list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around Seven Pounds on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/Seven_Pounds/347604/default.aspx Title: Seven Pounds
Year: 2008
Director: Gabriele Muccino
Plot: Academy Award nominee Will Smith reunites with the director and producers of The Pursuit of Happyness for this emotional drama concerning an IRS agent whose quest for redemption is unexpectedly complicated after he inadvertently falls in love. Ben Thomas is an IRS agent with a fateful secret. Assuming the identity of his younger brother, Ben sets out in search of redemption. Instead, Ben discovers true love while forever changing the lives of seven complete strangers. Woody Harrelson, Rosario Dawson, Michael Ealy, and Barry Pepper co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 6
Number of Lists: 4
Number of blog posts: 4
Number of discussion threads: 3
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Fri, 22 May 2009 05:27:07 GMTSeven Pounds2008Gabriele MuccinoAcademy Award nominee <a href="http://www.spout.com/players/P____66596/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Will Smith</a> reunites with the director and producers of <a href="http://www.spout.com/films/262440/detail.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>The Pursuit of Happyness</a> for this emotional drama concerning an IRS agent whose quest for redemption is unexpectedly complicated after he inadvertently falls in love. Ben Thomas is an IRS agent with a fateful secret. Assuming the identity of his younger brother, Ben sets out in search of redemption. Instead, Ben discovers true love while forever changing the lives of seven complete strangers. <a href="http://www.spout.com/players/P____30548/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Woody Harrelson</a>, <a href="http://www.spout.com/players/P___199028/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Rosario Dawson</a>, <a href="http://www.spout.com/players/P___329038/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Michael Ealy</a>, and <a href="http://www.spout.com/players/P___234983/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Barry Pepper</a> co-star. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide6Taggedy Taggged (6-10)4433http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s347604.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Seven_Pounds/347604/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/blogs/yinali/archive/2009/4/26/41756.aspx Post By: Yinali
Post To: Yinali Blog
Post Date: 4/26/2009 1:15:48 AM
Body: The powerful will of a person who seeks the path of righteousness. Selflessness overwhelms Ben into helping seven strangers who deserve to get better. Depressed Ben is willing to make a statement, before he commits suicide; Will Smith portrays a powerful character.
]]>Sun, 26 Apr 2009 05:15:48 GMTYinaliYinali Blog4/26/2009 1:15:48 AM The powerful will of a person who seeks the path of righteousness. Selflessness overwhelms Ben into helping seven strangers who deserve to get better. Depressed Ben is willing to make a statement, before he commits suicide; Will Smith portrays a powerful character. http://www.spout.com/blogs/usesoap/archive/2008/12/27/38883.aspx Post By: usesoap
Post To: usesoap Blog
Post Date: 12/27/2008 8:34:11 PM
Body: Make no mistake, 2008 was the year of the woman. From politics to multiplex, they were the most newsworthy. At the box office, week after week brought about stories about how, mother of all shockers, women enjoy going to the movies too. From summer “event movies” (usually an exclusive boys tree house where "No Gurlz Allowd"), to record-breaking such as best opening for a female director, women were the new black at the box office. In 2008: Twilight was the highest-grossing film opening by a female director (at $70 million); It received the second-largest advanced ticket sales, trailing only The Dark Knight; Sex and the City was the best opening ever for an R-rated comedy; The SATC gals also debuted as the fifth best R-rated film of all time; The film also bested Mission Impossible as the best debut of a film based on a TV show. Now, perhaps next year we can do the same with good movies. Sex in the City was the female equivalent of Iron Man, replacing magical gadgetry with matching accessories and pyrotechnics for Prada. The other glass ceiling-shattering film, Twilight, featured a lead who thankfully did not have to resort to sex for empowerment, but she really didn't do much else, either. Twilight's accolades are deserved for what it accomplished behind the camera, not what was captured on it. Though there were film aplenty that could populate both lists, I tried to limit this list to films that would have played in most major cities outside the metropolitan areas. BESTThe Dark Knight: Let me join the chorus of hosannas for this little underrated indie gem, for I know it could use the help financially.WALL·E: A family film with a virtually dialogue-free first half, a protagonist made of metal, an Earth barren of life and squelched by pollution, a cuddly cockroach sidekick, and a human cast that's a Dorito away from permanent bedrest. A film of staggering beauty from a company for which that is a trademark