MovieZen Blog

Music and Lyrics

If you're like me, you may have confused the 2007 movie title Music and Lyrics with two earlier films with a similar-sounding title, Words and Music. Interesting that the 1929 version of Words and Music is the first time John Wayne got billing, although as Duke Morrison. The 1948 version of Words and Music is more of an autobiography of Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart and their musical collaboration.

"Words and Music," and "Music and Lyrics," - it's easy to confuse the two. But whatever the title, I was prepared to love it, as soon as I heard the title. And because I am a lover of both music and lyrics, I did enjoy the 2007 movie, Music and Lyrics starring Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. And while I'm a fan of both stars, I doubt I would have enjoyed this movie without the theme of music and lyrics. The plot and visual appeal was lacking. As one reviewer said, "the plot line is thinner than paint stripper, the lines more mildly amusing than witty, and the acting isn't going to win any Oscars, BUT... it's one of those movies that just makes you feel good."

For me, the feeling good part was the music, although "Pop Goes My Heart," the hit from the 80s, is so ridiculous, it's hilarious. And I don't mean "ridiculous" the way Jesse on the Bachelorette means "ridiculous." Or maybe I do. Because after awhile the song gets in your head and you start singing it the way you might start singing one of the most-despised songs, "It's a Small World."

Kathy Holmes
**Read more articles by Kathy Holmes**

Brilliantly Dark Strangely Moving films

What do the following actresses all have in common; Maggie Gyllenhaal (Stranger Than Fiction), Isabelle Huppert (I Heart Huckabees), Catherine Deneuve (Dancer in the Dark) and Miho Nikaido…? They have all embraced a sexual darkness in themselves that has allowed them to overcome their prudish and frigid exteriors. The way they have done this is by experimenting in the realm of BDSM, whether it be Gyllenhaal’s latent awakening to her calling as a submissive in Secretary, Huppert’s deeply disturbed psyche that drives her to dominating and sadistic behaviour in The Piano Teacher, Deneuve’s state of marital ennui that suffocates fantasies of being tied up and whipped in the forest in Belle de Jour or Miho’s absence of identity that turns her into a tool to be used in the underbelly and dark recesses of Tokyo’s nightlife in Tokyo Decadence.

All these women suffer from a repression that has either been programmed into them by the society they belong to, inherited as a mental illness or has been self-imposed due to their own personal habits and hang-ups. It would seem that the proverb still waters run deep is most appropriate as these are women who live in extremes. They don’t as much have a curiosity for bondage, submission, sadism and all that belongs to the BDSM subculture, as they do an inherent lust, a yearning or voracity to race into its black tunnel until the white light at the end makes it something pure inside of them. It should not be assumed that nihilism is their motivation for each female is respectful of their environment and their roles as adults. Maggie incorporates her fetish into her daily life and even her profession, rebutting James Spader’s “We can’t do this everyday” with “Why not?” Isabelle is a talented and revered piano teacher of whom it could be said that until she lets her true submissive desires known to one of her student admirers, channels the other, more sadistic side of her temperament, into her strict and unforgiving manner when her students make mistakes playing. Catherine belongs to an upper class society and saves face for her husband’s sake by keeping her prostitution a secret and Nikaido has a day job volunteering with deaf children.

Other noteworthy mentions of BDSM in film would be two films that deal with the subject but with less to no humanity. The examples I have mentioned above, despite using graphic imagery; playing with sensitive taboos; and making a criticised connection between mental illness and wanting to be spank or be spanked, were all done with growth in mind. There was an underlying goal for these women to use sadomasochism to become content in their own skin and find happiness. In Pulp Fiction and Salo this is not the case, as these films only serve to enforce the negative stereotype that the kind of people who enjoy “that sort of thing” are cruel and heartless. There is no love when Zed ties up and gags Marsellus Wallace, raping him while “The Gimp”, a babbling imbecile screams like a loony. Nor is there any redemption in the force-feeding of feces to innocent adolescents who are at the mercy of a group of decadent intellectuals who believe “Without bloodshed, there’s no pardon.”

In short, if you want to be entertained but provoked see Secretary and Belle de Jour. If you want a more disturbing and melancholy experience then see The Piano Teacher and Tokyo Decadence. If it’s sleazy parody you’re after then Pulp Fiction is the one, but if you should find yourself in a particularly depraved mood then approach Salo, but with maximum caution.

Nathan
**Read more articles by Nathan**

Don’t Call it a Comeback

Because it’s not.

