review of Transformers:Revenge Of The Fallen.Be on the lookout!

Enjoy!

Orion A.

Top 10 In The Box Office

2008-08-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

1. Tropic Thunder
2. The Dark Knight
3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars
4. Mirrors
5. Pineapple Express
6. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
7. Mamma Mia!
8. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
9. Step Brothers
10. Vicky Cristina Barcelona

Thanks!

Orion A.

Star Wars:The Clone Wars Review

2008-08-16T14:58:00.000-07:00

Star Wars:The Clone Wars was a film in the Star Wars series of films.The film was released on August 16,2008.

With a weak plot,a lousy screenplay,and horrible music,Star Wars:The Clone Wars is he worst thing to ever happen to Star Wars.I would go so far to say that this film is worse than the infamous Star Wars Christmas Special.

As I said earlier,the film had a weak plot.There was one main plot,but barely any sub-plots.That makes a horrible film.You need quite a few sub-plots to keep a film going.The film was also filled with way too many action sequences.Action sequences are fine in a small dose,however,they should not make up the entire film.

The music for this film had an OK score.But,that's just it.It should never be OK for a film scored by John Williams.John Williams is a musical genius and should not be overtopped by lousy music sequences filled with music of the "rock and roll" genre.Every time that a character would go into battle,the film would have a moment with music that was not fit to be in a film that is based on characters from the Star Wars universe.

However,there was an upside to the film.The animation was well done.With fluid movements and good use of texture,light,and color.

Orion's Rating:

**

2/5 Stars

So,if after you read this review,you decide to go see the movie anyway,I am very sorry for your loss of $8.00 to buy your ticket at the cinema.

Thanks!

Orion A.

The Mummy:Tomb of the Dragon Emperor Review On Mega Upload and You Tube!

2008-08-10T13:18:00.000-07:00

The Movie Talk With Orion Review of The Mummy:Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is now on You Tube and Mega Upload.Here are the links:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=FZNSG565

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b___m41mTIw

Thanks!

Orion A.

The Mummy:Tomb of the Dragon Emperor Review

2008-08-09T14:40:00.001-07:00

The Mummy:Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is the third installment in The Mummy film franchise.It was released in theaters on August 1,2008.

The Mummy:Tomb of the Dragon Emperor was another cinematic adventure into the life of adventurers Rick and Evelyn O'Connell.While they are retired from their adventuring days,they are asked on another mission to bring a rare artifact to Shanghai.While they are delivering the artifact,an ancient mummy awakens causing confusion and wreaking havoc.Can the O'Connell family and their crew save China from a terrible fate? Go see The Mummy:Tomb of the Dragon Emperor to find out.

The film was an overall good film,however,there were a few things that I happened to dislike about the film.First off,the film's plot was extremely cliche' and could have been more original for a big blockbuster film series like The Mummy.

Second,the special effects.There were too many of them.The CGI was overused,and some of the scenes that could be made for real were replaced by CGI.

However,as I stated earlier,it is a good film that that is worth going to see on the big screen.I give this film:

****

4/5 Stars

Thanks!

Orion A.

Star Wars:The Clone Wars Information

2008-08-04T16:27:00.000-07:00

Plot:

Star Wars:The Clone Wars showcases an entirely new look and feel to the galaxy far, far away--combining the expansive scope of the Star Wars Saga with state-of-the-art computer-generated animation. On the front lines of an intergalactic struggle between good and evil, fans young and old will join such favorite characters as Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Padmé Amidala, along with brand-new heroes like Anakin's padawan learner, Ahsoka. Sinister villains--led by Palpatine, Count Dooku and General Grievous--are poised to rule the galaxy. Stakes are high, and the fate of the Star Wars universe rests in the hands of the daring Jedi Knights. Their exploits lead to the action-packed battles and astonishing new revelations that fill Star Wars: The Clone Wars.

Director:Dave Filoni

Runtime:1 hr. 30 min.

