Transformers: Dark of the Moon (Transformers 3)

        (Photo Courtesy of www.transformermovie.com)

Now here's the deal...I am only gonna give you a brief overview of this AWESOME Film because I want you to experience the excitement that I did at the premiere of the film last night without knowing exactly what you are walking into....SORRY!!!....but it's for your own benefit. All I can honestly say that this third installment to the Transformers is a very complete movie that is perfect for ALL ages and genres. I was already eager to see the film but afterwards I just walked out with a smile upon my face thinking that this was a very satisfying film.

"Transformers 3" has brought back our favorite characters (minus Megan Fox of course) as well as added some very fresh faces to the cast for both Humans and Robots.  So be on the lookout of Sam Witwicky (played by Shia LeBeouf) and Optimus Prime (voiceover by Peter Cullen).What's different within this clash of Autobots/ Humans against the Decepticons is the history of the war that we are informed of during the movie. Be sure to pay very close attention to every detail, which will be very hard while viewing the beautiful new cars that are able to transform, the visual wonderment of battle sequences, and the vivacious (Megan Fox) replacement of Victoria Secret Model, Rosie-Huntington-Whiteley. This is another exceptional addition to the Transformers Franchise and by Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg.

I could not help to give this film anything less than 5 Reels for it excellence!!! Hell it's honestly worth seeing more than once and I'm already on my way!!!

Cars 2

(Photo Courtesy of Disney/ Pixar Animation Studios)


So here we are with Cars 2, the sequel to the Cars which was a 2006 Blockbuster hit by Disney/ Pixar Films. Been seeing promos for the Film for the past month and couldn't avoid seeing this movie after my children purposely laid the "Big, Brown Eyes" on me in order to persuade me to take them. Although, it isn't like I wasn't interested myself to see this film and was pretty sure if they didn't want to see it...I may have went by myself.

So here we are back in Radiator Spring with the old gang of Cars from the first film and enters in Fan Favorite, Tow Mater (played by Larry the Cable Guy) and his comical act. While performing his daily towing duties, he awaits Lightning McQueen (played by Owen Wilson) to arrive from his Piston Cup Race. Once Lightning arrives the two embark on their fun-filled summer plan. One night while having dinner, Lightning is challenged by Francesco Bernoulli (played by John Turturro) to race in the World Grand Prix. Lightning accepts the challenge and heads to Tokyo, Japan for the first of three races. Once in Tokyo, Mater becomes mistaken as an American Spy and is sidetracked on an adventure of international espionage.

This film is sure to entertain both young and old and those in between. So grab your child or even take yourself or a date and enjoy the movie. Before you leave, I will give this film 5 Reels and say that is another classic by Disney/ Pixar Films!!!

Mr. Popper's Penguins

Warning....Warning.....Warning....another flaky kid movie on the loose!!! Believe me this Post will be quick. My second kid's movie in two days and I am still unsettled by the money that i have spent on them but once again...As long as my kids are happy then I am happy (guess you can't tell by my tone right now, huh?) Anyway, here we go....

Mr. Thomas Popper Jr. (played by Jim Carrey), is a successful and driven businessman that pays much more attention to his professional life than his personal life. Enters six penguins that turns everything about his life upside down and for the better. Mr. Popper's penguins is another adaptation of the classic book written by Richard and Florence Atwater.

Now i will say that I still love Jim Carrey's humor, but this film definitely seems very close to that of "Liar, Liar". Only difference is the story line!!! This film was NOT disappointing but could have given much more. You are definitely taking your chances on viewing this one, but if the kids are begging to see then absolutely take them; if they are not then do NOT waste your time. Wait until it comes out on DVD!!!

I give this one 3 Reels and calling it a wrap!!!

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer

          
(Photo Courtesy of www.judymoodymovie.com)


Now I had the displeasure of seeing a Film that I honestly felt should have went straight to video and been available at your local Red Box or Blockbuster kiosk for that $1 rental fee. So I have intentions of taking my oldest daughter to see another film, but she was intent on seeing The "Judy Moody" movie....so we went! Anything for the kids right?!

