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Red Eye
Category: On DVD
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 31, 2005 | 10:25 PM
PM Rating System

Red Eye Grade: B | Genre: Suspense
Summary: If you are edging to see McAdams at her best this summer, check out Wedding Crashers. After that if you are still needing your Rachel fix and are geared up for a taut, no-brainer thriller, get a ticket on the Red Eye.

Wes Craven (Nighmare on Elm Street, Scream Trilogy) has decided that his days as storyteller of suspense, horror and thrillers have been scared out of him as he presents us with the final chapter in his film catalog Red Eye. This film seems to be the desperate Hail Mary pass, attempting to salvage a career riddled with few hits and lots of misses. Red Eye recruits fast rising stars Rachel McAdams (the Notebook, Wedding Crashers) and Cillian Murphy (28 Days Later, Batman Begins) to tell this thriller with a touch of political intrigue and life threatening moments at 30,000 feet. Ladies and gentlemen, the captain has now turned off the fasten seatbelts sign. Feel free to torture the passenger next to you.

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CMJ Retail Charts / Issue - 928
Category: Album Charts
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 31, 2005 | 01:33 PM

1. 311 Don't Tread On Me
2. CLICK FIVE Greetings From Imrie House
3. STAIND Chapter V
4. GORILLAZ Demon Days
5. COLDPLAY X And Y
6. BLACK EYED PEAS Monkey Business
7. DANE COOK Retaliation
8. KILLERS Hot Fuss
9. YOUNG JEEZY Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101
10. MARIAH CAREY Emancipation Of Mimi

Neilson Weekly Ratings
08/22/05 - 08/28/05

Category: Television Ratings
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 31, 2005 | 01:23 PM

1. CSI - CBS
2. 60 MINUTES - CBS
2. TWO AND A HALF MEN 930P - CBS
4. CSI: MIAMI - CBS
4. WITHOUT A TRACE - CBS
6. COLD CASE - CBS
7. LAW AND ORDER - NBC
8. TWO AND A HALF MEN - CBS
9. NCIS - CBS
10. CBS SUNDAY MOVIE - CBS

Source: Zap2it

Alicia Keys Unplugged
Category: Music News
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 31, 2005 | 09:50 AM

After a three year break, MTV's famed, Unplugged, will finally return with a performance by Alicia Keys. The live session was filmed on July 14 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music with special guests including: Common, Mos Def, Damian Marley and Maroon5's Adam Levine. Fans will get a chance to catch an advanced screening one week before it becomes available in stores on October 11 via MTV's Overdrive.

Source: Reuters

Monster-in-Law
Category: DVD Archive
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 30, 2005 | 11:30 PM
PM Rating System

Monster-in-LawGrade: A- | Genre: Comedy
Summary: It's "J-Lo vs J-Fo" in a heavy weight bout where only the stronger can survive. The extremes that the two take against each other are slap-stick entertainment, and you're laughing your arse off.

Gasp...an A- rating?! For a film I originally had no interest in seeing, I must admit that I had a great time and still find myself playing gut busting scenes back in my head. Jennifer Lopez may have received top billing, but the real star of the show was Jane Fonda who played the title character with such natural ability, you wonder if life imitates art. Also notable was Wanda Sykes who, like a bandit, stole the scene every chance she could get. The two make for an interesting pairing that totally works and is the latest incarnation of the "The Odd Couple."

The night of May 5, 2005 was an opportunity to attend a red-carpet premiere of Monster-in-Law to benefit G-CAPP (Georgia Campaign For Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention), a charity spearheaded by Fonda and a worthy cause that has educated and given so many young mothers an opportunity for a more fulfilling life. All of the film's primary stars were in attendance (minus Michael Vartan due to the filming of Alias), which had the star struck crowd happy and in good spirits going into Atlanta's Fox theatre.

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Charlize Theron Gets 'Arrested'
Category: Show News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 30, 2005 | 01:50 PM

Oscar winner Charlize Theron joins the critically acclaimed Arrested Development at the start of season 3 for a five-episode arc. She will play a British woman who is the love interest of Michael (Jason Bateman). She will debut in the second episode of the season on September 19th. Theron has recently wrapped production on much talked about Aeon Flux and will star in this fall's release North Country.

Source: CNN

Could You See Natalie Portman As...
Category: Did You Know
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 30, 2005 | 10:04 AM

> Penny Lane in Almost Famous - Brad Pitt as Russell and Natalie as Penny? Now that would have been a completely different film. Crowe originally wrote the role of Russell for Pitt, which he reportedly declined for money reasons. Hudson was first to be William's sister.
> Scarlett Johansson's role in the Horse Whisperer - Horse Whisperer is the film that first put Johansson on the map. Would she still be filling the box office seats if Portman has taken this part over starring in The Diary of Anne Frank on Broadway?
> Claire Dane's Juliet in Romeo + Juliet - she auditioned for the part but was ultimately passed over due to her age. DiCaprio was 21 at the time and she was 13. Come to think of it that would look a little icky. Natalie did end up trumping Danes later for the lead in Where the Heart Is.

Source: natalieportman.com

Death Cab for Cutie - Plans
Category: Album Reviews
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 29, 2005 | 11:08 PM
PM Rating System

Death Cab for Cutie - Plans Grade: A- | Genre: Emo
Summary: While Plans falls a shade shy of the shining brilliance of Transatlanticism, it is still a mesmerizing effort to consume. Fans worried that the group's indie soul would be squeezed out the moment the pen hit the dotted line can stop wringing their hands. They are the same group of ordinary guys playing extraordinary music.

