I'll 'Skype' you,
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Sucker Punch Causes Confusion but Not A Knockout
Sucker Punch
I recently read an article that mentioned that action films with female driven protagonist do not do well at the box-office. According to the article, unless the film stars Angelina Jolie, interest from both men and women is low. The piece seems to allude that, in general, audiences to not care to see women kicking butt so to speak. I think the problem has more to do with the poor scripts and the blatant sexualization of the leads than it does with the public’s lack of interest. Zack Snyder’s latest film Sucker Punch is a perfect example of this.
Sucker Punch revolves around Baby Doll (Emily Browning), who after the death of her mother and sister, is unjustly sent to the Lennox House mental institution for women by her lecherous stepfather. Striking a deal with a crooked worker, Blue Jones (Oscar Isaac), at the institution, Baby Doll’s father arranges for his stepdaughter to be lobotomized in five days. This will ensure that Baby Doll cannot tell of his misdoings to the police or anyone else. To cope with the horror of being locked away at Lennox House, Baby Doll learns from therapist Dr. Vera Gorski (Carla Gugino) to channel her fears into creating an imaginary world where she is a fierce warrior. Drifting between the real world and the imaginary world, and with the clock ticking, Baby Doll designs a plan to escape the institution. In order for the plan to work she must enlist the help of Rocket (Jena Malone), Rocket’s sister Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish), Amber (Jamie Chung), and Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens). Guided by the instructions of a mysterious Wise Man (Scott Glenn), the women embark on an adventure that will be far more challenging than they ever imagined.
To say Sucker Punch does not make a lick of sense is a major understatement. The audience spends the majority of the film trying to decipher what is going on and how is everything is connected? Part of the problem is that the audience is shown very little of “real life” is like in the institution. Everything they are shown is from Baby Doll’s imaginative view. Which brings up one of the questionable aspects to the film, why would Baby Doll’s envision the institution as a 1950’s style brothel? While there is one scene in the last fifteen minutes of the film where the guards allude to abusing the girls in some way, nothing else in the film offers any further explanation. Why is the “brothel world” even in the film at all? One would assume that Baby Doll should be able to go from the “real world” to the “warrior world” without even needing to go through the “brothel world” first.
On their own, each of the three worlds that inhabit Sucker Punch could have served as an interesting movie in its own right. The “real world” could have been a stylized female version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. As a film onto itself, the “brothel world” could have been a decent tale with rich and fully realized characters. Lastly the centrepiece of the film, the “warrior world” could have been a fun, and over-the-top, fantasy film that really let the female heroes let loose and have fun. Honestly it is perplexing why Snyder did not set the film in this world entirely. Judging by the level of action in the film, not to mention the overall marketing and animated short films teasers, it is clear that Snyder wanted this section to be the focal point.
While the visuals in the “warrior world” are nice at times, for the most part they are just glossy and hollow. This is due to the fact that the audience does not have any connection to either the characters, or the world. Besides Baby Doll being abused, and Rocket and Sweet Pea running away from home, there is nothing really unique or interesting about the characters. So watching attractive women, who the audience cares nothing about, fighting hoards of nameless creatures who have no ties to the main plot does not generate the excitement Snyder is hoping for. It also does not help that there is rarely any level of consequence in this world. The women can get punched through walls and still comeback looking like they just stepped out of the salon. As a result, the ”warrior world” is nothing more than big screen Manga comic that features buxom women and is poorly written.
Sucker Punch wants to be an action film that wants to make a smart commentary on how women are sexualized in action films and in the world in general. Unfortunately, the message gets lost since Snyder’s film is designed to appeal to teenage boys. It is “girl power” as seen through a man’s eyes. For all its talk about females finding the strength within them, being the controllers of their own fate, men being evil, etc. this film still manages to cater to a male demographic instead of a female one. This is most evident when Sucker Punch makes a point early on to clearly state that Baby Doll is twenty years-old. Besides Sweet Pea, and possibly Rocket, all the other women in the film look like teenage girls in lingerie. The fact that Baby Doll can only get to the “warrior world” via a raw sexually-charged dance, which the audience never sees, is not something that would get most females running to the theatre on opening day.
Zach Snyder is a director who usually knows how to balance glossy visuals, interesting characters, and entertaining plots. Yet Sucker Punch is a major misstep in an otherwise strong body of work. It is a film that should have been both a thrilling tale and a major step forward for solidifying females as viable action leads. Unfortunately, the film fails on both parts, it ends up being a film that is both insulting to popcorn movie fans and women in general. Those hoping to find strong female characters on par with Ripley in Aliens or Sarah Connor in the Terminator series will be sadly disappointed. To put it bluntly, Sucker Punch is one of the worst movies to hit theatres in recent years.
