Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time **Theatrical Review**

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

PG-13

1 hour, 55 minutes

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley, and Alfred Molina

Sweet! Another video game made into a film! Tit’s difficult not to role your eyes at the concept alone. Generally, it hasn’t gone well in the past. Regardless, I had extremely high hopes for this movie. If I had to pick one movie genre to watch for the rest of my life it would be the Action/Adventure. There is something about it that I love and can’t fully explain.

Sadly, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is officially one of the most painful movies I have ever had to sit through. Rarely do I have the urge to get up and leave a movie (that’s apart of my pride), but within the first 30 minutes I wanted to walk out and that urge stayed with me through the duration of the film. There isn’t a whole lot of this movie that actually makes sense. The production value was awesome, some of the fight scenes were cool, the acting was okay, but it was ultimately sloppy story telling (at its best) and nearly incoherent. The ending, literally made not an ouch of sense.

Was there even a script for this movie? It felt as if the entire movie was made off of a rough outline. The plot and the characters were so sorely underdeveloped it was difficult to form a true emotional connection to the characters and what they are trying to achieve, much less make sense of the character motivations and what was driving the story. The dialogue was aweful and obvious. It served no other purpose than to give blunt exposition. The rule of thumb, “Don’t tell me, show me,” was thrown to the wind.

I was expecting, as I’m sure Disney was too, the new Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. Prince of Persia couldn’t be further from the greatness of Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl if it tried. That sad part is that it had all the makings of a good film. Jake Gyllenhaal was absolutely lovable as the male lead and would easily be able to carry a series of films as the Prince. However, the idea of going into future ventures is not going to happen. The film was mediocre at best and with terrible numbers at the box Disney would not be able to  justify addition installments.

My suggestion? Skip this movie all together.

1.5 out of 5

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Not Ben Browder!!!

Ben Browder

Anyone else remember this guy!?

I can’t imagine that a lot of you recognize this guy, but to me he is one of the best actors in the business. Personally, Ben Browder will always hold a special place in my heart as Commander John Critchton from the Sci-Fi Channel series, Farscape. After that show ended he found himself as a regular on Stargate SG-1 along side former Farscape cast member, Claudia Black.

Basically, I’ve been waiting forever for this guy to get another good job. I’m sure Ben has too.

He got his hands into pilot season this year. He was cast as the Coach for the CW’s new cheerleading drama, Hellcats. The future of a pilot is always uncertain, but Hellcats was picked up to series this week by CW. Unfortunately while the series was picked up, our dear Mr. Browder was not. They are planning on recasting the role as well as re-tooling the character.

Please bare in mind that this sort happens is very common.

I just wanted to express that I am super bummed out about this. Just when I thought that Ben Browder was going to return to television.

I want to officially start a campaign to get Ben Browder the best job on television. Any ideas?

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This is an Entirely True Story

Oh the Twilight fans… they are a crazy bunch. I know, I’m one of them. The series is probably one of the most obsessive things you can ever find yourself caught up in. A lot of people compare the book series to Harry Potter. I understand how offensive this statement can be to Harry Potter fans, but please allow me to explain.

There is something that happens when you are reading the Harry Potter series. To quote Twilight, “It’s like your own personal brand of heroine.” You read until the late hours of the night and any spare moment you can find. The second that you are forced to put the book down, whether it be for something else that demands your attention or sleep, all you can think about is when you can pick the book up again. I had this experience reading both the Harry Potter and Twilight series.

I wanted to share a personal experience that I had over a year ago when reading the second book in the series, New Moon. Below is what I had written about  my “ordeal” a day after in had taken place:

While I was on my break yesterday, I picked up New Moon and dived right in. Right when it got to the REALLY good stuff, my break was over and the book had to be put on hold. I spent the remainder of my day anxiously awaiting a time when I could read once again. I found it very difficult to even read scripts for work, as my mind was only focused on one thing. I was 139 pages short of the finish line. I was very aware that I could finish the book the second I got home and had every intention of doing so.

