Posts Tagged ‘weekend preview’

The CoF Weekend Preview: The Simpsons Isn’t Just Making Television History, It Is Television History

Friday, February 17th, 2012

The-Simpsons-500

I would like to take a break from our regular weekend movie guide to plug The Simpsons and this Sunday’s 500th episode.  There are not a lot of records left for The Simpsons to reach and with a guaranteed 25 seasons at least, it’s safe to say it will have done it all.

In this Sunday’s 500th episode, “The townsfolk of Springfield hold a meeting and decided to vote the family out of town,” explains showrunner Al Jean. Why? “They’re sick of the Simpsons.”  Leave it to The Simpsons to hold up a mirror to themselves and poke fun at many the impression of the show after 23 years in some people’s eyes; some are sick of them. Others like myself make it required viewing, what can I say, the show makes me happy.

It’s safe to say that it will be for financial reasons that the show ends, not creativity. Contracts won’t be renewed or FOX won’t be making as much profit off the show. It’s sad way for a show like The Simpsons to go, but one day it will end.  Until then, we get to celebrate milestones such as the one this Sunday, 500 episodes and counting. And there are a lot of awesome quotes out there for cheap laughs:

How could you?! Haven’t you learned anything from that guy who gives those sermons at church? Captain Whatshisname? We live in a society of laws! Why do you think I took you to all those Police Academy movies? For fun? Well, I didn’t hear anybody laughing, did you? Except at that guy who made sound effects. Makes sound effects and laughs. Where was I? Oh yeah! Stay out of my booze.

Here are some of our past Simpsons posts:

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The CoF Weekend Preview: Two Dimensional Characters Get A 3D Re-Release

Friday, February 10th, 2012

star-wars-3d

Welcome to The CoF Weekend Preview, here is a look at what’s opening this weekend.  Check back Monday for a new City Strip, that will be #90 folks.  There are a lot of great movies coming out this year, so we all picked Our Top 5 Movies To See In 2012 and listed other notable releases for you.  Banner image via: g4tv

Star Wars: The Phantom Menace 3D – RT (58%) – Trailer

Anakin and Jar Jar are annoying in any dimension amiright?  Ugh, it’s like kicking a dead horse isn’t it?  This movie is painful and it’s going to be #1 at the box office, thanks nerds.

Safe House – RT (53%) – Trailer

I don’t see the appeal of Ryan Reynolds, and I’ve been trying since Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place happened.  People say he’s good looking and charming, not really enough for me.  Anyone see The Change-Up?  Case closed.

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island – RT (44%) – Trailer

The Rock is going to be at Wrestlemania this year, actually wrestling.  So look for a lot of insults for being in this drek.  Vanessa Hudgens though, now there’s appeal.

The Vow – RT (29%) – Trailer

Did you like 50 First Dates?  Well turn up the drama and turn down the comedy and here you go.

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The CoF Weekend Preview: “You’re A Lawyer Harry” and Puppy Bowl VIII

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

woman

Welcome to The CoF Weekend Preview, here is a look at what’s opening this weekend for wide and limited releases.  Check back Monday for a new City Strip.  There are a lot of great movies coming out this year, so we all picked Our Top 5 Movies To See In 2012 and listed other notable releases for you.

The Woman in Black – RT (64%) – Trailer

Daniel Radcliffe is in a movie that isn’t Harry Potter, it’s about time.  Of course this means that people will be looking at the box office take and comparing it to the Potter franchise openings, as if they are even in the same league.  Poor guy has a lot of that ahead of him.  The movie itself looks like a sound effects jump-a-thon, doesn’t interest me but fill your boots in your into that.  If you liked The Others, there is a good chance you will like this.

Chronicle – RT (85%) – Trailer

This movie is making heads turn due to the decent story and fresh new faces showing off their acting chops.  Great reviews aside, the found footage genre seems tired to me, but if this can rejuvenate it to something worth watching I’m all for it.  Also, I liked Misfits, so there’s a chance I’ll like this.  Having said that, there will most definitely be a TV series based on this in 3..2..

Big Miracle – RT (68%) – Trailer

Dolphin Tale was a big hit, so why not?  If you liked that movie, there is a good chance you will like the story of saving gray whales too.  If you’re looking for that heartwarming fuzzy feeling, Free Willy is probably on this weekend too.

