Archive for February, 2008

10. 27 Dresses – $3.9M

Thursday, February 21st, 2008
KNOCKED UP's Katherine Heigl stars in this romantic comedy about a selfless young woman who is trapped in the role of perennial bridesmaid. Set in New York City, the film opens with Jane (Heigl) racing by cab to appear in two friends' weddings in the same night. She is the maid of honor for both fetes, and she rushes back and forth in time to shimmy to both electric slides. She meets Malcolm (James Marsden), a cynical young man who, unbeknownst to her, writes for a newspaper's wedding column. Malcolm is intrigued by the sheer number of times Jane has played bridesmaid, and he secretly decides to write a story about her. To further complicate Jane's life, her younger sister Tess (Malin Akerman) has just come to town and ensnared Jane's longtime crush, George (Edward Burns). When George and Tess become engaged, Jane faces the humiliating prospect of playing bridesmaid in the wedding of her sister and the man she loves. Meanwhile, Malcolm continues hounding Jane, and Jane's life and closet soon explode in a taffeta-tangled mess that forces her to make some big changes. Heigl is a pleasure to watch, as she has the kind of crowd-pleasing, no-nonsense presence that could ground any film, so 27 DRESSES greatly benefits from her comedic skill and charm. While the film features all of the hallmarks of chick flick fare (wacky best friend, dress-up sequence, obnoxious but strangely attractive love interest) the story often veers into territory that may leave some feeling it stretches even the romantic comedy standards for suspension of disbelief. Heigl deserves comparisons to Julia Roberts for her sheer likability, and like PRETTY WOMAN, women will likely watch 27 DRESSES when it runs on cable--aware of the fantasy, but still delighted by the attractive lady in the different outfits.

DVD Review: Dallas: The Complete Eighth Season

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

Was season nine really just a dream?
Debauchery, double-crossing, divorce, adultery, kidnapping, assassination attempts! Dallas had it all. The Ewing family lived at the ostentatious Southfork Ranch in Braddock County just outside Dallas. Miss Ellie, long played by veteran actress Barbara Bel Geddes, was the matriarch of the clan. J.R. (Larry Hagman) was the oldest Ewing son, married…

DVD Review: Kilometre Zero

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

An enlightening glimpse of this little-understood land and its people.
Written by Caballero OscuroKilometre Zero bears distinction as the first Iraqi film to be chosen to compete for the prestigious Palme d’Or at Cannes. Although it didn’t win during its appearance in 2005, its new arrival on DVD brings US viewers an enlightening glimpse of this little-understood land and its people. The film is set in…

Motion Theory for Nike: “Sumo” and “Oneball”

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

Motion Theory and Nike make a beautiful team. I still remember posting a two-spot campaign way back in the Tween days in which MT used Processing (among a slew of other tricks) to create complex spheres of text that orbited around products and people. It was an elegant way to convey complexity.

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Watch “Sumo” | Watch “Oneball”

In that same spirit, Motion Theory has created two new spots, “Sumo” and “Oneball.” Both use a kind of four-dimensional snapshot effect to suggest that the products are packed with Nike R&D. Director Mathew Cullen did a great job building dramatic tension throughout the spots, making sure that the swing from each of the players feels like a climactic release of power.

The music and sound design really add a great deal to these spots. I’m working on full credits; as soon as I get them, I’ll share them here. I’ll also have some stills from the print campaign, which MT handled as well.

UPDATE: Just posted the full credits for this project. The music was created by Hum, whom I’ve added to the Cream O’ the Crop in the audio section. Fantastic stuff.

Full credits

   Post from: Motionographer

Only Superfad

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

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I like the sparse layouts and sound design in this new campaign from Superfad for the California Lottery. The writing and animation are exceptionally well integrated, too. They’re just fun, friendly little spots.

   Post from: Motionographer

The Cat Monster Part 1 (Thank you, Ihan!)

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

The Cat Monster Part 1 (Thank you, Ihan!)

   Post from: Motionographer

DVD Review: Becoming Jane

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

In late 18th century England, for a woman to be a writer was unusual. For a woman to try to earn a living at it?was unheard of.
During one of the more tumultuous times in world history, English novelist Jane Austen lived in the relative calm of Hampshire County. While a fledgling America was coming out of the shadow of King George III, and the French Revolution was going strong; young Miss Austen was making her way against oppression of a different sort. For a woman to be a…

DVD Review: Frankenstein – The Legacy Collection (Part Two of Three)

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

Son of Frankenstein is the bridge between Universal’s more artistic 1930s classic horror and its slickly packaged monster spook shows of the 1940s.
Of English Accents, Lightning Storms, and Monsters"In the minds of many horror aficionados, [Lionel] Atwill's greatest performance came in a supporting part–as the unforgettable, wooden-armed Inspector Krogh in Son of Frankenstein. Constructed with equal parts bottled rage and gallows humor, Krogh ranks as the most completely assembled…

Kim Kardashian is an inspiration

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

Kim Kardashian went shopping on Robertson Blvd. yesterday while filming an episode of her reality show. She probably bought stuff, interacted with people but who cares when you can look at her ass? Kim Kardashian could single-handedly defeat terrorism, Communism and cancer but people would still say, "Hey, isn't she that chick with the huge butt?" That's probably the most inspiring tale of the female spirit you'll ever hear in your life. Susan B. Anthony is clapping in her grave right now - which makes me think she could be doing something useful like the dishes. I'm on to you, lady!
Photos: Splash News

DVD Review: Highlander – The Source

Wednesday, February 20th, 2008

The newest entry into the Highlander franchise falls flat.
Some franchises never seem to go away. They may ebb and flow, but they do not disappear. Some franchises appear to be immortal.Such has been the case with Highlander, a franchise that started with a film in 1986, has had three other theatrical releases, no fewer than three television series, animated features, novels, comic books, and last fall a…