Well, it's over. The fat lady has sung. The final curtain call. Game over man. What am I trying to say, you may be asking? I'm talking about THE HANGOVER PART III, the final chapter chronicling the misadventures of the infamous wolfpack. However, I'm sorry to report that this was not a funny movie to end the series on.
The film's official synopsis: In the aftermath of the death of Alan's (Zach Galifianakis) father, the wolfpack decide to
take him to get treated for his mental issues. But things start to go
wrong on the way to the hospital as the wolfpack is assaulted and Doug
(Justin Bartha) is kidnapped. Now Alan, Phil (Bradley Cooper), and Stu (Ed Helms) must find Mr. Chow (Ken Jeong) again in order to surrender
him to the gangster named Marshall (John Goodman) who kidnapped Doug in order to save him.
The film tries to be funny but fails to become funny every step of the way. While we are taken to both Tijuana and back once again to Las Vegas, the laughs and sight gags are few and far between. Director Todd Philips (ROAD TRIP, OLD SCHOOL, and THE HANGOVER films) does a fine job of directing the film, capturing the beauty of the scenic locations of Mexico and the bright lights of Sin City, but in the end, the jokes fall flat. Fall flat on its ass. All the jokes sucked. Just making sure that what I'm saying is crystal clear.
This is a perfect example of what's wrong with Hollywood. When the first film came out in 2009, it was hailed has one of the funniest films of the 21st century. But when it made an enormous amount of money at the box office, the studio saw dollar signs and became greedy. It was a stupid idea to try and make a sequel in the first place because how do you top the first film? The comedy in THE HANGOVER was so over the top and so outrageous, the next film would look lame and pathetic in comparison. This was what happened with the PART II and we witness it again here with this film.
Also, here's something that I don't get. It's called THE HANGOVER PART III, but there is no hangover in the film. Granted, there's a bonus scene in the credits that takes place after a wedding and the whole gang wakes up and are all hungover. So there you go but that's it. It's also worth noting that the 4 minute bonus scene was funnier than the entire 90 minute movie. Yup, that's pathetic!
THE HANGOVER PART III is a waste of time and not even worth a look. It's not even worth renting, or streaming, or anything. In lament terms, the film sucked ass big time! 2 out of 5 stars, only because of the hilarious bonus scene.
THE HANGOVER PART III is currently playing in theaters nationwide, including the Century Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://cinemark.com.
In the year 2009, writer/director J.J. Abrams did the impossible. His re-imaging of STAR TREK was a huge summer blockbuster, injecting the stale franchise with a major shot of adrenaline for the 21st century audiences to enjoy. Now in 2013, Abrams releases the next chapter in the rebooted series. STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS expands on the characters we've all come to know and love while giving us one of the greatest villains of all time.
Here is the film's official synopsis: When the crew of the Enterprise is called back home, they find an
unstoppable force of terror from within their own organization has
detonated the fleet and everything it stands for, leaving our world in a
state of crisis. With a personal score to settle, Captain Kirk leads a
manhunt to a war-zone world to capture a one man weapon of mass
destruction. As our heroes are propelled into an epic chess game of life
and death, love will be challenged, friendships will be torn apart, and
sacrifices must be made for the only family Kirk has left: his crew.
What I enjoyed about the film was that we get to know more about the characters. Kirk (Chris Pine) is still a brash, impulsive, head strong young man who has so much potential, but thinks he's above rules and regulations. Since the film is supposed to take place before the original television series, we get to see what the crew of the Enterpise was like when they were still young and green. In the case of Kirk, the events that transpire in the film will no doubt shape him into becoming the great captain that he is destined to become.
However the big star of the film is Benedict Cumberbatch, who's Kahn is one of the greatest villains to ever grace the silver screen. Unlike the previous incarnation, this Kahn is far more intelligent, more cunning, and more vicious. His mind is like a steal trap. His plans are far more deadlier. His body is a lethal weapon. And this Kahn has no problem with killing someone with his bare hands. Not since Heath Ledger's Joker in THE DARK KNIGHT have we seen a villain so terrifying!
The entire cast from the first film are once again reunited for this successful sequel. All turn in great performances. But like all sequels, there are some new blood injected into the mix. Joining in on all the fun is actor Peter Weller, who's famous for the playing the lead in the 1987 film ROBOCOP. Here, Weller portrays Starfleet Admiral Alexander Marcus, who knows more about Kahn than he's letting Kirk on. Also appearing in the film is the beautiful Alicia Eve as science officer Dr. Carol Marcus, daughter of Admiral Marcus and potential love interest for Kirk. Both of these two make the film much more interesting as well as intense.