It seems everyone has been sitting around awaiting the new saviors of rock 'n roll since grunge carted off its chunky boots and sweltering flannel. Lots of wannabe contenders have tried to make their mark yet ended up dribbling off into the high-pitched distortion. The one that seems to have the strongest shot at resurrecting rock is this delicate fusion of rock with electronic sensibilities, supported by emotionally barring lyrics. Emo in other words. When you take a hard look at bands like the Arcade Fire, Modest Mouse and Death Cab for Cutie, it's hard to argue that the future of rock could be in better hands. These bands value the rich artistry above all else and find their souls floating amongst the dense melodies. Death Cab returns to the party with their masterful Plans which asks the forefathers of this new musical frontier if they are ready to lead us into rock's promised land.

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Why are Moviegoers Staying Home?
Category: Film News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 29, 2005 | 04:49 PM

2005 has marked the worst slump in box office tracking history seeing tickets down 8% over year ago numbers. A proliferation of reasons have been cited for the drop off from film piracy to screwy lunar cycles, but most are sheer conjecture at best. A study was done searching 1.9 million Internet blogs to pull out 1350 posts using Internet bots, and the key reason cited was the lack of quality films. Many other reasons came up such as the ease of selection of online renters like Netflix and hefty movie ticket costs to onscreen commercials and inadequate parking. Films aren't just competing against themselves, but also sporting events and concerts for the attention of the consumer. If finding a quality picture at the Cineplex is to you like finding meaning in a Pauly Shore movie, check out PM's films page to see what's worth your hard earned dollar.

Source: Yahoo

Weekend Box Office Estimates
August 26-28

Category: Weekend Box Office
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 29, 2005 | 12:38 PM

1. The 40-Year-Old Virgin $16,434,000
2. The Brothers Grimm $15,093,000
3. Red Eye $10,400,000
4. Four Brothers $7,825,000
5. Wedding Crashers $6,250,000
6. The Cave $6,200,000
7. March of the Penguins $4,570,000
8. The Skeleton Key $4,385,000
9. Valiant $3,352,000
10. The Dukes of Hazzard $3,045,000

Online Only Music Label
Category: Music News
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 29, 2005 | 09:44 AM

To cope with and to take advantage of online music growth, Warner Music Group plans to launch a record label of emerging artists solely based off the web. This mean that new acts have more time to develop without the pressures of "having to churn out a slate of hits." Forget CD's and other typical records store products. The label will only distribute music online by releasing "'clusters' of three or more songs by an artist every few months. Warner hopes to have the label operating by the end of the year. Judging from the lack of news or buzz coming from Universal Music Group's all-digital label already in existence, this may not be the new revolution to combat online piracy for which labels have been hoping.

Source: The Seattle Times

Kanye West - Late Registration
Category: Album Reviews
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 28, 2005 | 11:13 PM
PM Rating System

Kanye West - Late RegistrationGrade: A | Genre: Hip-Hop
Summary: West detractors will have to wait until his next LP if they hope to see the producer/rapper with the biggest mouth in Hip-Hop today fall miserably on his face. He's the man you love to hate, but whose jamz you crank cruising down the street.

When Hip-Hop artists look for banging beats, they go to Kanye West. The producer extraordinaire has been behind the success of major hits by Jay Z, Ludacris and Common. Little did we know that West was even more potent behind the mic as a cunning lyricist able to slice through his nay sayers with razor sharp precision. He's boldly egotistical and never shies away from voicing opinions of his own greatness. He walks with a swagger bigger than that of the Gallagher Brothers and fears no one.

The College Dropout returns to school those who claim his initial success was a mere fluke and that anything beyond his debut will prove to be his demise. No such luck this time around because Late Registration is a sophomore effort full of soul and attitude that kicks all his competition to the curb. College Dropout was pretty damn good in its own right, but Late Registration is beyond anything that Dropout hoped to be. This is an album that outdoes its predecessor and stakes West's claim as the top dog in Hip-Hop.

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Elizabethtown Song List Released
Category: Music News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 28, 2005 | 12:55 PM

The only thing more sought after than a new Cameron Crowe film is its soundtrack. Long known as an appreciator of great music, Crowe and his wife Nancy Wilson of Heart fame seem to use music to add the perfect emotional balance and tone to a film. The latest film includes tracks from Ryan Adams, Patty Griffin, Wheat, eastmountainsouth and Elton John. I was surprised to see that local talent i Nine was tapped to sing the Crowe/Wilson penned song "Same in any Language." Be sure to checkout Elizabethtown in theatres in October.

Source: Soulshine

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Ten Sexiest Women of Film
Category: PM Film Commentary
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 27, 2005 | 11:58 PM

Every year the Academy of Motion Pictures gathers around the campfire to roast, I mean, award the greatest performances of the year, yet they always fail to recognize what's really filling those seats -- striking men and luscious ladies. How many dog films have you painfully stomached so you can fill your fantasy piggybank for the next month? It's high time that just dues were paid to those who rightfully make the movie going experience a little easier on the eyes. Now to be honest this article started out as a more broad ranging look at the top ten hottest women in entertainment, but the film chicks kept crowding everybody out so, in the interest of fairness, I thought it best to focus this write-up on them, and leave the music and television babes for another day. All right to the all important criteria. Obviously, sex appeal represents the biggest chunk of the pie chart; how she looks, carries herself, her ingrained personality that shows up regardless of the role she's fitted for. Yet we can't overlook the other intangibles: acting ability, career prospects, and ability to not flip her career over the median and into oncoming traffic. Calling the Lohan table. So without further ado, let's get to the most enticing, knuckle biting, hell raising vixens of the moment.

