Good Luck, Chuck...Again

It seems NBC has their own Scrubs on their hands. Chuck returns from the dead tonight. It turns out in it's 3rd season Chuck will have new powers and friends to help him. I have always liked the show and I'll tune in.

Plus, tonights the 450th episode of The Simpsons at 7. A documentary immediatly succeds it. Sounds like a good night for TV.

SYS

Which Is The Real X?

It seems a SECOND X-Men movie has been said to be next. Despite X-Men: First Class having a director and Deadpool having a finished script, a second Wolverine film has something those films don't: a start date. The film is set to start filming next Spring and have a script and casting done by the end of 2010. Hmm. My question is where does First Class come in? Maybe it's right after it?

TIme will tell.

SYS

Star Trek 2 Gets A Launch Date

Star Trek 2 has gotten a release date. The dtae is June 29, 2011. This puts it in the coveted 4th of July date. Nice.

SYS

Yo, Reese and Wernick!

Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick seem to be really busy these days. Both have sighned on for Deadpool AND G.I. Joe 2. Hmmmmm. Zombieland was their debut and I liked that film. Mayhaps we have the next big blockbuster writers.

SYS

Tobey on Spider-Man 4 Delays

Interestingly enough, Tobey Maguire has commented on a webcam chat that Spider-Man 4 is just having some normal problems and that it's "...a big undertaking". He also notes of some sort of evolution of Peter Parker. Now THAT has my mind whirring.

Strangely enough, Spidey has yet to move his May 6, 2011 date even though Thor has moved in there. Where will the Spider go? Only time will tell.

SYS

3D Is Getting Twisted

Bill Paxton has mentioned in an interview that a sequel to the 1996 disaster flick Twsiter is in development. Bill says it'll REALLY take avdvantage of the 3D tricks and noodles. I think this cool, but much too late. Still, we'll see I suppose if this comes to fruition.

SYS

Top 10 of 2009

A little late I know. However, here finally is my best films of 2009:

10. The Blind Side: This will tick off critics, but I definitely say this film deserves every penny it gets. Cute, funny and inspiring, this film is a wonderful exporation of the type of roles Sandra bullock can portray. And at the end if you ain't crying...wel you have no soul, pure and simple.

9. A Christmas Carol: Another unexpected 'un. This film cuaght me off-guard completley and dazzled me. The UnCanny Valley has completley been washed away. Jim Carrey gives a pitch perfect performance and makes this one of the best adaptations of the classic tale ever.

8. Star Trek: J.J. Abrams has created, along with Avatar, a Star Wars type film that has fun, laughs and action coming through in spades. This film leaves you awe-struck and makes you wish The Enterprise came around much more often. Good job, Kirk for this one.



7. 2012: A modern day Towering Inferno? Mayhaps. This film combines thrilling events (they're gonna crash...into Mount Everest!!) with down-to Earth humans. A tale full of sacrifice and destruction, it's one of those rare films that's a little bit of everything...and is just flat-out perfect.

6. Sherlock Holmes: This choice is elementary, my dear readers. Robert Downy Jr. gives an Oscar winning performance as the grand sleuth and makes Sherlock a hero...but still unlike any version we've seen of him before. It's quite a film and quite a mystery as to why no one else thought Holmes could be an action hero.

5. The Princess and The Frog: Disney was in a rut earlier this decade with Home on The Range and Atlantis. Now, they hit the gold mine of fun, music and depth they were missing. This film may even be on par with films like Dumbo and The Little Mermaid. It's a classic, one that deserves so much more. This is a film that'll stick like glue to future generations and prove Disney is still an animation king.



4. Where The Wild Things Are: A kids movie? As if. Dismemberment, tantrums and betrayl are all an integral part of this polarizing, but brilliant film. It may be a stretch, but I certainly think this film is a modern day E.T.



3. The Fantastic Mr. Fox: Talk about misleading marketing. This film will leave in stitches and awe as Wes Anderson creates a film that leaves you begging for more. George Clooney is stunning as Mr. Fox and leads you to love him like in Michale Clayton and the Ocean's films. Wes has created a picture that will remain essential to any animation viewing.



2. Up: Wow. PIXAR ain't number one. Still, this film is a masterpiece, PIXAR's near best. Carl Fredrickson's sad montage at the beggining is guranteed to leave you in tears. And about Dug...well let's just say he's a great tracker, okay? SQUIRELL!



