angelina jolie

A movie review of the action film called Salt, starring Angelina Jolie and Liev Schreiber.

Cinema Static - TV News, Movie News and other Entertainment news and opinionI was once told by an influential, real-world movie critic that it doesn’t matter when you write about something because your readers will still want to see what you have to say about it.  Though more timely is better.  I didn’t go see Salt in the movie theater when it came out because the marketing didn’t seem to warrant my time.  Now, after having seen it and writing up this movie review, I wish I had gone and seen it in the theater. It’s actually a fun action flick.

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'Salt' movie posterSalt is directed by Phillip Noyce, whose directorial credits involve Catch a Fire, The Quiet American, & The Bone Collector.  It would seem that this action movie was in capable hands and was distributed by Columbia Pictures.

The basic outline of Salt says that a CIA agent goes on the run after a Russian defector identifies her as being a spy for his side.

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I only knew two things going into this movie…  the tagline I noted above and that two pretty decent action stars in Angelina Jolie and Liev Schreiber.  Both are rather versatile actors.

It also starred Chiwetel Ejiofor (2012, American Gangster), who any Serenity fan will remember as The Operative who pursued Mal and his crew relentlessly.  Well he was relentlessly pursuing someone else again!

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Movie Review

Kung Fu Panda 2 continues the fun we came to appreciate in the first movie, but now, we have a developed, trained Po (Jack Black), who embodies the essence of Kung Fu.  It’s fun and if you’re pondering if you should do the 2D or 3D experience, I’d suggest the 3D version.  I’ll tell you why below.

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KUNG FU PANDA 2

KUNG FU PANDA 2 - Jack Black as Po

Jack Black as Po

Kung Fu Panda 2, produced by DreamWorks Animation and distributed by Paramount Pictures, stars the voice power of Jack Black as our last surviving Kung Fu hero Panda named Po.  Black is joined by the other voices of Angelina Jolie as Tigress, Dustin Hoffman (Shifu), Gary Oldman (Shen), Jackie Chan (Monkey), Seth Rogen (Mantis), Lucy Liu (Viper), David Cross (Crane), Dennis Haysbert (Master Ox), Jean-Claude Van Damme (Master Croc) and lots more.

I previously questioned in one of my “weekly new movies at the box office”  article if a new director, Jennifer Yuh, could pull it off, but being an animated feature, I didn’t know how to compare.  Yuh did just fine if you ask me!

The first 2008 film had caught my attention when it hit HBO channel and I caught it on the ‘On Demand’ section… a few times.  It was a fun little movie that embodies struggling against self-doubt and embracing what you are meant to do or who you really are.  And it never got old, regardless of how many times I watched it.

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'The Tourist' starring Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie

The Tourist movie review from Cinema Static on Brusimm.

The Tourist stars Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie in a movie written and directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (The Lives of Others). Other cast includes Paul Bettany (Upcoming Priest), Timothy Dalton, Rufus Sewell and other fine looking cast.

Depp plays Frank, a tourist who finds himself caught up in a rather interesting web of intrigue that Jolie (Elise) drags him into.

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The movie opens with police following Elise to her morning coffee spot. She gets a note delivered by a courier. The police tailing her call their boss asking if he thinks the courier is someone they’re looking for, a one Alexander Pearce. He says he thinks everyone looks like him. They end up arresting the poor courier. The note, is for her, with instructions on how she can lose the police.

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New Movies list from Cinema Static on Brusimm

The new movies for Friday, December 10th have some great talent behind them.  We’ll be seeing the likes of Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Helena Bonham Carter, Colin Firth, Russell Brand & Ben Affleck. We’ll be seeing these actors in the new movie releases of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Tourist, The Fighter, The King’s Speech, The Company Men and The Tempest.

Box Office Results

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Last weekend’s boxoffice results saw that your peers, friends and countrymen made Walt Disney’s Tangled the number one movie, bringing in over $21 million, with Warner Bros. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 bringing up second with a $17M draw.  Far behind these two front runners, Burlesque is holding a steady third with a $6M weekend and Unstoppable pulled in $5.97M.  Between Tangled and Harry Potter, Tangled’s (3,603) lead is even more impressive considering it opened in fewer theaters than Harry Potter (4,125) did.

The Warrior’s Way opened to incredibly dismal numbers, pulling in $3.05M.*  On the bright side, of the new movies last weekend, it was the best performing with Black Swan pulling in $1.4M at the Box Office.

*I did mention last week that I was worried with a creative team behind the project with absolutely no experience, they might have issues.  I’m sad to see I was right.

New Movies for Friday

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Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader

First up is the highly anticipated Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. I’m betting many will go to see this great animated piece where “Lucy and Edmund Pevensie return to Narnia with their cousin Eustace where they meet up with Prince Caspian for a trip across the sea aboard the royal ship The Dawn Treader.” Of course the other bit of news about this movie is that the teaser trailer for Transformers 3 will be attached as one of the previews.

