Thursday, May 10, 2007
The Summer, Summer, Summertime 2007 Preview
ROLTSUMMER2007PREVIEWLMAO
As the Daily Show once said "Summer is full of dangers - sharks, sunburns and lemonade of an ungodly tart." In that case, it's best to stay inside, because like Sarah Freeburg says - 'Life is too precious to be enjoyed.'
That said, here's things to keep you busy during the only 3 hot months in Ohio or more hot months if you're reading this somewhere outside of Northeast Ohio.
Movies
1. Ocean's 13If I can admire George Clooney for one thing, it's that he's a honest actor. He openly admits he'll pay anyone back on the street if they say they saw "Batman and Robin" and he fesses up to "Ocean's 12" being really bad.
He says this one will be better and I have no reason to not believe him. Plus, the whole crew is back and Al Pacino is the villain. Really, I think this will be the funnest movie of the Summer.
2. Knocked Up
Call me biased because I like almost everything director Jud Apatow has a hand in ("Fun With Dick and Jane" excluded) and call me even more biased because I already saw this. But it will without a doubt be one of the funniest movies of the Summer. The refreshing thing is, although the movie maintains the same excessive amount of crude jokes and profanity (really it's almost too much, much like "40-Year-Old Virgin"). But unlike it's predecessors such as Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell films where the schtick has grown old - this is really grounded in its characters and, for the most part, reality. I anticipated it since first hearing about it, even with the complaints of it borderlining 2 hours long. It delivers and hopefully will make Seth Rogen a star.
3. "The Bourne Ultimatum"
2. Maroon 5 "It Won't Be Soon Before Long"
He says this one will be better and I have no reason to not believe him. Plus, the whole crew is back and Al Pacino is the villain. Really, I think this will be the funnest movie of the Summer.
2. Knocked Up
Call me biased because I like almost everything director Jud Apatow has a hand in ("Fun With Dick and Jane" excluded) and call me even more biased because I already saw this. But it will without a doubt be one of the funniest movies of the Summer. The refreshing thing is, although the movie maintains the same excessive amount of crude jokes and profanity (really it's almost too much, much like "40-Year-Old Virgin"). But unlike it's predecessors such as Vince Vaughn and Will Ferrell films where the schtick has grown old - this is really grounded in its characters and, for the most part, reality. I anticipated it since first hearing about it, even with the complaints of it borderlining 2 hours long. It delivers and hopefully will make Seth Rogen a star.
3. "The Bourne Ultimatum"
Much like Paul Rudd said in "The 40-Year Old Virgin" - "Y'know, I always thought that Matt Damon was like a Streisand, but he's rocking the shit in this one!"
I agree, the "Bourne" series was one I never expected to go beyond the first one. But the second one really surprised me and I'm sure this one will be no different.
Plus director Paul Greengrass is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors (For proof, watch "Bourne Supremacy" or "United 93"). Maybe because I love his shaky cameras and his knack for "you are there" realism.
4. "The Simpsons Movie"
I love beginning to late-90's "Simpsons." I honestly believe it's some of the funniest and clever material to ever air on television. Now, it's just a travesty - we get it, Homer is dumb, Bart is "cool" and the characters are more charicatures than anything else. So why do I still anticipate this? Because the old writers are back, something the latest seasons have lacked. And I'm an optomist. This will make or break those like myself, who still hold a shred of hope for the series.
5. "Transformers"
I agree, the "Bourne" series was one I never expected to go beyond the first one. But the second one really surprised me and I'm sure this one will be no different.
Plus director Paul Greengrass is quickly becoming one of my favorite directors (For proof, watch "Bourne Supremacy" or "United 93"). Maybe because I love his shaky cameras and his knack for "you are there" realism.
4. "The Simpsons Movie"
5. "Transformers"
This is the part where I'm sure I'll lose alot of people (assuming anyone reads this). I hate Michael Bay, really I do. "Pearl Harbor" was dreadful, "Armageddon" was watchable when I was 14, but not now. "Bad Boys 2" was an hour too long and "The Island" was his closest attempt at anything good.
