TheCinemaSource.com is still down!

Forces beyond our control have kept TCS down for about a week now. But I wanted to let everyone know that you can still see what's going on with TheCinemaSource.com by visiting any one of the links below. Once we're back up, I'll try to remind everyone of our existence!

Norbit Review

Norbit Poster

Sometimes you gotta love when you're expecting the worst and realize that something isn't as bad as everyone else paints it out to be. Case in point: Norbit. I was dreading having to sit through the movie after countless people have told me that it was just an utter waste of time. To my surprise, I didn't find the movie all that bad. Don't get me wrong, it's still an awful movie but I found it tolerable to sit through. But I don't see myself spending ten bucks to see it either. Thanks CinemaSource!

Norbit is the story of a soft-spoken, wimpy orphan and his overweight wife, Rasputia. Norbit was oddly content with his life up until he finds out about Rasputia's infidelity. Norbit struggles to stand up to his oversized wife but rapidly finds that it's an extremely hard thing to do since Rasputia's brothers control the neighborhood. But there is a silver lining to this story. Isn't there always? When a childhood friend and crush of Norbit's comes to town, all hell breaks lose as Rasputia fears that Norbit might be able to break free from her grasp at last.

Norbit's filled with your usual pimps, hoes, fart and titty references that have now just become all too familiar. Norbit might just be what some people have cowon't have to hear Rasputia's catch phrase anymore. somethinood for a chuckle here and there but once it was over, I was glad I won't have to hear Rasputia's catch phrase anymore. If I heard "How yoooou doin'" one more time, I might have hurled my popcorn onto the movie screen!

If you're looking for something to watch this weekend, may I recommend The Departed, or Volver, if you're of the latin persuasion.

Everyone Pretend To Be Normal (Little Miss Sunshine Review)

Never since Married with Children has there been a dysfunctional family quite like the Bundys but the Hoovers in Little Miss Sunshine come painfully close. Everyone has their quirks but they still manage to keep things together, that is until lil' Olive makes it into the Little Miss Sunshine pageant. Now there only goal is to get Olive to the pageant on time without killing each other first. Plus, don't we just love to see dysfunctional families anyways. We like to compare our lives to theirs and thank god that we aren't them. But here's a movie where you don't feel all that bad for feeling good about yourself. I mean, the Hoovers go through some pretty rough stuff but they still manage to remain true to themselves. Whether they learned something or not through their ordeals, they would do anything just to fulfill Olive's dreams of participating in the pageant. Plus, Little Miss Sunshine is an interesting commentary on the kiddie pageant circuit as well. While I don't wanna give too much away, they did a brilliant job on makeup for the little miss contestants. For a few of them, you couldn't even believe that they were little girls. Kinda sick and twisted but that's the pageant circuit for you.

This is definitely a film that you must check out before it silently drifts away!

Pulse - Review

Technology is everywhere now a days. We use it now and wonder how we ever got by without Sidekicks, blackberries, Myspace and YouTube. So, when I saw the trailer for Pulse I was excited and anxious to see the film. Here's a case where the trailer is more appealing than the actual movie.

Mattie Webber, Kristen Bell, investigates her boyfriend's suicide, only to learn that he may have been messing with something on the net he shouldn't have. Now, whatever he was playing around with is loose and is out to get what they don't have anymore: "Life." I'm not putting much into the plot because all the good parts were already on the trailer. Pulse is supposed to be a thriller but the only part I found thrilling was the ending credits. With the story straight out of Feardotcom, there was nothing to save this film from being coming a box-office blunder. Not to mention that the film somehow avoids the fact that the deadly virus was being spread via the internet, which last time I checked wasn't only hooked up to a single town. Wouldn't the whole world be affected?

There's so many things wrong with the movie that I advise you don't spend your 10 bucks. Buy a couple of starbucks fraps with that money, you'll be better off!