The "Judy Moody" wasn't bad but it definitely lack that substance that "Wimpy Kid" definitely has. Out of the entire movie, I only recognized two people! We have Opal (played by Heather Graham) and Mr. Todd (played by Jaleel White) to give this movie a familiar feel. Now I will state this is definitely a kids movie and that (from the laughter and reactions from my daughter) kids love this book adaptation film. I laughed a couple of times at Mr. Todd's haircut and even the way that Judy Moody's (played by Jordana Beatty) little brother, Stink (played by Parris Mostellar), spoke. Just be prepared to think of what you have to do for the week/ weekend or play with those newly bought apps on your IPhone or Android. I think that I enjoyed the time spent with my daughter rather than the movie itself as I should, so the money was well worth it.

I will give this film a 2.5 Reels and say that you should wait until it comes out on DVD and pick it up from Red Box or Blockbuster on a night when you wanna give the kids something different to watch.  

Green Lantern: Newest Addition from DC Comics

                    
(Photo courtesy of http://greenlanternmovie.warnerbros.com/)

I had the pleasure of witnessing yet another addition to our "Super-Hero" summer by attending the premiere of Green lantern. Although we can attribute this addition to DC Comics and the "Justice League" rather than Marvel Comics and the "Avengers". Little refreshing to see the comic-book rivalry taken place on the film format now. OK...I'm done with all the intros so let's jump into it. Now any Green Lantern fan such as my self know the history of the Hal Jordan (played by Ryan Reynolds) and how he became a Green Lantern. For thos that don't know....let me catch you up.

We start off by experiencing the Earth millions of years before it was formed. A group of ancient beings called the Guardians of the Universe used the "Green" essence of "Willpower" to establish and intergalactic security force, which goes by the name of the Green Lantern Corps. The provide security of the universe that is split into 3,600 sectors, with one green lantern assigned to each sector. The strongest warrior of the Green Lantern Corps was Abin Sur (played by Temuera Morrison) of Sector 2814. Abin  Sur defeated Parallax (ultimate being of Fear) and imprisoned him within the Lost Sector of 666.

Present Day, Parallax escapes from the Lost Sector and feeding on the fear of three stranded aliens that stumbled upon his prison. Six months later, Parallax continues his tyranny after having killed four Green Lanterns and devouring two planets. He attacks Sector 2814, where Abin Sur is assigned, and wounds him in battle. Abin Sur escapes the battle and crash lands on Earth as his life-force comes to an end. He commands his ring to find a worthy successor on the planet. Enters Hal Jordan.....

Hal Jordan, a fearless US Air Force Pilot whose only fear lingers from the death of his father during a test flight gone horribly wrong, is taken away by the power of the ring and dropped outside of Abin Sur's crash site. He is instructed by Abin Sur to take the ring, place it to the Lantern, and speak the Green Lantern Oath before he passes away from his injury. After eluding the government who has tracked down the crash site. After an encounter with former co-workers, Hal experiences the powers of the Ring.  He is then take to to the Green Lantern home base of Oa, where he meets Tomar-Re (vocals by Geoffrey Rush) and Kilowog (vocals by Michael Clarke Duncan). Soon after he meets Sinestro (played by Mark Strong), who expresses his displeasure about a human being chosen as a replacement for Abin Sur. After a quarrel with Sinestro, Hal decides to quit and returns to Earth.

All the while, Abin Sur's body has been taken to a government facility to be examined and studied by scientist Hector Hammond. During the autopsy, Hector is injected by a piece of Parallax's DNA that has laid dormant inside of Abin Sur's wound. Hector becomes mutated and adapts powers of telepathy and telekinetic powers. With his powers, Hector learns that his father, U.S. Senator Robert Hammond (played by Tim Robbins), has manipulated him into performing the Abin Sur's autopsy and doesn't have much confidence in him being his son. As the Senator attempts to leave a party, Hector attempts to kill his father by sabotaging his helicopter but Hal swoops in and saves the Senator and attending party-guest, including his love interest Carol Ferris (played by Blake Lively) by using his powers. Shortly after, Carol recognizes Hal under his suit and mask. Hal encounters Hectors as he kills his father and attempts to now kill Dr. Amanda Waller (played by Angela Bassett) before Hal comes in an rescues her. Hal experiences the power of Hector and learns that Parallax is in route to Earth.

