Mann appeared in the Apatow written/directed film Funny People last year. Whenever the film does come out, she’ll be appearing in the Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor starring feature I Love You Phillip Morris.

Funny People

Apatow’s third film kind of flopped, despite being decent. A mature departure for him, but still in his style. Donny dug the heck out of it. (Formats: Blu-ray/DVD) Jon says: Rent    Donny says: Buy

Angels and Demons

If you are an insomniac, buy this and bring a pillow. Boring and I don’t think this extended cut will help. I can’t believe people and the Church got all worked up of it. It’s pro-religion people! (Formats: Blu-ray/DVD) Jon says: Avoid    Donny says: Rent

Gormorrah: Criterion Collection

This near brilliant Mafia, gang film was brought to the States with the help of Scorsese. Nominated for Best Foreign Film at the past Oscars, it’s a brutal and unrelenting tale of some sick violence that is happening now in Italy. A little long and drags slightly in the middle, but worth seeing ASAP. (Formats: Blu-ray/DVD) Jon says: Buy    Donny says: Buy

Shorts

Did anyone see this damn awful thing from a “you should be directing Sin City 2 now” Robert Rodriguez. (Formats: Blu-ray/DVD) Jon says: Avoid   Donny says: Rent

Santa Buddies

Something in me says “Hate it” but I just can’t. Silly dog lover I know, I know… (Formats: Blu-ray/DVD) Jon says: Rent   Donny says: Rent

Four Christmases

Damn near forgot about this flick. Oh, you cheesy Xmas comedy, why must you exist? (Formats: Blu-ray/DVD) Jon says: Avoid   Donny says: Rent

New to Blu

My Bloody Valentine (1981)

Cujo

Monster Squad

The Way of the Gun

As always, keep it here to Killer Film, for reviews of these discs and more!

Cover art coming soon.

Source: High Def Digest

The flick takes a look at the darker side of comedy, and delves into the secret lives of the comedians that live their lives in front of an audience.  Adam Sandler dials in the most impressive performance of his career as the troubled comedian, George Simmons, who finds out he has a disease that could have him pushing daises sooner rather than later.

Most people in George’s predicament would turn to their loved ones for solace, but George doesn’t have any real friends, and he doesn’t really get along with his family either.   Faced with early retirement George decides to start doing stand up again, and after an unscheduled performance he meets an up-and-coming comic named Ira (Seth Rogen).  Soon after their initial meeting George hires Ira as his assistant and to write jokes for him.  It doesn’t take long for Ira to realize that he’s basically being paid to be George’s friend.

Of course there wouldn’t be a story if there wasn’t a woman involved, and in this case it’s the one that got away.  Leslie Mann is perfect in this role.  She is sincere in her love for George, so sincere in fact that she is willing to risk her comfortable family life for a second shot at personal bliss.  Only, George Simmons is a leopard that won’t easily change his spots.  He struggles with being a celebrity but he’s addicted to the lifestyle.  The thought of not being able put himself first is overwhelming.

The entire cast is beyond amazing here.  Everyone, including the cameos are more than solid.  The visibly thinner Seth Rogen proves he can do more than act like a geeky stoner, but it’s Adam Sandler that shines here.

I have to say that Apatow has really grown as a director.  He takes the characters in this film into territory he has never tread.  Sure, the dick jokes are plentiful but used contextually.  I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Apatow, because if Funny People is any indication, it’s going to be bright.

If you haven’t seen this picture already, do so immediately, because Funny People is most definitely a killer film.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Great Day (2:09) by Paul McCartney, a solid track that sets the mood for the rest of the disc.  This track isn’t the best McCartney song I’ve ever heard but it fits in perfectly here.  The moody tone of the former Beatles’ voice helps take away the anxiety placed on anyone after a hard day of work.  What a great way to start off a record.

Wires (2:26) by Coconut Records is a breezy track that sticks with you long after its short run-time.  I caught myself constantly hitting the replay button for this track.  Solid track that’ll appeal to fans of the indie music scene.

