Lionsgate has send us over the official poster for one of the most anticipated films of the fall season. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" stars Academy-Award winning actress, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Phillip Seymour Hoffman all star in the film. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" hits theaters on 11/22.

You can start purchasing advance tickets starting tomorrow on Fandango (http://www.fandango.com/thehungergames:catchingfire_155962/movieoverview) and MovieTickets.com (http://www.movietickets.com/movie/mid/120906)! You can purchase tickets for showtimes starting at 8PM on Thursday, November 21st, as well as for a special double feature screening of the blockbuster franchise! Start your night off by watching THE HUNGER GAMES immediately followed by THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE!!

Plot Synopsis:

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 50 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.

Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE on November 22, 2013

Lionsgate recently send over new Quarter Quell Character Posters for the upcoming release of "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire". Academy-Award winning actress, Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks and Phillip Seymour Hoffman all star in the film. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" hits theaters on 11/22.

Plot Synopsis:

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 50 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.

Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE on November 22, 2013.

 

Lionsgate today released teaser posters for upcoming sequel to the upcoming second "Hunger Games" film "Catching Film. The teaser posters feature the series two main stars, Academy Award Winning Actress Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) and Josh Hutcherson. The film also co-stars Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jean Malone and Liam Hemsworth and the film is directed by Francis Lawrence. "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" hits theaters on November 22, 2013

Plot Synopsis:

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE begins as Katniss Everdeen has returned home safe after winning the 74th Annual Hunger Games along with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark. Winning means that they must turn around and leave their family and close friends, embarking on a "Victor's Tour" of the districts. Along the way Katniss senses that a rebellion is simmering, but the Capitol is still very much in control as President Snow prepares the 75th Annual Hunger Games (The Quarter Quell) - a competition that could change Panem forever.

THE HUNGER GAMES: CATCHING FIRE will be directed by Francis Lawrence, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. The novel on which the film is based is the second in a trilogy that has over 50 million copies in print in the U.S. alone.

With all the hype and anticipation surrounding the box office smash, "The Avengers", we've actually forgot that a director has been announced for "The Hunger Games" sequel "Catching Fire". Lionsgate recently announced director Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, Constantine) will taking over for Gary Ross, when shooting for "Catching Fire" starts. Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth will reprise their roles as Katniss, Peeta and Gale, with Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, and Woody Harrelson also returning to their respective roles.  "Catching Fire" will be hitting theaters on November 22, 2013.

Press Release:

LIONSGATE® (NYSE: LGF), a leading global entertainment company, announced today that Francis Lawrence has officially signed on to direct CATCHING FIRE, the sequel to THE HUNGER GAMES, based on the second in a series of books by Suzanne Collins that has 36 million copies in circulation in the US alone.  The announcement was made by Lionsgate’s Motion Picture Group Co-Chairmen Patrick Wachsberger and Rob Friedman. 

Lawrence, who is represented by CAA and 3 Arts Entertainment, has experience directing films that make him uniquely suited to handle the blend of character driven drama and high stakes action of CATCHING FIRE; among them are I AM LEGEND, CONSTANTINE, and WATER FOR ELEPHANTS.

"Lionsgate, the cast, and filmmakers are all thrilled to have Francis Lawrence come on board as director of Catching Fire.  Suzanne's brilliant book is the intense story of the birth of the rebellion and Katniss' emotionally charged journey as she takes on the mantle of the Mockingjay, and we all think Francis is the perfect director to bring the story to life,” said Erik Feig, Lionsgate’s President Of Production. 

“From the very beginning of this brilliant trilogy's journey from page to screen, our first priority has been to stay true to the heart and soul of Suzanne Collins' powerful stories. From my first conversation with Francis, I knew he would make a great partner for both me and Suzanne.   His passion for Catching Fire and inspired ideas for a faithful adaptation make him the perfect director for this movie.  I know this will be a wonderful collaboration and I cannot wait to get started,” echoed producer Nina Jacobson.

