Movie Review for Wild Horse, Wild Ride

Wild Horse, Wild Ride  

Directed by Alex Dawson & Greg Gricus

Rated: PG

Run Time: 106 mins

Genre: Documentary/ Western

Opens September 14th, 2012

By Lisa Minzey

Hey Phoenix Film Fest fans!  A fantastic documentary that was the Winner of  Cox Audience Award and Best Cinematography at the 2011 Phoenix Film Festival “Wild Horse, Wild Ride”,  is hitting theaters this weekend. It has gone on to win many different awards at many different festivals, and it is understandably so.

In the documentary “Wild Horse, Wild Ride”, husband & wife Filmmaker team, Alex Dawson & Greg Gricus, followed 9 different horse trainers and their mustangs, on a 100 day journey to the Mustang Extreme Makeover Competition in Fort Worth, TX.

Each year, the U.S. Government rounds up thousands of wild horses, removes them from public lands to be sold at public auction. The Extreme Mustang Makeover Challenge (sounds like it could be a reality show on ABC, eh?) gives 100 trainers the chance to train 100 horses (1 trainer & 1 horse) to prepare them for adoption, giving them a chance at a better life than penned up in a federal corral. During the competition, the horses and trainers go through a series of tests, tricks and trotting. If the horse cannot do one thing, it is an automatic disqualification. On the 3^rd day, there is a public auction where the trainers have the opportunity to bid, along with the public, to buy their horses providing a permanent home.

The trainers showcased through the film are from vastly different backgrounds, widespread throughout the country. From Arizona to New Hampshire, each trainer unknowingly has something special to learn from the horse.   Humans and horses are more alike than most realize. Both have an incredible spirit; both can heal, learn and teach each other extraordinary lessons while overcoming impossible odds.

"Wild Horse, Wild Ride" is a beautiful documentary that shows the astonishing connection between horse and human. Each trainer and horse’s journey is memorable, enduring and makes this a most enjoyable film to watch. Be sure to check it out when this film comes to a theater Friday September 14th.

Raiders of the Lost Ark plays at Harkins Scottsdale 101

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND, NEWLY RE-MASTERED “RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK” WILL BEGIN

 AN EXTENDED THEATRICAL RUN THIS FRIDAY THROUGH SEPTEMBER 20tH

THE FILM WILL PLAY IN MORE THAN 300 THEATERS ACROSS THE U.S. AND CANADA

FOLLOWING ITS SUCCESSFUL ONE-WEEK ONLY IMAX ENGAGEMENT

“INDIANA JONES: THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES” DEBUTS ON BLU-RAY™ SEPTEMBER 18

See it at Harkins Scottsdale 101

 

LOS ANGELES, CA (September 14, 2012) – Due to the extraordinary response for the newly re-mastered “RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK” during its one-week IMAX engagement, Paramount Pictures Corporation, a division of Viacom, Inc., has announced that the film will have an extended theatrical run beginning Friday, September 14.

The unforgettable and beloved film from director Steven Spielberg and executive producer George Lucas will play in more than 300 digital theaters across the United States and Canada.  Tickets can be purchased now. Check your local listings for participating locations and showtimes.

"The re-mastering efforts by Steven, George and their team were incredible and the movie’s hugely successful run in Imax last week was a sure sign that audiences were excited to see the film again on the big screen. We are thrilled that audiences will have that chance again as part of this extended theatrical run,” said Rob Moore, Vice Chairman of Paramount Pictures.

“RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK” was released for an exclusive one-week engagement in select IMAX® theaters on September 7, 2012.  Under the supervision of Spielberg and renowned sound designer Ben Burtt, the film was meticulously restored with careful attention to preserving its original look, sound and feel for a highly-anticipated release in theaters and on Blu-ray.

“INDIANA JONES: THE COMPLETE ADVENTURES” debuts on Blu-ray September 18, 2012 from Lucasfilm Ltd. and Paramount Home Media Distribution with seven hours of fascinating bonus material, including a brand new two-part documentary titled “On Set with Raiders of the Lost Ark – From Jungle to Desert and From Adventure to Legend.”  Featuring nearly an hour of rarely seen footage from the set of the film and archival interviews with Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Harrison Ford, this captivating piece transports fans back to where the legend began.

Movie Review for Red Hook Summer

Red Hook Summer  

Starring: Clarke Peters, Jules Brown, Nate Parker

Directed by Spike Lee

Rated: R

Run Time: 121 mins

Genre: Drama

Opens September 14th

By Lisa Minzey

Calling all Independent Film Fans of Spike Lee!  The new Spike Lee Joint, “Red Hook Summer”, was an Official Selection at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival, now coming to a theater near you.

When a middle class kid from Atlanta gets dumped off to his overly religious grandfather’s house for the summer, he is in for a culture shock. Cylus “Flick” Royal (Jules Brown) would rather be making films on his iPad2, skateboarding with a friend or watching T.V. These are all activities that his estranged grandfather Deacon Zee (Thomas Jefferson Byrd) is keeping him from by having him shadows his daily activities and meting the neighborhood.  Nothing can be more tiresome for Flick, as he has to work with his Grandfather doing the “Lord’s Work”.

Back at home in Atlanta, Flick being raised by his single mother, Colleen (De’Adre Aziza) is not an easy feat. He is a 13 year-old-boy without a strong male presence in his life, so pushing buttons has become part of his forte. For the most part, he is accustom to a certain lifestyle; one where he does not have to attend church, eats vegan cuisine and has every modern convenience, that most kids take for granted. Now, that he is spending his summer in Red Hook, the days drag on for Flick; being constantly embarrassed by his grandfather, and now, stuck hanging out with annoying projects girl, Chazz Morningstar (Toni Lysaith).

The more that Flick and Chazz hang out, the closer they become; the closer they become, the further Flick drifts from his grandfather, creating a deeper rift. Deacon Zee’s problems with Flick are just one of the many challenges he is facing; from the neighborhood gangs to people from his past to challenging his own beliefs; will Flick and his grandfather make it through the summer or will it be their first and last together?

“Red Hook Summer” is one of those films that take a while to develop a clear understanding of what direction the story is taking. A viewer may walk away either loving or hating the film, due to the nature of some mature content of the film. I do not suggest bringing young children to this film as the film takes a darker turn towards the end 30 minutes of the film.  If you are a fan of Writer/ Director Spike Lee and his past work, you may thoroughly enjoy this film. You decide when it opens in Phoenix starting September 14^th.