1. Avatar: James Cameron has created The Godfather of sci-fi. A modern day Star Wars. He has transformed cinema from nice to breathtaking. Every single 3D moment leaves you breathless, wanting to see it again immediatly. Thisi s a film that'll one day be known as a triumph of both storytelling and visual effects. A rare modern day masterpiece.



There you have it. Hope you enjoyed reading it. I can't wait to seee what 2010 brings.

SYS

20 iDays

In 20 days Steve Jobs will host an event that'll unveil a new Apple product. The leading name for it right now is iSlate, but I'm gonna bet we're all wrong. Excitements-a brewin'. Canoot wait for it.

SYS

Iron Man Goes Super..Bowl!

Paramount has bought time for 3 ads: one for Iron Man 2, one for Shutter Island and one for The LAst Airbender. I can't wait to see them at the game this February.

The football kick draws near...

SYS

Greenlighting The Lantern

A project that I'm highly anticipating has ben greenlit: The Green Lantern. Ryan Reynold will play Hal Jordan/Green Lantern and I couldn't be happier. Ryan has talent and this and Deadpool should put him on the A-list as far as I'm concerned.

Get ready to go green June 17, 2011. No, that's not the tagline. I made it up.

SYS

Avatar Box Office Part VII: #2 Ain't a Bad Place

Avatar has just surpassed The Reutrn of The King to become the 2nd biggest film of all-time with 1.1 billion. It's total in the US pushed it as it has now made 374 million, becoming the 12th biggest film of all-time surpassing Spider-Man 2. This film just won't stop making money. Who else wants to bet that it'll surpass Titanic?

SYS

Spider-Man Zips off, Thor & Pirates Move

Spider-Man 4 was announced yesterday to have troubles with the script, putting it's May 6, 2011 date in jeopardy. Thor has moved up to that date. Plus, Pirates 4 has moved up one week to where Thor was. I don't think Spider-Man 4 will make it into 2011. 2012 perhaps?

This is quite a development. I'll keep an eye on this one.

SYS

Mad About Hatter Image

Johnny Depp's genuis interpretation of The Mad Hatter has been shown in this new image. Gad, the makeup here is brilliant. Love it.

SYS

Editorial: The Princess and The Screwed Up Ads

The Princess and the Frog is one of the best films of 2009. It's a classic, on par with Aladdin and The Little Mermaid. So why is this film going to struggle to make 100 million. This film SHOULD beat Lilo & Stitch. Instead, it's going take less than half off the gross of the crud that is Alvin and The Chipmunks 2.

Why did it dissapoint? Marketing. This film (and Avatar) had the worst marketing department ever. I mean, the only things they sold were for Disney Princess toys. They needed to get a wider age range. Perhaps highliting all the voodoo spirits would've gotten a couple of boys in there.

I do know for a fact that the following things would've been great for the film:

*Thanksgiving Day parade float. Why the heck did they not do this? Some of those songs blaring from the float would've had the audience hooked.

*Better Preivews- How about declaring that this film is the 49th classic from Disney? Plus, they should've showed the musical numbers Dig A Little Deeper & Friends on The Other Side as previews like The Lion King did as they had Circle of Life as it's preview. That film was a hit. Plus, at the end of those ads, state that the songs are on iTunes. That would've gotten the tech generation to love the songs and film.

*Look at the banner above. Does that make you wanna rush out to see it? No. Personally, fleshing out the story more in the ads would've done the film better justice.

I think Disney also should've just said that this was an event film like Avatar. Pump it up, make it look big. If Disney dosen't fine-tune their marketing by the time Rapunzel hits 3D theatres in November...well, Disney could be looking at more dissapointing grosses.

Sad

SYS

3D DVD Rush Continues

It seems Samsung and DreamWorks are coming together for the first ever 3D home release TV and DVD. The following is the press release they announced this morning:

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. and Technicolor today announced that they have formed a global strategic alliance for the delivery of a complete 3D home entertainment solution in 2010. The three companies have joined forces to accelerate the worldwide deployment of in-home 3D to mainstream consumers.