All The King’s Horses (4:20) by Robert Plant is another solid track by a veteran that knows how to craft a song.  This is the type of song that could take multiple listens to sink in completely, but once it does it’ll embed itself into your subconscious.

Carolina In My Mind (Live) (4:59) by James Taylor doesn’t really need an introduction.  It’s a classic song that never goes out of style.

Keep Me In Your Heart (3:28) by Warren Zevon is another classic song that never gets old.  Warren doesn’t have the most amazing voice but is sure is distinct, giving it a unique quality that is rarely heard in modern music.

Real Love (Live) (4:55) by Adam Sandler was the biggest surprise on this disc.  Sandler sounds similar to Bob Dylan here and his voice fits in perfectly over the crisp guitar sounds.  One of my favorite tracks on the disc, I’d recommend picking this up just to hear Sandler kick a little musical ass.

We (Early Take) (4:12) by Neil Diamond is killer.  It’s Neal Diamond people, what’s not to love?

Jesus, Etc. (Live Summer ’08) (4:01) by Wilco with Andrew Bird is by far my favorite track on the disc.  This is an awesome song that I just can’t get enough of.  I wasn’t a fan of Wilco before I heard this song but I am now.

George Simmons Soon Will Be Gone (2:16) by Adam Sandler is a a live comedy song that is very similar to the types of songs we’ve all heard him do before.  I’m assuming it is from the movie because of the title and the nature of the song itself.  Very solid comedy, top notch.

I Am young (3:12) by Coconut Records is another killer song from the band.  While I didn’t enjoy it as much as the previous song they provided for this disc it still kicks much ass.

Memory (From Cats) (3:54) by Maude Apatow & Larry Goldings is my least favorite track.  Actually, I don’t care for it at all.  It’s performed by Judd Apatow’s daughter, who has a great voice, it’s just not the type of music I’m into.  On that note, I’m sure it’ll fit snugly into the narrative.

Numb as a Statue (4:07) by Warren Zevon is another great song.  What can I say other than I’m not sure the man writes a bad song.

Photograph (3:59) by Ringo Starr is probably one of the first songs I like by the former Beatle.  I’m not a fan of his solo work but this song works on so many levels.

Watching The Wheels (Acoustic) (3:06) by John Lennon is an amazing song.  Did you expect me to say anything else?  It’s Lennon, and this has that classic Lennon sound.

There is only one song on here that I didn’t dig.  This is a killer disc that is going to be in my iPod rotation for a long time.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Awards Circuit:  It’s not only his most mature work yet, it’s his best work yet, and the first one that will merit him some real serious Oscar consideration (along with many other aspects of the film).  This is a home run of significant proportions, and considering how many ways this project could have failed, it’s a real achievement indeed.  The title of the movie is incredibly apt, since not only is the film fantastically funny, but it’s more so about these people that you will grow to care about during the almost 2 and a half hours that the film runs for (though it never drags, which is somewhat amazing).

Screen Daily: Apatow’s obsession with the male genitalia has never been more prevalent. Every male character talks about his own and everybody else’s penis with such frequency that Bruno looks moderate in comparison.Funny People is more of an adult film than Apatow’s previous two hits The 40 Year-Old Virgin andKnocked Up, or his many productions. Teen audiences who lapped up the puerile humour of Superbad orPineapple Express will be severely challenged by the running time and themes which include terminal illness, the nature of love, and the darker side of fame.

Hollywood Elsewhere: It really is the best Apatow movie so far. Not the warmest of friendliest or feel-goodiest, but unquestionably the frankest and ballsiest. A genuinely funny, corrosive, uncliched, agreeably smartass thing. Not perfect but close enough to what I wanted that I came out delighted. I believed each and every line and attitude and plot turn. I had a few minor beefs but no major ones…. It darkens, challenges, deepens, reboots and broadens the definition of those cereal-box ingredients that people think of when they refer to Apatow-brand entertainment. It’s not a “great” film but for me it’s a stunningly brave (by which I mean exceptionally candid and self-revealing) one. And funny as shit.