Release Date:August 16th,2008

MPAA Rating:PG

Enjoy!

Orion A.

Top 10 In The Box-Office

2008-08-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

1.The Dark Knight
2.Step Brothers
3.Mamma Mia!
4.The X-Files:I Want to Believe
5.Journey to the Center of the Earth
6.Hancock
7.WALL-E
8.Hellboy II: The Golden Army
9.Space Chimps
10.Wanted

The Dark Knight Sets Yet Another Record

2008-07-28T13:20:00.000-07:00

The Dark Knight has set another record by breaking the record of $300 million in 16 days.The 2006 film,Pirates of the Caribbean:Dead Man's Chest,was the former record holder with $300 million in 16 days.The film broke the record in ten-days and is suspecting to hit $400 million in 18 days.The Dark Knight's total domestic gross so far is:

$314,245,000

Thanks!

Orion A.

The City Of Ember:A Closer Look

2008-07-25T13:13:00.000-07:00

The City of Ember is an upcoming film from Walden Media and 20th Century Fox.The film is based on the 2003 novel of the same name by Jeanne Duprau.The film is set for release on October 10th,2008.

Cast:

Bill Murray-Mayor Cole

Saoirse Ronan-Lina Mayfleet

Harry Treadaway-Doon Harrow

Mackenzie Crook-Looper

Mary Kay Place-Mrs. Murdo

Marianne Jean-Baptiste Clary

Liz Smith-Granny

Lucinda Dryzek-Lizzie Bisco

Martin Landau-Sul

Toby Jones-Barton Snode

Tim Robbins-TBA

Miles Thompson-Smat

Crew:

Director-Gil Kenan

Producers-Tom Hanks and Goetzman

Screenwriter-Caroline Thompson

Here is the official poster for the film:

Thanks!

Orion A.

The "Top 10" In The Box-Office

2008-07-25T13:09:00.001-07:00

Here is the "Top Ten" of the box-office this week:

1. The Dark Knight
2. Mamma Mia!
3. Hancock
4. Journey to the Center of the Earth
5. Hellboy II: The Golden Army
6. WALL-E
7. Space Chimps
8. Wanted
9. Get Smart
10. Kung Fu Panda

Journey To The Center Of The Earth Review

2008-07-21T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today,I received word that I would see The Dark Knight for the third time,however,I chose not to go see TDK.I chose to see Journey To The Center Of The Earth.Here is my review of the film:

Journey To The Center Of The Earth starred the second real comeback star of the year,Brendan Fraser.The first being Robert Downey Jr. with Iron Man in May.Brendan Fraser played the role of Trevor Anderson,a professor at an unmentioned school,who goes on an adventure with his nephew Sean and a mountain guide named.The part didn't require much acting,yet Brendan Fraser still did a good job.Josh Hutcherson and Anita Briem co-star as well.

One thing that I did like about the film was that the film wasn't heavily "3-Dized"
Meaning that it wasn't like The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl,where the 3-D Colors just took away from the film.However,one thing that I didn't like about the film was that it was too short,and it could've been expanded upon more.

Well,that's all from me for now.Thanks!

Orion A.

The Dark Knight Breaks Opening Weekend Box-Office Record

2008-07-20T17:31:00.000-07:00

The Dark Knight,the latest film in the Batman franchise,broke box-office records on its opening weekend.The film received $155.3 Million from Friday through Sunday.It beat the former record holder,Spider-Man 3,by over $4 million.

Thanks!

Orion A.

The Dark Knight Review

2008-07-18T06:31:00.000-07:00

I was fortunate enough to see the midnight release of The Dark Knight.Here is my review:

The Dark Knight is the latest film by Christopher Nolan in the Batman series of films.

Since the passing of Heath Ledger earlier this year,many people have jumped on saying that he is the best Joker ever,even though they have never seen the film.However,he really did give a terrific performance.The expressions and the laugh were phenomenal.