OTHER:

Puppy Bowl VIII – (Sunday 3pm e/p Animal Planet, or check your local listings) – Some other game is on this weekend, but I can’t find any information about it.  The puppies featured in the Puppy Bowl are from shelters, and the show contains information on how viewers can adopt rescued puppies and help their local shelter.

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The CoF Weekend Preview: This One’s For You PETA

Friday, January 27th, 2012

liam-the-grey

Welcome to The CoF Weekend Preview, here is a look at what’s opening this weekend for wide and limited releases.  Check back Monday for a new City Strip.  There are a lot of great movies coming out this year, so we all picked Our Top 5 Movies To See In 2012 and listed other notable releases for you.

The Grey – RT (76%) – Trailer

With the buzz and hype surrounding this movie, it has a great chance of making it to #1 this weekend.  Liam Neeson has become pretty popular over the last few years with people of all ages – and this movie looks like it will satisfy both parties.  Did I mention he’ has tapped glass on his knuckles so he can punch some wolves in the face?

Man on a Ledge – RT (22%) – Trailer

I’m not a fan of anyone in this movie, and it looks boring as hell on top of that.  Needs some wolves if you ask me.

One for the Money – RT (0%) – Trailer

Does anyone like Katherine Heigl?  She’s her own worst enemy and it’s that time again for her to take her bumps as another movie she stars in bombs.  Where did all the hate start?  Probably when she said her writers on Grey’s Anatomy sucked [source].  Next time star in a movie with angry wolves.

*In 2009 PETA euthanized 2,301 dogs and cats — 97 percent of those brought in — and adopted only eight, according to Virginia state figures [source].  On their own site, PETA advises euthanizing pets, even healthy ones, as opposed to finding them a new home [seriously].  PETA is very vocal and has a lot of people interested due to their naked celebrities on posters campaign.  The trouble is the celebrities that do these ads can’t read too well or think for themselves.  Now I’m going to go watch Liam Neeson beat up some computer-generated wolves.*

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The CoF Weekend Preview: The Girls With Guns vs. The Boys With Bombers

Friday, January 20th, 2012

underworld

Welcome to The CoF Weekend Preview, here is a look at what’s opening this weekend for wide and limited releases.  Check back Monday for a new City Strip.  There is a lot of great movies coming out this year, so we all picked Our Top 5 Movies To See In 2012 and listed other notable releases for you.

Underworld: Awakening – IMDB – RT (29%) – Trailer

That leather corset does it for me, I won’t lie.  That being said, I have to admit I’ve only seen the first film in the series, it was watchable but not a franchise I keep on my radar at all.  I figure they keep being made because the DVD sales are almost as much as the North American box office [see].  That’s one way to sleep at night  I suppose.

Haywire – IMDB – RT (83%) – Trailer

Steven Soderbergh is a very versatile director, he will go make a movie no one see’s (Che) and then make a big budget virus movie (Contagion).  Here he is making an action movie starring Gina Carano of all people and has a solid cast backing her up – Antonio Banderas, Michael Douglas, Ewan McGregor, and Michael Fassbender.  What’s next, a movie about strippers?  Oh wait…

Red Tails – IMDB – RT (33%) – Trailer

I know this movie based on a true story has good intentions, but I foresee clichés of all sorts bringing it down.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (Wide Release) – IMDB – RT (49%) – Trailer

The kid irritates me, that’s it for me.  I’m sure there is a story in there somewhere that’s worth telling, but this isn’t the way to share anything about 9/11.

Coriolanus (Limited) – IMDB – RT (93%) – Trailer

Shakespeare didn’t write books, he wrote plays.  This 400-year-old play has been put on screen by Ralph Fiennes and looks worth our time.  It’s gritty and looks to showcase some vigorous performances.

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The CoF Weekend Preview: If I Could Have Re-released Any Other Movie From 1991, It Would Have Been TERMINATOR 2

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Welcome back to The CoF Weekend Preview, the first of 2012.  Here is a look at what’s opening this weekend for wide and limited releases.  Check back Monday for a new City Strip.  There is a lot of great movies coming out this year, so we all picked Our Top 5 Movies To See In 2012 and listed other notable releases for you.

