Movies and Actors | pinartarhan.com

Death to Smoochy starring Edward Norton, Robin Williams and Danny DeVito

Posted on March 8, 2010 Written by ripitup

Death to Smoochy with Edward Norton, Robin Williams, Danny DeVito, Catherine Keener and Jon Stewart.

One of the times Edward Norton was on Conan O’Brien, they were talking about how intense his roles were. Edward just found it really amusing that people found him intimidating. Well, you might remember his complicated role in Fight Club and even more powerful role in American History X. But Edward points out his role in the pink suit in this film. That’s right. Edward spends a lot of time in his gigantic pink rhino suit in Death to Smoochy, as a host for a children TV show:

When Rainbow Randolph (Robin Williams) is caught during an unethical bribe thingy, his days as an adored kids show star days end. The channel is forced to find a host that’s squeaky clean and that’s when the producers (Catherine Keener and Jon Stewart) unwillingly hire Sheldon (Norton) who happens to be ultra ethical and morally sound. He annoys the hell out of Nora (Catherine Keener), one of the network producers.

However Nora’s monetary concerns and her contempt towards him are the least of his problems: Randolph is furious and obsessed with getting rid of Sheldon to get his old gig back. A shady organization wants him out and there is an Irish mob gang with some special demands. Now, how the hell will Sheldon remain true to himself with all these people around?

First, let’s state that this is an absurd, dark comedy with some edgy and over-the-top characters. In fact, all of the characters are over the top and this gives the movie some hilarious and amusing moments. Sure, there are some slow moments but overall, it is very entertaining. Lots of fun in an exaggerated world. Be warned. This movie is not for everyone. Especially if you don’t want Norton in such a comedy. Directed by Danny DeVito, who also plays yet another character with questionable motives.

OTHER NORTON FILMS:

Kingdom of Heaven

https://pinartarhan.com/blog/kingdom-of-heaven/

Down in the Valley

https://pinartarhan.com/blog/down-in-the-valley/

The Incredible Hulk

https://pinartarhan.com/blog/the-incredible-hulk/

Pride and Glory:

https://pinartarhan.com/blog/pride-and-glory-with-edward-norton-and-colin-farrell/

25th Hour:

https://pinartarhan.com/blog/25th-hour-with-edward-norton/

The Illusionist:

https://pinartarhan.com/blog/the-illusionist-with-edward-norton-and-jessica-biel/

The Painted Veil:

https://pinartarhan.com/blog/the-painted-veil-with-naomi-watts-and-edward-norton/

Fight Club:

http://cinemaroll.com/cinemarolling/fight-club-overrated-really-good-but-not-perfect/

photo: http://www.impawards.com/2002/posters/death_to_smoochy.jpg

Possession starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lee Pace and Michael Landes

Posted on March 7, 2010 Written by ripitup

Possession, starring Sarah Michelle Gellar and Lee Pace. And you think your brother-in-law is problematic? Image: iwatchstuff.com

Jess (Sarah Michelle Gellar) adores her loving and extremely romantic husband Ryan (Michael Landes). Her only problem is his brother Roman (Lee Pace), who couldn’t have been more opposite. He has been arrested for assault, he has violent tendencies and he is just creepy enough to make Jesse cringe. Moreover, he stays with the otherwise blissfully happy couple.

Jess’s life comes crashing down when a horrible accident ends both brothers in a coma. She can’t get used to life without Ryan but then something happens to make things even weirder. Roman wakes up, believing he is Ryan. He acts just like his brother. Jesse is more than disturbed by this but what the hell is she going to do when Roman is saying and doing things only Ryan could know?

Don’t let the genres -listed -on IMDB- for this movie fool you. Completely ignore the “horror”, and rather than expecting a thriller, concentrate on the mystery, drama and romance part. If you do that, you have a nice film. It is a really disturbing situation Jess is in and you really feel her confusion and pain. She can’t understand if something paranormal is at work- can her husband’s soul somehow be in his brother’s body now? The love she has for Ryan and her regrets cloud her judgment and from then on things take some interesting turns.