The solution includes a broad line-up of 3D-capable HDTVs from Samsung, its new 3D Blu-ray disc player, and an exclusive promotion that includes a first-time feature-length, 3D Blu-ray version of DreamWorks Animation’s 2009 release, “Monsters vs. Aliens.” The disc will be created and produced by Technicolor, the leading innovator in entertainment technology. Samsung will provide customers several 3D selections, including a short entitled "Bob's Big Break" as well as trailers for 2010 DreamWorks Animation feature film releases "How to Train your Dragon" and "Shrek Forever After" on Samsung HDTVs with its Internet@TV feature.

“We’ve continued to innovate and make significant investments in 3D technology since we delivered our first 3D HDTV to market in 2007, and now we’re pleased to deliver a complete 3D entertainment offering for the home along with industry-leading innovators like DreamWorks Animation and Technicolor,” said Tim Baxter, president of the Consumer Electronics Division at Samsung Electronics America. “There has been great success with 3D in theaters, and the stars have finally aligned to bring this experience to the home with combination of standardization, plenty of product options and 3D content.”

“2009 was the Year of 3D in theaters throughout the world as movie-goers consistently chose the premium 3D experiences,” said Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer of DreamWorks Animation. “Innovative technology is at the heart of everything we do at DreamWorks Animation so we are thrilled that Samsung’s industry-leading 3D HDTVs and Technicolor’s first-of-its-kind Blu-ray technology can now bring 3D content to consumers across the globe at home.”

“We have great collaborators in Samsung and DreamWorks Animation to make in-home 3D content available to the consumer,” said Frederic Rose, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Technicolor. “With our innovations in Blu-ray 3D technology, Technicolor is well-positioned to meet consumer demand for 3D in the home. We look forward to continuing to help DreamWorks Animation innovate its art of storytelling and Samsung extend its global home entertainment leadership into the 3D space.”

About the Samsung 3D Entertainment Solution

The largest 3D-capable product lineup to date, Samsung’s 2010 HDTV lineup includes the 7000 Series and above LED TVs, 7000 Series and above plasma TVs, and 750 Series LCD TVs. The HDTVs include Samsung’s proprietary built-in 3D processor and emitter that is optimized for and enables compatibility with multiple 3D standards including half and full HD resolution formats, as well as the Blu-ray Disc Association ratified “Blu-ray 3D” standard. In addition, Samsung’s 3D system delivers a picture using a full color spectrum for an unbelievable, immersive viewing experience.

For those who want to add the third dimension to their regular TV viewing, Samsung included in its 3D processor an auto-conversion technology that renders 2D content into 3D in real time. When not in the 3D mood, you’re back to watching one of the best quality HDTVs on the market with the push of a button.

Samsung offers a complete solution allowing consumers to bring the 3D theater experience home with the following products:

* Samsung 3D LED, LCD, and plasma HDTVs
* Samsung BD-C6900 Blu-ray player
* Samsung’s active shutter 3D glasses to enable a superior 3D viewing experience
* DreamWorks Animation’s ”Monsters vs. Aliens” Blu-ray 3D disc created and produced by Technicolor

Samsung and Technicolor at the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES)

Samsung’s lineup of 3D products will be on display at Booth #11026 during International Consumer Electronics Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center, January 7 – 10, 2010.

Technicolor is hosting private media demonstrations of its “Technicolor Genuine 3D,” including showcasing 3D content from DreamWorks Animation, at Booth 13219 Central Hall.

SYS

Ron N' Vaughn Team Up

Ron Howard and Vince Vaughns have teamed up for a rom-com. Following Couples Retreat, I think Vince Vaughn has found a niche'.

SYS

Blu-Ray Review: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs

Sony Animation has created 4 films now and are starting to become a competitive force in the animation world. Their latest, Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs, is a fine film, though just barely able to stand out of the gigantic animation film crowd.

Flint Lockwood is an inventor. However, he can't make a good machine. That all changes when he makes a machine that converts water into food. However, too much food starts falling and a disaster of giant portions...er, proportions, begins...

The film has many humorous moments and I really liked the monkey. He's voiced by master of Awards Shows Neil Patrick Harris, but it still feels funny. James Caan and Bill Hader are also nice and it's brilliant to see Bruce Campbell again, though like David Cross in Alvin and The Chipmunks 2, you wish he'd do better stuff.