Hollywood Reporter:  In moving his adolescent male comedies into more adult realms, the humor sharpens and characters deepen. “Funny People” might be a transitional film for Apatow, and the good news is that his people remain funny. And it helps to have loads of cameo appearances from many of today’s top funny people……The characters, even down to the smaller roles, are better realized and more lifelike than any previous Apatow film, and he hits all the right notes in the film’s pacing, laughs and emotions.

Source:#mce_temp_url#

(July 1^st)

Public Enemies

Jon: I a big fan of gangster films, especially the WB films from the 1930s and ’40s, with Cagney, Bogart, and Robinson. There’s something about this film that has that old time gangster feeling to it. Two of my favorite current actors are in this; Bale and Depp, and Mann is a decent director. It’s nice to see a drama highlighted for a summer date, as high profiled as this is, and the nature of the HD camera vs film Mann has been doing, should bring up some good discussions. See It

Donny: Who doesn’t want to see Depp and Bale together in a gangster flick?  This might just be the best movie of the summer, so you can bet your ass I’ll be in the theatre watching Michael Mann’s magnum opus rock the silver screen.  See It

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Jon: I might be a snob, but anything outside of Disney, I just have a hard time liking. The first Ice Age was a decent time, the second I skipped, so the only reason I’d see this, is they brought dinosaurs in it-oddly (since Ice Age came after dinos). The 3-D looks alright, but anyone not expecting this to bank should have their head examined. But how many times can Skat be funny? Or now, that female squirrel?  Skip It

Donny:  You are a snob Jon, but I’m with you when you say this is going to make mad bank at the theatre.  I sorta dug the first one. but truthfully I was never a huge fan of this franchise.  I’m not looking forward to yet another Ice Age flick, although I know my son is going to drag me into the theatre.  So my advice is to do what I wish I could.  Skip It

(July 10^th)

Bruno

Jon: Borat was a smooth stroke of genius, and not because it was funny, but the interesting take of cultural differences Cohen plays out between American’s feelings towards other cultures is highlighted. I predict Bruno will do the same. I’m really excited for this film. See It

Donny: The man is stupid funny.  I can’t wait to see this flick.  See It

Blood: The Last Vampire

Jon: This could go either way. Based on a pretty cool anime film of the same name, this could be a camp-filled B-movie or a chore to sit through. I really can’t tell right now. Early word isn’t good, but vamps are huge right now, so it’ll be interesting to see what audience it aiming for: horror, action, Twilight girls? Hmm, tough call but I’ll say See It

Donny: Long before Britney Spears made every man in America feel guilty for thinking a schoolgirl was hot, anime flicks were putting hot nubile virgins with guns into schoolgirl outfits.  And this flick is a testament to that statement.  A hot young vampire dressed in schoolgirl garb kills vampires.  What’s not to like?  See It.

(July 17^th)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Jon: I will be the happiest man ever when this series gets put to rest. I don’t hate it, in fact, I’ve seen a few, but I cannot get into this franchise at all. Once, I was talking to this girl who wanted to pull a huge Harry Potter marathon one night after I got off of work. I said, right then and there on the phone, I was receiving a violent migraine, so I don’t think it’ll be good to do that. I never talked to her again. That’s my Harry Potter love. Not my thing, but I can understand why people enjoy them. So, for me I’ll Skip It, but for you, See It.

Donny: Don’t bash the Harry Potter sir!  Harry rocks, and because I’m a HUGE fan of the books I do enjoy the movies.  While the flicks themselves will never trump the books I’m looking forward to seeing the latest adaptation of one of my favorite literary characters.  See It

(500) Days of Summer

Jon: Besides loving all things Zooey Deschanel does (anyone listening to She & Him?), this anti-romance if you will, just might be one of the summer’s best for one reason: Joseph Gordon-Levitt. This will be his coming out party, as he has been on the verge of doing so for a few years now. Welcome. In my opinion, the theme of the film, the stars, the feelings I get from the trailer, makes this the one summer film to see. See It.

