Upon viewing “Margin Call” you’ll realize two things. One, the financial crisis that began in 2008 is just as scary for major corporations as it is for the “little people.” And two, Zachary Quinto is going to be a major movie star.

The film captures a frantic 24-hour period in which a trillion dollar Wallstreet investment firm learns that their pattern of productivity is about to burst. The riveting drama turns the trading room floor into a platform of contention and destruction.

Eric (played by the always magnificent Stanley Tucci) is laid off after 19 years of service and escorted from the building like a criminal. But before he leaves, he informs his employee of some alarming news … everything they know has come to an end.

From the initial scene, the predatory nature of the corporate world is boldly captured, and we are introduced to each boss Russian nesting doll style, from the inside out. There’s the boss, then an even bigger boss, and an even bigger boss, until finally we meet Jeremy Irons’ character who reveals the three ways to make a living at the top: “Be First, be smarter, or cheat.”

Yet, gradually it becomes clear to the company that something horrific is about to happen. Something the audience recognizes as the beginning of global economic ruin. Watching the film may be likened to viewing early portions of a 9/11 movie. You watch knowing that something terrible is about to happen but the images on-screen reflect a nativity you wish so badly to revisit.

Director JC Chandor was offered a generous distribution deal by a major production company on the condition that he make the ending of the film more commercial, however he refused and the company passed on the project, forcing Chandler to settle on a low budget film, though with a genuine ending.

The film also manages to conquer a murky topic with an element of humility. Much of this is owed to Kevin Spacey. You’ll find no trace of the sociopathic/murderer boss he played in “Horrible Bosses” as he takes on an honorable and sympathetic role in this film. The dynamic between him and Quinto is quite compelling. Actually, the dynamic between Quinto and anyone is compelling. His performance is understatedly brilliant.

The rest of the noteworthy cast includes Penn Badgely, Simon Backer, Demi Moore and Paul Bettany, who launches into some seriously unforgettable monologues. Warning: scenes with up to three or more of these stars may result in more charisma than one could handle.

“Margin Call” is in theaters now!

Check out the trailer below:

The film ‘Shame’ is macabre portrait of a man with a crippling desire for filthy sexual encounters. The term ‘sex sells’ does not apply to the film’s appeal because of it’s raw and unsettling nature. Back in 2008, British artist Steve McQueen and Irish actor Michael Fassbender collaborated on the film “Hunger,” a haunting foray into the 1981 prison hunger strikes in Northern Ireland. But this time, the two set out to capture an emotional prison, rather than a literal one.

In “Shame,” Fassbender plays Brandon, a successful member of the corporate world with a debilitating sex addition, and his addictive pattern of hookers, porn, and street hookups is difficult to stomach.

Yet from the first frame, in which Fassbender remorsefully lies in filthy sheets, you cannot tear yourself away from the screen. The actor, who has already picked up a slew of awards for the film, is captivating. There is tremendous pain in his face that resonates even when he’s engaging in a sexual encounter.

Brandon’s addiction is disrupted by the arrival of his unstable sister Cissy (played by the brilliant Carey Mulligan). The two give a whole new meaning to the term “dysfunctional relationship.”

It seems that every word Cissy utters is a cry for help. This is especially true of the film’s most touching scene in which she sings ‘New York, New York’ and leaves her brother tear-stained. From there, Brandon’s agony begins to consume him. Despite an innocently sweet date with his coworker, Marianne (Nicole Beharie), he faces a downward spiral with little reprieve.

It may be argued that the film, which was branded with an NC-17 rating, is set to fail. In terms of cinema, America is known for having strange censorship laws. Whereas European and Latin American films portray sexuality in a manner that is honest, the US usually shuns explicit ventures and lets them fade quietly in a limited number of theaters.

As Fassbender told the Huffington Post, “Half of us have a penis and the other half has probably seen one, and so why should it be more normal to, like, chop people’s heads off and shoot people? Does that mean that that’s more acceptable or closer to us as human beings?”

I couldn’t agree more.

“Shame” is in theaters now!

By: Justine Ashley
Contributing Editor for Gossip On This

Though opening weekend isn’t over, the latest movie in the “Twilight” saga, “Eclipse”, is already breaking records. Eclipse pulled in an estimated $30 million from just its midnight opening and is expected to make more than its predecessor “New Moon” did. But regardless of this feat, is it a movie worth writing home about? Honestly, the answer is a simple no.