feature.The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Director David Fincher's most accessible, polished film to date. While Zodiac and Fight Club may resonate longer, Button is the kind of marriage between theatrics, epic scope, and pure emotion that lands him in the top tier of working directors. Winning, tender performances by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett only further cement the film's top 10 placement.Burn After Reading: After bumming us out of us with last year's stark, desolate (but excellent) No Country for Old Men, the Brothers Coen demonstrate their sharp comic chops with this irreverent, all-star dissection of middle-age madness and frustration of lives lived that come nowhere close to youthful aspirations. Milk: Sean Penn offers further proof of his necessity in cinema today with his ingratiating portrayal of slain politician Harvey Milk. Director Gus Van Sant lifts his vision from his navel (where it was focused during films such as Gerry and Last Days) to create a sensitive, intimate biopic that is saved from maudlin tendencies by Penn's presence. Tropic Thunder: Bold, unexpected comedy that does not wear out its welcome by the third act, like so many other mainstream comedies. Ben Stiller directs Robert Downey Jr. to his second standout performance this summer.Quantum of Solace: Some have decried the fact that Daniel Craig's Bond is just too mean. But Solace, which feels like a perfect extension of Casino Royale, feels as though it is taking its sweet time in creating the psyche of someone who has reason to be known as the greatest super-spy the world has ever known. Let the Right One In: This is a bit of a cheat, since this may have only appeared on area screens as part of a film festival, but its effect is one that reverberates far outside its limited runs nationwide. In a year when Twilight has been garnering all the attention, The Right One has become the one true vampire (and adolescence) film whose bite leaves a mark and should be sought out on DVD before the inevitable US remake. U2-3D: Demonstrating just why they are the world's biggest rock band, U2 raised the roof with this truly cinematic 3D spectacle that not only captured the feel of one of their concerts, but invited the audience on stage to jam with Bono and the boys. Slumdog Millionaire: Danny Boyle never disappoints, even with his misfires (A Life Less Ordinary, Sunshine). But he nails it again with Slumdog, a rather pedestrian tale told with wit, undeniable humanity and delivered with uncompromising conviction. WORST The Happening: When wind is your chief villain, it's time to rethink the script. The Love Guru: Mike Myers steps in Deepak doo-doo.Sex and the City: Inside this film's Sax Fifth Avenue window dressing lies the the cold, calculated heart of an empty Wal-Mart.88Minutes/Righteous Kill: Al Pacino should have known better after working with director Jon Avnet in 88, but instead enlisted fellow legend Robert DeNiro to further Kill both their careers.X-Files: I Want to Believe: But now I no longer do.Seven Pounds: Will Smith packed his bags for a guilt trip, and we're forced to ride along in the back seat. An American Carol: Looks like Republicans were just as good at making films as they were winning elections in 2008.Meet the Spartans/Disaster Movie: Cinematic parody: Born 1923, Died 2008.
]]>Sun, 28 Dec 2008 01:34:11 GMTusesoapusesoap Blog12/27/2008 8:34:11 PMMake no mistake, 2008 was the year of the woman. From politics to multiplex, they were the most newsworthy. At the box office, week after week brought about stories about how, mother of all shockers, women enjoy going to the movies too. From summer &ldquo;event movies&rdquo; (usually an exclusive boys tree house where "No Gurlz Allowd"), to record-breaking such as best opening for a female director, women were the new black at the box office. In 2008: Twilight was the highest-grossing film opening by a female director (at $70 million); It received the second-largest advanced ticket sales, trailing only The Dark Knight; Sex and the City was the best opening ever for an R-rated comedy; The SATC gals also debuted as the fifth best R-rated film of all time; The film also bested Mission Impossible as the best debut of a film based on a TV show. Now, perhaps next year we can do the same with good movies. Sex in the City was the female equivalent of Iron Man, replacing magical gadgetry with matching accessories and pyrotechnics for Prada. The other glass ceiling-shattering film, Twilight, featured a lead who thankfully did not have to resort to sex for empowerment, but she really didn't do much else, either. Twilight's accolades are deserved for what it accomplished behind the camera, not what was captured on it. Though there were film aplenty that could populate both lists, I tried to limit this list to films that would have played in most major cities outside the metropolitan areas. BESTThe Dark Knight: Let me join the chorus of hosannas for this little underrated indie gem, for I know it could use the help financially.WALL&middot;E: A family film with a virtually dialogue-free first half, a protagonist made of metal, an Earth barren of life and squelched by pollution, a cuddly cockroach sidekick, and