What to see: Weekend of December 21

What to see: Weekend of December 21

Wondering what you might want to see this weekend? We’ve got several new releases as well as some popular films still in theaters that will make great options for you.

Let’s dive in.

New Films

The Guilt Trip
Looks terrible. Possibly funny at time, but terrible.

Monsters, Inc. 3D
Coming back to theaters in 3D ahead of Monsters University. Personally I’ll pass because, while Monsters is a find film, I just don’t like 3D.

Jack Reacher
I’ll be seeing this tonight. it looks awesome to me! We’ll soon find out.

This is 40
Please avoid this one at all costs — ALL COSTS!

Zero Dark…

Read The Rest

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ YouTube Most Viewed 2012

‘The Dark Knight Rises’ YouTube Most Viewed 2012
/Film

2012 didn’t want for long-awaited blockbuster releases, what with The Dark Knight RisesThe AvengersSkyfallThe Hunger Games, and The Hobbit all opening this year. But the one YouTube visitors spent most time poring over, it turns out, wasn’t a movie at all.

The first to on the list are for the game Call of Duty, but the third is trailer #3 for The Dark Night Rises. This isn’t really surprising since Nolan built up a lot of anticipation for the film. Skyfall falls right in place at #4. The Hunger Games is #6, and Revolution #7. Revolution is the only TV show represented. It’s worthy!

Dreamworks ‘Turbo’ Trailer

Dreamworks ‘Turbo’ Trailer

This looks really really stupid. I don’t think I am interested at all. I’d be happy to be surprised.

Frankly, Dreamworks doesn’t usually put out good animated films. There are notable exceptions (like Shrek for instance), but I’m not seeing this as one of them.

Why 48 FPS Fails

Why 48 FPS Fails
Gizmodo

The most definitive opinion piece I’ve read comparing The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in these formats: HFR 3D, Standard 3D, and 2D:

So with all of this here’s the “Master Class” that I took away, and that Peter Jackson shared with every filmmaker out there that is willing to study these 3 versions of the same film:

1. Film is just as much about what you DON’T show the audience as with what you DO. Shallow depth of field, motion blur, lack of sharpness, and movement all help to create movie magic. If images are too sharp and you see too much detail…that’s not always a good thing. The…

Read The Rest

In a Starship Lived a Hobbit…

In a Starship Lived a Hobbit…

TJ and Joseph are joined by TrekMovie.com founder and editor in chief, Anthony Pascale, to discuss the nine minute prologue debut of ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’, what we know and don’t know about the film, who the villain ultimately is, how JJ Abrams’ ‘Trek’ is not just for fans, but goes for a broader appeal, which Enterprise is the best, how it’s not just a question of old ‘Trek’ or new ‘Trek’ and more. Lots of nerdery to be had here. Then TJ and Joseph are joined by Clark Douglas, who appeared on episode 14 of ‘The MovieByte Podcast’ with TJ, and new guest Marcus Pittman to discuss ‘The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey’. Much discussion is had about the merits as well as the not so good aspects of the film. While all enjoyed the film and ultimately rated it on the positive side of the scale, there were varying degrees of elation and disappointment with the film. This is a fun one, be sure to join the discussion!

Listen Now

Hugh Jackman - Jean Valjean ‘Les Mis’ Featurette

Hugh Jackman - Jean Valjean ‘Les Mis’ Featurette

With less than a week to go until the release, we’ve got a new featurette and it is definitely recommended watching.

In this featurette, it looks like Jackman has thrown his all into the role, and when not on set singing, often lived the life of a monk on a vow of silence to rest his voice. Fun stuff.

2012 Movie Mistakes

2012 Movie Mistakes
/Film

The folks at MovieMistakes.com delight in pointing out the tiny mistakes that slip through, whether it’s a costume that’s been sloppily rearranged between takes or an anachronistic prop that’s been dropped into a period piece. Just as they did in 2011, they’ve just released a list of their favorite goofs of the year, as well as a tally of the most error-prone films of the year. Read them both after the jump.

I hate paginated articles I want to quote. I never know if I’m supposed to link to the first page, or the page of which I want to quote. But this was too much fun not to share. My…

Read The Rest

‘Jack Reacher and Tom Cruise

‘Jack Reacher and Tom Cruise
MovieLine.com

So bringing Jack Reacher to the screen means Cruise has a lot to measure up to, but instead of swinging for the fences, he bunts. His Reacher is like every other character Cruise has ever played: Tough, cocky, and the smartest guy in the room. It’s the Tom Cruise paradox; he’s a great actor who’s stopped acting. He can’t vanish into a role, but then he doesn’t have to. Audiences show up to his films just to see his latest ass-kicking adventure, which makes Cruise the inverse James Bond — instead of different actors playing the same character, he’s one actor who plays the same character…

Read The Rest