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Steve Carell Becomes God
Category: Film News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 26, 2005 | 02:32 PM

If it wasn't enough that Steve Carell knocked the ball out of the boxoffice park last weekend with the smash comedy The 40-Year-Old Virgin, now he prepares to take on the role of God. Carrell will dress in Jim Carrey's role in the sequel to Bruce Almighty called Evan Almighty. This go around his character, Evan Baxter, will be asked to build an ark and go gathering animals. Did you ever wonder how Noah kept all the animals from becoming one another's lunch, and how did they not get overrun by rabbits?

Source: TimeOut

The 40-Year-Old Virgin
Category: On DVD
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 25, 2005 | 01:42 PM
PM Rating System

The 40-Year-Old Virgin Grade: A- | Genre: Comedy
Summary: This is a guy film with a heart, which is as hard a thing to pull off as Andy mastering the condom. The 40-Year-Old Virgin wraps that puppy around the banana with side splitting style.

Is there anything a teenage boy struggles with more than trying to pawn off his virginity? Forget the acne or the mouth filled with railroad tracks, these are simply well crafted hurdles that stand between him and that sex-obsessed touchdown. After countless solo flights and fumbling bra clasps on her parent's couch, that fateful day finally arrives and it's usually well...something a tad short of earth shattering. It usually takes practice, the loving relationship and yet more practice to get the rhythm and technique to the point where it's actually enjoyable for both parties. Sadly, you can't just lay this out to a hormonally challenged male. He came to the party to do a keg stand, and damn it if he's going to wait for some other party to get his drink on. So compound that by a hundred after living a lifetime of build-up and awkwardness. The 40-Year-Old Virgin is every teenager's worst nightmare. That he'll miss his window and end up with his prime a distant memory, still clutching onto his cherry that he's been furiously wagging before every woman who has ever pricked his attention. Be ready for some ridiculous laughs, likeable characters and moments decked out in brash sincerity in this shrewdly crude film.

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Greatest Hits? Really?
Category: Music News
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 25, 2005 | 12:29 PM

Like, we are in need of a musical revolution when teen princess, Hilary Duff, tops the Billboard 200 with a greatest hits album. It's like, not so much that she topped the charts, but that she like, did it with only having two previous albums. I didn't realize that she like, had that many more hits outside of the one used for the Laguna Beach theme. "Most Wanted includes remastered and remixed versions of Duff hits like 'So Yesterday' and 'Metamorphosis,' along with four new tracks, some of which the singer co-wrote with boyfriend Joel Madden of Good Charlotte. Like, at least combine it with a couple of Lindsay Lohan songs to fill it out a little...and I don't mean her cup size.

Source: Billboard

CMJ Retail Charts / Issue - 926
Category: Album Charts
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 25, 2005 | 12:06 PM

The best blend from Indie to the Main Stream

1. STAIND Chapter V
2. GORILLAZ Demon Days
3. DANE COOK Retaliation
4. COLDPLAY X And Y
5. BRONSON ARROYO Covering The Bases
6. YOUNG JEEZY Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101
7. NICKEL CREEK Why Should The Fire Die?
8. SUFJAN STEVENS Illinois
9. BLACK EYED PEAS Monkey Business
10. WHITE STRIPES Get Behind Me Satan

Neilson Weekly Ratings
08/15/05 - 08/21/05

Category: Television Ratings
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 25, 2005 | 08:35 AM

1. WITHOUT A TRACE - CBS
2. CSI - CBS
3. 60 MINUTES - CBS
4. CSI: MIAMI - CBS
4. NCIS - CBS
6. LAW AND ORDER:SVU - NBC
7. COLD CASE - CBS
8. LAW AND ORDER:CRIM INTENT - NBC
8. TWO AND A HALF MEN 930P - CBS
10. TWO AND A HALF MEN - CBS

Source: Zap2It

Broken Flowers
Category: On DVD
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 24, 2005 | 11:52 PM
PM Rating System

Broken Flowers Grade: B+ | Genre: Drama
Summary: Broken Flowers works because of its strong performances and small curiosities that Jarmusch needles into us.

With some films you can't just walk out of the theatre and emphatically say, "I liked it." Some prove to be slow burners that only start working you over the moment you pass into the blinding light. Basically, it's a red flag that the film has hidden complexities that don't allow you to easily quantify and categorize them. Hollywood usually hates these pictures because your average theatergoer is looking for a two-hour escape from daily existence rather than something you have to keep turning over in your head to keep up with the ambitious plot. Broken Flowers certainly qualifies as one of these multi-faceted films that wants to be more than what it is. Leave it to eccentric orator Jim Jarmusch (Stranger than Paradise, Dead Man) to shove us into the deep end without a life preserver.

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Vartan Leaving Alias?
Category: Show News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 24, 2005 | 02:22 PM

According to the New York Post, Michael Vaughn may not be Sydney Bristow's resident boy toy for much longer. The paper reports he shot his final scenes last week though the show's producers have failed to confirm this. A web site has been setup by fans of Vartan (www.mvcampaign.com) to try to save Vaughn from getting the ax. Factor this in with Jenny's pregnancy, and we could be in for a onslaught of changes this season. Catch all the action and excitement on ABC Thursday, September 29 8/7c.

Source: IMDB

Trainspotting: The Sequel
Category: Did You Know
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 24, 2005 | 01:54 PM

According to Robert Carlyle, there is a Trainspotting sequel, Porno, all ready to roll cameras on. So what is the hold-up? Evidently the dark cloud hanging over its future is a long standing feud between star Ewan McGregor and director Danny Boyle stemming from casting Leonardo DiCaprio in the Beach. Concerning the prospect of taking on Begby again, Carlyle said, "I have to say I've never been approached by anyone about it. I would hope to do it again because we had a great time the last time; some friendships I made on that film have continued to this day, and that's quite rare. The opportunity to work with Danny again would be fantastic."

