Channel Surfing: Extreme Makeover-Home Edition

I feel I should say this now. Normally, reality shows make me want to reach for the remote control. However, this show works because it's the exact opposite of most reality television shows. Normally, you see people doing things for some enormous sum of money or see people's lives in ways I'm just not entertained by. Home Edition works because instead of seeing people wanting to take, you see people wanting to give.

In the show's successful first season, it garnered an Emmy nomination and in the second it garnered a People's Choice Award among others for best reality television show. The reason why is very simple. Put together a family in need, a house that's sometimes falling down around the family inside it and the desire of people like Ty Pennington and his design team to help and you have television that will make even the most hard hearted person sniffle from time to time.

Each episode focuses on one family, first their situation and then the amazing transformation their home gets thanks to the creativity of the designers. Pennington leads a group that currently numbers at ten, and no matter who is on the job you are assured a certain knack for TLC in the lives of people who really do need it. While all this is going on, the family of the week is sent on a chance of a lifetime vacation. One of the most amusing parts of the process is demolition day though. Pennington catches up with the family via video and they're able to see their home torn down to the foundation. The reactions have varied from shocked silence to amazement, but it's nothing like what happens when they come home one week later.

So what can happen in seven days? A whole lot if you're working on this fantastic and family friendly show. Homes are completely redone, and redecorated thanks to master carpenters and some of the finest interior designers you'll see working on primetime. Thanks to their partnership with Sears, it seems to be a whole new start for these families which sometimes can make all the difference. One of the most heartwarming parts comes from Pennington himself. Each week he takes on a secret project for one member of the family. Often a bedroom, the amazingly talented carpenter turns it into a haven for a child's dreams and imagination, or creates a sanctuary for parents who have done everything imaginable for their families. His heart comes out in his work, and that tends to be when yours truly get just a little misty eyed.

The bottom line here is this is what a reality show should be. You hear people's stories and you see their lives change thanks to four little words.

"Driver! MOVE THAT BUS!"

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition can be seen on ABC. If you're interested in reading about the families helped or the designers, you can check out their official website here. There's also links to help those impacted by Hurricane Katrina, a fan shop where you can buy the series on DVD, and desktops of your favorite designers. Check it out in repeats this summer, and be sure to catch the new season this fall.


(Information about Extreme Makeover: Home Edition provided by ABC. Picture of Ty Pennington courtesy of his official website.)

-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

Movie Preview: Monster House

We've all seen it. You'll be driving down some street in some neighborhood and you'll see a house that just looks creepy. Well, what if there was just a bit more to it than that? That's what Robert Zemeckis and Steven Speilberg ask in their new movie Monster House. When three kids discover a house that doesn't just look scary, it actually IS scary they must figure out a way to save the day and their whole neighborhood.

When you get the creativity of Amblin Entertainment behind a movie, especially one for your family, you know you're going to have a good time. The animation is an interesting change from what's been released lately, and the special effects for the house may make you think twice before passing by that run down old place in your neighborhood. Napoleon Dynamite's Jon Heder is included in this all star cast featuring the likes of Maggie Gyllenhaal, Jason Lee, Nick Canon and Kevin James.

On the website, many of the features are currently out of order but so far you can download buddy icons for your instant messenger, get screen savers for your computer along with wallpapers. There's also games and information about the house and the supposed phenomenon of houses being occupied by spirits.

Monster House opens July 21st.

The Monster House Official Website
(Picture from Monster House courtesy of Yahoo! Entertainment.)

Movie Preview: Pirates of the Caribbean (Dead Man's Chest)

It wouldn't quite be summer without Captain Jack Sparrow. Thankfully, Disney understands. With the first of two sequels heading into theaters in July, it's time to get excited about this series again. Johnny Depp returns to the role that earned him an Oscar nomination and quite frankly should have earned him the Oscar. He was devilishly heroic the first time around, and it's looking good that it's going to be the same for the second installment. Also back on board are director Gore Verbinski, as well as Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley who reprise their roles.