Arbitrage Movie Review

Arbitrage   

Starring: Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Tim Roth, Brit Marling

Directed by Nicholas Jarecki

Rated: R

Run Time: 100 mins

Genre: Thriller/ Drama

Opens September 14^th

By Lisa Minzey

Hey Phoenix Film Fans, this week we checked out the newest Richard Gere movie "Arbitrage".  Fun fact about the film: Richard Gere replaced Al Pacino in the lead role, and Nate Parker replace Drake in supporting role of "Jimmy". How do you think that casting change would have affected the quality of the film? Better or worse?

Billionaire Robert Miller (Richard Gere) from the outside seems to have the perfect life. He is a self- made man; built and ran a successful business, married the woman he loved and built a family with, and upon the eve of his 60^th birthday, is about to sell his lucrative business in an immensely profitable acquisition. That is the public persona of Robert Miller.

The private persona of Robert Miller is more of a shadowy side. Only a select few know that Robert maintains a French artist mistress, Julie (Laetitia Casta), providing for her every need. Julie, who is becoming increasingly frustrated with him still being with his wife, Ellen (Susan Sarandon) keeps issuing threat after threat.  Robert promises Julie when he gets through this business dealing things will be different.

Brooke Miller (Brit Marlin), Robert’s daughter and C.I.O, caught an accounting error in one of their holdings that could be a possible reason why the company sale is stalling. When she presents the findings to Robert, he insists that he will get to the bottom of the matter. Truth is that, Robert has been covering up a discrepancy of $412 million dollars from a poor business deal.

Amongst all the stress in Robert’s life, he make a promise to Julie to attend her first big art show. When he shows up late due to a merger meeting that ran late, she wants nothing to do with Robert. In an effort to make things right, he offers to run away with Julie to a place he has up north. Fate intervenes as Robert and Julie steal away in the dead of night. Due to the late hour, Robert nods off while driving Julie’s car, causing in a horrific rollover car crash, killing Julie instantly. The decisions Robert makes in the precious moments after the car crash, puts his company’s, family’s and own future, all on the line.

Much like Atlas bearing the weight of the world on his shoulders, Robert’s fate hangs in the balance, as does a young man Jimmy (Nate Parker), who is called in to assist in Robert’s getaway. Det. Michael Bryer (Tim Roth) is the officer tasked to solve the car crash/ murder case of Julie Cote, figuring out quickly that Robert plays a significant role in the investigation. Much like a pit-bull salivating for a hearty bone, Det. Bryer wants to nail Robert Miller, putting him away for a long time. The billionaire is the ultimate prize in Byer’s search for justice.

Will Det. Bryer be able to build a strong enough case to put Robert away for good, or will Robert’s shoddy business decisions catch up to him, jeopardizing his, his family and employees’ futures?

Arbitrage is a throwback to the great 80’s Wall Street Thrillers that make one want to root and hate the “Rich Villain” at once. The only difference here is that instead of Michael Douglas, Richard Gere is the character we love to hate. Check it out when it opens in theaters nationwide Friday September 14^th, 2012.

“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” Returns to Cinemas for 30th Anniversary Celebration

Commemorating Universal Pictures' 100^th Anniversary

TCM Presents a Newly Remastered Version of Steven Spielberg’s Unforgettable Classic Adventure in Select Movie Theaters on October 3

Centennial, Colo. – Sept. 10, 2012 – This fall, movie theater audiences nationwide will “phone home" once again as Steven Spielberg's beloved film “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” returns to the big screen in honor of its 30^th Anniversary. “TCM Presents ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’ 30^th Anniversary Event” will take place Wednesday, October 3 at 7:00 p.m. local time, with special matinee screenings in select theaters at 2:00 p.m. local time. Presented by NCM^® Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and Universal Pictures as part of the studio's 100^th Anniversary celebration, the event features the all-new, digitally remastered feature film, as well as a special taped introduction by TCM host Ben Mankiewicz, who will take audiences through the making of this modern classic. Fans will discover how Spielberg came up with the idea for “E.T.” and learn what working on the film was like for the film’s three young stars. As an added treat, Drew Barrymore, who plays Gertie in the film and who currently co-hosts TCM’s “The Essentials” showcase, shares what the film means to her 30 years later.

Tickets for “TCM Presents ‘E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial’ 30^th Anniversary Event” are available now at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. The event will be presented using new digital cinema projection systems in more than 560 select movie theaters around the country. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” stars Henry Thomas as Elliott, an imaginative boy who meets a lost alien and forges of one of cinema’s most endearing friendships. With help from his older brother, Michael (Robert MacNaughton), and little sister, Gertie (Barrymore), Elliott sets out to help the visitor find his way back home before government agents can capture him. Dee Wallace and Peter Coyote co-star.

Released in 1982, “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” became the biggest blockbuster of the year, ranking No. 1 over 16 different weekends. Today, “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” remains the fourth most successful movie of all time in the domestic box office¹. Nominated for nine Academy Awards^®, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Writing and Best Screenplay, the film took home four Oscars^®  for Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Effects Editing, Best Sound and Best Music for John Williams’ now-iconic score.

“Thirty years ago, Steven Spielberg introduced the world to E.T. – the alien who stole our hearts with a timeless and endearing story about friendship and courage,” said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events. “Together with TCM and Universal Pictures, Fathom Events invites audiences – young and old – to experience the magic of ‘E.T.’ once again in movie theaters.”

Universal Studios Home Entertainment will celebrate the 30^th anniversary of “E.T. The Extra- Terrestrial” with the film’s Blu-ray™ release on Tuesday, October 9. Featuring an all-new, digitally remastered picture, as well as all-new 7.1 surround sound, the “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial” Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes the 1982 theatrical movie, an all-new interview with Spielberg, and “The E.T. Journals,” featuring never-before-seen footage from the set of the film.

The Words Movie Review

The Words   Starring: Bradley Cooper, Zoe Saldana, Dennis Quaid, Olivia Wilde, Jeremy Irons, Ben Barnes, Nora Arnezeder

Directed by Brian Klugman & Lee Sternthal

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 96 mins

Genre: Drama/ Romance

Opens September 7

By Lisa Minzey

For this week’s new releases, we checked out The Words, the first directing project by Sundance Screenwriter Lab Alumni, filmmakers Brian Klugman & Lee Sternthal. This film brings on the star power, casting heavy hitting actors such as  Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Irons and Dennis Quaid, as three different writers whose stories intertwine in a unique, yet sad way.

