Ass-Kick Instead

Last night I saw the film Kick-Ass which has drawn a lot of criticism (and free publicity) due to the fact that young star Chloe Moretz, who plays Hit Girl, swears like a sailor and wields a sword like a betrayed bride. Yes, the film is violent. It's based on a Marvel comic series of the same name written by Mark Millar and illustrated by Marvel veteran John Romita Jr. and it follows the story of average high schooler Dave Lizewski. Dave comes up with the idea to become a superhero after having a chat with a couple of his comic book geek friends. Along the way he encounters real heroes Big Daddy, played by a DC obsessed Nicolas Cage, and his daughter Mindy,aka Hit Girl. Nicolas Cage is so obsessed in real life with DC, he actually named his child Kal-el after the Kryptonian name of Clark Kent (aka Superman). If this post has already gotten too geeky for you, it's probably time to stop reading now. 

Kick-Ass after all is a film made by comic book geeks FOR comic book geeks, and one that isn't for the faint of heart. 

New York Lately and Gary King

I don't often cry during trailers for low budget films, but watching one for Gary King's New York Lately, I'm a little choked up. I've been following Gary on twitter for ages, but never really had a look at his work. Silly me. Please visit his website and take a look at what he's done. A talented guy who is set to make a big name for himself. Follow Gary on twitter @grking.

The Wrestler 2...but not really!

It's Mickey Rourke in Iron Man 2 as Whiplash! Geek out!

This is thanks to Empire Online. Click the link for full article.

Ps does anyone else think his face looks like the V for Vendetta mask? Just sayin'!

Bruce Lee vs Iron Man

Ever wonder who would win in a fight?

New All Star Cast podcast...Nicole and I do our own little in studio rant about the new Terminator 4, discuss the previous 3 Terminator films and give you some tips on DVD storage. Click here to listen!

Birthday

Wow, it's been an entire month since I last posted anything. I have no idea what's wrong with me. I've missed talking about my faves of 08, about the Oscars and the wonderful hosting job by Hugh Jackman and of course my predictions for 09.

I've seen SO many movies. Milk and the Wrestler were among my top faves of last year. Truly compelling simple stories, one of a real person and one fictional. I relished in the return of Mickey Rourke to proper dramatic acting, not to detract from his Sin City performance in any way which was excellent. I saw Sean Penn grow a heart where I thought would only be stone forever. 2008 wasn't a remarkable year for film, but these films will always make me remember it.

I recently also saw Role Models which really was full of as much emotion as it was of swearing.

Today I was thinking about 2009 as I read Empire Magazine's films to watch section. I saw the Terminator: Salvation trailer and forgot entirely about Christian Bale's idiotic rant. Then my friend Megan, who sometimes writes here and who co-hosts All Star Cast with me, mentioned that Watchmen starts this week.

I think 2009 is going to be an exciting year for film. Among the huge blockbusters such as the latest Harry Potter flick, there are some powerful small films set to ignite the hearts of all true movie buffs as highlighted at the end of this year's Academy Awards.

I'll try to post more often and am trying to get something visually better for you to peruse.

Thanks for being patient, and for all those of you who keep pestering me to post, DON'T STOP!

Finally, here's a pic of me turning 30. I still feel like a kid really
.

(Left to Right) My best friend Gen, myself, and best friend Megan

SLACK!

I'm sorry for not posting, it's the silly season, plus I'm lazy.

I hope you all have a very lovely Christmas no matter what religion you practice (if any). Just be good to each other and spend some time with your friends and family.

I hope there will be many more exciting things happening for you in the year to come.

Keep your eye on JRM. That new website is just sitting there waiting to be used. I have the new podcast, ALL STAR CAST, on the way as well as hopefully resuming some of my writing duties.

I'm looking forward to a bunch of great movies in 2009 including the new Harry Potter film which will eventually make it to screens if I have to hunt down JK Rowling myself.

I'll try to work on a "Best of 2008" list and will hopefully be seeing "The Day the Earth Stood Still" tomorrow.

Take care and be safe...at least until 2009. ;)

You better believe it Bub.

Well, it's finally here. X-Men Origins: Wolverine, the trailer. One word: Gambit. Lovers of the comic will get my drift though he looks a little cartoonish in this trailer. I'm really looking forward to seeing this film!

