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Worst bands list hits sour note with music fans

cdbaski — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:07:42 +0000

Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
TODAY

3 hours ago

It’s more than a year old, but a list dubbed the “Top 20 Worst Bands of All Time,” compiled by the staff of the L.A. Weekly, is making the rounds on social media — and the fact that it’s far from a new article hasn’t calmed down music fans.

Erika Goldring / Getty Images

Congratulations, Dave Matthews Band! You’re No. 1 … on a year-old list of bad bands that’s making the social-media rounds again.

The list, which puts The Dave Matthews Band in the No. 1 spot, includes such giant musical names as The Eagles (No. 2), The Sex Pistols (No. 4), Pearl Jam (No. 7), Rush (No. 9) The Red Hot Chili Peppers (No. 11) and Foreigner (No. 14). It mixes in some lesser-known groups (Animal Collective at No. 5, Pretty Ricky at No. 15), but of course, it’s the major music acts that earned the list the most heated criticism.

The writers seemed to delight in poking at each chosen band’s fans, saying of No. 9 Rush, “It’s often said that people either love Rush or hate them, but a more accurate statement is that most people hate Rush, while a scattered few really love them. Sort of like anchovies; in fact, it’s quite fair to call Rush the anchovies of rock music.”

Fans of the long-lived Canadian group were not taking the pizza-topping comparison lying down, and jumped in to defend their band. “If you like Rock, Jazz Rock, Progressive Rock, Art Rock, Hard Rock, drums, guitars, bass groove lines, (intelligent) lyrics and (intense), melodics and (emotional) voices… RUSH is the best band in this Galaxy,” wrote one reader.

The list dismissed Seattle band Pearl Jam by mocking Eddie Vedder’s lyrics (“Hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo hoo oooooooowhoaaaaaaaaooooooooo ohhhhhhh ohhhhhhh ohhhhhhh oooooooowhoaaaaaaaaooooooooo hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiyiiiiyiiiiyiiiiyiiiiiiiiii yeah uhhh huh uhhh huh uhhh huh yeahah uhhh huh uhhh huh uhhh huh uhhhhh huh”) and describing the group as “Boring, tepid, rehashed classic rock with a thin veneer of alt.”

Needless to say, not everyone felt the same way.

“Pearl Jam?” asked one reader. “Seriously? Have you not seen their fan base? This was a waste of time.”

But others readers gave the list the equivalent of a waving lighter or a backstage pass. “Finally someone shredding Dave Matthews in the press,” wrote Kevin Luby. “The poster child for mediocrity.”

And some were upset that their least-favorite bands were left off. “No Creed?” asked Steve Gifford in the comments. “None of the three-word named bands, Third Eye Blind, Three Doors Down, Third Door Blind, whatever? List is invalid.”

Others felt they saw through the list itself to its potential for viral sharing — the very kind it’s still generating 16 months after being written.

“LOL Somebody’s boss wanted to get their social media impressions up,” said one reader. “It worked too. I never read this blog and I just read a whole article here!”

Jack the Giant Slayer (Blu-ray/DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy Combo Pack)

Jeff Bayer — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:53:31 +0000

Blu-ray Review

Jack the Giant Slayer

Directed by: Bryan Singer
Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson, Ewan McGregor, Stanley Tucci
Running Time: 1 hr 52 mins
Rating: PG-13
Due Out: June 11, 2013
Own Jack the Giant Slayer on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital Download 6/11

PLOT: Yes, it’s that Jack, the one with a beanstalk. Jack (Hoult) finds himself in the middle of the war between humans and giants. He’s trying to save the princess (Tomlinson), while the giants are trying to take over the world.

WHO’S IT FOR? If you like big adventure films, with good looking special effects, this fast-paced film will provide just enough entertainment.

MOVIE:

The pieces of this movie puzzle don’t exactly fit together, which makes it so odd that I had a pretty good time watching Jack the Giant Slayer. While I never fell in love with Jack, or the object of his affection, Isabelle, there’s still enough to like. I never had a pulse on which villain I should care about, but still got some fun out of all of them. This big-screen potential blockbuster does a pretty good job of imitating all of the other big-screen adventures you’ve seen, that should go over pretty well with audiences.

Yes, there are magic beans. Though our story begins a little bit before that. Jack’s mother has died, and his dad will soon follow. No, I’m not spoiling anything. While growing up, Jack hears tales of giants and Erik the Great, who fought them off. Isabelle hears those same stories. Fate eventually brings these two together, who are both desperate for adventure. Right about then is when the magic beans lift them off to a world high above, filled with giants. This land is somehow above the clouds. We just have to accept that. I really enjoyed the showing of destiny, and not the telling. Unfortunately, once Jack and Isabelle are together, there isn’t much of a spark. While Hoult has scored two recent leads with this film and Warm Bodies, I’m not ready to give him the keys to the blockbuster castle.

