A very wide vareity of new movies to pick from this week….

New at Theaters (Friday): “The Box”, “A Christmas Carol” (3D & IMAX), “The Fourth Kind”, “Men Who Stare at Goats”, “More Than A Game” (limited), “Big Fan” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon), “September Issue” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon), “No Impact Man” (UICA in Grand Rapids), “The Way We Get By” (UICA in Grand Rapids)

Limited Release in Grand Rapids market: 
“More Than A Game” (Celebration! North),
“Big Fan” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon),
“September Issue” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon),
“No Impact Man” (UICA in Grand Rapids),
“The Way We Get By” (UICA in Grand Rapids)

Moving to Woodland Mall this week ($4.00 shows): “Whip It”, “Inglorious Basterds”, “Capitalism: A Love Story”, “Shorts”, “Sorority Row”

Best Bet(s): I have not seen any of the new movies in wide release YET…  but at least two of the four are getting moderate-to-average reviews (”A Christmas Carol” and “Men Who Stare at Goats”). “Big Fan” is getting some good response and it plays in Muskegon for a week and then will be at the UICA on 11/20.   And for $4.00, the filmed in Michigan comedy-drama “Whip It”  is more than worth the price of admission… so is “500 Days of Summer”… go see that if you haven’t already for gosh sakes!

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

New this Week on DVD: “Aliens in the Attic”, “The Answer Man”, “Food, Inc.”, “G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra”, “I Love You Beth Cooper”,  “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″, “Command Performance”

Best Bets: The Waterfront Film Festival alum “The Answer Man” is a fun laugh out loud romantic comedy starring Michigan native Jeff Daniels… the thriller remake “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″ that I liked but many others weren’t impressed by… and if you were a fan of the 1980s “G.I. Joe” cartoons or like over-the-top action movies  “G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra” is for you (I liked it for what it was).   You’re on your own for: “Food, Inc.” an eye-opening documentary, “Aliens in the Attic” is a family adventure, fans of Hayden Pannetiere (”Heroes”) might like “I Love You Beth Cooper” which actually got some good reviews, and fans of Dolph Lundgren might consider “Command Performance”.

Next Week at Theaters: “2012″, “Pirate Radio”, “Act of God” (UICA in Grand Rapids), “World’s Greatest Dad” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon)

11/25 – “A Serious Man” (limited)

Next Week on DVD: “Up”, “The Accidental Husband”, “The Merry Gentleman”, “Spread”, “The Ugly Truth”, “Watchmen” (Director’s cut)

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT/BUY: 

Playing at West Michigan movie theaters:
“500 Days of Summer” (9.5 / 10)
“District 9″ (9.0 / 10)
“The Hurt Locker” (8.9/ 10)
“Star Trek” (8.5 / 10)
“Paranormal Activity” (8.5 / 10)
“The Hangover” (8.0 / 10)
“Where The Wild Things Are” (7.9 / 10)
“Angels & Demons” (8.5 / 10) – on DVD 11/24
“Whip It” (7.9 / 10)
“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” (7.5 / 10)
“Couples Retreat” (7.5 / 10)
“Weather Girl” (7.5 / 10)
“Four Christmases”  (7.5 / 10) – on DVD 11/24
“Law Abiding Citizen” (7.5 / 10)
“The Ugly Truth” (7.5 / 10)
“This Is It” (7.0 / 10)
“Extract” (6.5 /10)
“Surrogates” (6.5 / 10)
“Love Happens” (7.0* review deferred to my wife)
“All About Steve” (5.5 / 10)