Overall STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS is on helluva sci-fi, hi-octane, roller coaster ride of a sequel! It's action packed, it's humorous, it's unpredectable, it's just a damn good movie! Don't believe me? I saw the film TWICE IN ONE DAY!! That's right people! I saw it in 2D, loved it, walked to the boxoffice and saw it again in 3D! BTW the 3D effects were spectacular! So if it's in 3D see it! If not, see it still!! 5 out of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!!
STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS is currently playing in both 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide, including the Century Theaters here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://cinemark.com.
Hello again everybody and welcome to Month Four of the 2013 Cult Movie
series at the Camera 3 in Downtown San Jose! Now for those of you who
are late to the game, let me explain this cool series. In 2011 the
Camera Cinemas started up
the Cult Movie series (which for years had been called the Midnight
Movie series). They would show one cult film twice a month
(Thursday nights at 9:30 and Saturday nights at midnight) from February
through November. Tonight we
screened the Mel Brooks' 1987 sci-fi/comedy classic SPACEBALLS. Once again yours truly was back as the host for tonight's
screening. Prizes were donated by Streetlight Records and by Time Tunnel Toys, both located here in San Jose. There were also yummy donuts to eat, courtesy of Psycho Donuts located in the lobby.
The film's official synopsis: King Roland (Dick Van Patten) of the planet Druidia is trying to marry his daughter
Princess Vespa (Daphne Zuniga) to Prince Valium, but Vespa is kidnapped by the evil race
of the Spaceballs, led by the ruthless Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis). The Spaceballs ask Roland a tremendous ransom: all
the air of Druidia (you see, the air of Spaceball had serious pollution
problems...). The King decides to offer a generous amount of money to a
space rogue, Lone Starr (Bill Pullman) and his partner Barf (the late John Candy), to persuade them to save Vespa. What follows is
the parody of a LOT of famous sci-fi movies (STAR WARS, ALIENS, STAR TREK, and THE WIZARD OF OZ just to name a few).
The film was directed by Mel Brooks, who has made several of the all-time classic comedy films of all time. This list is endless: THE PRODUCERS, BLAZING SADDLES, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, SILENT MOVIE, HISTORY OF THE WORLD: PART I, and ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS for starters. The cast reads like a who's who: Rick Moranis and John Candy were on the cult Canadian TV show SCTV and have appeared in numerous film throughout their career. Dick Van Patten is famous for his role as Tom Bradford from the TV show Eight Is Enough. A young Bill Pullman can be seen here, of course he would go on to appear in films like INDEPENDENCE DAY, LOST HIGHWAY, WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING, and BOTTLE SHOCK. Actress Daphne Zuniga has starred in films like THE SURE THING, THE FLY II, THE INITIATION, and TV shows like Melrose Place, Models Inc., and One Tree Hill. The film was released to theaters by MGM on June 24, 1987 and was met with a mixed reception. The film's budget was $22.7 million and grossed only $38,119,483. So the film was not a success at all, however, it went on to become a cult classic once it was released on VHS. Now it is considered one of Mel Brooks' finest (and funnest) films!
Now like I said, the Camera 3 will be showing one cult
classic film every month from now till November. Next month we'll be screening the1992 David Lynch film TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME
on June 13th and again on June 15th. So make plans to attend this screening folks! To view their
upcoming
schedule, visit the Camera Cinemas website at www.cameracinemas.com.
Now as many of you are already aware, I'm a big fan of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW. I attended the regular monthly midnight screenings at the Camera 3 with my friends Barely Legal, I've done the Time warp dance numerous times. I thought I've done it all, but I was wrong. Recently I had the pleasure of heading back out to San Francisco with my good friend/make-up artist Michelle Snyder to attend the Peaches Christ production of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW: THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT TRIBUTE! Also making this even more extraordinary was the addition of Magenta herself, Patricia Quinn was there live in-person. All this ROCKY fun was held at the Victoria Theatre (San Francisco's oldest operating theatre) over in the Mission District.
There were three shows at three different times: Friday, May 10th at 8pm, then Saturday, May 11th at 3pm and 8pm. Michelle and I went to the last show on Saturday. Upon arriving at the theatre, we made our way to the front row (as we always do) so we can take in all this Peachy goodness fun! The air in the Victoria was intoxicating! The energy level was off the charts. The audience was really fired up. Then The Bawdy Caste (the ROCKY shadowcast that performs here in the city and in Menlo Park) showed all the newbies (AKA virgins) how to do the Time Warp dance. They left the stage right after, and the lights dimmed, and the show began!
