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A Little Freeze Frame for Your Friday

We had a good streak going for the past several weeks with lots of people taking a shot at Freeze Frame glory... until it all came crashing down last Friday when the stills from Raising Arizona, The Rock and Adaptation clearly stumped so many of you that you threw in the towel without even trying.

Therefore, I tried to make the images for this weekend's game a little easier -- but I'm not just going to hand it to ya, folks!  What fun would there be in seeing your name in bold and creating a dazzling aluminum foil trophy for yourself if everyone could identify movie images in a matter of milliseconds?  None, I tell you.  There would be no fun in that at all.

So we shall soon see what brave men and women are up to the task this time around.  As always, enter your guesses into the comments link directly beneath this post, and we'll announce the winner in bold on Monday, AND give selfmade Common Thread Button o' Pride pins out (rather, we'll tell you to make them yourself because it's more meaningful when you put a little elbow grease into something) to anyone who mentions the link amongst the trio.  I think this one is reeeeeaaaallly easy, but then again, I said the same thing last week and only a handful of people got it.

Will you be one of the triumphant ones for this challenge?  I've got a good feeling that you will, so get ready to give it the ol' college try...

Movie #1

Movie #2

Movie #3

Good luck!  And be sure to check back on Monday for the winners (and the answers, of course).

The Twilight Saga: New Moon

Last summer I read the four Twilight novels back to back and immediately understood why millions of women around the world went gaga for Stephenie Meyer's fictional Forks, Washington-based universe.  While I don't consider myself a Twihard by any means, I'm also not too proud to admit that I did, in fact, enjoy the books.  And even though New Moon was my least favorite in the series, I still had high hopes for its adaptation. I mean, it just kinda had to be better than Twilight, right? 

If you were reading redblog a year ago then you know that while I had several issues with the first film, I did find some of its cheesiness a bit charming. (What you might not know is that I watched it in the theater again -- twice -- after I wrote that review and actually liked it more each time.)  Therefore, I figured that with a new director (Chris Weitz) and a bigger budget that would surely remedy the embarrassingly bad "special effects situation," there was no way the sequel wouldn't be a superior film.  Alas, fellow Twilight fans, I have bad news for you: I was very, very disappointed by New Moon.

For the most part, the adaptation follows the story arc of the novel. Vampire Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson) and mortal high schooler Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart) are happy together for like two seconds, but then a few members of Edward's family start lusting after Bella's blood when she gets a paper cut (at her own birthday party, no less), and so Edward's all, "Sorry, babe, but this isn't gonna work."  Bella sinks into a deep depression when the entire Cullen clan skips town, and the only person who is eventually able to cheer her up is her old buddy Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), who's put on approximately one gazillion pounds of muscle -- and continued to use Crest White Stripes without abandon on his already-blinding choppers -- since we last saw him.  It is then revealed that he simply cannot bear to have his shirt on.  It physically pains him to do so -- he gets a really wicked contact rash and no one on in La Push (where he and his fellow Quileute tribe members hang) can figure out how to help him.  OK, so I made that part up. Jacob's shirtlessness is never actually explicitly explained in the film, but one can infer that it has something to do with him being a werewolf. But forget about the werewolf part for a second because I just need to say that it is seriously Ridiculous (notice the capital r?) how much Jacob's running around half-nekkid in this movie.  Or running around half-nekkid in the pouring rain.  Or in slo-mo.  I just kept thinking, "This is like Baywatch... with guys" during all of his scenes (and some of Edward's -- he also goes shirtless a few times and has a classic/hilarious bad-boy-walking-in-slo-mo scene to boot). I suppose I should be happy that some dudes are getting objectified-to-the-max up on the big screen for a change, but instead I just felt embarrassed for them.

Back to the plot... Just as Bella's life finally regains some normalcy and her friendship with Jacob starts turning into something more (no one can resist all that shirtlessness), the Cullens pop up again. Specifically, Edward's sister Alice (Ashley Greene) decides to drop by, and around that same time the girls learn that Edward thinks Bella is dead (long story). Because she can see glimpses of the future, Alice knows that Edward plans to take a page from Romeo and Juliet and -- since vampires can't off themselves -- will attempt to join Bella in death by putting on a fab-u light show over in Italy.  Meaning, he's going to stand in the sun and reveal his sparkling vampire skin to humans, thus ensuring he'll be killed by the royal vampire clan, the Volturi, 'cause showing your bling-bling face in public is against their rules.  Why would Edward be so distraught over Bella's death?  Wasn't he the one who left her?  Yes, of course, but he was just trying to protect her -- he really does love her -- but vampires shouldn't be with humans -- daaahhhh!!!!!   Don't you see how complicated their relationship is?!?!  Why else do you think they're always fumbling over their words and gasping and sighing and breathing heavy?!?  Because it's hard to be a human and vampire in love, people!