Sucker Punch revolves around Baby Doll (Emily Browning), who after the death of her mother and sister, is unjustly sent to the Lennox House mental institution for women by her lecherous stepfather. Striking a deal with a crooked worker, Blue Jones (Oscar Isaac), at the institution, Baby Doll’s father arranges for his stepdaughter to be lobotomized in five days. This will ensure that Baby Doll cannot tell of his misdoings to the police or anyone else. To cope with the horror of being locked away at Lennox House, Baby Doll learns from therapist Dr. Vera Gorski (Carla Gugino) to channel her fears into creating an imaginary world where she is a fierce warrior. Drifting between the real world and the imaginary world, and with the clock ticking, Baby Doll designs a plan to escape the institution. In order for the plan to work she must enlist the help of Rocket (Jena Malone), Rocket’s sister Sweet Pea (Abbie Cornish), Amber (Jamie Chung), and Blondie (Vanessa Hudgens). Guided by the instructions of a mysterious Wise Man (Scott Glenn), the women embark on an adventure that will be far more challenging than they ever imagined.
To say Sucker Punch does not make a lick of sense is a major understatement. The audience spends the majority of the film trying to decipher what is going on and how is everything is connected? Part of the problem is that the audience is shown very little of “real life” is like in the institution. Everything they are shown is from Baby Doll’s imaginative view. Which brings up one of the questionable aspects to the film, why would Baby Doll’s envision the institution as a 1950’s style brothel? While there is one scene in the last fifteen minutes of the film where the guards allude to abusing the girls in some way, nothing else in the film offers any further explanation. Why is the “brothel world” even in the film at all? One would assume that Baby Doll should be able to go from the “real world” to the “warrior world” without even needing to go through the “brothel world” first.
On their own, each of the three worlds that inhabit Sucker Punch could have served as an interesting movie in its own right. The “real world” could have been a stylized female version of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. As a film onto itself, the “brothel world” could have been a decent tale with rich and fully realized characters. Lastly the centrepiece of the film, the “warrior world” could have been a fun, and over-the-top, fantasy film that really let the female heroes let loose and have fun. Honestly it is perplexing why Snyder did not set the film in this world entirely. Judging by the level of action in the film, not to mention the overall marketing and animated short films teasers, it is clear that Snyder wanted this section to be the focal point.
While the visuals in the “warrior world” are nice at times, for the most part they are just glossy and hollow. This is due to the fact that the audience does not have any connection to either the characters, or the world. Besides Baby Doll being abused, and Rocket and Sweet Pea running away from home, there is nothing really unique or interesting about the characters. So watching attractive women, who the audience cares nothing about, fighting hoards of nameless creatures who have no ties to the main plot does not generate the excitement Snyder is hoping for. It also does not help that there is rarely any level of consequence in this world. The women can get punched through walls and still comeback looking like they just stepped out of the salon. As a result, the ”warrior world” is nothing more than big screen Manga comic that features buxom women and is poorly written.
Sucker Punch wants to be an action film that wants to make a smart commentary on how women are sexualized in action films and in the world in general. Unfortunately, the message gets lost since Snyder’s film is designed to appeal to teenage boys. It is “girl power” as seen through a man’s eyes. For all its talk about females finding the strength within them, being the controllers of their own fate, men being evil, etc. this film still manages to cater to a male demographic instead of a female one. This is most evident when Sucker Punch makes a point early on to clearly state that Baby Doll is twenty years-old. Besides Sweet Pea, and possibly Rocket, all the other women in the film look like teenage girls in lingerie. The fact that Baby Doll can only get to the “warrior world” via a raw sexually-charged dance, which the audience never sees, is not something that would get most females running to the theatre on opening day.
Zach Snyder is a director who usually knows how to balance glossy visuals, interesting characters, and entertaining plots. Yet Sucker Punch is a major misstep in an otherwise strong body of work. It is a film that should have been both a thrilling tale and a major step forward for solidifying females as viable action leads. Unfortunately, the film fails on both parts, it ends up being a film that is both insulting to popcorn movie fans and women in general. Those hoping to find strong female characters on par with Ripley in Aliens or Sarah Connor in the Terminator series will be sadly disappointed. To put it bluntly, Sucker Punch is one of the worst movies to hit theatres in recent years.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Kate Middleton Comparison with Princess Lady Diana
In the case of Kate Middleton, comparisons with the Princess Diana are inevitable and sometimes completely uncanny.The former Lady Diana Spencer was perceived as a bit frumpy when the 19-year-old kindergarten teacher became engaged to heir to the throne Prince Charles in 1981. Once in the royal spotlight, she emerged as the style icon of her time.
Middleton, who just turned 29, has had more time to hone her independence and casually elegant personal style, which includes her habit of shopping her own closet (rather than designer showrooms) for special occasions.
