"PEOPLE LIKE US" - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from People Like Us

Upon receiving news of his Father's death, Sam (Chris Pine) makes a rare visit home to see his Mother Lillian (Michelle Pfeiffer). Shocked to learn that he must deliver an inheritance of $150,000 to a long-lost Sister he never knew he had in Frankie (Elizabeth Banks) and her Son Josh (Michael Hall D'Addario).  Not knowing his true identity or reason for surfacing, he becomes an integral part of their lives. Meanwhile, internally Sam is coping with the death of his distant Father and also facing fraud allegations at work.  At the same time, he must deal with his Girlfriend Hannah (Olivia Wilde) whose patience is wearing thin with him as a darker side of him is revealed.  We wonder through all of this what will become of Sam and his Friendship with Frankie and Josh when he reveals the truth to them.

Although primarily a Producer, Alex Kurtzman more than ably steps-up to the challenge of directing his first Feature here - a rare Family-oriented Drama geared more towards Adults in an especially crowded Field of Blockbusters at the Box Office.  Of course, it doesn't hurt that Kurtzman has a superb Ensemble Cast to work with here and other than a few lags in pacing, due more to a few thick and substantial Subplots, everything ties up beautifully in what should be a rewarding experience for Moviegoers.

Pine finally gets an opportunity to shine in a Leading Role which doesn't require action sequences of him and he proves that he has what it takes to stand alongside the likable Matt Damons of Hollywood.  Banks must be given credit for veering away from the comedic mold with some of her more recent choices including this, where we see her fully embodying what it means to be a hungry Single Mom with a hardened heart. Pfeiffer as always is a pleasure to watch, giving a v. humanistic portrayal of suppressed disappointment and silent anger.

Although the tears might not come until late, be warned that you should be armed with some Napkins from the Concessions Stand.  DreamWorks Pictures releases People Like Us on June 29, 2012.

MOVIE REVIEW: "WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING"

Still from What to Expect When You're Expecting

Intertwining the experiences of five Couples in New York City, What to Expect When You're Expecting brings to the Big Screen Stories inspired by Heidi Murkoff's popular Pregnancy Books of the same name. As often is the case with Movies with All-Star Casts, Story Lines do suffer, but Director Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, Everybody's Fine) successfully manages to draw some strong performances from his highly talented (and recognizable) Ensemble.

In this super-sized Rom-Com we meet Jules (Cameron Diaz) and Evan (Matthew Morrison), a Couple who are united by a Dancing with the Stars-esque Reality TV Series. We also meet Gary (Ben Falcone) and Wendy (Elizabeth Banks) - the latter a Breastfeeding Advocate and Pregnancy Expert whom herself is struggling to become pregnant. Gary's Father Ramsey (Dennis Quaid) and young Stepmother Skyler (Brooklyn Decker) might be divided by an age gap, but their zest for life is the glue which binds them together. Marco (Chace Crawford) and Rosie (Anna Kendrick) run competing Food Trucks and one day that passion for competition spills over into their personal lives. Alex (Rodrigo Santoro) and Holly (Jennifer Lopez) are a Couple just getting established in their Careers, now contemplating Adoption. Although their lives are rather different, these Couples are all joined by one common thread - they are expecting Children.  They each soon learn though that this isn't quite what they were expecting.

What to Expect When You're Expecting is well aware of its stature primarily as a Comedy, yet it hits all the correct notes emotionally, capturing the essence and beauty what it means to become a Parent and giving the gift of Life. Some of the Humour borders on Judd Apatow-crude, yet through it all, the experience is rewarding.  Tears and sniffles are unavoidable, judging at least from the response at the Screening I attended.

Lopez truly delivers some of her best work here, while Banks is commanding whenever she appears.  Decker may be a Newcomer to Film, but holds her own against several Black Type sorts here.  Most natural on-screen is the sizzling Chemistry between Kendrick and Crawford, although their intriguing Story Line falls flat after showing much promise early.

What to Expect When You're Expecting gives Ladies the right to be "Pro-choice" at Theatres this weekend amidst the Battle of the male-centric Blockbusters.  Alliance Films releases Friday, May 18, 2012.

ENTER TO WIN PASSES TO SEE "WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING" IN TORONTO, OTTAWA, HALIFAX & WINNIPEG

Official Artwork for What to Expect When You're Expecting

Director Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, Everybody's Fine) brings us a star-studded Affair like none other with What to Expect When You're Expecting. Based on the bestselling Pregnancy Guide by Heidi Murkoff, the Rom-Com brings together five interconnected Couples with Babies on-the-way. As they learn though, life isn't always what you expect!