Here's hoping my copy of Wolverine #1 goes up in value. Schnikety Schnik.

Shhhh....

Ok so as luck would have it, boyfriend is watching Don't Mess With the Zohan as his friends are over for dinner. Yes! It's actually a great movie because it's entertaining and it knows what it is. Not all comedies have to be intelligent. Wine, Carbonara, a buffed up Adam Sandler...cheers!

Christmas Sucks

Ok so I've been really slack with blogging. There are several reasons and I'm one of those people who (sadly) always has an excuse. Let's review.

1. Christmas sucks: Everything you need to do takes 4 times as long because the entire population of a state converges on the capital city (or nearest large shopping facility) to buy gross amounts of gifts for people they love but mostly people they likely despise. This time of year is optimum suck up time in case you haven't guessed. I just wander around at lunch time scared to become part of the throng JUST IN CASE of the Zombpocalypse. Knowing my luck, it will happen the day I finally decide to buy Xmas presents (most likely Dec 24).

2. No computer: I bought all the parts. I bought the best parts. People asked me if I was going to work for NASA with the computer I was about to have built. Yet, this IS me we're talking about so you guessed it...the parts are gathering dust while a damaged (and effing expensive) mobo gets repaired. When I finally do have a computer and am not using boyfriend's or borrowed laptop or unethically work computer, then I might be able to get back to a regular writing schedule.

3. No time for movies: This is perhaps the most heartbreaking reason of all. I have not been to the movies since I saw a preview of Twilight which would make it once in the last 4 weeks. I know, it's sad. Even at home I've managed to watch 1/8th of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles before falling asleep. Damn Xmas.

So I'm neglecting myself, neglecting this blog, neglecting the local cinema and well, I'm just a bit lost to tell you the truth.

I was also talking to a woman today at a work function who I realised was completely bitter. She was so full of bile it was almost spilling out into her glass of averagely priced champagne. She was telling me, with way too much enthusiasm, the devlish story of how she tortured some poor cafe employee and I smiled and nodded and waited for someone to put a bullet in my head. I suppose this holidays will be spent trying to discover if Jen Reviews Movies or if Jen takes it in the theoretical career bum.

Merry Xmas everyone!

All Star Cast - A new podcast about movies

I almost forgot! Megan and I will be doing a new podcast, coming soon. Please support the podcast and this blog by becoming fans of both on facebook. Just use the search thingy at the top of the page and type in Jen Reviews Movies or All Star Cast. If you find one, you'll find the other.

Thank you!!! :)

Holy Frakkin' Terminator!

I'm totally on the home page of The Arnold Fans!

I can't believe it! This could possibly be one of the best days of my life and I'm not even ashamed! Kidding, but it's pretty cool.

Click here to see all our tough party pics!

Thanks to our host Richie and of course, the main organiser for the last many years before I even started going Charlie! He's been a die hard Arn fan for as long as I've known him and most of the gear in the pics belongs to him.

Can't wait until next year!

Vacation Time!

Dear Friends,

I'll be on vacation until next Friday so please excuse the no posting!

I'll be gettin' my beach on!

Thanks for all your support on JRM. We reach a year soon and hopefully I'll be able to celebrate with our first ever podcast and a launch of the new site.

Stay tuned!

In movie related things, I saw Eagle Eye which was really fun to watch but a bit silly and ripped off one of my fave sci-fi stories of all time. I still loved it though. Great action! 3.5/5

I also saw The Duchess. SNORE. I must admit, Kiera Knightley goes above and beyond the call of duty trying to hold the entire movie on her scarily thin shoulders but in vain. The only other redeeming quality of the film is its look. The locations and costumes are unbelievable. 2.5/5

The US election is heating up! Who will you vote for? Whoever it is just make sure you do. The fate of the whole country is in your hands, quite literally!

See you all when I get back from sand, sun and surf!

Jen xx

R.I.P. Paul Newman

Sadly, actor and all around lovely person Paul Newman has passed away. I remember the first time I saw him in a movie. I was just a kid living in Texas watching reruns on TNT and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) came on. I switched over on a particularly heated scene between him and Elizabeth Taylor and his performance gave me chills. I remember asking my Mom all about him and her response was an immediate "well I declare" look on her face followed by a heart felt sigh. Everyone who's seen Paul Newman and his handsome face in a role probably gets that look or something like it. He was one of the original "Men want to be him, women want to be with him" type guys.