a human cast that's a Dorito away from permanent bedrest. A film of staggering beauty from a company for which that is a trademark feature.The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: Director David Fincher's most accessible, polished film to date. While Zodiac and Fight Club may resonate longer, Button is the kind of marriage between theatrics, epic scope, and pure emotion that lands him in the top tier of working directors. Winning, tender performances by Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett only further cement the film's top 10 placement.Burn After Reading: After bumming us out of us with last year's stark, desolate (but excellent) No Country for Old Men, the Brothers Coen demonstrate their sharp comic chops with this irreverent, all-star dissection of middle-age madness and frustration of lives lived that come nowhere close to youthful aspirations. Milk: Sean Penn offers further proof of his necessity in cinema today with his ingratiating portrayal of slain politician Harvey Milk. Director Gus Van Sant lifts his vision from his navel (where it was focused during films such as Gerry and Last Days) to create a sensitive, intimate biopic that is saved from maudlin tendencies by Penn's presence. Tropic Thunder: Bold, unexpected comedy that does not wear out its welcome by the third act, like so many other mainstream comedies. Ben Stiller directs Robert Downey Jr. to his second standout performance this summer.Quantum of Solace: Some have decried the fact that Daniel Craig's Bond is just too mean. But Solace, which feels like a perfect extension of Casino Royale, feels as though it is taking its sweet time in creating the psyche of someone who has reason to be known as the greatest super-spy the world has ever known. Let the Right One In: This is a bit of a cheat, since this may have only appeared on area screens as part of a film festival, but its effect is one that reverberates far outside its limited runs nationwide. In a year when Twilight has been garnering all the attention, The Right One has become the one true vampire (and adolescence) film whose bite leaves a mark and should be sought out on DVD before the inevitable US remake. U2-3D: Demonstrating just why they are the world's biggest rock band, U2 raised the roof with this truly cinematic 3D spectacle that not only captured the feel of one of their concerts, but invited the audience on stage to jam with Bono and the boys. Slumdog Millionaire: Danny Boyle never disappoints, even with his misfires (A Life Less Ordinary, Sunshine). But he nails it again with Slumdog, a rather pedestrian tale told with wit, undeniable humanity and delivered with uncompromising conviction. WORST The Happening: When wind is your chief villain, it's time to rethink the script. The Love Guru: Mike Myers steps in Deepak doo-doo.Sex and the City: Inside this film's Sax Fifth Avenue window dressing lies the the cold, calculated heart of an empty Wal-Mart.88Minutes/Righteous Kill: Al Pacino should have known better after working with director Jon Avnet in 88, but instead enlisted fellow legend Robert DeNiro to further Kill both their careers.X-Files: I Want to Believe: But now I no longer do.Seven Pounds: Will Smith packed his bags for a guilt trip, and we're forced to ride along in the back seat. An American Carol: Looks like Republicans were just as good at making films as they were winning elections in 2008.Meet the Spartans/Disaster Movie: Cinematic parody: Born 1923, Died 2008. http://www.spout.com/blogs/captainryannn/archive/2008/12/20/38660.aspx Post By: CaptainRyannn
Post To: CaptainRyannn Blog
Post Date: 12/20/2008 2:42:34 AM
Body: When I first saw the trailer, I must say, I wasn’t too impressed with it. It didn’t really feel like a movie that I would be moved by despite its overt advertising as a moving film. I then watched an interview with Will Smith on Jay Leno and from the way they were talking, it really seemed like they were onto something here. Now, I’m not sure if it was that which finally pushed me to see this, me wanting to see as many 2008 films as I can in order to create a ‘Best of’ year end list, or the fact that I’ve been listening to DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince’s album, Homebase, almost every morning for the past week. (Man, that’s such a great album.) Whatever it was, I went into it with neither high nor low expectations. We enter the film with a shot of Ben Thomas, played by Will Smith, on the phone with 911. He calls for an ambulance and reports a suicide. When the paramedic asks who the victim is, he says in a crisp, decisive voice, “I am.” We then cut to a scene where Thomas gets into contact with a blind meat salesman, Woody Harelson, and pretty much verbally assaults him in what could perhaps be one of Smith’s darkest scenes he’s ever done. Afterwards, immense regret and sadness come over him and along with the suicide introduction; we are left to ask “Why?” The premise of the film is Thomas going around to seven different strangers, the salesman being one of them, and evaluating their life situation. He then has to decide whether they are really are deserving enough for his help. He utters to one old woman, “It is within my power to drastically