Renowned author Clay Hammond (Dennis Quaid), appearing before a crowd, is reading several experts of his new book, The Words. In the crowd, he is being admired from a far by an attractive young woman (Olivia Wilde), who has more in common with Clay than realized. As Clay recounts the story of Rory Jansen, the crowd hangs on his every word.

Budding novelist Rory Jansen (Bradley Cooper) has been trying to get his first novel sold, but he’s up against several factors. He wants to marry his girlfriend Dora (Zoe Saldana), building a life and family with her, but he chose to pursue his dream career. After he returns from his honeymoon in Paris, a gift from Dora holds the key to his future. Inside a hidden pocket of an old satchel, is a thick stack of yellowed, typewritten pages. As Rory reads through the pages, he uncovers the heart wrenching story of a man’s life destined to be something more.

The story recounts the time a Young Man (Ben Barnes) serving in the US Army, is stationed inParisduring World War II. During his time in Europe, he meets and falls in love with a Parisian woman named Celia (Nora Arnezeder). They have this extraordinary love affair, ending tragically, with Celia leaving him.

Rory, astounded by the raw talent on the hidden pages, ends up retyping the pages to channel some of that talent into his own work. Dora ends up finding the retyped files and approaches Rory, gushing about the incredible story she always knew he had in him. He fails to correct her and hides the truth. He ends up showing the story, by his wife’s insistence, to a literary agent he works for, who ends up demanding to rep him.  Rory finds himself caught up in a web of lies, unable to spin the truth in his favor.

A life that Rory has always dreamed of has now been presented to him on a silver platter, increasing his anxiety that he may be found out. One day in the park, his worst fears come true, as an old man (Jeremy Irons) approaches Rory, recounting the story of the Young Man in Rory’s “novel”. The old man gives him the origins of the story, the aftermath and the years since he lost his novel. The fate of Rory’s future is in the mysterious man’s hands – will he expose him as the fraud Rory is or demand retribution on the side?  Or will Rory’s conscious get the best of him, to come clean with those closest to him?

Older audiences will enjoy the nostalgia it brings, but the younger crowd will also be drawn in by the romantic drama that spans between generations. Overall, The Words is an entertaining film that most will enjoy. Check it out when it open in theaters everywhere Friday September 7th.

Movie Review For a Good Time Call...

For a Good Time Call…   

Starring: Ari Graynor, Lauren Miller, Justin Long, Mimi Rogers, Don McManus, James Wolk

Directed by Jaime Travis

Rated: R

Run Time: 85 mins

Genre: Comedy

Opens September 7^th

By Lisa Minzey

Hey film fans, we have another film opening this week that debuted at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Co-Writer and Star of the film Lauren Miller based the film on her writing partner, Katie Naylon’s experiences as a sex phone operator during her college years.

When Lauren (Lauren Miller) finds herself suddenly homeless due to a recent break-up with her boyfriend of 2 years, Charlie (James Wolk), this is just the beginning of her troubles. In a matter of less than a week, she’s gone from losing her boyfriend, to be sharing an apartment with a frenemy from college, Katie (Ari Graynor) and fired from her long time job.

Katie is not faring any better. She confides in Jesse (Justin Long) that she’s about to be kicked out of her Manhattan apartment if she can’t come up with the money or find a roommate. Jesse, being the good mutual friend he is, brings the two girls together to solve their short term problems and hopefully mend the bridge that had burned in college.

Lauren and Katie come from vastly different backgrounds. Lauren’s parents are supportive, caring and are financially supportive, while Katie has no contact with her family, works 3 jobs to survive and is essentially an orphan if it weren’t for Jesse.

Prior to Lauren’s arrival, Katie failed to disclose the nature of her employment, and it’s not until she catches Katie in the act of a “live phone call”, that she learns how Katie makes her rent money.  Lauren, the sensible or business savvy one (which ever way you want to look at it), gives Katie some advice on how to turn a real profit on the sex phone business and run herself. This thrills Katie to no end and offers Lauren a position in helping run the new business endeavor; Lauren declines as she has an interview at her dream company for a junior editor position.

At her interview, Lauren is told that her “dream company” won’t be hiring for another position for another 3 months, she panics; she needs a job today. When she gets home, Lauren prepositions Katie; she will work for her, but only in billing. Katie agrees, and 1-900-HHH-MMHH is born. The business takes off and the girls relish in their success, healing the past maybe once and for all. Lauren, growing more confident in her position, rises to the challenge of phone operator. Katie, also challenging herself, begins dating one of her regular clients, Sean (Mark Webber). With everything going so well, will Lauren choose to stay on with Katie if and when her dream job becomes available again?  Will Katie overcome her personal hangups with dating and have a long term relationship with Sean? Will Katie be accepted by Lauren once she reveals something intensely personal which can affect their business?

For a Good Time Call… is a raunchy comedy that will certainly appeal to the younger audience. The film is loaded with sexually charged, raunchy humor, antics and gags, so if you like this type of film, you will definitely enjoy. Check it out in theaters starting Friday September 7^th in Phoenix.

Movie Review for Robot & Frank

Robot & Frank    

Starring: Frank Langella, Peter Saragaard (Voice), Susan Sarandon, James Marsden, Liv Tyler

Directed by Jake Schreier

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 89 mins

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Opens  Friday August 31, 2012

By Lisa Minzey

Hey Phoenix Film Fans, if you didn’t get a chance to see Robot & Frank when it played at this year’s festival, it’s now playing in theaters! This film won the Alfred P. Sloan Feature Film Prize at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and also opened the 2012 Phoenix Film Festival.

Taking care of an aging parent can be difficult, especially when that parent is stubborn and is displaying signs of dementia, like Frank (Frank Langella). Set in the near future, technology has advanced to where robots have replaced people for the mundane tasks like filing or to more time consuming jobs, like caretakers. Frank refuses to leave his home, so as a last ditch effort to help his father; Hunter (James Marsden) gets him a Robot (Peter Sarsgaard- voice) helper to be his full time caretaker. Hunter lives far from Frank and his sister Madison (Liv Tyler) is a world away, leaving Frank pretty much on his own. At least with the robot, Hunter can have peace of mind knowing that his father is being looked after.

Frank, at first hates having the robot around as it makes him stick to a routine; eat healthy, be active and encouraging him to find activities to keep his mind sharp. Before Robot was forced upon his life, Frank would fill his time with activities like shoplifting soap from his former diner hangout, which is now a fancy boutique. He walks to town to keep active and visits the library to pick up new books and to hit on the librarian, Jennifer (Susan Sarandon).

