Popcorn Movie: A Knight's Tale

-Directed by: Brian Helgeland

Starring:
-Heath Ledger, Shannyn Sossamon

If you are a lover of pure history, and accuracy then this probably isn't a movie for you. However, if you like Queen, a chuckle and contact sports done the old English way then have a seat and enjoy yourself. This isn't meant to be an accurate movie. It's meant to, and succeeds at, being a popcorn munching, cheer for the good guys kind of a film.

Heath Ledger, in his first and arguably his best role, stars as William Thatcher. William is a young squire who dons his master's armor after he dies unexpectedly. All that really matters to him and his friends is getting enough money to eat. That is, until he picks up a lance. Ever since he was a boy, William wanted to be a Knight. Once he's able to fight among true nobility, he realizes that's still what he wants deep down. So, with a little creativity, a lot of lying and a young Chaucer to help with the forgery and the words, William and his friends set out to change their world one lance at a time.

Like I said, this isn't an accurate movie for the most part. What you need to understand though is that it is violent. VERY violent. But if you take into account that William is competing in jousting, and sword fighting then it's perfectly justified. This isn't needless violence. It's a rare sort that's actually important to the plot. The nice part is that there's very little blood, but you will wince more than once as lances knock knights off their horses and they hit hard enough that you'll feel it. The other thing is that the language is fairly strong and there is one scene of pretty pointless nudity. Why you need a naked English poet in this film I'll never know. But if you catch this on TV or through Clean Films I'd imagine you won't even see it.

All in all, this is a movie with a lot of heart and it accomplishes what it sets out to do. It's meant to entertain you, and rock you like the poster says. Mission accomplished, naked English poet nonwithstanding.


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

A First Look: Charlotte's Web

Salutations. When I was young, I learned that word thanks to a spider named Charlotte A. Cavatica. This Christmas, thanks to the nice people at Walden Media, you can learn it too. The amazing children's book is coming to life in a live action film that brings the Zuckerman Farm to a glorious reality with the help of some very familiar voices. One of the most notable is Oscar winner Julia Roberts as Charlotte, the verbose spider who teaches a little pig named Wilbur how to stand out by being himself. Roberts is joined by Robert Redford, Oprah Winfrey, Dakota Fanning and John Cleese in what will very likely be the family movie of the holiday season. Already getting a G-rating, this is one you'll want to plan to see. It already looks like a lot of fun, and it's a perfect message for Christmas. Friendship, love, and family. Whether you're a person, a pig, or a spider, it's something we all could use a little more of.

Charlotte's Web Trailer

The Official Charlotte's Web Site

Superman Returns

-Directed by: Bryan Singer

Starring:
-Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey

Ok, before I get too far into this piece I want to make one thing clear for everyone who reads it. Superman Returns is a superhero movie. I know, I know. You knew that right? Of course you did. What you should keep in mind though is that because it's a superhero movie it might have moments of being a little corny. However, it's very hard to be high drama and high seriousness when you're talking about a movie involving a man in a bright blue body stocking with a red cape. The point of a superhero movie is like the point of a comic book though. It's meant to be escapist, thrilling fun. The good ones, like this summer's X-Men: The Last Stand, deliver on that without question. This movie is on a whole other level entirely. Yeah, it's THAT good.

Clocking in at about two and a half hours, you're handed a movie that is a loving tribute to both the comic book and the late Christopher Reeve. It's emotionally accessible, fantastically thrilling, and completely well..super. Yeah I went there. A lot of the credit for the emotional presence of the movie can be placed on the shoulders of the new Superman himself. Brandon Routh physically looks the part, with a sometimes uncanny resemblance to Reeve. He also feels the part. One of the marks of a good actor is that they can draw you into the emotion of their character without saying a word. Routh can do that, and offers an emotional depth to Superman that makes this movie something truly special. Kate Bosworth has a reality to her as well as she steps into the shoes of the fiesty Lois Lane. She's a mother now, and understandably ticked off at Superman for leaving in the first place. But her performance is a bit pale in comparision to the incomparable Kevin Spacey. His turn as Lex Luthor may go down as one of the great performances of the genre as a villain, and against Routh's emotionally dignified Superman he is perfection. He's a little wild, a little nuts, with just the right amount of comedy to make it interesting.

