The Change-up

The Change-up

This movie was first brought to my attention as a commercial of an upcoming move. Now, I know this movie has been out for a little bit of time, but it still grabs my attention purely from its main two actors Ryan Renolds and Jason Bateman. Even with these two famous actors starring in this film it was not as publicized as most movies are. I feel that this movie being downplayed is part of what makes it so great. In fact, many of my favorite films were not covered widely in the media and that is what I find so great about them. Almost like finding an unbroken sea shell on the beach, not many of them out there...yet you, yourself, have found one. Always keep an open mind and watch for those rare films. You never know you may find your sea shell.

Trailer:

Summary:
The Change-Up was filmed in 2o11 by director David Dubkin. This comedy stares two men Dave Lockwood (Jason Bateman) and Mitch Planko (Ryan Reynolds) who are close friends, though they lead two completely different lives. While hanging out one evening they both opened up to each other and decided they wanted one anothers jobs. While Dave is a wealthy respectable worker with a beautiful wife and three young kids, and Mitch is a free bird rising actor who has plenty of sexual encounters with random women...both are seemingly unhappy. One evening Mitch and Dave get drunk and decide to urinate into a fountain, not knowing that that fountain would change their lives forever!

The next morning Dave and Mitch wake up to find that they have switched lives. Once they relize what has happened the two men rush back to the fountain, where they had made the wish the night before, only to see the fountain has been removed and relocated. As an effort to save Daves marriage and attempt to make partner at his law firm and to ensure that Mitch gets his big moment on screen in his lightporno movie industry, the two men decide to act as one another until they can figure out how to get back into their own bodies. As the movie plays on the two men get more comfortable in their newly found lives and start to question whether or not they want to go back to their old lives. Do they ever go back?

Stereotypes:

Oh lanta! There are tons and tons of stereotpyes in this movie! Not only for women, but for men as well. It shows a married man being tied down, having no sex life, working none stop, just going through the day to day motions. Then it turns to the single bachelor life, different woman everynight, not responsibilities, no cares, and gets to sleep in all day long. The women in this movie are not really the main point, but some are shown as weak house wives, and others are shown as strong independant hard workers. Though there are the occasional slutty pregnant girls.. The stereotpes in this movie are all over the board out of wack.

Background Information:

Directed by: David Dobkin

Music By: John Debney

Starring: Ryan Rendolds ( Green Lantern, The Proposal, and X-men Origin)

                Jason Bateman ( Arrested Development, Identity Thief, and The Switch)

                Olivia Wilde ( House, Tron: Legacy, and Cowboys and Aliens)

                Leslie Mann ( George of The Jungle, This is 40, and Knocked Up) 

                Mircea Monroe ( Magic Mike, Into The Blue 2: The Reef, and Episodes)

                Alan Arkin ( Argo, stand Up Guys, and Little Miss Sunshine)

                Gregory Itzin ( The Mentalist, Covert Affairs, and Law Abiding Citizen)

                TJ Hassan ( My Future Boyfriend, and Who Do You Love?)

Similarities/ Strengths and weaknesses:

In my opinion this movie had a lot other aspects than just comedy. The director did a nice job of tying in family values and self revelation. There was not an overkill of emotions like I tend to see in many other comedies. Though there were few moments of actual laughter, I did still enjoy this movie. Also in many comedies I do find that sex and or bodily fluids are a common theme, which you will find plenty of both in this film. Even though this movie had many common themes as other comedies, I found that as the plot thickened and the family and self revelation came into fall, the director still found ways to keep the film light hearted and funny. This, in my opinion, is what sets this film apart from every other comedy.

If you have children under the ages of 15, I would recommend that you not watch this film. This is more of an adult movie night, not a family movie night kind of film. There are a lot of offensive language and sexual behavior, nudity..etc.

Targeted Audiences:

This is definitely a movie for older viewers only. 18+ older audiences is what I would advise. There is a lot of nudity, and profanity. This could be considered a date night movie for mature audiences only, once again. Just make sure your date is okay with this kind of comedy.

