Posts Tagged Movies
Don’t call him ‘Big Mike’
Posted by Hans Haupt in Entertainment, Get Together, Movies, The Red Carpet on March 8th, 2010
If you have not heard the news yet, then where the heck have you been?
America’s sweetheart, Sandra Bullock, won the Best Actress Oscar for her portrayal of Leigh Anne Tuohy in "The Blind Side" at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards.
“The Blind Side" depicts the story of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster from a broken home, taken in by the Touhys, a well-to-do white family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Oher’s presence in the Touhys’ lives leads them to some insightful self-discoveries of their own. Living in his new environment, the teen faces a completely different set of challenges to overcome. As a football player and student, Oher works hard and, with the help of his coaches and adopted family, becomes an All-American offensive left tackle. (IMDB, 2010)
The question is… did she deserve it?
Through the Looking Glass
Posted by Hans Haupt in Entertainment, Get Together, Movies, The Red Carpet on March 6th, 2010
Have you ever wondered what that Vision Mission pop-up was about, every time you purchased a ticket at a Sterkinekor cinema or online via the Sterkinekor website? Granted I have always been aware that it was for some charitable cause or another, but I never truly understood what it was for. As a result, I can shamefully admit that I would always skip past the ‘donate’ option.
Well, on Wednesday night I was privileged enough to obtain an invitation, courtesy of Sterkinekor and Vision Mission, to celebrate AFDA’s Vision Mission commercial award winners as well as be privy to a ‘secret’ screening of a highly anticipated blockbuster film.
It was at this mystery laden awards event that I came to understand what the Vision Mission was all about and why, from now on, I will choose to donate that minimum R2.50 extra whenever I buy a Sterkinekor movie ticket.
Bite My Apple
Posted by Hans Haupt in Entertainment, Festivities, Get Together, Life, Movies on February 10th, 2010
On Friday the 5th of February 2010, I was privileged enough to obtain an illusive invitation to “The Twilight Saga: New Moon Exclusive VIP party”, courtesy of Sterkinekor and MiMoney.
Over the last several months, Sterkinekor Entertainment in association with MiMoney, have been teasing Twihard’s (fans of the Twilight saga movies and books) with the possibility of attending “the most exclusive party in 100 years”. Entering was easy. Simply watch New Moon and text your ticket number to a specified number. Each entry increased your chances of obtaining an invitation to the event.
Furthermore, upon entering the competition, fans would receive a text message notification with a specific code. This code could then be redeemed at the viral marketing inspired ‘Bite My Apple’ website; in order to unlock exclusive content from the movie in the form of wallpapers and screensavers.
After being psyched about the event for months, I was obviously excited to be able to attend. The anticipation factor was intoxicatingly high!
Battle of the Bricks
Posted by Hans Haupt in Games, Humourous, Internet, OMG, Parody, Seriously?! on December 3rd, 2009
Any self respecting person has owned and built a Lego creation of some kind. Goodness knows that I own my fair share of Lego products, probably more than I would care to admit. Even now, at the tender age of 24, I still find myself browsing through the isles of Lego products available at any and all Toys R Us stores. In all honesty, and I am sure you will agree, Lego has no age limit.
This entry is focussed on stop-motion Lego filmography. A hobby which no doubt exists for people who really have nothing better to do with their time. Regardless, it really is very cool, especially when done properly.
Alex Kobbs is one of these stop-motion Lego fanatics. He has spent the last six years creating a Halo themed 25-minute short, based on Halo’s Zanzibar map, completely out of Lego. How awesomely insane is that?!
The short film is called The Battle of the Brick and features ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’ battling it out *Halo fan high five*. The completed video is expected to hit the Web in early 2010, but for now you can have a look at the tantalising trailer:
If Lego stop-motion filmography is your thing, you can follow the progress of Kobbs’ work at the Kooberz Studio Blog.
That’s not all folks. I have one more fantastic piece of Lego filmography to share with you.
Every gamer and geek who has watched The Matrix will agree that it is one of the best science fiction and action movies of all time. However, you have not seen anything until you see The Matrix lovingly created in Lego stop-motion!
In honour of the 10th anniversary of The Matrix, a group of fans recreated nearly 900 frames of the film. The entire sequence is animated without any additional effects. What this means, is that the short was filmed ‘in camera’ without the aid of wire removal, Photoshop or any additional special effects; other than what can be created with the Lego blocks themselves. Very impressive stuff! The entire project is said to have taken around 440 hours to complete. For more information and additional videos detailing the projects immensity, check out www.LegoMatrix.com.
How cool would a Lego Matrix game be?! *Waits patiently for Travellers Tales to scoop the rights to create the game*
Until the next ‘blocky’ post “Milieunairs”!
