Get the Gringo

Everybody has their demons, because nobody is perfect. That's why, aside from everything that happened and that he's been through, I'm glad Mel Gibson is back to making movies. Although he probably lost a great deal of fans, I'm still one of them. At least in his acting. I grew up watching the Lethal Weapon series and a ton of his other works. All great and very entertaining. 'Tis being the reason why I was excited to come across Get The Gringo. Check it out below.

Even though this won't be hitting theaters near you soon, since it's a straight to Video on Demand release on May 1st, 2012, I'm glad Mel's getting back into it. This looks like him back in the days doing Lethal Weapon, Ransom, and Payback. Wouldn't you agree?

We all make mistakes, let's hope Mel's back for good this time.

-El Russo

The Dude Group

Due on May 18th, 2012 is the What to Expect movie. Essentially a couple starts thinking about having a baby and a friend offers some advice. Check it out below.



How awesome is the idea of a "Dude Group"? Get a bunch of buddies together with their kids and have them help one another out in terms of parenting. Great idea, no? It is no secret that parenting is a scary adventure for anybody, so why not form a support group?

Aside from that, with the cast and dialogue in this trailer alone, I'm sure this will be a hit. Hilarity to ensue, no doubt. Wouldn't you agree?

-El Russo

Snow White & the Huntsman

I'll admit it, at first, I ignored post about this movie and didn't give it a shot. I read an article on it and just thought "Oh great! A Snow White remake -_-", but boy, was I wrong! Check out the trailer!



After seeing this trailer for Snow White and the Huntsman flick scheduled to release on June 1st, 2012,  I've made up my mind. I will be checking this movie out. This is one remake I actually won't mind! I can honestly say they have either a) done a great job at putting this trailer together or b) thoroughly put together a pretty awesome movie/remake.

I'm really hoping for the latter, because it would suck for this to be a disappointment. What do you all think of it? Looks neat, doesn't it? Will you be checking it out?

-El Russo

Dark Shadows

Who doesn't love the magic that happens when you mix Depp and Burton? I know I do. Now watch the trailer for their newest work together in the upcoming Dark Shadows, which should be hitting theaters on May 11th, 2012.



Originally a TV show back in the late 60s/early 70s, Burton and writer Seth Grahame-Smith have added their own twist to the movie. This causing a lot of people to cry and moan about how it isn't fitting to the original, but I, for one, think they need to get over it! This is what Burton does best. Make corky, funny, weird looking movies that tend to be enjoyable and fun.

So let's not get ahead of ourselves and give this one a chance. If you enjoy the Burton/Depp dynamic, I'm sure they won't disappoint. If you aren't a fan, well, you know not to see it.

-El Russo

Darksiders II

The date is fast approaching, and if you haven't heard about this one yet, get familiar quick! On June 26th, 2012 Darksiders II will be hitting shelves near you. The following is part 1 of a 2 part cinematic trailer meant to get the hype started.



Now, if you didn't play the first one, that's fine. There's still time; go out and get it! Along with the release of the new title, they will also be releasing a novel that will tell the story from the very beginning. Even predating the events in the first game, so that should be interesting as well; not to mention making it easy to catch up with everything that is happening in this series.

Who doesn't love games about death, war, destruction, and the apocalypse? This will definitely stay on my radar. What about yours?

-El Russo

The Last of Us

Wow. Just wow. I can't believe I hadn't come across this game before! My buddy Hansel and I were texting back and forth about games and their awesomeness, when he casually made mention to anticipating the release of The Last of Us. Since I had never heard of it, I quickly googled it and came across this beauty below.



Very I Am Legend meets Uncharted mixed with Dead Island. I will now be following this release very closely. Unfortunately from the looks of it, no set date yet, but sometime in late 2012/early 2013. No need to rush it though, I have faith Naughty Dog will get it right and release when it is ready. I. Can't. Wait.

-El Russo

The Hunger Games Review

First off, kudos to director Gary Ross and his writing team of Suzanne Collins and Billy Ray on the screenplay. While I don't consider myself a filmmaker, I did take a script writing class back in college and boy was it intense. After that class I grew an immense respect for, certain, script writers. Especially those who bravely take on the task of working on converting a 350+ page book into a script.

Now, The Hunger Games movie was actually pretty well done. Definitely enjoyable and awesome; followed the book to a fault. Although I can understand some people's negative comments/reactions to the film, I can't necessarily agree. When it comes to film renditions of books, I have learned that they hardly ever work out. The book fans are always upset by their personal imaginative worlds not being portrayed accurately on screen. Let's be serious people, nothing is perfect.

This being why, I for one, didn't go into this movie with exceptionally high expectations. However, I left feeling wonderfully pleased with the outcome. All of the scenes I wanted to see were kept and only a few, minor, sections were left out. Of course this being understandable since converting a first person POV into film is no small task.