Now that he’s stuck with Robot, Frank is inspired by his former occupation to keep his mind sharp. In his younger days, Frank was a jewel thief that spent some time in jail for his “projects”. Now, he has his sights on a set of rare, old books in the library, and he needs Robot’s help to break in to get them. Frank promises to teach Robot everything he knows and the robot being obedient obliges.

The first heist is a success, but it also puts him back on the law enforcement’s radar. Frank, feeling good about the first job, starts planning his next heist; this time his target is the wealthy yuppie couple that is turning his beloved library into a digital community experience. The more time passes, the more that Frank grows fonder of Robot and comes to rely on it more and more. Will Frank be able to pull of his next job with Robot without a hitch, or has too much time passed, that he’s not capable even with the technological assistance to pull this heist off? If Frank is unable to pull the job off, he runs the risk of getting caught, losing Robot and other dire consequence. Is he willing to risk it all or settle down in his golden years with Robot at his side?

An unconventional buddy film that is amusing, endearing and enjoyable to watch for the younger and older generations. This film is not one to be missed when it comes to a theater near you starting August 31^st in Phoenix.

The Possession - Movie Review

The Possession   

Starring: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Kyra Sedgwick, Natasha Calis, Madison Davenport

Directed by Ole Bornedal

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 92 mins

Genre: Horror/ Thriller

Opens in theaters August 31st

By Lisa Minzey

Hey Film Fans, we checked out The Possession this week, and a fun fact: this film is inspired by a true story about the Dybbuk Box, which supposedly the evil spirit haunts a wine cabinet. Sensing the irony here?

Jeffery Dean Morgan starts as Clyde, a college basketball coach and the father of two pre-teens, who spends most of his time on the court and away from his family. His now ex-wife Stephanie (Kyra Sedgwick) is rather protective of their girls Em (Natasha Calis) and Hannah (Madison Davenport) as this divorce has been a difficult time for them. In an effort to be a better father,Clyde surprises his girls with a new house, to help them feel more  like their home with they are with him on the weekends. The girls are moody preteens so they are mildly impressed but appreciate the effort.

On their way back home from the first weekend, the girls plead with Clyde to stop at a yard sale, to pick up a few items for the new house. Em ends up choosing an antique wooden box with a bunch of Hebrew letters carved on all sides. There is no visible way to open the box, but Em begs her father to buy it for her, and he obliges.

Over the following weekend visits to Clyde’s house, strange events begin to happen, as well as noticeable changes to Em’s behavior and well being. Em tells Hannah that she doesn't feel like herself, but her sister blows it off as she’s just in a weird mood; that everything will be fine. The more that Em is around this box, the dybbuk (evil spirit) is latching on to her, causing her to withdraw from her friends, family and suffer in school. Em warns Clyde to stay away from her box, reinforcing the threat with a evil stare-down.

One day she brings the box to school, and another student tries to get too close, violence overtakes the young girl, landing her in trouble with the school administration. The school authorities are blaming her behavior on the divorce which to Clyde and Stephanie, it doesn’t make sense. They have been apart for more than a year, and she has never acted this way.

Clyde figures out that Em’s behavior started to change when the box came into their lives, so he gets rid of it. This causes Em to lash out, have a psychotic breakdown and runaway from her father’s house. Stephanie lashes out at Cyde and refuses to let him see the girls anymore, and Clyde knows that whatever causes Em to breakdown was not of this world. Can he find the answers to save Em before it’s too late or will he lose his family forever?

If you like thrillers and supernatural movies but don’t like to be scared out of your wits, this is an easy, entertaining film to watch.

Check it out when it opens Friday August 31^st in a theater near you.

Lawless Movie Review

Lawless   

Starring: Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Jason Clarke, Guy Pearce, Gary Oldman, Jessica Chastain, Mia Wasikowska

Directed by John Hillcoat

Rated: R

Run Time: 115 mins

Genre: Crime/ Drama/ Based on a True Story

Opens Wednesday August 29, 2012

By Lisa Minzey

For this week’s midweek release, we have a film that is not only an adaptation of a book; it’s also based on a true story. Author Matt Bondurant, grandson of the Shia LeBeouf’s role Jack Bondurant, wrote the prohibition historical novel,” The Wettest County in the World” which Nick Cave adapted the screenplay from.

During the Prohibition Era  of the 1920’s & 1930’s, crime was out of control. In Franklin County,Virginia, the Bondurant brothers dominated the moonshine business. Eldest brother, Forrest Bondurant (Tom Hardy), was the ringleader of the operation; Middle Brother Howard (Jason Clarke), was the brawn and youngest brother Jack (Shia LaBeouf) was the driver. Jack always wanted to run his own operation and be able to spend the money they bring in, but Forrest saw him as weak. Even as a child, when Forrest when try to toughen Jack up, Jack would always back down, leaving Forrest to take the reigns and finish the job.

The Bondurants and the lawmen ofFranklinCountyhad an understanding, as long as they law got their share, they could operate. That all changed when Special Deputy Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce) moved into town to cracking down on the bootleggers of the land. A recent transplant from Chicago, Rakes made a beeline to the Bondurant boys to show them who’s in charge.  Forrest does not yield to anyone and defiance is unacceptable to Rakes. The Bondurants have now moved to the number one spot on the crocked lawman’s most wanted list.

When Forrest is viciously attacked one night by some out of town thugs, Jack and Howard are left to keep the family business going. Will Jack be able to use this as an opportunity to prove himself to Forrest by working with mobster Floyd Banner (Gary Oldman)?  Will Franklin County take back control from the mob that has invaded their area or will it fall into dangerous hands? Can the Bondurant family business survive the turf war between the mob/police and the bootleggers of the land?

Films that are based on a book are always tricky, as some people argue that the book is always better. This film, on its own, is a pretty enjoyable film, but it does get rather violent.

Check it out in a theater near you when it opens August 29^th.

Cosmopolis Movie Review

Cosmopolis

Starring: Robert Pattinson, Juliette Binoche, Sarah Gadon, Kevin Durand

Directed by David Cronenberg

Rated: R

Run Time: 108 mins

Genre: Drama

Open in Theaters August 24, 2012

By Lisa Minzey

Hello Phoenix Film Festival fans!  We caught the screening of Cosmopolis, another mid week release, thus bringing you another mid-week movie treat.