Now, of course you see the twists and turns coming. The explanation is pretty much in front of you. But put yourself in Jess’ position and then the movie becomes an uncomfortably entertaining experience. I liked the performances; especially Lee Pace can very convincingly switch from psycho to sweetheart. Very good romantic drama. Average thriller. No horror. Decide what you are in the mood for, and set your expectations accordingly. Based on a Korean film, so if you are allergic to remakes, do stay away.

P.S. I checked out the alternate ending. I couldn’t find the DVD but thankfully youtube came to rescue. I prefer the alternate version (it has more different scenes- not just the ending). It is more intense, true to the original Korean version. Let me know how you feel about the movie and which version you like best.

Other Posts on Lee Pace

Lee Pace Trivia

Soldier’s Girl: A Haunting True Story starring Lee Pace and Troy Garity

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day starring Amy Adams, Frances McDormand and Lee Pace

The Fall starring Lee Pace and Catinca Untaru

When in Rome starring Kristen Bell and Josh Duhamel. feat. Lee Pace

Other Posts on Sarah Michelle Gellar:

6 Movies with Great Casts (feat. The Air I Breathe starring Andy Garcia, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Kevin Bacon, Brendan Fraser and more)

Buffy The Vampire Slayer: Love stories with a real twist:

City Island starring Andy Garcia, Julianna Margulies, Steven Strait and Emily Mortimer

Posted on March 6, 2010 Written by ripitup

City Island with Andy Garcia. And you thought your family was weird and problematic? Wonderfully written and directed by Raymond De Felitta. Produced by De Felitta and Garcia.

Vince Rizzo (Andy Garcia) is a correctional officer at a prison. He is a proud City Islander (Le Bronx, New York) and the family man of a hilariously problematic family, though he is not aware of half the problems.

His teenage son is into fat chicks (very much into feeding them) and intrigued by their extremely fat neighbor. He also cuts most of his classes.

Vince and his wife Joyce (Julianna Margulies) are happy that at least one member of the family- their daughter- is getting proper education. Of course what they don’t know is- she is not in college, but working as a stripper.

Vince and Joyce can’t seem to talk without fighting and Joyce is pretty sure that Vince’s so-called, frequent poker games are in fact a cover for seeing his mistress.

They are a cover, but Vince isn’t cheating. He is taking acting classes, but he is just too ashamed to tell his wife. He also has a bigger secret- he has a son from a girlfriend way before his wife. But now he has found the son- an inmate, Tony (Steven Strait). Since Tony has no family to be released to, Vince decides to bring him home. Without asking Joyce first.

No one knows about who Tony really is, apart from Tony’s acting partner (Emily Mortimer), who just has some secrets of her own…

If you think you have seen it all when it comes to comedies about dysfunctional families, wait till you see this one. It is refreshingly original and downright hilarious. So, it is not a laugh-out-loud every moment like Hangover.. But when it tends to get a little emotional, it more than makes up for it by hilarious moments or moments that are just entertaining and are simply helping build a very fun climax. Loved every minute of it.

All actors are good, but of course- if I have to pick one, it is Andy Garcia. He is perfect at comedy. It is interesting to see him in this because let’s face it- we are more used to him being the romantic and/or the serious lead. Remember When a Man Loves a Woman? 10 Things to Do in Denver When You Are dead? He can get pretty psycho when he wants like The Air That I Breathe (an emotional movie with an ensemble cast, and this movie features a fun reference to it)…But the whole cast was just good to watch.

7.5/10 on IMDB. Sounds fair. Wouldn’t even mind if it was higher. Recommended, for everyone.