But I can't help but want to see what I'm sure will be the next "Independence Day." You've got a decent cast - minus the Decepticons and Autobots - there's Shia LeBeouf, a very hot Megan Fox (fitting last name) and Jon Voight (then again, he starred in "Pearl Harbor"). Plus alot of stuff is going to blow up - LOTS of stuff. Maybe even Michael Bay will explode.
Plus Steven Spielberg is stamping his producer credit on there, something usually only good blockbusters get (see "Men In Black", but please don't see "Jurassic Park 3" or "Men In Black II").
But I can't help but want to see what I'm sure will be the next "Independence Day." You've got a decent cast - minus the Decepticons and Autobots - there's Shia LeBeouf, a very hot Megan Fox (fitting last name) and Jon Voight (then again, he starred in "Pearl Harbor"). Plus alot of stuff is going to blow up - LOTS of stuff. Maybe even Michael Bay will explode.
Plus Steven Spielberg is stamping his producer credit on there, something usually only good blockbusters get (see "Men In Black", but please don't see "Jurassic Park 3" or "Men In Black II").
The rest....
6. "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry" - I really like both Adam Sandler and Kevin James. The combo of them plus the writers of "Sideways", I can see this being a good conventional comedy.
7. Super Bad - Think of it as a continuation of the rest of the cast of "Knocked Up." Two kids are going to graduate and want to makeout with chicks. Sound like "American Pie"? A little. But still looks very funny.
8. Shrek 3 - The "Shrek" series has always been an enjoyable one. I figure this will be no different. Yet with this being green-lit the second "Shrek 2" went to number one and another one on the way, you've got to think whether or not Dreamworks is just striking while the iron is hot or actually have alot of good material.
9. Ratatouille - A Pixar movie, the director of "The Iron Giant" and "The Incredibles" is directing, and Patton Oswalt is voicing. Count me in. I liked "Cars" despite it not being quite as good as Pixar's other films, I have hope in this.
10. Eagle Vs. Shark - I would like to see this become the "Little Miss Sunshine" of the Summer. I know very little about this besides being an indie unconventional comedy. But it stars Jermaine Clement of the very funny folk-comedy duo Flight of the Conchords. And he's a very funny guy.
7. Super Bad - Think of it as a continuation of the rest of the cast of "Knocked Up." Two kids are going to graduate and want to makeout with chicks. Sound like "American Pie"? A little. But still looks very funny.
8. Shrek 3 - The "Shrek" series has always been an enjoyable one. I figure this will be no different. Yet with this being green-lit the second "Shrek 2" went to number one and another one on the way, you've got to think whether or not Dreamworks is just striking while the iron is hot or actually have alot of good material.
9. Ratatouille - A Pixar movie, the director of "The Iron Giant" and "The Incredibles" is directing, and Patton Oswalt is voicing. Count me in. I liked "Cars" despite it not being quite as good as Pixar's other films, I have hope in this.
10. Eagle Vs. Shark - I would like to see this become the "Little Miss Sunshine" of the Summer. I know very little about this besides being an indie unconventional comedy. But it stars Jermaine Clement of the very funny folk-comedy duo Flight of the Conchords. And he's a very funny guy.
The Maybe's....
Live Free or Die Hard - Do they have a good script? Only time will tell. But this lands on the maybe list because the director of the "Underworld" series is helming this. And both those movies sucked on ice. Hopefully this will not.
Pirates of the Carribbean 3 - Much like "Spider-Man 3", "Pirates 2" divided alot of its fanbase - myself included. In my opinion, it threw out names, places, legends and other nonsense out like candy at a Memorial Day parade. It was too long and didn't seem to have any direction. Wait, isn't this the same fanboy complaints for "Spider-Man 3"? Maybe I can see where they're coming from. Regardless, if Chow Yung-Fat, Keith Richards and Geoffrey Rush can save this from becoming another "Matrix" trilogy, I will be satisfied. '
Fantastic Four II - The first one was a waste. Jessica Alba could not be any more wooden, Mr. Fantastic couldn't be more boring and their combined chemistry was as believeable as a Britney Spears rumor. Add that with little action and a bad script - you have a bad superhero film. Will the Silver Surfer save this? It's possible. But still, the same guy is directing and the same cast is returning. Chris Evans and The Thing's backstory tried to carry the mess of a first film. That's not enough to merit a sequel.
