Sunday, August 29, 2010

September Movies and Centurion Review

A new month approaches and so does a slew of new movies...

September 3-

MACHETE
Director: Ethan Maniquis Robert Rodriguez
Stars: Danny Trejo, Michelle Rodriguez, Robert De Niro
The Plot: After being betrayed by the organization who hired him, an ex-Federale (Trejo) launches a brutal rampage of revenge against the people who double-crossed him.
This was one of the spoof trailers for Grindhouse – and now it’s an actual, honest-to-God movie! Cheesy, over-the-top fun – I am so there!

THE AMERICAN
Director: Anton Corbijn
Stars: George Clooney, Paolo Bonacelli, Violante Placido
The Plot: An assassin hiding out in an Italian village while he anticipates his last-ever assignment tempts fate by seeking out the friendship of a priest (Bonacelli) as well as the affection of a local woman (Placido).
I’ll either do a double feature or catch this one on NetFlix.


September 10-

RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Stars: Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, Wentworth Miller
The Plot: As the T-Virus continues to spread, Alice (Jovovich) maintains her mission to find survivors and keep them safe from the Undead, and to take down the Umbrella Corporation. Reteaming with Claire (Larter), Alice makes a dangerous journey to a new city that is said to be a safe haven: Los Angeles.
I doubt I’ll venture to the theater for this one, even though it's 3S, but will definitely watch on NetFlix.

September 17-

ALPHA AND OMEGA
Director: Anthony Bell Ben Gluck
Stars: Hayden Panettiere, Christina Ricci, Justin Long
The Plot: After being relocated to Idaho by park rangers, a female and a male wolf face a dangerous trip across unfamiliar territory in their attempt to find their way home to Canada.
Another computer animated flick – which doens't guarantee quality, so not sure about this one yet.

September 24-

LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS
Director: Zack Snyder
Stars: Jim Sturgess, Hugo Weaving, David Wenham
The Plot: Soren is a young Barn Owl who lives in the peaceful forest of Tyto. Kidnapped and brought to the foreboding St. Aegolius Academy for Orphaned Owls, Soren must face certain challenges -- including taking his first-ever flight -- on a dangerous adventure that leads to the mythical Great Ga'Hoole Tree, where he and his friends Gylfie, Twilight, and Digge look to fight a great evil in their world.
The animation looks incredible! HOLLYWOOD SPY has posted numerous trailers, so check it out.

???-

SUCK
Director: Rob Stefaniuk
Not sure when this one will hit theaters or DVD – it’s hit most of the independent film festivals. But it stars Malcolm McDowell, Dave Foley, Henry Rollins, Iggy Pop, Alice Cooper, Moby, AND Alex Lifeson of Rush!! According to the IMDB, it’s “A comedy centered on a rock 'n' roll band that will do anything to become famous.” The previews bring to mind the likes of The Lost Boys and Fright Night – just good vampire fun. View the trailer HERE


REVIEW – CENTURION

Directed by Neil Marshall, starring Michael Fassbender
I was fortunate that this was a free view on HDNet last Wednesday night, so I got to see it two days before its USA release.
Centurion is exactly what I expected. It’s not a grand epic nor does it break any new ground. However, it does contain some amazing scenery and cinematography, very bloody battles, and an interesting storyline. The story follows Centurion Quintus Dias (played by Fassbender) – his brigade is slaughtered by the Picts, and he escapes capture and joins with General Titus Flavius Virilus (played by the always cool Dominic West) and the 9Th legion. When the general’s troops are ambushed, Dias must lead the seven survivors back home.
The Scottish landscape is incredible! It’s as much a character in the story as are the actors. Everything feels very realistic – the Picts are not supernatural, just people defending their land. And in the middle of bloody war was an aspect I was not expecting… Can’t tell you or I’d spoil the movie!
If you’re into medieval battles and suspense, this movie is for you! Again, nothing that will knock your socks off, but it’s an enjoyable movie.

Enjoy your popcorn!

62 comments:

Mason Canyon said...

Looks like some interesting movies coming out. Looking forward to your reviews.

Mason
Thoughts in Progress

Jules said...

I love animation so I'll probably check out "Alpha & Omega." I have noticed though, kids have trouble keeping on those 3-D glasses.

Since you said the animation is incredible I'll watch for Legend of the Guardians.

Last night I realized I'm too old to watch movies with sub-titles. Bummer!

Thanks for the reviews. :D
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

vic caswell said...

i'm super excited for the legend of the guardians... sooooooooooo pretty!

DEZMOND said...

You already know LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS is my own most anticipated movie of the year :) I'll also watch those cute wolves, and RESIDENT EVIL (but on DVD and solely for Wenty). I've never in my life heard of SUCK but thanks to its cast it sounds positively crazy and I just can't miss it - lot's of fun trash to expect in it :)

How did you like young Imogen Poots in CENTURION, Alex?