Beauty and the Beast 3D – IMDB – RT (90%) – Trailer

I feel so old right now, I saw Beauty and the Beast in theaters over 20 years ago.  Mind you, I fell asleep so I really didn’t see it until home video in 1992, now I feel better.  The argument of 3D and 3D re-releases is not just kicking a dead horse, but getting your boot stuck in it too.  I’m tired, see it if you want or don’t; I’ll be watching my VHS copy and pressing the tracking button like no tomorrow…jealous?

Contraband – IMDB – RT (47%) – Trailer

I don’t know the appeal of Mark Wahlberg, there has to be one right?  People go see his movies, so I guess he’s bankable.  I really only ever liked him in Boogie Nights and The Departed, Contraband looks like it could have been a straight to DVD movie starring Steve Austin.

Joyful Noise – IMDB – RT (39%) – Trailer

Where was I when they were poorly marketing this movie?  Not watching the Own Network I assume.  I’ve never heard of this movie until now which upsets me; I want to know about everything Kris Kristofferson is doing.

LIMITED RELEASE: The Iron Lady, We need to Talk About Kevin

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The CoF Weekend Preview: So Here’s What’s Left In 2011

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

weekend

Welcome to The CoF Weekend Preview, the final edition in 2011.  Here is a look at what’s opening for the holidays and what’s still playing that you should still check out.  I’m posting it early because movies are opening all this week.  I’ll put this back up on Friday for people who don’t like change.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – IMDB – RT (83%) – Trailer

My number one must see film of the year comes from the director of one of my favorite movies of last year, The Social Network. David Fincher has gone for a hard R rating and isn’t looking back, the gritty crime mystery has everything going for it to be a classic.

The Adventures of Tintin – IMDB – RT (77%) – Trailer

Two Spielberg movies in the same month, now that’s a present. I’d like to stay optimistic about Tintin, motion capture has a lot to prove if you ask me – but this could be the movie that makes it work finally. The trailer looks gorgeous and it looks like they will be able to blend that comic and action style that Tintin is known for very well.

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol (Expansion to Wide Release) – IMDB – RT (93%) – Trailer

As a fan of the series and Tom Cruise, I look forward to this. The intense trailer is said to be just a glimpse of what we can look forward to. Brad Bird (The Incredibles) directs his first live action and Tom Cruise as mentioned returns in the role that made him an action star.

We Bought a Zoo – IMDB – RT (72%) – Trailer

Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire, Almost Famous) returns to being unapologetically sentimental, it works for him.

December 25

War Horse – IMDB – RT (70%) – Trailer

Adapted from a critically acclaimed play, War Horse is Spielberg’s other movie this month. If the trailer is any indication, the film will be very dramatic, perhaps even cheesy for some. I have not heard the story before but I will tell you right now, if a horse dies, I’m going to lose my collective shit as I’m still getting over Artax dying in The Never Ending Story.

The Darkest Hour – IMDB – RT (n/a) – Trailer

One last alien movie to finish the year, probably not a good one though.

STILL PLAYING

Young adult – Diablo Cody has another go with director Jason Reitman since they last paired up for Juno. I can imagine good things from this project; Theron was a great choice for the role. [Trailer]

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows – Another hot movie on my radar, a sequel to 2009’s Sherlock Holmes. Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law must have the time of their lives making these movies and it comes across on screen, that’s what I love about them. Also they are very well written, smart and action packed. It’s going to be a great time in the theater. [Trailer]

Hugo – Check out my review here.  It’s too bad there are not more people checking this one out, it’s a treasure. [Trailer]

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The CoF Weekend Preview: Better Movies Next Week. But For Now, The Simpsons Christmas Special

Friday, December 9th, 2011

simpsons

Welcome to The CoF Weekend Preview, things are getting good in the theaters but I had to go with The Simpsons for the header this weekend.  We shared with you this past week The Best Gifts For The Film Lover 2011, a condensed December Movie Guide and who can forget Ryan’s attempt to kill the Kevin void with his own City Strip.  Check back Monday for a special surprise to further fill that void.  BONUS: The Game Room Picture Slider has been updated, check it out.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy – IMDB – RT (86%) – Trailer

Gary Oldman, Colin Firth and Tom Hardy will be holding an acting class this weekend in the form of a paranoid world of espionage.  I’m in.