By the looks of the trailer, this movie will have all the witty lines and special effects of the first film, and then some. With Captain Davy Jones and the Flying Dutchman brought into the story, there's plenty of opportunities for the sort of thrill ride that earned the original over 650 million dollars world wide. While it's not rated yet, I'm going to hazard a guess and say that this will probably get a PG-13 at the most due to the non-stop action. The nice part here is that you can count on Disney and Bruckheimer to make this a film your whole family will enjoy.

Oh, and a little bit of triva for you? This series is being filmed much as the Lord of the Rings series was. Filming for the third movie is still underway now in the Caribbean with the next chapter hopefully to be released next May. Another fact is that Rolling Stone Keith Richards was set to make a cameo as Jack Sparrow's father thanks to the fact that Depp's performance was based on Richards himself. Unfortunately, due a world tour with the Rolling Stones, Richards had to back out.


The Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Official Site
(Picture of Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow courtesy of Yahoo! Entertainment and Walt Disney Pictures.)

-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
indigojenn at earthlink dot net
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

Movie Classic: The X-Files (Fight The Future)

-Directed by: Alexander Witt, Rob Bowman, Billy Burton

Starring:
-David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson

With rumors circulating that there might be a second movie, I thought it was high time to revisit one of the most successful TV to Movie crossovers in the Sci-Fi genre. Based on the hit Fox TV show, Fight the Future is successful because it's not a seperate part of the show's often complex mythology. It's an integral part of the storytelling. Series creator Chris Carter has said that the film was going to answer some questions in a way the show would be unable to in a really entertaining manner. The 60 minute series simply didn't have the time or budget to do what Carter had envisioned. Thankfully, the nice people at 20th Century Fox's movie division did.

The result is what every television show hopes to be when it arrives in feature film form. It's a rich look into the world of the X-Files, bringing up the past as well as looking to the future. It also did something that fans were wanting for a very long time. You got to see more of the relationship between the show's central characters. For years, Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully had been one of the most electric pairings on TV. The chemistry was, and still is, one of the most tangible. What the movie did is allow you to see how deep that caring went. You never saw a pointless sex scene, but you did see how deep the friendship ran and you saw them both realize there might just be more to it. There is a scene in the hallway outside Mulder's apartment where that is absolutely clear to even people who weren't familiar with the history of the show. Duchovny and Anderson's talent is in that even when not a word is spoken between them, you understand intimately what's going on. That's something that only the really special pairings in entertainment can hope to manage.

Special effects wise, this movie absolutely delivers. This film allows Carter's vision for the X-Files to go to a whole new place. You see how deep the aliens have embedded themselves in our lives thanks to small little clues that lead to a breathtaking ending on a glacier. Carter was given a real opportunity to take both the devoted fan and the newcomer to a whole new place. He most certaintly didn't disappoint.

I will let you know that there is some violence and gore in this movie, putting it at a solid PG-13. If you're familiar with the series though, then this won't come as a massive shock. If you're able to and prefer an edited version, check out Clean Films and get yourself involved in one of the greatest conspiracies in Sci-Fi.

The X-Files: Fight The Future is available in stores and online. The X-Files series can be seen in syndication and is available for sale everywhere.


-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

Behind The Scenes: The Cars World Premiere

Thanks to our partners at Corbis, I've got some behind the scenes pictures from the recent world premiere of the Disney/Pixar release Cars. Held at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte on May 26th the premiere brought out the stars of the movie along with NASCAR's best to celebrate this great new family film.



(From the top left corner-Owen Wilson, Paul Newman, Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Jr. Special thanks to Corbis for providing the pictures.)