What also deserves mentioning is the special effects. Singer, who has had a lot of practice thanks to the X-Men franchise, ups the ante here with some breathtaking effects that will make you wonder where the computer work ends and reality begins. One of my favorites is the scene where Superman invites Lois to come fly with him and you see them floating above the city through a series of shots that blends the actors and their environment to seamless perfection.

All in all, Superman has returned without a doubt. It honors the proud history of Christopher Reeve, but at the same time makes the franchise Routh's own trademark. Something no one, including this reviewer, expected.

(Picture courtesy of Yahoo! Entertainment)

How You Can Make A Difference:
Go Forward. That was Christopher Reeve's belief as to how each and every one of us should encounter adversity. Living with spinal cord injury, he did not live as a victim. He lived with strength, determination and passion to the point where he was beginning to fight back against the injury that put him in a wheelchair. In honor of Reeve's memory, and to celebrate Superman Returns, the Christopher Reeve Foundation is selling Superman Tags. On the front, you get a color version of the Superman S-Shield, and on the back you're reminded to go forward. For ten dollars, you're given a dog tag and a clip for your backpack or purse and 100 percent of the proceeds go to the foundation. Be a hero and donate to support the memory of a real life man of steel.

Superman Tags

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

Eight Below

-Directed by: Frank Marshall

Starring:
-Paul Walker, Bruce Greenwood, Moon Bloodgood, Jason Biggs, DJ, Koda Bear, Noble, Troika, Floyd, Jasper, Sitka, Apache, Conan and Flapjack

See, now this really is the perfect summer DVD. I mean when it's incredibly hot outside, all you need is some sub-zero temperatures and you're set. Right? Right. The movie, which is based on a true series of events, stars Paul Walker and some of the most amazing animals you'll ever see. Normally, I'm not a big fan of Walker but in this movie he finally became a leading man. As the father of a little girl, you get the sense that he wanted to do a movie that his daughter could enjoy. A lot of parents in Hollywood do that, but few of them can claim the success Walker has found with this movie. He's engaging, compassionate, and when it calls for it he can draw upon his natural athleticisim to be an action hero with heart. Something a little girl could be proud of.

The story, which is based on true events, is based around eight sled dogs who are left stranded in Antarctica and who survive despite absolutely every odd being against them. It's also the story of their guide, played by Walker, who is willing to literally go to the ends of the earth for the animals who are as close to him as any human. Where the story succeeds is in it's willingness to embrace the love Jerry has for his animals, and it's played in a natural sort of way that will remind you of your love for your own pets. It also holds on to the wildness of Antarctica with some breathtaking shots of both the climate, and the dogs in it. You feel the urgency of the situation as Jerry struggles to keep his promise to come back for his friends, and you understand how quickly the environment can turn on you.

This movie does have some pretty intense action moments in it, but there's no gore whatsoever and the language is minimal at best. There is some romance in it, but all you ever see is a kiss. At the same time though, this is a heartwarming movie that you and your entire family will love. On the DVD, you can learn about how they trained the amazing and beautiful animals for the movie as well as catching some deleted scenes and an audio commentary. Not a lot for the special features, but you'll get your money's worth on the movie alone.

Eight Below is on DVD now.

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

Channel Surfing: The 4400

TV and summer. Two things that don't always go together. However, some smart networks have saved some of their very best shows for summer viewing and USA leads the pack with season three of this remarkably well crafted, and fairly family friendly sci-fi drama. The story is that over the last 60 years 4400 people have vanished, and all at once they were returned. Not one of them had aged a day, or had any clear memory of what had happened to them. As they explore the world they've come home to, they begin to realize that they've been sent back changed. Some, like teenager Shawn Farrell, came back with the power to harm or heal with just a touch. Young Maia Skouris, who has been gone the longest and is one of the youngest of the returned, has the power to see the future whether she wants to or not. The problem is that while they haven't changed, their world has. People have died, or moved on and the returned are left feeling more than a little scared, and with no idea where to go from here.