The biggest problem with Eclipse lies in its story. With the Harry Potter series, though the main evil villain remained the same, the story was always ever-changing (complex, if you will) and they even threw in a new bad character in each one. It’s the third movie in the Twilight series, yet the question of whom Bella will pick still remains. Edward still doesn’t like Jacob, Jacob is still trying to convince Bella he’s the right one for him, and Bella is still annoyingly biting her lip.

In this third installment, evil vampire Victoria is assembling an army of newbie vampires to seek revenge on Bella and the Cullens for killing her boyfriend. Naturally, Jacob and Edward both put aside their differences for a short amount of time to protect Bella. Unfortunately, the fight lasts only about ten minutes and the other hour and fifty minutes are spent on bickering and conversation between Jacob, Edward, and Bella; the same conversation that has been had for the last two movies. I waited longingly for fight scene to come and even that was a sort of disappointment. I’m over the fact that vampires ridiculously glow when they are in the sunlight (something I am glad they cut down on), but why, when they are torn apart by a wolf or another vampire, do they have ice as insides? Yes, they make an emphasis on vampires being cold but they also make note that the werewolves are hot; I still wouldn’t expect a their insides to be fire if they are suddenly pulled apart. This may be author Stephenie Meyer’s fault but even a student filmmaker like myself can acknowledge when something is ridiculous and remove it.

I would love to say that Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, and Taylor Lautner have grown as actors but I would be lying. That’s not to say that their acting is bad, but there is nothing to challenge them. The material isn’t deep, not much emotion needs to be shown except the usual glaring, snarling, and the “I love you” look. The closest any of them come to showing any other emotion is a scene in a tent on top of a mountain during a blizzard. As Jacob is keeping Bella warm, you know, because he’s hot-blooded and all, he and Edward have a…heart to heart, if you can call it that. The scene starts off okay but eventually reaches a point where you start to think one of them will say “screw Bella” and proceed to have their own “Brokeback Mountain” moment. Despite the three main characters not growing much, time and meaningful dialogue was allotted to characters like Jasper and Rosalie and the audience learns their back story, which the film pulls off nicely.

The special effects, for the most part, are also nicely done. Though the mountain ranges look at bit flat, the battle at the end makes up for it. The choreography mixed with the effects make for an epic and pretty rough-looking battle. Nevertheless, there is a problem with this climatic scene. How does a werewolf that is almost as tall as a horse lunge and grab a vampire, sinking its teeth, only grab a piece of their shirt? Or better yet, how can they fall on top of one and not make a mark? Actually, disregard those questions and answer this: how, oh how, can a werewolf be nearly squeezed to death and have their bones broken on one side of their body from a measly vampire? It seems that the filmmakers forgot to add some weight and actual power to the creatures.

Eclipse isn’t a horrible film. As a matter in-fact, it’s the best in the series! But is it a great movie? It depends on whom you ask. A “Twihard” will most likely fall in love with it (I heard claps and whooping when Jacob appeared without a shirt), but someone who loves and makes films wouldn’t take it as much. Let’s be honest, can you really say it’s a good film if even the actors don’t understand it and the screenwriter doesn’t see it as high art? I’ll answer this one for you: No.

Overall Rating: 7.0/10 = C-

By: Kenni Nwajagu
Contributing Editor for Gossip On This

“Knight and Day” places itself nicely amongst the many other mediocre films that have plagued this summer. While it is no doubt a fun film, it is extremely cliché and after a while you stop caring about the characters. That is, if you ever did.

We meet June Havens (Cameron Diaz) in an airport where she bumps into Roy Miller (Tom Cruise). They eventually wind up on the same plane where June, who thinks she’s headed to her sister’s wedding, engages in conversation with Roy and clearly starts to fall for him. While she’s in the plane’s bathroom engaged in conversation with herself over whether she should make out with him or not (though they just met and know absolutely nothing about each other), Miller kills everyone on the plane because *gasp*, they weren’t really just passengers. As this is happening, June remains in the bathroom, completely deaf to the gunshots.