Coincidence? I Think Not.

A teeny film called New Moon opens tomorrow and stars a homely, unpopular, random dude named Robert Pattinson.  Why Summit Entertainment, the same studio behind the Twilight adaptations, would choose today to release the trailer for Pattinson's 2010 romantic drama Remember Me is just beyond comprehension.  Certainly there are no women out there who experience Pavlovian drool responses to his voice, his image or that crazy hair.  Why would anyone think this trailer would get any attention right now?

</End sarcasm.>

Hmm, I'm not feelin' it. First off, I can't even really tell what this is about. So then I read its plot description (which I'll put below in Invisotext because some might consider it spoilery) and subsequently felt like the trailer was trying to make the film out to be something it's not. However, there are lots of clips of RPattz looking pretty (even when he's all banged up, he's pretty... it's amazing!), so I guess that's all that matters in the end. And while I like Lost's Emilie de Ravin and LOVE Chris Cooper, what's scaring me off from this one is the fact that it was written by Jenny Lumet, who also penned one of my most-hated films of 2008, Rachel Getting Married.

Since I'm not a crazy Pattinson stalker (you know who you are), as of right now I'm putting Remember Me on the I Hope A Better Trailer Comes Out Or I'm Definitely Not Seeing This in the Theater list.  Does anyone out there feel differently? 

Oh, and if you want the possibly spoilery plot summary, click and roll to reveal the Invisotext: "Tyler (Pattinson) and Ally (de Ravin), find their relationship tested after Ally witnesses her mother's murder and Tyler reels from the suicide of his brother, which leads to his parents' (Pierce Brosnan, Lena Olin) divorce." From the trailer, I thought this would be a "boy from the wrong side of the tracks falls in love with a girl whose dad thinks he's garbage" type of story. I guess that might still be applicable, but I was really surprised to read about the murder and suicide subplots -- weren't you?

redblog Readers Who Rock: Donna

Yes, dear redblog readers, today we are talking with THAT Donna. The Donna who, along with Millar74, has dominated our Threes challenges for as long as we can remember. The Donna who won a free DVD rental per week for a year in redbox's Facebook Photo contest. The Donna who handily snagged herself a swag bag during our September Month o' Contests With Actual Prizes. 

So sit back, relax, and prepare to meet the movie trivia whiz that is...

Name: Donna G.

Posts as (username): Donna

Age: 41

Location: Oak Creek, WI

Occupation: Teacher

When did you start using redbox, how did you find out about us, and how close is the redbox you usually go to?

I started using redbox about a year ago, when there were free codes every Monday. I had heard about redbox online and when one appeared in my local grocery store, I was hooked. My nearest redbox is about a mile from home.

Are there certain types of movies that you prefer to see in the theater… and along those same lines, are there certain types of movies that you prefer to watch at home?

I’m cheap and watch most of my movies at home on DVD (from redbox, of course). But there are some movies that need to be seen on the big screen (big, epic, action movies for instance) and then I’ll go to the theater. Although I do like to see scary movies at home where I can watch it in bed and pull the covers up over my eyes.

Do you prefer a packed theater or a nearly empty one, or does that depend on the movie? 

It depends on the movie. I finally went to see Paranormal Activity the other day and there were only like 5 other people in the whole theater and I was there alone. I didn’t find it scary in the least, but it might have been different with a packed theater. Action movies need a full theater. Sad or dramatic movies are better in an empty theater where I can cry in privacy. 

A Familiar Formula

If you've ever seen a Pedro Almodóvar film, you're aware that the acclaimed Spanish filmmaker knows a little something about complex narratives, gorgeous colors, bizarre family dramas and... Penélope Cruz.  In his latest film, Broken Embraces (his fourth with Cruz) he doesn't appear to be straying too far from what's earned him an international fan base. 