The animation is also nice. The main flaw of the film is it's just a bit too short and breezy to be really grand. Also, emotion just dosen't come through as well as even in 9. Still, the film does have many funny moments, some hillarious, but it's good for the kids and enjoyable enough for everyone else.

SYS

The PGA Nomminations Are Announced!

Excitingly, the PGA nominations have been revealed. Below are the noms. On January 24th, by the way, we will know who wins. Fingers crossed for Up!

Darryl F. Zanuck Producer of the Year Award in Theatrical Motion Pictures:

Avatar
Producers: James Cameron, Jon Landau

District 9
Producers: Carolynne Cunningham, Peter Jackson

An Education
Producers: Finola Dwyer, Amanda Posey

The Hurt Locker
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

Inglourious Basterds
Producer: Lawrence Bender

Invictus
Producers: Clint Eastwood, Rob Lorenz, Lori McCreary , Mace Neufeld

Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire
Producers: Lee Daniels, Gary Magness, Sarah Siegel-Magness

Star Trek
Producers: J.J. Abrams, Damon Lindelof

Up
Producer: Jonas Rivera

Up in the Air
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

PGA Producer of the Year Award in Animated Theatrical Motion Pictures:

9
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

Coraline
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

Fantastic Mr. Fox
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

The Princess and the Frog
Producer: Peter Del Vecho

Up
Producer: Jonas Rivera

PGA Producer of the Year Award in Documentary Theatrical Motion Pictures:

Burma VJ
Producer: Lise Lense-Moller

The Cove
Producers: Paula DuPre Pesman, Fisher Stevens

Sergio
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

Soundtrack for a Revolution
Producer(s): Awaiting final credit determination.

SYS

Sean Re-Becomes A Stooge

Sean Penn has returned to The Three Stooges as Larry. Benico Del Toro will play Moe. The only role left is Curly. Jim Carrey would've played him, but he dropped out.

This project should be out by 2012. This is an interesting one. Could Shemp be in it perhaps? We shall see.

SYS

Mendes, Sam Mendes

Although MGM is being sold, it's biggest franchise lives on. That franchise is of course James Bond and they have a director for it. The director of 2008's Revolutionary Road will direct Bond 23. The film is being fast-tracked and will start filming in July for a November 2011 date.

I have mixed feelings about the current Bond series, but love Same Mendes. Perhaps this will work.

Breaking News: DirecTV launching 3D TV Network

In awesome news, Discovery, Sony & DirecTv are coming together to bring you the 1st
3D TV station. Here's the news release:

Three of the world's leading media, technology and entertainment companies - Discovery Communications, Sony Corporation and IMAX Corporation - today announced a joint venture established to develop the first 24/7 dedicated 3D television network in the U.S. The partnership brings together three leaders with an extraordinary collection of award-winning 3D content, technology expertise, television distribution and operational strength to deliver a high-quality three-dimensional viewing experience to home television audiences. The joint venture intends to launch the network beginning in the U.S.

"Discovery's business strategy has always focused on delivering groundbreaking content through new platforms, including the first suite of digital channels launched in 1996 and the first 24/7 basic cable HD channel in 2002," said Discovery Founder and Chairman John Hendricks. "Now, as Discovery celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2010 as the world leader in satisfying curiosity and bringing audiences the most realistic viewing experience, we continue to change the face of television with the launch of the first-ever 24/7 dedicated 3D television network."

"Sony is the only company with expertise in every part of the 3D value chain," said Sir Howard Stringer, Chairman, CEO and President, Sony Corporation. "We are delighted to be partnering with Discovery and IMAX, two premier companies also dedicated to leadership in 3D, in this groundbreaking new venture. It is clear to us that consumers will always migrate to a better and richer entertainment experience, and together we are determined to be the leader in providing that around the world."

"By partnering with Sony and IMAX on 3D, Discovery will lead the way in revolutionizing the next-generation home viewing experience in the U.S. and around the world," said Discovery Communications President and CEO David Zaslav. "Today's announcement is the next step in fulfilling Discovery's mission of providing groundbreaking content for our affiliate partners and enlightening viewers with the most immersive and realistic viewing experience available anywhere."

