Here are some set images of Henry Cavill as the new Superman. The suit looks cool as far as the material and dark blue color. And they didnt put those horrible red underwear on over it. Thank you again Christopher Nolan.
'Man Of Steel' also stars Amy Adams as Lois Lane, Diane Lane as Martha Kent, Kevin Costner as Jonathan Kent, Michael Shannon as General Zod, Antje Traue as Faora, Julia Ormond as Lara Lor-Van, Russell Crowe as Jor-El, Harry Lennix as General Swanwick, with Christopher Meloni as Colonel Hardy & Laurence Fishburne as Perry White.
Here's a scene from the upcoming film 'Warrior' starring Tom Hardy (Inception) and Joel Edgerton. This scene features Hardy who gets into the ring with a MMA star for a friendly sparring match at the gym...
Now before we continue, reread the title. This is NOT a Top 15 movies list so don't say what should have been on here and what shouldn't have. These are just some great iconic movies, that have defined or even redefined a genre. Movies you either love or hate. Nevertheless they are timeless classics that deserved to be seen by as many people as possible. Some of these movies are polarizing, instantly sparking debate, but controversy is what makes some of them so great. Whether based on a true story or pure fictional, these are masterpiece's of movie making and undoubtedly some of top movies you need to see before you die.
#15: THE SANDLOT
If you were a kid you watched this movie. If you were a kid, you loved this movie. Narrated by the main character 'Smalls' as an adult, as he recalls the greatest summer of his childhood. This movie is all about kids just being kids. The simple life of being young and only wanting to have fun playing the best game in the world (to them). You cant help but watch this movie and recall great childhood moments of your own.
#14: CASINO ROYALE
The Bond franchise is the longest running in the movie industry. And at #21, Casino Royale is perhaps the finest in its history and deserved to be here. It is named for James Bond's creator, Ian Fleming, first book featuring the British secret agent. The movie strays from the traditional characteristics of older Bond movies; overuse of sexual innuendo, one-liners, and crazy gadgets, which it replaces with a more raw and deeper portrayal of the iconic character. We see Bond reach 00 status with an early sequence and embark on his first mission where he eventually falls for his partner Vesper. Its this relationship which gives the movie its weight and eventually leads to a direct sequel, a first for the franchise.
#13: Inglourious Basterds
Writer/Director Quentin Tarantino's alternate vision of World War II, where we follow a small band of Jewish american soldiers as they are dispatched behind enemy lines with the sole purpose of killing Nazi's and ultimately Hitler.The movie in fact is comprised of two parallel story lines, the other following a young who saw her family in front of her and has the opportunity to exact revenge on her killers. But the character that steals the show is Colonel Hans "The Jew Hunter" Landa played by Christoph Waltz. Besides being filled with excellent dialogue, and an alternate (and more satisfying) vision of history, it is Waltz who absolutely steals this movie and makes him one of the greatest movie villains of all time. The only gripe I have with the movie is that The Basterds themselves didn't get enough screen time. Honestly, it should have been called 'The Jew Hunter'. In the end, still masterful.
#12: Se7en
Without a doubt the darkest, most chilling, and brilliant thriller I have ever seen. Set in a grim and depressing New Your City, two detectives investigate a serial killer who chooses his victims based on their offense of committing one of the seven deadly sins. Overflowing with moral and religious implications, Seven pushes the boundaries cruelty to ones eyes as scenes with mutilated victims and crime scenes are not easily forgotten. If the exploits of the killer throughout the movie aren't enough the ending leaves you utterly shocked and ultimately depressed. Kevin Spacey managed to make his character "John Smith" one of the best movie villains as well.
#11: The Dark Knight
IF HEATH LEDGER DIDNT HAVE THE BEST ON SCREEN PERFORMANCE FOR A SADISTIC, INTELLIGENT SOCIOPATH, THEN I WILL DELETE THIS BLOG AND MY TWITTER AND SAY FUCK EVERYTHING. HE DIED BECAUSE OF THIS ROLE.