Source: IMDB

Free Satellite TV for eveyone?
Category: Offbeat
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 24, 2005 | 12:12 PM

Well, maybe not everyone...just those in your city provided the city agrees to change its name to "Dish." "EchoStar Communications Corp., which operates the Dish Network, said Tuesday it will provide 10 years' worth of free satellite television service for every household in a U.S. town that legally makes the change." Dish, GA instead of Atlanta, GA? Dish, CA instead of Los Angeles, CA? Don't count it. You could try your luck moving to a small town, but who would do that for free satellite television service?

The Ring Two
Category: DVD Archive
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 23, 2005 | 10:34 PM
PM Rating System

The Ring TwoGrade: B+ | Genre: Horror
Summary: This is a sequel that doesn't fall flat like most. It's a genuine horror flick full of thrills and chills.

Rachel Keller (Watts) and her creepy kid, Aiden (Dorfman), have moved to Astoria, Oregon hoping to start over and to forget the ghost of an even creepier little girl, Samara (Chase/Stable), who caused so much death and destruction in their lives back in Seattle, WA. Rachel has settled for a low-key desk job as a newspaper editor, away from Seattle's faster paced headlines on which she used to report. This affords her time to focus more on being a better and more attentive mother to Aiden. They've moved into a quaint little neighborhood, got a new couch, and are content to live quiet and peaceful lives. However, Samara and her spine tingling video have also made their way to Astoria and can't be pushed away as easily as they were the first time.

READ FULL ARTICLE
mtvU Leaks Death Cab's Plans
Category: Music News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 23, 2005 | 03:55 PM

Next Tuesday marks the long awaited release of Death Cab for Cutie's new album Plans. mtvU is giving you the keys to test drive this bad boy for free before it is set loose on the world. Does it cleanly shift from the beautiful Transatlanticism or does it stall out on the side of the highway? Check it out now at mtvU to decide for yourself and keep your eyes peeled for the PM review coming fast and furious next week.

Robertson Preaching Assassination
Category: Television News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 23, 2005 | 10:57 AM

Founder of the Christian Coalition and televangelist Pat Robertson is calling for the assassination of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, declaring him a "terrific danger" to the United States. He said on the 700 Club that it was our duty to stop him from making Venezuela a "launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism." Venezuela is the fifth largest exporter of oil and the US absorbs 59 percent of those exports. Robertson is the same guy that has been recently praying for God to take out another one of the Supreme Court justices so Bush can further push his conservative agenda. Maybe it's just me, but I don't think Jesus would advocate assassination or punching someone's ticket early to further a political agenda.

Source: MSNBC

Jump, Little Children Take a Break
Category: Music News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 22, 2005 | 06:48 PM

Though they are officially known as Jump now, to their longtime fans they will always be Jump, Little Children. Longtime staple of the Southern indie rock scene, the band is reportedly "slowing down." Their manic tour schedule will pretty much stop following the coming tour and things will just sort of wind down. While they aren't ready to call it quits yet, it's hard to not see the writing on the wall. Irritation with the music business seemed the core issue at hand, and they've disbanded the machine (managers, publicists, etc). It may not be goodbye, but it feels like it. Catch Jump while you can touring the East Coast and real the full salvo at Jump's web site.

Six Feet Under: Season 5 Finale
Category: Show Archive
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 22, 2005 | 06:13 PM
PM Rating System

Six Feet Under Episode: A+ | Season: A- | Genre: Drama
Summary: The final episode of Six Feet Under was perhaps the most deeply affecting television show I've ever seen. You could tell this show was interwoven into Alan Ball's heart and his subtle brilliance couldn't be contained.

Saying goodbye is hard to do whether it's a broken relationship, a pet dying or something as seemingly trivial as one of your favorite television shows drawing its curtains for the final time. They all walk into your life and change you in a way that you never expected when you first invited them in. They help you grow as a person and see the world through a borrowed pair of eyes. Six Feet Under started out as the most peculiar television show in existence, feeding on the unconventional, and closed as the most cherished. The series finale was about family, which is something that was always so fundamental to these lives yet they struggled with so badly. There was always something keeping them from completely being there for one another and letting down their walls enough to show the love that was hidden in their hearts. This was also an evening of change and healing from wounds suffered so deep by Nate's sudden passing. It was a chance to make everyone whole again.

READ FULL ARTICLE
Saw II's Latest Publicity Poster
Category: Offbeat
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 22, 2005 | 04:44 PM

Whoah! Cheers to Indie distributor, Lions Gate Films, for pushing boundaries of "The Man!" Jeers for the grotesque publicity poster included in marketing materials for the sequel to last year's surprise hit Saw. Unapproved by The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), the poster featuring two severed fingers was distributed to Web sites by the arthouse for sale. Lions Gate has agreed to contact these web sites to have the unapproved material removed. "It is essential that film distributors comply with the rules of the Advertising Administration so that parents retain the confidence they have in the ratings certified by CARA and that advertising and publicity material associated with rated films is appropriate for all audiences," said Marilyn Gordon, director of the Advertising Administration. "We thank Lions Gate for its actions taken to correct the issues with the advertising for 'Saw II.'"

You be the judge. Check out the infamous poster on CNN.

Tapping the Fall TV Keg
Category: Television News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 22, 2005 | 01:38 PM

Sucky television and departing favorites have left a lot of holes in the network's schedules. So what will you be watching this fall? Well you can guarantee some DOA reality shows, some that will ride on the coattails of last seasons hits Lost and Desperate Housewives and lots of star power demoted from the big screen. Geena Davis becomes Commander-in-Chief to give West Wing a viable run for its money. Chris O'Donnell plays a lawyer coming off a mental breakdown in the Scrubs-esque legal comedy Head Cases. Reunion shows a 24 type drama where a group of friends trudge forward to their 20th high school reunion which features the mysterious murder of one of their clan. Interesting new addictions or Milk Duds stale in the box? Guess we'll have to wait and see.