He is survived by family who released a statement about Newman in his personal life, and kinder words couldn't have been read. Clearly he was loved by everyone, publicly and privately.

Cancer took his life, but he will always live on as a true legend of film.

R.I.P. Paul Newman (1925-2008)

2 new DVD's

Today while shopping for a birthday present, I succumbed to an addiction I’ve suffered from for quite a while, one to film. Every time I walk into a bulk/wholesale media store I never walk out empty handed. With DVD's getting so cheap now (thank you Blu-ray) it's difficult to turn away. Especially when I see titles like I came across this afternoon during my lunch break, ones from my childhood.

King Solomon’s Mines (1985)

It was 4 years after Indiana Jones captured the hearts of people everywhere, not to mention their hard earned greenbacks. Paramount took their little whip cracking hero all the way to the bank and then some with George Lucas chuckling away in the background. Who wouldn’t want a piece of that type of success? Jones was already a hero that would never be forgotten and even though years had passed, suits were scrambling to recreate his charisma and style.

The Cannon Group, famous for making movies “inspired by” far better ones, decided to have a go at the war-era type hero and cast gay actor Richard Chamberlain as their version of Indy. King Solomon’s Mines also stars Sharon Stone in an early role as well as Indy pal John Rhys-Davies and its sequel starred James Earl Jones. The franchise wasn’t legendary, but the films were certainly entertaining.

In Mines, “Fortune hunter Allan Quatermain teams up with a resourceful woman to help her find her missing father lost in the wilds of 1900s Africa while being pursued by hostile tribes and a rival German explorer.”(source: imdb.com) Germans? Check. Sexy woman? Check. Handsome, manly, wise-cracking lead with a great big strong ticker? Uhhhh…ermmm…

Anyway, my adult mind can see how schlocky this movie is and that it’s clearly a rip-off of Raiders of the Lost Ark but there buried deep inside is 8 year old me watching the VHS repeatedly and thinking it was just charming.
I’m looking forward to re-watching this classic B grade adventure.

Harry and the Hendersons (1987)

When I came back to work from my lunch break I was thoroughly excited by this find. Rick Baker’s gorgeous Bigfoot creation and John Lithgow’s angry Dad were in my hot little hands! As I went from staff member to staff member excitedly showing off what for me was like the Lost Ark itself, I was met with blank stares. Harry and the whatsthatnow? Seriously, does anyone remember this film?

In the film, George (John Lithgow), Nancy, Sarah and Ernie (who make up a very average cheesy sitcom-type American family) hit a huge Bigfoot with their station wagon. They take the creature home and Harry, as he is dubbed, promptly begins to destroy everything while capturing the hearts of the family (including their dog). George is the only one who can’t wait to get rid of Harry but when men looking to take advantage of the big lug come into the picture, the family bands together to get Harry home to his forest safely.

This movie was hilarious to me as I was 9 years old when it came out but it’s always made me cry (and wish Harry were real). It’s a touching story of how people can either live with nature or fight against it and how average people can do extraordinary things. It’s also one of those films that showcases exploitation, even if it is in a nicey-nice sort of way.

Harry and the Hendersons is a great family film and I think kids today would still enjoy it, so long as they aren’t too young to be scared or too old to realize something about the hair and clothes just isn’t right.

And yes, before you even ask, there was a TV show based on this flick.

I’m totally excited to have gotten my hands on both of these DVD's, if only for nostalgic reasons. See, movies don’t always have to be blockbusters or entrants in Cannes to be enjoyed and loved. Bring on 5pm!

I'm Baaaaack

What a crazy week. My boyfriend had to practically have his finger reattached after a work accident (he's a chef). It took a day of waiting on surgery but he got it fixed up and without using his health insurance, came away owing $0. I love the Aussie health care system. Brilliant microsurgery for zip, zero and zilch. This is why I refuse to get health insurance here...there is no point! (Thank you universal health care, you are wonderful) His finger was saved btw.
Here in Australia people have "footy fever" which means necks get thicker, brains get smaller and beer quite literally sells out. The AFL (that's Aussie Rules Football) Grand Final (that's Superbowl) is this Saturday and people are flying their colors (no, not gang related). I must admit, the atmosphere does get a little electric and the idea of a giant BBQ spread and friends getting together is pretty cool.