Evan Almighty - I love Steve Carell and can only hope he can pull a rabbit out of the hat with this one. Otherwise, this looks to be more on the failure side of the Summer.
Pirates of the Carribbean 3 - Much like "Spider-Man 3", "Pirates 2" divided alot of its fanbase - myself included. In my opinion, it threw out names, places, legends and other nonsense out like candy at a Memorial Day parade. It was too long and didn't seem to have any direction. Wait, isn't this the same fanboy complaints for "Spider-Man 3"? Maybe I can see where they're coming from. Regardless, if Chow Yung-Fat, Keith Richards and Geoffrey Rush can save this from becoming another "Matrix" trilogy, I will be satisfied. '
Fantastic Four II - The first one was a waste. Jessica Alba could not be any more wooden, Mr. Fantastic couldn't be more boring and their combined chemistry was as believeable as a Britney Spears rumor. Add that with little action and a bad script - you have a bad superhero film. Will the Silver Surfer save this? It's possible. But still, the same guy is directing and the same cast is returning. Chris Evans and The Thing's backstory tried to carry the mess of a first film. That's not enough to merit a sequel.
Evan Almighty - I love Steve Carell and can only hope he can pull a rabbit out of the hat with this one. Otherwise, this looks to be more on the failure side of the Summer.
No, Just No...
Hostel II - Terrible. Eli Roth should know better.
1408 - Looks interesting, but John Cusack has already been in an eery hotel in 2004 in "Identity." And that got lost in its own twisted logic, I expect the same for this.
Georgia Rule / I Know Who Killed Me - This is biased because I generally don't like Lindsay Lohan as of late. But at least fanboys of her can finally get a sex scene with her. That's something, right?
Rush Hour 3 - I love Jackie Chan and can only hope for the best with his movie with Jet Li. But this is going to be terrible. It's been like 6 years since the last one and Brett Ratner has managed to destroy the "X-Men" franchise in between. The last one made a ton of money, I can only hope this will flop.
1408 - Looks interesting, but John Cusack has already been in an eery hotel in 2004 in "Identity." And that got lost in its own twisted logic, I expect the same for this.
Georgia Rule / I Know Who Killed Me - This is biased because I generally don't like Lindsay Lohan as of late. But at least fanboys of her can finally get a sex scene with her. That's something, right?
Rush Hour 3 - I love Jackie Chan and can only hope for the best with his movie with Jet Li. But this is going to be terrible. It's been like 6 years since the last one and Brett Ratner has managed to destroy the "X-Men" franchise in between. The last one made a ton of money, I can only hope this will flop.
Muzak....
1. Kenna "Make Sure They See My Face"
1. Kenna "Make Sure They See My Face"Unless one of the three limited edition Kenna fans out there, you probably have no idea who he is. Basically, if you cross Depeche Mode with a dark, funky Neptunes - you'd get Kenna. He's not some weird indie-bred, Cure-sounding guy that seems to be clogging the independent airwaves, but rather a breath of fresh air mixing pop, electronic music and very good writing. One can hope this will live up to its predecessor, "New Sacred Cow."
2. Maroon 5 "It Won't Be Soon Before Long"
An odd CD title and an even odder album cover, this intrigues me despite being sick "Songs About Jane" for 4 out of the 5 years of its release (it's true). The new single is just fine and I expect hopefully some oddness that was their debut album as Kara's Flowers. Hopefully less middle-of-the-road and more edge and this will go beyond just sounding like a more rock version of Jamiroquai.
3. Queens of the Stone Age "Era Vulgaris"
"Songs for the Deaf" was an excellent album, "Lullabies to Paralyze" had its moments. Two tracks already leaked show a band that will probably be all over the place on this album. Still no Nick Bassist or Dave Grohl, but one would assume this will be a dirty, hard album.
