DESPICABLE ME 2
Release Date: July 3, 2013
What it’s about: The lovable (?) former supervillain, Gru, is recruited by the Anti-Villain League to stop a new super criminal.
What it’s got working for it: Looks promising. Didn’t see the original, but many clearly did as it did well enough to warrant a secret!
What’s it’s got going against it: So did The Hangover.
THE LONE RANGER
Release Date: July 3, 2013
What it’s about: Tonto and the Lone Ranger ride again on the big screen!
What it’s got working for it: Johnny Depp, Director Gore Verbinski, and A LOT of money.
What’s it’s got going against it: Looks like your typical Hollywood cookie-cutter period actioner. Swap out Sherlock and Watson for the Lone Ranger and Tonto and serve to an undiscerning audience. Also, Johnny Depp as Tonto? Hmmmm.
PACIFIC RIM
Release Date: July 12, 2013
What it’s about: Super robots versus giant monsters.
What it’s got working for it: Fans of mecha rejoice! Finally, a movie with the budget (estimated at $180 million) to do it right!
What’s it’s got going against it: Big visual effects extravaganzas aren’t exactly known for their engaging characters. Let’s hope some of that $180 million went toward a good script.
THE CONJURING
Release Date: July 19, 2013
What it’s about: Based on the most harrowing case file of real life paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren.
What it’s got working for it: Horror fans will be pleased to hear the MPAA has given this movie and R rating for “sequences of disturbing violence and terror”. Terror?
What’s it’s got going against it: The trailer makes it look like pretty much every horror movie cliche from the last ten years packed into one movie.
R.I.P.D.
Release Date: July 19, 2013
What it’s about: Two cops working for the RIPD (Rest in Peace Department) protect and serve the living by protecting them from restless souls.
What it’s got working for it: A pretty gonzo premise.
What’s it’s got going against it: Jeff Bridges’ gonzo cowboy cop. Yeesh.
RED 2
Release Date: July 19, 2013
What it’s about: The gang of ex-operatives reunite to track down a portable nuke.
What it’s got working for it: The original, RED, was surprisingly entertaining.
What’s it’s got going against it: The trailer makes it looks like they raided Wanted’s bag of tricks. Five years later, they don’t quite so fresh.
THE WOLVERINE
Release Date: July 26, 2013
What it’s about: Wolverine takes on the Japanese underworld.
What it’s got working for it: An intriguing premise and some great looking visual effects. Oh, and Hugh Jackman.
What’s it’s got going against it: The dialogue in the trailer doesn’t exactly crackle.
@Joe:
A few of these look somewhat intriguing. In order of interest:
DESPICABLE ME 2 (The family loved the first one)
THE WOLVERINE (My son is a Marvel fan, enough said)
PACIFIC RIM (Makes me pine for the Ultraman days of youth)
And we’ll see how the reviews go for THE LONE RANGER. From the trailers it looked a little like Captain Jack Tonto, so I wait to be convinced.
On the Japanese Maps:
Here is the link for the Japanese maps I told you about. Simply buy the SDCard, and when the card arrives, insert it in your Garmin:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/oatnyub
On the pecan pie recipe; I’ve got to get it typed in, and I’ve been flooded with work since I got back. Hopefully I can get it done tomorrow and if so, I’ll send it on then.
Never saw Despicable Me, so I’m out for 2(or at least until I see DM1).
Lone Ranger: Nevermind my disdain for most things Disney these days, but after watching a commercial for it……sorry, I’m not buying Depp as an Indian and I don’t care what convenient movie excuse you use, HORSES DON’T RUN ON TOP OF TRAINS!!! Could Disney not find any decent American Indian actors? Surely there’s got to be somebody out there! This is not too far removed from when Hollywood used to use those horrible eyelid prosthetics for clearly white actors to make them appear Asian. Like this:
http://oceanperson.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/PeterLorre.jpg
Shame on you Disney. Clearly a money grab. Instead of casting the right person for the job and telling the story properly, they go for the easy draw of what they hope people will see as Pirates 5, on land.
Pacific Rim: It appeals to the 10 year old in me, but I’m going to have to hear from a good friend that he was absolutely blown away by it before I consider seeing it.
The Conjuring: I’m not really into the new stream of horror movies lately. Just not tickling my fancy, really.
RIPD: A little out of left field, but to quote most Hollywood movie solutions, “So crazy, it just might work…”
RED 2: It passes my three actor rule, I’d watch Helen Mirren read the phone book, and Malkovich is always entertaining as a nutcase. RED was surprisingly enjoyable, too. I liked it!