Can I figure out what in the hell is going on in this trailer?  No.  But that doesn't mean I didn't dig it! 

If, like me, you've fallen in love with Almodóvar's unique style through films like Volver or Talk to Her, then you'll probably want to catch this one as well.  Unfortunately it's opening in very limited release this weekend (NYC only), but then will be expanding into select cities over the course of December and January.  (The full release schedule can be found here.)  By that time, Cruz will be on the big screen again in the musical Nine, which I have pretty high hopes for.  But will we ever learn whether she and Javier Bardem are engaged?  Probably not until they've already been secretly married for four years.  She's very adept at keeping secrets.  Must've taken notes from some of her characters...

Surprise, Surprise -- Edward Cullen is NOT The Sexiest Man Alive.

Johnny Depp is.  (Edward couldn't win anyway, he's not ALIVE, nor is he technically a man.  You Twihards can stop sending your hate mail to the magazine now.)

But what about Edward's alter-ego, RPattz?  Well, after rumors reached a fever-pitch this week that Robert Pattinson was going to be given People magazine's highest honor (there were fake covers circulating and everything...), Twilight fans were devastated to learn that another ageless vampire -- er, I mean, the always-youthful Captain Jack Sparrow nabbed the coveted title -- for the second time.  Pattinson did, of course, still make the list of the "hottest guys on the planet" and his face was still on the cover -- People isn't that stupid -- they are in the business of selling magazines, after all.

What do you think of People avoiding the obvious choice and NOT picking the rising star who everyone thought was a shoo-in?

Outta Nowhere Comes Jeff Bridges, Hungry for That Oscar

I saw the poster for Crazy Heart a few days ago and thought, "What in the heck is this?" The title reminded me of Untamed Heart -- you know, the one where Christian Slater claims to have baboon parts? -- and so my initial reaction was one of skepticism. The cheesy tagline, "The harder the life, the sweeter the song," didn't help matters, either.

However, I can't ignore all of the Oscar buzz that's been building this week for both Jeff Bridges and the film overall, which many critics are deeming "a country-music version of The Wrestler."  I've also learned that the less than stellar title is due to the fact that this film is based on a novel of the same name by Thomas Cobb, and Fox Searchlight apparently felt that they should just stick with it. 

Crazy Heart tells the story of Bad Blake, a down-and-out Willie Nelson-like character who is trying to get his life back on track.  And even though you know that I have absolutely zero issues with attempting to judge a movie's potential based on its trailer, I don't feel quite as comfortable with making Oscar predictions based on two minutes of clips.  So while I'll refrain from weighing in on Bridges' odds (he is a four-time nominee, though, so he might have the "Aww, just give it to him, already!" factor going for him), I still have to give my two cents on the preview.  You better watch it first, though:

Yep, it does look extremely Wrestler-ish.  Even the song playing throughout -- "The Weary Kind" by T-Bone Burnett -- seems like a twin of the track The Boss wrote for Mickey Rourke's comeback vehicle last year.  And while I admit that Crazy Heart certainly has all the makings of a critical darling, can I just say that I'm so, so, so sick of seeing older, screwed-up men somehow managing to woo young, pretty little things (Maggie Gyllenhaal, in this case -- who's 27 years younger than Bridges, in case you were wondering) on the big screen? (I know it's based on a fictional book, but still.)   How can this chick fall for him when it's nearly impossible to understand what he's saying? And when is the last time he's showered?

On a completely separate note, did you catch Colin Farrell in there?  He was shown twice, but each time was just a split-second... and he wasn't listed at the end, either. Strange. Anyway, regardless of some of my nitpicks, I know I'll try to see this one when it opens in limited release on December 11 (in order to be considered by the Academy).  Will The Dude get another shot at the gold?  That, my friends, will remain a mystery until February 2, when the list of nominees is announced. 

A Not-Twilight Option for This Weekend

I'm pretty sure that even shamans living deep in the Amazon are well aware that New Moon hits theaters on Friday.  It simply wasn't possible to avoid all of the marketing and hype surrounding the Twilight sequel, especially with coverage kicking into high gear last night because of its red-carpet premiere in L.A.

What everyone might not know, however, is that there are actually two other films opening this weekend as well.  One is The "based on a true story, sure to make you shed a tear" Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock, which Locke will be reviewing for us.  As for the other... well, it should come as no surprise that if there's one group who thinks they can take on both vampires and werewolves, it the aliens.  Enter Planet 51, which I think looks fairly cute.  Not as cute as RPattz, mind you, but you get what I'm saying.

