Now that I’ve spoiled the punch line, allow me to elaborate. In the third (and hopefully final) installment of the franchise, Agent Jay (Will Smith) must go back to 1969 to save Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) from being killed by an old enemy (Jemaine Clement) hell bent on destroying the Earth via a time travel rewrite. Over the course of the film, we’re supposed to learn why Kay is so grumpy (but this reveal makes no sense) and a completely irrelevant character tidbit about Agent Jay is even thrown in for no good measure (it’s actually significant in terms of what it would mean in real life but irrelevant in terms of how much anyone will care because of how it’s done).
Anywho, the film is also in 3D so there’s that. And if you think a few decent uses of the technique in the first 15 minutes warrants those extra few dollars (assuming you’re not taking my advice to wait for free cable to see this), then by all means throw your money away. For the more rational moviegoer, just know that after the opening segments of the film, director Barry Sonnenfeld stops employing 3D to good use and coincidentally stops worrying about making the movie any fun.
To that point, the last 90 minutes of the film are rather bland. There wasn’t any huge desire to get up and leave but had I succumbed to a nap I don’t think it would have mattered. The first two installments of the franchise had a sense of whimsy and fun that is generally lacking here. Bill Hader crops up as Andy Warhol and tries to inject some life into the proceedings but he’s only on-screen a few minutes. Of course, what many people may be wondering is how good of an impression James Brolin does as the younger Tommy Lee Jones. The answer is a damned good one. If that were the only required element to the success of the movie, I would shower it with praise. Sadly, the lazy script and generally lifeless direction overpower a good performance by Brolin.
The formula for success in these films has been the dry wit of Tommy Lee Jones vs. the exuberance of Will Smith, with a wisecracking woman mixed in (Linda Fiorentino in #1, Rosario Dawson in #2). Alice Eve is brought in as the younger version of Emma Thompson and could have filled this role, had the screenwriters bothered to remember that third element to the banter was what kept things from becoming monotonous … but they didn’t and this is the result.
Men in Black 3 is a fun excuse to have makeup & creature design guru Rick Baker do his magic but it’s nothing audiences need to see in theaters or even waste their money on in the rental market. Seriously, I’m not one of those people extolling The Avengers as the best thing since sliced bread but you’re better off seeing that a third time than watching this once. Choose wisely.
GRADE: C-
Men in Black 3 hits theaters on May 25, 2012 and is rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, and brief suggestive content.
Movie Review: Men in Black 3
Kelly Clarkson Video: Dark Side
Kelly Clarkson’s new single, “Dark Side,” tells no one is picture perfect, we all have dark sides, and we’re still able to be loved. It’s a powerful statement from the American Idol winner/Grammy winner who’s faced her own share of demons. But as dark as the song/video gets, fortunately as the Dark Side comes to a close, the tone lightens up and Clarkson (who looks fantastic) ends the video on a happier note.
Watch the video:
‘The Apparition’ Trailer Starring Ashley Greene Arrives
Twilight‘s Ashley Greene (‘Alice’) stars in The Apparition hitting theaters on August 24th. Warner Bros has just released this new trailer for the supernatural thriller from writer/director Todd Lincoln, which also features Sebastian Stan, Tom Felton, Julianna Guill, and Luke Pasqualino.
The Plot: In the supernatural thriller The Apparition, Kelly (Ashley Greene) and Ben (Sebastian Stan) discover they are being haunted by a presence accidentally conjured during a university parapsychology experiment.
Watch the trailer:
Starz Announces a Spartacus Marathon
Get ready to indulge in three seasons’ worth of blood, guts, and naked bodies as Starz has just announced the first ever Spartacus marathon. The network plans on airing all 29 episodes of the three seasons of Spartacus in order, starting on June 8th at 9pm. The marathon will kick off with Gods of the Arena followed by Blood and Sand and ending with the most recent season, Vengeance.
Here’s the scoop on the Spartacus marathon:
Spartacus: Gods of the Arena
Episodes to air June 8 & 15
June 8
9pm
Past Transgressions
10pm
Missio
11pm
Paterfamilias
June 15
9pm
Beneath The Mask
10pm
Reckoning
11pm
The Bitter End (Series Finale)
The Plot:
The House of Batiatus is on the rise, basking in the glow of its infamous champion Gannicus (Dustin Clare), whose skill with a sword is matched only by his thirst for wine and women. These are the times a young Batiatus has been waiting for. Poised to overthrow his father and take control; he’ll freely betray anyone to ensure his gladiators are in the highest demand. And he’ll have his loyal and calculating wife Lucretia by his side for every underhanded scheme, drawing on the brazen talents of her seductive friend Gaia when it counts. Together, they will stop at nothing to deceive the masses, seize power, and bleed Capua dry.
