March Movies: Oz, G.I. Joe 2, Jack, and Olympus Has Fallen...

[Mark Vader]

With the Oscar race now over, movie studios can now get back to big business, as the Spring Season of movies begins. The month of March has recently turned into an appetizer for the tent pole titles of the Summer Season of movies, and this year is no different. There are several big name titles this month that will garner plenty of attention. A large amount of adventure and action awaits moviegoers this month.

 

Disney and director Sam Raimi bring one of the most anticipated movies of the early year with "Oz the Great And Powerful". A small-time magician with dubious ethics is hurled off to an enchanting land, where he encounters three witches, as well as the opportunity to transform himself into a great wizard -- and an even greater man. Disney has been promoting this pricey movie for months as if it were it's biggest movie of the year. Fans of this story have been impressed by amazing visuals from previews and a "PG" rating will be able to make this a big family film. Starring James Franco, Michelle Williams, Rachel Weisz & Mila Kunis.

 

After being pushed back from late June 2012, Paramount releases "G.I. Joe: Retaliation". The G.I. Joes are not only fighting their mortal enemy Cobra; they are forced to contend with threats from within the government that jeopardize their very existence. Promising a more serious tone than the last film Paramount is hoping to have the first big action hit of the year. Starring Channing Tatum, Dwayne Johnson, Bruce Willis, Adrianne Palicki, Ray Stevenson, Elodie Yung, Byung-hun Lee & Ray Park.

 

Another movie pushed back from June 2012 finally gets released as Warner Bros. & Bryan Singer bring us "Jack the Giant Slayer". The ancient war between humans and a race of giants is reignited when Jack, a young farmhand fighting for a kingdom and the love of a princess, opens a gateway between the two worlds. Starring Nicholas Hoult, Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor, Eleanor Tomlinson & Ian McShane.

 

The first of two White-House-under-attack movies this year get released in the form of "Olympus Has Fallen". Disgraced former Presidential guard Mike Banning finds himself trapped inside the White House in the wake of a terrorist attack; using his inside knowledge, Banning works with national security to rescue the President from his kidnappers. Starring Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman, Angela Bassett, Mellisa Leo, Dylan McDermott & Radha Mitchell.

 

Tommy Lee Jones and Matthew Fox star in "Emperor". As the Japanese surrender at the end of WWII, Gen. Fellers is tasked with deciding if Emperor Hirohito will be hanged as a war criminal. Influencing his ruling is his quest to find Aya, an exchange student he met years earlier in the U.S.

 

Steve Carell and Jim Carrey star in "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone". Magician Burt Wonderstone splits from his longtime stage partner after a guerrilla street magician steals their thunder. By spending some time with his boyhood idol, Burt looks to remember what made him love magic in the first place. Also starring Olivia Wilde, James Gandolfini, Steve Buscemi & Alan Arkin.

 

Dreamworks & 20th Century Fox release the animated movie "The Croods". The world's very first prehistoric family goes on a road trip to an uncharted and fantastical world. Starring the voices of Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone & Catherine Keener.

 

Tina Fey & Paul Rudd star in "Admission". A Princeton admissions officer who is up for a major promotion takes a professional risk after she meets a college-bound alternative school kid who just might be the son she gave up years ago in a secret adoption.

 

In "Dead Man Down", In New York City, a crime lord's right-hand man is seduced by one of his boss's victims, a woman seeking retribution. Starring Colin Farrell, Noomi Rapace, Dominic Cooper & Terrence Howard.

 

In "The Host", A parasitic alien soul is injected into the body of Melanie Stryder. Instead of carrying out her race's mission of taking over the Earth, "Wanda" (as she comes to be called) forms a bond with her host and sets out to aid other free humans. Starring Saoirse Ronan, Diane Kruger, Jake Abel & William Hurt.

 

In "Phantom", The haunted Captain of a Soviet submarine holds the fate of the world in his hands. Forced to leave his family behind, he is charged with leading a covert mission cloaked in mystery. Starring Ed Harris & David Duchovny.

 

In "The Last Exorcism Part II", As Nell Sweetzer tries to build a new life after the events of the first movie, the evil force that once possessed her returns with an even more horrific plan. Starring Ashley Bell, Julia Garner, Spencer Treat Clark & David Jensen.