Cosmopolis is a strange, highly philosophical story that is culturally relevant to today’s headlines. Based on the novel of the same name, written by Don DeLillo, Director David Cronenberg (A Dangerous Method, A History of Violence) ambitiously took on dual roles as director and screenwriter. Cronenberg wrote the script for this film in 6 days.  That’s quite a feat when it landed a nomination for the Palm d’Or Award at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

Young Billionaire Eric Packer (Robert Pattinson) has plans for the day; his main objective is to get a hair cut. He does the majority of his dealings from the stretch limo he owns, so throughout the course of his day, there is a constant flow of people in & out of his vehicle. Packer is not having the best of luck today, as he is dealing multitude of serious traffic issues inNew York Citydue to protesters and the added security of presidential blockades. Through a constant flow of dialogue, the audience discovers how unhappy the young billionaire’s life truly is.

It may be that Eric’s personality at first impression comes off as arrogant, manipulative and selfish, but underlying all those qualities associated with what people assume wealth people to be, lays some deep rooted personal issues and insecurities. For someone to achieve immense wealth and success by the time he is 28 years old would be an enormous amount of pressure to bear, but Packer makes his choices and thus needs to be held responsible for his actions.

Eric’s wife Elise Shifrin (Sarah Gadon) refuses to consummate their marriage, so he had random sexual encounters with various women through his day, in numerous places, in the city; his company is hemorrhaging money which he can’t stop and to top it all off, his favorite rap star has died, Brother Fez (K’Naan). His security detail, Torval (Kevin Duran) is determined to keep him safe as he travels throughout the danger –ridden streets of Wall Street-esq protestors. If Eric Packer’s world continues to crumble, will his psyche follow? Or will he be able to pick up the pieces of his fragile ego to rise above the madness of the time?

At first glance, this film has a lot of positive things going for it. A stellar cast, a quirky director and a riveting concept to fit in with the headlines of the day, but this will end up being a film that audiences will love or hate.  Regardless of how indifferent the opinion of the film may be, there will be some compelling conversations following the credits.

Movie Review for The Apparition

The Apparition  

Starring: Ashley Greene, Sebastian Stan, Tom Felton

Directed by Todd Lincoln

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 82 mins

Genre: Horror/ Thriller

Opens: Friday August 24, 2012

By Lisa Minzey

As we roll into the Fall Movie Season Film Fans, it’s every Horror Fan's favorite time of year. Bring on the scary movies! For this week’s releases, the season kicks off with the debut feature film of Todd Lincoln, The Apparition.

Back in the 70’s a group of paranormal researchers tried to conjure up a spirit during a seance; their experiment resulted in table movement and a pretty interesting  group picture.

More recently, a group of college kids who learned of the paranormal group’s experiment, wanted to recreate the seance as a scientific experiment to prove that supernatural beings exist. Patrick (Tom Felton),Lydia (Julianna Guill) and Greg (Luke Pasqualino) all sat at the table conducting the seance  while Patrick (Sebastian Stan) filmed the event. Patrick wanted to conduct the “experiment” with equipment that would amplify the energy of the participants, making it easier for the spirits to make contact.  It worked, resulting in a bunch of strange phenomena and Lydia disappearing into the darkness.

A few years after the experiment that went horribly right Patrick starts his life over with girlfriend Kelly (Ashley Greene), moving to a remote desert suburb in California. Soon after they arrive to the new home that they are renting, weird occurrences happen; lights flicker & darken, doors that were locked are now wide open, furniture moves on its own and the worst of it all- the newly built home now has a nasty mold problem. Kelly is getting freaked out to the point she wants to leave because they now hear strange groans and whispers.  Patrick is trying to take care of the issue on his own, but when he receives communication from Ben that his life is in danger, the occurrences are becoming more physical.  Kelly is unaware of Ben’s paranormal past, which has now come back to haunt them. Will Ben be able to put a stop to all of the haunting or will it be the end of the young couple?

With the abundance of horror movies released each year, this one is a story you may have heard before but with a few slight variations. Although the film is rated PG-13, it does have a certain skin-crawling, creepiness factor, especially if ghosts and the supernatural are high on your fear meter.

Check it out when it opens August 24 in a theater near you.

Movie Review for Hit and Run

Hit and Run    

Starring: Dax Shepard, Kristen Bell, Bradley Cooper, Tom Arnold,Kristin Chenoweth

Directed by David Palmer & Dax Shepard

Rated: R Run Time: 100 mins Genre: Comedy/ Action

Opens August 22, 2012

By Lisa Minzey

Now that the summer is winding down, more of the quirky films that Hollywood reserves for the down season is gearing up. For this week screening, we checked out the new comedy “Hit and Run” from the producer of the Wedding Crashers, Andrew Panay & Dax Shepard serving up a triple threat as Screenwriter, Star and Co-Director, this is one ride that pretty crazy.

Annie (Kristen Bell) is facing a serious conundrum. Her boss Debbie (Kristin Chenoweth) has just offered her the opportunity of a life time; the opportunity to head and develop her own major/ department at a large university in Los Angeles. Annie is enthralled, but she is in a long term committed relationship with her boyfriend of one year, Charlie Bronson (Dax Shepard). She needs to make this decision with him in mind long term, but due to Charlie’s placement in witness protection, moving her life to Los Angeles is something they need to discuss.

For Charlie, Annie is the only reason worth staying in the bumpkin, Northern California town he was placed in. The U.S. Marshall, Randy (Tom Arnold), who is assigned to Charlie, is not the brightest of people and tends to run a bit high strung, constantly placing himself and those around him in harms way.

Annie decides for the sake of their future that she won’t take the job and goes to tell her boss. Charlie knows that if she doesn’t take this position, Annie will have serious regrets and he refused to be the source of any pain for her. On a total whim, Charlie breaks all the rules that are meant to keep him safe, risking it all for the woman he loves. Annie is delighted that Charlie will be driving her to Los Angeles for the interview; along they way they can figure out the future details of their relationship.

One man who is none to pleased to hear that Annie is leaving, especially with Charlie, is her ex-boyfriend Gil. His secret hope is that one day (soon) that Annie will leave Charlie Bronson and come back to him. Gil begs Annie to stay when she drops by to get her teaching certificate that was left behind, but she declines and heads off with Charlie. On the verge of hyperventilating, Gil contacts his police officer brother, Terry, to run the plates on Charlie’s to get him detained. Through this whole order, Gil finds out Charlie’s true identity prior to entering witness protection, thus setting of a chain of events that will endanger Charlie, Annie and maybe him self after contacting the man that is the reason Charlie is in the position that he is, Alex Dimitri (Bradley Cooper).