On my drive home, ALL I could think about was how happy I would be the second I could get into my comfy pants, crawl into bed, and surrender myself to the world of vampires and werewolves once again. 

I also realized that I would need a Eclipse soon. I stopped into Target and found Eclipse without any trouble at all. I skipped over to the register knowing that I would content for at least another 4 days or so until I had to buy Breaking Dawn. 

I walk back to my car, elated. I take my shiny new copy of Eclipse and open my bag to put it in it’s rightful place, next to New Moon.

I was horrified. New Moon was nowhere to be found. 

In disbelief, I called my boss and asked him if I had left my book at work. Sure enough, it was sitting right next to my desk, in Sherman Oaks, 35 miles away. My boss said to me, “No worries, you’ll be reunited with it tomorrow.” I agreed and hung up the phone.

Immediately after that moment, it was quite apparent that it wasn’t okay. I was very disappointed as I had been looking forward to my final moments with New Moon all day long.

I ran back into Target. Maybe they would have a paperback copy for cheap. I could buy it tonight and finish the book for a $10 penalty. There were no copies of New Moon to be found. I called the Borders in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks. No luck there. I even contemplated driving all the way back to Sherman Oaks just to claim my property. I didn’t want to be patient…. not tonight. 

My last ditch effort was my call to Barnes & Noble in Westlake. They had a copy and put it on hold for me. The last thing I wanted to do was drive to Westlake, but for the sake of finishing New Moon it would’ve been worth it. 

Then lightning struck my brain and I made a phone call. My father works in Thousand Oaks, and should be getting off work soon. I called, more times than was needed, but my father wasn’t answering his phone…

I got a hold of him and franticly ask the favor. All he had to do was pick the book up and bring it home. All of the work was taken care of otherwise. My father laughed at me, rightfully so. I didn’t care though. Dave agreed. Partly because I am his only child and he loves me very much, also because he was very amused that I was going to such lengths just to read a book meant for 13 year-old girls. 

I sat through an episode of the ill-fated Pushing Daisies. Ned was a fine distraction for the time being. 

I stayed up until a little past 11:30pm reading. 

Yes, I have a new love…

Stephanie Meyers, what the hell have you done to me?

Exactly, what had been done to me? It wasn’t a horrible thing either. It’s fact that they aren’t the best books ever written, but they are extremely addicting and the mythology is so strong you can’t help but love it.

So Summit figured out how to capitalize on the property and now Robert Pattison, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner are big stars, but that’s not why I want to give Stephanie Meyers some snaps…

The reality is, there are too many people out there (of all ages) who do not read enough. The trick is to find material that is engaging and makes you not want to put it down. I was an anti-reader my entire life until I read Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. Twilight is merely an example of one of those kinds of books. Regardless of “bad writing” I do feel that Stephanie Meyer should be celebrated for that fact alone.

For the record, that was an entirely true story.

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Ultimate LOST recap

This is absolutely hilarious.

There are some obsessed Lost fans out there. If you aren’t one, chances are you know someone who can’t get enough of the mystery series. I was one of those people that completely missed the train. I also knew it wasn’t one of those shows you could jump in the middle. As many of you know, I’m a fan of all things nerdy and was pretty sure that if I started watching the show, I would get sucked in and begin to lose hours of my life in dedication to the series. I’ve heard my friends discuss and obsess over the series for years.

Then that day came where I had a little too much free time on my hands. I parked myself in front of my television and watched the entire first season in a matter of three days. Needless to say, I couldn’t have been less impressed if I tried. About half way through the first season I was so bored I didn’t know what to do with myself and I still finish it. I have never watched an episode of Lost since. The truth was, I couldn’t care less if everyone died right then and there. It was so boring.

That’s right, I’m a Lost hater.

Yet, I would still hear my friends go on and on and on. From hearing several conversations regarding the show, I know enough to care even less about what happens in the finale.