-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

Movie Preview: The Lake House

Sappy romantic girl movies! YAY! Ok, now that you've figured out I am a massive sucker when it comes to a romantic movie I'll let you in on another secret. I absolutely love Sandra Bullock. Put her with her costar in Speed, and you have a happy reviewer. With that in mind, I give you a preview for a little movie called The Lake House. Starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves, the movie is based on the idea that sometimes true love can transcend even time. Their characters wind up living in the same ecclectic lakefont home, but they soon discover after a fateful letter that they're living on the same day only two years apart. What I hope the movie lives up to is the earnest sort of sweetness the trailer seems to convey and not turn into a painfully dull attempt at being special and magical. Cross your fingers.

Based on a Korean film called Il Mare, the American version has been retooled by Pulitzer prize winning writer David Auburn. The studio's clear hope is that audiences will want to see Bullock and Reeves together after a 12 year on screen seperation. It's a smart move really thanks to both being box office draws in their own right.

The Lake House opens June 16.

The Official Site
(Picture of Sandra Bullock-Courtesy of Warner Brothers.)

-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

Movie Classic: Raiders of the Lost Ark

-Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Starring:
-Harrison Ford, John Rhys-Davies, Karen Allen

So it's almost Father's Day, and if you're looking for a fun movie to watch with your dad then you should give this one a try. Oscar winning director Steven Spielberg joins forces with George Lucas in the first of the franchise that stars Harrison Ford. Ford, who filmed this movie right after a little project called Star Wars, is in fine form in what's one of his most memorable characters of all time. This is a tribute in many ways to the sweeping action movies of cinema history where the hero is bold, handsome and clever and never fails to get the girl. The real difference here though is Ford himself. He makes Jones funny, and reminds you of people you've met before. That is the mark of a Hollywood great.

The movie isn't without it's flaws though. Filmed in 1981, you will see some of the "glitches" that might not stand up to special effects masterworks that are in theaters today. Consider who made the movie though, Lucas and Speilberg were who set the bar for many of the contemporary action directors. Their work in special effects is visionary, even if you can see how they made it. There's also the fact that this isn't a movie without violence. Plenty of guns, swords and whips are used throughout this film. A lot of characters die, but it's done in such a way that there's nothing graphic. One of the best scenes involving violence is when Indiana faces a weapon whirling bad guy, and just gives him this look. It's a look that stemmed from the fact that Ford was quite ill the day that scene was shot, and instead of a fist fight simply pulled out his pistol and shot his would be attacker. It was an improvised move on Ford's part, but it works in perfect harmony with how Indy himself would respond.

Language wise, it's pretty mild and if you rent or seen an edited version there might not be any at all. What will be an issue though is the drinking. Karen Allen's character is introduced in a drinking game and it's apparently seen as a good thing to be the last person standing. It's not really necessary to the plot, and I've always wondered about it.

The bottom line though is that this is a fun adventure movie that really doesn't take itself too seriously. Ford is in his element as Indiana Jones, and you'll be glad you joined him on the adventure.

Raiders of the Lost Ark celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and is available at Amazon.


-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

Actor Profile: Harrison Ford

"I'm like old shoes. I've never been hip. I think the reason I'm still here is that I was never enough in fashion that I had to be replaced by something new."
-Harrison Ford

With nearly 60 projects under his belt, Harrison Ford still remains a bit of a mystery in Hollywood. Not normally someone seen on the cover of tabloids, Ford prefers to let his work and his life speak for him. Arguably one of the most recognized faces in movies, he is most well known for two roles. First, as the arrogant space smuggler Han Solo in the original Star Wars Trilogy, and second as Dr. Indiana Jones in the trilogy of the same name. Add to that impressive turns in a host of other movies, and you've got yourself a bonafide star whose films have grossed about three billion dollars. Yeah, that's billion.