“Who is Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf”?
Posted by Hans Haupt in Entertainment, Get Together, Movies, The Red Carpet on November 18th, 2009
Before we left South Africa for our Australian holiday, I was aware that I would be missing the midnight screening of the latest cinematic instalment of the Twilight Saga: New Moon. An event that I was not only looking forward to but one that I had made partial plans for with friends and family. I will not beat around the bush, I was bummed about it. Not only would I miss the midnight premiere but I would also be unable to share the experience with those closest to me. However, that all changed once I stepped foot in the land down under.
Heroes and Villains: Escaping Reality
Posted by Hans Haupt in Entertainment, Internet, OMG, Parody, Seriously?! on October 16th, 2009
Have you ever wondered what life would have been like if Superheroes and Villains actually existed? For the most part, all we can do is ponder the infinite possibilities, often courtesy of video games, books, television, movies and, most importantly, our very own imagination.
Agan Harahap, a photographer and illustrator from Jakarta, Indonesia, has taken the concept of Superheroes and brought them into a pseudo-reality. By incorporating infamous characters into iconic World War II photographs, Harahap has managed to blur the lines between fiction and truth. In so doing, he has managed to merge the fantastically impossible with our past physical existence, in order to create a Superhero adorned alternate reality.
Harahap’s latest collection, aptly titled ‘Super Hero’, consists of memorable political and wartime scenes from the mid-20th century, but with one difference: the inclusion of notable Superheroes (or Villains?). This extraordinary combination is a true juxtaposition in effect.
With respect to the current global economic crisis, Harahap’s work could not come at a more fortuitous time. Coincidentally, the advent of the Superhero, according to Douglas Hyde (2009), was largely spurred on by the Great Depression and the start of World War II. As a result, comic books and superheroes were said to offer an ‘escapist form of entertainment’, where people could “go into a fantasy world where all the ills of the world were righted by these larger-than-life heroes” (Erin Clancy, 2009).
Subsequently, audiences at large are once again returning to the warm embrace of costumed Superheroes, with movies based on comic books generally becoming box office leaders. This trend, the resurgence of the popularity of Superheroes, may be a reflection of the current global economic crises. Clancy would agree citing “the comic book superhero came out of a context in which the political, social and economic realties were a little tough and we can certainly relate to those realities now in our own day” (2009).
Superheroes are back people and they are stronger than ever!
Until the next time “Milieunairs”!
Marvel-ous… My Disney-sense is tingling!
Posted by Hans Haupt in Entertainment, Seriously?! on August 31st, 2009
By now I am sure that every geek most people have already heard the news. However, if you have not, it is quite unexpected. The Walt Disney Company is purchasing Marvel Entertainment.
Yes, that is right folks. Everybody’s favourite mouse will soon become the new granddaddy of some of the biggest and most well known Superheroes of all time (check out the illustration to the right, courtesy of Pseudonym via Kotaku)!
The deal will reportedly cost Disney $4 billion (R32 billion) and will be a cash and stock transaction that values each share of Marvel at $50. Disney said it will pay $30 in cash plus about three-quarters (0.745) of a Disney share for each share of Marvel. Seems like a bargain to me, considering that Disney paid $7 billion for Pixar Animation Studios.
However, I do think that the biggest concern at the moment, is whether or not the ‘PG’ loving Disney will adversely effect any of Marvel’s unique brands. Well, according to Joey Pangilinan, the acquisition has been likened to when Disney acquired Pixar, that “although they will own Marvel, the publisher is still very much its own entity” (Examiner.com, 2009)
That is certainly good news for fans of both camps. Personally, I think that the addition of Marvel into Disney’s fold can only mean good things for the future of both companies.
Robert Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company, had the following to say regarding the acquisition:
“This transaction combines Marvel’s strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney’s creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories… Ike Perlmutter and his team have done an impressive job of nurturing these properties and have created significant value. We are pleased to bring this talent and these great assets to Disney”.
Also in the official press release is Marvels Chief Executive Officer Ike Perlmutter’s take on the ‘merger’:
“Disney is the perfect home for Marvel’s fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses. This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney’s tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world”.
Can you imagine the kind of awesomely ‘legitimate’ mash-ups that could emerge from this union? Although I do not think that Disney would approve of say, for example, an adamantium infused Donald Duck with a supersonic quack, the coalition will undoubtedly open proverbial doors in terms of cross media relationships (for example, think of a Mickey Mouse figurine dressed in a Wolverine costume, given out at MacDonald’s, to promote a new Wolverine movie). Look out Warner Brothers (who own DC Comics), there is a new contender in town.
Until the next time “Milieunairs”!