Back at the home planet, OA, the Guardians reveal to Sinestro that Parallax was an original Guardian that desired to control the "yellow" essence of "Fear" against the advisement of the other Guardians. By doing so the Guardian has become the embodiment of fear itself. Sinestro requests that a yellow ring be created feeling that to battle fear is to use fear itself. Hal appears as Sinestro is speaking with the council of Guardians and tells them not to use the ring and asks for help in protecting Earth from Parallax. Hal is denied any help from the Green Lantern Corp. and left to defend Earth on his own.

Once Hal returns to Earth, he must save Carol from being harmed by Hector and his attempt to inject her with Parallax's DNA. Parallax appears and destroys Hector and begins his takeover of Coast City. Hal defends the citizens and lures Parallax away from the city and into the space. Leading Parallax towards the Sun, Hal uses the Sun's gravitational pull to destroy Parallax. Hal loses consciousness after the battle and when it seems that he with be destroyed by the sun himself, he is lured in by Tomar-Re, Kilowog, and Sinestro. He is later congratulated and saluted by the Green Lantern Corp for his bravery. Hal returns to Earth and tells Carol that he has to go away to defend his Sector of the Universe as a Green Lantern, but will never be gone.

Of course there is a little surprise after the end of the credits to ensure that there will be a sequel or maybe a continuing series of Green Lantern Movies. I guess you will have to stand by and see. So go out and enjoy this star-studded movie. I will give this film a rating of 4 reels and say that it is definitely worth watching for its action and Ryan Reynold's humor.

Docu-Tainment

Check out my new plan for exposing African-American History.....


(Photo courtesy of African American Cultural Services)

http://www.viddler.com/explore/kylebynes/videos/5/

Super 8: Classic Format

         
(Photo Courtesy of www.super8-movie.com)

I had the pleasure of experiencing a Steven Spielberg and J.J. Abrams classic this past thursday with Super 8. From all of the films that I have seen in he past month, I witnessed countless amounts of previews for this movie that I just felt I had to see it to see if it lived up to the hype. It felt as if I was going to see ET allover again for the first time.

After viewing so many previous for upcoming films, I was finally able to begin my journey into Super 8. We enter the fictional town of Lillian, Ohio (yes I checked to see if it was an actual city) and see 13 year old Joe Lamb (Joel Courtney) sitting on a swing in his yard just after a funeral for Joe's mother, whom was killed in a steel factory accident. After a brief incident between Louis (the man who took off from work due to drinking causing Joe's mother to pass away) and Joe's Father, we jump ahead four months later. Joe has settled back into his regular routine of life and his love for filmmaking.

Along with his pack of young, foul-mouthed, and hilarious friends (Charles, Tom, Preston, and Martin), Joe decides to make a horror film to enter into a film festival. Joe and his friends, along with Louis' daughter Alice (Elle Fanning),  drive to an old train station to continue filming. While filming, Joe notices that a truck has jumped onto the tracks and is heading towards the ongoing train that has begun passing them. After the massive derailment of the train after colliding wit the truck, the kids discover that the person driving the truck is their high school biology teacher Mr. Woodward (Glynn Turman) and is still alive. He warns them to forget what they saw and to never speak of it to anyone - otherwise them and their families will be killed.

After the kids evade being captured, the Air Force and their commander, Colonel Nelec (Noah Emmerich) they secure the train crash, Dr. Woodward, and discover that their were others at the crash.
Strange occurrences take place such dogs running away, missing microwaves, missing car engines, as well as missing people. The Colonel and his crew stage a hoax by setting a wildfire and forcing the city's population to retreat to a local Air Force Base. While there Joe runs into Louis who informs him that a creature has taken Alice.

Joe and his friends find a ride coerce a person to give them a ride back to town. After reaching the school and breaking into Dr. Woodward's collection of confiscated items, the crew find a stash of informative films, tapes, and documents. After reviewing all of the information, especially one particular film and tape, they discovered that the Government has captured and imprisoned and alien that crashed on earth in 1958. The alien was treated poorly when the only thing it wanted to do was simply return home. The film also showed an incident where the alien grabbed Dr. Woodward, which bonded the two; causing him to run the truck into the train earlier in the movie.

Colonel Nelec and his troopers storm the school while the kids are finishing the review of Dr. Woodward's materials and capture them. On the bus ride back to the base, the bus is attacked by the alien and turned over on its side. The alien kills Nelec and his men, while Joe and his friends escape the bus through a broken window. The kids return back to the city which is now under fire. They dodge through the city avoiding the incoming fire of military weapons, which seem to be out of control.