"IMAX has been a pioneer and recognized leader in 3D technology for more than twenty-five years, delivering the premium in-theatre experience to audiences around the world. We're reaching more and more consumers with the recent expansion of the IMAX® theatre network and the growth of 3D movie content," said IMAX CEO Richard L. Gelfond. "This new business venture is the first step in our strategic effort to take 3D into the home and extend the IMAX brand. We've already had strong collaborations with Discovery Communications and Sony in the past on IMAX event film titles, and we are thrilled to work with such strong partners to be the first to make in-home 3D a reality."

Discovery, Sony, through its U.S. affiliate, Sony Corporation of America, and IMAX each will be equal partners in the joint venture. It will be launched in the U.S., with a goal of driving consumer adoption of 3D televisions and giving the network long-term leadership in the 3D home marketplace. In the future, the companies also will explore international distribution opportunities in selected markets.

The new 3D network will feature high-quality premium content from genres that are most appealing in 3D, including natural history, space, exploration, adventure, engineering, science and technology, motion pictures and children's programming from Discovery, Sony Pictures Entertainment, IMAX and other third-party providers.

Discovery will provide network services, including affiliate sales and technical support functions, as well as 3D television rights to Discovery content and cross-promotion across its portfolio of 13 U.S. television networks. Sony will provide advertising/sponsorship sales support, and will seek to license television rights to current and future 3D feature films, music-related 3D content and game-related 3D content, while providing cross-promotion at retail stores. IMAX also will license television rights to future 3D films, promotion through its owned-and-operated movie theaters across the U.S., and a suite of proprietary and patented image enhancement and 3D technologies.

Governance for the joint venture will be handled by a board of directors comprised of members from each of the three companies, with the day-to-day operations run by a separate staff and management team that will report to the board. A search for the venture's general manager will begin immediately.

The parties have signed a non-binding Letter of Intent. Specific financial terms of the venture were not disclosed. The parties will work towards prompt execution of definitive agreements, subject to any necessary regulatory approvals.

Plus, ESPN will bring you a 3D TV station on June 11. Guess my article yesterday wondering if 3D was here to stay or not was obselete.

SYS

Update on Tintin

It seems Tintin has just gotten it's 1st rendered images out. That's what I've just happened to stumble upon while maming my usual rounds. It seems Spielberg is pleased and there might be some re-shoots in March/April.

After seeing Avatar and A Christmas Carol, I'll be elated to see more Motion Capture now.

SYS

2 Pieces of Cover Art

Companies are starting to release their fall films to DVD and Blu-Ray. I've been able to get these 2 movies cover art. Enjoy!




SYS

Film Review: Alvin and The Chipmunks 2

The first Alvin and The Chipmunks film was harmless but stupid. The sequel was just flat out stupid, with nothing to back it up. The only thought during the whole mess was if I could get a popcorn refill now.

The Chipmunks are forced to go to school and are left in Dave's (Jason Lee) cousins (Zachary Levi) care. Whilst Dave recover's from some injuries, Alvin and the gang meet The Chipettes, who are run by their old evil manager Ian Hawke (David Cross).

It's sad to see the talent being wasted here. Amy Phoeler, Anna Farris & Christina Applegate voice the Chippetes..yet they aren't even recognisable! David Cross, a fine actor, is wasted here as well. Too many slapstick (and a reeeeeeeeeeealy bad fart joke) just add to the pain.

The only thing keeping the film dangling from an F is the music. When The Chipmunks and Chippetes bust out Flo Rida & Beyonce', they're irrestible. If this thing had been like a musical (think Glee with rodents) it could've been a really great film. Instead, it's flatter than cardboard.

The film is stupid as heck and half as funny. This film needed to remember what PIXAR films do: make laughs for kids & adults. Making jokes just for kids may be profitable, but it sure don't win you points from this critic.

Rating: 4.4 out of 10 or D

SYS

The Hangover of Sales

The years biggest comedy is the 1# DVD in America for 2 weeks in a row. Now that's something! And to think, like The Blind Side, we thought the film woud bomb!

SYS

Editorial: To 3D...Or Not 3D

Right now, over 200 million of Avatar's USA gross has come from 3D. Companies are pouring millions into getting films like Robin Hood and Eclipse to become 3D pictures. And now TV is about to go 3D. So the big question right now is this: is 3D a fad or a revolution?