While many people complain about the films length,the film isn't actually all that long.It is barely over 2 hours and 30 minutes.It only feels long because it is such a masterpiece that every moment is dramatic and action-filled.

Aaron Eckhart's performance was an excellent one as well.He was believable and seemed very in to the role.He understood the depth of his character very well.Maggie Gyllenhall as a replacement for Katie Holmes was a smart move.Gyllenhall gave an excellent romantic feel to the film.

The film also stars Christian Bale as Batman.Christian Bale was an over the top Batman.He was phenomenal.I would say that his performance is just as good as Heath Ledgers performance.

The Dark Knight is rated PG-13 and has some sequences of violence and graphic images.It is a film that you are bound to enjoy.

Thanks!

Orion A.

The Pink Panther Cast and Crew

2008-07-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

The Pink Panther 2 is a sequel to the 2006 film, The Pink Panther. In the new film, Inspector Clouseau must team up with detectives from other European countries to rout the daring cat burglar, The Tornado, who has returned after a decade of inactivity. In the newly released teaser trailer for the film, premiering on June 6, 2008, the movie is called The Pink Panther 2, confirming the name originally chosen.The release date of th film is set for February 6,2009.

Cast:

* Steve Martin as Inspector Jacques Clouseau
* John Cleese as Chief Inspector Charles Dreyfus
* Jean Reno as Gendarme Gilbert Ponton
* Emily Mortimer as Nicole Nuveau
* Andy García as Inspector Vicenzo Brancaleone
* Alfred Molina as Chief Inspector Randall Pepperidge
* Aishwarya Rai as Sonia
* Yuki Matsuzaki as Kenji Mazuto
* Jeremy Irons as Alonso Avellaneda
* Lily Tomlin as Yvette Berenger
* Molly Sims as Marguerite
* Jack Metzger as Antoine

Crew:

Director: Harald Zwart

Writers:

Scott Neustadter
Michael H. Weber
Steve Martin

Scott Neustadter
Michael H. Weber

Maurice Richlin
Blake Edwards

Enjoy!

Orion A.

High School Musical 3 Guide

2008-07-16T19:32:00.000-07:00

Plot:

Now high school seniors, Troy Bolton (Zac Efron) and Gabriella Montez (Vanessa Hudgens) are facing the prospect of being separated from each other as they go off in different directions when graduating from East High. Joined by the rest of the Wildcats, including Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale), Ryan Evans (Lucas Grabeel), Chad Danforth (Corbin Bleu), Taylor McKessie (Monique Coleman), they stage an elaborate spring musical reflecting their experiences, hopes and fears about the future.

Cast:

* Zac Efron as Troy Bolton
* Vanessa Hudgens as Gabriella Montez
* Ashley Tisdale as Sharpay Evans
* Lucas Grabeel as Ryan Evans
* Corbin Bleu as Chad Danforth
* Monique Coleman as Taylor McKessie
* Ryne Sanborn as Jason Cross
* Chris Warren, Jr. as Zeke Baylor
* Olesya Rulin as Kelsi Nielsen
* Kaycee Stroh as Martha Cox
* Alyson Reed as Ms. Darbus
* Bart Johnson as Coach Jack Bolton
* Leslie Wing as Lucille Bolton
* Matt Prokop as Jimmie "The Rocket" Zara
* Justin Martin as Donnie Fox
* Jemma McKenzie-Brown as Tiara Gold
* David Reivers as Mr. Danforth

Budget:

$13.3 million

Release Date:

October 24, 2008

Enjoy! :)

Orion A.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Cast List

2008-07-16T17:19:00.000-07:00

* Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, who is now entering his sixth year at Hogwarts, with the wizarding world at war.

* Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley, one of Harry's two best friends. He develops a relationship with Lavender Brown.

* Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, one of Harry's two best friends. Watson considered not returning for the sixth film,but eventually decided that "the pluses outweighed the minuses" and could not bear to see anyone else play Hermione.

* Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore. The legendary wizard and headmaster of Hogwarts. The revelation of Dumbledore's sexuality prompted Gambon to "camp up" around the set when off camera, but his on-screen performance is expected to remain unchanged from the previous films.

* Jim Broadbent as Horace Slughorn, the newly appointed Hogwarts Potions master. Broadbent described his costumes as "tweedy", and his character as "comic",while Radcliffe noted that "[Slughorn's] tragedy will outweigh the comedy".

* Alan Rickman as Severus Snape,the former Potions master, who finally achieves his goal of becoming defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

* Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy, a classmate of Harry, who Harry suspects of carrying out a task for Voldemort across the year, and son of Narcissa Malfoy and nephew to Bellatrix. Unknown actor Tony Coburn will play Lucius Malfoy in a Hogwarts flashback.

* Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley,Ron's younger sister in her fifth year, for whom Harry develops intense romantic feelings. She dates Dean Thomas for most of the year, but after they break up she admits she always had feelings for Harry and they then become a couple.

* Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom,a friend of Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny.

* Evanna Lynch as Luna Lovegood,a friend of Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny.

* Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid,the Hogwarts gamekeeper and Care of Magical Creatures teacher.

* Maggie Smith as Minerva McGonagall,the Hogwarts Transfiguration teacher, deputy headmistress and head of Gryffindor.

* David Thewlis as Remus Lupin,a member of the Order of the Phoenix and former Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.

* Natalia Tena as Nymphadora Tonks,a member of the Order of the Phoenix.

* Helen McCrory as Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother and younger sister of Bellatrix. McCrory was originally cast as Bellatrix Lestrange in Order of the Phoenix, but had to drop out due to pregnancy.Naomi Watts was previously reported as having accepted the role,only for it to be denied by her agency.

* Helena Bonham Carter as Bellatrix Lestrange, one of Voldemort's principal Death Eaters, older sister of Narcissa Malfoy, and aunt to Draco, cousin of Sirius Black.

* Timothy Spall as Peter Pettigrew, one of Voldemort's principal Death Eaters.

* Mark Williams and Julie Walters as Arthur and Molly Weasley,Ron and Ginny's parents.

* Jessie Cave as Lavender Brown,Ron's girlfriend. Watson described her as "perfect for the role," although Cave did not attend the open auditions.An open casting call was held for the part on 1 July 2007. Over 7,000 girls turned out for the audition and read from a scene with Madam Pomfrey, Hermione, and Ron.Yates tested Grint with the top five choices for Lavender, reading certain lines and kissing, to see which pairing had the best chemistry.

Enjoy!

Orion A.

Lucy Liu Improvising?

2008-07-15T20:15:00.001-07:00

Lucy Liu had trouble learning her lines for the hit summer-flick,Kung Fu Panda.The film,starring Jack Black,opened to rave reviews everywhere including the country where the film takes place,China.

"Working without knowing what you are doing from start to finish is very difficult," Liu said in an interview with The Associated Press. "It was really improvisation. It was exciting. It keeps you on your toes."

Liu,who starred in films such as Charlie's Angels and the sequel,Charlie's Angels:Full Throttle,said that even though she was drawn to the film because of its Asian background,she doesn't want to be restricted to playing only Asian-oriented parts.

"I think there are more filmmakers out there who are doing more colorblind casting," she said. "I'm hoping it will continue to expand. But it is a long process."

Upcoming Movie Review and Movie Critic Team

2008-07-15T20:10:00.000-07:00

Here is the podcast about my upcoming Movie Review and about Joining The Movie Critic Team:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5WUTXQ6T

Latest Podcast

2008-07-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

Here is the latest Movie Talk Podcast:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=JKEWC2BN

Visit the New Tripod Site!

2008-07-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

I have formed another link in the Movie Talk With Orion chain in the form of a Tripod-hosted website.The site features downloads,etc. So come on in and stop by!The link is on the Community Links section.

Thanks!

Orion A.