Source: CNN

Weekend Box Office Estimates
August 19-21

Category: Weekend Box Office
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 22, 2005 | 08:59 AM

1. The 40-Year-Old Virgin $20,555,000
2. Red Eye $16,500,000
3. Four Brothers $13,000,000
4. Wedding Crashers $8,275,000
5. The Skeleton Key $7,420,000
6. March of the Penguins $6,680,000
7. Valiant $6,090,000
8. The Dukes of Hazzard $5,745,000
9. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory $4,540,000
10. Sky High $4,008,000

Easy
Category: DVD Archive
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 21, 2005 | 07:45 PM
PM Rating System

EasyGrade: B | Genre: Drama
Summary: Easy is less a description of how Jamie deals with her promiscuity, but rather how life could be if she would just open her eyes to what's right in front of her....Its simplicity strengthens its honesty and helps all those involved to shine brighter.

Easy there! What you think this indie flick is about is only part of the story. Calling a movie such a name is only certain to create poor assumptions about this honestly sensual, but rather more sincere look at a young woman who lives life on a whim.

On the surface, Jamie Harris is a single woman jumping from one sexual relationship to the next. She's carefree and treats each sexual encounter as if it were an impulse buy at checkout. A deeper look reveals a lost soul whom you can't take your eyes off of. Easy is the opposite of what life is for Jamie; however, it is easy to become totally engaged in this young woman making impetuously wrong choices in life and love when the right one was in front of her all along.

READ FULL ARTICLE
Interview with a 40-Year Old Virgin
Category: Actor Profiles
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 21, 2005 | 04:18 PM

Steve Carell isn't an absolute unknown. He's floated around in the background of films (The Anchorman, Bewitched), television (the Daily Show) and recently stepped front in center on NBC's the Office. Now he's becomes a bonafied movie star after a huge opening weekend for the 40-Year Old Virgin. JoBlo.com caught up with Carell and co-star Paul Rudd to discuss studying up to play the part, the joys of chest waxing and following himself around town on billboards.

Read the full interview at JoBlo.com and look for the review of the 40-Year Old Virgin this week.

Ray LaMontagne at the Roxy
Category: Concert Reviews
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 20, 2005 | 08:00 AM
PM Rating System

Ray LaMontagne Grade: A | Genre: Folk
Summary: Ray was sincere relating to the crowd, his music had intensity and feeling that the disk had alluded to and he seemed to envelope the listener until they saw these special melodies through his inspired eyes.
Date: August 17, 2005
Location: Atlanta, GA
Supporting Opener: Sarah Blasko

Ray LaMontagne dazzled the sold out audience at the Roxy Wednesday night with his quiet manner and intense emotional punch, flowing from his music. It was a moment I'd waited for since the first time I heard Trouble after peeling the recommendation from the pages of Razor Magazine oh so many months ago. You just knew that the depth and the stewing inner anguish of this modern day Van Morrison couldn't be conjured up in the studio with a smoke machine and a few well placed mirrors. Ray is the real deal, and he gulped from that overflowing cup of talent in stunning form during this performance. There were times he took it down to the quietest, all acoustic moments and commanded an aura of silence from the crowd, a powerful statement to captivate the undivided attention of so many.

READ FULL ARTICLE
Madeleine Peyroux Missing
Category: Music News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 19, 2005 | 08:36 AM

With her latest brilliant album Careless Love burning up the charts, the jazz singer is evidently nowhere to be found. Universal Classics has hired a detective to track down Peyroux after she failed to turn up for promotional work. This isn't the first time the singer has fallen off the face of the Earth. After recording Dreamland, she disappeared into the Paris landscape for seven years. A spokesperson for Universal said that it had gone "to great lengths to protect Madeleine from burn-out through too much promotional work. But it would seem that despite these efforts Ms Peyroux has had enough. She is that rare thing, an artist more interested in her music than in the glitz and glamour of show business." Bless her for it.

Source: NME

Neilson Weekly Ratings
08/08/05 - 08/14/05

Category: Television Ratings
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 18, 2005 | 01:23 PM

1. CSI - CBS
2. WITHOUT A TRACE - CBS
3. CSI: MIAMI - CBS
4. 60 MINUTES - CBS
5. TWO AND A HALF MEN 930P - CBS
6. TWO AND A HALF MEN - CBS
7. EXTREME MAKEOVER:HM ED-8P - ABC
8. NCIS - CBS
9. AFC-NFC HALL OF FAME GAME(S) - ABC
10. LAW AND ORDER:CRIM INTENT - NBC

Source: Zap2it

CMJ Retail Charts / Issue - 926
Category: Album Charts
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 18, 2005 | 11:26 AM

The best blend from Indie to the Main Stream

1. DANE COOK Retaliation
2. YOUNG JEEZY Let's Get It: Thug Motivation 101
3. COLDPLAY X And Y
4. GORILLAZ Demon Days
5. SUFJAN STEVENS Illinois
6. FOO FIGHTERS In Your Honor
7. MARIAH CAREY Emancipation Of Mimi
8. WHITE STRIPES Get Behind Me Satan
9. BLACK EYED PEAS Monkey Business
10. JACK JOHNSON In Between Dreams

The Skeleton Key
Category: On DVD
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 17, 2005 | 11:49 PM
PM Rating System

The Skeleton Key Grade: B- | Genre: Drama
Summary: The Skeleton Key is definitely creepy and throws its fair share of chills at you. It plays out like a classic Southern ghost story filled with aberrations, voodoo and overhanging shadows of slavery.