Yet remarkably, the two women seem to have more in common than their mutual affection for Prince William and a poignantly shared diamond-and-sapphire engagement ring.
And take a peek at the sheer dress Middleton wore when she met Prince William that’s now considered a valuable royal collectible.
Is This The New People’s Princess? How Confident Kate Middleton Compares To “Shy Di”
Indeed, Kate does possess a confidence when on show. She was seemingly unfazed as she entered the Sandhurst parade ground for William’s graduation flanked by his private secretary as everyone but the Queen and the Prince of Wales was already seated.
But her intention to keep the media at bay is clear. Before her engagement Diana invited a newspaper journalist into her flat for a chat and a cup of tea.
Kate is well aware it would be a risky move. She has kept quiet so far and, knowing William’s distrust of the press, will continue to do so unless at official events or photocalls.
She already has her own lawyer – who also represents the Prince of Wales – and he swiftly set about writing to newspaper editors to protest at her harassment and pursued media outlets if he believed her privacy had been breached.
Diana became skilled at using the media for her own agenda, from her interview on Panorama, to the moment she turned up in a striking black cocktail dress on the night Charles admitted infidelity on television.
The cameras were still clicking years later as she lay dying inside a mangled Mercedes in an underpass in Paris.
As Kate prepares to enter the Royal Family, the public will be asking whether she is able to take up Diana’s mantle as their favourite Princess.
Keeping her mouth shut and with a lawyer in tow, Kate is already acting on the hindsight that Diana’s legacy left behind.
Is Kate Middleton Trying Too Hard To Be Princess Diana
While it may be common practice for a man to pass on a “family ring,” that doesn’t generally mean that the woman follows every step of the groom’s mother from there on out, perhaps it’s different for a Princess-to-be. Recently British paparazzi spotted Middleton with her mother and sister stepping into the famous designer, Bruce Oldfield’s shop. Sure, standard practice for a bride-to-be to look for her wedding dress, but Kate isn’t any bride and walking in Princess Diana’s footsteps isn’t an easy feat.
While Princess Diana happened to favor Oldfield, it seems like Kate is doing her best to please the Royal family and make her debut, as part of their monarchy and be warmly welcomed by the British people.
“It must have been a special appointment because as a general rule Mr. Oldfield does not do front-of-shop work,” a source recently told NY Daily News, special may be an understatement?
Regardless of which designer Kate chooses, we know she’ll look stunning- the real concern here; is the pressure to join the Royal family and match up to their standards too much weight for this uber-in-love couple to handle long term? We shall see…..we’re rooting for you Kate and Prince William. Also, fashion note: you’d look flawless in lace, Kate–perhaps tell Oldfield we said so.
‘Don’t turn Kate into another Diana
Pensioner Mary Relph, who lives near the royal estate in Sandringham, Norfolk, also called on The Queen to break with tradition and invite Miss Middleton to spend Christmas with the Royal Family.
Mrs Relph, 76, of Shouldham, Norfolk, regularly presents members of the Royal Family with flowers when they make public appearances in East Anglia.
“It’s wonderful news,” she said. “But I hope they don’t turn her into another Diana. The press really hounded Diana and I wouldn’t like to see that happen again
But Mrs Relph said she hoped Miss Middleton would join the Royal Family in Sandringham at Christmas and attend church on the estate on Christmas Day.
“Normally only family members attend the Christmas Day service at Sandringham,” she added.
“But it would be lovely if they broke with tradition and invited Kate Middleton. People would be thrilled to see her attending the Christmas Day church service with William.”
Movie Marketing Monday
The Greatest Movie Ever Sold
Documentary filmmaker, Morgan Spurlock, looks to be back in Super Size Me form with this fascinating approach to deconstructing marketing.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Jim Carrey takes on another beloved children’s story. I like what Carrey did with Lemony Snicket so hopefully he can bring that same energy to this film.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Hollywood's Cutest Kids 2011
Hollywood's Cutest Kids 2011
It can be seen that Hollywood's cutest kids are not only genetically blessed by their famous parents but also own label-heavy wardrobes. Let's see the most-wanted celebrity kids before they grow up.
The Beckham Boys
The Beckham boys - Brooklyn, 10, Romeo, 6, and Cruz, 4 are just perfect.
Vivien and Knox
It is rare to see the entire Brangelina family. Recently, Angelina and Brad are seen leisurely walking in the street of New Orleans, Louisiana along with six children Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, Knox, and Vivienne over the weekend. The famous Jolie-Pitt twins, Vivienne Marcheline and Knox Leon seem to have the most perfect genes from their hot parents. They are absolutely adorable and gorgeous.
Leni - Heidi Klum
Like mother like daughter, Leni looks totally adorable and cute.