What to Expect When You're Expecting stars Jennifer Lopez, Cameron Diaz, Elizabeth Banks, Anna Kendrick, Brooklyn Decker, Chris Rock, Rodrigo Santoro, Dennis Quaid, Chace Crawford, Rebel Wilson, Matthew Morrison and many more!

Alliance Films and Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven want to give Readers a chance to see this year's most hotly-anticipated Rom-Com before everybody else! To qualify, simply click "like" on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and also this corresponding Post before Sunday, May 13, 2012. Remember to indicate for which City you would like Passes.

Double your odds by Re-Tweeting the following:

@MRWILLW wants you to see What to Expect When You're Expecting. Passes available for HFX, TO, OTT and WPG. #MRWILLWBABY http://tinyurl.com/cwmo6eo

You must also be following on Twitter here. 

Screening Dates are as follows:

Ottawa & Halifax - Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Toronto & Winnipeg - Thursday, May 17, 2012

NOTE: If you have restricted Privacy Settings on Facebook, please ensure you leave an E-mail address or your Twitter account so that I can reach you back. Good luck, Mavenati!

Alliance Films releases What to Expect When You're Expecting on Friday, May 18, 2012. Remember also to follow Alliance Films on Twitter too!

Watch the Trailer for What to Expect When You're Expecting below:

"WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU'RE EXPECTING" POSTERS

Official Artwork for What to Expect When You're Expecting

Hot Mama! Lionsgate Films just released these gorgeous new Posters for Rom-Com, What to Expect When You're Expecting with its all-star Cast. Starring Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Banks, Cameron Diaz, Brooklyn Decker, Anna Kendrick, Chris Rock, Matthew Morrison, Dennis Quaid, Chace Crawford, Rodrigo Santoro (in an amazing American accent!) and many more, this is the latest effort from Director Kirk Jones (Nanny McPhee, Everybody's Fine). The Movie follows five Couples expecting their first Child in New York City and hits theatres May 11, 2012.

J-Lo isn't even showing here. Are we sure she's preggers?  What's the deal?

See more Posters below:

FIRST TRAILER: "THE HUNGER GAMES"

Still from The Hunger Games

It's here.  The Official Trailer for The Hunger Games has finally premiered and it's rather intense if I might say so myself.  See Jennifer Lawrence shine as Katniss, bravely stepping-up to the challenge of becoming a Tribute in a post-Apocalyptic North America, Panem, for their annual Hunger Games.  Elizabeth Banks  is barely recognizable as Effie Trinket. Wow.

Watch the Trailer in full below:

"The Games will change everyone", its Tagline suggests.

Alliance Films.  March 23, 2012.  

(Photo/video credit: Alliance Films)

NEW CHARACTER POSTERS FROM "THE HUNGER GAMES"

Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss in The Hunger Games 

In anticipation of what surely will be a huge Blockbuster smash, these new Character Posters for The Hunger Games have just been released and for the first time we get a proper glimpse of the Principal Cast which includes Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone), Josh Hutcherson (The Kids are All Right), Liam Hemsworth (The Last Song) and veterans Lenny Kravitz, Elizabeth Banks and Woody Harrelson.

The Hunger Games centers around Katniss (Lawrence) who is pitted in a nationally-televised life and death match against other Teenagers from various districts of Panem (a futuristic North America). If she does survive, she also is faced with the challenge of Survival against Love.

Based on the series of Novels by Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games hits theatres March 23, 2011 via Alliance Films.

See a few more Posters below:

OUR IDIOT BROTHER - MOVIE REVIEW

Still from Our Idiot Brother

Although it might easily be forgotten in the tide of Blockbusters in our midsts, Sundance Film Festival favourite Our Idiot Brother from Director Jesse Peretz, is one this Summer's more witty Comedies.

Ned (Paul Rudd) is the naïve and under-achieving older Brother to tightly-wound Liz (Emily Mortimer), a career-driven (Elizabeth Banks) and free-spirited (Zoey Deschanel).  After being arrested for selling Marijuana to an undercover Police Officer, Ned serves a minor sentence of three months, before being released from Prison. Things change quickly though for him with his Girlfriend Janet (Kathryn Hahn) leaving him, finding a new Boyfriend Billy (T.J. Miller) and keeping their Dog Willie Nelson. At the same time, he is kicked-out of their Organic Farm House, which in turn makes him homeless.