But seriously, this movie is that great, not just for a comic based hero genre, but for crime drama's in general. This is another movie whose title should have been changed for the villain because it was the Joker that stole the show. I can only imagine the transformation Heath had to go through to portray the Joker. You think any actor could just put on some makeup and change his for voice to play that role? NO (not even J Depp). He had to become a completely different person. A person that led to his mental instability, drug abuse, and untimely death. But out of that tragedy came one of the greatest performances of our generation.
RIP Heath
#10: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Possibly the best martial arts film ever made. Most people measure a martial arts film based on the quality of its fight scenes. This is quite flawed. The combination of story and fight scenes is what makes a movie in this genre great and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is in a category of its own. Upon deeper analysis of the movie you come to realize it isn't a martial arts film at all. Its a tragic love story. This masterpiece won instant acclaim the time it was released. With superb choreography, special effects, and acting, this is a film you must see preferably with a lightskin lady friend.
#9: FULL METAL JACKET
I actually had to post a clip this movie. The first 6 minutes of one of the best war movies ever made. Stanley Kubrick's vision of life as a soldier in Vietnam, from basic training to the front lines. The movie is simultaneously chilling and memorable tight from the beginning as the standout performance of R. Lee Ermey, a real life drill instructor, plays a terrifying hard ass drill sergeant who will absolutely make you think twice about ever joining the marines. The rest of the movie takes place in Vietnam as the soldiers experience the reality of war first hand. The clip above alone should make you want to see this movie.
#8: The Star Wars Saga
The biggest movie franchise in history spanning more than 3 decades, this saga spans 6 films of science fiction greatness. George Lucas was forever cemented in history with the release of Episode IV in 1977 and made it the highest grossing film of its time. From the trademark text scroll at the beginning of each film to the film score, these movies will remain a part of movie history forever. Watch from episode I as an innocent young slave boy ages and transforms into the most feared and powerful Jedi, then Sith, in the galaxy. Its an adventure, a love story, a tragedy, and an epic that you must see before you die. (yeah its 6 movies not one. sue me)
#7: INCEPTION
Unquestionably my favorite movie (next to Dark Knight)(yeah i have 2 favs so what?). Like many other directors on this list, Christoper Nolan is a visionary genius. This is probably one of the most polarizing films I can think of. Either you love it or you hate it. There really is no grey area with this movie. Described as a thinking mans action movie, its plot is so complex and scenes so visually stunning, its takes more than one viewing to take in the everything the movie has to offer. A minimum must see twice. Criticized for its many plot holes, I feel the majority of its opponents were just too slow and ultimately left too confused to enjoy it. Hopefully you got to enjoy this in IMAX as I did. This films score also deserved awards for its suspenseful and heart-pounding sounds which masterfully complimented the beautiful visuals and special effects. To fully appreciate it at home you should be watching on blu-ray on a full 1080p flat screen with full surround sound with the bass up. Anything less would be disrespectful. Don't disrespect me bro. GO watch this movie right now. Please and thank you.
#6: A BRONX TALE
A great drama directed by De Niro himself tells the story of a young boy, De Niro's son, who witnesses a murder by local wiseguy Sonny. Sonny befriends the boy a shows him the perks of mob life. Although the boy idolizes Sonny, he also loves and respects his father, who tries hard to keep him away from mob life. Torn between two worlds it isn't until the boy comes of age and suffers tragedy that he realizes what he wants to do with his life.
#5: CASINO
Arguably the best crime/ mob drama of all time. Definitely Joe Pesci's best movie and one of De Niro's best. The film chronicles the story of Sam Rothestein, Nicky Santoro, and Ginger and their rise to prominence and power in Vegas and ultimate downfall. A story of vice and violence, Casino is superb in story-telling and acting with the 3 main characters born to play their respective roles. Few crime dramas made since can even be mentioned in the same sentence as Casino.