Shiloh Jolie-Pitt
No cutest Hollywood kid list is completed without Shiloh - daughter of the golden couple. At the age of five, Shiloh is interested in dressing like a little tomboy kid.
Sheraphina Affleck
2-year-old Sheraphina Affleck, daughter of Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck
.
Levi McConaughey
While Daddy Matthew McConaughey is named the “Sexiest Man Alive”…
The son of American comedian and actor Jack Black looks like an angle.
Ruby - Tobey Maguire
"Spiderman" star Tobey Maguire has an adorable daughter Ruby Sweetheart.
Violet Affleck
The oldest daughter of Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck is the happiest child in Hollywood. Voilet is always seen with a smile on her face.
Celebrity Rumor Mill
Celebrity Rumor Mill
Rihanna, Chris Brown
MediaTakeOut reports that “Chris Brown’s camp is speaking with Rihanna’s people and trying to see if the two artists can have a joint tour.” According to the site, “Tickets for [Rihanna's] tour aren’t selling as well as they hoped, and adding Chris to the lineup would definitely help.” The site adds, “Rihanna would definitely do it.” For how the two singers feel about performing together and when their tour would begin. (Link)
Kate Hudson, Couples
“Kate Hudson: Pregnant & Betrayed,” reads the headline of an In Touch story that reports Hudson’s baby daddy, Matt Bellamy, is cheating on her. According to the mag, Bellamy was caught “holding hands and kissing” a “sweet college girl” at a party thrown by Bellamy and his Muse bandmates. In Touch goes on to paint Bellamy as a philandering party animal. (Link)
Jennifer Aniston, Brad Pitt
According to In Touch, Jennifer Aniston recently went on the “worst date ever.” The mag reports her blind date “didn’t even wait for Jen to show up before ordering,” and when she did sit down, he “kept on asking questions about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.” Wait, it gets worse. When the bill came, the guy wanted to split the check. (Link)
Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez
HollywoodLife reports there’s a “feud brewing between Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez & Rebecca Black.” According to the site, newcomer Black “cast the first stone by gushing about Selena’s guy Justin Bieber in interviews.” And the reason for Black’s troubles with Lovato is that she may “replace Demi as the next Disney Channel ‘it girl,’” says the site, which warns she shouldn’t “try to ignite something with Demi’s ex, Joe Jonas. (Link)
Kourtney Kardashian, Scott Disick
In Touch reports that Scott Disick and Kourtney Kardashian are embroiled in a “battle for the baby.” According to the magazine, the fighting has become so fierce between them over son Mason, Disick recently “put an end to their wedding plans,” and said he’s going to consult a custody lawyer “in case things don’t work out between them.” (Link)
Justin Bieber, Musicians
The National Enquirer reports that when Justin Bieber recently left a Los Angeles recording studio, a teenage female fan asked for a hug. As Bieber obliged, notes the mag, he suddenly “felt a slight tug on the back of his head.” According to the Enquirer, the young girl then “triumphantly held up a tiny lock of Bieber hair she’d snipped with fingernail scissors and squealed: ‘I got it!’” before dashing off. (Link)
Jessica Biel, Gerard Butler
Perez Hilton reports that “only days after her split with JT [Justin Timberake], Jessica Biel has been focused on flirting with hunky Gerard Butler all over Louisiana,” where the two are filming a movie. He adds that the attractive stars “have also been spending an awful lot of time off the set,” going to dinners, and drinking “margaritas left and right!” (Link)
Lady Gaga, Musicians
According to the Mirror, Lady Gaga is spending about $2 million to redecorate her New York apartment, and wants to “install her giant Grammys stage egg as a bed.” The British tab reports that Gaga will “be able to sleep in it, in place of a double bed,” and explains, “when she’s in it she feels at peace.” (Link)
Britney Spears, Musicians
According to Perez Hilton, Britney Spears has “hired a money management tutor from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA to help her understand the basics of finance so she can manage her own affairs.” Perez explains that Spears “wants to win control of her finances. The tutor will help with basic skills – like balancing personal accounts and time management.” (Link)
Reality, Breakups
“It’s Over!” exclaims OK! in a cover story about “The Bachelor” Brad Womack and his fiancée, Emily Maynard. According to the mag, “They’re still smiling for the cameras, but Emily has now dumped Brad for good” after watching him fool around with other women on the show. Adds the weekly, “Although Emily is doing her best to abide by ‘The Bachelor’ agreements… she’s having a hard time being around him.” (Link)
Star reveals exclusive “details of the iron-clad prenup” between Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson. According to the mag, Johnson will get half a million dollars “as a wedding present. Then, on each anniversary, he’ll get another $200,000. If he and Jessica make it to five years of marriage, he’ll get an additional $500,000 bonus – and a $1 million bonus if they make it to 10 years.” And there’s more. (Link)
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