Monday, June 13, 2011

News and Movie Reviews!

Too hot for anything but a dark movie theater this weekend! But first, a couple announcements…

Laura Eno’s new book, Tempest Child, was released last week! Wow, it was a busy week for books, wasn’t it?

Geof at The Man-Cave is hosting a giveaway – win a gift certificate from Retro Planet!

I also have something special planned for my author friends! Might take me a week or two to organize, but hopefully you guys like it.

Now, TWO movie reviews!!

Super 8

Take one part E.T., a dash of Jaws, a pinch of Cloverfield and toss in a bit of Stand By Me and you have the ingredients for what I feel is the best movie so far this summer. The best compliment I can give the movie is that it made me feel like a kid again - that wide-eyed sense of wonderment that’s been sorely lacking in many recent films. J.J. Abrams movie is an homage to the great works of Steven Spielberg and he shines in all elements of this film. The true highlight, however, is not the special effects or the action scenes (which are great) it's the cast of relative unknowns who nail every scene. Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning are particularly great and the interplay between them rings completely honest. The film deals with weighty subjects like loss, depression, sadness and pain but balances it all out with friendship, young love and (oh, by the way) an effective monster hunt story. Obviously, I highly recommend it to those who yearn for a bit of nostalgia and childlike wonderment. (But parents, leave the little kids at home!)

Troll Hunter

College film students trail a man they believe is a poacher, only to discover he’s a troll hunter! This faux cinema verite film doesn’t take itself too seriously. After all, they’re hunting trolls! The creators came up with plausible explanations as to why no one has seen a troll and how the government’s Troll Security System keeps the creatures in control. The effects are good, there are a few laughs, and the scenery beautiful. A unique film from Norway that’s a fun watch!


Anybody else see either film this weekend? Any good previews? Saved me some Hot Tamales?

100 comments:

Unknown said...

I saved you some tamales. :) I saw Super 8 this weekend as well and loved it. I felt like a little kid again and riding around with my older cousins. And those kids were awesome! Not to mention the fantastic monster hunt. Too cool!

T.D. McFrost said...

I totally have to see SUPER 8! I will pass on Troll Hunters.

Dafeenah said...

I saw a new to me movie, The Painted Veil. Absolutely wonderful. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed watching movies until I started reading your blog.

Leovi said...

Super 8 If you made ​​it back to being a kid have to see it, because I want to feel that feeling. Thank you very much for your excellent reviews.

Amy said...

Great review of Super 8! When I watched it I was thinking about Stand By Me too, and it really worked for it! Gotta love an action alien movie that makes you cry too.

Great movie! :)

T. Powell Coltrin said...

Interesting reviews. I would like to see both movies.

Summer Frey said...

Ooh, yeah! I want to see Super 8! Lots of good movies this summer.

Ella said...

Great review; this is what I hoped for! The preview does give you flashes of previous Spielberg movies.
I can't wait... Dental appointment next week; I know where I am going after ;D Hot tamales depends on dental appointment, but I'll save you some~

Thanks for telling it like it is~

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Excellent reviews Alex so it's still hot over there? gosh 91 when I was in Washington.
I wouldn't go mixing your food again .

Have a good day.
Yvonne.

Ted Cross said...

I want to see Super 8!

S.A. Larsenッ said...

I've wondered about Super 8, and absolutely love it when unknowns make a movie!! Thanks for sharing.

Christine Danek said...

I want to check out Super 8. Thanks for your take.

Old Kitty said...

OOoh I recommend the wet look for hot days! Ahem.

Ooooh two amazing films to look out for!!! I'm drawn to the Troll Hunter - I mean Trolls!! Yay!!

Huge congrats to Laura Eno and yay for The Man Cave giveaway!! Take care
x

-E- said...

saw The Four Times which was pretty good.

Unknown said...

I want to see Super 8. Now I will for sure.

Carol Kilgore said...

Nothing new - and old Coen Brothers but still good. I'm so glad Super 8 is great. Still on my list :)

Anonymous said...

I have Judy Moody and the Not bummer Summer on tap, then I can get off by myself and watch these two movies. My wife saw Super 8 over the weekend with her client (she does home health care for the elderly) and really liked it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Melissa, it was just a great movie!