Ask Me About My Weiner! (Accepted Movie Review)

Jonah HillI know you're all saying to yourselves, "Accepted is just another run of the mill college movie!" And while I'll have to partly agree, I seriously think that you shouldn't overlook this one because of it's looks.

After Bartleby “B” Gaines (Justin Long) learns that he has been rejected from every college he had applied to, he hatches a plan to create a fake college in order to keep his overbearing parents at bay. But the plan quickly backfires as he realizes that Sherman, our pal in the hot dog suit above, created a fully functioning website accepting applicants. As tension flairs and fears of getting caught rise, Bartleby believes he has everything under control. But the question is, was he able in keeping the school a secret?

This is definitely one of the best comedies I have seen so far, and this coming from someone who has seen this movie twice! It's a refreshing break from all the other movies out there. Plus, Accepted has Lewis Black as the dean! Any movie that allows Lewis Black to teach a course on politics is alright in my book. So, be sure to check out this movie and while you're at it, why not check out the soundtrack.

Wassup Rockers? Nothing really...

Ever wanted a peek into the life a skateboarder living in South Central? Living in a culture that is typically synonymous with hip-hop, a group of young teens allow us to take an intimate peek into a day in the life of a South Central punk skater. Sounds good, no?

Honestly, Wassup Rockers is a poor take on a mockumentary if I ever saw one. From the film's start, you meet Jonathan who mumbles on about things that really have no relevance to the overall story. And as he rants on and on about his friends, you'll be equally confused about the close-ups on Jonathan's elbows, feet and arms. Then we are quickly snapped back to reality and witness a drive-by shooting. A typical South Central reference if I ever saw one. After which, we were inundated with a million Mexican stereotypical references.

By this point, you think that this film has some promise. That the opening scene with Jonathan was just a rough edit that they wanted to keep in the film for some artistic merit. Sorry but you are sadly mistaken. The film only gets worse from this point on. While, I'd like to say that the movie brought up some interesting struggles between hip-hop and rock culture, it did little develop this point. Instead the film took the sex path to suckiness. And no matter how much Word hates that word, I'm sticking to it. The girls in South Central are E-Z. All little skinny boy Jonathan had to do was just look at a girl and they were instantly compelled to have sex. The rich, the poor, the skanky and even homosexuals were all ready and willing to give Jonathan a try. But when the gang wasn't lounging around waiting for Jonathan to finish his latest conquest, they were skating and busting their asses on the asphalt. While skate scenes are good and dandy, these kids did not look like they knew what they were doing and if I wanted to see kids fall on their asses, I would have gone to any city park seen it for free.

However, I could just go on and on just ripping the film to pieces, I'd like to reiterate that this film did have some promising points. The class struggles between the rich and the poor, the stereotypes often associated with the way a person dresses and acts, and just dealing with growing pains were all touched upon the film but was never developed any further. It hard to pinpoint what exactly the film was trying to convey because in the end you have the same kids who can't skate and still live in South Central. They didn't learn anything. They will probably go back to living their lives as if nothing in the film happened. That just doesn't make sense to me.

Who Knew The Devil Was Such A Fashionista?

Well, no one really knows what the devil is like but if I had a guess, the devil would definitely resemble Meryl Streep and would force everyone to work in full makeup and 6-inch Jimmy Cho’s. But does the devil really wear Prada? Sure the brand was mentioned countless times in this summer’s hit, The Devil Wears Prada; but all I saw was Chanel. And Chanel was clearly more visible than Prada on screen, but I digress.

I was mighty surprised to enter the theater a see a humongous line for this movie. Surely I thought people would be flocking for Superman Returns; however, this was not the case. People have abandoned the special-effects and super hero theatrics that fill the theaters nowadays. And to them I say: Bravo! It’s about time Hollywood stops filling our movie screens with remakes of this, and special effect filled bores.