Said Francis, "It is truly an honor and a privilege to bring Catching Fire, the second chapter of Suzanne’s beloved trilogy, to the big screen. I fell in love with the characters, the themes and the world she created and this chapter opens all of these elements up in such a thrilling, emotional and surprising way. I can’t wait to dive right into it and bring this chapter to life along with the truly superb cast and filmmakers involved."

Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, and Liam Hemsworth will reprise their roles as Katniss, Peeta and Gale, with Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, Toby Jones, and Woody Harrelson also returning to their respective roles.  The film will be produced by Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Production is slated to begin this Fall, and the film will be released on November 22, 2013.

THE HUNGER GAMES has broken many box office records since it opened on March 23, 2012.  It achieved the highest grossing opening weekend ever for any non-sequel film and the third biggest opening weekend in box office history.  It has already grossed $373 million at the North American box office, ranking in the top 20 films of all time, and it recently crossed the $600 million mark in worldwide box office.

Lionsgate has send us over the final poster and third trailer for their upcoming release "The Hunger Games" is one of most anticipated films of the winter. The film features an all star cast that includes Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz with Stanley Tucci and Donald Sutherland. "The Hunger Games hits theaters on March 23rd.

Plot Synopsis:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which Tributes? must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

THE HUNGER GAMES is directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobsons Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Suzanne Collins best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 16 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following.

Lionsgate will release THE HUNGER GAMES on March 23, 2012.

"The Hunger Games" Official Trailer #3

Lionsgate has released the official trailer and character posters for their upcoming film "What to Expect When Your Expecting", which will hit theaters on May 11th. The film features an all star cast that includes Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, and Chris Rock.

Plot Synopsis:

Inspired by the perennial New York Times bestseller of the same name, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING is a hilarious and heartfelt big screen comedy about five couples whose intertwined lives are turned upside down by the challenges of impending parenthood.

Over the moon about starting a family, TV fitness guru Jules and dance show star Evan find that their high-octane celebrity lives don’t stand a chance against the surprise demands of pregnancy. Baby-crazy author and advocate Wendy gets a taste of her own militant mommy advice when pregnancy hormones ravage her body; while Wendy’s husband, Gary, struggles not to be outdone by his competitive alpha-Dad, who’s expecting twins with his much younger trophy wife, Skyler. Photographer Holly is prepared to travel the globe to adopt a child, but her husband Alex isn’t so sure, and tries to quiet his panic by attending a “dudes” support group, where new fathers get to tell it like it really is. And rival food truck chefs Rosie and Marco’s surprise hook-up results in an unexpected quandary: what to do when your first child comes before your first date?

A kaleidoscopic comedy as universal as it is unpredictable, WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU’RE EXPECTING finds humor and uplift in all the unexpected trials and triumphs of welcoming a child into the world. The film stars Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Chace Crawford, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, Ben Falcone and Joe Manganiello.

"What to Expect When Your Expecting": Official Trailer

Our Brother Idiot
Director: Jessie Peretz
Stars: Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel
Studio: The Weinstein Company / Anchor Bay Entertainment
MPAA Ratting: R
Running Time 90 Mins

Plot Synopsis:

"Our Idiot Brother" reteams director Jessie Peretz and star Paul Rudd, who worked together in 2002 Indie comedy "The Chateau. The film follows Ned, a trustworthy person that gets send to jail after selling drugs to a uniformed police officer. A couple of years later, he gets out of jail to find out that he's dumped by his girlfriend. Ned goes home to his mother and his three sisters. His sisters take turns in housing Ned. Things don’t exactly well for them, as his own messes that he gets himself into turns his sisters comfortable routine into a mess of problems in their own lives. But maybe Ned’s view on life will make them realize that Ned not that stupid.

Film Review:

For the first half of the first act, I thought that "Our Idiot Brother" was going to turn out to be one of those comedies that has no laughs. To my surprise, this film was very funny and has an entertaining story. Director Jesse Peretz does a very good job making some the film scenes funny through the way that he directs the film's comedic action. It was nice to see a comedy that rely mostly on dialogue instead of trying to gross you out with scenes filled gross out humor or scenes that would make you gag. Peretz could have asked for that before shooting, but he doesn't. The other thing that I liked about his direction he balances the dramatic and comedic elements. He does that very well, by not making the action become either dark enough that it drowns out the comedic aspects or too funny that you don't care about the main character’s relationship with his sisters.