I’m not the only one. Sara Benincasa gives the ultimate Lost recap. She has never watched a single episode of Lost. Whether you are a fan of the show or not, this is really funny.

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Trailer Watch: Charlie St. Cloud

I almost hate that I love everything about this trailer! Let’s talk about Zac Efron for a moment, shall we? This kid used to be a Disney poster child (he still is to certain degree) and now he’s starting to branch out. Unlike Hilary Duff, he might actually become much more than a lot of us expected. Once again, this is an opportunity for him to stretch his actor wings and fly away from the likes of the High School Musical franchise. I loved him in 17 Again. Charlie St. Cloud will be an entirely different beast for Efron to tackle, but I honestly feel that he will only get better with each film he does.

This movie looks like it will be super touching… yeah, I’m a girl. Get over it.

Zac Efron is already a star, but I’m positive this kid will be a Hollywood Heavy Weight in no time.

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Gary Oldman joins Kung Fu Panda 2

The wonderful, talented and suspicious hot for-an-older-man, Gary Oldman has joined the cast of Kung Fu Panda 2! Granted we won’t get to see that great face, but his voice will suffice.

The whole cast is supposed to be back for the sequel: Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, David Cross, Lucy Liu, Seth Rogen, and Jackie Chan. Oldman is a wonderful addition to the cast. Dude, it’s Gary Oldman!

Gary Oldman

Oldman is set to play a character known as Snowy White Peacock. Initially he helps Po and the gang to track down a group of bandits, but it turns out there is more to him than meets the eye. Ummm… so he’s the villain!

We’ve seen Oldman play just about everything over the years. His gentle demeanor will be perfect for deceiving Po and the Furious Five. Shouldn’t they be the Savage Six now or something?

The official title is still in flux. The two I’ve heard being thrown around are Kung Fu Panda: The Kaboom of Doom and Kung Fu Panda: Pandamonium. While the first one sounds better, but the second one makes me giggle and is therefore my vote.

Kung Fu Panda was one of the best films to come out of 2008 and easily one of my favorite animated movies of all time. I’m excited for what they have prepared for us this time around.

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Buh Bye Megan Fox! Bay gives her the boot!

Paramount has announced that they will not be picking up Megan Fox’s option for the upcoming Transformers 3!

Megan Fox & Michael Bay

According to sources inside Paramount, this decision was initially Michael Bay’s to make. So it looks like the franchise that made her famous doesn’t want anything to do with her anymore. They are “giving Shia a new love interest makes more sense for the story.” Story has nothing to do with it.

Many may recall Megan Fox’s numerous comments about Michael Bay and compared him to Hilter. This is the classic case of the biting the hand that feeds you. Fox hasn’t had much film success outside of the Transformers films, with Jennifer’s Body only pulling in $30 million world-wide. The next on her slate is Jonah Hex which looks like it’s going to be absolutely awful.

Bay and Fox have been going through a war of words for awhile now and it looks like Bay got the final word in and the ultimate revenge.

Transformers 3 is set to hit theaters July 1, 2011

UPDATE: Since the news broke that Megan Fox was not welcomed back to the Transformers franchise, she is now stating that it was her choice not to return for the third installment and she wishes everyone the best. Doesn’t that just sound like a press release?

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Megan Fox and Michael Bay where probably not keen on working together again in the first place. I bet both were sitting around waiting for the other to say something and when they realized they felt the same way it became a no harm, no fowl situation. No ones toes got stepped on and everyone goes home happy.

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Twilight cast FINALLY closes deals for Breaking Dawn, parts 1 & 2

What is the cast of biggest vampire franchise to do when the studio can’t cut them a good deal? Band together and take down the establishment!

Cast of Twilight

Here’s an update on the great Twilight Contract Renegotiation. Since Summit has decided that they would like to split the final book in the Twi-series into two films, there has been a lot of talk between the studio and their representation about how this is all going to work out. Back when the contracts were initially done the agreement was only for four films, not five.