The Devil Wears Prada is based on the novel of the same name and stars Anne Hathaway, of Princess Diaries fame, and the woman you’ll love to hate, Meryl Streep. Anne plays the innocent journalist, Andrea Sachs, who is hurled into the fast-paced world of fashion and becomes the second assistant to Miranda Presley, played by Meryl Streep. And as Andrea learns the ropes of the fashion industry, she slowly evolves into the very people she’s always made fun of: a fashionista. Career driven and hungry for success, Miranda spares no one and eager not to be called a failure, Andrea learns that there are sacrifices to be made if you want to be truly successful.

Both Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep do a magnificent job on screen. You’ll laugh, you may not cry but you’ll be happy don’t work for Mrs. Miranda Presley.

Everybody Lucha!

You've seen the previews and finally that pudgy wrestler, Nacho, is coming to a theater near you! And let me be the first to tell you, he'll live up to expectations as being the funniest wrestler you'll ever see.

Definitely not the best wrestler in all of Mexico, Ignacio had always dreamt of jumping in the ring and reaping all the luxuries associated with becoming a lucador. There's only one obstacle that stands between him and his dream: The Catholic Church. The church sees wrestling as a sin and strictly forbid it. However, Ignacio won't let that stop him. After befriending a local streetrat, Ignacio enters the world he was always forbidden to be a part of and the legendary Nacho is born.

While I wasn't truly a Jack Black fan, the trailer and confessional clips online brought me to the preview screening conducted by my pals over at TheCinemaSource.com. And let me tell you, you'll have a great time at the theater. For anyone who has ever seen a low-budget Mexican masked Lucador flick, you'll feel a bit of nostalgia while watching. Nacho Libre encompasses all the typical Mexican stereotypes often found in those films but manages to maintain a sense of diginity. No one of hispanic descent will be offended by a single word in the film. Jack Black's ridiculously phony Mexican accent and over-the-top facial expressions will have you rolling in the aisles. The only thing I wonder about is the lack of English translation for a majority of the film. There were a lot of inside jokes that I think were missed by the non-Spanish speaking community. Sucks for you, dudes!

But after everything is done and said, Nacho Libre is definitely a must-see. Don't miss it when it comes into theaters this Friday, June 16.

Looking for a good read?

How could I forget about the greatest action movie out there: District B13. An awesome action packed french film brought to you by the same people who brought us Ong Bak. Don't know French? Well don't worry, the subtitles are finally descent in this import and are an actual direct translation of what's going on on-screen.

District B13 takes place in futuristic France where the government has decided to encapsulate the dangerous district, B13. Schools and police stations have been shut down. Drugs and gang wars run rampant. Citizens are either selling the drugs or confine themselves in their apartments. However, there's one person who is single-handedly trying to bring justice to the abandoned distrinct: Damien. He alone battles against but in a district where it seems like everyone has more or less given up, and leads you to wonder if one person really can make a difference?

While the film may appear a little short, it's may actually be because of all the cut-scenes and action sequences. Time seems to fly by while you're watching the movie. There are tons of scenes that will have you in awe. This film is definitely a must see.

How Many Babies Can You Sign?

The Hits and Misses at the Box Office

For many the Memorial Day weekend marked the beginning of the blockbuster movie season but what exactly does Hollywood have to offer?

This year's most controversial film: The Da Vinci Code. Deemed unviewable by most critics, moviegoers left the film feeling quite the opposite. While a little hard to follow all the complex clues, Ron Howard did a remarkable job on creating a film that wasn't overtly preachy and given the subject matter, that was extremely difficult. And for those of you who still don't know what this film is about, Tom Hanks unknowingly gets himself involved in unraveling a religious cover up that's literally centuries old. However, while every moviegoer has some preconceived notions on what this film is about, I'll have to remind you to curb these notions before thing this film and watch it with an open mind.