One of the biggest reservations that I had going into this film was that Paul Rudd's character looked stupid enough that it would ruin the film. Thankfully, this was definitely not the case. Paul Rudd does a very good making the main character very likable and not annoying. He does that, by nailing both the funny and dramatic dialogue. Both of those aspects were needed, because the character is thrusted into some funny situations and troubling stuff with his family. It made the performance work and your entertained.

The screenplay written by David Schisgall and Evgenia Peretz does a very good job creating a comedic screenplay that has funny moments and dramatic elements that make the character's human. One of things that makes this story so well, the humor was funny. With films like this, the humor sometimes feels either dry or so gross out that you don't care about the characters. You care about the main character and the characters around him. The other thing that I liked about their screenplay, the fact that the film had a story. One of the things that comedy films have lacked is a story that goes on, during all the humorous moments. The screenwriters do a very good job having a centralized story that goes along with the humor. I like it, when films likes this have that. You need a story with the humor, because if you don't have that then the quality of the film suffers.

Blu-Ray Extras:

First on the disc is the audio commentary track from the film's director Jessie Peretz. This was one of those tracks that lost my interest. The reasons for that, there were too many dead spots and not enough information on the film's production. In a commentary track, you need the track to be informative and slow down. In this track, there wasn't enough information to keep you interested and too many spots where you hear only the film's dialogue to the point that the track felt like it was done in chapters. It would have been nice, if someone was also on this commentary track. It would've provided more balance to the track. After that, there is deleted and extended scenes and a standard behind the scenes featurette that gets brief interviews from the cast and crew of this film.

Final Summary:

"Our Idiot Brother" is a surprisingly funny film that has characters that keeps your interest and provides some good laughs. Sadly, the extras don't deliver on giving you the information on the production of the film.

Review Rating: Four Stars
DVD Extras: One and a Half Stars

"The Hunger Games" maybe four months away, but Liongate has send us the new poster for the film. This is sure to be one of the big films of the winter season. The film boasts an excellent cast that includes Jennifer Lawrence, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Stanley Tucci,and Toby Jones. "The Hunger Games will be hitting theaters on March 23rd.

Plot Synopsis:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the evil Capitol of the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. A twisted punishment for a past uprising and an ongoing government intimidation tactic, The Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which Tributes? must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she's ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

THE HUNGER GAMES is directed by Gary Ross, and produced by Nina Jacobsons Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Suzanne Collins best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 16 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following.



"The Hunger Games": Official Trailer

Lionsgate this morning on "Good Morning America" released the official trailer for their upcoming film "The Hunger Games". The film is based on the best selling novel from Suzanne Collins. There's a second film based on this popular series called "Catching Fire", which is already in the works with a targeted 2013 release date. "The Hunger Games" starring Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Amandla Stenberg, Alexander Ludwig, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth hits theaters on March 23, 2012.

For more information on "The Hunger Games", you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thehungergamesmovie.com/.

Press Release:

The full trailer for the highly anticipated upcoming film THE HUNGER GAMES, which will be released by Lionsgate on March 23, 2012, debuted today. Following its national broadcast premiere on ABC’s Good Morning America in which the trailer was introduced by Josh Hutcherson, it was made available worldwide on iTunes Movie Trailers (www.itunes.com/trailers). The trailer can be viewed here.

In an attempt to preserve the anticipation and mystery that fans are relishing, the trailer only shows footage from the first half of the film, chronicling events leading up to but not including the Games themselves. After giving fans their first look at all of the book’s beloved characters brought to life, giving viewers who haven’t read the book vital information about the world of Panem, the trailer ends with an electrifying cliffhanger right as Katniss enters the arena.

