BuzzSugar

Max Payne: Awesome Style, Not Much Else

BuzzSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:30:09 -0700

In its own haunting way, Max Payne is beautiful to watch. I knew that director John Moore had utilized some new digital technology while filming, but I didn't quite expect the movie as a whole to be so visually mesmerizing. This world never strays from its grainy state, everything awash in a blue-gray sheen - except for striking spots of bright red, and sometimes twinkly orange sparks - and there is near-constant precipitation usually large snowflakes swirling through icy air.

In other aspects (you know, the actual story and stuff), there's not too much to chat about. The story is fairly simplistic and the visual symbolism of this sad, dark world is obvious (in his memories of his past life, the world is bright and lovely, his miserable present-day life is only cold darkness). This isn't a subtle film by any means. But while there's plenty of violence and gunfire, somehow it doesn't seem to be fetishizing it. There's a greater goal to be met, and violence is par for the course in reaching this goal. To see why else I kinda liked this movie, read more.

Max Payne (Mark Wahlberg) has been searching for his wife's murderers for three years, and one night he meets the sexy Natasha (Olga Kurylenko) who leads him into a sinister world of drugs which provides more clues toward solving the mystery. Max even starts sniffing around the company where his wife worked alongside a kindly older friend of Max's family, BB Hensley (Beau Bridges). Before long, Natasha winds up dead with certain details linking her death to Max's wife's, and Natasha's sister Mona (Mila Kunis) joins Max in his hunt for answers and revenge.

Mark Wahlberg is tasked with playing what he does quite well: a hot-headed, broody guy with not too many lines. Mila Kunis plays the badass chick convincingly, and Ludacris is more or less OK in his role as a tough guy detective with some sassy one-liners (though I'm wary of seeing him take on meatier roles). No real acting chops are required for this movie (the acting's not really central to the film's success), though Beau Bridges puts his all into it anyway, and comes out the best of the bunch. He's got that fatherly businessman-with-shady-secrets thing down pat. We see Marky Mark the most in the movie, but it was Bridges's performance that I kept thinking about.

I might've liked the ending more if they hadn't taken such pains to ensure there will be a sequel. I understand the urge to do that (studios love nothing more than an endless number of unnecessary sequels), but it seems like a lame move here. It also felt like the movie ended a few times before it finally ended. Still, the journey getting there is captivating from start to finish, and extremely cool to watch.

Photos courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Movie Preview: Max Payne

BuzzSugar — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:26:09 -0700

The trailer for the video game-turned-movie Max Payne looks dark and spooky, though the story doesn't seem particularly new. According to the plot description, Mark Wahlberg's character, Max Payne, is looking to avenge the deaths of his family members. Mila Kunis costars as an assassin who is also looking to avenge a loved one's death (her sister's). Lots of avenging going on.

Ludacris and Chris O'Donnell also star. Additionally, there is a giant bird.

The dark thriller hits theaters October 17. To check out the new trailer, read more.

Link Time! 5/22

BuzzSugar — Tue, 22 May 2007 15:57:48 -0700

Best Week Ever ponders what you can and cannot buy with the Silver Surfer quarter.
Alas, "Heroes" is over for this season, but YouAintNoPicasso has a "Heroes"-themed playlist to keep you heroically entertained over the summer.
The Rock says that if he does, in fact, have the role of Captain Marvel in the Shazam! movie, he's very excited about it, according to MTV's movie blog.
Give Me My Remote takes a peek at the script for tonight's "Veronica Mars" finale.
Cinematical hopes Richard Gere's next movie project in which he bonds with a dog does not have an "Old Yeller fate."
Televisionista has photos from the "Ugly Betty" cast's musical performance at last week's Upfronts.
Popwatch shows some love for Ludacris' cameo on "The Simpsons" where he "played" a tube of toothpaste, Ludacrest.
The Film Experience breaks out of the movie world to gush over "Brothers & Sisters," particularly Sally Field's performance in the show, and I couldn't agree more.
TV Squad has the info on how fans can help Jay Leno celebrate 15 years in late night.

Photo courtesy of 20th Century Fox

Al Gore Lines Up His Friends for Live Earth

BuzzSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:12 -0700

The Earth is getting warmer, but Al Gore just keeps getting cooler, and winning an Oscar certainly didn't hurt. Now, the former vice president is recruiting his cool new friends - including Ludacris, Alicia Keys, Dave Matthews, and The Police - for an earth-shaking concert that will span 24 hours and seven continents called Live Earth.

Yesterday, the organizers revealed a list of performers lined up for the U.S. show, which will be held on July 7 (that's 7-7-07) at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. Tickets go on sale next Monday, April 16, at 10 a.m. EDT. Over in London, a separate show will feature equally impressive names, including Madonna and the Beastie Boys. For a list of artists confirmed for the U.S. and U.K. shows, read more

Live Earth U.S. Lineup - Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.

AFI
Akon
Alicia Keys
Bon Jovi
Dave Matthews Band
Fall Out Boy
John Mayer
Kanye West
Kelly Clarkson
KT Tunstall
Ludacris
Melissa Etheridge
Rihanna
Roger Waters
Sheryl Crow
Smashing Pumpkins
The Police

Live Earth U.K. Lineup - Wembley Stadium, London

Beastie Boys
Black Eyed Peas
Bloc Party
Corinne Bailey Rae
Damien Rice
David Gray
Duran Duran
Foo Fighters
Genesis
James Blunt
John Legend
Keane
Madonna
Paolo Nutini
Razorlight
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Snow Patrol

Source

From Beats to Box Office: 8 Rappers Who Crossed Over to Movies

BuzzSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:30:13 -0700

Paul Haggis (Crash) just added a new actor to the cast of his latest project, The Next Three Days: RZA. That may sound like a surprising choice - what's the founder of Wu-Tang doing in a serious drama?! - but the big screen is nothing new to some of the world's biggest rappers. Think about it: Queen Latifah, Ludacris, and Mos Def have all successfully segued into the movie biz, and they're not the only ones. Check out my slideshow, and then tell me who you think did it best.

View Slideshow ›