 

In Tyler Perry's "Temptation", A marriage counselor's life become complicated after she enters into an increasingly obsessive relationship behind her husband's back. Starring Jurnee Smollett-Bell, Vanessa Williams, Brandy Norwood & Kim Kardashian.

 

Finally in "21 and Over", The night before his big medical school exam, a promising student celebrates his 21st birthday with his two best friends. Starring Miles Teller, Justin Chon, Jonathan Keltz & Sarah Wright.

 

Calendar with Trailers

 

3/1

"Jack the Giant Slayer": http://jackthegiantslayer.warnerbros.com/

 

"21 and Over": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2746459929/

 

"The Last Exorcism Part II": http://www.thelastexorcism2.com/

 

"Phantom": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi873703193/

 

3/8

"Oz the Great and Powerful": http://disney.go.com/thewizard/

 

"Dead Man Down": http://www.deadmandownmovie.com/?Home

 

"Emperor": http://emperor-themovie.com/

 

3/15

"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone": http://www.theincredibleburtwonderstone.com/index.html

 

3/22

"Olympus Has Fallen": http://olympusmovie.com/

 

"Admission": http://focusfeatures.com/admission

 

"The Croods": http://www.thecroodsmovie.com/

 

3/29

"G.I. Joe: Retaliation: http://www.gijoemovie.com/

 

"The Host": http://thehostthefilm.com/

 

"Temptation": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi636069657/

 

That's all for now. Independent Films will be posted later. Until then....Enjoy!

[shrader]

Thanks again Mark. Since I started seeing the ads way back, I've always wondered how someone can make a prequel to a dream.

[Mark Vader]

Thanks again Mark. Since I started seeing the ads way back, I've always wondered how someone can make a prequel to a dream.

Well that's what imagination can do.

[CowgirlsFan]

"Oz the Great and Powerfull" is a must. The scenery will be off the charts.

 

"The Incredible Burt Wonderstone" sounds good. This is flim where we see another side of James Gandolfini

along with Alan Arkin getting a second chance at an Oscar.

 

"The Croods" just sounds fun. We all need to laugh more.

 

"Admission"..yes another chick flick but I have enjoyed seeing the trailers.

 

"The Phanton" sounds like a new "Hunt for a Red October" but that's ok.

[Mark Vader]

I just hope that "Oz the Great and Powerful" can deliver a story that equals the visuals.

[Mark Vader]

"Jack the Giant Slayer" made less than $30M this weekend. Not good.

[Just Jack]

Interview with Director Antoine Fuqua of "Olympus Has Fallen".

 

http://www.buzzfeed.com/richardrushfield/olympus-has-fallen-director-antoine-fuqua-on-building-and-de

[Dr. Fong]

I just hope that "Oz the Great and Powerful" can deliver a story that equals the visuals.

 

I went to see it tonight. It wasn't anything ground-breaking, but I liked it. I'd give it a solid B. Worth going to. I saw it with my wife and 9 year old son and all three of use liked it. The story had enough going on to keep you interested. There were some predictable parts, but overall I found it better than I expected. The visuals were good. I'd say if you are at all interested in seeing the movie that you'd like it.

[BRAWNDO]

Interview with Director Antoine Fuqua of "Olympus Has Fallen".

 

http://www.buzzfeed....building-and-de

 

This movie looks like a good one. Reminds me of Vince Flynn's book Transfer of Power.

[IDBillzFan]

I went to see it tonight. It wasn't anything ground-breaking, but I liked it. I'd give it a solid B. Worth going to. I saw it with my wife and 9 year old son and all three of use liked it. The story had enough going on to keep you interested. There were some predictable parts, but overall I found it better than I expected. The visuals were good. I'd say if you are at all interested in seeing the movie that you'd like it.

 

I think this could have been a much better movie if the right person was playing Oz. James Franco didn't cut it for me because the transition from womanizing sleight-of-hand carnival egoist to caring savior of Oz fell flat, which was important based on how the movie ended. Much as I hate to admit it, it was the perfect Johnny Depp role based on the character they were trying to portray.