"The Hunger Game": Official Trailer

Lionsgate has send us over the eight characters posters for one of their most anticipated releases of 2012 "The Hunger Games", which hits theaters on March 23rd. The film stars Jennifer Lawrence, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks, Lenny Kravitz, Amandla Stenberg, Alexander Ludwig, Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. The film is based on the best selling novel from Suzanne Collins.

For more information on "The Hunger Games", you can visit the film's official website at: http://www.thehungergamesmovie.com/.

Plot Synopsis:

Every year in the ruins of what was once North America, the nation of Panem forces each of its twelve districts to send a teenage boy and girl to compete in the Hunger Games. Part twisted entertainment, part government intimidation tactic, the Hunger Games are a nationally televised event in which “Tributes” must fight with one another until one survivor remains.

Pitted against highly-trained Tributes who have prepared for these Games their entire lives, Katniss is forced to rely upon her sharp instincts as well as the mentorship of drunken former victor Haymitch Abernathy. If she’s ever to return home to District 12, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

THE HUNGER GAMES is directed by Gary Ross, with a screenplay by Gary Ross and Suzanne Collins and Billy Ray, and produced by Nina Jacobson’s Color Force in tandem with producer Jon Kilik. Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, the first in a trilogy published by Scholastic that has over 12 million copies in print in the United States alone, has developed a massive global following. It has spent more than 157 consecutive weeks/more than three consecutive years to date on The New York Times bestseller list since its publication in September 2008, and has also appeared consistently on USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists.

Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company has information regarding the upcoming DVD and Blu-Ray Release of "Our Idiot Brother", which stars Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks and Zooey Deschanel. The film will be released to shelves on November 29th. The DVD and Blu-Ray will feature director's commentary, behind the scenes featurette and deleted/extended scenes.

Press Release:

The OUR IDIOT BROTHER Blu-ray™ and DVD bonus features include an audio commentary with director Jesse Peretz; a “The Making of Our Idiot Brother” featurette; and deleted and extended scenes. Note: Special features are subject to change.

Press Release:

Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company announced today the Blu-ray™ and DVD release of the “outrageous” (David Walters, Details) comedy, OUR IDIOT BROTHER, from the producers behind Little Miss Sunshine. Starring Paul Rudd (I Love You, Man) in the title role, OUR IDIOT BROTHER is a comedy about an idealist who barges into the lives of his three sisters, played by Elizabeth Banks (W.), Zooey Deschanel ((500) Days of Summer) and Emily Mortimer (City Island), along with Rashida Jones (TV’s “The Office”), and funnyman Steve Coogan (Tropic Thunder). Directed by Jesse Peretz, with screenplay by Evgenia Peretz and David Schisgall (story by Evgenia Perez and David Schisgall and Jesse Peretz), OUR IDIOT BROTHER heads to retail on November 29, 2011 for an SRP of $39.99 for the Blu-ray™ and $29.98 for the DVD.


In her review for Entertainment Weekly, film critic Lisa Schwarzbaum wrote OUR IDIOT BROTHER is “a bouncy, bighearted comedy!” Newsday’s Rafer Guzman described the film as “genuinely irresistible!” People magazine film critic, Alynda Wheat, proclaims “Paul Rudd is so funny you’ll leave feeling high on humanity.”


Paul Rudd stars in this witty and highly relatable comedy, OUR IDIOT BROTHER, about that one family member who is always just a little bit behind the curve. For sisters Miranda (Elizabeth Banks), Natalie (Zooey Deschanel) and Liz (Emily Mortimer), that person is their upbeat brother Ned, an organic farmer, whose willingness to trust humankind allows for an oddly trouble-free existence. Ned may be utterly lacking in common sense, but he is their brother, and after his girlfriend dumps him and boots him off the farm, his sisters must once again come to his rescue. As Miranda, Natalie and Liz each take turns at housing Ned, their brother's unfailing commitment to honesty creates more than a few messes in their comfortable routines. But after seeing life through Ned’s optimistic perspective, his family comes to realize that maybe Ned isn't such an idiot after all.