change his circumstances, but I don’t want to give that man a gift he doesn’t deserve.” as he attempts to deem the worthiness of another man. Much of the film, perhaps too much of it, relies on the viewers’ lack of knowledge. From the opening scenes and throughout much of the film, we are left almost completely in the dark as to what Ben Thomas’ motives are and what has happened in the past that has left his face scarred with sorrow. We are forced to ask ourselves why he has brought a jellyfish into his cheap motel room and why he’s even in the cheap motel room to begin with. I can understand why director Gabriele Muccino, also responsible for The Pursuit of Happyness, did this; to keep audiences in their seats because frankly, it doesn’t have a whole lot of story going for it other than a theme that’s been done plenty of times before. The one concrete thing that remains here is Will Smith’s portrayal of Ben Thomas, a man who’s haunted by his past and searches for redemption. While I may not enjoy all of Smith’s films, I can definitely admire him as a person. Having an album out by 17 and winning a Grammy at 21. Then going on to do a hit television show and following that up with a career in the film industry, he’s definitely made a name for himself. With one of his most complex characters yet, Smith displays a whole spectrum of emotions that are nothing short of believable. There was so much that could’ve been more thoroughly examined and so many ideas that should’ve had more screen time but were pushed into the background as a victim to the over-attention paid to the romance between Thomas and Emily Posa (Rosario Dawson). While still a pretty decent relationship, there were far more interesting aspects to Seven Pounds that didn’t receive as much notice as they should have. Overall, Seven Pounds is a decent film about an attempt at redemption masked by acts of altruism. His motives aren’t explained until the very end and those motives are perhaps one of the few things that carry the viewer’s interest throughout the film. Now that that’s settled; seven pounds of what?
]]>Sat, 20 Dec 2008 07:42:34 GMTCaptainRyannnCaptainRyannn Blog12/20/2008 2:42:34 AMWhen I first saw the trailer, I must say, I wasn&rsquo;t too impressed with it. It didn&rsquo;t really feel like a movie that I would be moved by despite its overt advertising as a moving film. I then watched an interview with Will Smith on Jay Leno and from the way they were talking, it really seemed like they were onto something here. Now, I&rsquo;m not sure if it was that which finally pushed me to see this, me wanting to see as many 2008 films as I can in order to create a &lsquo;Best of&rsquo; year end list, or the fact that I&rsquo;ve been listening to DJ Jazzy Jeff &amp; the Fresh Prince&rsquo;s album, Homebase, almost every morning for the past week. (Man, that&rsquo;s such a great album.) Whatever it was, I went into it with neither high nor low expectations. We enter the film with a shot of Ben Thomas, played by Will Smith, on the phone with 911. He calls for an ambulance and reports a suicide. When the paramedic asks who the victim is, he says in a crisp, decisive voice, &ldquo;I am.&rdquo; We then cut to a scene where Thomas gets into contact with a blind meat salesman, Woody Harelson, and pretty much verbally assaults him in what could perhaps be one of Smith&rsquo;s darkest scenes he&rsquo;s ever done. Afterwards, immense regret and sadness come over him and along with the suicide introduction; we are left to ask &ldquo;Why?&rdquo; The premise of the film is Thomas going around to seven different strangers, the salesman being one of them, and evaluating their life situation. He then has to decide whether they are really are deserving enough for his help. He utters to one old woman, &ldquo;It is within my power to drastically change his circumstances, but I don&rsquo;t want to give that man a gift he doesn&rsquo;t deserve.&rdquo; as he attempts to deem the worthiness of another man. Much of the film, perhaps too much of it, relies on the viewers&rsquo; lack of knowledge. From the opening scenes and throughout much of the film, we are left almost completely in the dark as to what Ben Thomas&rsquo; motives are and what has happened in the past that has left his face scarred with sorrow. We are forced to ask ourselves why he has brought a jellyfish into his cheap motel room and why he&rsquo;s even in the cheap motel room to begin with. I can understand why director Gabriele Muccino, also responsible for The Pursuit of Happyness, did this; to keep audiences in their seats because frankly, it doesn&rsquo;t have a whole lot of story going for it other than a theme that&rsquo;s been done plenty of times before. The one concrete thing that remains here is Will Smith&rsquo;s portrayal of Ben Thomas, a man who&rsquo;s haunted by his past and searches for redemption. While I may not enjoy all of Smith&rsquo;s films, I can definitely admire him as a person. Having an album out by 17 and winning a Grammy at 21. Then going on to do a hit television show and following that up with a career in the film industry, he&rsquo;s definitely made a name for himself. With one of his most complex characters yet, Smith displays a whole spectrum