Critics:

Critics give The Change-up a mediocre review, saying that this film does not match up to the comedy of majorly produced films.

Public viewers say that they are pleasantly surprised with this film, and give it raving reviews.

I give this movie a great review, definitely something that I would watch again, though probably not something I will think about off of the top of my head next time movie night comes along.

Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Change-Up

http://www.universalstudiosentertainment.com/change-up-the/

http://www.metacritic.com/movie/the-change-up

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_change_up/

Fifth Estate

The Fifth Estate

Summary:

As based on a true story “The Fifth Estate” gives off a kind of “BLEHHH” reaction to the viewers. “The Fifth Estate” is based on the vibrant story of Wikileaks, founder Julian Assange. Though this movie gave absolutely no justice to the actual story it intended to, it did leave an eye open to the more than capable new stars.

Its most obvious predecessor, “The Social Network,” gave this film the image that it indeed has no story of life and the weaknesses are obvious.

Now the story takes off with Wikileaks founder Julian Assange (Benedict Cumberbatch) and his newly found colleague Daniel Domscheit-Berg (Daniel Bruhl) team up to take down the underground secrets of the government. On the flip of a dime this duo creates a platform that allows “whistle-blowers” to anonymously leak top secret information. This starts bringing light to the dark side of the governments dirty secrets and corporate crimes. Soon this team makes breaking news and creates a scandal that is bigger than any media break in history! Sounds cool, but they really downplay this event in the movie. In the end the duo go head to head with the new information they have, millions of lives could be in danger if they released this information. What are they going to do??? SPOILER ALERT!! Don't watch the movie, they delete the whole website..

Personal Opinion:

This movie was very slow to get started. I felt lost within the first ten minutes. I almost seems as if you would need to have full researched knowledge about the Wikileaks event before going into this movie, which my friend and I knew hardly nothing of the event. I now know how sad that truly is, but I almost walked out of the movie theatre three times... for some reason this movie, though lacking the thrilling factor, still kept me in my seat and waiting to see if the climax would build at all. Sadly it did not, if fact the best part of the movie was at the very end when we had little subtitles to read informing us what had happened in real life. This came me SOOOOO much more clarity!

Starring:

*Benedict Cumberbatch (Frankenstein, Hawking, and Star Trek Into Darkness)

*Daniel Bruhl (Ladies in Lavender, Salvador, and The Bourne Ultimatum)

*Anthony Mackie ( 8 Mile, Brother to Brother, and The Hurt Locker)

*David Thewlis (Harry Potter Film Series, James and the Giant Peach, The Omen, and Warhorse)

*Alicia Vikander (Seventh Son)

*Stanley Tucci (Lovely Bones, Devil Wears Prada, and Kiss of Death)

*Laura Linney( The Big C, Frasier, and Mystic River)

Extras:

Director: Bill Condon

Producer: Steve Golins

Screenplay: Josh Singer

Distributed By: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Ratings:

Overall the satisfactory ratings have been 48%.

Opening date: October 18, 2013

Rated: R

Sources:


http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_fifth_estate/


http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/18/movies/the-fifth-estate-with-benedict-cumberbatch-as-julian-assange.html?_r=0


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Fifth_Estate_(film)