After they crash land, Havens becomes the target of government officials because of her interaction with Miller, who we discover is a rogue agent. This is where everything becomes predictable and a bit unreal. Despite Miller’s many warnings, June enters into a vehicle with the government officials, making her a damsel in distress and causing Miller to have to save her at the last minute. This happens more times than not. Interestingly enough, though there’s a huge car chase where things explode and what seems like hundreds of bullets are shot, you never once feel like they are in danger; this is one issue I have with the film. June Havens seems impenetrable and it takes away from the audience being scared for her life; if anything, you will probably laugh at her stupidity at times. But at the same time, it takes away from the movie feeling like a “real” secret agent movie. If Superman, Batman, and Spider Man can get hurt, Roy Miller and June Havens should be able to also. Even James Bond gets roughed up sometimes.

Something else that irked me about “Knight and Day” was the lack of characterization. Because of this, we fail to feel much for either character, something that is important in a film. It seems that the writer and director spent a majority of the time on the production and look of the film instead of developing both Diaz and Cruise’s characters. They have their bits of comedy here and there which are great touches to the film but apart from that, the viewer does not know much about them.

“Knight and Day” is a good film but it leaves a lot to be desired. It is the explosions and action that you expect in an action movie. It also has the flirtation and goofiness that you expect in a romantic comedy. Unfortunately, in the process of attempting to combine both genres into one movie, things have been left out and forgotten and a lot of it is very cliché and predictable.

Overall Rating: 7.0/10 = C-

By: Kenni Nwajagu
Contributing Editor for Gossip On This

“The rush of battle is often a potent and lethal addiction, for war is a drug”. This quote begins the Academy Award winning film The Hurt Locker, a gripping story that depicts the life of an Army bomb squad unit who put their lives in danger daily defusing bombs.

Jeremy Renner plays Sgt. William James, the reckless new guy whose job it is to defuse the bombs while the rest of his unit covers him, scanning the streets and rooftops for snipers or the bomb-maker himself. James seems to take pleasure in his job; he rarely listens to others and works by his own rules, but at the same time, he is the best at what he does. Through James, we learn of the addiction of war. While others are afraid and cannot wait to leave, James keeps returning. Defusing bombs has become a sort of obsession with him and he knows the exact number of bombs he’s dealt with. He knows he is good at his job so he keeps coming back and with each diffusion, his mind goes deeper into the hazardous game.

Both director Kathryn Bigelow and screenwriter Mark Boal do an amazing job with The Hurt Locker. The sequences are extremely detailed and with Bigelow’s vivid portrayal of the task of defusing a bomb, the film will keep you on the edge of your seat. Boal wrote the screenplay after being with a bomb squad in Baghdad, which makes the film only more real. Not many writers or directors can pull off a great war film but with The Hurt Locker, Bigelow presents us with one that’s damn near perfect.

The cinematography is very well done. The decision to use a hand-held camera adds to the thrill of the film and the grainy lens is a nice touch. Cinematographer Barry Ackroyd does a good job of putting you in the action…maybe even a bit more than you would like. I think it is safe to say this movie would not be have as great as it was without the brilliant camera work.

The only downfall in this film falls in its plot. To put it very simply: there is none. At times, you will find yourself asking “what is the point?” and only at the very end of the film will you realize the answer to your question. It does not follow your typical story outline for a film because it isn’t your typical film. The point of The Hurt Locker is simply to show what actually goes on during war – the danger, the suspense, the pain, the suffering, and everything else. But unfortunately, without a true story, we also lose a bit of the characters. With the exception of James, Bigelow does not develop the characters enough; she does not delve deeper into their minds, which leaves it up to the actors to tell their story. Fortunately, the actors pull it off.

Renner’s portrayal of James is well deserving of the Oscar nomination that he earned for the role. Though James is reckless, the audience cannot help but care for him. He takes bold and life-threatening risks but with each one, we await with bated breath, hoping he makes it out alive. James, along with his the head of his support team, Sanborn (played by Anthony Mackie), seem as real as can be. We want them to make it out of their rotation alive and be able to go home to their families. Though we know very little about the characters, the actors make it work and still keep the audience captivated.

The Hurt Locker is a great film. It’s not a film that depends on the action of a bomb exploding, but the gut-tightening suspense of knowing that it could explode in a split second. Though it could have used more of a story, it works without it and it helps the audience see and appreciate the work that the troops do. Lastly, I love that Kathryn Bigelow does not succumb to having a Hollywood ending with the film. At first, I did not like it because I was hoping that James’ heart wasn’t so into the rush of war and that his decision at the end of the film would be different. But upon reflecting on it, I realized that that is how war is, that to some, it is a drug and I appreciate the fact that Bigelow kept it real and did not choose the ending that most wanted.