If someone had suggested the latter 5 months ago, I would've said BAH! But now that could be a possibility. Audiences find a mere 2-3 dollars extra for the eperience much better than the 15 dollar IMAX showings. Plus, consumers find that there is a difference. Most studios find this equation when seeing 3D:

3D = Money + Film = Profit

Sad but true, the only reason STUDIOS are giving a darn about this is becuase there's a ton of money in this investment. 3D movies oculd be sold on Home Video for 35 dollars. Wow. That's a ton of money. But I guess that's what we're willing to pay for something we didn't have 5 years ago.

Hollywood seems to be in the 1st transition in nearly 50 years. The last one was color TV. Now 3D imagery is coming and people can't get away from it. Steven SPielberg, DreamWorks Animation, MArvel, James Cameron, PIXAR, George Lucas, PEter Jacdkson & Disney have pledged loyality to 3D and more (like Ridley Scott and Jon Favreu) are bound to come.

SO my opinion on the ordeal is this: Audiences can be choosey and they seem to be choosing 3D. Plus, we just hit 10 billion last year and Avatar could hit Titanic's mega-gross if 3D keeps staying at it's side. Now that's some cash no studio head will refuse.

Simpsons Review: Thursdays With Abie

Thursdays With Abie is easily the weakest episodes of The Simpsons in 2 months. But that can't be avoided: the past 3 were classics. This was one was OK, but no classic.

Grandpa is left alone at a swimpark, but a journalist sits down with him. Grandpa tells him about his life story. Soon, Grandpa becomes a celebrity in everyone's eyes excpet Homers. Meanwhile, Bart and Lisa take care of a school stuffed lamb named Larry.

The fact that the journalist wanted to kill Grandpa was intriguing, but there was no real reason behind it. The Larry plotline was also time-filler, not adding anything to the overall story.

Hoever, I did like Homer arguing with himself in the mirror, Homer's first ramble (and Grandpa's expression was nice to boot), Slimo the Octopus, the bumper sitkcer with the production code, Ralph's cloud thought & Chief Wiggum's Sewer Cop story.

The episode as a whole is like the show a few years ago: funny, but nothing too exciting.

Overall: 7.4 out of 10 or B

SYS

Avatar Makes A Billion,Holmes Drops 38.5%, Chipmunks A Hit, Complications Continue, Princess Increases, Up In The Air A Smash

Avatar made the biggest 3rd weekend ever, landing 68.3 million dropping a mere 10%. The film has made 352.1 million here, but has reached over 1 billion worldwide. The film has surpassed the juggernaut that was The Dark Knight worldwide and overseas. It'll soon surpass Pirates of The Caribbean 2 and beat The Return of The King. Avatar could even beat Titanic.

To add on to this, the film had the biggest 3rd weekend ever and is the biggest Non-Sequel since Steven Spielberg's E.T. Avatar is the 1st film in 12 years to outdo Titanic and become the biggest film of all-time.

Sherlock Holmes made 38.3 million and has reached 140.6 million thus far. The film could wind up with 225 million and become the next big franchise for Warner Bros.

Alvin and The Chipmunks 2 went down 25% with 36.6 million. It will make around 240 million, beating it's predecessor and guranteeing a third film.

It's Complicated did amazing, dropping the least out of all of last weekends new releases, dropping 15%. The film made 18.7 million and has made 59 million. Meryl Streep seems to have, like Sandra Bullock, hit her stride late in ehr life.

Speaking of Sandra Bullock, her film The Blind Side made 12.6 million this weekend. It's total now stands at 2009 million and could reach 250 million by the end of it's run.



Up in The Air made 11.3 million this weekend. The Best Picture possible film has made 45 million, handily doing it's 25 million budget back.

The Princess and The Frog increased this weekend by 10%. The masterpiece has made 86 million and will have a total similar to Bolt, Disney's 2008 CGI flick.

The Top 12 overall made 214.1 million estimated and up 62% from last year. This could bode well for 2010 overall.

Rated Learning For Na'vi Language

By now, Avatar has become a phenomenon. And one question that has floated around is how to talk like the Na'vi. Well, here it is: a Wikipedia page detailing the language of the Avatar species.

Pxan livu txo nì’aw oe ngari!

SYS

PIXAR Changed The Decade

Thanks to Upcoming PIXAR, I have learned of many lists that PIXAR films have been on. Hat tip to them, for this is spectacular news. Good to see PIXAR's divine quality observed.