Then, there were the millions who were sure to check out the latest installment in the X-Men saga but many were disappointed by the extreme change in the story line. Everyone is pretty much familiar with the endless struggle between the mutants and humans. Each one certain that the other io-called cure which is intentionally used as a weapon against thing through. But the humans take the first stand and develop a so-called cure which is intentionally used as a weapon against the mutants. Feeling betrayed, Magneto quickly assembles a group of rogue mutants hell-bent on punishing the humans for their deceit. And, like any war, this one doesn't go without a few unexpected tragedies. However, I must say that the special effects used in the film were truly remarkable. And wasn't that what we really came to see?

And with X-Men topping the box offices, what movie would be capable of knocking that juggernaut off the top seat? Well, could you believe a romantic comedy called The Breakup was capable of doing just that. While this also received mixed reviews but the critics, the moviegoers disagreed once again thus helping this film out perform the "fantastic X-Men." The movie appears to have had a lasting affect on everyone. Unknowingly, this film has created a pathway for most couples to discuss problems in their respective relationships before they get extremely out of hand. Movies that actually helps relationships, truly interesting.

But if these if you've already seen all that the theaters have to offer, why don't you check out Brick. Flying low under the radar, this film is definitely one of the most memorable experiences most people haven't had in a long time. The movie is basically a old-fashioned detective flick set in a high school. Brendan, played by Joseph Gordon-Lewitt (of Third Rock from the Sun fame), tries to unravel the mystery behind an ex-girlfriend's disappearance. Sex, drugs, and betrayal ultimately prevail. And while the language of the movie is a little bizarre to say the least, theaters provide you with a little handy dictionary to help you learn a few common terms used in the movie.

But how can I forget the Summer's biggest loser thus far: The Omen. Totting that the film's release coincided with the Anti-Christ's supposed birthday, many thought that this year's remake could live up to the original. We were wrong. Deeply mislead by promos and trailers, dozens like myself flocked to the theaters expecting to be scared off our seats and instead we were laughing our asses off. Part of me feels that this movie is a great insult to the original. The child who played Damian was just unbearable to watch additionally Mia Farrow and Julia Styles were just as bad. I say there are at least two other films out there that you can check out instead.

There's something for every one out there, it's just that you have to be a little careful about what you choose. I say go with your gut cause the critics can't get it right all the time!

Who says the grass is greener on the other side?

In an age where computer generated movies reign supreme, it's always fascinating to check out how much the animation have improved over the years. It's amazing how movies like Over The Hedge take years to complete but once seeing the final product; you'll agree it was worth the wait. Don't be fooled by this film's friendly exterior, there's something for everyone in this movie.

Over the Hedge follows a family of animals as they adjust to suburbia. The woods they call home is slowly deteriorating thanks to a newly constructed housing development that leaves our cute and cuddly friends out of food. What are these animals to do? Well, pilfer from the humans, of course, and luckily, they've encountered an eager racoon friend that is more than willing to help them conexist with the humans. But is racoon as trustworthy as he seems?

Tons of familiar names lend their voices to these adorable little woodland creatures: Bruce Willis, Gary Shandling, Steve Carell, William Shatner, and Wanda Skyes to name a few. And while you'll be awe over the graphics and their performances, remember there's a lesson to be learned here as in any animated feature: Tolerance and trustworthiness. While the animals are in a constant struggle for food, the humans never realize that it's the fact that they destroyed part of their habitat which is causing them to go "over the hedge." Hey, look at that, that's the film's title. How clever! Additionally, the importance of sticking together and working as a cohesive team is what one raccoon realizes but does he learn this valuable lesson when it's too late? Will he be able to save the family from their battle with the suburbianites? Think I'm going to tell you? Try again!

So with that said, this is a perfect pick for kids, teens, and adults a like. Be sure to check this film out when it hits theaters on Friday, May 18th, 2006.

Red Carpet Premieres Aren't All That Glamourous

Seems like this girl's on a some sort of movie kick, no? This time around, in conjunction with TheCinemaSource.com, I was able to attend the Red carpet premiere for Mission Impossible III and let me tell you, it wasn't all that fun which is sad to say. I didn't see Tom or any of the other celebrities, even though I was in the area but atleast I got to catch the flick and let me tell you, that was the saving grace of the day.