Overall Rating: 8.8/10 = B+

By: Kenni Nwajagu
Contributing Editor for Gossip On This

While I’ve never been a real fan of the original Alice in Wonderland film (having never seen it), I’m pretty familiar with the story of Alice, a young girl who drops down a rabbit hole into another world. In Wonderland, Alice discovers various creatures, befriends a few, and goes to trail with the Queen of Hearts.

In Tim Burton’s Alice, the childish joy and fantasy is completely thrown out the window and in enters something dark, at times scary, and life-threatening – the world of Underland, which sounds much less happy than “Wonderland.” But despite the innocence of the childhood fairytale disappearing, Burton’s Alice is nothing short of a visual masterpiece.

Alice in Wonderland tells the story of Alice Kingsley, a 19 year old who attends a party only to find out that it is actually her engagement party for her arranged marriage. Confused, Alice runs away and follows the White Rabbit down a rabbit hole into “Underland,” a world that she remembers having a nightmare about as a child. In Underland, Alice is told that she is the only one that can slay the Jabberwocky, a dragon that belongs to the Red Queen.

I thoroughly commend Tim Burton’s new brilliant interpretation on Alice. Straying away from the original story that simply has a curious Alice going back and forth between various characters works out excellently for Burton; an adult Alice works better and actually presents viewers with a story that is interesting. But with an adult Alice, comes a more adult story. It didn’t take long for me to wonder why the story was rated PG. After the initial entrance into Underland, the story turns dark when the Bandersnatch, another creature belonging to the Red Queen, attacks Alice and the mood doesn’t change from there. The climax of the film also shows Alice decapitating the Jabberwocky (which was actually more terrifying than I thought it’d be). It’s safe to say that not only is this NOT a kids’ movie, but one that young children will not understand much. But on the bright side, it will be a visual treat for them.

Burton, being the visual artist that he is, delivers once again when it comes to Alice. It is an enchanting feast of color and brilliance and the Real-D touch adds a tinge of depth that any artist would appreciate. If you are a fan of Burton’s work (Sweeney Todd, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Planet of the Apes, Edward Scissorhands) then you will appreciate what he does with Alice. And, of course, like most Tim Burton films, the characters are as engaging as they can be. With Burton comes the likes of top British actors like Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Stephen Fry, and what seems to be his favorite American actor, Johnny Depp. Each actor brings a damn near perfect portrayal of their character; Depp with The Mad Hatter and Carter with the very ill tempered Red Queen easily stand out. Mia Wasikowska plays Alice and while she delivers a nice performance, it is not a stand-out performance; she is often blank-faced and loses the curiosity and charisma that someone like Alice should have.

The climax of the film comes when Alice defeats the Jabberwocky in what is a generic but visually good battle sequence. With very rich characters, a great story, and excellent acting, it is a shame that screenwriter Linda Woolverton had to result to the typical Hollywood ending and while it’s done well (hello, it is Tim Burton we’re talking about), it leaves much to be desired.

This is not your typical Alice in Wonderland story and anyone looking for that should simply watch Disney’s 1951 version. Burton offers up a new dark and grim Alice but makes it work with the spectacular visuals and good direction.

Overall Rating: 8/10 = B-

By: Kenni Nwajagu
Contributing Editor for Gossip On This

I just got finished watching Push…… Not what I was expecting. I mean I have a fatal attraction to movies so I’ll watch just about any of them, but this one is pushing it… The plot takes a while to develop and characters pop up all over the place. Honestly the whole “superhuman race” and “being hunted by some super secret agency” reminded me of “Jumper.” I found myself drifting in and out of consciousness during this movie, though the actors did do a good job in making the film actually worthwhile and a bit bearable.

Djimon Hounsou, Dakota Fanning, the always sexy Ming-Na, and Chris Evans all gave outstanding performances. It just goes to show that a good movie needs both a good plot as well as a good cast. Don’t get me wrong the film was decent but that’s it. It was jus “decent.” So if you have nothing else to do with one of your evenings, why not watch it? It’d probably be a good waste of time. That being so, I gotta give this one a 5.5/10.

Continue Reading at TheFilmWiz

HANDS DOWN, “Avatar” is the best adventure movie I have every seen and very well most likely to be Best Picture of the year. Avatar is a majestic epic in its class, taking you on a journey deep into an alien world where mankind and alien throw down in an classic clash of Cowboys vs Indians; A visual  phenomenon with breath taking CG effects that captured an earthy final fantasy type world full of life, strange creatures, exotic plants, and an intoxicating spectrum of color and movement to the slightest detail. No wonder I was glued to the edge of my seat for the entire 2hr and 4min wishing the end would never come.