Donny: I’m happy Jon was able to finally profess his admiration for Joseph Gordon Levitt, and for once I agree with him.  I really want to see this flick.  Zooey is always cute and JGL is always solid in whatever role he takes on.  See It

(July 24^th)

G-Force

Jon: Disney’s long term love affair with talking animals continues. Looks lame, but hey, are we the audience for this? No. If you aren’t burned out of 3-D family films like Up, Ice Age 3, here’s another one. Skip It

Donny: “Poop in his hand, poop in his hand!”  I’m only going to say that my kids will want to check this one out, but I’m gonna recommend that anyone reading this Skip it.

Orphan

Jon: The trailer makes me mad. Why, if you’re adopting a child, pick the freakiest little girl the orphanage has to offer? Unless the trailer isn’t showing the levels of possible depth, this might be as forgettable as horror gets this year. Skip It

Donny: I have no desire to see this flick.  I’m totally over creepy kids, so I’m planning to use my position as editor-in-chief of this website to make Jon see this one so that I don’t have to.  Skip It

Shrink

Jon: Could be a nice off-beat drama for those who are sick of robots, cartoons, and big comedies. Spacey looks good again. See It.

Donny: I’m really looking forward to this flick.  I haven’t seen Spacey look this good since Consenting Adults or Usual Suspects.  See It

(July 31^st)

Funny People

Jon: Apatow’s name has been on almost ever successful comedy in the last few years, but here is his only third film. To tell you the truth, I’m not a big fan of 40 Year Old Virgin or Knocked Up, but what has me excited for this is the apparent balance between comedy and drama the trailer promises. Early word is Oscar nominations. Adam Sandler looks like he’s in fine form, a rare sight. I’m hoping he’s more Punch-Drunk Love than Zohan. Everything is lining up for this to be a special picture. See It

Donny: This is my most anticipated flick of the summer.  I am counting the days until I get to see this picture, so ignore everything Jon said about not liking 40 Year Old Virgin or Knocked Up (who in their right mind doesn’t like those flicks?) and make sure your in the theatre to see this one (stand in line if you have to).  See It

Thirst

Jon: This will be playing in a few select cities on this date, but for those of you in those cities (I’m seeing only NYC actually), See It. Chan-wook Park is a great director, and not just for Oldboy. He’s carved a special international niche for himself, as a director that is crafty, smart, and reliable. His segment in Three…Extremes was about an extra seeking vengeance against a director, but the early scenes we’re on a set of a vampire film, which is what this film is about: vampires. While there might be vampire fatigue coming, I’m very interested in his approach. 

Donny: I’m interested in this flick, but not as much as Jon is.  I’ll let him check it out and recommend that you See it.

Aliens in the Attic

Jon: I rarely outright dismiss a film based on a trailer, but I want my 2 minutes back. Skip It.

Donny: I rarely outright agree with Jon on a film based on its trailer but I also want my 2 minutes back.  Skip It

That’s July, folks. Keep it here for our reviews all month long, and if you have any questions or comments, email us at donny@killerfilm.com and jon@killerfilm.com . Or take it to our new forums, and discuss everything movie-related!

Source: TrailerAddict

The summer movie season is almost here, and while you probably have read a few of these lists, I want to invite you to read ours. Why? Because we will offer our opinion of why you should see this or that movie. Until we actually see these films, here’s what we feel might be worth your money to see on the big screen. Just keep it here for our reviews!

