BuzzSugar

My Shout Out to Jon Favreau

BuzzSugar — Fri, 09 May 2008 11:31:04 -0700

Now that the dust has settled around the huge Iron Man opening last weekend, I wanted to take a moment to give the director of the movie a little shout out. As buzz around Iron Man started to build, I heard a lot of people remark at what an odd canon of work Favreau has created as a director (even more so when you stick in his acting jobs) and that trusting him with the reigns of a giant film with a big-budget comic book movie seemed strange at first.

But just like casting Robert Downey Jr. struck me as totally inspired, I think Marvel knew what they were doing when trusting their big movie venture with Favreau. While his body of work may appear to be a bit random (Zathura: A Space Adventure, Elf, Swingers, Made, guest appearance on Friends), upon closer inspection it's clear that one thing ties it all together: a healthy respect for good old-fashioned storytelling. He knows what goes into a spinning a great yarn, and part of that is casting incredibly engaging lead actors (Will Ferrell in Elf, RDJ in Iron Man, etc.).

To read more about why I'm glad this guy was given the chance to direct Iron Man, and why I'm excited to see what he does next, read more.

At this stage in the game, it's pretty hard to freshen up the regular story arc of a superhero movie, much less create a fun summer blockbuster that isn't totally reliant on CGI, and he managed both. This is why I think we can expect a lot more from Favreau the director in the future: his heart is in the craft of filmmaking and he has a strong sense of what folks wants to see. In a recent interview with the LA Times, he reflected on arguably the most successful week of his career by summarizing the way he views filmmaking these days:

Right now is an interesting time because technology is what you're using to tell stories. Really, George Lucas was the guy who made that leap from taking the primal elements of storytelling, the sort of mythic Joseph Campbell storytelling and Jungian archetypal deconstruction of storytelling, and using modern technology to amplify that and present it to a new generation. But I contend it's not the technology that draws people to it, it's the story. It's touching something in us that's much older and deeper.

Here's hoping Favreau sticks around for a long time as I think he and his movies will help to balance out the ratio of story-to-computer generated robots in Hollywood.

Are you as happy as I am for Favreau's success?

Source

Movie Night: Will Ferrell Movies

BuzzSugar — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 15:57:47 -0700

Will Ferrell's endearing, off-kilter acting style seems to have spawned its own genre: call it, simply, the Will Ferrell Movie. While I find too-similar routines obnoxious in some actors, Ferrell movies are often so easily digestible that I crave them when I need a lighthearted film fix. In honor of Ferrell's latest triumph, Blades of Glory, I thought I'd pay tribute to the man in this week's Movie Night.

Old School
On the surface, this "dude buddy" kind of movie sounds kind of repellent, but whether it's the clever script or Ferrell's inoffensive demeanor, I absolutely love Old School. Frustrated by the realities of adulthood, three buddies in their 30s (including a priceless Vince Vaughn) create their own fraternity, partially to keep from being evicted by the ornery dean. What's funny is that these aging college friends are still desperately trying to "fight the man" when they are at a point where they could easily be "the man." It's silly, ridiculous, and easy to watch.

For my other favorite Ferrell movies, read more

Elf
What I like most about watching Will Ferrell is how honest and childlike he seems, and in Elf, his enthusiasm is infectious. Ferrell plays Buddy, a man raised by Santa's elves who strikes out to find his real father in Manhattan. Zooey Deschanel is great as the department-store elf who befriends the awkward Buddy. No matter what time of year it is, you will find yourself filled with good cheer after this film.

Anchorman
Sure, I'm as sick of guys quoting this movie as the next girl, but it doesn't dampen my enjoyment of the film itself, which I think is surprisingly funny. Sure, Anchorman lacks focus - about halfway through, it feels like actors are making things up as they go along - but Ferrell's regal newsman and his bumbling crew (Paul Rudd, Steve Carell) make it worth watching, even repeatedly.

Source

Movie Night: Holiday Films For Kids and Adults

BuzzSugar — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 09:30:44 -0800

So many movies, so little time. Thankfully, BuzzSugar is here to help you sort through them all! Every Thursday, we'll choose a theme for a weekend Movie Night and feature three must-see movies in keeping with the topic.

This week's Movie Night: family holiday films that won't drive you nuts. If you often find yourself watching holiday movies with the youngsters in your family, it kind of kills the mood when you audibly groan and yawn. Here are three movies that will entertain the tots and keep you from nodding off in the corner like a granny.

Elf
Elf tells the story of Buddy (Will Ferrell), who was swept away to the North Pole as a boy and raised by elves. Despite the obvious physical differences between he and his elfin peers, Buddy considers himself one of them, until his foster dad (Bob Newhart) reveals the truth. Then it's off to Manhattan, where Buddy hopes to reconnect with his real father (James Caan). Dry-witted Zooey Deschanel stars as Buddy's love interest, who works as an elf at a department store. There is plenty of visual comedy that will appeal to the little ones, as well grown-up jokes to keep everyone in the room chuckling.

To see the rest, read more

A Charlie Brown Christmas
This tried-and-true classic tells the tale of Charlie Brown struggling to find the true meaning of Christmas in an increasingly materialistic society. Although originally released in 1965, the theme of this movie is even more relevant today. The basic animation proves that, while Pixar is impressive, the cartoons of the '60s are just as enjoyable, and sweet in their simplicity. Plus, it's always comforting to hear that familiar tune by Vince Guaraldi, "Christmas Time Is Here," which made it onto my Christmas playlist.

Olive, The Other Reindeer
"The Simpsons" animator Matt Groening helped adapt this popular children's book into a funny and unique television special. Olive is a dog who mishears the lyric "All of the other reindeer..." and assumes that she, Olive, is a reindeer. When she learns that Blitzen has broken his leg, she sets off for the North Pole. Along the way she finds a sidekick in Martini the penguin, who sells stolen goods. Adults will appreciate the punny humor (the bartender's name is Round John Virgin) as well as the all-star voices, including Drew Barrymore as Olive and R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe. Meanwhile, children will enjoy the colorful animation and the heroic efforts of scrappy little Olive.

Source, Source, and Source

Play Our Brand New Holiday Movie Faceoff and Win a Prize!

BuzzSugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:30:14 -0800

There's no denying it now - the holiday season is officially upon us, which means it's time to dust off those decorations, blast those merry tunes, and cuddle up to watch festive movies. Everyone has a favorite, whether it's a classic like It's a Wonderful Life or the always-hilarious Elf. There are tons of great ones, and now we're pitting them head-to-head in our brand new faceoff game! Spend some time playing, and you'll be eligible to win an amazing prize package of holiday favorites! Just click here to get started!

The winner will receive the ultimate Holiday movie collection courtesy of Warner Home Video! It includes the upcoming new release Four Christmases as well as favorites How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Peanuts a Charlie Brown Christmas. That’s not all – your collection will be completed by three spectacular Holiday movies boxed sets – the Holiday Comedy Collection: DVD 3-Disc Box Set: Includes "Elf / National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation / Fred Claus", the Holiday Family Collection: DVD 3-Disc Box Set; Includes "A Christmas Story / Happy Feet / The Polar Express", and the TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Holiday: DVD; 2-Disc Set; With Sleeve; Includes "A Christmas Carol / Christmas In Connecticut / It Happened On 5th Avenue / The Shop Around The Corner."

Just be sure you're logged into your PopSugar Community account to be entered, so if you're not already a member, register now. To read all the official rules, click here. Now what are you waiting for - play now! The more you play, the more entries you have to win! Don't forget to tell your friends to join in on the fun.