of emotions that are nothing short of believable. There was so much that could&rsquo;ve been more thoroughly examined and so many ideas that should&rsquo;ve had more screen time but were pushed into the background as a victim to the over-attention paid to the romance between Thomas and Emily Posa (Rosario Dawson). While still a pretty decent relationship, there were far more interesting aspects to Seven Pounds that didn&rsquo;t receive as much notice as they should have. Overall, Seven Pounds is a decent film about an attempt at redemption masked by acts of altruism. His motives aren&rsquo;t explained until the very end and those motives are perhaps one of the few things that carry the viewer&rsquo;s interest throughout the film. Now that that&rsquo;s settled; seven pounds of what? http://www.spout.com/groups/Coming_Soon/Re_Holiday_movies_Cartoon_mice_Jim_Carrey_s_face/216/38443/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: seely
Post To: Coming Soon
Post Date: 12/16/2008 11:36:20 AM
Body: Whoa, where did this come from? Was this kept hush-hush after the flaming peice of sub-mediocrity we know as Hancock? Usually Will Smith releases are a pretty big deal with lots of promotion and hoopla, but the first I ever heard of Seven Pounds was this week--granted I haven't been to a recent theatrical release in awhile, however. My girlfriend and I were trying to find information on it but were barely able to find a complete synopsis for the film. Curious to see how it does... [quote user="spout"] Seven Pounds -- Watch the trailer. Will Smith is an IRS agent who mysteriously assumes the identity of his younger brother and tries to change the lives of seven strangers. Also starring Rosario Dawson and Woody Harrelson, and from the director of Pursuit of Happyness. [/quote]
]]>Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:36:20 GMTseelyComing Soon12/16/2008 11:36:20 AMWhoa, where did this come from? Was this kept hush-hush after the flaming peice of sub-mediocrity we know as Hancock? Usually Will Smith releases are a pretty big deal with lots of promotion and hoopla, but the first I ever heard of Seven Pounds was this week--granted I haven't been to a recent theatrical release in awhile, however. My girlfriend and I were trying to find information on it but were barely able to find a complete synopsis for the film. Curious to see how it does... [quote user="spout"] Seven Pounds -- Watch the trailer. Will Smith is an IRS agent who mysteriously assumes the identity of his younger brother and tries to change the lives of seven strangers. Also starring Rosario Dawson and Woody Harrelson, and from the director of Pursuit of Happyness. [/quote] http://www.spout.com/groups/Coming_Soon/Holiday_movies_Cartoon_mice_Jim_Carrey_s_face_a/216/38422/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: spout
Post To: Coming Soon
Post Date: 12/15/2008 7:02:54 PM
Body: WEDNESDAY 12/17 The Wrestler -- Watch the trailer. Read the review. Looks like this is a sports movie with guts. I love Mickey Rourke, and I can't think of anyone who knows more about being called a "beat-up piece of meat." Hey, that makes me think of a list... Art Imitates Life: When Actors Barely Have to Act 5. Reservoir Dogs -- Mr. Blue is played by ex-convict and heist veteran Edward Bunker. 4. Pirates of the Caribbean 3 -- Keith Richards, the pirate of rock, is the perfect choice to play Jack Sparrow's dad. 3. A Scanner Darkly -- Tie for third place: Robert Downey, Jr. and Woody Harrelson, who lend this "drug movie" loads of authenticity. 2. The Wrestler -- I wanted to put it at #1, but I haven't seen it yet. 1. Unforgiven -- Clint's portrayal of a reformed murderer gives me goosebumps. When characters talk about how bad he used to be, I think of the Dollars trilogy, and how different they could've been if he was an outright villain. Another Documentary About an Eccentric Artist, but this one looks worthwhile. Scott Walker: 30 Century Man -- Watch the trailer. I'm a music nut, but I hadn't heard of Scott Walker until today. Considering the musicians he's influenced (David Bowie, Brian Eno, The Smiths, Radiohead), I don't know how he's escaped my attention. He looks intense. "I have a very nightmarish imagination. I've had very bad dreams all my life, so everything in my music is very big." -- S. Walker in Scott Walker: 30 Century Man. FRIDAY 12/19 Nothing But the Truth -- Read the review. Inspired by the Valerie Plame/Scooter Libby CIA leak, Karina said this was the most fun she had at the Toronto Film Festival 2008. Starring Vera Farmiga and featuring Matt Dillon, Alan Alda, Kate Beckinsale, and...(are you ready for this?) David Schwimmer. The Tale of Despereaux -- Watch the trailer. This looks good, but it's getting chilly reviews. I don't know, the mouse is pretty cute... Yes Man -- Watch the trailer. Looks a lot like Liar Liar, but it could be fun. I do have to say though, these days I have a pretty low tolerance for Jim Carrey's facial shenanigans. Seven Pounds -- Watch the trailer. Will Smith is an IRS agent who mysteriously assumes the identity of his younger brother and tries to change the lives of seven strangers. Also starring Rosario Dawson and Woody Harrelson, and from the director of Pursuit of Happyness.