Mission Impossible III is insanely well done and with all the publicity that Tom Cruise has gotten lately, he is still a brilliant actor. Although is running needs some work. The film follows Tom Cruise as Ethan, who is entangled in a mission that may place his fiance's life on the line, and a search for a "lucky rabbit's foot." But the true highlight of the film lies with the villian. Every good movie must have that one person you just love to hate and this time around, it's Phillip Seymore Hoffman. He had no worries about inflicting pain in the most excruciating manner known possible.

And of course, the movie is full of non-stop action and explosions galore! Only a few dull moments here and there but overall I don't think that anyone would be disappointed by this latest installment into the Mission Impossible series.

Rupert Grint's Growing Up

who knew that when I bought Tribeca Film Festival tickets this year for Driving Lessons that I would be attending the North American Premiere for the film. And to my surprise, Rupert Grint was in attendance. Yay!

Driving Lessons pairs and oddly familiar comedic duo of Rupert Grint and Laura Linney. Rupert portrays the social outcast son of a preacher who takes a part-time job with an out of work actress played by Laura Linney. Although Laura appears much older in this film than in the Harry Potter films, the spunk is there. She may be old but the girl's still has a lot of living to do and isn't shy about taking Rupert along for the ride. Together they learn to depend on each other in ways that neither thought possible. It's a touching, hiliarious movie that will definitely hit home for many: The lost, the confused, and those just looking for a feel good comedy.

In Silent Hill, Faith kills

Silent Hill has finally hit theaters but how does it compare to the hit Playstation series? With flops like Alone in the Dark and Bloodrayne, we all can sympatize with the fact that everyone isn't expecting much from this movie.

Silent Hill is pretty much a prequel to the classic Silent Hill game. Rose is the devoted mother who worries over her daughter's increasing devotion to return to the abandoned town of Silent Hill. Bent on finally figuring out what her daughter's obsession with the town is about, Rose sets off to the secluded town but the truth she uncovers may be more than what she bargained for.

The movie definitely says true to the heart of the game. The creepy and errie characters return and the battle over religious faith and revenge begin. Yes, religion plays a major role in the series as well as the movie and could very well be the key to Silent Hill's destruction.

If you're a fan of the series, this movie is a must see. For everyone else, I might have to say that you may leave the theater a little confused and perhaps bored. I must admit that the movie's pace was a bit on the slow side. But overall, this is definitely a descent video game spinoff I've seen since Resident Evil. Which reminds me, aren't we due for one?

Romeo and Juliet Minus The Star-Crossed Lovers = Lucky Number Slevin

"Two houses equal in dignity and yet divided." Why am I quoting Shakespeare? Lucky Number Slevin is ultimately a Shakepearean play. How? Allow me to explain.

Josh Hartnett finds himself a victim of mistaken identity when he decides to stay with a friend in New York and unexpectedly gets pulled into a gang war between two feuding gangs. Both gangs were close, but naturally became rivals when a gang leader's son is assinated. Neither leader takes responsibility for the tragedy and hastily choose Hartnett as the pawn to solve the rivalry. But is Hartnett really the pawn in the story?

The movie appropriately drops clues to help you figure out what exactly is going on but just like in a Shakepearean play, you have to pay close attention to the underlying motives between every character's action. And like a good play, the ending is the best part. While Lucky Number Slevin wasn't on my must see list, I'm definitely glad I took a moment to take a look. Not often am I allowed to quote Shakespeare and actually make sense.

Is Jon Heder Getting Type-Casted Already?

Off the success of Napolean Dynamite, Jon Heder is back playing another social outcast alongside Jon Lovitz in The Benchwarmers. While this movie doesn't hit a homerun, it's definitely what I needed to see after being a little scarred by Iowa (see posting below).