The OUR IDIOT BROTHER Blu-ray™ and DVD bonus features include an audio commentary with director Jesse Peretz; a “The Making of Our Idiot Brother” featurette; and deleted and extended scenes. Note: Special features are subject to change. announced today the Blu-ray™ and DVD release of the “outrageous” (David Walters, Details) comedy, OUR IDIOT BROTHER, from the producers behind Little Miss Sunshine. Starring Paul Rudd (I Love You, Man) in the title role, OUR IDIOT BROTHER is a comedy about an idealist who barges into the lives of his three sisters, played by Elizabeth Banks (W.), Zooey Deschanel ((500) Days of Summer) and Emily Mortimer (City Island), along with Rashida Jones (TV’s “The Office”), and funnyman Steve Coogan (Tropic Thunder). Directed by Jesse Peretz, with screenplay by Evgenia Peretz and David Schisgall (story by Evgenia Perez and David Schisgall and Jesse Peretz), OUR IDIOT BROTHER heads to retail on November 29, 2011 for an SRP of $39.99 for the Blu-ray™ and $29.98 for the DVD.


In her review for Entertainment Weekly, film critic Lisa Schwarzbaum wrote OUR IDIOT BROTHER is “a bouncy, bighearted comedy!” Newsday’s Rafer Guzman described the film as “genuinely irresistible!” People magazine film critic, Alynda Wheat, proclaims “Paul Rudd is so funny you’ll leave feeling high on humanity.”


Paul Rudd stars in this witty and highly relatable comedy, OUR IDIOT BROTHER, about that one family member who is always just a little bit behind the curve. For sisters Miranda (Elizabeth Banks), Natalie (Zooey Deschanel) and Liz (Emily Mortimer), that person is their upbeat brother Ned, an organic farmer, whose willingness to trust humankind allows for an oddly trouble-free existence. Ned may be utterly lacking in common sense, but he is their brother, and after his girlfriend dumps him and boots him off the farm, his sisters must once again come to his rescue. As Miranda, Natalie and Liz each take turns at housing Ned, their brother's unfailing commitment to honesty creates more than a few messes in their comfortable routines. But after seeing life through Ned’s optimistic perspective, his family comes to realize that maybe Ned isn't such an idiot after all.


The OUR IDIOT BROTHER Blu-ray™ and DVD bonus features include an audio commentary with director Jesse Peretz; a “The Making of Our Idiot Brother” featurette; and deleted and extended scenes. Note: Special features are subject to change.

C’mon Salt Lake City! Lighten up a little! You can’t stand a raunchy and sweet movie like Kevin Smith’s “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” but you have no problem with actors dying the most creatively brutal deaths in “Saw V?” Oh the irony! The hypocrisy! Why is that people can be so much more comfortable with violence than they are about sex? Look, I enjoy an ultra violent movie every once in awhile, but every once in awhile I need to lighten up with a good comedy. While is male full frontal nudity so damn scary to people when female full frontal nudity is all but encouraged? I mean really! Did anyone see “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” earlier this year? The penis isn’t hiding from the silver screen anymore! Or keep in mind something that a friend once told the late George Carlin (RIP):

“I’d rather have my son watch a movie with two people making love rather than two people trying to kill one another.”

But anyway, enough with the rant, and on with the review! “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” is the latest movie from Kevin Smith, and the first movie he has made that takes place outside of New Jersey. It takes place in Pittsburgh where we follow the exploits of the title characters who share an apartment, and who have been the best of friends since they were kids. Right now, their lives are hanging by a thread as they are behind on all their bills, and soon lose their water and electricity. Both work at a Starbucks like shop called “Bean n’ Gone” where they waste their lives away like those two guys from the “Clerks” movies. Sound like anyone you know?

The two end up going to their high school reunion where Miri ends up connecting to her biggest crush, football hero Bobby Long (“Superman Returns’” Brandon Routh), in the hopes of having a nice little fling. She has yet to find that Bobby doesn’t “swing that way.” This soon becomes clear as we see Zack talking with Bobby’s boyfriend, Brandon (Justin Long is frackin’ hilarious). Brandon soon reveals to Zack that he is in fact an actor in gay porno films, the stuff that Zack doesn’t quite fit the demographic for.