Cruella Collett said...

Definitely a couple of these I'd like to check out. Will look for your reviews.

By the way, I just read an article about the Italian actress that plays with Clooney in "The American". Apparently she was not impressed from seeing him nude. She must be the only woman on the Earth who wouldn't be...

Old Kitty said...

Titus Flavius Virilus! I'm sorry but I tried very hard not to LOL when I read that name - I'm so juvenile!!!

I wonder how long before these get shown here if at all - the Legend of the Guardians sounds quirky!

Thanks for the heads up on these films.

Take care
x

Michelle D. Argyle said...

Thanks for these! I've been debating to to see Centurion, and your review helped me decide. :)

Unknown said...

The movies that appeal to me most are ones likes The American. I love that George looks like he's a James Bond character.

CD

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jules that's a bummer, as dubbed just doesn't cut it.

Dezz, Suck just looks like a good time. And Imogen was quite lovely - certainly the least deadly female in the movie!

Cruella, I have comment on that!

Michelle, I think you'll enjoy it.

Ellie Garratt said...

I love the Resident Evil films, so this is a must for me. But not in 3D. For some reason it sets off my migraines.

Jamie Gibbs said...

I'm definitely looking forward to Centurion. Dominic West can do no wrong, in my opinion, and anything with Romano-British pagan societies is win in my books.

I saw the trailer for Suck, and it looks so bad it should be good. Probably not a cinema movie, but I'll check it out on DVD.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Suck has quite the cast! Looking forward to Guardians.

Jemi Fraser said...

I hadn't realized they were making a movie from the Guardian of Ga'hoole books! Awesome :)

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

You certainly have the knack for reviewing films......films that have not been mentioned here as yet. Most enjoyable read .

Have a lovely Sunday.
Yvonne.

Ricky said...

Just saw the 3D trailer for reident Evil, it looks fantastic. I must check out Centurion to see my lovely country in all it's glory.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jamie, I think Suck will be a cheesy fun romp.

Jemi, now you know!

Ricky, your country is gorgeous! I've been to Scotland before, but never saw scenery as depicted in the film.

The Man-Cave said...

I cannot wait to see Machete and have been anxiously waiting for the release for some time. I'm completely over the RE series. It's not even about zombies really anymore and way off base from the video game franchise. I did like the original though.

And Alex it's funny you mentioned Suck because I just saw this under the Coming Soon section on Amazon. Never heard of it but I do want to see that as well.

Charles Gramlich said...

Looks like a pretty good crop.

DiscConnected said...

Alex-

What if "Resident Evil:Afterlife" is the best of the RE films, really getting you into the head of the mutated doberman characters?

Would you go see it then?

The 3D is enough to deter me-I'm sure the technology has improved over 30 years, but I saw a couple in high school and found the glasses to be a hassle.

I tend to read quickly, so when I first scanned this, I thought you described "Machete" as 'cheery.'

Of course, that caught my eye, and 'cheesy' is a little more appropriate.

LC (the other blogger named Cavanaugh)

Summer Frey said...

Awww, I'm SO going to see Resident Evil in the theater! I don't care how bad it is--it's tradition that I must uphold!

Can't wait to see Centurion!

Laura Eno said...

You review movies too? Since I'm fairly new to your blog I didn't know that.
Is there anything you don't do? No, wait...I'm sure you'll come up with several answers that might make my eyes bleed. ;)

K M Kelly said...

Hi Alex - I've something for you over at my blog :-)

Raquel Byrnes said...

My daughter read all of The Guardian books and is feverishly anticipating the opening. I guess I'll be catching that in the theaters.

Edge of Your Seat Romance

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Geof, Machete will kick butt! And I discovered Suck this past week when it showed up in Apple's Movie Trailers.

Disc, after seeing movies like Avatar in 3D, it just stuns me how far they've come and how immersive the technology. And if RE gets great reviews, sure, I'll go see it!

Laura, safe to say I will never review a country music album!

Thanks, Kate!

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I'd have to avoid a movie named Machete... and horror in 3D is probably a tad over the top ;) I would like to see Legend of the Guardians though.

Helen Ginger said...

I saw ads for The American and was thinking about going to it, mostly because I like Clooney. I'll probably go see it, especially since it looks like one my husband will like.

One thing I'm doing is going with girl friends to see old movies. We saw Out of Africa and this week we're going to see Vertigo.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Helen, that's cool you have a theater in your area that plays those old films!

Lola Sharp said...

Oh, I'll be seeing Res. Evil...tradition, PLUS WENTWORTH YUM. (and Husband likes Mila)

Also, I'm pretty stoked about Legend of the Guardians.