Starting off rather fast paced, the film gets straight to the point, with the main character Jake Sully having embarked on a journey that would change his life. On course to the planet Pandora, the epic begins with Sully learning about his Avatar body that he will use to walk among the alien population, an experience that seems quite futuristic no doubt.

The company he works for seek a precious rock that is found on the strange planet, worth unmeasurable amounts of wealth. But one of the aliens most sacred and spiritual places rests on top of the mineral deposit, causing an epidemic and war. Forced with a decision the native alien species must decide if they will cooperate with their foreign invaders or stand and fight (Bow and Arrows vs Machine Guns) in an epic display of how savage invaders who’ve fallen corrupt to greed will destroy everything, including the innocent, to get what they want.

Meanwhile Sully has to face himself. Does he betray the company who hired him, his people, or will he watch the newly found love of his life and all that she loves burn to the ground over money? The question that will change the fate of two world collided.

Words by: Dwayne Gross
Contributing Editor for Gossip On This

Read the rest of this review over at The Film Wiz!

When I first laid eyes on the poster for Where the Wild Things Are, I was immediately turned off. I wasn’t too keen on the idea of watching a movie with a bunch of disturbing looking creatures for an hour and a half. I will admit that before this, I had no idea what this film was about.

Where the Wild Things Are is a children’s picture book that was published in 1963. The book has sold over 19 million copies worldwide and is a favorite amongst many children, teens, and adults. In the book, Max, a young boy who causes trouble one night, is sent to his room without supper. In his room, a forest and sea grow from his imagination and he is welcomed into the land of the Wild Things.

In the movie, Max does what any child would do when they are not getting attention – throw a tantrum. But he takes it a little too far when he jumps on the kitchen table and proceeds to bite his mother. Scared, he runs out of the house into the night, through the woods, and to the ocean where he climbs on a small boat and overcomes a storm to get to the land of the Wild Things.

Where the Wild Things Are seems to be a story of growing up and realizing that no one can love you like your family. You know, like the typical Wizard of Oz “there’s no place like home.” My biggest fault with this plot line is the question of what exactly can be plaguing a boy that is not even ten years old? What does he have to escape from – getting sent to “the corner” or to bed early? Yes, the film has a very nice sequence of Max braving a storm to get to this fantasy land but I prefer the original storyline in the book as it is much more realistic.

The cinematography and direction of the film is very well done. Director Spike Jonze does a great job of capturing the emotion of the film and bringing out the necessary acting skills needed from the lead to portray a young boy struggling to fit in and see he’s loved. (Again, this still baffles me – wait till he hits 16). The comedy relief is a great addition to lighten up the mood of the film. The CGI is overall also very well done – the creatures look as realistic as they can get. But, there are a few moments where I couldn’t help but roll my eyes at the very obvious use of green screen.

I have been told that in the book, Max finds a bit of himself in every Wild Thing. If this is true, then it does not come across on film. Yes, he can relate to Claire and one of the other creatures but the rest of them seem to add nothing but comedy and also because there needed to be more creatures. Yes, die hard fans of the book will tell you that it’s all “symbolism” and “meaning” but of course, anything to salvage a precious childhood favorite.

The biggest problem is a lack of a core emotional attachment to the story. A child watching this movie would loose focus and/or not even understand the story, while an adult would clearly understand Max, but not be able to connect with him emotionally. We never truly understand his sudden attachment to creatures that can easily kill him. And while the end of the film is done very well and is applauded, it could have connected better. Yes, the silence speaks many words but also, what parent would allow their 8 year old to run away without calling the cops? “It’s all part of the meaning” I hear. I completely understand and agree – but the meaning would have been much stronger had the mother been broken about her child running out into the night and when he finally returns, leaving the questioning cops and finally turning all of her attention to her son – something he longed for since the start of the film. Again, had it stuck to the original story of it being his imagination in his bedroom, it would have made much more sense. Also, we never see him learn anything from his experiences with the Wild Things…isn’t that the point of the film?