Glimpse of New "Harry" Movie At the IMAX

2008-07-12T15:48:00.000-07:00

Rumor has it that some Harry Potter fans may catch a glimpse of the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince when they go to see The Dark Knight:The IMAX Experience. Although for only sixteen seconds,die-hard fans will only buy a ticket to see this early teaser for the film.The film is due for release on November 21,2008 in theaters nationwide and will be the sixth installment in the Harry Potter film series.

Opened Up A New Channel

2008-07-12T15:25:00.000-07:00

This is the link to the official Movie Talk With Orion You Tube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/movietalkblog

Movie Talk Podcast on YouTube.

2008-07-11T17:51:00.000-07:00

The YouTube Podcast about Toy Story 3 and Tranformers 2 was put on YouTube. Here is the link to view the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=410yK7B-o0w

Wall-E and Get Smart Reviews on Mega Upload and YouTube!

2008-06-29T15:56:00.000-07:00

Here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwXYweTjrZw

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=5QD415M3

Thanks!

Orion A.

Get Smart Review

2008-06-28T19:18:00.000-07:00

Today,I saw the movie Get Smart at my local cinema. Here is my review of the movie:

Get Smart starts out as the beginning of a day in Max Smart's life.The opening sequence was full of comedy,which warmed audiences up for what would come next.This was a smart "audience-grabber" idea by Warner Brothers Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures.

The film contains small snippets of allusions to the original television series of the same name as well.During the opening sequence of the TV Show,Max drives his classic red car through a building.In the film,this is done with the same car,but later in the movie. Also,the main characters catchphrase in the TV Show,"Missed It By That Much!", was used in the movie twice.

The films primary cast members are :

Steve Carell as Max Smart

Anne Hathaway as Agent 99

The Rock(Dwayne Johnson) as Agent 23

Alan Arkin as The Chief

My rating:

*****

5 out of 5 Stars!

So,go and see Get Smart.I really hope that you don't "miss it by that much." :)

Orion A.

Wall-E Review

2008-06-27T18:40:00.000-07:00

Wall-E(or Wall.E as it has been advertised)is the latest film from Pixar/Disney Animation Studios.It was released on June 27,2008 in theaters everywhere.

Here is my review:

Wall.E was just like most other Pixar/Disney films.It started with an animated short before the movie and after the previews.The short was titled Presto!,and was one of the best Pixar shorts that I have seen.The idea was clever,the animation fluid and fast-paced,much like the film,Ratatouille,with the cooking sequences being very fast(like Remy the Rat was on steroids.)The plot of Presto! can be found out if you listen to my podcast on June 29,2008 to be released on YouTube and Mega Upload. :)

The beginning of Wall.E is a look over the Earth as a wasteland where robots who make cubes out of garbage(which are all called Wall.E)clean up.The world was taken over by BNL Incorporated,Buyin' Large.The company was a mega mall that turned into a multi-million dollar industries selling everything that you can imagine in your wildest dreams.But,one thing goes wrong,they build a space cruise ship!It's up to Wall.E to save the people and the world!

The writing and animation was good in the film.However,there was one thing that I didn't like about Wall.E. The beginning was immensely slow.The writers kept shoving it in your face that Wall.E was alone and lonely.That was one setback.Aside from that,the film was great. I give Wall.E:

****

4 out of 5 Stars

The film was an excellent one in my eyes and I'm sure it will be in your's as well when you see Wall.E to find out the rest of the plot.

Newest Podcast

2008-06-26T18:56:00.000-07:00

Here is my latest Movie Talk podcast:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=VKRU0Q3C

Enjoy!

Orion A.

Transformers:Revenge of The Fallen Info

2008-06-26T04:45:00.000-07:00

Here is the cast for the upcoming second Transformers film titled Transformers:Revenge of the Fallen:

* Shia LaBeouf plays Sam Witwicky, the teenager who killed Megatron. He attends an East Coast college to learn astronomy.

* Megan Fox plays Mikaela Banes, Sam's girlfriend, who is unable to afford to come to college with him.