It’s not just the giants Fee, Fye, Foe and Fumm that we are dealing with here. Yes, those names are a little on the nose, and those words are uttered many times, but it does fit with the material at hand. Our other villains are Roderick (Tucci), his sidekick Wicke (Ewen Bremner) and the giant General Fallon (Bill Nighy). Roderick is obsessed with power and up to no good, your typical villain who has a few tricks up his sleeve. General Fallon isn’t really fully formed, and I’m not just talking about the small extra head on his right shoulder. For a second it seems we might look at the giants and sympathetic creatures, who were overthrown by evil humans. Not the case.

Roles from Eddie Marsan, Ian McShane and even Warwick Davis are nice additions to the cast, but nothing I’ve said so far would push this movie over the top, into the must see category. That’s where Singer comes in. The man knows how to make a generic epic adventure film. That’s exactly what he does here. While my heart never swooned, and I never felt truly nervous, the look and pace of the film are great. There are a few surprises, like a couple of key characters dying during the process. I like the basic humor sprinkled throughout the film. Plus, while the special effects are really good, one moment was dazzling. Giants chase people on horseback, and eventually throw things. That’s all you need to know.

There aren’t many perfect moments in Jack the Giant Slayer, but there isn’t anything awful. We’ve seen the mistakes an updated fairy tale can have (Hansel and Gretel). That’s not the case here. This film has everything you want out of an epic adventure, even though you’ve seem almost all of it before.

MOVIE SCORE: 8/10

EXTRAS

“Jack the Giant Slayer” Blu-ray:

· “Become a Giant Slayer” Interactive Experience
· Deleted Scenes
· Gag Reel

“Jack the Giant Slayer” DVD:

· Deleted Scenes
· Gag Reel

Read the original here:
Jack the Giant Slayer (Blu-ray/DVD + UltraViolet Digital Copy Combo Pack)

Watch: Robert Rodriguez Serves Up ‘Two Scoops’ of Monster-Killing Mayhem

cdbaski — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:02:22 +0000

Robert Rodriguez has a rabid fanbase and he called upon them recently to help craft a short film entitled Two Scoops as part of Blackberry’s Keep Moving project. At long last, the collaborative effort is online for your perusal.

Rodriguez brings his signature style to the table in this 11-minute short about a pair of ice cream-slinging sisters who also happen to be monster hunters. When their father goes missing, the siblings fire up the ice cream truck, grab some state-of-the-art weaponry, and set out to kick monster ass.

The project garnered a lot of buzz thanks to fan involvement. Rodriguez turned to the denizens of the Internet for input on all kinds of major decisions, including coming up with a unique and badass weapon for the film’s ultimate showdown. It’s a labor of fan love that feels a little rough around the edges in spots, but should entertain you during your afternoon coffee break.

Have a gander at Two Scoops below and see what you think.

[via IndieWire]

Follow @Horrorgeek and Follow @MoviesDotCom

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Watch: Robert Rodriguez Serves Up ‘Two Scoops’ of Monster-Killing Mayhem

The Haunting of Helena Brings a Terrifying Clip with "Insect Attack"

cdbaski — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:57:04 +0000

Author/Michael Allen

The Haunting of Helena was originally titled Fairytale. Shot in Italy, The Haunting of Helena will be released in North America June 18th on VOD, before showing in theatres June 21st. The film plays with the mythology of the tooth fairy.

In the story, a young girl and her single mom take up residence in a new home. Helena, the daughter, loses her first baby tooth and a strange apparition appears. Then, Helena becomes obsessed with collecting the teeth of her classmates to subdue the new entity.

The Haunting of Helena is being released as part of Blood Disgusting Selects. And, fans of thrillers are encouraged to see the latest clip from the film, “Insect Attack.” This clip follows one character into an isolated locale, until a swarm of insects injure him. Horror fans can watch the clip below.

Release Date: June 18th, 2013 (VOD) and June 21st (Theatrical).

Directors: Christian Bisceglia and Ascanio Malgarini.

Writer: Christian Bisceglia.

Cast: Harriet MacMasters-Green, Sabrina Jolie Perez, Jarreth J. Merz, Matt Patresi and Paolo Paoloni.

The clip titled “Insect Attack” is here:

The film’s fan page:

The Haunting of Helena on Facebook

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Advertise Here – Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

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The Haunting of Helena Brings a Terrifying Clip with "Insect Attack"

RU? Instant Reaction Review Podcast Ep. 60 – After Earth Review

Marc Eastman — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:03:57 +0000

Rating1.5

Marc Eastman
Shane Leonard
After Earth could be the last nail in the coffin from more than one angle, and is about as lost a struggle as you could find.