I have not read the book and am writing from my research on it. This is not a bad movie whatsoever. As a matter in-fact, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Did it have its flaws? Yes. Could it have been done better? Yes. But I had my moments of laughter and points where I understood Max. Some may think I missed the message of the film but I can assure you I have not. The message, in my opinion, is inspiring but as a film, Where the Wild Things Are is too contrived, uneven, and lacking.

Overall Rating: 4/5 = B-

By: Kenni Nwajagu
Contributing Editor for Gossip On This

Follow me on Twitter for movie updates and more. And keep reading GOT for more movie reviews! Also, if there’s a movie you’d like me to review, e-mail me at kenni@gossiponthis.com and let me know.

You’ve heard about it – it’s been on Facebook, it’s been on the Trending Topics on Twitter for weeks, and it’s cashing in millions more than its $11,000 budget. But is Paranormal Activity really that scary? The truth is…no, it’s not. Paranormal Activity tells the story of a couple, Katie and Micah, who have moved into a new home and begin to experience paranormal activities occurring in their home. After a few nights of these occurrences, Micah decides to buy a camera to capture the happenings on tape. And naturally, from then on, it only gets worse.

Like The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity is filmed documentary style and is meant to engage the viewer to make them feel as if they are in the situation. This is supposed to create more suspense for the viewer, which it does. The concept of the film is great and so is the plot, or at least, the little plot that the film has. I mean, how many times do you set up a camera in your bedroom and wake up to see clear evidence of a spirit in your house? With a film like this, you’d expect it to be cut throat scary. I’ve heard people walked out of the theaters because they couldn’t handle it. … Really?

If anything, Paranormal Activity is, dare I say, boring. Yes, I understand the definition of suspense but after a few nights of the viewer watching Katie and Micah sleep and nothing extraordinary happening (except some thuds here and there), you begin to lose interest in the film and start to wonder when the action will pick up. Yes, we’ve established there is something in your house, but how many times can you play out the “I hear something” card? Is this really all it takes to scare people these days? I personally am a HUGE fan of horror films and the “horror” in this was extremely disappointing and redundant. The director also did a mediocre job of building suspense. It’s not until the end that the suspense actually does result in a very intense sequence; other times, you’re waiting…waiting…waiting…holding your breath….and…nothing!

On the bright side, there is brilliant comic relief placed in the film at the right times. It’s those moments that make the characters seem more real and cause you to feel for them. The emotions of Katie felt legitimate and you can’t help but feel like Micah as he tries to be the “man” and provoke the demon.

Now, don’t get me wrong, this movie is definitely creepy. There is nothing worse than knowing there is a demon in your room and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it. I sat in a theater with squealing and screaming girls. (And when I say screaming…you would think these chicks were sitting next to the actual demon).

Overall, Paranormal Activity was just another decent movie with TONS of hype. (Think…The Dark Knight. What was good in that movie besides Ledger’s portrayal of The Joker and the CGI?) First time Director Oren Peli did a great job of keep with his choice of cinematography. Though it’s told through the hands of the actors, the camera is not shaky and is placed on a tripod for the most intense scenes.

If you scare easily, you will lose your mind during this movie. If not, Paranormal Activity will have you annoyed and in stitches from laughter, like me.

Overall Rating: 3.7/5 Stars = C+

By: Kenni Nwajagu
Contributing Editor for Gossip On This

Follow me on Twitter for movie updates and more. And keep reading GOT for more movie reviews!

It has been less than 36 hours since the newest installment from the billion dollar Harry Potter franchise hit theaters and it is already breaking records. It is even being reported that by the end of the month, it will surpass Bond as the number one movie franchise. It’s no doubt that these movies are brilliantly made…but is the hype for “Half-Blood Prince” over the top?

The first five Harry Potter films have had the feeling that there is something bigger to come and that a final battle is somewhere in the near future, waiting to happen. “Prince” isn’t any different. Lord Voldemort is back and his henchmen of Death Eaters are acting as terrorists, attacking both Wizards and Muggles alike. Starting the film with the destruction of the Millennium Bridge sets a sudden mood over the audience and makes it clear that the Wizarding World is at war. Harry returns to the school to find that headmaster Albus Dumbledore has a new task for him. A task that, if accomplished, will bring Voldemort one-step closer to his downfall. Traveling through a series of memories, Harry and Dumbledore step into the past to get a better glimpse at the boy Voldemort, also known as Tom Riddle.