 

Still, my eight-year-old completely dug it, so my opinion didn't really matter much.

[ajzepp]

I have seen so many ads and trailers for Olympus Has Fallen that I'm already sick of the film...

 

Thanks for the, Vader

[Mark Vader]

I have seen so many ads and trailers for Olympus Has Fallen that I'm already sick of the film...

 

Thanks for the, Vader

.

Yeah and this is just the first of two "White House Under Attack" movies this year. "White House Down" comes out in June. Will anyone care to see that after seeing "Olympus"?

[ajzepp]

I know the typical strategy is to go heavy on the marketing when the film is crap, so that they can potentially get a huge return on opening weekend before anyone really KNOWS it's crap, so hopefully at least one of these will be good.

[Chef Jim]

I just hope that "Oz the Great and Powerful" can deliver a story that equals the visuals.

 

[Mark Vader]

Wow! I certainly did not expect to see you posting in this thread.

[Chef Jim]

Wow! I certainly did not expect to see you posting in this thread.

 

I had to get my monthly laugh at Hollywood in.

[dpberr]

Both *Die Hard in the White House* movies look horrible borrowing the tried and true #1 plot point of any Steven Seagal film or television show:

 

1. Steven Seagal may be a cook, cop or EPA officer, but before taking those jobs he was a decorated member of the US Army Special Forces, CIA, or both...and he's still got it.

 

Both these lousy White House movies have agents who just so happened to have been in the military or Special Forces. Yawn. Give me just a regular old tourist or MacGyver.

[Mark Vader]

Here are this month's Independent Films.

 

Mia Wasikowska, Nicole Kidman & Matthew Goode star in "Stoker". After India's father dies, her Uncle Charlie, who she never knew existed, comes to live with her and her unstable mother. She comes to suspect this mysterious, charming man has ulterior motives and becomes increasingly infatuated with him.

 

James Franco, Vanessa Hudgens, Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson & Rachel Corine star in "Spring Breakers". Four college girls who land in jail after robbing a restaurant in order to fund their spring break vacation find themselves bailed out by a drug and arms dealer who wants them to do some dirty work.

 

Ryan Gosling & Bradley Cooper star in "The Place Beyond the Pines". A motorcycle stunt rider turns to robbing banks as a way to provide for his lover and their newborn child, a decision that puts him on a collision course with an ambitious rookie cop navigating a department ruled by a corrupt detective. Also starring Eva Mendes.

 

Elle Fanning, Alice Englert & Annette Bening star in "Ginger & Rosa". A look at the lives of two teenage girls - inseparable friends Ginger and Rosa -- growing up in 1960s London as the Cuban Missile Crisis looms, and the pivotal event that comes to redefine their relationship. Also starring Oliver Platt, Alessandro Nivola & Timothy Spall.

 

Halle Berry & Abigail Breslin star in "The Call". A veteran 911 operator must confront a killer from the past to save a young girl's life.

 

Kirsten Dunst & Jim Sturgess star in "Upside Down". Adam and Eden fell in love as teens despite the fact that they live on twinned worlds with gravities that pull in opposite directions. Ten years after a forced separation, Adam sets out on a dangerous quest to reconnect with his love.

 

Toni Collette stars in "Mental". A charismatic, crazy hothead transforms a family's life when she becomes the nanny of five girls whose mother has cracked from her husband's political ambitions and his infidelity. Also starring Anthony LaPaglia & Liev Schrieber.

 

Abbie Cornish & Will Patton star in "The Girl". A young Texan mother who loses her child to foster care begins smuggling Mexicans across the border.

 

James McAvoy & Mark Strong star in "Welcome to the Punch". Ex-criminal Jacob Sternwood is forced to return to London when his son is involved in a heist gone wrong. This gives his nemesis, detective Max Lewinsky, one last chance to catch the man he's always been after.

 

Jamie Chung & Beau Bridges star in "Eden". A young Korean-American girl, abducted and forced into prostitution by domestic human traffickers, joins forces with her captors in a desperate plea to survive.

 

Kristin Chenoweth, Matthew Modine & Olesya Rulin star in "Family Weekend". A 16-year-old girl takes her parents hostage after they miss her big jump-roping competition.