]]>Tue, 16 Dec 2008 00:02:54 GMTspoutComing Soon12/15/2008 7:02:54 PMWEDNESDAY 12/17 The Wrestler -- Watch the trailer. Read the review. Looks like this is a sports movie with guts. I love Mickey Rourke, and I can't think of anyone who knows more about being called a "beat-up piece of meat." Hey, that makes me think of a list... Art Imitates Life: When Actors Barely Have to Act 5. Reservoir Dogs -- Mr. Blue is played by ex-convict and heist veteran Edward Bunker. 4. Pirates of the Caribbean 3 -- Keith Richards, the pirate of rock, is the perfect choice to play Jack Sparrow's dad. 3. A Scanner Darkly -- Tie for third place: Robert Downey, Jr. and Woody Harrelson, who lend this "drug movie" loads of authenticity. 2. The Wrestler -- I wanted to put it at #1, but I haven't seen it yet. 1. Unforgiven -- Clint's portrayal of a reformed murderer gives me goosebumps. When characters talk about how bad he used to be, I think of the Dollars trilogy, and how different they could've been if he was an outright villain. Another Documentary About an Eccentric Artist, but this one looks worthwhile. Scott Walker: 30 Century Man -- Watch the trailer. I'm a music nut, but I hadn't heard of Scott Walker until today. Considering the musicians he's influenced (David Bowie, Brian Eno, The Smiths, Radiohead), I don't know how he's escaped my attention. He looks intense. "I have a very nightmarish imagination. I've had very bad dreams all my life, so everything in my music is very big." -- S. Walker in Scott Walker: 30 Century Man. FRIDAY 12/19 Nothing But the Truth -- Read the review. Inspired by the Valerie Plame/Scooter Libby CIA leak, Karina said this was the most fun she had at the Toronto Film Festival 2008. Starring Vera Farmiga and featuring Matt Dillon, Alan Alda, Kate Beckinsale, and...(are you ready for this?) David Schwimmer. The Tale of Despereaux -- Watch the trailer. This looks good, but it's getting chilly reviews. I don't know, the mouse is pretty cute... Yes Man -- Watch the trailer. Looks a lot like Liar Liar, but it could be fun. I do have to say though, these days I have a pretty low tolerance for Jim Carrey's facial shenanigans. Seven Pounds -- Watch the trailer. Will Smith is an IRS agent who mysteriously assumes the identity of his younger brother and tries to change the lives of seven strangers. Also starring Rosario Dawson and Woody Harrelson, and from the director of Pursuit of Happyness. http://www.spout.com/blogs/spoutblog/archive/2008/11/17/37380.aspx Post By: SpoutBlog
Post To: SpoutBlog on spout.com
Post Date: 11/17/2008 5:00:58 PM
Body: Oprah Winfrey can certainly create a best seller when it comes to books, and her pick of the presidential candidates is on his way to the White House. But can she get behind a movie and contribute to its success? 20th Century Fox seems to hope so, because the studio apparently allowed the talk show host to screen an unfinished cut of Australia in preparation for her November 10 show, which featured the film’s stars, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, as well as a live-via-Skype call-in from filmmaker Baz Luhrman. Fortunately for Fox, Oprah raved about the film, and now the media has latched on to the endorsement, creating some much-needed positive buzz for the Oscar-hopeful. Yet there’s a big problem with all the excitement: Oprah’s film recommendations have hardly been sure-fire champs in the past. Case in point: the first title I came upon while searching for Oprah-select cinema was something called Christmas in the Clouds, a 2005 indie that she chose as her “must see holiday movie,” in O magazine a few years back. The film barely grossed a quarter-million dollars in theaters, but even if her endorsement didn’t occur until its DVD release in November 2006, there’s still no proof of popularity from the rental charts of the time, and two years later fewer than 250 people have rated it on IMDb (not the best for determining how many people have seen it, sure, but such a small number of votes is still somewhat revealing). As for awards recognition, well, it received the Audience Award at the 2001 Austin Film Festival, and it was named the best Native American-themed film the same year at the Santa Fe Film Festival, but the majority of Academy voters probably never even heard of it. Okay, so that is an extreme example of a film that had not even one percent of the marketing budget of Australia. So, let’s take a look at some of the bigger releases that Oprah has recommended more recently. Well, there is Michael Moore’s Sicko, which she labeled “the one movie you must see this summer,” a few