The Skeleton Key is the latest Hollywood fright fest, trying to scare up some box office dollars during the sultry summer months. It also serves as the newest vehicle for Kate Hudson to downplay her talent as she drifts ever further away from her Oscar nominated turn as Penny Lane in Almost Famous. Where oh where did our "Tiny Dancer" go? Why does she keep starring in these tepid features (Raising Helen, Le Divorce, Alex & Emma) instead of sinking into a meaty and challenging role? Just one of those riddles for the ages I guess. Her latest turn in Skeleton Key is as a hospice worker that comes face to face with the brewing voodoo expelled out of the mosquito thick Louisiana Bayou. There are plenty of chills and thrills even if the mediocre script leaves a little to be desired.

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Jimi Hendrix Tossed from Army for Choking the Bishop
Category: Offbeat
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 17, 2005 | 12:52 PM

According to the Smoking Gun, Private Hendrix spent a little too much time with little Jimi for the Army's taste. They've uncovered Army documents assessing Hendrix to be a lackluster soldier who slept on the job, overlooked regulations and was caught pleasuring himself in the latrine. The more interesting part is the consequences of this event. Had he not gotten tossed from the Army, he would have gone to Vietnam. There is a good chance we may have never heard that magnificent Stratocaster blaring the birth of the epic guitarist.

Source: Smoking Gun

That's Diddy, without the P
Category: Fodder
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 17, 2005 | 09:52 AM

Um attention everyone. Sean John Combs, the artist formerly known as P. Diddy, formerly known as Puff Daddy, will be changing his nickname to Diddy. Due to Mr. Combs own confusion on what to call himself, he will be simplifying things a bit. Thank you for your cooperation.

Source: USA Today

Sin City
Category: DVD Archive
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 16, 2005 | 10:25 PM
PM Rating System

Sin CityGrade: B+ | Genre: Drama
Summary: Sin City is high style narratives overshadowed by Rodriguez's need to stay true to the graphic nature of Miller's books. It's Dick Tracy on crack.

Originally released during the season of family fun and no-brainer entertainment of 2005, there lacked a film that went out its way to push the limits. From animated robots to beauty shop antics to date doctors, we were sheltered long enough, and it was high time we had our worlds rocked and our morals challenged.

For those of you who have yet to experience this flick, the cold wet streets of Sin City will stretch your imagination in ways you never thought possible and have you running for your life. Director Robert Rodriguez's faithful screen adaptation of Frank Miller's graphic comic books are brought to life as the stories jump from the pages and are projected in gritty detail. It's nothing like you've ever seen...if you can keep from covering your eyes.

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Dunst Scores with Elizabethtown
Category: Actor Profiles
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 16, 2005 | 02:09 PM

There are few sure things in Hollywood which makes the release of Cameron Crowe's Elizabethtown the sought after movie event of the fall. The ravishing Kirsten Dunst recently said, in an interview with W, that her character is one of the best parts she has read in ages. She plays a flight attendant who is the love interest of Orlando Bloom. Dunst will also star as Marie-Antoinette in the upcoming bio-pic by Sofia Coppola, reuniting the two from their earlier work in the Virgin Suicides.

Read the full article at MSNBC and check out the trailer on what is sure to be one the fall's best films.

KT Tunstall - Eye to the Telescope
Category: Album Reviews
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 15, 2005 | 09:36 PM
PM Rating System

KT Tunstall - Eye to the Telescope Grade: A- | Genre: Folk/Pop
Summary: Eye to the Telescope is an emotionally barring work that will show you her soul yet socks you in the jaw if you tarnish it's sincerity.

This year's list of Mercury Prize nominees is a distinguished and artistically varied lot. Take your pick from the new wave resurrection Kaiser Chiefs to the rap/dance/cultural attache M.I.A and the spacey mysticism of Coldplay to the hard-hitting Bloc Party. You can't say the nominating crew doesn't like to keep their music interesting. Well add one more notch to that musical belt as we introduce folk sensation KT Tunstall. She is a Scottish import molded in the tradition of folk icons Carole King, Rickie Lee Jones and Stevie Nicks. Her debut Eye to the Telescope is an emotionally barring work that will show you her soul yet socks you in the jaw if you tarnish it's sincerity.

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Fiona finally on the shelves
Category: Music News
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 15, 2005 | 04:32 PM

For those of us that got our hands on the leaked version of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine, it was a bittersweet aquisition of an album that deserved so much more fanfare than the lengths of piracy that resulted because of record company politics. The album, originally recorded in 2002, will recieve a new breath of life with the help of Dr. Dre's right hand man, Mike Elizondo, and is scheduled for an October 4th release. "Now that my album is finally finished, I am very, very excited to have people hear what we did - I am so proud of it, and all of us who worked on it." said Apple in a statement. It's about time!

Source: MTV

Box Office Estimates
August 12 -14 Weekend

Category: Weekend Box Office
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 15, 2005 | 01:26 PM

1. Four Brothers $20,700,000
2. The Skeleton Key $15,795,000
3. The Dukes of Hazzard $13,030,000
4. Wedding Crashers $12,025,000
5. Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo $9,400,000
6. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory $7,260,000
7. March of the Penguins $6,730,000
8. Sky High $6,114,000
9. Must Love Dogs $4,585,000
10. The Great Raid $3,374,000

Source: Yahoo Movies

Julia Roberts Quits Hollywood
Category: Film News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 15, 2005 | 11:42 AM

Julia Roberts will reportedly close out her acting days after finishing her slated appearances on Broadway's Three Days of Rain next year. Evidently, the new mother wants to spend time with her twins and husband Danny Moder. She has done mainly voiceover work since completing Ocean's Twelve in 2004. Ocean's Twelve is to be her swan song on film? Really?