According to an interview with Parade, Ford never planned on being a movie star. His ambition was to be a character actor who disappeared into his roles. When Star Wars came though, he found himself in a whole new place. What you might not know is that Ford wasn't the first choice for Han Solo. Other actors, such as Al Pacino and Burt Reynolds, are rumored to have turned down the now infamous part. Kurt Russell, Nick Nolte, and Christopher Walken were also candidates. Ford read for the part along with countless others, but simply wasn't considered until Lucas realized that he was in fact the perfect man for the job. Hard to imagine anyone else now though, right? Nine of Ford's films have grossed over 100 million movies thanks to the quality he first showed in Star Wars. The approachable, familiar hero with a ready smile and a heart of gold even if he doesn't always want you to see it.

What you might not know about Harrison Ford is his passionate commitment to the environment. For years now, he has quietly become a supporter of many environmental groups and lent his voice to commercials for the group EarthShare. In the same interview with Parade, he says this about his environmental passions. " We are suffering a cycle of extinction and losing species at a rate that has not been seen before, and it is all the result of human interference. I don't think I can fix the world, but I think it's our duty to attend to it and help in whatever way we can."

While he may not be a guy who expected to be a star, Ford has done what few leading men in Hollywood can claim. He's approached his success and his life gracefully and has stayed true to himself despite what the world might like him to be. Next up for Ford is the final chapter in the Indiana Jones saga, and after that it's likely that the fedora and bullwhip will be hung up permanently. Before he does though, a Hollywood icon will remind all of us how to truly be a hero in the movies.


Some trivia about Ford's most noted films and characters:

Indiana Jones:

George Lucas originally wanted to call his daring archeologist "Indiana Smith". Partner Steven Speilberg thought it sounded too mundane which was why it was changed to Jones.

Ford had to outrun a 300 pound boulder ten times before the shot was finally captured for the amazing opening sequence in "Raiders of the Lost Ark".

In 1989, one of Indiana Jones' bullwhips was sold at auction for 43, 000 dollars.

Tom Sellck was originally cast as Indiana, but due to a television commitment chose to turn down the part. It turned out that if he'd wanted to, Selleck could have done both the film and the TV show.

Han Solo and the Star Wars Trilogy:

The Millennium Falcon was originally modeled after a hamburger with an olive next to it.

Ford deliberately didn't learn his lines for the intercom conversation in the cell block, so it would sound spontaneous.

In the famous scene right when Han is frozen, he replies "I know" to Leia's "I love you". Originally, the scene was shot with Han replying "I love you, too", however, Harrison Ford didn't think that it fit Han's personality. George Lucas agrees, and Ford ad-libbed his now famous line.

The sound of Darth Vader's shuttle door opening is reportedly a recording of a whole block of Alcatraz cell doors slamming shut.

(Thanks to HarrisonFordWeb.com and IMDB for information on Ford and his films.)

-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
indigojenn at earthlink dot net
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

Movie Preview: Cars

Already called by Time Magazine one of the best movies of summer 2006, Cars has a lot to live up to. Thankfully, it's a movie put in the hands of professionals when it comes to animation, and quality when it comes to films. Disney and Pixar Studios team up again for a movie that may have the largest cast of voices I have EVER seen. Led by Owen Wilson, the film also includes movie icon Paul Newman, Michael Keaton, Bonnie Hunt, Larry The Cable Guy, Cheech Marin and some of NASCARs best and brightest. It promises to be a movie that sticks with the standard of Disney/Pixar collaborations in that it's going to make you laugh, and give you the Disney message you've come to expect. Who I think will wind up stealing the whole movie though is Larry The Cable Guy. Playing the lovable towtruck Mater, he's got some of the most giggle worthy lines I've heard in a while. Besides, his "DadGUM!" is just too silly to be ignored.

If the trailer is any indication, you also get a rocking soundtrack with a remake of the classic song "Route 66" by John Mayer, along with a version of "Life Is A Highway"by country stars Rascal Flatts. You also get music by Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley, James Taylor and Hank Williams Jr. When Oscar time comes, I wouldn't be surprised if you see the soundtrack or one of the songs gets nominated. This is music that's just as much fun as the film.

