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Showing posts from May, 2011

Michigan's "Salvation Boulevard" trailer released online

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The trailer for "Salvation Boulevard," partially shot in Plymouth and Ann Arbor is now online, according to AnnArbor.com . The movie stars Pierce Brosnan, Greg Kinnear, Jennifer Connelly, Marisa Tomei, and Jim Gaffigan, among others, and was shot in the area in 2010. In Ann Arbor, the UM buildings used were Rackham Auditorium, the Law Quad, the Argus Building, and a house on West William and Third Street. Read more at my article at Examiner.com .

"The Hangover: Part II"

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The original Hangover came out in May 2009, when I had just finished college, and since I was car-less at the time, I was relegated to seeing it on DVD later on that year. I was both shocked and amused by it, and it was a very funny film. I was hoping that The Hangover: Part II would have just as much debauchery as the first, and it definitely did; unfortunately, the movie follows the same formula as the first with few changes. The so-called Wolfpack is in Thailand for the wedding of Stu (Ed Helms, "Cedar Rapids"), and he's determined not to let their partying get out of hand. He, his friends, and his fiancee's 16-year-old brother, Teddy (Mason Lee, "Chosen"), decide to each have one beer on the beach to celebrate, and then head to bed. The next morning, however, he wakes up in a sleazy Bangkok hotel with Teddy missing, a tattoo on Stu's face, and Alan's (Zach Galifianakis, "Due Date") hair (but not his beard) shaved off. They also find

"Kung Fu Panda 2"

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Kung Fu Panda 2 might be the first summer "kids" movie that adults will appreciate as well. Better yet, you don't have to have seen the first one, because this sequel stands on its own, although it's a little helpful to have seen the first; I saw it for the first time the day before Panda 2. Most of the same characters are back and if you are a fan of the first Kung Fu Panda , you will definitely like this one. Since the original Kung Fu Panda movie, Po (voiced by Jack Black, "Gulliver's Travels") has been continuing his training as the Dragon Warrior under the tutelage of Master Shifu (voiced by Dustin Hoffman, "Little Fockers"). Now, however, he and The Five must fight to save China from the evil Lord Shen (voiced by Gary Oldman, "Red Riding Hood"), who has wanted to control China ever since his father was in control many years ago. Shen has a new weapon that might defeat even kung fu, and Po and The Five (warriors) must find a w

More extras sought for "Oz: The Great and Powerful"

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Raleigh Studios in Pontiac is now open, and the prequel to Oz, Oz: The Great and Powerful , is holding an open casting call for extras. According to the "OZ MI Extras" Facebook page: Oz The Great and Powerful OPEN CALL will be on Saturday 6/11! 11am-4pm in Pontiac. At the Raleigh Michigan Studios - 1999 Centerpoint Parkway Pontiac, MI 48341. If you want to meet us in person all of the extras casting directors will be there and we will be giving out some bookings at the open call. The open call is totally Free. Ages 18 and up all ethnicities. Put it on your calendar! Read more at my article at Examiner.com .

"Bridesmaids"

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I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from Bridesmaids before I saw it at the screening. The trailer made it look funny but raunchy, and I had been told that it was similar to The Hangover , but with women instead of men as the lead characters. It turned out to definitely be raunchy, albeit funny, but with a lot of surprisingly serious scenes thrown in as well. Annie (Kristen Wiig, TV's "Saturday Night Live") is best friends with recently engaged Lillian (Maya Rudolph, "Grownups"). Lillian asks Annie to be her maid of honor, and Annie accepts, not yet knowing how much work it will entail. The other bridesmaids that Lillian chooses could not be a more diverse group: there is her fiance's sister, Megan (Melissa McCarthy, TV's "Mike and Molly"); Rita (Wendi McLendon-Covey, TV's "Rules of Engagement") who hates being a wife and mother; Becca (Ellie Kemper, TV's "The Office") who is a newlywed herself; and Helen (R

Jason Segel and director Judd Apatow dine at Zingerman's in Ann Arbor

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from Apatow's Twitter (http://yfrog.com/gzodunej) At 10:15am EST on Fri. May 6th, Judd Apatow tweeted "Where are we?" with a picture of him and Jason Segel. Turns out they were enjoying breakfast at Zingerman's in Ann Arbor, and it's the first time that Apatow has been spotted around town since "The Five Year Engagement" started shooting. Both AnnArbor.com and the Detroit Free Press confirmed that Apatow and Segel were at Zingerman's around 10:30am on May 6th, and they ordered breakfast and hung out for a while. Read more at my article at Examiner.com .

"Something Borrowed"

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I have read the novel Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin, admittedly a while ago, and I was excited to see the movie version of it. The book has a sequel as well, Something Blue , which tells the story of Something Borrowed from Darcy's (Kate Hudson's) perspective, and so if the film does well it's possible that this will be made into a movie too. Luckily, the film did not disappoint. Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin, TV's "Big Love") and Darcy (Kate Hudson, "Nine") have been best friends forever, and it was Rachel who introduced Darcy to her fiancee, Dex (Colin Egglesfield, TV's "Melrose Place"), whom she met in law school. Darcy throws Rachel a big 30th birthday party, and Rachel and Dex end up sharing a cab afterwards ... and they end up making one stop instead of two. The next day, Darcy is racked with guilt, especially since Darcy and Dex's wedding is very soon, but she and Dex can't deny how they feel about each other, and how

"Thor"

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The first well done summer blockbuster is here, and not only is it enthralling, but it's in 3D as well. Thor , based off the Marvel comic with the same name, kicks off a slew of summer movies, including a few other ones involving superheroes, and it definitely starts off the summer with a bang. Thor (Chris Hemsworth, "A Perfect Getaway") has defied his father Odin (Anthony Hopkins, "The Rite"), the king of Asgard, and has invaded enemy territory without his permission. His punishment is that he is stripped of his powers and sent to Earth, where he - literally - runs in to Jane (Natalie Portman, "Black Swan"), a scientist, and her motley group that is helping her track storm systems. Thor must find a way back to Asgard before his evil brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston, "Archipelago"), who has been made king, completely destroys their planet, and when some of his Asgard friends manage to sneak down to Earth, they are able to assist him in doing s

Summer movie roundup - what to see this summer

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The Hangover 2, coming to theaters on May 27th It's May 1st, and summer movie season will soon be upon us. In addition to the many sequels that inevitably show up in theaters, we also have some "new" films that look promising. Here are the movies that will hit theaters this May through August: May: These are not your typical bridesmaids. Thor , 5/6. I just saw a screening of this film this past Saturday, and I will say that it is definitely worth seeing. The 3D was great as well. Something Borrowed , 5/6. Based on the book of the same name, by Emily Giffin. Priest , 5/13. Vampires! Paul Bettany! Looks creepy. Hesher , 5/13. Joseph Gordon-Levitt with super-long hair. Bridesmaids,  5/13. I have already seen this at a screening and ladies (and men), you will want to see this movie. Kind of like The Hangover  but with women main characters. Everything Must Go , 5/13. Will Ferrell holds a yard sale to get rid of all of his worldly possessions, after being kicked