It’s directed by Michael Apted (Amazing Grace, The World is Not Enough).

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The Tourist

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In The Tourist, Frank (Johnny Depp) is an American tourist in Italy whose path is crossed by Elise (Angelina Jolie.) He was there to get over a broken heart. Elise runs into him intentionally and the rest is nothing but fun I’m sure! It also stars Paul Bettany & Timothy Dalton.

It’s directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck (The Lives of Others) who shares the screenplay writing credits with Christopher McQuarrie (Valkryie, The Usual Suspects) & Julian Fellowes (From Time to Time, The Young Victoria).

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Joss Whedon Directing The Avengers Movie

Despite the fact that Joss Whedon is no longer involved in the idea of a movie based on Wonder Woman, or that a Wonder Woman movie will ever be made, EW.com had asked Whedon who his choice would be for the role and he said Angelina Jolie.

Wonder Woman by JPRart on Deviant Art

Reminder:  No one is a contender for any Wonder Woman movie from Joss Whedon.  There’s not even been a mention of a movie being made.  This is one of those “what if” pieces getting tossed around*

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New DVD and Blu-ray Releases from Cinema Static

This week there are 250+titles coming out new on DVD & Blu-ray disk for November 2nd, 2010.  I like the mix of titles and genres that have come out this week and if this keeps up, then we know that we are very well on our way to prepping our Christmas stockings with all kinds of goodies and the holiday shopping mode is starting to build up momentum!

V from ABC

This week, ABC’s V, the complete first season is hitting shelves.  Starring Morena Baccarin and Elizabeth Mitchell.  It’s a box set with 3 discs with all 12 episodes and special features that include

  • The Actor’s Journey from Human to V featurette: Featuring the principal cast of V discussing the techniques, challenges and rewards they faced in terms of bringing V alive for a new generation.
  • An Alien in Human Skin: The Makeup FX of V featurette: Contemporary techniques of special effects makeup application and execution are revealed
  • Breaking Story: The World of V featurette: An in-depth look into how the producers were able to create a fresh perspective on the V mythology
  • The Visual FX of V featurette: A primer on the visual effects used to help enhance V, featuring a guided tour through ZOIC studios, the visual FX powerhouse responsible for the amazing CGI
  • Commentary by executive producers Scott Rosenbaum and Steve Pearlman
  • Bloopers & Deleted scenes

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This week in Family titles, Hannah Montana: Who is Hannah Montana is the single episode where Hannah takes the wig off and shows the world who she really is.  For some, this is the big episode but the consumer advocate in me might suggest being patient and waiting for a whole season package release, if that will ever happen!  This one is up to you!

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Toy Story 3

Disney Pixar Toy Story 3 on DVD

I think the huge hit of new releases this week is going to be Toy Story 3! Toy Story 3 is the box office animated record breaker from Disney.  This movie helped boost sales for Mattel by a whopping 23%.  (Toy Story 3 and World Wrestling Entertainment toys pulled this off together)  TS3 starred the usual voice cast of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Ned Beatty, Don Rickles, Michael Keaton and many more.

Worldwide, the movie has brought in just over $1 billion at the box office and now it is leading the pre-order charts on Amazon.  No surprise there.  Check out the extras you’ll have when you snatch up the movie:

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TOY STORY 3 – Bonus Features:

DVD :

  • Day & Night – The innovative and entertaining short from the imagination of Pixar artist and Director Teddy Newton.
  • Toys! – A closer look at all of Toy Story 3’s beloved toys from updating the classic characters to the creation of the Sunnyside Daycare and Bonnie’s Room toys.
  • Buzz Lightyear Mission Logs: The Science of Adventure – Produced in conjunction with NASA, this hybrid animation documentary of Buzz’s visit to the International Space Station focuses on research in zero gravity and Buzz’s triumphant return to Earth.
  • Paths to Pixar: Editorial – Pixar editors, past and future share anecdotes about their careers.
  • The Gang’s All Here – A touching look at the returning voice talent for Toy Story 3 and an introduction to the voices of the new characters.
  • A Toy’s Eye View: Creating A Whole New Land – A sneak peek at the new Toy Story-themed playland at Hong Kong Disneyland.
  • Studio Stories – A series of amusing animated anecdotes about life at Pixar.
  • “Where’s Gordon?” – An animator finds a hidden room at Pixar.
  • “Cereal Bar” – The majestic and expansive Pixar cereal bar is explored.
  • “Clean Start” – The Toy Story 3 animators shave their heads to mark the start of the film.

