If you’re like a lot of movie buffs you appreciate the fact that a great screen adaptation often has a direct correlation to an equally greatly written novel.And so it is with one of Hollywood’s recent adaptations from a novel: Gone Baby Gone by author Dennis Lehane (which was ultimately nominated for an Academy Award).If you’ve seen the film and recognized a familiar theme of Boston-area cops and neighborhood tough guys similar to that which was themed in Mystic River, then you’re a pretty sharp observer since Lehane wrote both original works in novel form.Also to Lehane’s credit is Shutter Island which was adapted to film by Martin Scorsese and starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Ben Kingsley.Our take on Lehane is that he might just be a powerhouse to watch in years to come since there seems to be a lot of interest in his writing from Hollywood and what has been used to-date has been warmly received for its study on human nature and implicit tone “almost as if Springsteen is (more…)

In the days of dime matinees and nickel popcorn moviegoers were treated to “serials,” short action films that ended with a “cliffhanger,” a tease to the next week’s episode. Serials disappeared somewhere in the 50s, due in part to the emergence of television, but in 1981 George Lucas and Steven Spielberg brought back the thrills and fast-paced storyline of the serial with Raiders of the Lost Ark.

It is a classic good versus evil tale with all the elements of the old serial; a (more…)

Movies are a part of our lives. Some stay with you. Others have you screaming that you want those 2 hours of your life back as soon as you leave the theater. There are some movies that are in a class by themselves. Movies every person should watch at some point.

1. Schindler’s List (1993) – Sure, this is one Steven Spielberg film that is hard to watch, but it presents a serious issue in a way that (more…)

Avid film fans, sit up and take note. Here are the top five movies that are must-watches for everyone, no matter what your personal taste. 1. Inception (2010)This modern-day hit is sure to end up a classic. Questioning the fundamental workings of the human mind, this film is absolutely mind-blowing in every sense of the word. It’s not all thinking, though: there are plenty of thrilling action scenes. 2. Rear Window (1954)The lovely Grace Kelly steals every scene she appears in, but the intense plot will have you on the edge of your seat. This murder mystery has been a favorite for decades on end.3. Sunset Boulevard (1950)This creepy film showcases the darker, more sinister side of Hollywood. Follow Gloria, an outdated film star, as she seeks to redeem herself from her hermit lifestyle. 4. Amelie (2001)This film is full of stylistic eye candy. Amelie’s chic red dresses and lipstick have served major fashion designers, magazines, and women everywhere as inspiration,http://www.fashionrat.com/fashion-in-film-amlie/5. The Sound of Music (1965)Sing along as Julie Andrews bounds through the mountains of Austria, closely followed by the seven adorable von Trapp children. Both lighthearted and weighty, this film is inspiring to everyone.

If you’re like most people you like to be one up when it comes to knowledge and those ever-popular break room conversations. With that focus in mind we provide the following trivia questions for you to use however you wish (personal knowledge or a power play); the only caveat is to have fun with them!

1. Who was the first female to direct a movie that brought in more than 100 million?
2. What movie was hyped as being able to “blow audiences right out of the theater?”
3. What two-word term does The Cynic’s Dictionary define as “a movie seen about 50 times by about that many people”?
4. How many hubcaps does Steve McQueen’s car lose in the famed chase scene from Bullitt?
5. What director cast himself as the voice of God in 1956′s The Ten Commandments?
6. What Oscar-winning actress made her final appearance in the movie Nobody’s Fool?
7. For which film was Judi Dench nominated for her first Oscar?
8. What was the nationality of Sophie in the Oscar-winning Sophie’s Choice?
9. Which anniversary did the Oscars celebrate in 1998?
10. Who did Loretta Lynn choose to play her in Coal Miner’s Daughter? (more…)

Over the last few years, we’ve seen such blockbusters as X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Iron Man 1 &2, and The Incredible Hulk. So what’s next to go from comic book to big screen? Furthermore, who’s lined up for the big roles? Here are just a few upcoming releases.Captain America: The First AvengerRelease year: 2011Steve Rogers was once an average soldier; however, when he participates in a military experimentation, he becomes Captain America. Chris Evans (Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four) will play the role of Captain America. Other key players include Dominic Cooper as Howard Stark, Samuel L. Jackson as Nick Fury,and Hugo Weaving as The Red Skull. (more…)

One of the most important marketing aspects of releasing a film is the trailer. Yes a few movie buffs will read previews, plot summaries and actor profiles before seeing a film, but, the only thing the majority of movie-goers know about a film is from the trailer. Some lucky films carry the prestige of a name that will draw big numbers on its own such as best-selling trilogies or sequels. However, most films rely on making a memorable trailer that will excite an audience and move them to action. In an effort to understand how these complicated and important previews are received, we’ve broken down trailers into a few categories. (more…)

With kids out of school and adults looking for a break to enjoy the warm weather, Hollywood is always looking to break out a blockbuster during this time of year. Many of the highest grossing movies of all time were released during the summer. If you’re thinking of having a movie night with friends or someone special, consider revisiting a favorite of summers past.One of the best action adventure movies of the decade, Gladiator was technically a spring movie with its May release, but close enough. Though a great film, it’s by no means light hearted, with intense and graphic violence scenes, but stellar performances by Russell Crowe and Joaquin Phoenix have made this movie one to watch again and again. Directed by Steven Spielberg, Jurassic Park is another world famous film that still holds a place in the top 20 highest grossing films of all time. Though everyone in the room has probably seen it, it’s one of those “just as good” every time you see it. (more…)

The recent release of the third movie in the Twilight series has received mixed reviews. Many claim that subpar acting and an inane, lukewarm plot continue to drag this series through the mud. However, others feel that that director David Slade has finally hit the nail on the head in this film.One of the saving graces of Eclipse was the exceptional graphics. Human-werewolf transformations along with werewolf-vampire battles were uniquely portrayed throughout the film. And if nothing else, this movie was certainly easy on the eyes. Though rumbles of complaint can be heard about Jacob’s (Taylor Lautner) constant lack of a shirt, the reaction in the theaters told a different story. And the mysterious and noble Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) keeps fans coming back for more. (more…)

In recent years Matt Damon has become one of Hollywood’s most consistently impressive leading men. The legendary Bourne trilogy as well as Ocean’s Eleven, Twelve and Thirteen have all secured Damon’s status as a superstar. Recent hits for Damon include The Departed, The Informant and Invictus. Now it looks like Damon may be poised for another box office smasher. The sci-fi, romance, The Adjustment Bureau is set to release September 17. This film follows the story of a politician and a ballerina who meet by chance and fall in love only to find out they were never meant to see one another and their relationship is going against their fate. The supposed Adjustment Bureau is in charge of monitoring every action and event in the world and ensuring that each individual’s life is followed according to a predetermined plan. In this epic battle between destiny and free will, David Norris (Damon) and Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt) must determine how far they are willing to test fate in order to stay together. An impressive trailer reveals a film that appears to create a unique balance of romance, philosophy and science fiction in what could be a major hit for the year. George Nolfi is the writer and director of this film and is responsible for writing a number of other screenplays in which Damon has starred such as Ocean’s Twelve and The Bourne Ultimatum. (more…)