Later on, when both Zack and Miri are in very dire straits, Zack comes up with the idea of the two of them doing a porno. Miri is not quite up to the idea, but the way Zack sees it, porno is now so mainstream that even Paris Hilton (albeit unintentionally) did one and now hawks her own line of perfume to “tweens.” They end up committing to it despite one thing; they have never had sex with each other. The way they saw it beforehand was that they get along so great that they both sex will just get in the way of the friendship they have a la “When Harry Met Sally.” Of course, you can’t help but get the feeling that Zack would love an opportunity to get up close and personal with Miri, you know?

There’s this line from “Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones” that keeps floating around in my head of when Anakin meets up with Padme again and tells her how she has grown more beautiful. Padme replies:

“Anakin, you’ll always be that little boy I remember from Tatooine.”

I totally remember the audiences groaning after she said that. Ooooh, diss! That line kind of sums up the relationship between Zack and Miri, and we feel we have a pretty good idea of where their relationship will end up at.

Zack is played by Judd Apatow superstar Seth Rogen (“Knocked Up,” “Superbad,” and “Pineapple Express”) who now seems to be Kevin Smith’s new man crush since Ben Affleck doesn’t even have a part in this. Seth is perfect for this role in handling the raunchy and profane material of the movie, and at the same time easily projecting a sweet side to his character that wins the audience over. Elizabeth Banks (“W.”) plays Miri who stays close to Zack throughout their hardships, and who spends nights with Zack in front of a trash can that is burning with all their unpaid bills. The chemistry between these two is very good, and they plan off of each other really well. Both are a lot of fun to watch here.

In addition, Smith has rounded out a great cast to keep the laughs going throughout this ode to porn. Some of the Kevin Smith regulars here like Jason Mewes (the Jay of Jay and Silent Bob) who plays Lester, and he wants to be a porn star being as hopelessly dense as he is. Another Smith regular here is Jeff Anderson (the immortal Randal Graves from “Clerks”) who plays Deacon the cameraman. How he manages to get a movie out of all this insanity is beyond me.

Kevin even goes out of his way to even cast actual porno stars in the movie. The most noticeable here is Katie Morgan who has been featured on some documentaries on HBO about her career (how I know this, I refuse to reveal). She is as perky here as she is on those interviews, and her cheerful presence here is kind of a surprise compared to other actresses in her line of work. Traci Lords is also here, and she shows us an amazing new way to blow bubbles. A former porn actress herself, she has since escaped into the bad taste escapades of John Waters and delightfully so. Both of the actresses being in this movie should show just how mainstream porno is getting, and of how much that scares conservatives to death.

But one of the truly scene stealing performances in this movie belongs to Craig Robinson who plays the producer of the porno, Delaney. Craig is a big kick to watch here as he delivers his lines in a terrifically deadpan manner. At once disgusted at what he is hired to do, he suddenly becomes incredibly enthusiastic when he realizes he gets to do. Delaney also has a pretty hilarious response to when he is asked to work “Black Friday.” Some people take things a little too literally.

Kevin has a lot of fun here skewering the porn films we know from our past but never really admit to knowing. Zack and Miri end up coming up with the title “Star Whores” for their porno. This goes into how so many of these pornos are named after Hollywood blockbusters. See if any of these remind you of anything (some of these I made up):

“Pulp Friction”

“Robocock”

“The Hard Knight”

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Boner” (Justin Long’s character could easily be cast in this one.)

Smith directs this movie to those who are more familiar with pornos than they would ever care to admit. It’s also an ode to when he started as a filmmaker all those years ago with “Clerks.” Using a hockey stick as a boom mike holder? You can believe that Smith used things like this to get his movie done.

The movie is not as consistently funny as some of his other movies like “Clerks” or “Dogma” among others. Like “Jersey Girl,” it follows a certain formula to where we pretty much know where the story is going to end up. At the same time, Smith gleefully skewers that formula by adding his own brand of raunchy humor. There was one moment I laughed my ass off so much that I literally almost passed out. I say that a lot, but this time I am serious. I fell over, the color went out of my eyes for a second, and things got fuzzy. That’s how hard I was laughing. I refuse to spoil that moment for you, but I will say that I will never look at cake frosting the same way ever again.