Ah, so we are the aliens.  Hardee-har-har!  And what'd you think about the not-so-subtle use of The Killers' "Spaceman"?  Oooh, they're just so clever!

But seriously, I do think this one seems like it should be a great option for families, though I am kind of creeped out by the look of the aliens -- their shade of green and those antennae seem to be blatant rip-offs of Shrek, and their no-nose faces are a little unnerving.  Hopefully those are things that are easy to get used to after a few minutes.  Also, didn't you think that the robot who "peed" at the end seemed to be very Wall-E-ish?  And I would've never guessed that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson was the voice of the deserted astronaut.  It might have helped if they made the character look like him a little more -- but then again, you know how I feel about celebrity voicework overall, so it really doesn't matter if the voice fit the animated face.

While Planet 51 is clearly not going to win this weekend's box-office race, I do believe it will enjoy a steady and successful run until Disney's The Princess and the Frog hits on December 11. I also think it has the potential to drain even more of your cash reserves once you've left the theater -- you know the kiddies are going to want all of the action figures available at Burger King, the video game, and Lord knows what other stuff the merchandising elves have dreamed up.  Good thing the holidays are right around the corner, huh?  (Surely that's not why they chose to release this film right before Thanksgiving...)

Mad World

Behold the power of social networking: The Mad Hatter is on Facebook... and set up a Twitter account to boot. That's right, he joined Facebook at the end of July and already has over 67,000 "fans."  He's also been busy doling out little teases for Alice in Wonderland.  So far, he's given his followers -- or rather, his "disloyal subjects" -- a sneak peek at the invite-only traveling exhibit for the film, and three new posters to admire:

Stunning, as expected.  See how they work together over the jump...

Hair, There, and Everywhere: The Freeze Frame Answers and Winners

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with Nic Cage's hair. I've devoted posts to it. I am always wondering what he's going to do next with the stringy strands that are left. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that I actually look forward to seeing how he'll keep topping his previous styles. It's better than opening presents on Christmas morn, I tell ya.  Nothing compares to the giddy anticipation I experience awaiting a peek at a new Cage 'do.

So of course I was going to build this weekend's Freeze Frame challenge around him, to celebrate yet another impressive follicular feat he's pulled off in Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans, opening in limited release this weekend.  He was the Common Thread... so what were the titles of these three Cage movies from Friday's post?  Raising Arizona, The Rock and Adaptation.  I was absolutely shocked that only two people got all three, but not surprised in the slightest that the two who pulled it off were Donna and Millar74.  I also need to give a shout-out to Fred, who wrote in with a correct guess for Movie #2. 

What's been bringing me down with a case of The Sads lately is that Nic isn't doing so well with the ol' bank account. Basically, he's been spending like there's no tomorrow and it's all caught up with him. "The most haunted house in America," which he owned, was foreclosed upon in New Orleans last week.  Two of his other homes face foreclosure as well.  He's suing his ex-business manager, selling off some of his more extravagant purchases, and trying to figure out how he can pay off the $6 million in back-taxes that he owes the IRS.  Supposedly his bud Johnny Depp has offered to help.  Maybe Leo DiCaprio will pitch in and buy that infamous dinosaur skull they had a bidding war over? Anyone out there interested in Cage's shrunken head collection?  (Yes, you read that correctly.)

Well, the good news is that his performance in Bad Lieutenant is being deemed his best work in years by some critics, and he's got Kick-Ass and The Sorcerer's Apprentice hitting theaters in 2010, both of which have the potential to be big-time revenue generators.  (Or not... but I'm trying to stay positive for the guy!) 

I'll leave you with the trailer for Bad Lieutenant, which I found pretty intriguing...

What did you think?  I was digging it.  Unlike this trailer for Season of the Witch (in which Nic is also starring early next year -- at least no one can accuse him of not working to pay off those bills!).  Take heed, however: though it's less than 30 seconds long, I found it SO disturbing that I'm sure I'm going to have trouble falling asleep tonight now that I've seen it.  I honestly think I'm still in shock.  You've been warned, people.  (But if you can get past the mutilated human-thingy, Cage's hair is AWESOME in it. I dare say it's another completely new look, hooray!)