Showing posts with label 2007. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2007. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Editorial: How Bad Is The Weinstein Problem


If you went to anyone in the Hollywood business right now, most would be giddy. For instance, FOX is ecstatic that Avatar is the biggest film of all-time. One studio (besides MGM of course) is unhappy. That studio is The Weinstein Company. They've had minor cash problems for a few years now, but their problems have just got worse.

You see, The Weinstein's haven't had a hit since the 2007 thriller 1408. After a string of flops like Zach and Miri and Fanboys they finally hit the gold mine with their biggest film ever: Inglorious Basterds. That film hit 121 million and is (to date) their highest grossing picture ever. Hoodwinked! was also another hit, but their most recent film was such a big bomb, it puts the whole company at jeopardy.

The film that failed was Nine. With a ton of big names in the posters, it seemed like a can't miss film. Imagine the money and Oscars the film would reap. However, this 80 million dollar film has cost The Weinstein's nearly 60 million. With layoffs after layoffs occuring, I think it's inevitable the film goes bankraupt faster than MGM. Unless Hoodwinked 2 and Pirhana 3D are juggernauts, I think this company is heading to the garbage bin.

SYS

Sunday, December 13, 2009

DVD Review: Shrek The Halls



Shrek and I have a mixed relationship. The first Shrek was brilliant. So was the second. But the third...ugh. What went wrong? That threequel was one of the worst films of 2007. So when a Christmas special was announced, I groaned. And now it's been on the air for 3 years and I have watched and enjoyed all of those times. So what went right?

The story (Shrek wanting a perfect Christmas for his family) is easily relatable and fun to watch. Of course, the secondary characters come through brilliantly, with Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) getting one of the best scenes and the Gingerbread Man telling a Santa horror story really bringing down the house.

Shrek may need some extra fuel to get past 4 installments, but it's hard to deny the whimsy of this film and the kindness it gives. It's no Rudolph or Prep and Landing, but it's still a great Christmas treat.

Rating: 8.3 out of 10 or B+

SYS