#4: GLADIATOR
One of the greatest movies ever made. Gladiator is just perfect in virtually every sense. Drama, action, tragedy, betrayal, revenge, this movies has it all. An excellent performance by Joaquin Phoenix, the film's antagonist, top this movie off as one the finest of its kind. Russell Crowe plays a prominent Roman army general who comes to lose everything he has ever held dear, taken away by the devious new Emperor Commodus played by Phoenix. He escapes his execution only to sold into slavery, but eventually given a chance to win his freedom and exact his revenge on the emperor. I really can't say enough of this movie. Just go watch it already.
#3: THE GODFATHER TRILOGY
The pinnacle of film-making and the greatest mob movie of all time. A classic. A masterpiece. *Insert another label for greatness you can think of here*. The 2 in the series were virtually flawless films. Acting and storytelling by some of the best to ever to do it. The first film tells the story of Michael Corleone's rise to power. And the second tells two stories. One goes back in time as we get to see a young immigrant Vito Corleone, come to America and make a name for himself and start a mob family. The second is Michael's continuing story as head of the family, as he makes his first attempts to go fully legit and hold his marriage together. After extended absence of over 15 years the Godfather 3 was released to less than stellar reviews. In its defense its pretty hard to follow the first two films. But everything that made the first two so great, namely Michael Corleone and his struggles with mafia life and his family, are kind of lost in the 3rd. I don't want to bash he film but since it is a trilogy so watch all three. But the true greatness of the trilogy is in the first two films.
#2: THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
Based on a story by Stephen King, Shawshank tells the sotry of Andy, recently convicted of murder, is sentenced to life in prison. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, who also stars as inmate "Red" and Andy's first friend, he helps tell of the harsh realities and life of Andy inside the prison. Constantly harassed and underestimated, Andy never breaks and ultimately wins favor with many inmates and later on the Warden and guards. The climax comes in Andy's greatest achievement; escape from the prison. In the end anyone who wronged Andy in prison got what was coming to them. A powerful and very uplifting movie, Shawshank is expertly acted and told and should be seen by anyone with a television.
#1: CITY OF GOD
By putting City of God number 1 you might be thinking I believe this is the best movie on this list or my favorite. Not all. But it is one of the best movie's you will watch if you do indeed watch it. And I put is as number 1 because not enough people know of the movie or how great it is. I put my own bias aside when making this list (kind of) and felt City of God deserved the top spot because of its "underground" and foreign appeal, it gets overlooked by movie watchers. Based on a true story, City of God tells the story of life in one of Brazil's most dangerous favelas in the 1960s, told by the main character nicknamed 'Rocket'. The violence is the most powerful tool used to tell its story. The lawlessness of time in the favelas is portrayed with shocking realism. Kids are biggest gangsters and perpetrators of this violence which actually makes the movie scary. Nothing is censored in this epic story and the narration by its main character are more than welcome as his words try and make sense of the chaos that is life in Brazil. See this movie first. It deserves your praise.
Well this doesnt look like itll suck as bad as the first. Then again trailers can be better than the actual movie sometimes. From what I saw I dont see how they could mess it up but its been done before. We shall see...
Well ole Captain America himself is a lawyer now. A drug addicted lawyer. Guess times got tough. Based on a true story of an addict/lawyer that takes on a medical supply corporation, 'Puncture' stars Chris Evans who appears to be expanding beyond corny superhero roles. Good for him. Versatility extends the life of an actors career.
A little while ago @MrMikeJay and myself, the Film Junkie's that we are, decided to have a little competition to decide who the best actor is. Given this monumental task, we didnt want to make it easy by automatically ranking greats like Pacino or Denzel number 1, and easily hand them a title. So we decided to make it tough. For all those who participate to have to make tough decisions to push actors to the next round by pitting them against similar greats. 32 of the best actors, old and new.
To make it fair, and not give any sole actor a #1 seed we went with March Madness style seeding. Four groups, 1-8 seeds, going head-to-head all the way to the bloody end. Mwahahahahahaha.