Regarding the "political intrigue" between friends, well that's a long and interesting story and it boils down to her=McCain, me=Obama. I refuse however to belittle John McCain and only choose to support Obama and his intelligent policies. Ugh, politics are so ick. Once again, why the W movie really, why? They should call it "Billy Bob Goes to Washington". "GIT AWFF MAH LAYND"!!!




I still haven't talked to my Granny in Texas post-Ike. The phones are still out where she lives and as it's in the middle of country nowhere, she probably won't get it on for another few days yet. I have been informed that she is ok but it's sad she can't have her aircon on. She's over 80!



Well enough of my bitching, here's something a bit more related to THIS blog in particular. Movies! More specifically one film, Step Brothers, starring Will Ferrell and John C Reilly. It lulled in bits and a couple of the jokes were "Blades of Glory" lame, but finally a comedy from the frat pack I can really sink my teeth into. I seriously laughed my buttocks off in this film and it was refreshing. One, because I now have a more slender rear end, but mainly because I rarely laugh that much in a film. I mean, I guffawed, I cried. There was one scene, and I'm not going to spoil it, but it almost makes me forget the full frontal male nudity in "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" Almost. (GOODNESS)

I have to give Step Brothers a 3.5/5. It was really great. Not as funny or as well done as something like Superbad, but not nearly as awful as "Blades of Glory" or "Semi-Pro". My favorite line from the film "You have the voice of an angel. I mean, it's like Fergie meets Jesus".

Classic.

Temporary outage of blog

Hi All...behind the scenes of JRM my family and friends in Texas are in the middle of Ike, or by now it's aftermath. I'm also embroiled in some minor political intrigue with a former close friend in said great state. Both these things are causing immense trauma to my life and are occupying all my thoughts. I assume within a few days at least one of these issues may be resolved (like when the phone stops being busy and my Granny answers to confirm her and our entire family are alive and well).

I tend to be a highly emotional creature so I apologise for not being able to comparmentalise like I usually can...these things are too extreme.

Hopefull I'll be able to concentrate on lighter topics very soon.

*Update (Sept 15) - My boyfriend is now in surgery. These things come in threes right? I'm about to head back to the hospital with some of his things...

Chicks, please read!

Lice spread through Hollywood at amazing speeds

Hey ladies! I started a group on facebook a while back that is dying, tragically. It's called "Just because I'm a girl, doesn't mean I can't love action movies"! Yes, imaginative I know.

Well if you'd like to join just click HERE and I hope I see you there!

We talk about all things geeky including film, television and gaming.

I need someone to moderate it as well so if you want to do it, let me know and I'll make you an "officer" of the group!

Prediction: Stupidest movie ever

I just saw the trailer for arrogantly titled "W" , the George W. Bush biopic, and I am honestly dumbfounded. How? Why? I propose that Oliver Stone has done a "Lucas" and lost his damn mind. Even funnier is that totally awesome people have agreed to be in this film! I feel swindled already.

Here's another prediction for you. Hell, take several.

Future Movies About Things We Don't Want To See

"The Tax Office" Intrigue occurs when Tom Hanks is processing a Tax Return. (I should have just said Angels and Demons here)

"Baby Talk" Grown ups who talk like babies, trendy new fetish. The lost Kubrick film.

"Traffic School" People who needlessly drive with their brights on, never indicate and merge in an intersection get taught a lesson...by Vin Diesel!

"Janitor Justice" A janitor at a high school just can't take it anymore. Nicholas Cage stars (with mullet).

"Junk Mail" A catalog delivery woman gets kidnapped by a crazy environmentalist and is forced to "rub the hemp oil" on.

"Office Talk" Everything you ever wanted to know about the most insignificant person you'll ever meet, heard second hand while she's on the phone!

I think you get the idea...

I need some funny

I pass this video on so much I thought I better post it (and I can't remember if I did already and can't be bothered looking).

This is Shia La Beouf (supposedly) promoting Indy IV but actually telling the HILARIOUS story of his arrest that night at Walgreens (chemist/pharmacy chain in the US).