Gail said...

Thanks for the heads up. It is nice to know ahead of time what to expect.

I believe I may just visit Legend of the Guardians.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the movie clips ... These are Netflix kinda movies. I'll wait to see what comes out in October.

Stephen Tremp

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Guardians is gaining a lot of momentum!

RaShelle Workman said...

Hi Alex - The Guardians movie looks so amazing. I'm excited to see it with my family.

For the Hubby and I, we'll have to see Resident Evil when it comes out on DVD. They're fun.

Hold my hand: a social worker's blog said...

oh wow.. The American seems like my kind of movie from this list.

Thanks!

Doris

Arlee Bird said...

I'm never going to be able to see all of these movies, let alone all of the past movies I've missed. There are more movies than there is lifetime.

On Monday Aug 30 I'm going to do another post that was inspired by your blogging post. There were so many things to think about. I'm going to look at the aspect of Content this time.

Thanks for the inspiration.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Cheeseboy said...

Any movie that might have an 80 year old Alice Cooper playing a role might just be stretching. Just saying.

Powdered Toast Man said...

Machete looks like good family fun.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Lee, so many movies, so little time...
And I've one more post on blogging that will go up on Tuesday.

Cheeseboy, at least he's not one of the band members!

Powdered - bring the kiddies!

SF said...

I'm always happy to be given a heads up about a new George Clooney movie!

Being down under, might be waiting a bit longer for it though..

The Old Silly said...

Great line-up! I'm saving up my sheckles so I can go see some of them.

Talli Roland said...

All this and popcorn too? :)

Thanks for the heads-up, Alex! :)

Hart Johnson said...

It's probably just me, but I can't see the word Centurion without imagining Cesar a la Michael Palin from Life of Brian, which makes me giggle hysterically...

*cough*

And having to escape Idaho into Canada hit home... being from Idaho and all...

Thanks for doing this, Alex--I'd never know what was coming without you!

Karen Lange said...

Thanks for the info! Have a good week!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Hart, always happy to make you giggle!

Zoe C. Courtman said...

I'm all about MACHETE. Can't wait to check that sucker out. Just saw BROOKLYN'S FINEST last night. Feel like I need therapy now... :/

Julie Dao said...

Legend of the Guardians looks amazing!

Sarah Ahiers said...

i'm really looking forward to machete and legend of the guardians

Elana Johnson said...

My daughter would probably like the Owl one, but I couldn't even make it through the books. Alpha and Omega looks good too!

Carol Kilgore said...

Centurion sounds interesting. I'm with you on Clooney.

Glynis Peters said...

Great reviews, I have passed them onto DH, thanks Alex.

Velvet Over Steel said...

My son and I are looking forward to seeing several of these new movies this fall. I love your reviews of them! Thanks for sharing, it makes it much easier to decide which ones we will Both like and which ones he'll see with his mentor. :-)

Have a Great week, Alex!

Hugs,
Coreen

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Zoe and Fallen, Machete should be wild!

Coreen, I don't cover them all, but hopefully enough that everyone can find a movie of interest.

Kelly Polark said...

I never heard of Suck! But it looks like I'd enjoy the premise.
I usually only watch comedies or rock movies (okay, or vampire movies)!
Or kids movies....my kids really want to see Alpha and Omega!

Jane Kennedy Sutton said...

Oh boy, George Clooney on the big screen! I don't care if it turns out to be a bad movie, I'll still go see it:)

BStearns said...

Awesome Alex! I'm so glad you enjoyed Centurion, I can't wait to see it! Sorry I haven't been around all week, but I'm back now!

Beth Zimmerman said...

Nothing there sounds too terribly tempting to me. No good chick flicks coming out?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kelly, you got 'em all with Suck!

Bryan, glad you've returned!

Beth, now really - do I look like a chick flick kind of guy?

Anonymous said...

Can't wait to see The American! Although I'll probably just be renting it.

Pat Tillett said...

Great reviews. I can't wait to see a few of these...
As always a great post!

Patricia Stoltey said...

I love these movie mini-reviews because they help me manage my Netflix queue. I'm for sure putting that George Clooney film on the list (duh!), and definitely Legend of the Guardians. Thanks!

Patricia

dolorah said...

Centurion's the only one that looks good to me; but thanks for the roundup. Always a pleasure to see what's out there.

.........dhole

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Patricia, glad I could assist with your NetFlix queue!

Katherine said...

Your movie round up is great. I always no summer is coming to an end when the horror movies are replaced by action, thriller and dramas. Oh okay, I guess a few horror movies still linger. But, over all the movie going should be well worth the price of popcorn. Hugs!
P.S> I love a go "B" movie too :-)