The Wolverine: Is it actually the Yakuza he’s fighting or just some random group of ninjas? What time period is it, too? It’s never really explained. Is this based off a graphic novel? It looks like it could be a one off type story like those things tend to be. I’m not as much a Marvel guy as I tend to lean more DC. As for the trailer, I was intrigued up until that final scene with the robot. I can hear The Fonz revving his bike right now….
Other movies that look interesting:
The Way, Way Back:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qoaVUdbWMs
Steve Carell in a bit of a departure role. He’s a d!ck. Should be interesting. Sam Rockwell is usually a lock for a great performance(loved Moon!). Story has potential as long as it’s not just another teen angst/rebellion story of the kids always being right with no parenting. Tired of those.
Elysium:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIBtePb-dGY
Sure looks purty! Neill Blomkamp does amazing work, too. I really wish he got the chance to do the Halo movie with Peter Jackson and WETA before the bottom fell out of that one. Instead, we got District 9, which was fantastic. This looks quite good, too, but there’s just one problem, and I know you know what I’m talking about, Joe. Maaatt Daaammonnn. It looks like it’s going to be one of those movies where it’ll be good, but it would’ve been perfect if (insert name) was in it instead of Maaaatt Daaaeeemmmonnn.
On a side note, I watched Thor the other night. Here’s my quick review: Natalie Portman is gorgeous, but is she Vulcan? What’s with the flat eyebrows? I couldn’t get past how fake Thor’s beard and hair looked the ENTIRE MOVIE! It’s all I could see. Dude who played Loki was clearly a better actor than everyone else. He’s the only thing that kept it interesting, really, except for how poorly the plot was written. And Cookie’s review was spot on, though for the rainbow bridge/road thing, I kept expecting to see Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, and Bowser go flying by at any moment! (Super Nintendo’s Super Mario Kart featured race tracks made from rainbows)
Whew, long post! Sorry!
-Mike A.
Hi Joe
Count me in for RED 2, I loved the first one. Also Pacific Rim.
How goes the stove fixin’ and dog sitter hunting?
Elminster
Did anyone else notice during the previews for Lone Ranger they throw up that little Pirates of the Caribbean symbol of the skull and crossbones? Is that a way to make people think this has anything to do with Pirates, a little subliminal advertising maybe?
The Conjuring looks interesting. I’ll definately check that one out. I love scary. (I don’t understand why they just don’t move out of the house. It must not be true if they didn’t ask the Ghost Hunters to come investigate.)
@ JeffW – What’s this about pecan pie? You will share with all, I hope. 🙂
Joe you never did review the last commentor recipe. You must have gotten too busy and forgot. Or did I miss it?
I, too, am looking forward to Elysium. Some of it was filmed in Vancouver – the purty part.
As for the Lone Ranger, if they don’t get it right, the Aboriginal/Native American groups will be after them. I guess that is why Johnny Depp is taking it on. It’s a bit risky, and he loves that sort of stuff.
Even though Wolverine is a Canadian, played by an Australian, in a movie made by Americans (talk about your international co-operation!) I’m a little tired of Huge Jackman in that role. And, by the way, as a Canadian, shouldn’t Wolverine be a little more polite? Just sayin’.
* Despicable Me 2
* Monsters University
* Red 2
* RIPD
In that order, and the last one maybe later in the summer.
If you haven’t already seen Despicable Me, go see it! It’s quirky, hilarious, and highly entertaining. The characters are so well developed you love them for their faults. And it has a plot with supporting details! Lost count how many times I’ve seen this one and still love it. Which is something for a “see it once” kinda gal.
Want to hear a feature film in 13 minutes? Listen to “The Chairman Dances” by composer John Adams. It could easily be a musical score. It opens with plucky, impending doom; comical danger lurking in the background; a light and flirty segment; a dreamy romantic interlude; a reprise of the threat around the corner; and closes with a light-hearted, oblivious sprint to destiny. It is delightful to hear, and a great story to watch in your mind’s eye. The developers of video game Civilzation IV thought so, but it would be terrific in live action film.
Tomorrow is a vacation day for me (sleep!), a birthday, and also dinner with family. We’re looking forward to salmon grilled with bacon, onion, spices, and a petit pat of butter as a treat. And ice cream! Must not forget that. 🙂
Speaking of new films, the Ghost in the Shell Arise movie is out now Joe. Not to buy in America/Canada etc(Yet) but in Japan anyway. It’s meant to be very faithful to what Ghost in the Shell is all about.
There’s 4 films anyway in the series. Border 1: Ghost Pain came out June 22, Border 2: Ghost Whispers November 30.
No idea where you personally watch stuff subtitled but figured this may be of interest to you.(You’l probably have to give it a week or two anyway if you watch online for stuff to become available).