An uproar hit the headlines when it was reported that Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene had yet to close their deals because Summit was trying to “pull a fast one” on them and offered significantly less money than their co-stars. In the past, the contracts for the “kids” were all done and figured out at the same time. Summit decided to do something a little different, thusly pissing everyone off in the process. At the time, the only cast members locked down were Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.

Consequently, The Cullen family had literally banded together in the contract negotiation process and there is strength in numbers. The idea of Summit dropping Greene and Lutz (although it probably would never actually happen) didn’t seem too far fetched. However, with nearly the entire vampire family banding together, along with several recurring series characters, Summit can’t back out of making a deal that will make everyone happy.

Except, while a good amount of the cast had joined together in solidarity, Nikki Reed (Rosalie Cullen) was the first to jump ship. She entered into negations, apart from her other cast members, and settled for less money in the process. I can’t begin to explain what a bad idea that is for Reed. If they all work together they would have the upper hand against the studio.

Her cast members quickly followed suit. Peter Facinelli (Carlisle Cullen), Elizabeth Reaser (Esme Cullen), Kellan Lutz (Emmett Cullen) will be taking a less desirable deal. When I say a “less desirable deal,” I mean they aren’t going to get as much money as they were hoping for. Oh well, that is show business after all. Ashley Greene and Jackson Rathbone are the last ones standing and will probably cut a deal that mirrors that of the rest of the vampire clan.

“A house divided onto itself cannot stand.” Luckily for us, the Cullen family will stand strong on screen regardless of all of this.

The good news? WE HAVE A DEAL FANS!

Everyone is going to be back and that means watching Twilight come to life will last a little longer than we thought. I just see this as another DVD I will have to buy! Goodness gracious me.

Filming will probably start later this year with releases sometime in 2011. That’s just speculation, but Summit is pretty good about churning out these flicks as fast as they can.

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Men in Black 3 nabs Flight of the Conchords star!

This is AMAZING. PLease hold onto your seats and try not to jump from utter joy at this awesome news. Actually, screw it. Jump for Joy. In fact, I encourage it!

Jemaine Clement

Jemaine Clement, one half of the musical comedy duo The Flight of the Conchords, has nabbed the role of the villain in Men in Black 3!

Look at this sly Mother F***er!

Men in Black 3 was announce a little over three weeks ago with Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones back to reprise their roles as Agent J & Agent K. I can only imagine most of the original cast will be back for the third installment which is to take them back to a mission in 1969, where they will meet Clements as well as other alien life-forms.

Personally I couldn’t be more excited to see Jemaine Clements back in full force. However, for all of you who were fans of the hit HBO series Flight of the Conchords, I’m obviously preaching to the choir. Since the comedy duo decided not to continue the series, Clements has been focusing on a film career. You may remember him from Gentlemen Broncos. He’ll also be making an appearance in the summer comedy Dinner for Schmucks along side Paul Rudd and Steve Carrell.

While I was going to see this movie anyway, now I’m excited. Super stoked even. They haven’t even started filming yet. I’ll be following this project very closely now and more updates to follow.

The Flight of the Conchords will be performing at the Hollywood Bowl at the end of May.

Men in Black 3 is set to hit theaters May 25, 2012.

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Check out the Green Lantern costume… Kinda.

Behold a first look at the Green Lantern costume! Sadly, this is the not exactly what we were looking for.

Ryan Reynolds

I know some of you are probably scratching you head over this one, please allow me to explain. Awhile back there were rumors circulating around the Green Lantern costume and what it would ultimately look like. The word on the street is that our dear Mr. Reynolds would not be placed into a tradition costume at all, but that the suit would be entirely computer generated complete with LED lighting. This effect was used to transform Bill Crudup into Dr. Manhattan for Watchmen.

Call me old fashioned, but I like the idea of the actor actually being in a physical costumed suit. While I may not be wild about the idea, I think that this could work very well for the film and the character.

What do you guys think?

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