 

In "If I Were You", When a woman tries to outwit her husband's sexy young mistress, the unexpected consequences include starring as King Lear in a very amateur production - with the mistress, an aspiring actress, playing The Fool. Starring Marcia Gay Harden, Leonor Watling & Aidan Quinn.

 

In "Wrong", Dolph Springer wakes up one morning to realize he has lost the love of his life, his dog, Paul. During his quest to get Paul (and his life) back, Dolph radically changes the lives of others -- risking his sanity all the while. Starring Jack Plotnick.

 

"The ABC's Of Death" is A 26-chapter anthology that showcases death in all its vicious wonder and brutal beauty.

 

From Spain comes "Blancanieves". A twist on the Snow White fairy tale that is set in 1920s Seville and centered on a female bullfighter. Starring Maribel Verdu, Emilio Gavira & Daniel Gimenez Cacho.

 

From Mexico comes "Come Out and Play". A couple take a vacation to a remote island - their last holiday together before they become parents. Soon after their arrival, they notice that no adults seem to be present - an observation that quickly presents a nightmarish reality. Starring Ebon Moss-Bachrach & Vinessa Shaw.

 

"Don't Stop Believin': Everyone's Journey" is a documentary on Arnel Pineda, who was plucked from YouTube to become the new singer for the rock & roll band, Journey.

 

Finally,"Room 237" is a subjective documentary that explores the numerous theories about the hidden meanings within Stanley Kubrick's film The Shining. The film may be over 30 years old but it continues to inspire debate, speculation, and mystery.

 

Calendar with Trailers.

Note: These dates are for exclusive or limited release. These films may appear in your area at a later date.

 

3/1

"Stoker": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1111335961/

 

3/8

"The ABC's of Death": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4236683033/

 

"The Girl": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1268491801/

 

"Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1298245401/

 

3/15

"Spring Breakers": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3191842585/

 

"The Call": http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3658589977/

 

"Upside Down": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi219391769/

 

"If I Were You": http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/if_i_were_you_2012/trailers/11176292/

 

"Ginger & Rosa": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1910220569/

 

"Blancanieves": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi1854646041/

 

3/20

"Eden": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi2075960857/

 

3/22

"Come Out and Play": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4100564761/

 

3/27

"Welcome To The Punch": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3820398105/

 

3/29

"Room 237": http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2681120537/

 

"The Place Beyond the Pines": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3152914201/

 

"Family Weekend": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi256354073/

 

"Mental": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi3378620185/

 

"Wrong": http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi4040009497/

 

That's all for now. I'll have the April movies up soon. Until then...Enjoy!

[ajzepp]

You know what's fun to do? Just look at the descriptions of the Indy films and compare them to the descriptions of the mainstream ones. For me, it's very telling,and it's clear why I tend to get more excited about Mark's indy list than I do the main list. The indy films are typically more character driven with more of a focus on interpersonal relationships and "life" drama. I'll always love the popcorn flicks too, but it's just easier to really sink your teeth into the others, IMO.

 

I saw Don't Stop Believin' the other night on Vudu...I really enjoyed it. They way they structured it was very cool....they sort of matched up the timeline of the band against where Arnel was in his life at various points along the way. I would have liked to have seen a little more about the back story with Steve Perry, but they included enough of that to where it was satisfying. One thing that struck me was that Arnel is much older than I thought he was. Here I'm thinking he was this young guy who was trying to fit in with a bunch of guys old enough to be his grandfather, but he's 45! Anyway, for anyone who is even a casual fan of the band, this is a solid, enjoyable film. My only real criticism was that the audio and video weren't nearly what I expected. I was watching it on my HT system and it just wasn't as good as I'd hoped.

 

BTW, it's a couple years old now I think, but another really good documentary I saw recently was "Klitschko". It's about the brothers, their childhood, upbringing, entry into boxing, and challenges they've faced along the way. These guys are far more interesting than I ever imagined they would be and I enjoyed it quite a bit. There's a great scene with the brothers and when they first met Don King in the mid-90s that was good for a laugh.

[Alaska Darin]

This movie looks like a good one. Reminds me of Vince Flynn's book Transfer of Power.

It's not. It's blindingly stupid.