Benchwarmers is basically another sports-centric underdog story, a la Dodgeball. But this movie has a slight twist. While most of the humor is physical in nature, there are a few jokes that may just only be humourous to the "geeks" in the audience. Lucky for me, I'm fluent in geek. There aren't too many movies out there that have a R2D2, the original batmobile AND kit from Night Rider. Ah, memories!

This movie will definitely keep you entertained while delivering a moral to the younger audience.

Just Say No to Crystal Meth

Never has a movie shocked me to the core like Iowa and has helped reinforce the fact that drugs are bad...very bad. I didn't know anything about the movie before I took a seat but I don't think anything would have prepared me for what I saw.

Iowa documents the corruption of a suburban virginal town. A town that didn't know about the havoc that would be unleashed upon them. And while there were many directions this film could have gone to convey their anti-drug campaign, the director chose to be as violently graphic as possible.

Maybe that's where it sort of crossed the line between bizzare to just plain shocking. But if the filmmaker's vision was to shock the audience into submission, then I say well done. I will, honestly, never consider doing any crystal meth: EVER!

Finally a Movie Worth Watching!

Inside Man is the movie everyone should be watching and with all the crap that out right now, you shouldn't have a problem.

Inside Man revolves around a bank robbery taking place in New York City's very own financial district. However, it appears that there's more than money at stake in this heist and as the story unveils you realize that appearances aren't always what they seem.

Spike Lee beautifully knows how to maintain the suspense and break the monotony when appropriate. Although, the dizzying camera angles could be much at times, it's the only thing you'll be complaining about after watching this film. The story, as well as the acting, is superb. Finally a movie taking place in NYC that doesn't involve terrorism or 9/11. Right there, this movie scores some major points with me. Make sure you check this one out while it's still in the theaters. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

V for Void

Yes, that's how you'll feel once you leave the theater after sitting through V for Vendetta. While I can say this movie was chock full of political and moral idealism, there was just way too much complicst is two-fold. Not only will have to worry about creating the rated dialogue that had me feeling like I should have brushed up on my vocabulary skills before taking a seat. However, it was interesting to hear the England's hero, V, belt out a f for Vendetta takes place in a communist England where curfeie but unfortunately, that's where all the fun ends.

V for Vendetta takes place in a communist England where curfews are common place and being gay means death. But then, a mysterious virus plaques the land and the government implements extreme measures to ensure the public's safety. Sounds intriguing enough. V is the unspoken hero battling for the rights of the citizens of England...or is he?

Seriously, just look at the title. Vendetta, V is just out for blood and if he happens to help England in the process then that's cool too. And contrary to what you might think, Natalie Portman does nothing but cry and whine throughout most of the movie.

Don't waste your time on this movie, you'll want those hours back: believe me!

You're a disappointment, Potter

Yes, I got to see the new HP flick and let's just say that I'm not all too happy with the movie. First of all, let me preamble everything by saying that the movie was good if you just see the movies and don't read any of the books. However, any true HP fan should be extremely disappointed at this latest installment because it has become apparent that JK is no longer interested in telling a story but more importantly, she's interested in milking this franchaise for all it's worth.

There was a lot of the book that was omitted from the film and instead were replaced with scenettle true to the book. There was no reference to Crouch's house h: If you're going to make a book adaptation, at least stay a little true to the book. There was no reference to Crouch's house elf, whom I thought after re-reading the book several times, was of some importance. Plus, Neville doesn't become a key player until Book 6. Why is he given such importance now? And the Neville from Book 4 would never had the nerve to break into Snape's office and get Harry the gillyweed or even blantantly tell Harry what he can use for the second task. It was Dobby. And don't get me started on not having Dobby appear in the movie either. And what happened to the explanation about the Dark Mark and Snape? And did JK even describe what Volde looked like after rising from the cauldron? (Note to self: Re-read the ending) and was Krum supposed to be ugly? He looked pretty damn fine to me.

When everything is said and done, like I said earlier, the movie alone is entertaining if you're not looking for a true book adaptation. However, it's hard to overlook the inconsistences especially if you love this book as much as I do.

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