Imagining the worst for Annie’s safety, Gil follows Charlie and Annie, ensuing one of many car chase scenes. When Gil taunts Charlie during a traffic stop, Annie overhears part of the conversation. This set in motion an information inquisition into Charlie’s prior life that makes Annie question the foundation that her relationship is built on. Will Annie make it to her dream job interview in time? Can Charlie make peace with his past as his future hangs by a thread?

Hit and Run is one of those quirky comedies that take the viewer on a wild comedy ride that will either leave the viewer wanting more or just happy to be over. For this review, it was worth the ride as it’s a fun story with terrific writing, great casting and with great cars to look at. Check it out when it opens in theaters when it opens Wednesday August 22nd.

Movie Review for ParaNorman

ParaNorman 

Starring: (voices of) Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Leslie Mann, John Goodman

Directed by Chris Butler & Sam Fell

Rated: PG

Run Time: 93 mins

Genre: Comedy/ Animation/ Adventure/ 3D Film

Opens Friday August, 17th, 2012

By Lisa Minzey

We have a treat for all the kids out there,as we were able to catch a screening of the new animated 3-D Film, ParaNorman!

Norman Babcock (Kodi Smit-McPhee) is a usual kind of kid. He can see, hear and hold actual conversations with the dead. This causes some problems for him at home, school and around town. Most kids at school tease and call him a freak.  His father Perry (Jeff Garlin – voice) scolds and grounds Norman when he talks to his grandmother’s ghost, butNorman’s mother Sandra (Leslie Mann- voice) is accepting of his gift.

In addition of being labeled as a “freak show”,Norman is being bullied on a daily basis by Alvin (Christopher Mintz- Plasse – voice), reprimanded in drama class by his mean teacher, kids pushing him around, make life pretty lonely for Norman. He finds a kinship with another kid who is a target of Alvin’s bullying, the chubby kid Neil (Tucker Albrizzi – voice), who thinks Norman’s ability to talk to the dead is “kinda cool”.

In the small Massachusetts town where Norman lives in, the 300^th anniversary is approaching of the curse of the witch. The curse was put upon the 7 townspeople that sentenced the witch to death. Before she was taken away, the witch placed a hex that she would come back and raise the dead, to cause havoc on the townspeople.   As the anniversary approaches,Norman has been bombarded with scary visions, which make little sense to him. He doesn't have anyone to turn to help explain what’s going on with him, making matters worse when he’s constantly being yelled at by his father for his “gift”.

The only other person that knows how to break the curse and relate to what Norman is going through is a crazy old man, Mr. Prenderghast (John Goodman – voice). This strange man, who lives up in the forest, coincidentally is related toNorman. He tries to warnNormanof what he needs to do but dies before he can relay the entire message.

When Mr. Prenderghast’s ghost shows up to tell Norman he is the only one that can break the curse,Normanmust decide to either embrace his gifts and rise to the occasion or succumb to the bullying and loneliness that he feels for being different.

This is a different type of animation film than what has been release over the past few years. It’s a charming story that has heart, humor and great messages for viewers of all ages.

ParaNorman opens nationwide August 17th.

Celeste and Jesse Forever Movie Review

Celeste and Jesse Forever  Starring: Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, Ari Graynor, Eric Christian Olsen, Elijah Wood, Emma Roberts, Chris Messina, Will McCormack

Directed by Lee Toland Krieger

Rated: R

Run Time: 91 mins

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Opens Friday August, 17, 2012

By Lisa Minzey

Another screening we caught this week is the romantic comedy, Celeste and Jesse Forever. Star Rashida Jones and Co-Star Will McCormack cowrote the screenplay, playing off their relationship as best friends as inspiration.

Celeste (Rashida Jones) and Jesse (Andy Samberg) have known each other since they were kids. They are each other’s best friends so it was only natural that as they aged, they fell in love and got married. It appears to be the perfect blend of relationship – friends and romance. Over the years as they have matured into their adult personalities, Celeste realized she maybe wanted something different, maybe Jesse to grow up and start taking responsibility for his life, instead of the slacker/ artist he is. For the past few months, they both have decided to try life as a separated couple to see how things work out.

Although they are currently separated, they are still living life like nothing has changed. They still see each other every day, hang out and act as if nothing is wrong. Everyone else around them is confused by their situation, but neither one sees an issue with it.

It’s not until when at dinner with engaged couple Beth (Ari Graynor) and Tucker (Eric Christian Olsen) that it gets to be too much for them to bear and they scold Celeste and Jesse.  Beth throws down an ultimatum – either divorce or get back together.

Apparently, Jesse and Celeste have been living together, but only while Jesse tried find a new job and home.  He is currently living in his studio behind the house he once shared with Celeste.

Celeste doesn't mind, she just wants Jesse to be happy.  What was only to be a temporary living situation is turning into stagnation in the future their relationship. When Jesse listens to fellow friend Skillz (Will McCormack) to start dating, is when their relationship starts to change. Jesse breaks the news to Celeste, who actually encourages Jesse to starting dating. Celeste is putting on a front thinking this is what she wants, but is it?

When Jesse runs into a girl he previously dated a few months prior and drops a bombshell – he’s going to be a father, which it hits home with Celeste. Their marriage is now officially over or are they?  Celeste has a difficult time coming to terms that Jesse is moving on without her, finally becoming the man she wanted him to be. Will Celeste be able to find love again or will her stubborn ways continue to be a barrier to her future happiness? Will Jesse and Celeste ever be able to be friends again that the love is gone?

What some may compare to 500 Days of Summer, Celeste and Jesse Forever is a unique romantic comedy in the fact that It starts from the point of where most traditional rom-coms end. It’s a refreshingly honest story of love come and gone with a comedic spin.

Catch Celeste and Jesse Forever when it opens in theaters August 17^th.

The Imposter Movie Review

  The Imposter

Starring: Adam O’Brian, Frederic Bourdin, Carey Gibson

Directed by Bart Layton

Rated: R

Run Time: 99 mins

Genre: Documentary

Opens August 17, 2012

By Lisa Minzey

This week we screened a fascinating documentary that was nominated for awards at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and 2012 Edinburgh International Film Festival and won Grand Jury Prize at the 202 Miami Film Festival. Director Bart Layton presents the story of the disappearance of Nicholas Barclay almost like a nighttime crime news story like one would see on an episode of Dateline or Unsolved Mysteries, which makes the film rather intriguing.