We went back a couple of weeks for After Earth, and ultimately had a strange experience with it. Here’s one where you’ll really have to check out the show to get any feel for what we thought, but ultimately it just had so many things wrong with it that there was no handhold to grab.

Jaden Smith, we agreed, was simply awful. Passable in a few scenes, maybe, but overall the acting was downright off-putting. Even if you can put that aside, which is a tough job, the film has a slew of odd choices that it make it a difficult watch. The curiosities of technology alone are too many to count.

The decision we came to was that the movie just isn’t actually for adults. With a few tweaks this would be a fairly solid young adult feature, but given the fact that what we’re setting out to do isn’t necessarily aimed at the younger crowd, everything falls apart.

Will Smith is pretty enjoyable, but despite what some may tell you, it’s hard to take anything positive away from that fact alone.

It’s one to miss, but our show isn’t. Plus, Shane is going to give you a rundown on the insertion of Scientology, and we’ll both discuss how that led to the “do whatever you have to” film craft that followed.

Check it out below, and don’t forget that you could win every movie we review this year!

After Earth Review

RU?

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RU? Instant Reaction Review Podcast Ep. 60 – After Earth Review

Licensing Partners for Godzilla Revealed

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:51:49 +0000

Though we’re still over 11 months away from the release of the Godzilla reboot, the licensing partners for the film have been revealed. Check out the full press release below.

Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP) has signed a slate of renowned global licensees, led by master toy partner Bandai America Incorporated, to capture the adventurous thrills of Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ highly anticipated film Godzilla. Returning the character to its epic roots, Godzilla stomps into theaters on May 16, 2014, with a star cast including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ken Watanabe, Elizabeth Olsen and Juliette Binoche, with David Strathairn and Bryan Cranston.

Featuring spectacular creatures, thrilling action, epic battles and a legendary monster, Godzilla provides the backbone for a monstrous merchandise offering for fans of all ages and enables compelling cross-category opportunities across mass and specialty retailers.

“We believe that our new theatrical film brings a bold new take on Godzilla that will energize and mobilize fans on a worldwide basis and like never before,” said Joel Chiodi, Executive Vice President, Theatrical Marketing, Legendary Entertainment. “This licensing program is an augmentation of the filmed entertainment experience, and while it will rally the powerful base, Godzilla the movie will introduce a whole new generation of fans to this franchise.”

“With an impressive and long-standing legacy that is known universally across all formats and multiple generations, Godzilla is one of the most iconic monsters to ever hit the silver screen,” said Brad Globe, President, Warner Bros. Consumer Products. ”As the ‘King of Monsters’ prepares to take the world by storm, we are working with our licensing partners on behalf of Legendary to create products that bring to life the spirit of epic adventures and imagination captured by this much-anticipated film.”

Bringing the monster-tail to life, Warner Bros. Consumer Products, in partnership with Legendary Pictures, has developed a roaring roster of licensees ready to create product in a variety of categories including toys and figures, apparel and accessories, costumes, publishing and more. Global master toy partner Bandai will release action figures and play sets inspired by the spectacular adventure film.

Additional licensees developing product to support the larger-than-life tentpole film include NECA with gifts and novelties; Jakks Pacific with large scale figures; Bioworld with on-trend apparel; and Sideshow Collectibles with authentic statues. Trevco will also release a line of t-shirts and apparel, while Rubie’s will design Godzilla costumes that are sure to delight children and adult fans. Products inspired by the film will be available at retailers worldwide, with several products also available at www.WBShop.com.

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Licensing Partners for Godzilla Revealed

‘Man Of Steel’ Stars Open Up About Getting Superman Strong

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:15:28 +0000

“Man of Steel” stars Henry Cavill and Antje Traue really had to train tough to play Superman and Faora, but in a new video for the National Guard, the actors prove that the hard work helped them reach their goals off screen too.

Discussing the work he did under trainer Gym Jones’ watch, Cavill explained, “He’s opened my eyes to seeing past beyond what I thought were my limits. He’s a remarkable man, truly. He understands what I’m going through physically. He understands me, because he sees what I go through as a person, which is what makes him such a good trainer.”

As Superman, Cavill had to be in top-notch condition, communicating not just physical strength but a centeredness that suggested he was developing a control of that strength. “100 percent, the training has been a journey of discovery just like Superman’s journey of discovery,” Cavill observed. “Like Superman learned he could fly, I learned I could do all sorts of things in the gym which I never thought possible. It’s not just a physical thing, it’s a psychological thing as well.”