Jon’s Picks:

5 – H2 (August 28th): Why? I really want to give this film the benefit of the doubt for two reasons: 1) Rob Zombie’s last sequel, The Devil’s Rejects blew House of 1000 Corpses out of the water, by being gritty, real, well-acted and directed, all things H1kC was not, and 2) it has to be better than the slew of remakes we got this year in horror. If you still don’t believe me, at least there’s interesting ideas he explored in the first film than could be exploited here for a much, much better film. 

4 – Away We Go (June 5^th): Why? Some people were put off by Revolutionary Road, and this film looks to be a 180 degrees away from that film, while still exploring the American family Sam Mendes likes to explore. The trailer offers us a quirky look at two lovers finding themselves during a pregnancy. This film is going to be the adult comedy pick of the summer, and an intelligent alternate choice for people soon-to-be bummed by mindless entertainment. 

3 – The Brothers Bloom (May 15^th): Why? Because Brick was amazing. A great cast, Johnson’s unique dialogue, and a con men storyline, so what’s not to love? Outside the studios constant shifting of release dates, which I feel is all for the better of the film, meaning they are looking for a good time for it, I can’t see a sophomore slump here. C’mon, Rachel Weisz is endlessly adorable too.

2 – Public Enemies (July 1^st): Why? If Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, and a ’30s styled gangster film directed by Michael Mann doesn’t get you into the cool theater, then you deserve to get sun burned. Depp’s known for his roles of quirky characters, so here’s a nice departure as the notorious John Dillinger. I get a Heat vibe from this film, and I love those Warner gangster films from the 1930s and ’40s, so this has got my blood pumping to watch two of our better thespians, Bale and Depp, go head-to-head. A preview to a Batman/Riddler fight in Nolan’s third Batman film? Maybe, either way this is going to be one great flick.

1 – Terminator Salvation (May 21^st): Why? Let’s throw McG out of this equation here. What’s got me super-excited for this, outside of being a Terminator fan already, is the fact that it looks to be just as good as a drama set in a dystopia future, than an action film. Jonathan Nolan (The Dark Knight, Memento) gave the script a second look and rewrites on Bale’s request to enhance the drama and tension, but the film just looks incredibly epic. Cameron’s films only hinted at this war, and (gasp!) McG is bringing it to us. What sweetens the deal is Linda Hamilton is back as Sarah in a voice-over cameo, Arnold is cameoing as well, and face it: you want to see how bad the lighting is! This could be one of 2009′s biggest summer films.

**Jon’s Wild Card Pick** 

Moon (June 12^th, limited release)

Donny’s Picks:

5 – X-Men Origins: Wolverine (May 1st): Why? Because Wolverine kicks ass, that’s why.  Come on, even if this flick doesn’t measure up to the ass kickery that was X2 it is still going to rock hard.  How do I know this?  Because it’s Wolverine!  With Jackman sporting the claws and Liev Schreiber lending his talents to Sabertooth, at the very least it’ll be entertaining. Bottom line, I’m there on opening night. 

4 -  G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (August 7th): Why? The cartoons were awesome and I’m a nostalgic bastard.  The trailer looks pretty darn cool, and Sienna Miller looks stupid hot as the Baroness.  In my opinion this flick is going to be a lot of fun even if it is cheesy as hell.  It’s based on a cartoon for God’s sake.  Plus, Sienna Miller is stupid hot (had to slip it in there again).  

3 -  Inglorious Basterds (August 21st): Why? Because Quentin Tarantino is f**king bad ass.  I’m a sucker for Tarantino’s flicks.  I like all of them, and seriously, a Tarantino flick with Brad Pitt, Eli Roth, Sam Jackson, and Mike Myers in the cast sounds priceless.  Also, I really dug the original flick that this one is loosely based on. 

2 -  Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (June 24th): Why? Mainly because I have a healthy obsession with Megan Fox (I think she’s yummy), but also because I really dig giant robots.  Add Michael Bay to the equation and I’m amped up like a hooker at a SciFi convention.  