- – -

Available to rent or buy:
“Slumdog Millionaire” (9.5/ 10)
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” (9.5 / 10)
“The Dark Knight” (9.5 / 10)
“Changeling”  (9.5 / 10)
“WALL-E” (9.0)
“Pride and Glory” (9.0 / 10)
“The Wrestler” (8.9 / 10)
“Righteous Kill” (8.9 / 10)
“Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen”  (8.9 / 10)
“Eagle Eye” (8.5 / 10)
“Burn After Reading” (8.5 / 10)
“The Answer Man” (8.5 / 10)
“Wanted” (8.0 / 10)
“Defiance” (8.0 / 10)
“I Love You, Man” (8.0/ 10)
“The Proposal” (8.0 /10)
“State of Play” (8.0 / 10)
“The Visitor” (8.0 / 10)
“The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″ (8.0/ 10)
“Australia”  (7.9 / 10)
“Frozen River” (7.9 / 10)
“Revolutionary Road” (7.9 / 10)
“New in Town” (7.9 / 10)
“Felon” (7.9 / 10)
“X-Men Origins: Wolverine” (7.5 / 10)
“Quantum of Solace”  (7.5 / 10)
“Taken” (7.5 / 10)
“G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra” (7.5 / 10)
“The Air I Breathe” 
“Hancock” 
“Fanboys” (8.5 for me, adjusted to 7.5 for most)
“Traitor” (7.5 / 10)
“The Bank Job” 
“He’s Just Not That Into You” (7.5 / 10)
“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”
“Role Models” (7.5 / 10)
“The Boy in the Striped Pajamas” (7.5 / 10 )
“Marley & Me” (7.5 / 10)
“Bride Wars” (7.5 / 10)
“The Women” (7.5 / 10)
“Rachel Getting Married” (7.0)
“Paul Blart: Mall Cop” (7.0 / 10)
“Get Smart” (7.0 / 10)
“The Happening” 
“Bedtime Stories” (7.0 / 10)
“Twilight”  (7.0 / 10)
“Knowing” (7.0 / 10)
“Watchmen” (7.0 / 10)
“Funny Games” 
“Nights in Rodanthe” (7.0 / 10)
“Hotel for Dogs” (7.0 / 10)
“Forgetting Sarah Marshall” (6.9 / 10)
“Appaloosa” (6.9 / 10)
“Surveillance” (6.9 / 10)
“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” 
“The Invasion” 
“What Just Happened” (6.5 / 10)
“Hamlet 2″ 
“Lakeview Terrace” (6.5 / 10)
“Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead”
“Imagine That” (6.5 / 10)
“Hellboy II: Golden Army” (6.5 / 10)
“Tropic Thunder” (6.5 /10)
“Good Luck Chuck”
“The Day the Earth Stood Still” (6.5 / 10)
“Ghosts of Girlfriends Past” (6.0 / 10)
“Journey to the Center of the Earth” 
“Star Wars: The Clone Wars” (6.0 / 10)
“Body of Lies” (6.0)
“Monsters Vs. Aliens” (6.0 / 10)
“Zach and Miri Make a Porno” (6.0 / 10)
“Noise” (6.0 / 10)
“The Chaos Experiment” (6.0 / 10)**
“Fragments” (5.5 / 10)
“Confessions of A Shopaholic” (5.5 / 10)
“My Life in Ruins” (5.5 / 10)
“Quarantine” (5.5 / 10)
“Charlie Wilson’s War” 
“Mad Money” 
“Year One” (4.0 / 10)
“Dance Flick” (2.0 / 10)

– 

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You have another chance to see the classic ‘Wizard of Oz’

If you missed it back in September, the 70th Anniversary presentation of “The Wizard Of Oz”, is coming back to more than 300 movie theaters across the country on one night only November 17th.

The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Encore Event will happen on Tuesday, November 17th at 6:30 p.m. in 324 movie theaters.   The remastered movie will be introduced with a taped interview from Robert Osborne, film historian and host of Turner Classic Movies.

In West Michigan, the movie will be at the following theaters, tickets are $10 and available at the box office:

West Columbia 7 - 2500 Columbia Ave W,  Battle Creek, MI, 49015

Holland 7 - 500 S Waverly Rd, Holland, MI, 49423
 
Kalamazoo 10 - 820 Maple Hill Dr, Kalamazoo, MI, 49009

Its also playing at 11 other theaters across Michigan, check theaters for ticket prices: (more…)

Sorry, this is one day late…

New this Week on DVD: “Aliens in the Attic”, “The Answer Man”, “Food, Inc.”, “G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra”, “I Love You Beth Cooper”,  “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″, “Command Performance”

Best Bets: The Waterfront Film Festival alum “The Answer Man” is a fun laugh out loud romantic comedy starring Michigan native Jeff Daniels… the thriller remake “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″ that I liked but many others weren’t impressed by… and if you were a fan of the 1980s “G.I. Joe” cartoons or like over-the-top action movies  “G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra” is for you (I liked it for what it was).   You’re on your own for: “Food, Inc.” an eye-opening documentary, “Aliens in the Attic” is a family adventure, fans of Hayden Pannetiere (”Heroes”) might like “I Love You Beth Cooper” chich actually got seom good reviews, and fans of Dolph Lundgren might consider “Command Performance”.

