Sunday, August 20, 2006

'Snakes' Defy Gravity, Box Office

I was amazed with all the special effects in this film. It starts out a little slow, as in the snakes take a little bit to come out of their box on a timer. Sean Jones, portrayed by Nathan Phillips, witnesses Eddie Kim, a notorious crime lord, played by Byron Lawson, commit a murder. Now Sean is on a plane, protected by Nelville Flynn, played by Samuel L. Jackson, to take the witness stand. Unfortunately, Eddie knows who Sean is and what plane he's on. As for the snakes...well, you know what happens from here. For those of you who like the gruesome, you'll like where the snakes bite: a penis, a female nipple, a woman's eye ball and slither in, the upper back, the arm, the wrist, the legs, the neck, and a whole human head. The Beef: Troy, portrayed by Kenan Thompson lands the plane and uses "black talk" and some attempted comedy, the snakes take a few minutes longer than expected to make their big debut, most of the comedy is near the beginning of the film. Ten Factor: 8.5 ...This film topped the box office this weekend, bringing in over $15 million in the Number One Spot. Oh, and you'll like the soundtrack on this flick, too.

Friday, August 18, 2006

An 'Accepted' A+

I walked out of this film continuously laughing. It's a great flick for high school and college students no matter what their age is. Justin Long plays a high school graduate, Bartleby Gaines, who is rejected by every college he applys to. So he makes one up to fool his overzealous parents. But a problem arises as other rejected students show up for "classes." Their school, South Harmon Institute of Technology (S.H.I.T), is supposed to be a sister school of another school called Harmon College, which leads to a bit of trouble. Dean Van Horne of Harmon College has had his eyes on the property that is South Harmon and sends a student, Hoyt Ambrose, played by Travis Van Winkle, in search of the property renters. South Harmon is also forced to have thier own Dean, Uncle Ben, played by Lewis Black. From here, you might know what's up next... Too bad. I can't say anymore without ruining it...
The Beef: none. Ten Factor: 10. This film, being about school, deserves a grade: A+... +++ ...Oh, and you'll like the soundtrack for this flick.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Northwest Arkansas: Pinnacle Hills Promenade

There's really no hiding it now, NWA. That's right, a new mall is opening in Rogers, Arkansas, which will affect revenue in Fayetteville. To get there, just take Exit 84 from I-540. This new outdoor mall is said to have a tower and a large fountain, opens October 4, 2006, and will feature the following stores:
Dillard's
JCPenny
Ann Taylor Loft
Christopher & Banks
CJ Banks
Coldwater Creek
Lane Bryant
Victoria’s Secret
White House/Black Market
Banana Republic
Aéropostale
American Eagle
Buckle
Hollister
Hot Topic
Pac Sun
The Children’s Place
Gymboree
Bath & Body Works
Perfumania
Regis Salons
Trade Secret
Claire’s
Gordon Jewelers
Icing by Claire’s
Kay Jewelers
Zales Jewelers
Bakers
Journeys
Nine West
Brighton Collectibles
Coach
Fossil
GNC
Lids
Select Comfort
Sunglass Hut
Yankee Candle
Borders

Only a hand full of restaurants will accompany these stores, including:
Chinese Gourmet Express
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro
Subway
Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Candy Craze
Great American Cookie Company

Next door to the mall will be a new 12-screen Malco Movie Theater with a Best Buy and a currently in-the-works Westin Hotel across the street. Just down the street is new Home Depot - up and running. A few miles to the South is a new Wal-mart Supercenter, Backyard Burger, Scottrade, Cingular Wireless, and a Walgreens, with more available suites for other stores. Starbucks is opening in this area in about a month with another possibly in the works at the Promenade and another opening across from Scottsdale Center. A couple of miles to the North of Scottsdale Center, opens a new Sam's Club. With all of this in the works, it's 'So long, Fayetteville'.