Dafeenah, hopefully I've inspired you to seek out more.

Leovi, it did make me feel like a kid again.

Amy, it had its emotional moments!

Ella, you'll love it. Hope you feel up to the Hot Tamales. You should eat them before the dentist and make him earn his fee!

Yvonne, I had to try.

Kitty, and the Trolls are cool.

Stephen, I don't envy you.

Karen, I can do popcorn! Glad you enjoyed The Tourist.

Anonymous said...

Am definitely putting Super 8 on the list.

Have not heard of Troll Hunter but it sounds odd and intriguing. Going on the list too.

Sarah Ahiers said...

totally hit up super 8 this weekend and loved it! It was excellent for all the reasons you stated.
I still really want to watch Troll Hunter. Maybe this weekend...

Paul Joseph said...

I really want to see Super 8 this week.

Bossy Betty said...

TWO movie reviews? You are too good to us....

Charles Gramlich said...

I'm a bit excited about Super 8

Suze said...

Hot Tamales? Not Mike and Ike's. :)

Summer Ross said...

I have had next to no time to do movie reviews and such, but I am so glad you do because when I get the opportunity to go to a movie or rent one- I choose something from your list usually. Thanks for posting!

Christopher Hudson said...

Alex, I agree more or less with your review of Super 8 ... however I'd add Close Encounters to the ingredients. It didn't kick me in the head, the way some of those other flics did when I first saw them, but I did enjoy it.

Unknown said...

Hi Alex! I'm not dead - just been away. Super 8 looks a great film, definitely one for my list. And do you know what's next on my Reading List? :)

N. R. Williams said...

I just may have to go to Super 8 now. It's $5.00 Monday.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium

Ricky said...

Both films sound great !

Lydia Kang said...

Hot Tamales are the best! If only they weren't so radioactive red...but that's part of the fun, right?

I didn't see any new movies this weekend. Maybe next weekend!

Talli Roland said...

Two reviews, wow! I finally watched 'Seven Pounds' last night. Wonderful cinematography, but... the story fell kinda flat for me.

PK HREZO said...

My kind of flicks. can't wait to see them! And thanks for the links!

L. Diane Wolfe said...

ET and Cloverfield - that's a good comparison.

Jeff Beesler said...

Only movie I saw recently was the Sorceror's Apprentice on Netflix instant play. I really need to get to the theater at some point, but right now summer vacation trips are coming down the wire!

The Yard Bard said...

And here I thought "Super 8" was some kind of motel documentary. If our theater ever gets off the Justin Beiber/Disney kick, I'll see if I can catch it.

Hey, drop in when you get a chance. I've posted something for you. :)

Ellie Garratt said...

Ooo...Super 8 sounds like a must-see. I'm currently sustaining myself with the knowledge that the next Star Trek film should be out summer of 2012. Please, please let it be so.

A surprise? Something planned? I'm intrigued.

anthony stemke said...

Thank You for your review of Super 8, I definately want to see it now.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Super 8 sounds really good and your review is great. It'd take a lot of Hot Tamales (and some Junior Mints) to get me to see Troll Hunter, though.
xoRobyn

Unknown said...

Loved Super 8 as much as you did, E.T. plus Jaws plus Cloverfield!

Would really like to watch Troll Hunter but it's not available over my region. Sigh.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Sarah, you need to!

Betty, I could do one a day. Sometimes more!

Suze, I don't discriminate - I'll take Mike & Ikes.

Summer, glad to be your movie source!

Sue, really? I'm honored!

Lydia, the red warns one of the spicy flavor.

Talli, I wasn't crazy about that one either.

Jeffrey, that was a good way to watch that film - free.

Thank you, Yard Bard!

Ellie, if it doesn't get delayed again! Need my Trek fix.

Anonymous said...

We're going to see Super 8 next weekend; can't wait.

Shari said...

I was wondering about Super 8. Thanks for the review.

I haven't seen anything since Pirates. I should probably get out more.

Meagan Spooner said...

Man, I just saw a trailer for Super 8 a while back and really wanted to see it. So, I'm sold!

I really need to get to theaters more often. I love movies so much, but I never end up going to see the ones I want to see!