1 – Funny People (July 31st): Why? I love almost everything Jud Apatow works on, and when he directs a flick it’s usually comedy gold.  Sandler, Rogen, and hottie Leslie Man in the same flick make this one my most anticipated of the summer.  Also, early talk of possible Oscar buzz make this one to watch for even the most uptight movie snob (I’m not referring to you Jon).

**Donny’s Wild Card Pick** 

Moon (June 12^th, limited release)

 Agree or disagree? Email us at jon@killerfilm.com or donny@killerfilm.com or simply leave a comment below! See you at the movies!

Funny People stars Eric Bana, Leslie Mann, Seth Rogen, and Adam Sandler and is set to open everywhere on July 31st 2009. 

You must watch this trailer HERE !

Avatar: James Cameron when not directing Aquaman on HBO’s entourage, has spent the past few years working on bringing his highly anticipated Avatar to the big screen which is sure to bring huge box office numbers and forever change the movie industry with its effects.

Funny People: Judd Apatow returns this summer with his next directorial feature entitled Funny People starring Adam Sandler and Apatow regulars Seth Rogen and Leslie Mann.

Where the Wild Things Are :  The classic children story gets it’s big screen debut with Spike Jonze’s anticipated and oft delayed film.  The films stars the voice work of Paul Dano, Lauren Ambrose, James Gandolfini, Catherine O’Hara and Forest Whitaker.

Now comes the first official still from the upcoming film which only wets the appetite of what’s to come in his latest film.

Source: Cinematical

10. Where the Wild Things Are: I’m extremely stoked to see Spike Jonze’s adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s awesome children’s story.  This was my favorite book when I was a little pain in the ass, and it’s one of my son’s favorites as well.  I’ll be at the theatre on opening night. (October 16)

9. Terminator: Salvation: I’m pretty tired of the Terminator films, but I’m curious to see what Christian Bale brings to the table.  So I’m ready to check this one out just to see if it will signal the rebirth or death of this monumental franchise. (May 22)

8. Jennifer’s Body: I love Diablo Cody, but I’m going to have to be completely honest.  While this film is interesting in and of itself, the main reason I’m going to see it is to peep Megan Fox in her birthday suit.  Hell, any chance to watch her on screen is a treat.  What can I say, the girl is smoking hot.  Anyway, I’ll be there for this one on opening night.  (September 18 in Canada, US dates coming soon)

7. Land of the Lost: I can remember waking up to watch the original every Saturday morning.  It was an integral part of my childhood.  The fact that it was made on the cheap and was sorta goofy only added to its charm.  I think Will Ferrell is a perfect choice for this flick.  Sleestaks baby! (June 5)

6. Inglourious Basterds: Quentin Tarantino is a bad-ass.  Plain and simple, the guy makes killer movies. So on opening night I’m going to be there with a smile on my face because at the very lest I know I’m going to be entertained.  (August 28)

5. Star Trek: I’m going to forgive  J.J. Abrams for Cloverfield and take this scifi journey with him.  I love the original television show, and the movies that followed.  I even enjoyed the Next Generation, so I see no reason why I won’t love this one as well.  Especially with a talented director like Abrams at the helm. (May

4. Funny People:  Judd Apatow is a funny guy, and I really dig the films he writes and directs.  So it goes without saying that I’m totally stoked to see him make a new flick with not only Seth Rogen, and Leslie Mann, but with funny man Adam Sandler as well.  (July 31)

3. Adventureland: Greg Mottola is one of my favorite new directors.  I think the guy genuinely knows what’s funny.  After watching the trailer this became one of the films I’m looking forward to most this year. (March 27)

2. X-Men Origins: Wolverine: What more can I say other than, it’s Wolverine bitch!  I’ll be in the lines waiting for my ticket on opening night, just to see Hugh Jackman kicking ass behind the claws again.  (May 1)

1. Watchmen: I haven’t been this excited about seeing a movie since Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. This is my favorite graphic novel, and if the trailers are any indication of how amazing this flick is going to be, it just might be my favorite flick of the year as well.  (March 6)