This is a show that's crafted like The X-Files and The Twilight Zone but with its own twists and turns that make it truly original. What makes it a show I'd recommend is that while there are some intense moments, there's not a lot of graphic moments. Characters do die, but the death isn't overly gory. People are hurt, but again it's nothing stronger than a PG movie. You care about the central characters through truly inspired writing, and talented actors like Joel Gretsch, and Jacqueline McKenzie leading what may be one of the more ethnically diverse ensembles on TV. Give this show a try, whether it be through seasons 1 and 2 out on DVD now, or by tuning in to season 3. It's intelligent television that'll make you glad you found your remote.

The 4400 can be seen on USA Network. (Picture courtesy USA.)

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

Behind The Scenes: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest World Premiere

Disney pulled out all the stops on the 24th of this month for the movie that will likely be the film to beat for this summer in regards to box office. At the premiere, which was held at Disneyland, stars were easy to spot even amid the large crowds. The three lead actors made certain to take time out with fans, but the man of the night was most certainly Captain Jack Sparrow himself. Johnny Depp went out of his way to sign as many autographs for people as possible while telling the press that while he might have signed 13,ooo autographs he wanted to make sure everyone possible got a moment of his time. Depp also did admit that it will be sad to say goodbye to Captain Jack when the third movie, currently filming now, ends. But he did say that you never know where that pirate might show up, though most likely in his own home playing with his children.

Other stars in attendance included Jennifer Love Hewitt, Alicia Witt, and Christian Slater. However, there was someone who could eclipse even Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with both fans and stars alike. That would be a certain mouse named Mickey. Dressed up in his pirate best, Mickey Mouse rubbed elbows with the stars, fans and guests alike. Who says a pirate doesn't know how to have a good time?

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest opens on July 7th.



From left: Keira Knightley gets some true pirate charm from Mickey Mouse. Orlando Bloom and Johnny Depp together at the premiere.


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

Cars

-Directed by: John Lasseter, Joe Ranft

Starring:
-Owen Wilson, Bonnie Hunt, Larry The Cable Guy, Paul Newman and many MANY more

For months now, Disney has been getting people ready and curious about this movie. With a marketing scheme that rivals the invasion of a small country, they finally released Cars upon the world and the result was worth the wait. This is a perfect movie to bring your whole family to, and if you're like me you'll see it several times and never get bored. I should explain though. I have a nine year old movie fan, and trust me when I say that every piece of merchandise related to this movie is now in my house. But I don't mind. Heck, the cereal's pretty good.

On to the movie, it's set in a world where everything has four wheels. Even the insects which look, wait for it, like old VW bugs. The hero of our story is faster than fast young race car Lightning McQueen, and early on you see the hype surrounding his success, and the ego he's built to go along with it. Sure, he's talented but he doesn't have any friends. All he has is his power and even in the early moments of the movie you see how that can chip through his ego. One night though, he gets dropped out of his trailer and winds up in the middle of the desert. As he tries to catch up with his faithful truck, Lightning gets lost and winds up in Radiator Springs. That's where the real race begins. Not for money or fame, but to find out who he REALLY is and what he's been missing. Life.

It's a simple story, no two ways about it. The nice part about the film though is that it's a movie that doesn't preach. It will make you laugh, make you maybe even cry but you wind up being entirely entertained. The characters suit the voices perfectly, including film legend Paul Newman as Doc Hudson and many of NASCAR's finest. But the movie is completely, and perfectly stolen by a little tow truck named Mater. You know, like "Tuh-mater" without the "Tuh." Larry, who is known for his stand up comedy, is fantastic as the rusty tow truck who befriends Lightning McQueen. Add the deep southern drawl to the dumbfounded looks of Mater and you won't be able to stop giggling. My son still asks me to quote lines to him, and "DADGUM!" is his favorite word of choice. But it's just another reason why this movie is so good. You keep thinking and laughing about it even weeks after you've left the theater behind.