The subplot of the movie lies in a tattered old potions book that Harry inherits. The book, once property to the “Half-Blood Prince,” assists Harry with his class while offering him some education in the dark arts. Or at least…that’s what one is supposed to understand. Unfortunately, the film does not explore the significance of the potions book like the novel does. But you’d think they would, seeing as it is the title of the movie itself.

But bubbling even more than the potion Hermione fails to conjure up are the rapid hormones. Harry suddenly finds himself interested in Ginny Weasley, who has a boyfriend. Hermione and Ron grow closer but the latter gets a girlfriend/stalker once he becomes the star of the Quidditch team, causing various amounts of crying and jealousy on Hermione’s part. Meanwhile, Draco’s personal mission from the Dark Lord keeps him out of the romance loop and focused on what he must do: kill a certain someone (no, surprisingly it’s not Harry).

This Potter film stands as an outcast from the rest. While the previous five have all been action packed with a hint of romance on comedy, this one falls directly under the Romantic Comedy category. And when the second hour strolls along, you’re left wondering what the point of the movie really is. Is it to figure out who the Half-Blood Prince is? Or is it to find the ways to destroy the Dark Lord? Rowling’s novel reads both, but unfortunately, the film doesn’t.

The story feels rushed and choppy and doesn’t allow for the audience to pause for a second to think before presenting them with a new dilemma, or in most cases, more “snogging.” And by the time the plot returns, you will have forgotten about the “half-blood prince,” only to be reminded again in a very anti-climatic scene.

This is also the first Potter film where there is less thinking required. You forget that there is a war and are left to focus more on why Ginny is taller than Harry in the awkward kissing scene they share.

The climax of the film is amazing and is clearly the film’s shining moment. The acting is well done and the musical score sets the right tone. But when the moment the audience has been waiting for comes, they are once again left disappointed to find that screenwriter Steve Kloves has omitted the battle scene that takes place at Hogwarts. Instead, a rather pathetic chase down happens, a couple of very anti-climatic lines are said, and…all is done.

Though the film does hold true to what director David Yates calls it: a Romantic Comedy, avid readers of the books will leave feeling a bit empty. Having read the books a few times each myself, I know Half-Blood Prince is possibly the darkest of them. Unfortunately, the major plot points were either rushed or entirely removed to pay more respect to the hormones of the characters. I honestly wonder how Kloves will be able to tie this into the next installment with so much missing! Many scenes are often contrived, leaving you feeling underwhelmed.

On the brighter side, the acting of the cast has improved and the new additions have fit in very nicely. This is a thoroughly enjoyable film but without much intellect necessary. Personally, I absolutely love the books and understand that they are not and cannot be the movies. Nevertheless, Half-Blood Prince fell short of my grand expectations.

7.7/10 Stars

By: Kenni Nwajagu
Contributing Editor for Gossip On This

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If you are an overly masculine straight man that’s so confident in who you are that you want nothing to do with a hint of homosexuality, do not see this movie! If you are gay and take extreme offense at overly flamboyant portrayals of gays, you should not see this movie! Brüno is more outrageous and offensive than its 2006 predecessor Borat.

Sacha Baron Cohen plays an extremely flamboyant fashionista who takes to Los Angeles for fame when he is sacked from his cable show “Funkyzeit.” While attempting to become “the most famous Austrian since Hitler,” Brüno, launches himself into a series of jaw-dropping acts; while some are funny, others fall short and feel staged and contrived.

Sacha outdoes himself this time with his targets. Brüno attempts to engage in sex with an irate and unsuspecting Ron Paul, states to a possibly armed terrorist that Osama looks like a wizard with a dirty beard, tries to hook up with a redneck hunter, and tells a “gay-curing” evangelist he has “blowjob lips.” But while these events are sure to leave the audience in a fit of light laughter, the 30 seconds of an erect waving penis jumping up and down, swinging around, and talking (yes, talking) will cause one to either laugh nervously or become disgusted/confused… or both. And while the extreme gay sex scene that lies in the beginning prepares for the rest of the movie, nothing can prepare you for the dildos, anal bleaching, and mime scene in which Brüno engages in fellatio and anilingus with the ghost of a member of Milli Vanilli.

While Brüno’s visit to a swinger’s party feels a tad staged, the bashing and violence that occurs while he makes out with his male assistant in front of a crowd of homophobic Arkansas residents feels too dangerous for comfort. At this point you begin to wonder how Cohen hasn’t gotten seriously injured making this movie. And through Brüno, we also learn how far “normal” people will go for fame when a mom agrees that her baby will either loose ten pounds or get liposuction simply to be a part of a photo shoot.