Joe discovers that the alien's hideout is located in the cemetary. After climbing down into the alien's subterranean lair, they rescue Alice and others and retreat to escape. The are captured and few are killed by the alien. I will end it here because I really feel that you should see this modern classic that J.J. Abrams and Steven Spielberg have brought to us. I am very refreshed to see a new idea among all the remakes that we have coming out presently.

What you have to appreciate is the classic horror format of the film. We are constantly left in anticipation of villain at hand and what "IT" looks like. We are given the backstory half-way through the film to alter our perceptions and begin to feel as sense our sorrow for what we actually thought was the villain. This is (AGAIN) a classic since of horror and science-fiction and a definite reason to get out of the house with  your mate or friend and sit down to a box of favorite concessionary food and enter another world for 2 hours.....ENJOY!!

I give this film a definite 5 Reels and hope to see more films of this caliber coming out soon!!!


[Source: www.super8-movie.com; www.super8-movie.com/sneak; www.imdb.com/title/tt1650062/; http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/super_8/]

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

X-MEN: The First Class

                                

Now I was able to attend the Premiere of the latest X-MEN addition this past week and I was definitely impressed. "The First Class" definitely gave it audience what it needed and that was some "Understanding". What I mean by this is how is some of our favorite heroes and villains become the way they that we have seen them in movies since XMEN first began (outside of Wolverine, which I will still say that i am disappointed about...MOVING ON). We were left with a brief viewing of Magneto's beginning in X-MEN: The Last Stand in which we see him imprisoned in a Nazi camp as a young boy. Well "First Class" picks up where we left off in X2 and are able to get more familiar the origins of Magneto as well as Charles Xavier (Professor X),  Raven (Mystique), and Beast.

We are introduced the what is known as the first class of human saving mutants, which would later divide into what is now known as the X-MEN and the Brotherhood of Mutants, and the very first version of Cerebro (the machine Xavier uses to locate mutants). We see a young Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Eric Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) as they join forces to stop the Hellfire Club lead by Sebastian Shaw (Kevin Bacon) and Emma Frost (January Jones). This is where the X-MEN are rebooted and we find out where the relationship/ friendship of Professor X and Magneto turned into that of enemies and having different views on mutant relationships with the humans.

This film also gave additional insights on how the School for Mutants was started by Professor X, how Professor X ended up in the wheelchair, how Beast transformed from a regular man, and other important origins. This film is what we needed to bring a few gaps and answer questions from the previous series of X-Men films that we have seen.

I will give this film a definite 4 and 3/4 Reels and say that if you love the X-Men as a whole that this is a MUST SEE!!!

Thor: The Latest Addition to the Avenger

Sorry that it's been a few days since my last post so here we go!!!!




We are still in the beginnings of the AVENGERS epic in which many of us STILL can't name ALL of its members. So if you are looking for me to refresh your memory or name them for you I will NOT be doing so. Right now we are here to talk about THOR, The God of Thunder, that will be joining the Avengers soon so I guess you will just have to follow by blogs to get more info over time.

Now I will have to say that this movie has very much differed from its counterparts within the Avengers, mostly because Thor (played by Chris Hemsworth) is apart of a different Realm and World (Asgard) within neighboring galaxy to that which Earth is apart of. Now the film is full of history (backstory) that gives us an idea of the type of man Thor has grown to become and I can describe it in one word....ARROGANT!!! Man is this guy full of himself! He is so full of himself that he challenges his father Odin (played by Anthony Hopkins...fava beans anyone?!). Anyway Odin casts Thor down to earth without his mighty hammer by his side to teach him humility and live amongst us weaker humans.

As he learns his way and becomes peaceful with himself and his new surroundings, he falls in love with new friend and guide Jane Foster (played by Natalie Portman). Thor learns that true spirit comes from within as he battles supernatural forces, treachery from loved ones, and lies that have been covered for most of his life. This is an excellent addition to the Avengers epic and cannot wait for Captain America to come out next month. So check back with me next in a month and I will give you the scoop on that one as well.

OH Yeah, as for my Reel count....I give it a 4 Reel rating. BE EASY and enjoy yourselves at the movies!!!