Spartacus: Blood and Sand
Episodes to air June 22, 29 and July 6, 13, 20
June 22
9pm
The Red Serpent
10pm
Sacramentum Gladiatorum
11pm
Legends
June 29
9pm
The Thing In The Pit
10pm
Shadow Games
11pm
Delicate Things
July 6
9pm
Great And Unfortunate Things
10pm
Mark Of The Brotherhood
11pm
Whore
July 13
9pm
Party Favors
10pm
Old Wounds
11pm
Revelations
July 20
9pm
Kill Them All (Series Finale)
The Plot:
Betrayed by the Romans. Forced into slavery. Reborn as a Gladiator. Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought upon the sands. Treachery, corruption, and the allure of sensual pleasures will constantly test Spartacus. To survive, he must become more than a man. More than a gladiator. He must become a legend.
Spartacus: Vengeance
Episodes to air July 20, 27 and August 3, 10
July 20
10pm
Fugitivus
11pm
A Place In This World
July 27
9pm
The Greater Good
10pm
Empty Hands
11pm
Libertus
August 3
9pm
Chosen Path
10pm
Sacramentum
11pm
Balance
August 10
9pm
Monsters
10pm
Wrath Of The Gods (Series Finale)
The Plot:
On the heels of the bloody escape from the House of Batiatus, the gladiator rebellion continues and begins to strike fear into the heart of the Roman Republic. Gaius Claudius Glaber and his Roman troops are sent to Capua to crush the growing band of freed slaves that Spartacus (Liam McIntyre) leads before it can inflict further damage. Spartacus is presented the choice of satisfying his personal need for vengeance against the man that condemned his wife to slavery and eventual death, or making the larger sacrifices necessary to keep his budding army from breaking apart.
Source: Starz
Peter Gabriel 2012 North American Tour Dates
Peter Gabriel will be back touring the U.S. and Canada in celebration of the 25th anniversary of his iconic album, So, later this year. The Back to Front Tour kicks off on September 16th in Quebec City, and tickets will go on sale on May 23rd in Canada and May 31st in the U.S.
Gabriel’s 5-times platinum hit So will be re-issued on September 18th as a CD, special edition 3-CD set, and Super Deluxe Box Set. And in case you need a reminder, songs featured on So include “Sledgehammer,” “Big Time,” “Red Rain,” “Don’t Give Up,” and “In Your Eyes.”
Peter Gabriel North American Tour Itinerary
Sunday, September 16 – Quebec City, QC Colisee Pepsi
Tuesday, September 18 – Montreal, QC Bell Centre
Wednesday, September 19 – Toronto, ON Air Canada Centre
Friday, September 21 – Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
Sunday, September 23 – Wantaugh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach
Monday, September 24 – Boston, MA TD Garden
Wednesday, September 26 – Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
Thursday, September 27 – Chicago, IL United Center
Sunday, September 30 – Denver, CO Red Rocks
Tuesday, October 2 – San Jose, CA HP Pavilion
Friday, October 5 – Las Vegas, NV Planet Hollywood Showroom
Saturday, October 6 – Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Bowl
Tuesday, October 9 – Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara County Bowl
More on Peter Gabriel [Courtesy of Live Nation Entertainment]
Peter Gabriel first came to international prominence with the success of Genesis, a band that he co-founded while still at school. Since leaving Genesis in 1975, his recording career has included seven studio albums, film soundtracks for Alan Parker’s ‘Birdy’, Martin Scorsese’s ‘The Last Temptation of Christ’ and Philip Noyce’s ‘Rabbit Proof Fence’ as well as live and compilation albums. His wider musical career has included multiple Grammy Awards, the creation of the Real World record label, and in 1980 the creation of WOMAD, the festival that has launched the careers of many world music artists.
Peter Gabriel co-founded the human rights organization Witness.org in 1989, the organization that pioneered the use of technology in human rights campaigning, and in 2007 the Elders.org was launched by Nelson Mandela, which was founded by Peter Gabriel and Sir Richard Branson. In 2006, Peter Gabriel was awarded the prestigious Man of Peace title by The Nobel Peace Laureates and in 2008 was also included in the Time 100 list. He has also engaged in a wide variety of tech-based businesses throughout a variety of creative industries.