Hostess Peaches Christ (Photo courtesy of Facebook)
Peaches came out looking absolutely gorgeous! Fans were screaming and shouting and whistling! She greeted the audience and explained that this year marks the 40th anniversary of the original musical play, which was created by Richard O'Brien (who played Riff Raff in both the play and the movie). After Peaches finished her introductions, it was time for the show to begin!
Singing the song's intro was Magenta herself: Patricia Quinn!! The entire audience went completely crazy!! Hearing Mrs. Quinn singing "Science Fiction/Double Feature" was incredible!! I was jumping and screaming like a little girl!! After the she finished her song, Peaches came back out to narrate the show.
The entire cast was outstanding! This is what a rock'n'roll show should be! So much singing and dancing! Drag queens rocking out! People doing the Time Warp! There were so many highlights that it is just too damn difficult to list. But if I had to list just one, it would be when Jason Brock (one of the Dr. Frank-N-Furters that night) was belting out a heart warming rendition of "I'm Going Home." That performance literally made everyone gasp for air and they all gave Jason one helluva standing ovation! At the end of the show, Patricia Quinn returned to the stage to sing the closing song.
Peaches & Patricia Quinn (Facebook photo)
After the show was over, Peaches conducted an interview with Patricia Quinn, who regaled audiences with funny and interesting personal stories that made the audience laugh. The Mrs. Quinn participated in a rousing Q&A session. The my friends from Barely Legal came on-stage as judges for the costume contest. Then Patricia did an autograph session for all her fans!
This was one night I will not forget for a very long time! Now this was the big kickoff for what Peaches Christ has dubbed "The Summer of Peaches!" All summer long there will be Peaches shows for all her fans to enjoy! The first of these events will be A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET 2, which will take place on June 22nd during the Frameline Film Festival 37. Then on July 13th, Peaches will screen THE CRAFT. And finally, on August 24th, it's the annual SHOWGIRLS event. All three shows will be at the historic Castro Theatre and ticket for all three shows are on sale now! To purchase your tickets for these shows, please visit Peaches' official website at www.peacheschrist.com.
During the Big WOW! ComicFest at the San Jose Convention Center May 18th-19th, there will be another special convention happening simultaneously. CreaturesCon 2 is "the world's ONLY convention dedicated to the Bay Area's beloved TV phenomenon Creature Features." For those of you who live outside the Bay Area, this legendary show ran on KTVU Channel 2 in the San Francisco Bay Area from 1971 to 1984. The show was hosted by Bob Wilkins, and later by John Stanley, who took over in 1979. During the convention, we celebrate this beloved television show!
Celebrities in attendance for CreaturesCon 2 are as follows: Creatures Features host John Stanley, filmmaker and Creature Features archivist Tom Wyrsch, Strephon Taylor from November Fire, HARDWARE WARS director Ernie Fosselius, Bay Area horror host Lord Blood-Rah, and Rob Wilkins, son of the late Bob Wilkins, who passed away from Alzheimer's disease on January 7, 2009.
There will be informative Programs and panels for fans to attend: History of TV Horror Hosting panel, Creepy KOFY Movie Time panel, and A Tribute to Bob Wilkins. There will be a props area, cool Creatures Features items for sale, but the biggest event happening is that there will be a LIVE Creatures Features show hosted by John Stanley!! That's right! I said a LIVE CREATURES FEATURES SHOW HOSTED BY JOHN STANLEY!! Now I grew up watching the show, and to see it live, it is a dream come true for not only myself, but for fans of the show!!
Creature Features hosts John Stanley (L) and Bob Wilkins (R)
So for all you horror fans out there in the Bay Area, make sure you come out d be part of all this fun! To learn more about the CreaturesCon 2 and to purchase tickets and passes, please visit their official website at www.creaturescon.com. To purchase tickets and passes for the Big WOW! ComicFest, visit their official website at www.bigwowcomicfest.com.
Ladies and gentleman, fanboys and cosplayers rejoice! The Big WOW! ComicFest returns to the San Jose Convention Center this weekend May 18th and 19th! That's right, San Jose's premier comic book show is back with comic book artists, Anima/Manga, cool cosplayers and costume contests, movie stars and so much more!
There are numerous comic book personalities already signed up to appear at the convention and all are icons in the industry: Neal Adams, J. Scott Campbell, Mark Badger, Sergio Aragones, Travis Charest, Adam Hughes, Kevin Nowlan, Barbara Kesel, and Frank Cho just to name a few.