When 13-year-old Nicholas Barclay went missing June 13, 1994 on his way home from a basketball game, his family was beside themselves. No one ever thought that something like this would ever happen in theirSan Antonio,TXneighborhood, least of all Nicholas’s sister Carey Gibson.

Nicholas was a troubled teen on record with the local authorities. There were reports of fights with his family and of him running away for a few days but would always return. Through actual interviews of Nicholas’s mother, Beverly Dollarhide, Nicholas’s sister Carey and her husband Bryan Gibson, the family presents their side of the events that led up to Nicholas’s disappearance and the duration that passed, until receiving a phone call that changed their lives forever.

Three years after Nicholas’s disappearance, a phone call was received by the family that a 16 year- old – boy was claiming to be Nicholas. The call originated fromSpain. Carey caught the first flight she could to go retrieve her long lost brother but this is where the story gets a little strange.

The person “claiming” to be Nicholas was actually a 23 year-old-man of French & Algerian decent named Frédéric Bourdin. The differences between Nicholas and Frédéric were quite drastic. When Frederic was conjuring up his latest rouse, he was going off of a black & white facsimile sheet.  The physical differences were noticed after a color flyer was delivered to the children’s facility where Bourdin was being held/ confirm the identity of Barclay. Nicholas was Blonde Hair/ Blue Eyed, and Frédéric was Dark Haired/ Brown Eyes. The only real similar difference was they both had small gaps in their front teeth. He manages to conjure up a few physical differences listed on the bulletin of Nicholas’s disappearance, but would it be enough for him to pass for the real boy? When Bourdin met Carey, he was covered up by scarves, a heavy jacket, sun glasses and long clothing. Not only was Frédéric Bourdin able to fool Carey, he was able to fool the American Consulate and the Spanish Authorities, managing to secure an American Passport to fly “home” to live a new life as Nicholas Barclay.

When Bourdin was interviewed by authorities on his whereabouts of the past three years, a tall tale was spun of kidnapping, sexual abuse and torture, done with such sincerity, he managed to fool many  people for a long time.  Back in Europe, he was a wanted fugitive by Interpol for pulling the same con over and over again in several countries for the same situation.

A sociopath that is trying to pull off the impossible is bound to get caught some day. It’s only a matter of time until the right people start asking the right questions. The film keeps unraveling detail after detail of both sides of the story; distraught family and delusional impostor.  When the truth being stranger than fiction, leads the viewer down another path which makes you seriously wonder – who is actually is the guilty ones and who is being played?

Check out The Imposter when it opens in theaters August 17th.

Our review of The Queen of Versailles

The Queen of Versailles Rated: PG

Run Time: 100 mins.

Genre: Documentary

Directed by Lauren Greenfield

Opens: Friday, August 10th

By Lisa Minzey

Over at the Phoenix Film Festival, we have been checking out some of the new movies in theaters, one of them being this week’s documentary release of The Queen of Versailles.  Director Lauren Greenfield won the U.S. Directing Award for Documentary Film at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival for her work on this film.

What started out as a documentary profiling David & Jackie Siegel, billionaire couple, David being the founder/ owner of the Westgate Resorts building their dream home, quickly turned in to a much different story due to economic circumstances. Westgate Resorts at the start of filming in 2008 was one of the largest timeshare companies in the world.   Life was grand; business was doing well, everyone was happy and David and Jackie were on track to building one of the largest homes in America, inspired by the grand French palace Versailles.  The home was estimated at about $100 million in value when completed. The Siegel’s life was truly a rag to riches story, as Jackie & David both came from nothing and worked hard to build the American dream.

When the crash of 2008 happened, no one actually knew how much this would affect Westgate and their holdings, especially Jackie. Jackie is a smart woman, but much of her attention is placed on other things & people such as her 7 kids, her charities, shopping trips and other luxurious activities.  David, on the other hand, is watching the money like a hawk; trying to figure out a way to save his company and everything he has worked his entire life for, is now slipping away.

It’s a fascinating look on the flip side of economic recession, and how it affected those that are in a higher economic bracket.  It’s a rags to riches back to rags story that you should definitely check out when it hits theaters Friday August 10^th.

Hope Springs review

Hope Springs

Starring: Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Steve Carrell

Directed by David Frankel

Rated: PG-13

Run Time: 100 mins

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Opens: Wednesday August 8, 2012

By Lisa Minzey

Hello Fellow Movie Goers!  This week we have a special treat – a mid week movie review!  This week’s latest release is from director David Franklel (The Devil Wears Prada, Marley and Me) and reunites him with Meryl Streep in this dramatic comedy, Hope Springs.

After 31 years of marriage, Kay (Meryl Streep) still loves her husband Arnold (Tommy Lee Jones). Every day she wakes up and makes her husband breakfast. Two eggs sunny side up and one slice of bacon, extra crispy with a piping hot mug of coffee. Arnold comes down to breakfast, puts down his briefcase and sits down to eat his breakfast and read the morning paper. Day after day, week after week, it has been the same routine. Arnold goes to work at his accounting firm, and Kay goes to her retail clerk job at a local woman’s clothing store. It’s not as passionate as it once was, but Kay hopes that for this year’s anniversary that Arnold will do something special to reignite the spark.

The anniversary comes and goes with no fanfare or affection.  They had the kids over for dinner and he fell asleep in front of the television watching the Golf Channel. Kay is desperate for a connection with Arnold but can’t find the right words to say or do.

While on a break from work, Kay wanders into Barnes & Noble Relationship section. Among all the books on Self Help & Sex Tips, she finds a book by Dr. Bernard Feld (Steve Carrel), “You Can Have the Marriage You Want”. The book inspires her to schedule a week long “vacation” of intense couple’s marriage counseling with Arnold to see if they can recapture that spark their marriage once had.

Arnold, being set in his stubborn & cheap-ass ways, refuses to go. Kay calmly gives him the option; be on the plane the next morning or don’t be surprised what happens when she gets back. Begrudgingly, Arnold makes the trip to see Dr. Feld in a sleepy town, in Northern Maine.

Once Kay & Arnold sit down with Dr. Feld, the awkwardness and lack of passion in their marriage is magnified tenfold. The topics of discussion revolve around their communication and sex life; neither Kay nor Arnold can sit through a session with out getting tongue tied or frustrated. Can Dr. Feld help them break down the walls that linger between Kay and Arnold before it’s beyond too late?