* Josh Duhamel plays Captain William Lennox, an ally of the Autobots.

* Tyrese Gibson plays Air Force Technical Sergeant Robert Epps, an ally of the Autobots.

* Jon Voight plays United States Secretary of Defense John Keller.

* John Turturro plays Reggie Simmons, former agent of the terminated Sector 7 unit, which monitored Autobot/Decepticon activity on Earth.

* Matthew Marsden plays Graham, a member of the United Kingdom Special Forces.

* Isabel Lucas plays Alice, a new character.

* Ramon Rodriguez plays Leo.

* Kevin Dunn and Julie White play Ron and Judy, Sam's parents.

Here is the logo:

Enjoy!

Orion A.

Current Toy Story 3 Cast and Crew

2008-06-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

Toy Story 3 will be the third installment in the Toy Story film series made by Pixar/Disney.Its release date is slated for 2010.

Here is the cast:

Tom Hanks-Woody

Tim Allen-Buzz Lightyear

Joan Cusack-Jessie the Cowgirl

Don Rickles-Mr. Potato Head

Wallace Shawn-Rex

Here is the crew:

Lee Unkrich-Director

Darla K. Anderson-Producer

Michael Arndt-Writer

Thanks!

Orion A.

Incredible Hulk Movie Review On Mega Upload!

2008-06-25T17:43:00.000-07:00

The Incredible Hulk Review is now on the file sharing website, Mega Upload. This is the URL to download the audio review:

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=IHJ8JXTI

Thanks! :)

Orion A.

'Get Smart' Gets Audience With $39.2M Debut

2008-06-22T16:08:00.000-07:00

Audiences still get Maxwell Smart. Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway's "Get Smart," the Warner Bros. big screen update of the 1960s spy sitcom, raked in $39.2 million to debut as the No. 1 weekend movie, according to studio estimates Sunday.

But movie-goers did not get Mike Myers' "The Love Guru," the weekend's other new wide release. The Paramount Pictures comedy about a self-help mentor took in just $14 million to open at No. 4.

In limited release, "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl" opened strongly with $222,697 in five theaters, averaging $44,539 a cinema, compared with $10,012 in 3,911 theaters for "Get Smart."

"Kit Kittredge," released by Picturehouse and based on the popular line of American Girl dolls, stars Abigail Breslin as a 9-year-old aspiring newspaper reporter during the Depression. The film expands into wide release July 2.

The weekend's No. 2 spot was a photo finish between DreamWorks Animation and Paramount's "Kung Fu Panda" and Universal's "The Incredible Hulk."

In its third weekend, "Kung Fu Panda" pulled in $21.7 million, raising its domestic total to $155.6 million. "The Incredible Hulk" was right behind with $21.6 million in its second weekend to lift its total to $96.5 million.

"Panda" and "Hulk" were close enough that their rankings could change when final numbers are released Monday.

Hollywood's summer surge continued, with total revenues climbing for the fourth straight weekend compared to last year. The top 12 movies took in $136.9 million, up nearly 10 percent from the same weekend in 2007, when Carell's "Evan Almighty" opened at No. 1 with $31.2 million.

The industry is on track to beat the revenue record set last summer, when receipts topped $4 billion for the first time.

"While the country may be suffering with a so-called recession, people are finding movies a fairly inexpensive way to get their entertainment," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers. "This proves the conventional wisdom that, during tough economic times, the movies flourish."

In "Get Smart," Carell re-creates the bumbling Max Smart character created by Don Adams, with Hathaway playing the capable Agent 99 as the duo try to stop a plot to arm unstable governments with nuclear bombs. Dwayne Johnson co-stars as a superstar spy colleague.

Critics picked apart the movie for emphasizing action over the crisp verbal comedy of the TV show, but Warner Bros. figures that was a wise commercial move. While 60 percent of the audience was 25 or older, that still meant a sizable younger crowd that was more keen on the movie's action, said Dan Fellman, the studio's head of distribution.