Director Zack Snyder enlisted Gym Jones, whose real name is Mark Twight, because he knew that his training regimen would help his actors feel like they could make superhuman accomplishments. “Gym Jones is about functional training,” Snyder said. “It’s a cool way to get someone to do something they’ve never done.”

What’s The Future Of Superman?

As warrior Faora, Traue needed to be formidable and firmly in control of her body. Traue said that the training gave her a new sense of perspective on her own physicality and motivated her beyond all of her wildest expectations.

“Working out and lifting ways showed me that there is a beauty to physical strength and fearlessness and power,” Traue said. “Eventually you come to a point where your mind allows you to break through your physical boundaries and takes you to places where you think you could never go to.”

Check out everything we’ve got on “Man of Steel.”

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‘Man Of Steel’ Stars Open Up About Getting Superman Strong

‘Man of Steel’ soars Friday: $44.1M

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:25:40 +0000

After one day, the return of Superman is already faring better than Superman Returns.

Warner Bros.’ $225 million franchise reboot, Man of Steel, took in a blazing $44.1 million on Friday. Including the $12 million earned on Thursday through corporate screening programs, the film has a $56.1 million total headed into the final two days of the weekend. By Sunday night, Man of Steel may earn about $125 million, which would stand as the second highest opening weekend of 2013 behind Iron Man 3‘s $174.1 million bow.

There’s also a chance that Man of Steel, which garnered an “A-” CinemaScore and has massive potential for Father’s Day business, may hold up better the average tentpole and finish closer to my $132 million prediction. Stay tuned to EW to see where it finishes.

Fellow newcomer This is the End scored $6.9 million on its first Friday, giving it a three-day total of $19.2 million. The $32 million R-rated comedy should take in about $20 million over the weekend, giving it a five day total of about $33 million. Audiences issue the film a “B+” CinemaScore.

Three holdovers filled out the rest of the Top 5. Now You See Me dropped only 46 percent in the face of Man of Steel to $3.3 million, putting it on pace for an $11 million frame. The Purge, meanwhile, plummeted 83 percent from its first Friday to $2.9 million, and may earn about $8.5 million in its sophomore weekend. Fast & Furious 6 grossed $2.6 million on Friday, and it may climb into fourth place by Sunday night with $9 million.

1. Man of Steel – $44.1 million
2. This is the End – $6.9 million
3. Now You See Me – $3.3 million
4. The Purge – $2.9 million
5. Fast & Furious 6 – $2.6 million

For more box office updates, follow me on Twitter:
Follow @EWGradySmith

‘Prometheus’ Sequel May Find Its Writer in Jack Palgen

AceShowbiz.com — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:32:20 +0000

June 18, 2013 08:49:07 GMT

Noomi Rapace and Michael Fassbender are expected to return to the follow-up to the 2012 sci-fi.

As “” Damon Lindelof has made it clear that he won’t be back to , Fox now sets eyes on “” scribe. Variety learns that Jack Palgen enters negotiations with the studio to talk about his chance of giving ideas and turning it all into a solid screenplay for the sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2012 film.

While Scott, who directed in rom-com “”, will serve as a producer again under Scott Free banner, it is still unknown whether the second film will be his next directing vehicle or not. Original stars and are expected to reprise their roles as Elizabeth Shaw and David respectively.

Earlier this year, Lindelof told Collider about why he decided not to be involved in the second film. “The idea of building a sequel to it – from the ground up this time – with Ridley is tremendously exciting. But at the same time, I was like, ‘Well that’s probably going to be two years of my life,’ ” he said.

“I can only be working on one thing at a time. So I said to him, ‘I really don’t think I could start working on this movie until I do this other stuff. And I don’t know when the other stuff [] is going to be done’ … But much to the delight of all the fanboys, I don’t see myself being involved in Prometheus-er.”

As for the sequel’s plot details, Lindelof coyly shared to The Hollywood Reporter, “This movie has two children: One of these children grows up to be ‘Alien’ [referring to Scott's 1979 sci-fi], but the other child is going to grow up, and God knows what happens to them. And that’s what the sequel to ‘Prometheus’ would be.”

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‘Prometheus’ Sequel May Find Its Writer in Jack Palgen

Blly Crystal discusses his chemistry with ‘Monsters University’ co-star John Goodman

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:50:00 +0000

Billy Crystal sat down with us to discuss his role in 'Monsters University,' and we ask why the new film is a prequel and also examine his chemistry with co-star John Goodman.http://www.hitfix.com/blogs/motion-captured

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Blly Crystal discusses his chemistry with ‘Monsters University’ co-star John Goodman