Copyboy said...

I hear ya on Super 8, but I don't know if I'm sold just yet. Although I loved Cloverfield!

Arlee Bird said...

I'm looking forward to seeing Super 8, but it will be when it comes to DVD. I've been hearing mostly good things about this movie.


Lee
Tossing It Out

M Pax said...

I'll have to make a note to see both of those movies then.

I bought Laura's book. Look forward to reading it.

Karen Lange said...

It was a busy book week last week! But no one's complaining, right? Thanks for the info on the flicks.

Mary@GigglesandGuns said...

More and more I want to see Super 8.
Troll Hunters is a pass though.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Milo, you will dig it!

Shari, I see a movie every week. I porbably get out too much!

Meagan, put your foot down and demand Super 8.

Mary, Laura will be happy about that!

Susan Fields said...

Thanks for the reviews! The last movie I saw was Soul Surfer and I loved it!

SharleneT said...

I am so looking forward to seeing it, his week. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about the movie from friends, too! So, maybe the summer films won't be a total loss!

Julie Musil said...

Alex, thanks for the warning about kids and Super 8. I had thought about taking my kids, 14, 11, and 11, to see it. The 14 yo could probably handle it, but not the 11 yo. I totally want to see this movie.

Donna K. Weaver said...

Super was already on my list, but now for sure.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Julie, I'd say ten and up. There are some intense scenes. You know your kids though. When I saw it, there were parents in the theater with kids under five who shouldn't have been there!

Kittie Howard said...

You make me want to go to the movies!! Why does the tall guy with the hat always sit in front of me?) I've heard The Troll Hunter is fantastic!

Jemi Fraser said...

I'm trying to talk my hubby into seeing Super 8 - hopefully this will help! :)

Hanny said...

I heard good things about Super 8 too. Can't wait to see it. That troll one looks interesting too. Is it campy, or is it actually good indie stuff?

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Kitty, I always thought he sat in front of my wife!

"Dude, take your wife and enjoy!" (Did that help, Jemi?)

Hanny, it's not campy, but it's not over the top serious like Blair Witch.

Michael Di Gesu said...

Thanks for the review Alex...

Super 8 looks awesome.

LynNerdKelley said...

You sold me on Super 8. Thanks for the cool reviews.

Alison Miller said...

Now I really want to see Super 8!

dolorah said...

The only fun movie I've seen in the last couple months was Pirates 4. OMF, I loved it.

Super 8 looks totally interesting to me though, and thanks for the write-up. I value your opinion. Doubt I'll see Troll Hunter though.

.........dhole

nutschell said...

looking forward to watching super 8! Troll hunter looks interesting too. thanks for the recommendations:)
nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com

M.J. Fifield said...

I've heard really good things about Super 8. It makes me think I might actually have to go see it. In an actual theater even.

Amity said...

Must see movies Alex...thanks for the review... :)

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

I like the idea of a wide-eyed sense of wonderment. I miss that too.

George Beremov [Nebular] said...

Alex, both of your reviews are great. Seriously. I'll have to wait another week to see Super 8, which is terrible :) So glad you enjoyed Troll Hunter. Its uniqueness was its strength!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Donna, go see Super 8 - much better than Pirates.

MJ, you can do it!

George, it was unique and very well done. You are going to dig Super 8!

The Happy Whisk said...

Haven't seen any movies in a long while. Thanks for the well wishes, I'm hoping to finish by the end of the week. Fingers and eyeballs, crossed.

Kristi said...

Mmmmmm....Tamales!

Thanks for the reviews! I've been SO curious about Super 8 and your review just put it over the top for me and moved it to my "must see" list!

Matthew MacNish said...

I really wanted to see Troll Hunter, but couldn't find it on HDNet.

taio said...

great movie

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Whisk, you will!

Matthew, it was last Wednesday night at 8:15.

Ciara said...

I wanted to see Super 8. Thanks for the parental warning. I kind of guessed that.

Ciara said...

I wanted to see Super 8. Thanks for the parental warning. I kind of guessed that.

Sangu Mandanna said...

I haven't watched anything new - or even read anything new - in so long, it's horrible! I'm VERY excited about this 'surprise for authors' you've got planned, though :-)

Liza said...