As much as Tom Cruise would have loved to stick it to his critics by starring in the upcoming headline-grabbing flick "Edwin A. Salt," it appears that his plan is not going to pan out.

According to reports, Cruise's big career comeback has hit a roadblock.  Sources say the “Mission: Impossible” star will not be playing the title role of Edwin A. Salt, a fictional CIA officer who is outed as a spy, after all.

The movie, being produced by Columbia Pictures, has gotten off to a rocky start. First, Terry George, who was slated to direct left (he has since been replaced by Philip Noyce) and now Cruise is out.  And despite rumors that Suri’s daddy’s diminished popularity is to blame, insiders close to the project say it’s more about money. Cruise wants a lot of it and movie producers don’t have it (or don’t think he’s worth it). The “Top Gun” star is used to getting paid roughly $20 million per film, but these days Hollywood insiders say an actor with Cruise’s baggage is simply not going to collect that much. 

Fox News is reporting that an internal memo was circulated among the film’s producers, in which the Cruise situation was discussed and names were gathered for a replacement.  Names of actors who are reportedly younger than the 45-year-old Cruise. Sure, he’s still got his boyish good looks, but according to Tinseltown talkers, Cruise’s heyday as a box office star is gone the way of other former leading action stars such as Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. One report has Cruise being replaced by quasi-Scientologist and BFF Will Smith. 

Age might not be the only reason behind Cruise getting cut from “Salt.” Rumor has it the movie was never considered by United Artists, the studio where Cruise has a financial interest. Add to that the fact that the last time Katie Holmes’ better half made a studio any money was back in 2006 with "Mission: Impossible 3." The “Risky Business” star’s next big screen feature is "Valkyrie," which is due out next February. 

Lucia Kim
**Read more articles by Lucia Kim**

Something "Wicked" This Way Comes

With Mamma Mia!'s release this weekend comes the rumors of yet another Broadway musical adaptation for the big screen. And it's a good one.

I don't know how many of you have seen Wicked, but it pretty much blew my mind when I saw the touringproduction a few years ago. It may have even brought tears to my usually cynical eyes. Not because it was sad, but because it was awesome. Literally. And because it was wicked. Both literally and not.

And now the smash-hit show is set to be turned into a film for Universal. Fortunately for die-hards such as myself, they're not rushing into such an undertaking:

Hot on the heels of Chicago, Hairspray and Mamma Mia!, the Wizard of Oz-related musical is to be turned a new Universal film, with producers Marc Platt and Stephen Schwartz on board.

But Universal boss Donna Langley insists fans will have to wait some time to see the film--because Platt and Schwartz are determined to take their time to ensure the movie repeats the success of the New York show that inspired the project.

Langley tells Variety, ""Our goal now is absolutely to make the Wicked film, but... Marc and Stephen Schwartz are very mindful of the right timing. But we're dying to do it.""
source

 Of course, with this news comes casting whispers and musings. Here's my novel idea: cast Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel. Because as original cast members, they deserve such an opportunity. And because they're both so perfectly brilliant in their roles. Other casting choices would seem like poor imitations.

So please, Platt and Schwartz, don't fill Oz with the likings of Hollywood lightweights who can barely carry a tune. Broadway fans know the difference between stunt casting and powerhouse performers.

Nadine Bells
**Read more articles by Nadine Bells**

They’re ‘Brothers’ in nutty humor

“Step Brothers” Will Ferrell (WF) and John C. Reilly (JCR) claim that some of the incidents depicted in their latest movie really happened. Yeah, right.

And so did their recent press confab exchange, along with co-writer/director Adam McKay (AM), who also brought the boys together a few years ago in “Talladega Nights.” The whole thing was instigated by a question about a scene in which Ferrell’s vengeful Brennan Huff attacks the drum set owned by step bro Dale Doback (Reilly) with his – um, er, well – let’s just let the questioning begin and take it from there.

Will, as a producer on this film, did you use your own nut sack on those drums or did you hire a double?

JCR (jumping in): I think the whole purpose of that question was just so you can say nut sack.

WF: It feels good to say that doesn't it? But no, we spared no expense. We flew in some genital actors. There were screen tests for the nut sack. There was a lot of this.

AM: We asked who the best nut man in the business was. We brought in a guy named Matty Turaw. He works out of Germany at a cost of $3.4 million for the nut sack, the nut sack team, body doubles, special lighting that catches hairs on testicles. That part of the movie actually took eight days to shoot.

WF: He is one of the world’s best, though.

JCR: That’s who designed the ball sack, but the guy who actually constructed it was this Giuseppe Jordo who did the balls for 'Over the Greek' and a lot of big classic movies, like for Rock Hudson in 'Giant.' He did his balls for that. He's an old Hollywood craftsman. 