Next Week on DVD: “Up”, “The Accidental Husband”, “The Merry Gentleman”, “Spread”, “The Ugly Truth”, “Watchmen” (Director’s cut)

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT/BUY:  (more…)

Poll results: Top 50 Scary Movies of All Time
This was an unscientific poll, but pretty telling once all the votes were in, very few surprises… but what is it about the late 1960s and 1970s?  9 of your top 15 scariest movies of all time were made between 1965 and 1979.

#1 “Exorcist” (1973)
#2 “Halloween” (1978)
#3 “The Shining” (1980)
#4 “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” (1974)
#5 “Friday the 13th” (1980)
#6 “28 Days Later” (2002)
#7 “Jaws” (1975)
#8-tie “The Ring” (2002)
#8-tie “House of Wax” (2005)
#10 “The Omen” (1976)
–
#11-tie “Amityville Horror” (1979)
#11-tie “Alien” (1979)
#11-tie “The Haunting” (1963)
#11-tie “Rosemary’s Baby” (1968)
#15 “Night of the Living Dead” (1968)
#16 “Psycho” (1960)
#17 “Saw” (2004)
#18 “Carrie” (1976)
#19 “Arachnophobia” (1990)
#20 “The Evil Dead” (1981)
(more…)

Girl Scouts and Cast of the First Annual Event

Happy November Everyone!  In this age of blogging, I thought it was time to try my hand at it.  My main goal will be to share important events, interesting weather information, and other tidbits that come along, which you may enjoy.  Now, the only question is where to start?

I know!  Last Thursday evening, an exciting event took place at the Wealthy Theatre, on behalf of the Girl Scouts, called “That’s Entertainment!”!  It was the first time an event such as this has taken place in West Michigan, but from the result, it certainly won’t be the last.  Through this combined network event, thousands of dollars were raised for the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore, and, as a bonus, local media personalities got to show off their talents!

The evening was a jam-packed full of dancing, singing, laughing and tons of fun.  Brian Sterling, Dee Morrison, and I, along with others, took part in an opening dance, choreographed to “All that Jazz”, from the musical Chicago…complete with a top-hat!  After a stunning finale, the individual acts took off.  They included juggling, lip syncing, and even a rap number!  Brian Sterling had the entire theatre smiling from ear to ear with his comics.  To make it even better, Terri DeBoer gave him a glowing introduction and then showed off with a little baton twirling (she is really good).  While manning the flip cam, I prepared for my turn on stage.  Hula Dancing, how about that for a talent?  Surprised?  Yeah, so was I.  As a last minute fill-in, I learned the short dance in about 30 minutes.  Not perfect, but tons of fun, and definitely a great leg workout!

The night finished with the song “This One’s for the Girls”, an amazingly fitting way to end a fabulous night.

Big thanks go out to all who made it possible; everything from booking the theatre, arranging the food, tickets, talent, choreographers….Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.  It is so true that hard work does pay off.  Now I’m thinking, “Can’t wait till next year.”  Better yet, I think I already have my talent picked…but I’m not telling:-)

“This Is It” wins weekend, extended past two week run… 2nd lowest weekend total of 2009

Sure it opened Wednesday, but just the Friday-Sunday estimated numbers ($21 million) add up to a box office win for “This Is It” the Michael Jackson concert documentary.   “This Is It” dominated the weekend, becoming the highest grossing concert movie.   Sony Pictures announced today that the flick that was orignally scheduled to to play for two weeks, will now play for 4 1/2 weeks …. through the Thanksgiving weekend.

“Paranormal Activity” was the only other movie with more than $10 million ($16 million) this weekend, the horror thriller is now in more than 2,400 theaters, its widest release so far, and again with the highest per theater average of the top 12 movies… which means the movie is making more money/has more people per showing.