Blu-ray Combo Pack: Everything on the DVD plus

  • Toy Story Trivia Dash – This cool game challenges you to sprint to the finish with Woody, Buzz, Jessie and Rex as you quickly answer questions about all three Toy Story movies.
  • Cine-Explore – Commentary by Director Lee Unkrich and Producer Darla K. Anderson.
  • Beyond the Toybox: An Alternative Commentary Track Featuring Leads from Story, Tech, Art and Animation – Commentary by Story Supervisor Jason Katz, Supervising Technical Director Guido Quaroni, Production Designer Bob Pauley and Supervising Animators Bobby Podesta and Michael Venturini.
  • Beginnings: Setting A Story In Motion – Screenwriter Michael Arndt analyzes successful opening scenes from Toy Story, Finding Nemo and The Incredibles.
  • Bonnie’s Playtime: A Story Roundtable – A roundtable discussion with Director Lee Unkrich and the story artists who brought the “Bonnie’s Playtime” scene to life.
  • Roundin’ Up A Western Opening – The development of the movie’s exciting opening scene.
  • Life Of A Shot – Toy Story 3 artists and technicians describe their contributions to a few of the shots in the film’s “Western Opening.”
  • Goodbye Andy – An exploration of character design, acting and animation in the scene “Andy’s Goodbye.”
  • Accidental Toymakers – By creating the Toy Story characters, the Pixar filmmakers found themselves in the unlikely role of toy designers. Meet the toy company that took a chance on manufacturing the now iconic toys and learn of their incredible success that began with a modest number of Woody and Buzz Lightyear toys 15 years ago.
  • Making of Day & Night – The story behind the unique 2D/3D blended short.

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Opening Movies from Cinema Static Logo

This week, Charlie St. Cloud, Dinner for Schmucks & Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore are the opening movies for Friday, July 30th.

Box Office Numbers

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Last weekend, Christopher Nolan’s Inception starring Leonardo DiCaprio held on as the top performing Box Office movie raking in over $43 million. Salt’s (Angelina Jolie) opening weekend put it in the 2nd spot with $36.5 million and Despicable Me hung on to 3rd with $24.1 million.

If you haven’t seen Inception, I anticipate that you’ll like it. I loved it.

Title Weekend Gross
Inception $43.5M $144M
Salt $36.5M $36.5M
Despicable Me $24.1M $162M
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice $9.69M $42.6M
Toy Story 3 $9.03M $380M
Ramona and Beezus $8M $8M
Grown Ups $7.6M $142M
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse $7.03M $280M
The Last Airbender $4.17M $123M
Predators $2.85M $46.6M

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Opening Movies for Friday:

Charlie St. Cloud

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Starring Zac Efron, Charlie Tahan, Amanda Crew, Kim Basinger, Ray Liotta et. al..

Plot: Charlie St. Cloud is a young man overcome by grief at the death of his younger brother. So much so that he takes a job as caretaker of the cemetery in which his brother is buried. Charlie has a special lasting bond with his brother though, as he can see him.

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Charlie St. Cloud movie trailer:

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Opening Movies from Cinema Static Logo

While we have The Losers, Cop Out & The Runaways hitting the DVD shelves this week, (DVD Releases for July 20th, 2010) we have something for the Angelina Jolie fan this week in theaters, titled Salt. The only other opening movie this Friday, July 23rd, is called Ramona and Beezus.

If you’ve seen last week’s blockbuster, Inception, you were part of the masses that helped it gross over $60 million on its opening weekend. It’s a deserving movie, that’s for sure. Here’s my short and to-the-point non-spoiler movie review of Inception if you’re interested. Following Inception, Despicable Me brought in $37 million, while The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, that didn’t track that well for the studios prior to opening, only brought in $17 million this weekend.

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Title Weekend Gross
Inception $62.8M $62.8M
Despicable Me $32.8M $118M
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice $17.6M $24.7M
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse $13.4M $265M
Toy Story 3 $12M $363M
Grown Ups $9.91M $129M
The Last Airbender $7.76M $115M
Predators $7.02M $40.3M
Knight and Day $3.61M $69.1M
The Karate Kid $2.29M $169M

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Last week, the organization called Profiles in History held an auction from the working archive of Michael H. Epstein and Scott E. Schwimer collection of Vintage Glamour Photography.  The auction contained pictures and negatives (WTH is a negative?  OK, I know what a negative is but in this era of digital imagery, I thought I’d toss out some humor.).

Harry Langdon was a glamour photographer and his collection was a subset of this auction and that subset brought in the highest bid of the event.

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I absolutely love Mr. & Mrs. Smith starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.

The first part of the movie is couples counseling between two people who just don’t talk any more.  I mean face it, leading a double life, there are bound to be gaps of conversational material.

I love the portrayal of the classic gender myths.

Angelina Jolie’s methodology to a “hit” is to set up ahead of time, be prepared and settle in and wait.  Preparation is key to the hit with alternate plans in place just in case.

Brad Pitt’s approach is the guys approach.  Take a really big gun and a bunch of other guns and show up just in time befor the target gets there.

Angelina’s gun supply is a finite number of weapons.  Brad’s is an entire vault underneath the garage.

Angelina is precise in her attack.  Brad’s is spraying bullets or the biggest shell in the direction of the target.

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