Ned then turns to his Sisters for support but none of them truly take to his intrusion upon with their private lives. Before long, they begin to find him a nuisance as he unintentionally finds himself caught-up in their affairs. He stirs the tension between Liz and her Husband Dylan (Steve Coogan), manages to both damage both Miranda's relationship with Boyfriend Jeremy (Adam Scott) and a pivotal opportunity at her Vanity Fair job. Also, youngest Sister Natalie finds herself furious after Ned reveals her biggest secret to Girlfriend Cindy (Rashida Jones). But as their stories unfold and all the resentment mounts against Ned who is a convenient Scapegoat, we ponder whether or not he really is at fault and whether he simply is a catalyst to unravelling some deep-seated problems already brewing in his Sisters' own lives.

"LIKE CRAZY" AND "MY IDIOT BROTHER" ARE HITS AT SUNDANCE

Still from Like Crazy

Deadline is keeping a close tab on the Distribution deals being struck in Park City at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend and it looks like the one Film getting the most buzz is Like Crazy, a Romantic comedy about an British Girl visiting the U.S. and falling in love with a guy over there, she is told she has to go back to the U.K. after over-extending her visit.  

Paramount Pictures won in the bidding and it is said the deal was in-and-around the $4 million U.S. mark for worldwide rights. The Film stars Anton Yelchin, Felicity Jones and Jennifer Lawrence - the latter who created a stir last year in Winter's Bone.

My Idiot Brother, which we have been following here for a while now, is also receiving a fair amount of buzz after its Screening last night, expecting to close a deal with The Weinstein Co. or Relativity Media in the U.S.  Maple Pictures is already set to distribute in Canada.  It is almost guaranteed that the Film will be profitable with its stellar Cast of Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Rashida Jones and Zooey Deschanel and the buzz that it is quite heart-felt.

"MY IDIOT BROTHER" GAINING HEAVY BUZZ AT SUNDANCE

Still from My Idiot Brother

One Movie getting a serious about of buzz at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival held at the end of the month in Utah, is Jesse Peretz’s My Idiot Brother. The Comedy revolves around jailed Pot Dealer Ned, played by an unrecognizable Paul Rudd, who decides to take up time with each of his Sisters after being unable to live with his overbearing Mother.

The Film has an amazing Supporting Cast including Zooey Deschanel, Elizabeth Banks, Emily Mortimer and Rashida Jones. Although the Film has been picked-up in Canada by Maple Pictures, it is being shopped around in the U.S. still. With a Cast like that it should have no problems being acquired, you’d think.

With no release date set yet, the Film will premiere at Sundance this weekend and Peretz apparently will be there to present the Film and answer questions afterwards.  I am so jealous of those who get to attend!

Visit the official website for My Idiot Brother here and follow updates on Twitter here. Yes, you actually do get cryptic messages from Ned if you Tweet him.

(Photo credit: Maple Pictures)

FEMALE SUPERHORSE ZENYATTA ENDS A REMARKABLE CAREER IN 2010 "BREEDERS' CUP CLASSIC"

Zenyatta defeated by Blame in 2010 Breeder's Cup Classic

Remarkable.  Female Superhorse Zenyatta ended her career today in what was her 20th and final race at Kentucky's Churchill Downs.  After having become the first female Horse to win the Breeders' Cup Classic in 2009, she looked to repeat the feat again this year against male competition.  And she almost did it.  Almost.

After trailing the field distantly for most of the race, she encountered a bit of traffic in the final stretch.  As soon as she and Jockey Mike Smith found a clear path, she thundered home, making up much ground only to lose by a nose to eventual winner Blame.  The winner it was announced, also is retiring after today's $5 million race.

Smith didn't have much to say afterwards, tearfully walking off the track saying only "It was my fault.  She should've won."  The race was to be Zenyatta's 20th win, marking the finale of a career which only saw Victory. But as we all know, nobody's perfect.  Human nor Horse.

Celebrities alike shared in their adoration for Zenyatta.  John Madden Tweeted, "Poor Zenyatta.  I haven't been this depressed about a horse since Sarah Jessica Parker got snubbed for an Oscar nomination."  Author Tami Hoag Tweeted "What a run!  What a mare!  Brava!".  Both Elizabeth Banks and Bobby Flay rallied their Followers to watch her race earlier also and even Alyssa Milano weighed in on the matter, Tweeting "Zenyatta.  Oh, how I love her so."