District 9 – South African Premiere and Review
Posted by Hans Haupt in Entertainment, Family, Festivities, Friends, Get Together, Life, Movies, The Red Carpet on August 20th, 2009
“Why did van der Merwe keep a pair of scissors in his racing car?
So he could cut the corners!”
For the last several months, ever since first viewing the initial teaser trailer, there has only been one movie to have successfully garnered my obsessive anxiety.
Not Slumdog Millionaire. Not Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Not even the infallible Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. No, this exclusive obsession could not be for any ordinary movie or typical Hollywood cash cow.
Instead, my focus has continuously been drawn to a movie which is set, surprisingly, in the very city within which I live.
That movie has been none other than this years science fiction sleeper hit, District 9.
See how deep that bullet lies…
Posted by Hans Haupt in Entertainment, Life, Movies, Music Monday, Personal, The Red Carpet on August 4th, 2009
A few months ago, regrettably only after breaking my arm, I was approached by a well known South African public relations firm for my review of the ‘South African Premiere of Slumdog Millionaire’. Subsequently, I was kindly asked if I would be interested in being a part of their mailing list and any future ‘events’. Of course I responded with a resounding ‘yes’!
Since that time, I have been kept up to date and privy to the latest in South African box office records, figures and events. Often incorporating the information into my posts whenever I deem the data to be informative, applicable and or appropriate. To my surprise, it appears that the fruits of my labour have begun to ripen.
Last week, I unexpectedly received an official invitation to an actual ‘press screening’ of an as yet unreleased film. It goes without saying that I was incredibly taken aback and immensely excited. After all, it was the first time that I had been invited to an event as a ‘recognised’ member of the press.
The invitation was to the screening of ‘The Human Contract’, which serves as Jada Pinkett Smiths debut as both a writer and director.
The Human Contract focuses on charming, self-made marketing entrepreneur Julian Wright (Jason Clarke), who is constantly tormented by a viciously disturbing secret that he has harboured from childhood. With his personal life in shambles and physical pain his only means of solace, Julian becomes entrapped in an open styled love affair with a gorgeously elusive stranger, Michael Reed (Paz Vega), who tempts him from the rigid confines of corporate life to try and explore a bohemian laden lifestyle. A decision that will not only dramatically affect his life, but also the lives of his co-workers, friends and family.
You’re invited to a very important date…
Posted by Hans Haupt in Entertainment, Movies, Music Monday on July 24th, 2009
As movies come and go, there are usually only a handful of films which really pique my interest. One of those, which you may have guessed from this posts title, is that of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland.
As a long standing fan of Tim Burton’s work, particularly with regard to his brooding art style, I am more than excited to see what he will be able to achieve with a story and world as fantastical and rich as that of Alice’s adventures in Wonderland.
Interesting to note, is that the movie seems to take certain aspects from Carrol Lewis’ sequel to the original Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, that of Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There. Most notably is the fact that the movie see’s Alice being transported back to wonderland for a second time, with Alice unable to remember her first visit.
Ultimately though, Burton’s retelling is primarily still of Lewis’ original adventure with Alice. Thus it will feature all of the characters we have come to know and love, but with a much darker twist, such as Alice Kingsley (Mia Wasikowska), The Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp), The Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter), The White Queen (Anne Hathaway), The Caterpillar (Alan Rickman) and last, but not least, The Cheshire Cat (Stephen Fry).
On the 5th March 2010, we get to follow the white rabbit! Diarise it! Also, Walt Disney actually released a trailer for Alice in Wonderland at the 2009 San Diego Comic Convention, which was almost instantly removed from popular video sites, such as YouTube. However, the trailer is available from IGN.com and can be found here. *UPDATE* Here is the trailer:
Oddly enough, this post was actually inspired by a song, a part from the various tweets I received about the movie. Also, since I was too lazy forgot to post an edition of Music Monday, I figured I would do it now.
Thus, it is time for another Vivaciously Varietal Vibe!
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Flavour: Alternative
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Artist: Yeah Yeah Yeahs
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Album: It’s Blitz
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Song: Heads Will Roll
Rationale: I recently acquainted myself with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs latest album, It’s Blitz, and while listening to it, I came across the song Heads Will Roll.
Coincidentally, I was in the process of trying to find the trailer for Disney and Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. As a result, Heads Will Roll spurred the production of this post.
For your pleasure, I have included a picture of Helena Bonham Carter as The Red Queen/Queen of Heats from the forthcoming Tim Burton and Disney production, Alice in Wonderland. Rather appropriate, don’t you think?
As always, whenever I post about Vivaciously Varietal Vibes on a Music Monday, or in this case Feelin’ Friday, simply click on the name of the song to be taken to a web page that displays the songs lyrics.
Until the next time “Milieunairs”!
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