Conveying emotion is never an easy thing for filmmakers to achieve either, but I think Ross did a decent job at getting them right where it mattered. Would I have cut certain trailers differently to give shots more emotion-evoking credit at the initial viewing? Definitely. Do I think the film lacked emotion or depth? Not at all.

All in all, I'd say that The Hunger Games is probably one of the best film adaptations I've seen come to fruition. If you want a more in-depth review, be my guest and google one, or check out ScreenRant's. Those guys always do a good job.

Would I recommend it for people who read, and didn't read, the book? Yes. Go and enjoy it, go on. Go.

-El Russo

Supercut: Hendricks Walks Out!

Shout out to the team over at Digg for this find.

First off, the fact that someone took time out of their day to make this is sad, but secondly, this song choice is hilarious! They couldn't have picked a better song for this reel.



Even though I'm EXTREMELY behind on Mad Men, I am looking forward to Season 5 and catching up to stay current. Aren't you? It is definitely one of the must watch shows of our time; even though it is based before it.

Frankly, I would have loved to be living during that time. Not only because of the show, but because I think it was a better time. I don't know, maybe I'm crazy, but that's what I think. Haven't you ever wondered about living in another time period?

-El Russo

Ruin

Wes Ball did a great job at writing this little delightful short. It works like a I Am Legend meets Battle: Los Angeles. Check it out.



Hope you enjoyed!

-El Russo

Bernie

Jack Black is strange, hilarious at times, but strange. In this upcoming flick he plays a small-town mortician who befriends a wealthy, cold-hearted, widow...until one day.



I mean everybody has their limits, that's no secret. Bernie clearly reached his, now the interesting part is that he apparently goes to great lengths to try and make it seem as though she's still alive after having shot her...where I'm sure the 'real' comedy should begin.

It should be hitting theaters on April 27th, 2012. Will you be watching?

-El Russo

Jeff, Who Lives At Home

Came across this weird looking movie poster in a magazine at work today, and decided to look up the trailer. Oddly enough, it looks good. Even though it doesn't look like Segel and Helm's usual comedy track, it is refreshing to see them trying something different.



What do you think? Yay or nay? I'll give it a shot, doesn't look like a total waste. Funny moments are sure to be included, but overall an interesting concept. It's only on limited release right now, so make sure to check for it before you head to the movies.

I'll make sure to report back my findings; you do the same!

-El Russo

This. Is. Awesome!

I came across this video yesterday and it was great! Amazing what video editing can do, check it out, Pixar's The Assumbled.




Great, isn't it? Beautifully put together if I say so myself.

Happy Monday All!

-El Russo

Detachment

I came across this interesting clip from the team over at Film School Rejects (awesome site for your all-around movie needs). Detachment is the new film from director Tony Kaye (American History X) that focuses on the angry American teenager. Check out the clip.



Intense, no? Looks interesting enough to check it out. Although it will open in select cities on March 16th, it is currently available via Movies On Demand from your local cable provider, iTunes, Amazon Watch Instantly, and other such streaming options.

Will you be checking it out?

-El Russo

Battleship

Am I the only person who doesn't get how this film is supposed to be anything like the game we used to play when younger? When I first heard of this movie, I thought it was going to be about some futuristic war, where the generals were literally blowing up each other's ships by using some kind of "new" technology platform that looked like the game. However, now, I see that it's different...



Vastly different. Definitely not what I thought it would be, but a summer blockbuster indeed! Can't say that I'm entirely sold on the movie yet, but it does look interesting and something that might be worth checking out. What do you all think?

Oh, and on a side-note, Rihanna's acting? Guess it was only a matter of time, but...opinions on that? I'd love to hear what you have to say.

Catch ya later!

-El Russo

The No. 7 Mongolian Egg Sandwich

Now who doesn't love a classic bodega bacon, egg, and cheese in the morning? I know this was the staple breakfast sandwich that got me through High School in Harlem and my beginning years of College downtown. There's no way one can make it better, right?

That's what I thought too, until I stumbled across Eater's first ever Bodega Week. Essentially, it's a five day series of posts highlighting and paying tribute to the magical corner stores that dot many a New York City streets. My favorite showcase being Tyler Kord's brilliant Mongolian Egg Sandwich which you may see below.


Bodega Week Inspirations at No. 7 Sub from Eater NY on Vimeo.

Great, isn't it? Looks like everything a breakfast sandwich should be. I would definitely enjoy many a mornings with that sandwich indeed. Wouldn't you? Well get on over to Tyler's new gem in Greenpoint No. 7 Sub!

-El Russo

Coffee Cup Power Inverter

Now who hasn't been on the road and in need of an outlet? I know that if you drive and own a phone, you've had this dilemma. Left car charger somewhere and battery on your phone is dying, or worse, dead. So the team over at ThinkGeek have listed this awesome gadget for such an occasion.