Stan Lee circa 2007.
However, the big news is that on Sunday, May 19th, making is only Northern California appearance is none other than Mr. Marvel Comics himself: Stan "The Man" Lee! For those of you who may not recognize this name, Stan Lee is the co-creator of the Marvel Universe. Along artist Jack "The King" Kirby, Lee helped create The Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, The Avengers, The X-Men, The Mighty Thor, and Spider-Man. He's made cameo appearances in every Marvel film to date, and is the founder and CEO of POW! Productions. Stan Lee is a legend in the industry, whose contributions are extraordinary. The comic book world wouldn't be the same without him!
Along with comic book personal, there will be other celebrities appearing from all avenues. In the entertainment world, fans can meet local stars such as Balrok from the hit KOFY TV20 television show Creep KOFY Movie Time, horror hostess Miss Misery from Miss Misery's Movie Massacre, horror host Lord Blood-Rah, Strephon Taylor from November Fire, local documentary filmmaker Tom Wyrsch and legendary Creature Features host John Stanley. Also appearing is gutarist Jane Wiedlin from the Go-Go's, as well as Thomas Jane, star of the 2004 Marvel film THE PUNISHER.
Fans will also meet some of the finest cosplayers around, including Valerie Perez, Ivy Doomkitty, Keith Carter, and Tally Smith for starters. Then there's all the comic book artists at the Underground and Artist's Alley creating original works of art, the cool Anima area that includes my friend Carlyfornia, plus all the dealers, toys, comics and everything else you can imagine!
There's also cool programs and panels during the two days, including a Geek Fashion Show, Costume Rock Band Challenge, Women in Comics, Filmmaking with Miss Misery, Latinos in Comics, and so much more.
So what are you waiting for? Start planing to attend Northern California's premiere comic book and entertainment event! To learn more about the convention and to purchase tickets and passes, please visit Big WOW! ComicFest's official website at www.bigwowcomicfest.com.
This past Sunday I had the extraordinary pleasure to attend a free screening of SORCERER, the 1977 film directed by legendary filmmaker William Friedkin. This rare 35mm film print screening was presented by Camera Cinema Club's Director Tim Sika, host of KSJS's long-running Celluloid Dreams show. Upon my arrival, the theater was already packed to the rafters, but fortunately I found great spot right in the front row!
Tim came on stage and thanked the enthusiastic crowd for coming out to attend this very special screening of this lost cinema classic. Afterwards, he welcomed Mr. William Friedkin up to the stage. The audience rose to their feet and gave William one hell of a San Jose welcome. Since I was seating in the front row right by the stairs, William walked right by me and shook my hand!! That's right!! William Friendkin shook my hand!! Tim handed William the microphone and he made a brief intro about the film. Soon, the lights dimmed and the film began.
Theatrical Movie Poster (1977)
The film's official synopsis: A group of outcasts from different backgrounds/nationalities are forced
by misfortune to work in a remote oil drilling operation in South
America. When fire breaks out of control, four of the outcasts are given
the opportunity to earn enough money to get out by transporting six
crates of unstable dynamite through miles of jungle in two ancient
trucks. Will they succeed and regain their honor and citizenship, or get
blown up for their efforts?
The film was just outstanding to watch! Friedkin spent over two years in five countries on three continents making the film. This was his follow up to his hit film, 1973's THE EXORCIST. The film is actually a remake of the 1953 French film THE WAGES OF FEAR. Utilizing a combination of hand held camerawork, real locations and settings, and dangerous weather conditions, it's a wonder that nobody got hurt or killed! Parts of the film feel like a documentary, capturing the looks a feel of the old European films from the 1960s. It's that Do-It-Yourself look and feel that gives the film that high level of authenticity.
The only real star in the film was Roy Scheider, who starred in Friedkin's 1971 film THE FRENCH CONNECTION and Steven Spielberg's 1975 summer hit JAWS. Here he portrays Jackie Scanlon, a gangster who hides out in a small town in Central America under his new identity Juan Dominguez. Scheider is great in this role, bringing depth and sympathy to his character. Scheider has appeared in numerous films and television projects. He passed away on February 10, 2008 at the age of 75.
Director William Friedkin & Tim Sika.
After the screening, Tim conducted a fun and informative Q&A with Friedkin. Now let me just say this: this man is a gifted storyteller. All is stores he shared with the audience were hilarious! He shared interesting stories about his interview with Linda Blair, how he bribed his way to do the the infamous subway chase in THE FRENCH CONNECTION, how he made his latest film KILLER JOE in just five weeks, and all the crazy things that happened during the filming of SORCERER. He also mentioned that the film will be available on Blu-Ray later this year.