AM: A nut sack wrangler was also part of the team, a very aggressive gentleman who wouldn’t let anyone within 10 yards of it.

JCR: I actually got up close to the nut sack that was used, and it was a beautiful strawberry blonde.

WF: That's my CB handle, Nut Sack Wrangler. People would just call me that.

JCR: Remember how nervous they got around the dogs? We had to have the dogs on the set the same day as the nut sack and it was like, 'Whoa, whoa, whoa! Get that dog away from my nuts.'

We actually had two nut sacks, each at a cost of $400,000, and one of the dogs ate one. They eventually passed. They were made out of silicone.”

“Step Brothers,” naturally rated “R” and co-starring veteran character actors Mary Steenburgen and Richard Jenkins, is almost as hilarious as the guys credited with the story.

John M. Urbancich
**Read more articles by John Urbancich** 

10 Movies That Turn Women On

To get a girl in the sack these days, a guy needs to bring his A game and even then it isn't always enough. Movies can greatly aid a man's fortune in the love department if he picks the right one. So let's not beat around the bush fellas - here are ten flicks that will have your girl bending over backwards to make you happy.

1. Pretty Woman: Most women dream of a knightly figure like Richard Gere driving by in his stretch limo and taking them to wherever Gere takes women when he wants some one on one time. Pretty Woman will make your girl think that dreams do come true, even if she is with you.

2. What Women Want: Since women like to pretend they know what they want, even if they don't really have a clue, this movie is sure to make them feel that there is hope you might one day understand them. With Mel Gibson in the starring role, it would make sense to skip this one if you brought home the rabbi's daughter. If she is a clans-woman though, What Women Want should jump to the top of your list.

3. Failure to Launch: Matthew McConaughey is a huge turn on for chicks. If your girl isn't instantly aroused by this hunk of studly-ness, then you may have brought home a female that plays for the away team - but that could be a good thing.

4. Notting Hill: This may be tough to sit through for the average Joe, but it may very well be worth the wait. If you can't stomach a true chick-flick, even if it means flicking a chick after wards, then wisely avoid this epitome of male kryptonite.

5. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days: Another Matthew McConaughey movie, another movie that will make the prey sitting next to you salivate with sexual desire. This experience will also prove to be quite educational for her, as it will clearly explain how women should not behave.

6. Hitch: Hitch gives you lots of bang for your buck. Not only is it pretty good comedy, but it may very well cause a certain sexual friskiness in your intended target. Hitch is very easy to watch and thus, won't leave you wondering if you were being smart, or just desperate when you rented it.

7. Just Like Heaven: This movie, while possibly causing temporary impotence, is sure to move your girl in the right way. If you have the testicular fortitude to stomach a corny, albeit decent romance, then things should be hot and heavy by the time the ending credits come up. 

8. Cruel Intentions: This one is a no brainer. Cruel Intentions oozes sexuality which may very well get her motor running at high gear. Don't be surprised if your suddenly mounted half way in.... the movie.

9. Titanic: Single-handedly responsible for more men going limp than any other movie ever made. Invest in some Viagra or other sexual enhancers and get your mojo rocking. Even though her passion may soon lead to fornication, remember that you'll be forced to listen to Celine Dion before you're drenched in some pleasurable perspiration.

10. The Wedding Planner: Don't be concerned about the possibility of your girl getting some radical ideas about marriage - like actually having one. She'll realize her mistake of actually considering you marriage material the following day. Of course, you will have had your fun and moved on to your next target by then.

Ozzy Neav
**Read more articles by Ozzy Neav**

Inked: Keeping It Fictional

I am tattoo-less. I've had many a conversation about this fact with my inked friends, but both my indecisiveness and long-term thinking get in the way of marking my flesh. This doesn't means that I have anything against your body art. And after catching a screening of Wanted, I have a new appreciation for cinematic tattoos. Angelina wears her tattoos well. I will give her that.

I've decided that instead of heading to a tattoo parlor, I should strategically plan an acting career that allows me to have awesome fake tattoos. Because, let's face it, movies have given us some pretty cool inked characters.