"We were very pleased to have 40 percent under 25, because they did not grow up on the television show," Fellman said. "The filmmakers did a great job in making that happen. They broadened the audience and brought it into a modern-day bent."

Myers _ who dreamed up the "Love Guru" character, co-wrote the script and was a producer on the movie _ has been accustomed to blockbuster openings with the three "Shrek" flicks and his two "Austin Powers" spy sequels.

"Mike Myers, the master of the spy spoof, opens his movie against a spy comedy, and the spy movie genre was obviously a lot more appealing to audiences," Dergarabedian said.

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "Get Smart," $39.2 million.

2. "Kung Fu Panda," $21.7 million.

3. "The Incredible Hulk," $21.6 million.

4. "The Love Guru," $14 million.

5. "The Happening," $10 million.

6. "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," $8.4 million.

7. "You Don't Mess With the Zohan," $7.2 million.

8. "Sex and the City," $6.5 million.

9. "Iron Man," $4 million.

10. "The Strangers," $1.9 million.

ARTICLE TAKEN FROM:

http://www.movies.com/

The Incredible Hulk Review

2008-06-21T19:15:00.000-07:00

The Incredible Hulk, the latest Marvel Comics film, was a good film in my opinion. The acting was good. The story and screenplay stuck well to the original comic books. Now, I know that many people had doubts about this film considering the 2003 version. However, I assure you all that this film is beyond the bad scripting of the latter.

Edward Norton, the actor who took on the role of Bruce Banner/Hulk in the film, refused to do the film until the movie was done his way. I think that we owe it all to Edward Norton for making The Incredible Hulk such a great piece of cinema.

Lou Ferrigno, the body-builder who portrayed The Hulk in the original 1970’s television series, makes a cameo appearance as a security guard in the film while he also does the voice over work for The Hulk.

The film contains barely any profane vocabulary, but there is quite a bit of graphic violence that you may not want to expose your kids to.

My Rating:

*****

5/5 Stars

All of these factors make The Incredible Hulk the best ride that you will ever have during the summer.

Thank You!

Orion A.

Muppet Movie!

2008-05-02T21:01:00.000-07:00

Article Taken From "Muppet Central" :

Disney has enlisted scribe-thesp Jason Segel and helmer Nick Stoller to create the next Muppet movie for the studio.

Segel and Stoller will write the script and Stoller will direct.

Segel, who graduated from Apatow-produced skeins "Freaks and Geeks" and "Undeclared" got his first sole writing credit on the Apatow-produced "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." Universal releases the pic, which Stoller directed, on April 18.

In "Sarah Marshall" Segel's character writes a "Dracula" musical performed by puppets. Those cloth creatures were custom-made by the Henson puppeteers, and the experience emboldened Segel to pitch his concept for a Muppets movie when he was invited in for a general meeting with exec Kristin Burr. Segel got a deal in the room and enlisted Stoller to co-write and direct the project.

Segel and Stoller just made another U deal to co-write the comedy "Five-Year Engagement," with Stoller helming and Segal starring.

Segel, from the CBS laffer "How I Met Your Mother," next stars in "I Love You, Man" at DreamWorks.

Iron Man Review

2008-05-02T20:47:00.000-07:00

My Review of the latest Marvel superhero film, "Iron Man" :

"Iron Man" is the tale of how Tony Stark, a billionaire executive, became the legendary "Iron Man" The actor taking the enormous task? Robert Downey Jr. , star of the famed film, "Chaplin." He brings the character to life with bits of humor, but also an intimate raging battle with evil. He enlists the help of a scrap box of metal within a cave in the Middle East. He shares the cave with another man as well. Those two items help start the epic journey of "Iron Man." The film is an action-filled "family-friendly" feature. My rating:

*****
Five/Five Stars!

Thank You!

Grand Opening!

2008-03-04T14:35:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Movie Talk With Orion!

Features: Upcoming Films
Entertainment News
Movie Reviews

Enjoy!