4. M.I.A. "Kala"
I don't remember that many lyrics from M.I.A.'s excellent first album "Arular," but that's probably because I couldn't make out half of what the electronic female rapper saying. But the beats were hot as hell in the dead of Summer. Fingers crossed that this will be the same.
5. "Planet of Ice" Minus the Bear
If you're a musician (or pretend to be one, like myself) then the sheer logistics of Minus the Bear's sound is incredible. Lacing keyboards with guitars seemlessly, along with some great beats and lyrics. "Menos El Oso" was a great album. This one looks to be more straight-forward. Will that be a good thing for a band that heas relied heavily on electronic noise, here's hoping.
The rest....
6. "Icky Thump" White Stripes - "Get Behind Me Satan" was a fun album. This sounds like they're finding their inner Zepplin. So who knows where it will go. Good album name though.
7. "Finding Forever" Common - For such a talented rapper, "Be" really wasn't the album everyone said it was. I love Kanye's production, but he threw himself so much over it, it ruined it for me. This has more promise - first it has Lily Allen and D'Angelo (!!??). It's still produced by West and if he subdues his ego we may have a classic.
8. "Zeitgist" Smashing Pumpkins - You know all those people that said how great Zwan was when they came out- I was one of them. I still like Zwan, which gives me a credibility rating of about 1. Still, this shouldn't be named Smashing Pumpkins because it doesn't have D'Arcy or James Iha. Lord only knows what it will sound like after Corgan watched his bad solo circle the Billboard drain. But if it's anything more than that then we might be able to see them stay around for at least another year.
9. Kelly Clarkson "My December" - Why you call an album "My December" when it's released in the middle of Summer is beyond me. Still, "Breakaway" was the guiltiest of guilty pleasures. Now she's going all crazy Alanis on us and I say that's a good thing. At least someone's angry.
10. There is no 10. Really. This is going to be a long Summer for music. When Puddle of Mudd, HIM, Velvet Revolver, Three Six Mafia and T-Pain are the big Summer releases, we're in trouble.
But if Summer has taught us anything, it's that the heat will get to people and they do crazy things like jump on couches, burn things and eat too much carnival food. I hope this will all provide for a nice Summer 2007 wrap-up.
Until then.....celebrate with this.....
7. "Finding Forever" Common - For such a talented rapper, "Be" really wasn't the album everyone said it was. I love Kanye's production, but he threw himself so much over it, it ruined it for me. This has more promise - first it has Lily Allen and D'Angelo (!!??). It's still produced by West and if he subdues his ego we may have a classic.
8. "Zeitgist" Smashing Pumpkins - You know all those people that said how great Zwan was when they came out- I was one of them. I still like Zwan, which gives me a credibility rating of about 1. Still, this shouldn't be named Smashing Pumpkins because it doesn't have D'Arcy or James Iha. Lord only knows what it will sound like after Corgan watched his bad solo circle the Billboard drain. But if it's anything more than that then we might be able to see them stay around for at least another year.
9. Kelly Clarkson "My December" - Why you call an album "My December" when it's released in the middle of Summer is beyond me. Still, "Breakaway" was the guiltiest of guilty pleasures. Now she's going all crazy Alanis on us and I say that's a good thing. At least someone's angry.
10. There is no 10. Really. This is going to be a long Summer for music. When Puddle of Mudd, HIM, Velvet Revolver, Three Six Mafia and T-Pain are the big Summer releases, we're in trouble.
But if Summer has taught us anything, it's that the heat will get to people and they do crazy things like jump on couches, burn things and eat too much carnival food. I hope this will all provide for a nice Summer 2007 wrap-up.
Until then.....celebrate with this.....
posted by Andrew Gaug # 5:18 PM 
Archives
5/21/06 - 5/28/06 6/4/06 - 6/11/06 6/11/06 - 6/18/06 6/25/06 - 7/2/06 7/30/06 - 8/6/06 4/8/07 - 4/15/07 4/15/07 - 4/22/07 4/22/07 - 4/29/07 5/6/07 - 5/13/07 4/6/08 - 4/13/08