For a film that holds more drama than comedy, this was a pretty decent movie. All three lead actors give such strong performances to leave the impression of the viewer feeling like a fly on the wall of an actual couple’s therapy session. Some moments were funny; while moments were uncomfortable and shocking but overall an enjoyable film for the adult movie goer.

Check out Hope Springs when it opens in theaters August 8^th, 2012.

A True Gem - A Review of Ruby Sparks

Ruby Sparks Starring: Paul Dano, Zoe Kazan, Chris Messina, Annette Benning, Antonio Banderas, Elliot Gould, Alia Shawkat

Directed By Jonathan Dayton & Valerie Faris

Rated: R

Run time: 104 minutes

Genre: Comedy/ Romance/ Fantasy

Opens Friday, August 3 2012 

By Lisa Minzey

Hello Fellow Movie Goers!  RubySparksis the screening we checked out this week and this is a gem of a movie.

Prodigy writer Calvin Weir-Fields (Paul Dano) has hit a wall of writers block.  His first novel was a colossal success; some critics even are calling it the next “Great American Classic”. Fellow writer Langdon Tharpe (Steve Coogan) secretly wishes he had one ounce of the talent that Calvin has, but loves to make underhand remarks about Calvin to help feed his own inflated ego.

One would assume, with that level of success, which would be every young man’s dream. Calvin is not like other men his age. He’s a recluse, anxious and still reeling from a 5 year relationship ending soon after his father’s death.  Calvin has a difficult time letting go of feeling, situations and preconceived notions, which he seeks out therapy for from, Dr. Rosenthal (Elliot Gould). Following the good doctor’s suggestion to overcome his writer’s block by start writing, write anything, no matter how awful it is, just as long as you’re writing. Calvin has been having vivid dreams as of late, so he starts writing about this girl he meets when out with his dog.  The more he writes about this “dream girl”, the more Calvin finds himself falling in love with everything about her. His brother Harry (Chris Messina) chastises Calvin for not writing this girl in a realistic light; women are, simply not like this. To men, women are strange, moody creatures that are difficult to comprehend.  Undeterred by his brother’s critique, he continues writing….

Until one morning, he awakes to find that his dream girl Ruby Sparks (Zoe Kazan) is standing in his kitchen, waiting to make him breakfast. Understandably, Calvin is shaken thinking he has lost his mind, until he realizes that other people can also see her. Is it a miracle? Is it magic? Or is it something bigger than anyone can fathom? Calvin doesn’t care. All he knows is that he has his dream girl, and he’s happy.

As the relationship continues, Calvin and Ruby realize that relationships are not all fun & roses. As Calvin and Ruby each have their personal issues, the relationship have become unbalanced by Calvin’s controlling nature.  Will he be able to give up control for the sake of the relationship or be able to sustain the relationship in its current state of stagnation?

Total Recall review

Total Recall  

Starring: Colin Farrell, Jessica Biel, Kate Beckinsale, Bryan Cranston, Bokeem Woodbine, Bill Nighy, John Cho

Directed by Len Wiseman

Rated:  PG-13

Run Time: 118 mins

Genre: Action/ Sci-Fi/ Adventure

Opens Friday, August 3rd, 2012

by Lisa Minzey

Another screening we checked out this week was Total Recall, the remake of the 1990 film; directed by Len Wiseman (Underworld, Live Free or Die Hard).

At the end of the 21^st century, humans have destroyed most of the Earth through nuclear war, leaving only two spots on Earth somewhat inhabitable. These two places are now known as The United Federation ofBritain & “The Colony” a.k.a. in our time, South Pacific/Australia region. Humans now have to commute from one end of the planet to the other, just to go to work every day. Transportation technology now allows humans to shoot across the planet through in less than 20 minutes, with the bonus of gravity reversal.

The United Federation of Britain is ruled by Chancellor Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston), a man who states he’s for the people and rules with their best interest and safety in mind. The other place that the human race inhabits, “The Colony”, is home to members of the rebellion. A man named Matthais (Billy Nighy) leads the rebels in the Resistance against the Chancellor & people of the U.F.B., by supposedly committing terrorist acts of violence.

For Doug Quaid (Colin Farrell), life is a dull existence plagued by recurring nightmares. In these dreams, he’s being chased, shot at and then captured; only he’s with a woman whom he doesn’t know (Jessica Biel). When he relays the dream sequence to his wife Lori (Kate Beckinsale), he tells her almost everything; omitting the fact that there’s another woman starring in the female role. During his waking hours, he’s a factory worker who commutes from “The Colony” to the U.F.B. to a job he hates, living in a home he hates; feeling like he’s trapped in a non existence.

Even his best friend Harry (Bokeem Woodbine) is concerned.  When Doug mentions his interest in Total Rekall, a memory implanting service, Harry tells him how some people become lobotomized after going through the rekall process. Doug dismissed the thought and returns to his dismal existence.

One night, on his home from a drinking escapade with Harry, Doug wanders over to the Total Rekall clinic that a new coworker spoke highly of. He was told to ask for McClane (John Cho) and that he would be taken care of.  Looking for some adventure, Doug chooses the Secret Agent package of memories to be implanted. As a precautionary measure to ensure quality and health assurance, each recipient going  through the recall process must undergo type of  polygraph to make sure they are stable enough to sustain the process; forgoing any mental meltdowns that may occur.  Doug fails the polygraph, albeit due to he’s truly a secret agent but is unaware.

From that moment on, the police chase after Doug, referring to him as Hauser, Matthias’s #2 in command for the Resistance. Doug is so confused, as he has no memory of who he is, but his body can respond to the way of a secret agent?

Can Doug/Hauser figure out who he is, what his role in the world is and help return peace between the Colony and the U.F.B before it’s too late?

In the 2012 version of "Total Recall"  there are some noticeable differences between it and the 1990 version starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. In Len  Wiseman's film, the story takes place on Earth, rather than Mars; Doug's wife Lina's role has been expanded and the technology is definitely improved. Some of the cheesy lines have stayed, as did a few of the iconic characters that made the first film memorable; just used in a different capacity to keep the 2012 version PG-13. How does the new version stack up to the original? It depends on the viewer & demographic set. Those that saw the original, may not be that impressed but those who are just being introduced to the story, the action sequences are enough to keep the viewer engaged.

Check out Total Recall when it opens in theaters nation wide Friday August 3^rd,2012.