Little Fockers Set Report!!!
There are some days when you walk around a pretty garden. There are other days, when you walk around a pretty garden and stumble upon a movie set.
This was my luck on December 30th. Imagine my surprise to find the sign below on a large lawn, accompanied with a few visually striking, yellow tents. For the past two months, Little Fockers, sequel to Meet the Parents and Meet the Fockers, has been filming a very large scene at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens.
The set was designed to appear very whimsical. Due to rain, many of the structures were covered with blue tarps, so they were partially obscured. Over the large, sprawling lawn were three yellow and white striped tents. Around these tents were large bamboo structures, decorated with colorful flags printed with images of Buddha. The theme seemed to be oriental/exotic. But, the most interesting features were the large, topiary elephants with golden eyes. They loomed above at around 8 feet high, and stood guarding what appeared to be the entrance. Past the set, cranes were set up for cameras and lights. Also, large white tents for the cast and crew were set up with lights.
Luckily, a few people connected to the film were able to share, so I was able to gather a bit of information about the film. Warning, some spoilers lie ahead. We were informed that much had been taken down, including a bounce house, ball pit, a spit to roast a pig, and a large stage.
Of the plot, we were told the following:
- No Dustin Hoffman. Sad, but true.
- The tents are for a carnival-theme birthday party is thrown by Kevin Rawley (Owen Wilson) for the twin children of Greg and Pam Focker (Ben Stiller and Teri Polo). This is due to Kevin’s desire to “out-do” Greg.
- The party has hundreds of extras, including flame throwers.
- Rawley (Owen Wilson) performs on the stage for the kids, partaking in acrobatics. In the process, he hurts himself.
- Jack Byrnes (Robert De Niro) and Greg Focker (Ben Stiller) end up in a huge fight, beginning in the ball pit, and ending with Greg hitting Jack repeatedly with the head of the roasted pig.
Overall, a grand set up for a hopefully comedic scene. It has all the possibilities of humor. Yet, it does seem that it is trying possibly too hard. Nothing ruins comedy more than striving.
Lastly, as we walked through the set, we were given a sneak peak under one of the tarps. In the entrance way, between the two large, topiary elephants, were two giant plastic heads of the twins. Both were around six to seven feet long, and absolutely terrifying. For the life of me, I have no idea why children would like such a thing. I, personally, would have run away in terror. But, they do leave the impression of extravagance, which is supposedly the goal of the party. So, in that, they are successful.
Big Bang Theory: SPOILER ALERT!
I am sharing this because it is one of the most fantastic things I have ever seen. So, be warned, this is a bit of a spoiler alert. We have been told that Christine Baranski was returning as Leonard’s mother. What that entails, was unknown until this article surfaced. So, look and enjoy!
Spielberg’s Next Project Info: News on Tintin
Spielberg hasn’t had a big film since Indiana Jones 4, because he has been working overtime on Tintin: Secret of the Unicorn. Using new performance-capturing technology, it promises to be a unique experience. Variety released this article on the film, which is heading into post-production. I will see just about anything created by the teamwork of Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson. (producer). 
Review – New Moon
Shirtless men, screaming girls… This is how New Moon has presented itself to the world. Yet, Chris Weitz took some teen sensation, and made a surprisingly good movie.
I’ve read many reviews. It seems that most people who say they are reviewing the movie are in fact reviewing the book. They say how disappointing Bella is as a heroine, how obsessive she is, and how it is a bad message for girls to show her inability to deal without a boyfriend. I could refute these things, but in the end, it doesn’t matter. This is not a reflection of the movie, but of Stephanie Meyers. So, lets leave these issues at the door and look at the film, not the plot.
The acting was greatly improved. Less awkward pauses, less uncomfortable expressions. Rob Pattinson is extremely expressive, and very much improved from the first movie. Kristen Stewart looked beautiful, and completely captured the character. She understood what Bella goes through in the book. She doesn’t make it anything less than what it is: depression. She is an extremely talented actress, and hits the mark again with this film. Taylor Lautner captures the warmth and humor that is Jacob Black. He keeps the movie light and moving. Sadly, the cheesiest lines were written for him, so the audience laughs more than they should in his scenes.
The rest of the cast was stellar, from Billy Burke (Charlie Swann) to Anna Kendrick (Jessica Stanley). They brought the humor and character that keeps this movie from sinking to the depths of despair. My biggest issue rested in (I cringe to say it) Michael Sheen. He was a little… odd… He is such an extremely talented actor. Yet, he went a little weird in this part. It wasn’t bad, just, off-putting.