While it'll set you back $34.99, I honestly think it's money well spent. What about you? 

-El Russo

Weekend Bonus: MLB 2K12

Now for the franchise I actually play!



The problem I've always had with sports game is that there rarely is enough change from year to year to get it. This year, to me, looks like I might have to pass on MLB games. What do you think?

-El Russo

Weekend Bonus: MLB '12

Now, I must say, this is pretty clever marketing. Even though much of the actual game wasn't shown, it got my attention. What can I say, it was good. Good job, MLB '12.

What did you think of it?

-El Russo

Turtle Power!

Loved the Ninja Turtles. Loved their movies. Loved their shows. Growing up in NYC, they were awesome role models, because they kicked ass and ate pizza. Who in NYC can't relate to that? Now, I came across a very creative rendition of their intro and thought I'd share it with you all. Enjoy!



Awesome, isn't it?

-El Russo

'Safe'

Nothing more needs to be said. Just watch this trailer.



Jason Statham appears to be at it again. An all out action packed movie that we'll probably love and watch time and time again. No complains out of me; what do you think?

-El Russo

Who's Protecting The Neighborhood?

Neighborhood Watch that's who! Seriously, even though this trailer is just a teaser, who can say they aren't interested in this? I mean, check out the cast!



Now, I know it doesn't give up a lot, but this film will be hitting theaters on July 27th, 2012 and IF this trailer wasn't enough to get your interest, make sure to keep an eye for the full trailer release. Just to give you all a heads up; the Neighborhood Watch will be protecting everyone against aliens! That's right, this is going to get really interesting. Let's see where the writers went with that.

This one might go either way, but I'm hoping it isn't a disappointment.

-El Russo

How About Another?

Had enough of these trailers yet? I know I haven't! All of these just continue reigniting my deep desire to finally be able to see this movie. I can't even begin to explain how much I'm looking forward to this release later this year. Now, check out this trailer, which if you ask me, is better then all of the previous ones.



Now, this does rise two very weird feelings in me. 1) either they are releasing way TOO MUCH and we're not going to really see anything different in the movie, thus leading to disappointment, OR 2) they have so much AWESOMENESS that they can release all of these scenes and still have plenty to keep us at the edge of our seats this Summer.

I'm definitely hoping for the latter option in this case.

-El Russo

They're BACK!

Or at least they will be soon enough! That's right folks! The awesomeness that was Despicable Me is returning to us in Summer 2013 for a sequel that will encompass Gru, the girls, those lovable and hilarious minions, plus a few other new and sure to please characters! Even this simple trailer assures me that we won't be disappointed.



Now, although there is no official release date for Despicable Me 2 yet, at least we know it's in the works. Are you excited? I know I am!

-El Russo

Weekend Bonus 2: Frankenweenie

Leave it to Burton and Disney to remake a classic into a creepy looking stop-motion animation flick. For this one, Burton is teaming up, for a fourth time, with screenwriter John August (Corpse Bride), so I'm sure it'll be a hit. Check out the trailer.

Looks like Burton is back to his old tricks and I, for one, will be checking it out. These films are always interesting and funny in their own way, so I won't mind giving it a shot. What do you all think?

-El Russo

Weekend Bonus: New Clip & Trailer!

How excited are we all about The Hunger Games movie? I know I can't wait, and neither can my friends. What about you? Not sold yet? Well, check out the exclusive clip below.



I can't wait until March 23rd, when we'll finally get to see The Hunger Games come to life on the big screen. Now, if that clip didn't do it for you, how would you like to see more? Well, you're in luck, check out the newest trailer as well!




Notice the contrast between the Capital and District 12? The beauty of the woods? The poverty  Katniss told us about in the chapters of The Hunger Games? Well, I'm sold on this thing. I can't wait until the 23rd so I can finally get the full look at this highly captivating story!

Will you be watching?

-El Russo

THAT'S MY BOY

Even though Happy Madison Productions hasn't put out something of quality in some time, I think they might be onto something with That's My Boy. Check out the trailer below.



Here's hoping they left most of the funny parts out of this trailer and movie-goers can actually enjoy the movie on its release date, June 15th. What do you think? Interested? Giving it a shot? I'll give them the benefit of the doubt and go check it out in June. Let's hope Sandler and company don't disappoint.

-El Russo

Project X

Just. Watch. The. Trailer (NSFW)!


Now, to quickly fill you in, this faux documentary is produced by Todd Philips (The Hangover) and was co-written by Michael Bacall (who was a co-writer for Scott Pilgrim vs. the World). Basically, it's about a crazy party and teens going nuts. It's coming out this weekend, so I'm still on the fence about watching it in theaters or not, but it does look like it'll be a crazy flick to watch. What do you all think about it?

Another Hangover, probably not, but still might be worth a look.

-El Russo