One thing I would also like to suggest is that you pick up the soundtrack for this movie. Sheryl Crow, John Mayer and country superstars Rascall Flatts contribute songs you'll hear in the movie along with a heartachingly wonderful ballad by James Taylor. It's perfect and very family friendly music that will have you singing along no matter where you're going.

The bottom line here is that this movie works because its perfect summertime fare. Light, easy to enjoy, and fun for moms, dads, kids and the speed demon in us all.



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

In Production Now: Spiderman 3

Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! Wait, wrong movie. Because apparently it's a superhero kind of summer, the nice people at XFM have some pictures from the set of Spiderman 3. Tobey Maguire is back as our favorite wall crawling hero, along with Kirsten Dunst as Mary Jane. The nice part though? New bad guys! Topher Grace is joining up as Eddie Brock, and Thomas Haden Church is our new villain who's called The Sandman. Also joining, and included in the pictures, is the lovely Bryce Dallas Howard. Her dad being none other than acclaimed director Ron aka Richie from Happy Days. The pictures look fantastic, and at the bottom of the page you'll find some video taken during filming.

Updated: 6/28
In looking at the trailer, you'll see the first look at The Sandman, as well as what looks to be a darker theme overall for one of the most successful superhero franchises to date. This should be fun.

XFM's pictures from Spiderman 3

The Teaser Trailer-Spiderman 3

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

An Inconvenient Truth

-Directed by: Davis Guggenheim

Starring:
-Al Gore

No, seriously. I really did mean Al Gore. The former Vice president becomes an unlikely movie star in what might be the scariest movie you will ever see. There's no blood, no language and no sex but you will be rocked by what this simple movie will tell you. This isn't a political issue. It's a social and moral issue and Gore is amazingly the right man for the job when it comes to explaining it all.

I'm not going to lie though. This is a two hour speech. What I would suggest though is that you go with an open mind and listen. I didn't expect to like this movie, let alone be awake by the end of it. What you'll find though is that it will make you think. You'll hear the reasons for global warming and the impacts it has had on our environment along with some very scary predictions for the future. It's not meant to preach, and with Gore's steady delivery it doesn't. Instead, you see a new side of the man himself and you see how very much he cares about this issue. It has been a life long crusade for him, and perhaps he's finally found the forum for which he might present this issue in the best way possible. Along the way, you also get to learn about his personal life. For the most part, that was fairly interesting until a slightly bitter mention of the 2000 election. You might get the sense he's still a little annoyed by that, but really that was the only glaring negative of the film. For the most part, it's very heartfelt and done with a true sense of purpose. Gore cares about the fate of our planet, and he'd like it very much if you would take a moment to listen to him.

Because I'm an internet junkie as much as a movie junkie, I went to the website of the movie and picked up some ways we can all help save our planet. It's simple stuff really that you can do, or you can point out to your parents to do.

Replace a regular incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb (cfl)
CFLs use 60% less energy than a regular bulb. This simple switch will save about 300 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Move your thermostat down 2° in winter and up 2° in summer
Almost half of the energy we use in our homes goes to heating and cooling. You could save about 2,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year with this simple adjustment.

Clean or replace filters on your furnace and air conditioner
Cleaning a dirty air filter can save 350 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Use a clothesline instead of a dryer whenever possible
You can save 700 pounds of carbon dioxide when you air dry your clothes for 6 months out of the year.

Turn off electronic devices you’re not using
Simply turning off your television, DVD player, stereo, and computer when you’re not using them will save you thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide a year.

Plant a tree
A single tree will absorb one ton of carbon dioxide over its lifetime. Shade provided by trees can also reduce your air conditioning bill by 10 to 15%.

I think the bottom line here is that the movie doesn't want to scare you silly. It wants you to realize that if we all do a little bit then we can help save our world one person at a time. Go see it when it opens in your city, then spread the word. The best way people can hear the truth is if it's shared.

An Inconvenient Truth opens across the country throughout June and is now playing in selected cities. Check your local listings.

(Special thanks to Climate Crisis for the environmental information. Picture of Al Gore courtesy of Yahoo! Entertainment.)

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