KB

Mr. Ghetto's "Walmart" New Orleans Bounce: Display of Ignorance and Audacity

Now I have to address this "Walmart" song that is allover the Internet right now and has moved onto the official newsroom in many areas. I took a look at this video while browsing the www.worldstarhiphop.com  video blog site. So out of curiosity, I take a look and am amazed by the level of audacity that plays before me. Please feel free to take a look via Youtube before I continue...http://youtu.be/O1tufujnbzU.

LMAO literally...because I know that you are amazed by what you've just seen, right? Well I was too...believe me. Now I will admit that I am a man and I love to look at beautiful females and their bodies, but when you display them in an ignorant and distasteful way; that's where I draw the line! Now I am all for young black men getting out here in this crazy and unforgiving world and making a hard-earned buck or three but come on! We got females wearing next to nothing in family-frequented store and gyrating to a song that reeks of trademark infringement. Now many COULD compare this to the people to Erykah Badu's "Window Seat", which I have also included for your viewing pleasure...http://youtu.be/9hVp47f5YZg, and say that "this is another form of expression by being noticed and I will simply say in return that this "BULLSHIT". First of all, The two are nothing alike in the sense of quality and meaning. So.....NEXT! Now I won't go off the deep end and say that this has set our people back another 400 years, but will say that this is a blatant display of sexism and ignorance and that we must draw the line somewhere before this kind of mess(yes I said MESS) continues!!! I will say as a respectful man and father that this isn't something that our youth and women should be subjected to. I am sure that I will have many who will disagree with me but I as those will express my God given opinion as I see fit.

Now others have express their feelings for the video as well and I have included their video for viewing as well via World Star Hip Hop. So enjoy and check back with me for additional news on any additional Film/ Video turning heads.....this is your boy KB and I'm O.U.T.

Beware of STRIP POLES being sold at your local Walmart next week!!!!

1. http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshh6cSM04U84rgif637

2. http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshh94FX23NmoK11vTBB

Rihanna "Man Down" Video

In this post I want to address the controversial Rihanna "Man Down" Video. Now we all know the PAST ordeal with Ms. Rihanna and Mr. Chris Brown. Now yes they had their young love and young heartbreak and a fight in between those times. So why are we still hanging onto this rather than watch their careers for what they are NOW? Reason...because we love DRAMA while contradicting ourselves and stating that we are So Drama Free or are Drama Haters nowadays!!! Anyway back to point of this blog.

Rihanna - "Man Down" Video Link - http://youtu.be/sEhy-RXkNo0

Now I have posted the link via Youtube for you guys and gals to take look at the controversial video. If you haven't taken a look at the video, please do so now........I'll wait. Ok, now what we have here is a video that is very expressive of what people (especially women) go through in everyday life and the emotions/ feelings that they have towards the situation. Somehow her past with Chris Brown has given people a reason (as any) to have positive and negative. Let me just say this now and hopefully people will get my point and move on from the whole Chris Brown-Rihanna situation....Yes they had a fight and No we will never know exactly what started the fight. So why are we still on this nonsense when it comes to the two artists and the projects they put out to the public. Either your gonna like the music or your not....Period.

Within the video, we start out with Rihanna, "Rih-Rih", and her obviously in the aftermath of her having been assaulted. She goes on to point her revolver at a young man walking the streets and pulls the trigger to literally "Blow his brains out". Now for those that enjoy good story-telling through film/video, then this may have been a pretty good video to sit back and watch the story unfold in a well-written manner. For the others, those which to keep the drama going, then this may have been a good video for you to criticize and continue your load of speculations. Now I don't condone what she did within her video, but I will say that I understand. Can you honestly say that you wouldn't feel the same way after being assaulted? I think it's time to let the past simply stay in the past and enjoy for the video (or not) for what it is. Would we feel the same way about the video if there was no so-called "fight"? On the other hand, would there be a video if there was no so-called "fight"? Really doesn't matter because we are not their therapists and need to focus back on the quality of artist work and not on their personal lives.

So if your wondering what I am speaking on mainly it's........let's get back to focusing on the quality of an artist work rather than what they have going on in their personal lives. None of us are perfect nor will we ever be and have done thing in our own lives that we are sure people wouldn't agree upon. As for the video, if you don't like it....don't watch it. Simple as that!!! It's art and expression. 

Only advice I can give to change it is ask your local music television station(s) to edit out the "gunshot" scene.

Sincerely,

KB