weeks prior to its barely wide release in June 2007. Considering its theater count and its genre, the documentary’s final domestic gross of $24.5 million was quite an achievement, especially since only two other docs have grossed more (including Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11, which will stay on top for quite awhile with its $119.1 million). Oh, and yes, Sicko earned an Oscar nomination, too. But did Oprah’s statement really have that much impact on Sicko’s success? What about all the other titles with Oprah connections that haven’t performed so well? Films based on her book club selections, from her inaugural title, The Deep End of the Ocean, to the recent adaptation of Love in the Time of Cholera, have rarely been blockbusters, and the three Academy nominations for House of Sand and Fog are hardly thanks to her love for and endorsement of that novel. Of course, film adaptations are not necessarily ever pegged to the praises of their source material, which is why Oprah’s name has not been linked to the expected Oscar contenders The Reader and The Road. Then there are the films she’s been directly involved with. Beloved, which she produced and starred in, earned a middling gross of $22.9 million. Its sole Oscar nomination was for costume design. Her more recent production, The Great Debaters, did a little better money-wise with $30.2 million, but it failed to garner the Academy’s attention. Ignoring the animated films she’s lent her voice to, you have to go back 23 years, long before she had the powers of influence she’s currently known for, to find something as big as Fox would like Australia to be. It was then that The Color Purple earned nearly $100 million and 11 Oscar nominations (none of which it won). As for films that Oprah simply promotes and recommends on her show, there is no clear certainty that she can influence either box office or the Oscars. She’s featured the casts from Crash and Brokeback Mountain, yet she’s also given time to publicize films like Alexander and Things We Lost in the Fire. Last week, after calling Australia “the film we needed to see,” she also helped to sell Marley & Me, a movie that might benefit slightly in increased ticket sales thanks to the appearances by Jennifer Aniston, yet there are no news reports mentioning anything but Aniston’s comments about her ex-husband. There’s likewise little media attention given to the fact that Oprah also apparently saw Seven Pounds, the Will Smith movie that, like Australia, has so far received no reviews. Was there no soundbite from Smith’s appearance earlier this month? Seven Pounds is also a mysterious Oscar contender with some needed positive buzz, though maybe Sony Pictures didn’t think to feed the press anything regarding Oprah’s connection to that film the way Fox has pushed them on the Australia endorsement. And what of Oprah’s praise anyway? She said, “I have not been this excited about a movie since I don’t know when.” How excited? And be more specific. Since forty years ago? Since Titanic? Since Christmas in the Clouds? Is this really the best movie of the year? Other than turning the expectations up a little higher following the recent negativity surrounding Australia, Oprah hasn’t really offered us anything except hope. So, a word to Fox: it’s about time you let the real critics see this alleged masterpiece so we can actually find out if this film has some real chances at an Oscar. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog
]]>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 22:00:58 GMTSpoutBlogSpoutBlog on spout.com11/17/2008 5:00:58 PMOprah Winfrey can certainly create a best seller when it comes to books, and her pick of the presidential candidates is on his way to the White House. But can she get behind a movie and contribute to its success? 20th Century Fox seems to hope so, because the studio apparently allowed the talk show host to screen an unfinished cut of Australia in preparation for her November 10 show, which featured the film’s stars, Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman, as well as a live-via-Skype call-in from filmmaker Baz Luhrman. Fortunately for Fox, Oprah raved about the film, and now the media has latched on to the endorsement, creating some much-needed positive buzz for the Oscar-hopeful. Yet there’s a big problem with all the excitement: Oprah’s film recommendations have hardly been sure-fire champs in the past. Case in point: the first title I came upon while searching for Oprah-select cinema was something called Christmas in the Clouds, a 2005 indie that she chose as her “must