Overall, as you could guess with only 2 movies in double-digit millions, it was a down weekend.  The box office saw a 25% decrease from last weekend, and at $79.42 million for the top 12 movies, is the 2nd lowest total of the year (Sept. 11-13 was $76.21 million).  If you’re wondering, last year’s Halloween weekend was also weak, totalling just $73.99 million (a 38% drop from the previous weekend).

 TOP MOVIES AT WEEKEND BOX OFFICE (estimated results):
1. “This Is It” - $21.30 million (1st week)

2. “Paranormal Activity” – $16.54 million
(6th week of release, was #1 last week, lost 22% of audience from last week)

3. “Law Abiding Citizen” – $7.30 million
(3rd week, was #4 last week, lost 41% from last week)

4. “Couples Retreat” - $6.10 million
(4th week, was #5 last week, lost 43% from last week)

5. “Saw VI” – $5.56 million
(2nd week, was #2 last week, lost 61% from last week)

(more…)

The HTC Touch Pro2

When I took the HTC Touch Pro2 out of the box that Verizon had sent me, the first thing that struck me was its amazingly large screen. Then, while still holding it in hand, I noticed its weight. It was heavy enough to do some damage if thrown. The 3.6-inch screen, with its stunning 480×800 resolution is made possible by the ginormous size, it measures 4.57″ (H) x 2.33″ (W) x 0.68″ (D) and weighs 6.4 ounces.

Comparing the weight to the iPhone’s 4.8 ounces and the Palm Pre’s 4.76 ounces, it’s a lot heavier. You may say 1.6 ounces isn’t all that much, but when it’s a full 33 percent heavier, I say that’s a lot. The Touch Pro2 isn’t as wide as Apple’s iPhone, but it’s extra thickness and height add to its bulk. When walking around with the phone in my pocket, it felt noticeable and not every phone is. Compared to the Palm Pre, the Touch Pro2 is wider, taller, thicker and heavier.

(more…)

Halloween is here… and there are plenty of options in theaters… or you can check our Top 50 Scary Movies of All Time poll for ideas on what to rent for Halloween… or check out the Michael Jackson concert documentary “This Is It” or the limited release options…

New at Theaters (Friday): “Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” (opened Wednesday), “The Boys Are Back” (limited), ”It Might Get Loud”  (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon)

Limited Release in Grand Rapids market: 
“Halloween II” (Celebration Cinemas Friday & Saturday nights only),
“The Boys Are Back” (Celebration! North, Celebration! Crossroads, Celebration! Carousel Muskegon),
“Tony Manero” (UICA in Grand Rapids through 11/5),
Scarefest 2009 – Saturday at the Harbor Theater in Muskegon,
“Bright Star” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon through 11/5),
“Capitalism: A Love Story” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon through 11/5),
“It Might Get Loud” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon through 11/5)

Moving to Woodland Mall this week ($4.00 shows): “The Final Destination” (3D & 2D), “Pandorum”, “Jennifer’s Body”, “Fame”

Best Bet(s): If you’re a Michael Jackson fan, go see “This Is It” - its scheduled to be in theaters for 2 weeks only… otherwise if you’re looking for something scary for Halloween, there’s “Paranormal Activity”, “Saw VI”, “Halloween II”, “The Stepfather”, “Cirque Du Freak”, “The Final Destination”, “Pandorum”, or “Jennifer’s Body”. 

 CLICK HERE TO FIND A MOVIE SHOWTIME

New on DVD (Tuesday): “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs”, “Nothing Like the Holidays”, “Orphan”, “Stan Helsing”, “Whatever Works”

Best Bet(s): You’re on your own with five very different options, none of which I’ve seen yet: the 3rd movie in the popular family franchise “Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs”… the holiday movie focused on a family ”Nothing Like the Holidays”… the thriller “Orphan”… the spoof “Stan Helsing”… and the Woody Allen romantic comedy “Whatever Works”.