The Blacklist

Describe- The Blacklist is a new drama series premiering on NBC network, it plays Monday night at 10/9c. This thrilling new drama stars James Spader, (Whom gained his fame from the oh so popular Pretty in Pink and Endless Love), Harry Lennix, (who can be found in some very different roles such as Stomp the yard, Love & Basketball, and The Matrix), and last but certainly not least the lovely Megan Boone, (who has previously been seen in Sex and The City 2, My Bloody Valentine, and Step Up Revolution). This thrilling drama takes the viewers off to an exciting start. Raymond Reddington "Red" (James Spader), one of FBI's worlds most wanted fugitive chooses to surrender himself at the FBI Headquarters located in Washinton, D.C.. He calmly exclaims that he and the FBI have a common interest, to see dangerous criminals off the streets. However, he insists that the only way for him to co-operate is if he speaks only to Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone), a rookie profiler for the FBI. Keen is confused by this request, due to the fact that they have never met. Keen questions Reddington on his sudden interest with her and he claims that she is "very special." As the show goes on the viewers find out the Reddington, over his many years of criminal activity, has created a list of fugitives that he views as the most important; a list that the FBI doesn't know exists. Thus, Reddington names it "The Blacklist." Should we trust him??

Commercials- Every television show is going to shove commercials in your face every change they can get, though I have found on NBC, for The blacklist, there are fewer commercials. So far the advertising that has been seen are:

• Iphone 5S from Verison (x2)
• Lowes home improvement (x2)
• Interprise Car Rentals (Now cars available to buy)
• Bad Grandpa (x2, Promotion for a new movie)
• Law & Order (promotion for new episodes!!!)
• Nivea Skin Cream (x2)
• Audi
• Intuit
• Durango & Anchorman 2 (x3, Combining a car advertising with the upcoming comedy starring Will Ferrell)
• Lipolift
• Hyundai Elantra 2013
• Mercedes Benz
• The Counselor (Upcoming movie)
• Mcdonalds
• TJ Maxx
• Ryobi (Power tools)
• Dracula (Upcoming new series on NBC!!)
• Campbell's Home Style Soup ("So Good tastes home made")
• Surface
• City Thank You Card (Two Times The Points Earned)
• Acura
• T-mobile

Analyze- Coming into this new series I was completely taken away. The scene opening really made you wonder what was happening. This older gentlemen, well dressed, is talking very polite to a young woman at the front desk of the FBI. As she calls to ensure his appointment, Reddington puts his brief case down, lays his jacket nicely over the top, and places his hat neatly on the top of the stack. Once this has finished you see the swarm of swat team running in with their guns hot! This dramatically changed the feel of the show, within the first few minutes. Reddington turns out to be a former government agent who went to the dark side and had been waned for decades. As the show continued it had reminded me a lot of the plot from the 1991 thriller Silence of The Lambs. The resemblance comes from Reddington (the wanted fugitive) acting as a controller over everything. His character resembles the main character Hannible Lector (Sir Anthony Hopkins). The resemblance comes from, not only their looks and wealth, but also stems from their strong and cold, yet incredibly intellectual, behaviors. Apart from that, both men have come to fancy a younger woman with brown shoulder length hair. They both find safety in these women and are able to tell them personal and/or critical information; this information does not come easy for the two girls...in exchange for more knowledge into the criminals lives, they have to give up some personal information themselves. This, virtually, is leaving both parties naked with their personal lives wide open. This is what builds the He will release some information but not enough to give away the whole answer, he wants the FBI to think, he wants to stay one step ahead of the game. Though Keen, the rookie profiler, has been able to soften his bark. By allowing Reddington to slowly see more into her personal life, he is more wiling to give up information...only to Elizabeth Keen. Why is Raymond Reddington so interested in this young rookie profiler?? Some of the scenes depicted in this show may be to graphic for children under the age of 12. Definitely suitable for adults, if you want a show that will keep your mind working and guessing on what will happen next...I strongly suggest NBC's

Interpret- Some stereotypes that I have encountered while enjoying this new series is that the women, though in a more powerful job, are still the victims and in need of being saved by the men of the bureau. The men in this show are show as tough manly men who don't like to take direction from anyone. They are portrayed as heroes who can't be harmed, and who's only job is to protect serve and protect. The main character Elizabeth is seemingly very strong inside, yet she is constantly relying on men and people who are above her clearance for support and help to solve these murders. Not to mention that all the people that are above her clearance level are all males, including the guard protecting the case files.