CLICK HERE for the bracket and results of rounds 1 and 2
We will be doing this tournament debate all week so please participate and give me or @MrMikeJay your votes.
Based on a true story, Jason Statham is a retired British special forces soldier brought out of retirement when his mentor, Robert De Niro is captured, by villian Clive Owen.
Based on the true story of an Iraqi soldier who is chosen to be the body double of Saddam Hussein's son Uday Hussein. With his life and that of his family's threatened, he is given the chance to live in Uday' s life of opulence. What he isnt prepared for Uday's reckless drug use, partying, and violence.
You could say this is a Transporter knock off, but this looks to be less "flashy and cool" as the Jason Statham movies and more gritty and suspenseful with Ryan Gosling. I prefer the latter. I wouldve liked to see more chase scenes in it but I guess they gotta save the good stuff for the movie right? Check it out.
I love these survival thriller type movies where mysterious virus has the potential to wipe out everyone. Mostly because this kind of thing isnt far-fetched at all. Its a "what-if" situation, that you actually put yourself in a characters shoes and ask what would you do and how would you survive.
So here's Contagion staring Matt Damon, Lawrence Fishburne, and Gweneth Paltrow. Opens September 9th.
Based on the best-selling novel I havent read yet so I have no idea what its about. So heres the wikipedia introduction, a general plot description:
"An epic tale of serial murder and corporate trickery spanning several continents, the novel takes place in complicated international financial fraud and the buried evil past of a wealthy Swedish industrial family. Through its main character, it also references classic forebears of the crime thriller genre while its style mixes aspects of the sub-genres."
Not too often you get a good political drama on film. Theres enough to see on CNN. But heres 'The Ides of March' directed by and starring George Clooney, as a presidential candidate. Leo Di Caprio is the executive producer.
There is always the improper labeling of movies as remake's when they are in fact just reboots. Rise of the Planet of the Apes is the latter. I've seen many negative reviews saying its a remake of the original and doesnt live up to the original. But its not. Its a new beginning. And what an excellent beginning for this version of the series it is.
What immediately stands out while watching are the CGI motion capture effects which give the chimps the most life like and most expressive facial qualities not easily achieved by men in suits. This same technology, which was created for Avatar and now applied to 'Apes', makes you realize this movie couldn't have been made without it.
The star of the movie was the chimp Caesar, the offspring of chimps that were tested on and altered by a drug being developed to cure Alzheimer's. The drugs function is to restore brain tissue, but goes far beyond that as to increase intelligence. The doctor heading this research is unconvincingly played by James Franco.Perhaps it is the dialogue which makes him to be more of PETA than a doctor. But you are immediately sympathetic to his passion for his research as we learn Franco's father, played by John Lithgow, has Alzheimer's.
The development of Caesar's character from the smart baby chimp to the mature and determined leader of a revolution is where the movie shines. Its a remarkable transformation. Its the emotion invoked during this time that is truly surprising. The initial joy you feel seeing a baby grow and learn. The sadness and sympathy when seeing others reactions to and abuse. When he is put in a helpless situation you feel sorry for him, and at some point in the movie you're just gonna think "wow we really are assholes to animals". But it is this feeling that makes the second half of the movie that much more satisfying.
With his ever increasing intelligence he is able to empower and liberate himself and other apes, also exposing them to the drugs that made him so smart. This leads to a Caesar's revolution. And boy were they organized. There are some great scenes on Golden Gate Bridge as the apes easily outsmart and dispose of the police forces out to kill them.
In the end Caesar's revolution wasn't about killing humans or revenge, it was just about freedom and respect for his animal kind. He ultimately showed mercy on almost all those that tried to kill him and the other apes. He wouldn't even allow the other apes to kill humans. There were some understandable exceptions. But the ending had many surprises as you will see. Most importantly a plot point which gets greatly underplayed and underdeveloped, is how it becomes a "planet" of the apes. So stay a little after the credits start rolling to see that little scene and pay attention to the background graphics when credits are rolling.