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Next Week at Theaters: “The Box”, “A Christmas Carol”, “The Fourth Kind”, “Men Who Stare at Goats”, “A Serious Man” (limited), “More Than A Game” (limited), “Big Fan” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon), “September Issue” (The Harbor Theater in Muskegon), “No Impact Man” (UICA in Grand Rapids), “The Way We Get By” (UICA in Grand Rapids)

Next Week on DVD: “Aliens in the Attic”, “The Answer Man”, “Food, Inc.”, “G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra”, “I Love You Beth Cooper”,  “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3″

MY REVIEWS OF OTHER MOVIES CURRENTLY PLAYING IN THEATERS OR AVAILABLE TO RENT/BUY:  (more…)

Celebration! Cinema selling tickets for “Twilight” and “New Moon” on same night

Forget how the first one ended?  Just want to see it again?  Never saw it?!!?  Here’s your chance to see “Twilight” and the sequel “New Moon” on the same trip to the theater!!

Tickets are already selling at many Celebration! Cinema locations for Thursday, November 19th when “Twilight”, the first film in the series, will be shown at 9:00pm and then ”New Moon” premieres at midnight Friday, November 20th.

Here’s a look at how tickets are sellling at Celebration locations (as of 8am 10/29/09):

Celebration! Cinema Benton Harbor – 1 “New Moon” show sold out

Celebration! Cinema Crossroads

Celebration! Cinema Grand Rapids North – 3 “New Moon” shows sold out

Celebration! Cinema Grand Rapids South – 2 “Twilight” shows sold out, 1 “New Moon” show sold out

Celebration! Cinema Lansing – 1 “Twilight” show sold out, 1 “New Moon” show sold out

Celebration! Cinema Rivertown – 3 “Twilight” shows sold out, 4 ”New Moon” shows sold out

Cinema Carousel Muskegon – 1 “New Moon” show sold out

Celebration! Cinema Mt. Pleasant – “Twilight” tickets only available at box office, 7 ”New Moon” shows sold out

 Click on this link for more info on buying tickets! (more…)

 ”This Is It” IS the concert the world never got to see.

If you’re a fan of Michael Jackson and his death left you feeling empty and looking for a final performance from the King of Pop, ”This Is It” is an absolute must.

I’m giving three options here because if you were looking forward to this movie, see it, you probably won’t be disappointed… but if you’re just mildly curious, wait and enjoy it when it is released on DVD.
 

(Spoiler-free review)

The very personal look at the making of what was to be MJ’s final concert tour is well done, blending the songs and all the back stage footage as if we the audience were attending a concert, while on stage with the music legend.

“This Is It” is taken from more than 80 hours of rehearsal, soundchecks, and backstage footage over several months as MJ and his team of performers, musicians, and technical crew prepared for his planned shows in London.

The music documentary is riveting, showcasing MJ’s creative, inspiring professionalism.  Its an amazing final performance from MJ, who at 50 years old, looks very healthy and energetic… showing he’s still got the moves and the vocals.

But its also a very personal look at how MJ conducts business with loving determination, pushing the performers and technicians to make it the best show for the audience.   While he’s surrounded himself with some of the best talent in the world, he is still carefully and calmly teaching and leading them with a caring hand to help them shine.   MJ is very hands on, which gains him respect amoung the crew.. but he is the creative force when its all said and done.

Its interesting to see the 50-year-old MJ dancing with and setting the pace for dancers and musicians 20-25 years younger… and watching them try to keep up, while he is just in warm up and rehearsal mode.  Its amazing to think what this concert and MJ would have been like in full speed “live” mode.   The dancers are the supporting cast – as the documentary points out, the dancers are “an extension of Michael” – they even go through regular pillates, ballet, and choreography for the famous ‘grab’ to keep their skills sharp.

As you can imagine, the movie, like a concert, moves from one song to another through different devices like sounchecks, lighting, and choreography.   The song list includes “Beat It”, “Black or White”, “Jam”, “Billie Jean”, “The Way You Make Me Feel”.  Like a throwback to his classic music videos, new scenes were shot for the intro of “Thriller”… and for “Smooth Criminal”, MJ is put into a scene from the 1946 movie “Gilda” to set up the whole gangster motif.   Later, in “Man in the Mirror”, he’s singing with vocalists who grew up singing the song.

He’s a man with a message too – “This Is It” also captures MJ’s environmental concerns that he put into his songs and was planning for the London shows.

THE BOTTOM LINE:

(more…)