Commercials Demographics-  The obvious targeted audience for NBC's new hit show The Blacklist is adults. NBC views  many car commercials and adult rated films that would interest only middle class adults, male and female. Showing them that they can have the nicest car in town and be able to take so many more trips with their family because, by having this perfect vehicle they would bring their families together. Same with the adult rated films, some are comedies others are aimed more towards the serious aspect of adults and shows that will challenge their intellect. These commercials flow smoothly with the show by pulling interests from the show and applying them to other products and advertising.

I feel that Americans have a lot more harsh language and feelings towards each other that are never expressed openly. It seems that it is a constant battle at each show to get the people to open up more and more. Americans are more rough around the edges than many other countries, they have learned to get what we want by just taking it rather than asking for it. It's the American way or the high way. 

Evaluate- The blacklist is a very entertaining new series. It intrigues the human mind to guess what is going to happen next, though when the time comes the show takes a sharp left turn into crazyville! Every episode releases so much new information that it leaves the mind craving for more more more! The acting in this new series is top par as well. James Spader (Raymond Reddington) plays an excellent role of a man who has no feelings, yet has so many for a woman that he seemingly doesn't know. He portrays love, comfort, strength, and stubbornness, while maintaining a tough and stone like exterior. You will never know what's coming next, but you will always have something to add or think about once the episode has ended. Truly the next best show to come onto television. Lets just hope that they don't take these seasons to far like the popular shows New Girl or Two and a half men, I mean come on guys lets not beat the dead horse.

Comparison with other critics- From the few other websites I have read there seems to be a common trend. This hit new show on NBC is hitting the ground running. Critics are raving about this new show, and the impeccable acting of James Spader. He has been reviewed as  "refreshing", "dazzling", and "master manipulator." I would strongly recommend this show to all my peers, and if you are in need of some debate or other incites on he show, comment on my blog and we can discuss your views.

On another website some critics say that The-Blacklist has a “surprise element”,“intriguing plot”, or my personal favorite “top-of-the-list-escapism.”

In all websites that I have read involving The-Blacklist, there has been an overwhelming amount of positive feedback and and underwhelming amount of negative feedback. For my personal opinion, I think that it is clear, I agree with critics. The-Blacklist is a fantastic and adventurous show that will always keep the viewers guessing what will happen next. I can assure you that as the show continues the plot only gets better and the ties to the characters only get stronger. I highly recommend watching The-Blacklist, you will not be disappointed!

Engage- I watch this show every Monday night with my father after dinner. This show has brought a common interest for my father and I to enjoy together and talk about together. Even if we are both in our rooms watching the show we will sill text each other funny blurbs from the show and make guesses as to what will happen on the next show. We do quite enjoy the sneak previews that they have at the end of each show as well.

Facebook- I do not engage with this show anymore than I have with this blog, though I am sure you can find them on some of the social networks such as Twitter or Facebook.

Something you may not know- Executive producers : Jon Bokenkamp (The Call, Perfect Stranger, and Taking Lives)

                                                                                    John Davis (Norbit, Garfield, and Daddy Day Care)

                                                                                    John Eisendrath (Outlaw, Playmaker, and Alias)

                                                  Production Company: Davis Entertainment

                                                                                    Universal Television

                                                                                    Sony Pictures Television

Conclusion- By participating in this project I have learned a lot more about looking at the actual show as a whole instead of just in the moment of the show. There is so many other aspects that, if you take the time to look at, you will find the show to be so much more interesting and intellectually challenging.

I was really surprised to find that the show has all these aspects that I would not usually look at. Such as, stereotypes, actors and where they got there start to fame, background for the show, and analyzing each and every thing I can about this show.

Once again, watch The Blacklist!!

Links:

   http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/22/arts/television/james-spader-stars-in-the-blacklist.html?_r=0

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/nbcs-blacklist-producers-were-not-594421

http://www.nbc.com/the-blacklist/

http://www.metacritic.com/tv/the-blacklist/critic-reviews