Monsters, Inc. (2001): Collider #2 along with all below, TimesNews.net unranked w/ all below, Metacritic #90

Finding Nemo (2003): The Washington Post #1, Daily Mail #18, Metacritic #41, Orlando Sentinel unranked, Austin 360 unranked

The Incredibles (2004): Daily Mail UK #4, Metacritic #12, Times Online #16, Flicks New Zealand #31, The Star-Ledger unranked, Rotten Tomatoes unranked

Cars (2006): Pixar Planet’s Special Mention

Ratatouille (2007): At the Movies #2, Metacritic #3, Paste Magazine #32, Daily Mail #37

WALL•E (2008): At the Movies #1, The Dallas Morning News #2, Entertainment Weekly #5, IMDb #8, Metacritic #8, JournalStar.com #12, Flicks New Zealand #20, Oklahoma Daily #39, The Canadian Press unranked

Up (2009): Film School Rejects #13, Oklahoma Daily #13, Paste Magazine #14, IMDb #15, Metacritic #54

Great job to Emmeryville!

SYS

FREEEDOM....At 54

Mel Gibson, two time Academy Award Winner, has just turned 54 today. The great actor will return to his acting roots later this month in Edge of Darkness and will be acting again in 2011 in The Beaver.

Many happy returns for the man who is a great inspiration to us all. Hopefully he'll still have some good chops in Edge of Darkness.

SYS

The End Drew Near

Today, 10 years ago, the last Peanuts daily strip was published. One moth later, hours before the final comic, Charles M. Schulz died. His legacy lives on. The blockhead is with us...forever.

SYS

Blu-Ray Review: G-Force

G-Force is the defenition of harmless. Unlike alvin and The Chipmunks 2, this film dosen't have any really stupid moments. It is dumb as a whole, but you never want to gauge your eyes out.

The government has secretly been making animals (like moles and Guina Pigs) into secret agents. Now it's up to their top agents Darwin, Blaster and Juarez to stop an evil CEO from taking over the world.

G-Force may look like Beverly Hills Chihuahua, but it's actually some kind of action film. Hey, this IS Jerry Bruckheimer we're talking about. Sure, there's plenty of fart gags t ogo around (always cringed at them I did), but there is a finale that looked alright, though like the film itself is nothing real special.

The cast is ok, although as usual Nicolas Cage is brilliant. You barely recognoize the guy. Sam Rockwell sure sounds lfat here despite being grand in Moon (wish he'd get an Oscar for that film). Penelope Cruz..this is how you follow your Oscar? Wow. Tracy Morgan is decent as Blaster, though he's just a rodent version of his 30 Rock personality.

This film is alright for the kiddies, but besides some fine voicing and and OK action, the film as a whole can even become anooying. But I guess, compared to a certain recent Squekquel, that's perfectly ok.

Rating: 5.8 out of 10 or C-

SYS

Avatar Box Office Part VI: New Year, New Gross

Avatar continues it's plunge towards Titanic's gross, as it made 25.2 million on Friday. It was the 9th biggest Non-Opening Friday ever. The other 8 films were in their 2nd or 3rd days. Avatar is in it's 15th! This makes it the oldest film in the 39 films Box Office Mojo has tracked on Biggest Non-Opening Fridays. It's also the 3rd Fastest film to make 300 million. This film may never stop making money at this rate. And it's Oscar Nom's haven't even come in yet!

Continuing...

SYS

Editorial: Where Disney Goes Now

The Princess and The Frog has held up well this week. So well in fact, that it still has a chance of surpassing Bolt. Which would put this picture in blockbuster status. So after this hit, where does Disney go?

Next up is Rapunzel and you probably saw the post with the 1st image from the film. The film has been in production for 6 years, with the image aboving being from a 2006 version of the film. However, it finally will be in 3D cinema's later this year. When that arrives on November 12 2010, what's after it?

5 months later it's back to the Hundred Acre Woods as we go back to a Winnie the Pooh film like the grand Winnie the Pooh shorts Walt used to make. The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh is among my favorite films. I remember watching the VHS over and over and over again. A 2D film like that would be marvelous. Of course, this film won't just be aimed at pre-schoolers, a saving grace. That film should be out by April 2011.