Kevin Smith also makes clear the difference between having sex and making love. You clearly see the difference at a pivotal moment in the movie, and it changes everything for the characters, There’s the one nighter, and then there’s the sex that reveals true feelings and that is more than just extraordinary. I may not be an expert on the subject just yet, but I know that much. Smith, after all these years, still gives us down to earth characters which shows he has not come even close to forgetting where he came from.

“Zack and Miri Make a Porno” may not be the best movie of Kevin Smith’s career, but it definitely has its moments of utter hilarity. It also shows that there is more to his movies than New Jersey. By making a break from his usual comic territory, we can and should expect him to go beyond his comfort zone for a good dose of naughty laughs filled with heart.

You keep kicking ass Kevin Smith!

*** out of ****

Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Year: 2008
Director: Kevin Smith
Studio: The Weinstien Company
Stars: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson
MPAA Rating: R
Running Time: 101 Mins


This is truly one of the best years for the comedy genre, as you have films like “Slippery Slope”, “Be Kind Rewind” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” being so funny and entertaining, along with comedies like “Get Smart” and "Tropic Thunder" being better than expected. Now comes Kevin Smith’s latest film “Zack and Miri Makes a Porno”.

The film is about two roommates and lifelong friends, Zack and Miri, who are running out of money, when the basic utilities in their apartment were shut down. Soon, the two come up with the bright idea to make a homemade porno in order to raise the money in which they owe. They begin to enlist their friends into helping them with this project. During this project, they vow that sex wouldn’t change their friendship with one another. But, soon the two begin to discover that there is more to them, as their project turns into something more than their friendship.

If you had to ask me a question on the spot, to who were my three favorite directors, I would say Guillermo Del Toro, Quentin Tarantino, and now I would add Kevin Smith to that list as my third favorite director, after watching this film and “Clerks 2”. He has captured the same level of great directing that he has had in previous films such as “Clerks” and “Dogma”.

"Zack and Miri Make a Porno” was a laugh out loud riot. This film is a great follow-up to “Clerks 2”. Kevin Smith direction was very good, as he pulls off all the stops while staying in the R rating guideline given the subject matter of the film. The film was filmed very well, as mixes the traditional methods of filmmaking with the methods that are used in adult films. Smith mixes both of those methods to give a viewer a side of what adult filmmaking is like. What makes this film so good was his editing. Smith does a good job making the story move along to the point where the ending of the film (which I’ll talk about more in a minute) had that abrupt feel to it, as I was thinking there was more to the story. It’s a good thing, because if it went on, for another ten minutes or so, the ending would have drag on. Also, it would have ruined the flow of the film, as it was perfect. This film is his best editing job yet.

The acting was very good here. Smith does a good job with his actors, as the acting was the best part of the film. It’s amazing how both Seth Rogan and Elizabeth Banks were very good with their performances. One of the things that made their performances very good was the fact they had great chemistry onscreen. They also gave their character’s interesting and funny quirks. It helped me, be invested in their characters and in the film’s story. The film also has a very good supporting cast, which includes Craig Roberson, Jeff Anderson, Jason Mewes, Justin Long, Katie Morgan and Traci Lords. It makes this film, very fun to watch.

Smith screenplay was also very good, as this is one of his best. He goes a good job balancing all the sex comedy aspects with some maturity, as this is not your run of the mill, allout sex comedy. I liked in all of the sex comedy nonsense he doesn't get too carried away with the sex and grossout humor. He does that by focusing on the relationship and friendship of the two main characters. This works very well because I was into the flow of the film where the all the characters were totally likeable. The other thing that I thought Smith did very well was with the ending of the film. If this screenplay was done by a hack, the ending would have been totally different because you would have had needless information, because at the point of the film’s ending, you assume that it’s going to happen, which would have kept the movie going when it didn’t need to. It’s one of those films that deserve to have this abrupt ending. It works because I didn’t expect to end like that. It works perfectly with the flow of the film.

