Believe me, I never would have caught this if I didn’t rummage through what was coming out on Redbox in the next few weeks.
But it seems this straight-to-DVD movie called MARRIAGE CHRONICLES wants to rip a page out of another romantic ensemble comedy, that being LOVE ACTUALLY.
You see so much more of this with straight-to-DVD stuff, honestly. What’s even worse is when they try to sell you something that only kind of resembles a theatrical release. This time, it’s WAR HORSE, only the DVD is DARK HORSE.
Posters aren’t all that similar, but come on. Sunset sky, DARK = WAR (I guess?), etc.
Corey is joined by FilmNerds.com’s Matt Scalici could tell you what they thought of two recent spy movie releases…but then they’d have to kill you.
Not really, of course. With Ben absent this week, the guys took in a pair of new entries into the genre that are sure to titillate the mind, albeit in different ways.
“Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” succeeds on the blockbuster front, thanks to eye-popping stunts and other exciting action set pieces under the direction of live-action newcomer Brad Bird (“The Incredibles”).
But “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy” makes you work your brain a bit more with its deliberately convoluted plot about British intelligence officers attempting to find a mole hidden high in their ranks.
Ben and Corey give a rising star a chance, as indie newcomer Steven Spielberg released two movies worth taking a look at in 2011.
First up is WAR HORSE, the sprawling and episodic WWI tale of bravery and perseverance. One of us is over the moon for it and even files it alongside other Spielberg classics, while the other finds some inconsistencies but digs it immensely.
Also on tap is Spielberg’s venture into motion-capture with THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN, a rollicking and globetrotting adventure that should dazzle you plenty for an hour and a half.
We thought we’d also say a word or two about director Jason Reitman’s fourth film and second collaboration with writer Diablo Cody YOUNG ADULT, starring Charlize Theron.
Closing things out, we share our Spielberg Support Group, our favorite background characters in the Beard’s films. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN/DOWNLOAD!!!
Ben and Corey take an early look at David Fincher’s gritty adaptation of the Swedish novel “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” and have mixed reactions.
One digs it and thinks Fincher picks up right where he left off after 2010’s “The Social Network,” while the other thinks the director all but phones this one in.
The guys also happily watch their first Alexander Payne movie in seven years, “The Descendants,” with George Clooney and Shaline Woodley, and see why it’s in the awards conversation this year.
Alabama filmmaker Benjamin Stark (director of “The Nocturnal Third”) calls in to give his thoughts on Christopher Nolan’s six-minute prologue to “The Dark Knight Rises,” as seen on the IMAX dome screen.
Ben and Corey then discuss the nominations handed out by the Screen Actors Guild and Golden Globes and where the awards season stands now.
Ben and Corey are joined by producer Andrew Richardson to wander into Martin Scorsese’s family film “Hugo,” a love letter to film history.
Without giving too much away, Scorsese reinforces why you better pay attention and respect during those first few weeks of intro film courses in college.
The guys then welcome back “The Muppets,” as writer/star Jason Segel revitalizes Jim Henson’s beloved franchise, still in peal form.
Also on tap is a discussion on actor/director reunions Ben and Corey would love to see happen because, you know, they know what’s best for Hollywood.
Ben and Corey pick a side between Teams Edward and Jacob in the latest in this “Twilight” saga, “Breaking Dawn - Part 1.”
Sigh. Bear with us.
Surprisingly, the guys find some things to like about Bill Condon’s first half of his finale adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s book.
Speaking of young adult literature, the guys take a look at director Gary Ross’ take on Suzanne Collins’ novel “The Hunger Games,” due next spring.
Rounding it out is a discussion on favorite films released and seen on Thanksgiving Day.
Make sure you listen to the final few minutes of the show when Ben and Corey get a little contentious, for a change, over Martin Scorsese’s latest film HUGO. Neither have seen it, but they disagree on the choice to see it in 3D. Let the battle begin!
Ben and Corey investigate Clint Eastwood’s private stash to find his latest film J. EDGAR, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and written by Dustin Lance Black (MILK), to be a muddled biopic with fine performances and distracting makeup.
As Eastwood continues to churn out one or two movies per year, the grizzled director seems to miss more than hit these days, with his Hoover film falling somewhere in between.
The guys also revisit Sean Durkin’s MARTHA MARCY MAY MARLENE, upon Ben’s brother Graham’s glowing recommendation on our Halloween show a few weeks back. Let’s just say they share some of Graham’s sentiments.
Also on tap is a quick discussion on Eddie Murphy dropping out as Oscar host and seven-time vet Billy Crystal stepping in.
Rounding it out is a dreaded talk about Hollywood Has-Beens, a few names of certified legends in the business who aren’t producing the same high-quality work they once were.
Look, it’s Denzel Washington. Sitting there. Smiling. Looking exactly like his TRAINING DAY character. But it’s not TRAINING DAY. It’s SAFE HOUSE. We promise. But if you liked TRAINING DAY, you’ll like this. We promise that, too.
Think this poster’s photo shoot took more than 45 seconds? Denzel, it doesn’t matter that you’re not in shape. Just shave your beard down and sit in this chair.
Snap. Click the B&W tool on Microsoft Office Picture Manager, and we’re done. Oh, and let’s make sure it looks kinda like that Thomas Jane PUNISHER poster, but not enough to help people remember that movie they forgot two days after it came out.
Adam Sandler’s face kind of says it all, at least on the top half of this horrid poster for his upcoming JACK & JILL that you might not even expect straight-to-DVD titles to use.
Honestly, doesn’t Sandler’s expression suggest he learned nothing from FUNNY PEOPLE, when his friend and director Judd Apatow made fun of him to his face and the country for making crap like this?
“Yep, I know it’s sh*t. But you know what? I like money, and this formula gets it done. So we’ll all just have to live with my wasted talent.”
