THUNDEROUS UPDATE: Tropical August

http://au.news.yahoo.com/a/-/entertainment/4855416/downey-denies-imitating-russell-crowe

August 21st – Tropic Thunder, starring Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr (did you see Iron Man?!? Awesome!)

http://www.tropicthunder.com/home.html

Taken from the above link: – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - – - -

In his new action comedy Tropic Thunder, Robert Downey Jr plays a rugged, tough-talking Australian movie star.

Downey Jr’s mannerisms and Aussie accent have Hollywood movie critics speculating.

Was Downey Jr channelling Russell Crowe?

“I certainly wasn’t trying to impersonate him,” Downey Jr told AAP in an interview in Los Angeles.

Audiences can decide for themselves.

Tropic Thunder opens in Australian cinemas on August 21.

The comedy is about a group of insecure, pampered and self-absorbed actors who get lost while shooting a war film in a jungle in South East Asia.

It also stars Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Nick Nolte and a who’s who of A-List actors in surprise cameos.

Critics are calling it the funniest film of 2008 and the trailer is a hit on YouTube.

In the movie, Downey Jr’s character, Aussie tough guy actor Kirk Lazarus, is so committed to pulling off a realistic performance as an African American soldier, he undergoes a “controversial medical” procedure to turn his skin dark.

Lazarus also drops his Australian accent and convinces himself he is African American.

But, Downey Jr, who has overcome high profile problems with drugs to climb back to the top of Hollywood with this year’s blockbuster, Iron Man, is hoping he does not receive a call from an angry Crowe.

“I have such high esteem for the guy that, honestly, I would feel so bad if he was in any way offended because it wasn’t my intention,” Downey Jr said.

Coming in August!

Awesome news – there are more movies are coming this month (and then in September).

Star Wars: The Clone Wars (14th August)

Hellboy 2: The Golden Army (28th August)

BUT, this Friday the club will be checking out Jackie Chan and Jet Li’s next movie “Forbidden Kingdom” @ 6:40 AT GREATER UNION, CASTLE HILL!!! (Please note: the change of venue!)

MOVIE 4 – The Dark Knight

It’s been a long time coming, not just for this film, but for any comments since a group of 8 Norwest movie-goer’s saw it on Wednesday 16th June. Over a week ago.

It’s taken that long (well, it hasn’t been that long, but man, in this fast pace life it’s felt like ages).

There has been much said, but without a doubt we were over-awed and concluded that the film is totally breath-taking. Heh heh, geeking-out much. Anyhow, the film doesn’t play like a Superhero movie at all, it’s more a dark crime thriller. Coming out of the film to the credits first saying “Batman” and then “Joker” was most jarring.

It definitely deserves another viewing, and hopefully we’ll make to an Imax screening soon!

More movie news coming soon!

Bassbot

A Quantum Trailer

You might have seen the trailer recently at the movies, but take it from me (if you want), the new Bond film is take off where Casino Royale began and continue to reinvigorate the Bond franchise.

Enjoy the trailer at this link!

http://www.sonypictures.com.au/movies/quantumofsolace/

Bassbot

The Dragon Warrior is: A PANDA!

The Dragon Warrior - A Panda

Awesome. Legendary. Bodacious.

Just a few of the words that adequately describe DreamWorks’ “Kung Fu Panda”.

Last night, with my wife, sister and dad in tow, we checked out “Kung Fu Panda” and loved it. There were families and adults in the theatre and the laughter could be heard throughout the movie. We all enjoyed it and loved it.

Po, a Giant Panda, dreams of becoming a Kung Fu master, alongside his heroes the Furious Five; Mantis, Crane, Tigress, Monkey and Viper – his father, however, dreams of his son taking over the family noodle business (which his descendants won in a game of Mahjong).

The humour is cute, honest and bright. The animation is brilliant. And for once, a stellar cast of voices works hard at voicing CHARACTERS and not themselves. Jack Black is less his ever-energetic, teenage-excited, and hyper-activeness, rather “Po” is a quietly compelling and genuinely lovable character. You feel for him the moment you meet him, and his transformation from fat panda to Dragon Warrior, whilst brief, is endearing.

Ian McShane (“Deadwood”) is Tai Long, a ferocious villian with a sad past, and Dustin Hoffman is “Shifu”, which actually means “Master”, even though he is called Master Shifu. So well does he voice this character that I don’t mind him being called Master Master.

This film is for all ages, and all times, we saw it at 7:40pm, and walked out of the theatre just after 9:00, at around 80 minutes young children will enjoy it and be engaged, which may be just what you need getting into the school holidays.

4/5 Stars.

Bassbot

Kung Fu Mamma

Over the first month of this movie blog, you may have noticed a trend in the movie genres and types – that will change – and i’ll start it here.

It’s the school holidays so a range of family friendly films arrive on our shores, and two seem to be standing out.

For the more estrogen inclined there is “Mamma Mia”, based on the music of ABBA and featuring a pretty good cast including Meryl Streep, former-007 Pierce Brosnan and Colin Firth. I know my wife is going to see this with her mother (thanks for not dragging me along ).

More interesting for kids and adults alike is “Kung Fu Panda”, Dreamworks latest animated film (the makers of “Shrek”) and from all accounts they compete well with classic animated film producer’s Pixar in this outing. Jack Black leads the voice cast which includes Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman and Jackie Chan (for one or two lines).

I’m hopefully going to see this tonight with my folks and sis, so i’ll have more to say about it later!
Here’s a couple of movie posters to keep you interested.

Bassbot

Movie Poster - Mamma MiaMovie Poster -Kung Fu Panda