Monday, August 14, 2006

'The Ron Clark Story' Teaches Life Lessons

In this true story, a teacher sets out to raise standardized test scores in the worst part of New York City, Harlem. Matthew Perry portrays Mr. Ron Clark, as Ernie Hudson played the unimpressed Principal Turner. Clark is determined to inspire his students to learn, succeed, and raise all test scores. Turner doesn't believe that any one person can help the students. But in the end, Clark proves him wrong. Stars: Matthew Perry and Ernie Hudson. The Beef: none. Ten Factor: 10

'World Trade Center' Collapses in Theaters

Sure Oliver Stone may create an award-winning film, but I found mistake after mistake in this one. It seems as though John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno, the men the film centers around, were only trying to make a quick million or two with their story. The only reason that the two men survived is due to a Marine, Staff Sergeant Dave Karnes, who decided that he was angry at the attack on the Trade Center buildings and sets out on a search for any survivors. This so-called movie is just long and boring. It's a shameful disaster. Stars: Michael Shannon, Nicolas Cage, Michael Pena, Conner Paolo, and Maria Bello. The Beef: the story, the mistakes, and bad acting. Ten Factor: 5

Monday, August 07, 2006

'Ricky Bobby' Speeds into Theaters


I have to admit: It's really funny all the way through to the end! It's a look at the hilarious life a newcomer Nascar driver - Ricky Bobby. It's full of speed, comedy, and action. If you're looking for a good 2 hour laugh...seriously, 2 hours of laughing almost non-stop...then, go see this flick. Stars: Gary Cole, Jane Lynch, Michael Clarke Duncan, Will Ferrell, and John C. Reilly. It's a must see! Ten Factor: 9
Yes, obviously there's not a lot that can be said about this flick, because it's a comedy. What can be said about a comedy? All the same and/or similar and/or familiar remarks and jestures as there is with any other comedy. Don't worry, it's still good for a few laughs.

Wednesday, August 02, 2006

'Superman' Returns!

Yes, that's right! I returned to the theater to see Superman Returns! I know I said I wouldn't, but I did. Okay, I have to admit, every actor and every actress did a wonderful job, especially Kevin Spacey. But just as it was said, newcomer Brandon Routh looked gay in his tighty blues...maybe just a bit...Oh, well the filmmakers couldn't help it. Oh and watch out, Superman has a son!...I hope he doesn't roll out of bed one day and turn gay! This flick was a great escape from reality for me (that's my own personal quote, a couple of you will remember it from Speech class) - for two and a half hours! But the film lacked that "old Superman" quality...that authentic look that the old filmmakers and Christopher Reeve had. And yes, Brandon Routh does indeed look a hell-of-a-lot like Christoper Reeve. Unfortunately and fortunately for me, I know that the filmmakers are converging on two more Superman flicks. After making this film, Brandon Routh should become a bigger star...great job Brandon! But that doesn't mean that I'll enjoy him in any other movie...nor will I always attend those films when they attempt to smack theaters across the world in the face. By the way, the special effects were awsome! Stars: Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Parker Posey, Frank Langella, and Sam Huntington. The Beef: Why in the hell did they choose Parker Posey...remember her, if not, then watch Scream 3 again. She is one of the worst actesses in history, but she did good in Superman Returns...I'll give her that much. Get this, James Marsden did not play a super hero in this movie. If you don't remember him, then maybe you should watch the X-Men trilogy again. Well, anyway he played a father...or so his character thinks. Top actor of this film: Kevin Spacey. Ten Factor 7. You know what, I do believe that I enjoyed Superman Returns, and I didn't think that I would...I also took in much pleasure in writing this article - so much so that Superman Returns deserves more than just a measly 7. I proclaim it a MUST SEE 10! Enjoy!!!

Gibson in Trouble

Actor/writer/director Mel Gibson was arrested early last Friday morning for driving above 80 mph in a 45 mph zone and driving drunk. He made degrading remarks towards Jews and the arresting officers. He was released on a $5,000 bail. The Braveheart star has since then apologized for his actions and is now in rehab for alcohol abuse. So...where will his career go? Most say in the same direction it has been.