I personally ordered the thing on Blu Ray, it’s Japanese audio, with English/Japanese subtitles. $70 for a movie is kinda expensive but eh I like the series lol
@Ponytail:
I promised Joe I would send him a copy of my Grandma’s pecan pie recipe. She was a true Georgia belle (born, raised, and lived in Twin City Georgia), and she made the best pecan pie ever (my opinion). I offered to pass it on, but I need to type it up first (it’s hand written for now).
I’ll try to get it done over the next day or so, but I came home to a pile of work waiting for me, so I may be a little late, but I’ll post it here if you’d like a copy.
i think michael shanks has a small (bit part?) role in elysium.
just throwing random movie info out there.
PACIFIC RIM “Let’s hope some of that $180 million went toward a good script”
I heard they spent on the script a whole twenty seven dollars and what on closer inspection turned out to be a chocolate button. How can that not be enough?
G’day
Hubby wants to see FF6.
Daughter no. 2 wants to see Monsters University, (Yeah I know it has started but school holidays are only one week away…goodie)
The boy wants to see Despicable Me 2. He just LOVES DM1, it is his go to movie. I however have not seen all of it. But what I have seen is freakin’ hilarious.
Despicable Me was so much fun, the second one has a lot to live up to. It’s sooo fluffyyyyy….
Johnny Depp was been adopted by the Comanche Nation, last year. Hey, there’s that. Tonto looks like walloping good fun, and I am not going to take it seriously. It is a popcorn movie. And Johnny Depp with a bird on his head? I could do worse.
But who am I kidding, with hubby’s schedule, we rarely go out to movies. And I hate people. So wait until the DVD it is.
Good day to all, Joe you have been a bit busy while I have been away. Good things are happening I hope. These new movies you shared, I think a couple can wait for the dvd or hbo/showtime slot. And Hugh Jackman with his shirt off, what can I say… Well I have missed reading a couple posts, so I will go back and finish up,,desserts, doggies and all that other good stuff… and Jeff yes, please share pie recipe…Have a great day!!
Despicable Me 2 – The first one was great. I LOVE the minions. I even watch the tie-in commercials that feature them, instead of fast forwarding the DVR.
The Lone Ranger – I’ve been a little “meh” about this since it was announced. I’ll probably watch it (Netflix), but I am not expecting much. I too, was a little surprised that they chose Johnny Depp for Tonto. I guess all of the capable Native American actors were tied up with other projects.
Pacific Rim – Awesome concept. And I am a huge fan of Sons of Anarchy, so I’m really looking forward to seeing Charlie Hunnam and Ron Perlman in a different premise.
The Conjuring – The trailer definitely looks creepy. I am on the fence regarding the Warrens credibility. I have loosely followed their “careers”, as a devotee of the paranormal. At worst, it will be another crappy horror film. And if I had a nickel for every one of those I’ve watched…
R.I.P.D. – The trailer looks promising. Although from the very first commercial I watched, I immediately thought: Men In Black with ghosts. I find Ryan Reynolds largely entertaining. I rarely take anything seriously either.
The Wolverine – Wolverine has been my favorite comic book character since I was barely a teenager. And Hugh Jackman nails it. I don’t go to the movies, but I just may for this.
As I just said, I don’t go to the movies. I find the whole experience infuriating. The last time was for 2009’s Star Trek reboot in IMAX. I watch all movies via Netflix, Amazon or cable. So it will be awhile until I get to see these new releases. But I’m usually OK with that.
JeffW: Pie recipe? Yes, please!
To be honest they all look like rentals to me. I’m saving myself for Ender’s Game.
Das: What did the termite guy say? We have to spray our houses yearly for termites in the South. It’s just a fact of life.
So what’s the secret in DM2 or do I actually have to see the movie to find out? (not interested in it)
My choices are:
The Lone Ranger
Pacific Rim
Red 2
DESPICABLE ME 2 – Didn’t see the first, so will wait until I do see the first, if ever.
THE LONE RANGER – Definitely. I love the Lone Ranger (reading the Dynamite Lone Ranger on-going for a while now). I loved the old shows on tv. I loved the movie made back in the early 80s. I am a Lone Ranger fan. I am also a Tonto fan…probably more than the Ranger, since Tonto actually seemed to do more in the shows/movies than the Ranger ever did. I have no problem with Depp in the role – he, too, is a Tonto fan and it is he who brought this film to the big screen. He has Native American ancestry and looks Native American, even if he’s never claimed tribal status. I have a blonde-haired, blue-eyed friend who’s a card-carrying Indian, so if she can claim native blood, I have no problem with Depp doing so and portraying, in turn, a Native American. (As far as his appearance in the movie, it has nothing to do with ‘Goth’ anything, but this painting: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v54/dasNdanger/iamcrow.jpg
PACIFIC RIM – Probably not. I really enjoyed Battleship, but this just feels like a mash-up of everything done before. I will probably watch it when it comes to DVD or tv, though.