After the Q&A, Friedkin was having a signing in the theater's lobby, where his new memoir, The Friedkin Connection were being sold. Yours truly purchased a copy of his book and had it signed! And let me tell you something: it's a hard book to put down. I only read the first chapter and it's a page turner!!
SORCERER is truly an astounding film, one that really does need to be rediscovered! Now that it will be released to the public later in the year, fans of cinema will be able to witness the genius of William Friedkin!! 5 it of 5 stars!! Highly recommended!
SORCERER will be released on Blu-Ray later on this year. In the meantime, pick up a copy of William Friedkin's new memoir, The Friedkin Connection. Retail price $29.99. To purchase a copy, visit you local book retailer or visit the Amazon website at www.amazon.com.
The wait is finally over. After last year's smash hit THE AVENGERS, fans couldn't wait for the next installment in the Marvel Universe. Now, one year later, Marvel unveils IRON MAN 3, the last installment of the franchise and the beginning of Marvel's Phase 2 launch. And yours truly was able to see this action packed film in Disney 3D.
The film's official synopsis: The film pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) against an
enemy called the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley), whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world
destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find
those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle.
With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own
devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest
to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the
question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or
does the suit make the man?
The film is interesting because even though it's the third installment of the franchise, it doesn't pick up after IRON MAN 2. Instead the film follows the events of THE AVENGERS and the aftermath of the events that took place. So it's just like the Marvel comic books, whereas there's an incident that happens in one book, it gets referenced in another. Same goes for this movie as well. Fans of both the comics and the films will see this as a treat.
Another aspect that I enjoyed was that the film focused more on Tony Stark than his superhero alter ego. The events that took place in New York in THE AVENGERS has left some serious ramifications on Mr. Stark's life. He's now suffering severe nightmares which causes him insomnia. Another serious side affect is the horrible anxiety attacks that he has. Combine with his fear of losing the only thing he can't live without, hie beloved Pepper (Gwyneth Paltrow), he must somehow rise above it all and save the world once again. Here, we have the fascinating psychoanalysis of the American superhero and what makes him tick. Of course, Robert Downey Jr. turns in another great performance, but he is finally given the opportunity to stretch out as an actor and bring a new dimension to his character. Truly a bold step on the part of the filmmakers for taking this direction.
Shane Black (KISS KISS BANG BANG) steps into the director's chair for the third chapter, taking over for Jon Favreau (the director of the last two films but stays on as producer here) and does a terrific job of finding the right balance of action, humor, and drama to create a film that really entertains the hardcore IRON MAN fans while simultaneously creating some great character development and depth to Tony Stark. Believe it or not, this is only Black's second film he's ever directed, but he's more well known for his screenplays for films like the LETHAL WEAPON series as well as THE MONSTER SQUAD, THE LAST BOY SCOUT, and THE LONG KISS GOODNIGHT. Black also co-wrote the film with Drew Pearce.
Now there's been some controversy surround the Mandarin character. Now as some of you who may have heard, there is a twist to the character here in the film, which has caused some hardcore comic book fans crying fowl. In the Marvel Universe, the Mandarin is Iron Man's greatest enemy. Like what the Red Skull is to Captain America, like Loki is to Thor, their battles are legendary in the comic book world. Here, like I said, there's a twist which caught me by surprised! But I thought is was a very clever twist and I enjoyed the new "Mandarin" character. But that's just my opinion, so I'll leave it like that. But I must give props to Sir Ben Kingsley, for taking on the role and making it his own! As I stated in my intro, the film was released in 3D and it looks freaking amazing! Now I do believe that the whole 3D gimmick has been done to death (this is my fourth 3D movie so far this year!), but here it works. The action literally leaps off the screen and lands in your popcorn! Now it is also in 2D so if you get really bad headaches from 3D, then this version is for you. But if you can, see it in 3D! Also stick around after the credits for a bonus scene. What? Don't act so surprised by that. This is a Marvel movie after all! Over all IRON MAN 3 is a fantastic, action packed, thrill ride conclusion to one of the greatest superhero trilogies of all time! Now even though this is the end, Iron Man will return again in THE AVENGERS 2. But in the meantime, see this movie as many times as you can before it goes away! 4 out of 5 stars!! Recommended!!
IRON MAN 3is currently playing in both 2D and 3D in theaters nationwide, including the Camera
Cinemas here in the Bay Area. To view showtimes, visit their website at www.cameracinemas.com.