My Top 5 on-screen tattoos:

1. Guy Pearce in Memento. The tattoos are practically a character. If you haven't seen this gem of a film, be aware that you will probably want to watch it twice. In a row. For the most plot-essential use of ink, Memento takes the top spot by far.
2. Wentworth Miller in Prison Break. Again, tattoos with a purpose. Perhaps I'd consider getting tattooed to help rescue a loved one from a maximum-security facility.
3. Johnny Depp in the Pirates flicks. Note that many of the tattoos are real. Because Johnny's hardcore. I've decided that I will get a tattoo if I become a pirate. I promise.
4. Brad Pitt's tribal arm/hand tattoo in the Ocean's franchise. Didn't notice it? Exactly. That's why it's so cool. It just peaks out of his expensive cuffs. Oh, and another shout-out to Brad in Snatch, for proving that Angelina's not the only well-inked member of the household. There will be some fun conversations in that home as their brood become teenagers....
5. Popeye's anchor tattoos. Because he's Popeye. No explanation needed.

Not-so-honorable mention: the "Sweet" and "Dude" tattoos in Dude, Where's My Car? I apologize to everyone who impulsively branded themselves with phrases that are no longer relevant in your lives. I find your pain quite hilarious.

Oh, I know, I know, I didn't mention Clooney in From Dusk 'Till Dawn. Who's on your list of incredible inked ones?

Nadine Bells
**Read more articles by Nadine Bells**

The 3 Top and Bottom Movies of the Summer

According to the Movie Guru, here are the top 3 and the bottom 3 movies of the summer:

Top 3

1. Red Belt
2. The Love Guru
3. The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

Honorable Mention: Wall-E

Bottom 3

1. You Don't Mess with the Zohan
2. Hancock
3. Wanted

Well, from the titles alone, the only one I'd be interested in seeing is The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, especially since I loved The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. Even the runner-up, Wall-E sounds good to me. From the commercials, it looks hilarious. But, with these other titles, well, no wonder I've gotten out of the habit of "going to the movies." I just wait until my favorites are out on DVD.

I don't know, but Red Belt just doesn't appeal to me, although the "Movie Guru" raves about it:

"David Mamet's vision of a UFC type ju jitsu tournament is the best movie of the summer and can be watched on DVD when it comes out without losing as much to the TV screen as many of the other summer movies."

How about the Love Guru? The title sounds like it's going to be completely ridiculous and not in a good way. But the "movie guru" says this:

"The Love Guru is one of those movies like Speed Racer that everybody hated without even seeing it. Wrong. The funniest movie of the summer so far, too smart for its own good."

I'm afraid this may be one of those movies like Little Miss Sunshine that everybody loved but me. Maybe it's the similarities to the "self help" guru part that bothers me.

To each his own. And sometimes a movie surprises you. I'd love to hear your thoughts about these movies or what your top 3 movies and bottom 3 movies would be. What might I put on my watch list?

Kathy Holmes
**Read more articles by Kathy Holmes**

Mamma Mia

So, I bet few of you love ABBA as much as I do. But if you are a fan of musicals (like, Chicago or Hairspray) then you might find that Mamma Mia is right up your alley!

Here is the low down:

A mother. A daughter. Three possible fathers. Take a trip down the aisle you'll never forget.

This was a great movie, with a plot you will remember for your life. It is a must see for any lover of music or romance, but I'll let the trailer speak for itself.

Katie Gatto **Read more articles by Katie Gatto**

Review: Felon

Good movies are a rare breed these days. What is even more rare, is a low budget movie that makes its mark in a shallow and superficial market known as Hollywood. Felon does just that and more. It hits a bulls eye in almost every category and the only real disappointment it provides is when it inevitably concludes.

Felon is the sad tale of Wade Porter (Stephen Dorff) who is charged with murder for killing a burglar who invaded his home. Inside the big house, he encounters all sorts of opposition and malice - especially from Lt. Jackson who is played by Harold Perrineau. (Michael from Lost) Wade finds safety in notorious and misunderstood killer John Smith, (Val Kilmer) who proceeds to help Wade to mentally overcome his prison sentence.

Aside from the great acting and solid writing, Felon heavily involves the viewer by presenting some difficult and debatable questions. One such question is whether or not Wade should have been given a prison sentence. The argument could be made in either direction, with no clear cut victory for either side. Felon teaches us that nothing in life is black and white and some of you might realize that after loathing one particular character at the beginning of the movie, a certain turning point will emerge that causes you to change your mind. The only real problem with Felon is the occasional hard to believe cheesy scenes sprinkled throughout the film. It's difficult to present true human compassion in such a hard setting and Felon suffers in this somewhat.

Final Verdict: Movies, like books, should never be judged with a first impression. Felon is the best movie I have seen so far this year. You owe it to yourself to give this one a try. 8.6/10   

Ozzy Neav
**Read more articles by Ozzy Neav**