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Inception - Review
Matt Mungle
 I am
not sure what part of this film to rave about first. The writing is so
sophisticated, unique and splintering that at times I wondered if I was smart
enough to keep up. The twists, turns and turmoil that the story drags the viewer
through are at times overwhelming and too bizarre to soak in all at once. Yet it
is captivating and sucks you in. Visually there is nothing to compare it to.
Literally. Read on... |
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The Sorcerer's Apprentice - Review
Matt Mungle
The
Sorcerer's Apprentice is one of those films that at first glance seems
farfetched, over budgeted and campy. And it is. But you can't deny that it is
also entertaining. Don't forget that these are the same collaborating forces
behind the National Treasure franchise. Granted it is not remotely close to
those cash cows but it does have certain elements that make all Bruckheimer
films stand out. Even Nicholas Cage seems to be having fun with a role that a
few years ago I would never have imagined seeing him
play. Read on... |
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The Kids Are All Right - In theaters
Press - The most
talked-about movie at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, and the winner of the
Teddy Award for Best Feature Film at the 2010 Berlin International Film
Festival, The Kids Are All
Right is directed by Lisa Cholodenko (High Art, Laurel Canyon) from an
original screenplay that she wrote with Stuart Blumberg (Keeping the Faith). The
movie combines comedic surprise with poignant emotional truth in a funny,
vibrant, and richly drawn portrait of a modern family.
Nic and
Jules (three-time Academy Award nominee Annette Bening and four-time Academy
Award nominee Julianne Moore) are married and share a cozy suburban Southern
California home with their teenage children, Joni and Laser (Mia Wasikowska and
Josh Hutcherson). Nic and Jules - or, when referred to jointly by Joni, "Moms" -
gave birth to and raised their children, and built a family life for the four of
them. As Joni prepares to leave for college, 15-year-old Laser presses her for a
big favor. He wants Joni, now 18, to help him find their biological father; the
two teenagers were conceived by artificial insemination.
Against
her better judgment, Joni honors her brother's request and manages to make
contact with "bio-dad" Paul (Mark Ruffalo), an easygoing restaurateur. The kids
find themselves drawn to the confirmed bachelor's footloose style - especially
in contrast to Nic, a principled doctor who has long established their house
rules. Jules, who has been looking to start a new career in landscaping, also
strikes up a rapport with Paul. As Paul comes into the lives of the forthright
four, an unexpected new chapter begins for them as family ties are defined,
re-defined, and then re-re-defined.
THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT opens this Friday (7/16) in Dallas at the Landmark
Magnolia. It expands on 7/23 at the Angelika Plano and goes wider around the
D/FW area on 7/30.
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The Killer Inside Me - Now in theaters
Based on Jim Thompson's legendary pulp novel and directed by the much acclaimed
Michael Winterbottom (ROAD TO GUANTANAMO, A COCK AND BULL STORY), this
psychosexual thriller stars Casey Affleck in a dazzling performance as Lou Ford,
a handsome, charming, closeted killer west Texas sheriff. When his ever-growing
pile of murder victims provokes suspicion from investigators, Ford's violent
secrets are about to be exposed. Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba and John Goodman also
star.
REVIEW - I was intrigued by the cast of this film and the fact that all three main characters played roles that were for the most part out of the normal box in which they travel. It is a violent and gritty film and at times very hard to watch. I commend Affleck for being able to play this role and make it not only believable but to do it with such a lack of emotion. There is a void and disconnect that he brings which makes the evilness of the character that much more terrifying.
Hudson and Alba are splendid as 50's era women who are willing to take such abuse from a man and still be drawn to him. I didn't recognize Kate at first and she really pulls off the small town Texas girl with poise and charm. Those who are used to seeing Alba in the Hollywood trendy Romantic Comedy roles will find this an eye opener. I hand it to her for making herself that vulnerable.