Afterwards, well as the indian said to Bart in "Bart To The Future" 'It gets kind of hazy after that.' The film Disney had afterwards was King of The Elves, which was set for December 2012. That film has been pushed to 2014. What takes it's place? Joe Jump. That film was thought to be a big CGI film back Eisnier was in power. He thought the film would be out by 2009. However, John Lassetter scrapped it.

Yet, John has decided to take it and another 2D picture out from the shelved department and forge ahead. Both of these Eisnier era films will continue on. Joe Jump will be out in November 2012.

Finally, in 2013 that other 2D picture shall be out. What's it called? The Snow Queen, that film I reported on not too long ago. It'll be out in 2013.

Just as note, I think you might notice a pattern. Look at the list below:

*The Princess and the Frog-2009-2D
*Rapunzel-2010-CGI
*Winnie The Pooh-2011-2D
*Joe Jump-2012-CGI
*The Snow Queen-2013-2D
*King of The Elves-2014-CGI



On even years, Disney will release a CGI film, wheras on odd years a 2D film will be released. That is Disney animation's buisness paln thus far. I'll report on any Disney Animation film updates.

SYS

Marvel + Disney = Forever

On New Years Eve, Disney not only merged with Marvel but also struck a new deal with Stan Lee. The stockholders have finally approved of the acquisition of Marvel and soon Disney can make movies based on the rich Marvel superheroes heritage. I'll be excited to see how this works out for both Disney AND Marvel.

SYS

Film Review: Avatar

Look, I won't lie to you. the 2000-2009 period was a little sad. There were only a dozen or so masterpieces (mainly Brokeback Mountain, PIXAR films and Lord of the Rings). We really needed to end the decade with a film that could be called a masterpiece. And boy did we. This film has terror, fun, adventure, personality & visuals that will keep even the hardened critic who was written off Modern Day Hollywood to turn back. This is not just a film for the decade, but a film for the ages like 2001 and Star Wars.

Jake Scully (Sam Worthington) is an ex-marine who has a twin brother that has just died. Jake's brother was to undergo the Avatar program, where humans are transported to bodies similar to the bodies of the Natives on the alien planet Pandora. Jake agrees to go to Pandora, fill in for his brother and help the evil General Quaritch (Stephen Lang). However, he is accepted by the Na'vi Tribe, falls in love with the tough warrior Neytri (Zoe Saldana) and soon a war breaks out between the Na'vi and the humans and Jake must choose one side...



James Cameron is the King of The World and here he also shows he's king of many other world's as well. Pandora is like a wonderful new Earth, peaceful and has real thought in it, something that wasn't in the Star Wars prequels. The animals are all unlike anything you've seen before and a Banshee flight (Banshee's are lizard-birds) feels like James Cameron has set a bar that can't be met again anytime soon.

The cast all do well. Sam Worthington is spectacular as Jake. True, it's no Oscar winning performance but he shows the transformation wonderfully, both physically and very subtly as well. Zoe Saldana as Neytri is perfection. She makes the alien become the greatest CGI character ever, period. Sigourney Weaver is well done as Grace Augustine, a scientist that works on the Avatar program. Her Avatar is another great creation, really working and having emotion.



The visuals here are so good that I think they have revolutionized what computers are able to do. The RDA robots work amazingly well. However, it's simple things that astound you, like when Jake tries out his Avatar for the first time and wiggles his toes in the dirt. That moment really feels...real! However, nothings tops the end, when Neytri holds the human Jake Scully in her arms. At that momeny..you don't know what CGI or hwat real..you just know it's good however you slice it.

Avatar is easily the best film of the year and one of the best of all-time. A modern day masterpiece, it's a film that shall one day be hailed as a triumph. Avatar is a wonder, majestic as a film, perfect as an experience. James Cameron has pulled it off beyond our wildest dreams.



Rating: 10.2 out of 10

SYS

Gentleman, Pricklepants Has Arrived

Above is the new character from Toy Story 3, Mr. PricklePants. Think he's cute already? Well he's voiced by Timothy Dalton! Too adorable for words.

SYS

Avatar Box Office Part V: 700 Million Is So Sweet

In just a mere 12 days, Avatar has crossed over into the 700 million dollar worldwide frontier. Not only that, but it has made 250 million in 13 days in the USA alone. What an exciting development. I can't wait to see how it works out in the third weekend.

SYS