On the official site, you can check out a LOT of behind the scenes video clips as well as still ads and a music video by Rascal Flatts. You can also go interactive with some games, as well as coloring pages you can print. Disney has marketed this movie into the ground, but thankfully it's looking like a movie worth the time.

Cars-The Official Site
(Photo of Mater and Lightning McQueen-Courtesy of Yahoo! Entertainment and Walt Disney Pictures. Animated signature-Courtesy of Walt Disney Pictures.)







-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

Movie Preview: Superman Returns

I'll just say this now. I never planned on being excited about this movie. After the passing of Christopher Reeve, many people weren't certain if this new film would look as appealing. Like me, they believed Reeve to be the first, best and only man for the job. It turns out that we might need to look a little bit more carefully at the new guy. His name, for those keeping track, is Brandon Routh. With numerous guest spots on everything from Gilmore Girls to Cold Case, Routh is best known for his time on the ABC soap One Life To Live. At least, that's what he's known for right now. When Superman hits theaters, I'm going to bet that it's going to be a repeat of what happened when Reeve donned the infamous red cape. His career took off. (Pun intended.)

The trailer for this movie has everything a summer blockbuster should. Action, clever lines, a beautiful leading lady in Kate Bosworth and wait...who's that playing Lex Luthor? If you keep thinking you know that guy under the bald head, you probably do. Much to my surprise, Kevin Spacey takes on the role of Luthor and does so masterfully. Known as being one of the most talented actors working today, Spacey steps into the role of Superman's arch enemy with equal fire and humor. This will be a performance to watch, as will the return of a beloved comic book hero.

If you check out the official website, you'll also be given a glimpse into how this movie came about. After several changes in director and leading man, Bryan Singer steps up to this daunting movie with authority and you hear this thoughts in a video blog. After helming the last two X-Men movies, Singer understands what the audiences of a superhero movie want and deserve. It's also a safe bet that he knows the scrutiny this film will get by fans of the original. Also available are wallpapers, buddy icons and photographs along with links to come for stickers. The pictures clue you in to some teasers about the movie, but when you go there make sure you look at one thing. It took a long time to get someone into that red cape, and Brandon Routh might be the only person around who can make you believe that Superman has truly returned.

Superman Returns June 30th.

Superman Returns-The Official Website






-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
indigojenn at earthlink dot net
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

X-Men: The Last Stand

-Directed by: Brett Ratner

Starring:
Hugh Jackman, Anna Paquin, Halle Berry, Patrick Stewart, Famke Janssen.

All good stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end. It's simply how it works. With the likely final installment of one of the most popular franchises in Marvel Comics' foray into feature films, you do get that. Sort of. When I went to go see it quite late last night, I was surrounded by what is really the core audience for the Marvel films, a smattering of readers of the comic book, those who've followed the movies since the beginning, and people who just wanted something to do at midnight. The mix ranged from those who dressed up in costumes, (A Wolverine, Juggernaut, and Jubilee most notably.) to those who were simply excited about the buzz surrounding one of the most anticipated movies of Summer 2006.

The buzz for the movie surrounded a lot of rumors that have been circulating online about this film. Do characters die? Do we see new mutants? Will there be any more X-Men movies? The answers are yes, yes and I don't think so. According to what I've been able to find out, there's no PLAN for another X-Men film but Ian McKellan is among those in talks to do a film based on their character. That being said, director Brett Ratner sets to close up some loose ends. This is where one of my first complaints comes in. Bryan Singer directed the first two films, and thanks to some scheduling issues wasn't able to get on board for this one. I think I'd have liked it better if he would have. Changing directors at the end of a story can, and in this cases does, leave the viewer feeling a little short changed. You can notice a change in the overall feel in the film that just doesn't seem quite right. The film is technically outstanding though. With the arrival of several new mutants, you are drawn more fully into the world the comic books created. You see powers used and misused and the special effects surrounded those moments are amazing. One of the most notable that you've likely seen in commercials is Angel. Played by Ben Foster, Angel possesses massive white wings. When the wings unfurl for the first time, the best word for it is "Wow!". Another is Juggernaut, a man who can break through virtually anything. Played true to the comic book, the Juggernaut is a brutish bully of a mutant who you are left in awe of.