see holiday movie,” in O magazine a few years back. The film barely grossed a quarter-million dollars in theaters, but even if her endorsement didn’t occur until its DVD release in November 2006, there’s still no proof of popularity from the rental charts of the time, and two years later fewer than 250 people have rated it on IMDb (not the best for determining how many people have seen it, sure, but such a small number of votes is still somewhat revealing). As for awards recognition, well, it received the Audience Award at the 2001 Austin Film Festival, and it was named the best Native American-themed film the same year at the Santa Fe Film Festival, but the majority of Academy voters probably never even heard of it. Okay, so that is an extreme example of a film that had not even one percent of the marketing budget of Australia. So, let’s take a look at some of the bigger releases that Oprah has recommended more recently. Well, there is Michael Moore’s Sicko, which she labeled “the one movie you must see this summer,” a few weeks prior to its barely wide release in June 2007. Considering its theater count and its genre, the documentary’s final domestic gross of $24.5 million was quite an achievement, especially since only two other docs have grossed more (including Moore’s Fahrenheit 9/11, which will stay on top for quite awhile with its $119.1 million). Oh, and yes, Sicko earned an Oscar nomination, too. But did Oprah’s statement really have that much impact on Sicko’s success? What about all the other titles with Oprah connections that haven’t performed so well? Films based on her book club selections, from her inaugural title, The Deep End of the Ocean, to the recent adaptation of Love in the Time of Cholera, have rarely been blockbusters, and the three Academy nominations for House of Sand and Fog are hardly thanks to her love for and endorsement of that novel. Of course, film adaptations are not necessarily ever pegged to the praises of their source material, which is why Oprah’s name has not been linked to the expected Oscar contenders The Reader and The Road. Then there are the films she’s been directly involved with. Beloved, which she produced and starred in, earned a middling gross of $22.9 million. Its sole Oscar nomination was for costume design. Her more recent production, The Great Debaters, did a little better money-wise with $30.2 million, but it failed to garner the Academy’s attention. Ignoring the animated films she’s lent her voice to, you have to go back 23 years, long before she had the powers of influence she’s currently known for, to find something as big as Fox would like Australia to be. It was then that The Color Purple earned nearly $100 million and 11 Oscar nominations (none of which it won). As for films that Oprah simply promotes and recommends on her show, there is no clear certainty that she can influence either box office or the Oscars. She’s featured the casts from Crash and Brokeback Mountain, yet she’s also given time to publicize films like Alexander and Things We Lost in the Fire. Last week, after calling Australia “the film we needed to see,” she also helped to sell Marley & Me, a movie that might benefit slightly in increased ticket sales thanks to the appearances by Jennifer Aniston, yet there are no news reports mentioning anything but Aniston’s comments about her ex-husband. There’s likewise little media attention given to the fact that Oprah also apparently saw Seven Pounds, the Will Smith movie that, like Australia, has so far received no reviews. Was there no soundbite from Smith’s appearance earlier this month? Seven Pounds is also a mysterious Oscar contender with some needed positive buzz, though maybe Sony Pictures didn’t think to feed the press anything regarding Oprah’s connection to that film the way Fox has pushed them on the Australia endorsement. And what of Oprah’s praise anyway? She said, “I have not been this excited about a movie since I don’t know when.” How excited? And be more specific. Since forty years ago? Since Titanic? Since Christmas in the Clouds? Is this really the best movie of the year? Other than turning the expectations up a little higher following the recent negativity surrounding Australia, Oprah hasn’t really offered us anything except hope. So, a word to Fox: it’s about time you let the real critics see this alleged masterpiece so we can actually find out if this film has some real chances at an Oscar. Originally posted on:SpoutBlog http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/love/MemberTagFilms.aspxlove
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