Chris Weitz had some breath-taking sequences. He was extremely connected to the music of this film, letting the music and the visuals flow seamlessly and organically. One of the best moments was the scene where the wolves chase Victoria. It was visually stunning, well shot, and just captivating. Also, as Bella was floating in the ocean and sees Edward, Christ Weitz took advantage of the moment, and created something beautiful. It did help that Grizzly Bear was playing in the background.
The effects, though not amazing, were better than before. The make-up, as well, was much superior to the former film. This film, as a whole, was better than before. Though critics will never rave over a Twilight film, Chris Weitz was successful. He created a movie that was both true to the book and unique. He pleased the fans, and gave them something pretty to look at as well. Now, being a fan of the books, I am biased. But, I give this film 4 out of 5 wolves.
New Moon L.A. Premiere
Alright, I know how extremely late I am; but this is life in college. So, here is my belated report from the New Moon L.A. Premiere.
Basically, INSANITY. We arrived around 3 pm, and stood on a corner across from the two theaters the film was being premiered in. Girls and families had been there since six that morning. Everyone was pushing to find a good spot. The press was everywhere, people with microphones and cameras were spotted through the crowds. We were interviewed by MTV News, though I am sure we were a disappointment due to our lack of screaming.
The red carpet was double sided, so the stars would walk up one side and down the other. there was a small stage for each one to get interviewed on before taking the trek, so they could interface with all of the fans. The D.J. was from KissFM, and was extremely annoying. He asked the same question of every actor and actress, “What do you have to say to the fans who camped here for five days, with little food, little water, and no showers?” The responses were actually rather funny.
Kellan Lutz – “I brought gummy bears!”
One of the wolf pack (I can’t remember) – “I will hug you anyway!”
Robert Pattinson – ”You’re all INSANE!” (girls cheer excitedly)
The other best quote of the night came from Mike Welch, who plays Mike Newton. He was the first arrival of the night, and brought quite a lot of excitement.
“Well, I get quite a character arch in this film. In the first movie, I’m all ‘Bella, wanna go to prom?’ and in the second I’m all ‘Bella, wanna go to a movie?”
Most of the characters arrived within the first hour and a half. Everyone around was counting down characters, the only people who needed to arrive was the main trio: Rob Pattinson, Kirsten Stewart, and Taylor Lautner. There was about a 45 minute wait for those three to arrive. You could hear them coming, because the girls on the street the cars would drive up started screaming their lungs out. We couldn’t see too much, but all of a sudden, Rob Pattinson jumps from behind the cars, and runs, with his entourage, to the crowds to sign autographs. It went insane. At one point, as he was moving down the line of fans, I got a peak at his security people. They were putting all their weight and effort into holding the barriers so he wouldn’t get trampled.
Kristen spent a little bit of time with the fans. Her dress was breathtaking, even from afar. Taylor didn’t come meet the fans, but went through much of the press line. From where we were, we could see very clearly when the actors would enter the theater. It was really very sweet, because there was a young handicapped woman. Every single one of them stopped, spoke to her, and gave her a big hug.
It was a hectic, crazy cultural experience. I really recommend everyone come see a premiere sometime. It is definitely worth your time.
Date Night – TRAILER!!!
Another trailer! Date Night, starring Steve Carrell and Tina Fey, two amazing reasons to see this movie. It depicts the Fosters (Carrell and Fey), who are bored with their average lives. One date night turns chaotic adventure, crafted by director Shawn Levy. Now, most people really dislike Shawn Levy, but he does have promise, and has put out a few enjoyable movies, such as Big Fat Liar. This film, as the trailer shows, also includes Mila Kunis, James Franco, and Mark Wahlberg. I am labeling this one as hopeful!
Kick Ass – TRAILER!!!!
Duly named, here is one of the more talked about movie trailers which was premiered at Comic Con. FINALLY a viewable copy has been released.
When this gets removed, which it will, click the Vopod on the side bar to watch.
The Official Synopsis———————————————————————-
A twisted, funny, high-octane adventure, director Matthew Vaughn brings KICK-ASS to the big screen.
KICK-ASS tells the story of average teenager Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson
), a comic-book fanboy who decides to take his obsession as inspiration to become a real-life superhero. As any good superhero would, he chooses a new name — Kick-Ass — assembles a suit and mask to wear, and gets to work fighting crime. There’s only one problem standing in his way: Kick-Ass has absolutely no superpowers.
His life is forever changed as he inspires a subculture of copy cats, is hunted by assorted violent and unpleasant characters, and meets up with a pair of crazed vigilantes, including an 11-year-old sword-wielding dynamo, Hit Girl (Chloë Moretz) and her father, Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage).