Coming in with a PG-13 movie, The Last Stand does have a LOT of action, along with a bit of coarse language and one fairly non-graphic kissing scene. However, like Spiderman, it's kept gore free which is nice. You see characters hurt but it's not overwhelming and when characters die you are brought into the moment with a nice blend of action and emotion. I caught myself sniffling on more than one occasion because of that. Of course, I also caught myself cheering. That's what the Marvel movies do very well. They remind you that while amazing, the characters are just like us in one special regard. They're very much human.


-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

Over The Hedge

-Directed by: Tim Johnson, Karey Kirkpatrick

Starring: (The Voices Of)
-Bruce Willis, Thomas Haden Church, Avril Lavigne, William Shatner

Animation. It's not just for kids anymore. Since Shrek and the first Ice Age movie, animation has gotten a bit more mature. Jokes are aimed at both kids and their parents and the result has been box office gold. Over The Hedge is another one that will fit into the same genre with a few small exceptions I'll get to in a moment. To start off with though, the animation is FANTASTIC. I've never been a huge fan of computer animation, but this is a whole new breed of work that makes you feel a bit more attached to the animals. Their expressions are interesting, and appropriately silly while their world is kept in perfect scale with their size. The colors are much like this spring's Curious George in that they're appropriately cheerful and engaging for even the littlest of viewers.

Casting wise, some of the most familiar voices around make an appearance here. First up is the always wry Bruce Willis as RJ the racoon. You can see his trademark smirk when RJ speaks and you laugh exactly where you're meant to. Also making an appearance are William Shatner and pop star Avril Lavigne, along with comedian Wanda Sykes and actor Nick Nolte. Each voice is perfectly cast for the animal they play and you believe the face of the critter is exactly like the face of the actor when delivering their lines. That's one of the really special parts of an animated movie really.

What I will mention is that there are a couple of crude comments that I didn't feel were especially necessary. There is also a good deal of action and violence that has a bug getting zapped. (Considering my intense dislike for bugs, I liked that part but that's just me.) Honestly though, it is a mild PG by current standards and if you've enjoyed the Shrek or Ice Age movies this one will make your day.

(Picture of Bruce Willis and RJ provided by the nice people at Yahoo! Entertainment.)


-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
indigojenn at earthlink dot net
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!

Akeelah and the Bee

-Directed by: Doug Atchison

Starring:
-Laurence Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Keke Palmer

This is a special movie. It's magic even when it doesn't try to be and that makes it something you should go see, and tell every person you know to do the same. Starring the always amazing Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, it also introduces you to the lovely Keke Palmer. Palmer, a twelve year old from Illinois, has been in other films and on TV before but this is a role that will mark a real milestone in her career. Acting alongside two of Hollywood's best, she shines with a light all her own.

As a whole, the film has has moments of being very predictable. What keeps that from being frustrating though is the charm of Palmer. She draws you into Akeelah's world with a certain humanity and sweetness that makes it hard not to smile. Then there is Fishburne who brings the intensity he is famous for and applies it to the role of a firm teacher who has nothing but faith in his student, even when she doesn't have faith in herself.

The movie does have some fairly intense moments with some quarrels among family members, along with references to drug dealers and one fight at school. It's not bad though, and because of it you get a clear picture of the world Akeelah lives in. It's not a nice place, but thanks to Akeelah and her quest to go to the National Spelling Bee it becomes a lot more of a community.

Go see this movie, and bring a friend. Of course, you might want to bring a dictionary. I didn't even know some of these words.



-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
Is there a movie you'd like me to review? Let me know!