This film is marked as unrated but keep in mind it contains strong violence, nudity, language and sexual content. The dark theme and nature of this story is certainly not recommended for the under 20 viewer. - Matt Mungle
(108 minutes; Not Rated) - opens Friday, July
16 at the Angelika Dallas
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Looking ahead! Press
 SMASH HIS CAMERA
will be in select theaters on July 30, 2010Jacqueline Kennedy
Onassis sued him, Marlon Brando broke his jaw and Steve McQueen gave him a look
that would have killed, if looks could kill. To the celebrities he pursued,
photographer Ron Galella was the beast who threatened beauty. As it turned out,
he gave them a strange and lasting beauty they might never have known without
him. Inherent in the story of this notorious paparazzo are the complex issues of
the right to privacy, freedom of the press and the ever-growing vortex of
celebrity worship. He sneaked around and invaded and bribed and held up his
camera and shot till he dropped (or someone dropped him). His was the artistry
of the sniper. Yet Galella found something essential in his real-life subjects,
and he gave it permanence. Official website |
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BARITONES & BEACHBALLS
Press
 The Dallas Opera brings suds but
no duds to this month's edition of our casual summer events series, BARITONES & BEACHBALLS, presented by
Skintastic. This no-cost or
low-cost series includes topical lectures with tie-ins to next season's opera
schedule in the Nancy B. Hamon Hall
of the Margot and
Bill Winspear Opera House at the
AT&T Performing
Arts Center, special networking and
social events, tantalizing tastings and cool, casual movie nights in partnership
with Dallas Film
Society. Most of these events are free, the
tastings require a nominal fee to cover costs.
Here is one great example of this week's events!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Dallas Opera discussion of Modest Mussorgsky's
masterpiece, Boris
Godunov with Dr. Lonny Harrison (Visiting Asst. Prof./Russian
Section Head, UTA) and Dr. Christopher S. Anderson (Assoc. Prof. of Sacred
Music, SMU). Moderated by Suzanne
Calvin.
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Nancy B. Hamon Hall, the Margot and Bill
Winspear Opera House
2403 Flora Street
Dallas, TX 75201
Cost: FREE
View the full calendar and season schedule here!
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The Losers now on Blu-Ray/DVD
An explosive action tale of betrayal and revenge, The Losers centers
around an elite Special Forces unit sent to the Bolivian jungle on a
search-and-destroy mission. But the team - Clay, Jensen, Roque, Pooch
and Cougar - soon find that they have become the target of a deadly
double cross instigated by a powerful enemy known only as Max. Making
good use of the fact they're now presumed dead, the group goes deep
undercover in a dangerous plot to clear their names and even the score
with Max.
REVIEW
Number of discs: 2 Rated: PG-13
(Parental Guidance Suggested) Studio: Warner Home Video DVD Release Date: July 20, 2010 Run Time: 98 minutes |
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Cop Out now on Blu-Ray/DVD
Officers Jimmy Monroe and Paul Hodges have their weapons drawn on a
gun-wielding killer. They agree to shoot on three. But, wait, does that
mean 1...2...shoot or 1...2...3...then shoot? Punches hit hard and laughs hit
harder (or is it the other way 'round?) when action star Bruce Willis
and ace comic Tracy Morgan pair as bickering-but-got-your-back Brooklyn
buddy cops. Kevin Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy) directs the
gritty, goofball goings-on as the guys hunt for a stolen 1952
mint-condition baseball card (Jimmy needs it to fund his daughter's
wedding), a hunt plunging them into a gunslinging war with a deadly drug
ring. Batter up, fans. The boys are ready to take you out to the ol'
brawl game!
- REVIEW
Number of discs: 3 Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Warner Home Video DVD Release Date: July 20, 2010 Run Time: 107 minutes |
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DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
Beauty and the Beast
Winspear Opera House
July 13, 2010 - July 25, 2010
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL LOVE STORY EVER TOLD COMES TO
LIFE!
The lush, romantic Broadway musical for all generations
TALE AS OLD AS TIME, TRUE AS IT CAN BE. Disney's BEAUTY AND THE
BEAST, the smash hit Broadway musical, is coming to Dallas! Based on the
Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle
has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide.
This classic musical love story is filled
with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling
production numbers including "Be Our Guest" and the beloved title song.
Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST
at AT&T Performing Arts Center's Winspear Opera House.
Disney's BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is the classic story of Belle, a young
woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince
trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to
love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his
former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his
lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.