Kingdom of Heaven starring Orlando Bloom and Eva Green

Posted on March 5, 2010 Written by ripitup

Kingdom of Heaven- Orlando Bloom. Photo via lightscamerahistory.files.wordpress.com

1184. Blacksmith Balian (Orlando Bloom) is not a happy man. He has recently lost his kid, and his wife has committed suicide, not being able to bear the death of their child. Moreover he has to listen to the town’s priest (Michael Sheen), who goes on and on about how his wife is in hell. But his life completely changes when he meets his father for the first time. The absent father is Lord of Ibelin (Liam Neeson), and he is there to take Balian with him. At first Balian is unwilling but circumstances force him to go. From then on, he learns a lot from his father. He will also need to prepare himself to take his father’s place. He now doesn’t even have the time to grieve- he has to be a knight, a worthy lord, deal with Prince Guy (Marton Csokas) who absolutely despises him, travel to Jerusalem…

Kingdom of Heaven. As glorious as an epic should be. Written by William Monahan. Directed by Ridley Scott. Photo: images.allmoviephoto.com

Balian’s journey is exciting and never dull for a second. In Jerusalem, he easily makes friends with the Marshall Tiberias (Jeremy Irons) and earns the trust of King Baldwin (Edward Norton). He also intrigues and attracts, Sibylla (Eva Green)- The King’s sister- who also happens to be Guy’s wife. Not to mention, Guy is thirsty for blood and is dying to fight the Muslims- much against the will of the King.

Kingdom of Heaven- a battle scene — I love a good old battle scene. Well, what did you expect? My favorite movie ever is an epic war flick, Braveheart. Photo: film.com.tr

This movie is a really good example on how an epic should be. It has all the complications and the amazing battle scenes. It has the peace-loving villager-turned lord-who doesn’t let go of his virtues, even though it might cost him dearly. Orlando Bloom fits Balian perfectly and the rest of the cast is simply brilliant.

Fun Stuff:

Liam Neeson only appears in the first 25 minutes or so.

Orlando Bloom and Liam Neeson in Kingdom of Heaven. Father and son bonding moment. Cool for Bloom. Those sword-fighting lessons from Pirates of The Caribbean must have come in handy. Photo: hecinemasource.co

King Baldwin has leprosy. So you never see Edward Norton’s face. But it is fun to have him nevertheless.

Edward Norton in Kingdom of Heaven. Yep, this is how Edward Norton looks throughout all his scenes. For all we know, he could have recorded his voice. Just kidding. It is always nice to have him in a movie. Even when you don’t see him.Photo: cinecultist.com

The (only) leading female is Sibylla, played by the gorgeous Eva Green.

Eva Green in Kingdom of Heaven — Trust me, this picture doesn’t do her justice at all. She is simply radiantly beautiful in this cool epic from 2005. Photo: http://www.atoww.com

There is also Dr. Owen Hunt (Kevin McKidd) from Grey’s Anatomy, plays one of Liam Neeson’s soldiers.

Brendan Gleeson plays exactly looks like his character in Braveheart– where he played Hamish, Wallace’s best mate. Although here, he is pretty much the bad guy.

Brendan Gleeson, Braveheart — This is Brendan in Braveheart. One of the good guys.

Brendan Gleeson in Kingdom of Heaven. Apart from 10 year gap between the films, he is instantly recognizable and reminded me of Hamish. Here, he does a great job as a mean bastard. Photo: filmdope.com

Reasons to see Kingdom of Heaven:

– You mean apart from Liam Neeson, Jeremy Irons, Edward Norton, Orlando Bloom and Eva Green?

– Director is Ridley Scott- who also directed Gladiator, Body of Lies, American Gangster, White Squall and Thelma and Luis.

– Good script, good acting, wonderful direction and pretty cool battle scenes.

– If you are not convinced yet, I am giving up.

Cons:

– I didn’t see any, but you might be bothered by the stuff that is not historically accurate.

– Why have Edward Norton play a character with leprosy in the first place? But being the cool and interesting guy that he is, it was Edward who specifically requested that role. Let’s keep fingers crossed that he does star in an epic one day, with his face showing…

– If you do hate Orlando Bloom and think he can’t act, obviously you will get annoyed watching him for 144 minutes. Or for 190 minutes in Director’s Cut.

Orlando Bloom in Kingdom of Heaven — Yep, a lot of Orlando Bloom. He is pretty good, though. He carries his role with grace and innonce. Photo: wallpaperbase.com

My biases: Love the whole cast and I am a big fan of Ridley Scott. White Squall (starring Jeff Bridges) is one of my favorite movies ever and I am yet to dislike anything Ridley worked on.

IMDB verdict: 7.1

My verdict: 7.8- 8.0

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