THE CONJURING – Nope, not my cuppa.
R.I.P.D. – Nope. Maybe something to watch when it comes to tv, but this isn’t something I’d run to the theater for…errr…for which I’d run to the theater.
RED 2 – Loved the first one, but will wait for the DVD.
THE WOLVERINE – Of course, though I’m afraid I’ll be overly critical and that’ll take all the fun out of it.
And Joey – don’t forget THE WORLD’S END!!
In some better news, the termite problem isn’t as bad as I thought (under the house is nice and dry with no damage), and the cost of treatment – thought not cheap – isn’t as bad as I was expecting. Also, since they need access in my garage, this will give me incentive to get it really cleaned out. We’re looking at the beginning of August for the work, so that gives me a month or so to get the garage cleaned up. This may have been a blessing in disguise!
Got run!
das
@ JimFromJersey – As I understand it, this (The Lone Ranger) was Depp’s baby. Depp has long been a fan of the Ranger’s sidekick, with even his recording band called Tonto’s Giant Nuts (for those who don’t know, Johnny is also an accomplished musician, with a couple uncredited numbers on the Chocolat soundtrack, as well as other recordings and performances with the likes of Eddie Vedder and Iggy Pop, amongst others). I believe it was his influence (and money) that has brought this film to fruition, and so it is logical he would be cast in the role. I heard a Native American spokesman say that it would have been better for him to portray the Ranger, while casting a Native American actor as Tonto. Two problems with that – firstly, Depp has enough Indian features that it may seem as if the Ranger and Tonto were somewhat related,, and secondly, I’m not sure there are any Indian actors who are good enough to carry the role in a major movie. I know of a few, but none stand out as good canidates, except for one or two who are probably too old (such as Graham Greene, who is currently starring in Defiance).
So, we’ll see how Depp does. I would like to see a full-blooded Indian in ANY role, but for now I’ll settle for a guy with some native blood and a good record of entertaining the hell out of me. 🙂
@ Tam Dixon – Our area has a big termite problem, too. The house behind me had their support beam under the house eaten away a couple years ago, and that’s when I was treated as a precaution. I’m thinking it either didn’t work, or I should have kept up with it yearly. I will now!
das
Movies that I am looking forward to or have seen this summer:
Iron Man 3, Now You See Me, Man of Steel, Monsters University, Lone Ranger, Despicable Me 2 (loved the 1st one!), Elysium, and Riddick. Gonna wait and see about Pacific Rim, Red 2, and The Wolverine on whether to see in theater or wait for DVD.
I have another series for you to watch, “Longmire”. I have really been enjoying it!! Lou Diamond Phillips and Katee Sackhoff are on the show! 🙂
Johnny Depp as Tonto? Nope.
Creepy movie? Nope.
The others I’ll wait for on DVD, except maybe Wolverine. 🙂
@for the love of Beckett: HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Joey, my bad…The World’s End doesn’t hit the US until August 23, 2013.
@ Jennifer – I really want to watch Longmire, but I can never remember when it is on, and have only caught bits and pieces. Looks really good, but I would need to see it from the beginning and not sure I want to invest in the boxset sight unseen, as it were.
das
Das: I’m glad you caught it in time.
Mr M: When do you have time to go to the movies? Any luck with finding a dog sitter?
Hey Joe:
I was looking for new books to read on Amazon, and thought of this author, John Connolly. He wrote Every Dead Thing, about an ex policeman Charlie Parker who has some very dark friends and a strange secret. I think its worth a read, a lot of his other books in the series are as well.
While I would like to see many of those in the actual movie theater, the reality of that is likely not. I really do want to see Elysium in the theater though. May have to go myself. The rest will have to keep until they are out on DVD. I do know that Josh Blacker is in Elysium and I believe Bam Bam was working on it.
I am most excited for Despicable Me 2. Cartoon kids and those silly little minions=SOLD. But yes, I’m a total geek and LOVED the first movie. I just hope the second doesn’t disappoint. Especially since I’ve convinced all my friends to watch the first recently in preparation for the second.
I’m excited for The Wolverine, too. At the end of the day, Hugh Jackman being cranky for 2 hours is solid gold, no matter how bad they mess up the other comic characters (*cough*Deadpool*cough*).