I'm always months behind watching good movies, but we have gift certificates and Super 8 sounds great. Thanks for the review. And Hot Tamales...that brings up a food memory!

Laura said...

Troll hunter sounds brilliant - definitely on the look out for this one. And thanks for the post prompt... I'll let you know when I'm on to it :)
Lxxx

Dianne Greenlay said...

Thanks for the great reviews. I'm headed to the big ol' city tomorrow and will be on the lookout for either of these movies to see.

Leovi said...

Troll Hunter ¿Es noruega esta película? Parece estar llena de tópicos. Saludos.

LoneIslander said...

I think a Dark (finished) basement could also suffix as well lol. Anyway I haven't seen these yet so I can't say anything on them.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Ciara, that makes you a smart parent!

Sangu, I hope everyone likes it.

Liza, treat yourself!

Laura, hope the prompt wasn't lame.

Lone, anything with air conditioning!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I've heard Super 8 is good. I hope to see it next week.

Mary Aalgaard said...

Look at all your comments. I had to scroll waaaay down. I'd go to Super 8 on a date, if I had one. The Troll movie looks like fun with a bunch of friends and lots of popcorn.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Mary, I'll take you to Super 8, but you must spring for the Hot Tamales. Deal?

Nicki Elson said...

The family went without me to Super 8 :( I thought it was about a cheap motel chain, but sounds like I was wrong...

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

Oh man, I LOVED Super 8! One of my favorite movies this summer. The actors were amazing, weren't they?

Laura Eno said...

Thanks for the mention, Alex! I've been offline the last couple of days so I didn't see it.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Nicki, you're funny!

Carolina, those kids were great.

Laura, you're welcome!

Jennie Bailey said...

I saw Bridesmaids, but I can't wait to see Super 8! Going with the hubster this weekend. I had never heard of Troll Hunter! I have to check it out. That sounds right up my alley.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

Thanks Alex. That was sweet of you to stop by. My posts aren't showing up in my own reader either! I think it's related to my images, but the posts are feeding inconsistently into some followers' readers. It's my latest blog problem and I'm highly annoyed.
xoRobyn

Andrew said...

I would TOTALLY go for Troll Hunter....

Karen M. Peterson said...

Not only was Super 8 my favorite summer movie so far, I have a feeling it's going to be my favorite movie of the year.

(And a very close second will probably be the final Harry Potter, naturally.)

Empty Nest Insider said...

After your review, Super 8 is at the top of my list! I really enjoyed all of the movies that you said it reminded you of, although I never saw Cloverfield. Hot Tamales are a little too wild for me, but I am a Mike and Ike's gal!

The Man-Cave said...

I appreciate the linkage, Alex. You are one of the better blogger buddies out there when it comes to supporting the community. A sincere thank you.

The Man-Cave said...

I appreciate the linkage, Alex. You are one of the better blogger buddies out there when it comes to supporting the community. A sincere thank you.

Donea Lee said...

Hmmm... *looks in my hot tamales box* There might be a tamale or two in there for you.

I so want to see Super 8. I think it looks fantastic! Glad to know is has the Captain Ninja seal of approval. :) Maybe this weekend.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

Jennie, you'll dig Super 8!

Robyn, you're in my blogroll on the side, so I'll just watch for you there.

Karen, wasn't it great?

Empty Nest, glad you like my suggestions.

Geof, you're welcome and I try!

Donea, go!

TerryLynnJohnson said...

wow - super 8 sounds like one to go see! I just watched True Grit which was great! Loved the dialogue. I'd love to get to see Xmen. Went to see Thor, and thought that was a little shallow, but great shirtless scene.

sfdada said...

I finally got to see Super 8, but I'm thinking my 10-year-old, Red1 would love it. She's a high-level reader and tells me her books are way more scary than anything she's seen in the Tivo. (Maybe we should be looking into what she's reading.) Did a little test though: she LOVED LOVED Inception. (Who doesn't?) but she reacted like a real grown up after seeing it. I know I was horrified and overjoyed at the same time when I was 10 seeing E.T.

Now, Troll Hunter... we'll have to take a look at that one. :)