Click here for more info and ticket information
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Be a part of the indie film world!
A
bittersweet, lyrical sci-fi drama that examines the complexities of
relationships in the near future, some real and some artificial.
FROM THE FILM MAKERS... We are in pre-production on 'SWALLOW' &
plan to begin principal photography in late spring/early summer. WE WANT YOU PART OF OUR FILM! Our goal with 'SWALLOW' is to tackle the ENTIRE process of filmmaking (from pre-prod to
distribution) utilizing the DIWO (DO IT WITH OTHERS) approach in
connection with traditional investments. Rather than just the
traditional way, we want to engage our audience early on & really
involve them in the entire process. For as low as $2, you can be
responsible for helping a film get made & follow the entire process
from start to finish...and we want & NEED YOUR HELP! Collaboration
is the future...help us make it happen! http://swallowthemovie.blogspot.com
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It's a Bird... It's a Plane... It's Superman
A Lost Treasure, a Musical Marvel, Soars Again - Look! Up in the Sky! America's greatest superhero was also the star of one of Broadway's
lost musical treasures! Now this mid-'60s miracle, with great songs by
the legendary Charles Strouse (Annie) and Lee Adams (Bye Bye
Birdie) is part of the Wyly Theatre's historic first season.
Review:
It's a comedy! It's a musical! It's Super Fun! There are many things that worked for this production and made it one of the biggest hits of the season. Mainly it soars on all levels. Technically it is a high flying adventure that that takes advantage of every square inch of the stage. Visually it uses vibrant costume colors, elaborate set designs and props to create a comic book world that comes to life. As a musical I appreciated the fact that the numbers were short and concise and blend in so well with the dialogue that you don't really notice it is a musical at all.
The casting for the production sealed the deal. Each cast member fit not only the look of the character but brought the strength or villainy needed to make the story work. Lastly it is hilarious. The humor isn't forced or manipulative but genuine enough to catch you off guard. I can easily say it is the most fun I have had at the theater in some time. - Matt Mungle
Suitable for children age ten and up.
June 18 - July 25, 2010
Potter Rose Performance Hall, Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre
Click here for more info and ticket information
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THE POSIES SET TO
RELEASE THEIR FIRST ALBUM IN 5 YEARS Press
 One of the most
distinctive and respected alternative-pop bands, The Posies, unite to unleash
their long-awaited new album, Blood/Candy (Ryko), and launch their
international tour on September 28, 2010. Fresh off
the Frosting On The Beater
full-album shows and their work with Big
Star, The Posies chart
unforeseen territory on Blood/Candy while holding onto their
well-known signature sound. The Huffington Post states, "depending on
how you want to hear it, it's a brilliant return to form or a daring move
forward." The almost entirely self-produced record boasts melodic hooks,
provocative lyrics and intricate layers of instrumentation that blend far-out,
spacey sounds with sophisticated hues. The bulk of the album was recorded and
mixed in Spain and their
hometown of Seattle, with stops in
Ecuador, Canada, Paris and
Los Angeles. The Posies will tour extensively this fall. The Europe tour schedule is below,
and U.S. dates will be announced
soon. The Posies
www.theposies.net www.myspace.com/theposies |
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Scorpions get their tails back on the road Matt Mungle
 I remember the first Scorpions album I purchased as a teenager. It was a double live album that transported me into guitar riff heaven. The legendary German hard rock band returns with its final release, the
masterpiece Sting Of The Tail, which will take them on a three
year worldwide tour. It is always interesting to see any of the 80's rock legends and watch how they have evolved over the years.One thing for sure, the Scorpions have never been satisfied with anything other than full chest cavity crunching rock and I have a feeling this show is going to be no different! - Matt Mungle The tour hits Dallas on July 21st at the Verizon Theater at Grand Prairie. Click here for details and ticket information! |
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GREASE SING-A-LONG Sells Out Across the Country HOLLYWOOD, CA
(July 8, 2010)
 "GREASE"fans everywhere have
spoken. Sellouts have been reported in Austin, TX, Los Angeles, CA, New York,
NY, Ocala, FL, San Diego, CA and San Francisco, CA for the upcoming exclusive
engagements of "GREASE" Sing-A-Long. On the heels of promotional, standing room
only outdoor screenings played across the country, people have flocked to buy
tickets for the limited engagements of the hit musical. Paramount Pictures will expand the film to the following five additional cities on Thursday, July 15th: Houston, TX (Cinemark Woodlands 17); Orlando, FL
(AMC Pleasure Island); Phoenix,
AZ (AMC Esplanade); San Antonio,
TX (STKS Palladium); and Detroit,
MI (MJR Partridge Creek). These
additional five cities were selected based on the results of an online poll,
with fans across the country "demanding" the musical open in their city. The
film is being distributed by Paramount Pictures under the newly created Insurge
Pictures label. Tickets
are available online at http://www.GreaseMovie.com. Is
"GREASE" Sing-A-Long not playing in your town? Demand
it! Æ at http://www.Eventful.com/Grease. |
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Check out this latest trailer!
