Movie Review: "Repo Men"

Seen on: March 16, 2010

The players: Director: Miguel Sapochnik, Writers: Garrett Lerner, Eric Garcia, Cast: Jude Law, Forest Whitaker, Alice Braga, Liev Schreiber

Facts of interest: Inspired by Eric Garcia's novel "The Repossession Mambo."

The plot: In a world where people can switch failing organs with expensive mechanical ones, repo men are trained to reclaim the artificial organs if folks can't pay for them any longer.

Our thoughts: “Repo Men” definitely boasts an interesting concept, but I feel it could’ve been explored in a much more original way. Truth be told, Miguel Sapochnik’s sci-fi movie is nothing but a gory spectacle filled with standard chases and ultra-violent battle sequences. While I’m sure many cinemagoers out there appreciate just that, I admit I was looking for a little more brain in this thing.

Click to read more ...

Movie Review: “Our Family Wedding”

Seen on: March 14, 2010

The players: Director: Rick Famuyiwa, Writers: Rick Famuyiwa, Wayne Conley, Cast: Forest Whitaker, America Ferrera, Carlos Mencia, Regina King, Lance Gross

Facts of interest: None.

The plot: A happy couple must face their parents and tell them they will get married. Chaos ensues soon after...

Our thoughts: “Our Family Wedding” feels like something that should have been released straight to DVD. It’s a film that blatantly recycles one too many ideas from previous movies of the same genre without offering cinemagoers anything worth caring for. The story is dull, the characters are dumb, and the performances honestly couldn’t be much worse.

Click to read more ...

'Repo Men' red band trailer land online

I admit I never heard of "Repo Men" before I saw this trailer, but it's an upcoming sci-fi flick starring Jude Law and Forest Whitaker. Miguel Sapochnik directed the film, and you can check out the preview below.

I also read this movie is pretty much a straight copy of Darren Lynn Bousman's recent horror musical "Repo! The Genetic Opera," and to be honest, the synopsises of both flicks are indeed almost identical.

I can't say I'm blown away by this red band trailer, but it seems like the film boasts an interesting concept, some gory sequences and decent action and action. Feel free to leave your comments below.

Click to read more ...

Awesome new 'Where the Wild Things Are' TV spots

Two brand-new TV spots for Spike Jonze's upcoming big-screen adventure "Where the Wild Things Are" have hit the Web, and I highly recommend you check them out after the jump. They are wonderful!

Based on the popular book by Maurice Sendak, the plot follows Max, a disobedient little boy who's sent to bed without his supper and creates his own world -- a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler.

Click to read more ...

Awesome 'Where the Wild Things Are' trailer hits

Here is the brand-new trailer for Spike Jonze's upcoming adventure "Where the Wild Things Are," and wow... this one is even more awesome than its predecessor.

Based on the popular book by Maurice Sendak, the plot follows Max, a disobedient little boy who's sent to bed without his supper and creates his own world -- a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler.

Catherine Keener, Max Records, Mark Ruffalo, James Gandolfini, Forest Whitaker and Catherine O'Hara are part of the cast. "Wild Things" opens in theaters Oct. 16, 2009, and I have a strong feeling it will deliver the goods big time.

BTW, Jonze's credits also include "Adaptation" and "Being John Malkovich."

Click to read more ...

Adrien Brody, Elijah Wood to join 'Experiment'

Adrien Brody, Forest Whitaker, Elijah Wood and Cam Gigandet are set to star in "The Experiment," the remake of Oliver Hirschbiegel's fantastic German thriller "Das Experiment."

Paul Scheuring, creator of television's "Prison Break," will direct the script he wrote. The original "Experiment" followed a group of men who slipped into the roles of prison guards and inmates as part of a research study. Things quickly get out of hand when those with the most power start abusing the rules.

Variety reports Brody will play the leader of the prisoners, while Whitaker will star as one of the guards. No word on what sides Wood and Gigandet will be on.

"Das Experiment" is by far one of the most shocking films I've ever seen. That said, it's also incredibly intense and suspenseful, although I doubt the English version will be as violent.

Brody last starred in "The Brothers Bloom." Whitaker was last seen in "Powder Blue." Gigandet, fresh off "Twilight," will soon appear in "The Roommate." As for Wood, his voice will be featured in the upcoming animated flick "9."

Forest Whitaker in talks to join 'Expendables'

Forest Whitaker is in negotiations to join Sylvester Stallone's upcoming action flick "The Expendables."

Also starring Sly himself, Jason Statham, Jet Li and Randy Couture, the flick follows a group of mercenaries who infiltrate a South American country to overthrow its dictator and free the population.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Whitaker would play the mercenaries' CIA liaison.

A release date for "The Expendables" has not yet been set, but the film is expected to head into production this February.

Whitaker, who won an Oscar for "The Last King of Scotland," was last seen in "Street Kings." He has several projects awaiting release, including "Hurricane Season" and "Repossession Mambo."

Whitaker to direct Louis Armstrong biopic

Forest Whitaker is set to direct and star in “What a Wonderful World,” a biopic based on the life of Louis Armstrong, according to Variety.

The trade says the film will kick off during the musician’s impoverished early years in New Orleans and primarily chronicle his career as a trumpet virtuoso and improvisational singer.

Whitaker will direct a script by Ronald Bass, screenwriter of “My Best Friend’s Wedding.”

"Armstrong left a monumental mark on our lives and our culture," Whitaker told Variety.

This is not the first time Whitaker will take on a Jazz project. In 1988, the filmmaker starred as Charlie “Bird” Parker in Clint Eastwood’s “Bird.”

Whitaker’s directing credits include 2004’s comedy “First Daughter.” He most recently starred in “Street Kings.” Upcoming projects include “Powder Blue” and “Repossession Mambo.”

Sounds like an interesting project. But will Whitaker be able to match Taylor Hackford’s fabulous biopic “Ray”? We shall see…

Zellweger, Whitaker take road trip in ‘Song’

Olivier Dahan’s drama “My Very Own Love Song” will head into principal photography next month, and Forest Whitaker and Renee Zellweger are on board to star in the lead roles, according to Variety.

The plot centers on a disabled ex-singer who embarks on a road trip to Memphis with a close friend. They’ve both had their share of tragedies over the years, and they both give each other the necessary support to make the best out of life.

Dahan is best known for last year’s Oscar-winning Edith Piaf biopic “La Vie En Rose” (La Môme ).

Whitaker last starred in “Street Kings” and has several projects awaiting release, including “Powder Blue” and “Repossession Mambo.”

Zellweger was last seen alongside George Clooney in “Leatherheads.” She will next star in Ed Harris’ western “Appaloosa,” followed by Christian Alvart’s horror thriller “Case 39.”

Note: IMDb lists the film as “My Very Own Love Song,” whereas Variety goes with “My Own Love Song.”