Sunday, August 25, 2013

Got nothing to do? Catch a film in Central Park!

Want to enjoy the last few days of summer before Labor Day Weekend and school begins? Go check out the Central Park Conservancy Film Festival in New York City. They have been showing free films all weekend. A DJ starts playing music at 6:30pm which is when the gates open for viewers, and the film starts at 8:00pm. Just a few tips if you plan on going.
  1. Get there as early as possible. There are a ton of people that go, and since it’s so beautiful out even more people will come out. The website says the films will screen rain or shine.
  2. Bring a blanket, they do not allow chairs because everyone has to sit on the ground. Bring something that you and your friends or family can sit on, and if you get there early enough you can get a good spot and sprawl out on a nice big blanket.
  3. If you get there early, they offer free popcorn to all viewers. They ran out of popcorn last night, but they said they would have it for tonight. They have a small building located right behind the grassy seated area for food, drinks and bathrooms but feel free to bring a picnic!
  4. Try to leave a few moments before the film ends, so you don’t get stuck in a swarm of people headed to the same place. Also, when you come it will be light out, so remember where you park or how you got to the area of the park, because at night time it can be confusing depending on how you got to the viewing area.
  5. Have fun! When else can you say that you watched a film in the middle of Central Park? Lay back, relax and enjoy the last stress free days before school begins and summer ends.
Tonight, August 25, 2013 the Central Park Conservancy Film Festival is playing ‘The Shining’ and tomorrow, August 26, 2013 the festival will come to a close with ‘Raiders of the Lost Arc’ the films are also shown with closed captions. Also, the following items are not permitted alcohol, glass bottles, chairs, video cameras, and tape recorders. The park is located at Sheep Meadow and the 72nd Street Cross Drive.
For more information check out The Central Park Conservancy Film Festival official website www.centralparknyc.org/filmfestival.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Ben Affleck to play.... Batman


Well, that didn't take long...the wait to see who will portray Batman in director Zack Snyder's untitled Batman-Superman film for Warner Bros. is officially over. Ben Affleck will replace Christian Bale in the caped crusader role. Warner Bros. president Greg Silverman said in a statement, "We knew we needed an extraordinary actor to take on one of DC Comics’ most enduringly popular Super Heroes, and Ben Affleck certainly fits that bill, and then some.” 
Zack Snyder stated, "Ben provides an interesting counter-balance to Henry’s Superman. He has the acting chops to create a layered portrayal of a man who is older and wiser than Clark Kent and bears the scars of a seasoned crime fighter, but retain the charm that the world sees in billionaire Bruce Wayne. I can’t wait to work with him.”  The film is slated to open in theaters worldwide July 17, 2015.
Just recently, Christian Bale who is arguably the greatest Batman, was offered 50 million dollars to reprise his legendary role in the Zack Snyder blockbuster. 

I know no one really cares what I think, but I'm going to add my two cents anyway because, hey why not? I've seen all three Christopher Nolan "Batman" films ('Batman Begins,' 'The Dark Knight' and most recently 'The Dark Knight Rises') all were brilliantly done, and most of that was because of the character created by Christian Bale. He created that character, as if he could've been real. Nolan directed a film as if that world could've been real. All those other Batman films, didn't have that same feel. They were campy, and almost laughable compared to the recent trilogy. Since, 'The Dark Knight Rises' just opened in theaters a year ago, fans will not welcome Affleck with open arms. Those are big, no HUGE shoes-I'm sorry, boots-to fill. I adore Ben Affleck, he's not only an incredible actor, but a fantastic director (go see 'Argo' last year's Oscar winner for Best Picture) but he's not Batman. I feel as though, if Christian Bale didn't want to portray him they should just leave Batman out, or wait a whole lot longer to have someone replace him. 2015 is not far enough, Bale will still be fresh in everyone's mind and Affleck will be constantly compared. An unknown actor would've been a better choice, Henry Cavill was somewhat unknown and was an awesome Superman, I feel like Affleck is in so much that it would be hard to see him in a character that was perfectly played by Bale. Please share your thoughts on this latest casting news....

Saturday, August 10, 2013

More talk of 'Man of Steel' Sequel...is Christian Bale in???

Ever since Zack Snyder announced at comic-con in San Diego last month, that his next Superman film (the sequel to his mega blockbuster hit 'Man of Steel') will contain the character of Batman, rumors have been swirling as to whether or not Christian Bale will reprise his iconic role. According to a newly released e-book, Beyond Batman: The Unauthorized True Story of Christian Bale and His Dark Knight Dilemma Warner Bros. supposedly offered Bale $50 million dollars to continue his role as the caped crusader in the Superman flick. No word has been confirmed as to whether or not this is completely true, or if Christian Bale will accept the offer. The way 'The Dark Knight Rises' ends is quite perfect if he never intends to portray Batman ever again. But, Bale is so perfect as Batman and since the trilogy just ended last summer, fans may not be ready to welcome in a new Batman, no matter who it is. Also, there are rumors that Lex Luthor will appear in the sequel and Mark Strong and 'Breaking Bad' star Bryan Cranston are the front-runners for the super villain role. 


What do you think? If Bale refuses would you like to see a Batman at all? And if so, who?
Any thoughts on Mark Strong or Bryan Cranston for Lex Luthor? 




Hugh Jackman is razor-sharp in 'The Wolverine'



The Wolverine is this summer’s most underrated blockbuster hit. The film stars everyone’s favorite triple threat, Hugh Jackman as the title role and is directed byJames Mangold. The Wolverine opens with a flashback to the bombing of Nagasaki in World War II where Logan manages to save a young Japanese soldier, Yashida (portrayed by Ken Yamamura) from the atomic bomb. Fast forward to present day and Yashida, who is eternally grateful for Logan and his brave actions is unfortunately very ill and wishes to see Logan one more time to say his goodbye. Logan who is taking up space in the woods, starting fights in bars and looking like a homeless man is found by Yukio (portrayed by Rila Fukushima). Her master is Yashida and she entices Logan to travel to Japan with her and grant the wish of her dying master. When Logan lands in Japan there is a whole lot more drama and mayhem then he bargained for and needs to fight off his inner struggles and demons before its too late.