The Sitter – IMDB – RT (21%) – Trailer

Jonah Hill leads a bunch of kids around the city in an effort to have sex, just another Tuesday night right fellas? *high fives self.  The trailer made me laugh, I can’t ask for much more.  Some critics are turned off by foul language and nonsensical action scenes.  I say bring it on, anything to take down New Year’s Eve at the box office.

New Year’s Eve – IMDB – RT (5%) – Trailer

A cast of hundreds couldn’t find a movie in this mess.  Shame on all of you.

OTHER:

Boardwalk Empire (HBO, Sunday) – The season finale, it’s going to be good.

The Simpsons (FOX, Sunday) – The show’s Christmas episode is set in Christmas 30 years in the future, where Homer and Marge are empty nesters and Bart, Lisa and Maggie bring their own kids over to see Homer and Marge for Christmas.

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The CoF Weekend Preview: Do You Want To Have An Adventure?

Friday, November 25th, 2011

hugotheater

Welcome to The CoF Weekend Preview where we take a look at what’s going on this weekend in entertainment. Check back Monday for the last City Strip of the year.  Check out the The City of Films Fall & Holiday Movie Guide to see what else is coming out over the next few weeks to round out the year.

 Hugo – IMDB – RT (97%) – Trailer

You can check out my review here where I called it “The Greatest Love Letter To The Movies I’ve Ever Seen”.  I’m going to see it again before it’s on home video.  It will be good on Blu-ray I’m sure, but the whole experience is made for the big screen.  Check it out!

The Muppets – IMDB – RT (97%) – Trailer

It’s time to light the lights…because The Muppets are back!  They are as clever and charming as ever from what audience and critics are saying, let’s hope they bring back Muppets Tonight right?

Arthur Christmas – IMDB – RT (91%) - Trailer

I only saw the teasers for this one, looks innocent enough.  I just can’t put my finger on why they are releasing this movie now…it’s going to bother me all weekend.

OTHER:

Limited Release – A Dangerous Method [Trailer] and My Week with Marilyn [Trailer]

The Walking Dead (AMC, Sunday) – It’s the last new episode until February 12, 2012.

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The CoF Weekend Preview: “Kiss my frozen tushy! Kiss it, kiss it!”

Friday, November 18th, 2011

happy-feet

Welcome to The CoF Weekend Preview where we take a look at what’s going on this weekend in entertainment. Check back Monday for The City Strip and don’t forget to check out the The City of Films Fall & Holiday Movie Guide to see what else is coming out over the next few weeks to round out the year.

Happy Feet Two – IMDB – RT (42%) – Trailer [1,2,3]

If you like a bunch of penguins dancing to novelty pop songs, this one is for you.  I enjoyed the first Happy Feet and have a feeling I will feel the same about our little frozen friends again, can they recapture the fun?  Probably.  I’m never one to put a focus on voice acting in an animated movie because sometimes it’s really not worth talking about (Pink lends her voice to this movie).  Robin Williams is the man when it comes to voice acting and his work in Happy Feet is pretty amazing.  Check out the trailers above, the original and it wouldn’t hurt to head to the theaters for this.  Sparkly penguins over vampires any day.

The Descendants (Limited) – IMDB – RT (90%) – Trailer

It’s a new year, so here’s another movie to give George Clooney Best Actor consideration.  He’s a talent, there is no disputing it and Alexander Payne has made some great movies (Election, About Schmidt).  So is it any wonder that the movie is getting great reviews?  Not really.

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 1 – IMDB – RT (26%) – Trailer

You should never be ashamed to say you like a certain movie, but I’ll be glad when this madness is over.  The trailer had a trailer for goodness sake!  I still suspect they are saving anything worth paying to see for the final movie next year.  This will break records, hearts, and apparently a bed…yowza.

OTHER:

Woody Allen: A Documentary – (Sunday, PBS) – Here is a trailer.  It airs on November 20 from 9-11 PM and Monday, November 21 from 9-10:30 PM on PBS.

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