Staff
 Meet charming and jobless Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera). A bass guitarist
for garage band Sex Bob-omb, the 22-year-old has just met the girl of
his dreams...literally. The only catch to winning Ramona Flowers (Mary
Elizabeth Winstead)? Her seven evil exes are coming to kill him.
Genre-smashing filmmaker Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead)
tells the amazing story of one romantic slacker's quest to power up with
love in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. |
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 Number of discs: 1 Rated: R (Restricted)
Studio: Sony Release Date: July 20, 2010 Run Time: 106 minutes From Matt Mungle's ReviewThe
most amazing piece to watch is Kristen Stewart as rock
and roll loving, Joan Jett. The transformation is uncanny and most who
only
know her from the Twilight Series will wonder how the timid Bella could
embody
such a larger than life personality. Jett is one of the best known
former Runaways
so it was important for Stewart to get it right. And she does. Not just
the
look and mannerisms but also the way she holds herself in the band
realm. She looked
confident and at ease with a guitar which was another selling point of
her
performance. And while we are on the subject of strong performances,
Shannon is so good as Kim Fowley that you will feel like
bathing after every scene he is in. Read full review
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*50% off Regular Price Tickets in Pairs of 2
Discount applies to all remaining Tuesday - Thursday and Sunday Evening and Thursday Matinee performances in Price Levels 2, 3, 4, and 5.
Reference password GIRLS(Type password in all CAPS online in the "Promotions and Special Offers" box)Discount Tickets Available at:… The Box Office at 542 Preston Royal Shopping Center … Ticketmaster Link: … Charge-by-Phone 214-631-ARTS
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"THE OTHER GUYS" LETS
FACEBOOK USERS AND MOVIEGOERS
DECIDE
ON HOST CITY FOR "THE OTHER PREMIERE"
CULVER CITY,
Calif., July 14, 2010 - In anticipation of the nationwide release of Columbia Pictures' The Other Guys,
starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg, in theaters August6th, the film willmake its World Premiere in New York City on August 2nd. But the fun
won't stop there. The movie will
have another premiere-- "The Other Premiere" -- and moviegoers can
help decide where it will be. Beginning today, moviegoers can go on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/otherguysmovie and vote in a
poll to decide which Other City will host The Other Premiere. Ferrell and
Wahlberg will attend the red carpet event in the winning city on August
5th. The 20 candidate cities are
Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Houston,
Kansas City, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, Orlando, Philadelphia,
St. Louis, Seattle, Tampa/St. Petersburg, and Washington, DC. On August 2,
Ferrell and Wahlberg will announce the winning city.
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Songwriter turns to book for inspiration.
Dave Lingenfelter became friends with Paul Young who wrote "The Shack" and began work
on a full length disc that soundtracks the book. The lead off single
"Free to be Me" is already complete and up on i-tunes. You can listen to a clip of it and read the lyrics at
songsfromtheshack.com What a journey this has been! "Free to Be Me" didn't take long to write
but coming to an understanding that it was true seemed like it took an
eternity! I originally wrote it for a conference with William Paul Young
and Baxter Kruger. Since that day, it's kinda taken on a life of its
own and has spawned a project called "Songs from the Shack." There are a
few other CDs/projects with the same title but this one is going to be a
journey through the book "The Shack."
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