Source: IMDB

The Dukes of Hazzard
Category: On DVD
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 14, 2005 | 12:29 PM
PM Rating System

The Dukes of Hazzard Grade: C+ | Genre: Comedy
Summary: The Dukes of Hazzard stays true to the original series with a smokin' hot rod, a show stopping Daisy, a chunkable story and good comradery between our hillbilly er...Appalachian American cousins. Fans of the old series will definitely want to check it out. Just don't go in expecting Shakespeare.

Not all movies are created equal, and that was never more true than with the Dukes of Hazzard. I mean do you put Old School and the Godfather side-by-side? Of course not. They are both brilliant films, but it's like comparing a cat to an orange. So with the Dukes you have to walk in with the bar of expectations set pretty low because, let's face it; the TV show was mega cheesy. Don't get me wrong. When I was seven, it was da' bomb. My friend and I used to play Dukes of Hazzard almost everyday, he as Luke, me as Bo -- it was a hair color thing. We'd always single handedly save Hazzard from the dastardly Boss Hogg. Going back and catching the re-runs today, I shake my head at how surface level it all was. It was, and still is, the guilty pleasure at it's purist, and the film version continues the cause with a smokin' hot Daisy, the beautiful rumble of the General Lee and a handful of laughs to spread around a little too thinly.

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Musicians Finding Independence
Category: Music News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 13, 2005 | 10:00 AM

Getting signed to a mammoth record label isn't all it's cracked up to be. As an artist, you can surrender some of your artistic vision, you get pennies on the dollar from the album sale, not to mention you are at the mercy of their marketing department. Should they not find your new effort radio worthy, they may just shelve it to never be seen again, poor Fiona. An increasing number of musicians are charting their own course by doing home recordings and releasing their material via the Internet. Artists like Ani Difranco and Aimee Mann have found great success with this new music model. Will others follow their lead?

Source: CNN

Jamiroquai - Dynamite
Category: Album Archive
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 13, 2005 | 01:00 AM
PM Rating System

Jamiroquai - DynamiteGrade: B | Genre: Disco/Dance/Pop
Summary: This album is definitely worth a listen if you're not expecting a musical revolution.

The Space Cowboy is back with his usual blend of infectious disco funk wrapped in synthesized packets of Stevie Wonder and 70's house rhythms. Jay Kay returns to lead his ever-evolving line-up of band mates to back up is manic endeavors. His 6th release of the promised 10 LP's he is indebted to Sony, Dynamite is a return to the days of Traveling Without Moving, when Jamiroquai the Band hit its stride and achieved rock success in all corners of the globe beyond their native UK. Since then, even while keeping busy with sub-par releases like Synkronized and A Funk Odyssey, the cat in the hat has seen his stateside success fade like a disco ball in the early morning dew. While Dynamite is an album Jamiroquai fans will have on constant repeat, it's consistently stagnant sound over the years stunts the growth of what some used to call a musical genius.

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Super-Size Me in Reverse
Category: Film News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 12, 2005 | 01:20 PM

You've got to hand it to Morgan Spurlock. He sure pissed off a lot of people when he implied in Super-Size Me that part of the blame for America's obesity epidemic rests on fast food restaurants like McDonalds. Merab Morgan set out on an entirely different experiment, only eating Mickey D's for 90 days and dropping 37 pounds. She was trying to make a point that the blame rests on people's choices and not on the restaurants. Unlike Spurlock, she was very diligent in mapping out her daily diet to stay under 1400 calories. How many people could eat all their meals at McDonalds and stay under 1400 calories? That's a lot of McSalads. I think she missed the point of Spurlock's film. It's not that people can't make healthy choices, its that these restaurants don't provide us with ample healthy options and clearly posted nutritional information to make the correct choices.

Source: Yahoo

Neilson Weekly Ratings
08/01/05 - 08/07/05

Category: Television Ratings
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 12, 2005 | 01:17 AM

1. CSI - CBS
2. WITHOUT A TRACE - CBS
3. CSI: MIAMI - CBS
4. NCIS - CBS
5. TWO AND A HALF MEN - CBS
6. LAW AND ORDER - NBC
6. LAW AND ORDER:CRIM INTENT - NBC
8. LAW AND ORDER WED 9PM - NBC
9. CBS SUNDAY MOVIE - CBS
9. COLD CASE - CBS

Source: Zap2it

The Inheritance (Arven)
Category: DVD Archive
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 12, 2005 | 12:18 AM
PM Rating System

The InteritanceGrade: A | Genre: Foreign Drama
Summary: The Inheritance is a great film that really grows into its complexity well. Christoffer proves to be such an interesting character. Toiling around in his head is a full time job.

When I was in London last month, my path just happened to pass through Leicester Square several times, and I saw the Brits version of the multiplex theatre. There are massive billboards sprouted above them advertising the hot film of the moment from War of the Worlds to Batman Begins. When I surveyed the movie times, I discovered something very peculiar, a boatload of films I had never heard of. Now I consider myself a pretty savvy filmgoer, keeping up with the myriad of indie releases and the foreign features, but here was an entire crop of films I'd never heard a single inkling about. I guess I always pictured Hollywood as the 400-pound gorilla, and film development in other countries as more akin to cottage industries. It was a good wake-up call to my sheltered cinematic view. Since I got back, I've made a concerted effort to try to unearth some of these foreign jems, which brought us to my last review, Downfall, and the highly compelling Danish drama the Inheritance. I don't want to hear any whining about reading a film. Wouldn't you rather see an interesting foreign film than a droll domestic one? Did I just paint myself into a corner, more or less disavowing American cinema?