Zack and Miri Make a Porno is truly one of the year best comedies and proves why Kevin Smith is one of the masters of comedy.

Review Rating: Five Stars

Written & Directed by: Adam Brooks

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Abigail Breslin, Elizabeth Banks, Isla Fisher, Rachel Weisz, Kevin Kline

Movie Rating: 2

Film Rating: 3

In so many ways I should not like Ryan Reynolds. Yet here I am, movie after movie, liking the guy. Even though he basically plays various versions of himself, there is something kind of likeable about him. And that was kind of how I felt about this movie: I shouldn’t like it, but the people in it are just so darn likeable.

Pre-show: After passing some random scantily clad girls in the hallway promoting the release of “10,000 B.C.” I was beginning to wonder if I had missed my theatre. Noting that “Rambo” was playing next door to the ladies, I followed the small groups of middle aged woman and sure enough, found the right theatre. I knew the work week had taken its toll on me, but much like Homer Simpson’s loss of doorbell recognition, I apparently lost the knowledge of how to navigate a multiplex at some point this week. Safely settled alone in a seat between two snuggly couples, I was ready for the Valentine’s Day movie of the week.

Movie: “Definitely, Maybe” is the story of Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) who is about to sign his divorce papers and who must relive his romantic life at his daughter’s insistence. Since Will adores his daughter Maya (Abigail Breslin) and because she refuses to let it go, Will agrees to tell her the story of his romantic history. However, much like “Dragnet” the names have been changed to protect the innocent. The innocent being the ears of a child in this instance. The flashbacks are punctuated with moments in the present where Maya quizzes her father for answers and tries to figure out which woman in the story is her real life mother. It actually flows rather smoothly, if predictably.

The best part about the movie by a mile is the cast. The characters are nothing truly spectacular but the cast brings such a sweetness and charm that it was hard not to enjoy the movie on some level. Will seems to have a nice chemistry with all the women, but it is precisely that chemistry that telegraphs how each woman will actually fit into his life in the present. Though predictable, it never really felt all that hokey.

Though the story moves along nicely and is never too overly sentimental, that is not to say that it was really well written. The dialogue was rarely memorable and the story went on longer than it should have. However, the script definitely gets points for realism, flow, and interest. I think if there had been any other cast in the roles that this movie would have been a much tougher sale on the script and story alone. The actors make the scenes and they make the movie.

Isla Fisher is just lovely here. At times her character borders on annoying but it is Fisher that makes the character so sweet and likeable despite her quirks. The same can be said about an animated Rachel Weisz and a subdued Elizabeth Banks. Reynolds makes a believable father, although not necessarily of Breslin. Still, Reynolds clearly has a nice bond with the actress and it shows on screen. My favorite role was probably that of Kevin Kline as Hampton Roth. Of course when Kline is in a movie, it is hard for him to not be one’s favorite. On paper the character is a bit over the top, but Kline seems to ground him and make him interesting.

Although this movie was kind of mediocre, it still held my interest for most of the show, and I found that I actually really enjoyed the evening. If for no other reason than it made me nostalgic for New York City. When you live in a city like New York, you are living so close to other people that there is a kind of forced kinship. It is rare in movies to see that kinship and sort of nice side to New York. I’m not saying it is a happy go lucky town, but not everybody starts the day off at the bagel shop there hearing, “You want lox on that? No? Well fuck you!” In this movie there seemed to be a little bit more of a realistic portrayal of what it is like to live in New York. I mean, for a movie. Anyway, I kind of dug that. It made me homesick for the East Coast.

Overall this movie was actually rather pleasant. It appears to be a comedy in the trailers, but do not let that fool you. This is more of a drama than anything. It is a sweet love story told without a lot of bells and whistles, without a lot of swelling music, and without a lot of overly romantic gestures and speeches. Well, the last bit was kept to a minimum at least. For someone like me who seems to have an allergy to schmaltz, that was a nice surprise. Maybe not a theatre kind of pick, but I would definitely recommend it for DVD or cable.