There’s no doubt that Brüno is funny. But while the character of Borat seemed to be good-natured and captured hearts with his natural silliness, Brüno, the character and movie, is over the top and at times forced. Unfortunately, half-way through the movie, the plot and story of the movie is lost, leaving one to wonder where director Larry Charles is going. In fact, e aren’t reminded the point of the story until the end where Brüno states his dream once more are we reminded the point of the story.

Overall Brüno is a funny movie but I would advise one not to go in expecting the same bang or innocent sentimentality that Borat held. And a word of advice, do not see this with your mom! I’m still surprised it’s not rated NC-17.

3/5 Stars

By: Kenni Nwajagu
Contributing Editor for Gossip On This

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Words by: Dwayne Gross

Ever since I was a young child Pixar has made a lasting impression with each of their animated masterpieces, so its no surprise that UP exceeded the award winning standards that Pixar’s delivered film and film again.

This time around Pixar not only managed to take the audience on a ride full of emotion, humor and visual amazement, they did it in 3-D. Equip with a ticket stub and a pair of 3-D glasses both adult and child alike experienced the wonders of the South American terrain, the heartache in an old mans tale, the innocence of a child’s ambition, the predictable mind of a dog and the excitement of an epic adventure.

The adventure begins with the life of  Carl Fredricksen, a 78 year young man with a heart thriving full of adventure. Along with his childhood companion turned wife Ellie they devoted their life of happiness to finding their South American  promise land Paradise Falls. But soon the burdens of life began to bear down the two lovers with adventure pumping through their veins. The days grew shorter and time moved faster and before they knew it a life time had passed them by, old age set in and Carl was forced to live out his days alone with only the lasting memory of Ellie  and her unfilled scrap book dedicated to adventure, their colorful home and the need to pursuit ones childhood dream during their final years.

Carl’s adventure first begins in his later years, after being anchored by the burdens of life Carl is living the rest of his days in the slow lane unwilling to adjust to the fast pace of the common era. Faced with the difficult decision of giving into the new generations expectations or living the dreams they he once shared with the love of his life, Carl transforms his house into a air ship with its primary lift supplied by a colossal number of balloons and sets off to find Paradise Falls. Rendered with eye popping 3-D effects the home turned air ship drifted across the screen as the audience watched with amazement, hands down this was some of the best animation work that I’ve ever experienced.

Continue reading this over at The Film Wiz.

The new “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” movie is definitely worth a look! This adaptation of the X- Men story is the best so far. All the mysteries are finally revealed in this one as director Gaven Hood takes us on a ride though the haunting and troubling past of Wolverine, explaining everything from his solid antemium core to the origins of his name, and even his unexplainable memory loss. As if answering all the cliffhanging questions about Wolverine wasn’t enough, Hood managed to intertwine the past of Wolverine with that of other mutants such as Sabertooth, Gambit, Night Crawler, Deadpool, Beak, Blob and even Cyclops.

In the movie, Wolverine attempts to live life as regular as possible, despite his mutant abnormalities. Alongside his brother, Victor Creed, Wolverine  leaves the protection of his family and home to a life more suitable for people of his kind: a life of blood and killing. Wolverine and his brother, both having similar mutant powers, placed their slash marks throughout history as they fought in countless wars, spilling blood from  The Civil War to the second World War. But even war couldn’t keep the animals roaming inside them contained. Eventually they were recruited by a special  military operation headed by William Stryker, that required the special abilities of certain mutants.

Worn out by all the killing and bloodshed, Wolverine gives up his life of violence to live out his days in a more peaceful way. Unaware of his girlfriend’s telepathic ability, he was manipulated into participating in a program called Mutant X program, a program designed to genetically produce mutants with multiple strengths but none of the personality weaknesses. In other words, the perfect solider to combat the mutant infestation.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine is the complete package, having equally impressive acting and CGI effects. Even the supporting actors played their role as if they were trying to win Oscars. The cast includes Hugh Jackman, Will.i.am, Ryan Reynolds, Liev Schreiber, Lynn Collins, Taylor Kitsch, Daniel Henny, Kevin Durand and more. Overall, this movie, hands down, is one of the best so far this year.

X-Men Origins is set to hit theaters May 1, 2009. Be sure to check it out!

- Written by: Dwayne Gross