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Hundreds Strip Naked for Art
Category: Offbeat
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 11, 2005 | 11:25 AM

1500 volunteers stripped down into their birthday suits in the name of art. American artist Spencer Tunick was shooting in Newcastle and Gateshead for his latest piece. Past works included 7000 people baring all in Barcelona and 4000 in Melbourne. Volunteers pre-registered for the event from Peru, Belgium and Australia. When one of the volunteers was asked how she felt about this open display, she replied, "It was strange not to be self-conscious in that environment - normally I wouldn't even wear a skirt, I only wear trousers, so nobody even sees my legs. The main problem was avoiding stepping in vomit - there were a few chips and kebabs around."

Source: Sky News

Tori Amos Gets Bootlegged
Category: Music News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 11, 2005 | 11:00 AM

A Tori Amos live show is something of epic proportions. I think I've seen her perform just about every time she has swung through Atlanta. Bootlegs of her live shows have long floated around, but now she's become the pirate. She will be releasing 6 high quality recordings in the fall only available for purchase through www.toribootlegs.com. The material on these recordings ranges from classic Tori to new stuff. She also has a handful of covers from Jim Croce's "Operator" to Bon Jovi's "Livin' on a Prayer."

Source: Soulshine

Jackson Jurors Dropping Like Flies
Category: Fodder
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 11, 2005 | 09:37 AM

I know he's guilty. You know he's guilty. Dang it even O.J. Simpson knows he's guilty. Wait a minute, wrong trial. It seems three of the Jackson jurors are having a crisis of conscious after acquitting the fruitcake on all accounts of child molestation last month. They are claiming that there was reasonable doubt in the case in hand, but believe that the entertainer is a child molester. The water gets ever muddier when you plug in two of the jurors have book deals going.

Source: San Diego Union Tribune

Downfall (Der Untergang)
Category: DVD Archive
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 10, 2005 | 06:40 PM
PM Rating System

DownfallGrade: B+ | Genre: Foreign Drama
Summary: Downfall is a must for history buffs and anyone who has spent more than a few minutes pondering how a man like Hitler came to mesmerize an entire country into submission.

At first, I was thinking of writing up Alexander, but really what is there to tell. It's not as bad as everyone made it out to be, but it doesn't qualify as good either. It seems Oliver Stone was defeated by his own hubris more than anything. Instead, I've chosen to focus on another moment in history -- Adolph Hitler's last days. Downfall is an adaptation of two books on the subject: Inside Hitler's Bunker and Until the Final Hour. It chronicles every step that led to the end of Hitler's life, helping to shed some much needed light on this mysterious figure, and witness the struggle faced by the army commanders surrounding him. It is an intriguing journey that starts off like the best original feature the History Channel has ever produced and evolves into a first rate film with great performances, thick tension and a tide of change triumphing over radical ideology that could have ended the German people.

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Sony Japan Shuns iTunes
Category: Music News
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 10, 2005 | 11:41 AM

It seems Sony Japan is missing the bus that takes their musicians and opens the world their music thanks to the biggest online music service in the world, iTunes. This stance has caused some musicians who are signed to the label to rebel against their keeper and have even gone straight to Apple to have their music delivered to the masses. In the meantime, "it appears that the artists will be suffering from Sony's failure to compete with both iTunes and the iPod."

Source: PC Pro

Kung Fu Hustle
Category: DVD Archive
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 09, 2005 | 04:01 PM
PM Rating System

Grade: A | Genre: Foreign Comedy
Summary: Kung Fu Hustle is basically a parody on all the classic kung fu movies of yore yet unlike most parodies that I've ever experienced, its crafty and inventive rather than being lathered in cheesiness.

The only thing you can really say after watching this film is "Wow." Then go ahead and say it again to try to get it out of your system. This is one super interesting film. Kung Fu Hustle is basically a parody on all the classic kung fu movies yet unlike most parodies that I've ever experienced, its crafty and inventive rather than being lathered in cheesiness. The dialog is thoughtfully inane, the characters are oodles of fun and I would put the action sequences toe to toe with anything from the Matrix to Hero. I'm still trying to grasp how they pulled this magnanimous feat off. Time to stop questioning and sit back to take it all in.

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Need someone to mow your grass?
Category: Fodder
Posted by Patrick Vu | August 09, 2005 | 01:35 PM

Our favorite "Runaway Bride," Jennifer Wilbanks, has completed hour 16 of 120 as part of her court-ordered community service today as she mowed the lawn of a government building in Gwinnet County, Georgia. Sporting the usual orange community service vest and running shoes, Miss Banks smiled and talked briefly to reporters recording every snip. "Life is Good" is what her cap read as she has also plans to move on to her assigned car washing duties.

Source: CNN

Death Cab for Cutie Hits the Road
Category: Music News
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 09, 2005 | 10:23 AM

Death Cab for Cutie will start touring for their upcoming release Plans on October 3-4 at Vancouver's Commodore Ballroom. They will bring in Youth Group and Stars to round out their supporting bill. Bassist Nick Harmer said the group will embark on a European tour early next year. I've heard an early take on the album and it sounds pretty impressive thus far. Watch for a full review coming the week of release, August 30. For full tour dates, visit Billboard.

Source: Billboard

Box Office Estimates
August 5-7 Weekend

Category: Weekend Box Office
Posted by Mark Runyon | August 08, 2005 | 02:15 PM

1. The Dukes of Hazzard $30,575,000
2. Wedding Crashers $16,500,000
3. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory $10,565,000
4. Sky High $9,048,000
5. Must Love Dogs $7,415,000
6. March of the Penguins $7,135,000
7. Stealth $5,800,000
8. Fantastic Four $4,050,000
9. War of the Worlds $3,560,000
10.