‘Brave’ Soundtrack Details and Track List
Scotland’s the setting for Disney/Pixar’s upcoming animated fantasy adventure, Brave, featuring the voices of Kelly Macdonald, Emma Thompson, Kevin McKidd, and Craig Ferguson. And the soundtrack to the epic tale helps bring Scotland fully to life on the screen, according to Pixar.
Oscar nominee Patrick Doyle composed the score, with Scottish Gaelic singer Julie Fowlis contributing two original songs, and Mumford & Sons collaborating with UK singer Birdy on a new tune that plays during the film’s epilogue.
Brave‘s soundtrack hits stores on June 19th, with Brave set for a theatrical release on June 22, 2012.
“The music of Brave supports the story, bolstering this epic journey with Merida,” said director Mark Andrews. “The music really sets the tone for the film and underscores the time period. We wanted to capture this ancient feel of Scotland, and the music really adds another layer of authenticity.”
Discussing his work on the score, Patrick Doyle said, “I employed many classic Scottish dance rhythms such as reels, jigs and strathspeys, which not only serve the action but keep it authentic. I particularly loved composing the Gaelic lament ‘Noble Maiden Fair’ with my son Patrick Neil, sung so beautifully by Emma [Thompson] and Peigi [Barker].”
Said Fowlis, “It was great to be invited to record and perform on the soundtrack to Brave and particularly to sing the songs which represent the feisty female lead Merida. I so enjoyed the challenge of adding a dimension of acting to my singing in order to bring Merida’s character and inner feelings to life through song.”
Brave Soundtrack:
1. “Touch the Sky” Performed by Julie Fowlis
2. “Into the Open Air” Performed by Julie Fowlis
3. “Learn Me Right” Performed by Birdy [with Mumford & Sons]
4. “Fate and Destiny” Score
5. “The Games” Score
6. “I Am Merida” Score
7. “Remember to Smile” Score
8. “Merida Rides Away” Score
9. “The Witch’s Cottage” Score
10. “Song of Mor’du” Performed by Billy Connolly and Cast
11. “Through the Castle” Score
12. “Legends Are Lessons” Score
13. “Show Us the Way” Score
14. “Mum Goes Wild” Score
15. “In Her Heart” Score
16. “Noble Maiden Fair” (A Mhaighdean Bhan Uasal) Performed by Emma Thompson and Peigi Barker
17. “Not Now!” Score
18. “Get the Key” Score
19. “We’ve Both Changed” Score
20. “Merida’s Home” Score
American Idol Crowns a Winner
Jessica Sanchez wasn’t able to break the hold males have on the title. To find the last female winner of the singing competition, you have to go all the way back to 2006. That was the last time a woman – Jordin Sparks – was able to drum up more votes. Since then it’s been a series of white guys with guitars who’ve taken home the title of American Idol winner.
Two New The Dark Knight Rises TV Spots
Two new TV spots have arrived for Christopher Nolan’s final Batman movie, The Dark Knight Rises, coming to theaters on July 20th. The first spot features Christian Bale as Bruce Wayne ready to “get back in the game.” Spot number two is all about Catwoman, played by Anne Hathaway.
Also featured in what will likely be one of the biggest hits of 2012 are Tom Hardy as Bane, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as John Blake, Michael Caine as Alfred, Gary Oldman as Jim Gordon, and Marion Cotillard as Miranda Tate.
TV Spot #1
TV Spot #2 – Catwoman
Walt Disney Releases Let It Shine Soundtrack
Walt Disney Records will be releasing the soundtrack to Let It Shine, the Disney Channel hip-hop musical airing on June 15th, on June 12th. Artists featured on the soundtrack include Coco Jones, Tyler James Williams, and Brandon Mychal Smith.
The soundtrack includes a mix of music genres, with the tracks performed by the film’s stars. The album also includes videos, special offers, and four instrumental tracks so that listeners can create their own rap battles. The full soundtrack will debut on Radio Disney on Saturday, June 9th.
Let It Shine Soundtrack List:
1. “Don’t Run Away” by Tyler James Williams featuring IM5 – a confessional
uptempo jam about loving from afar performed by Tyler with up-and-coming
teen group, IM5.
2. “Guardian Angel” by Tyler James Williams and Coco Jones – Tyler raps and
Coco sings this elegant ballad about finding purpose and heading for the
top.
3. “Me and You” by Tyler James Williams and Coco Jones – This edgy duet
captures the essence of a young couple trying for one last chance before
love slips away.
4. “What I Said” – Coco Jones throws down as both a singer and rapper on
this upbeat R&B track.
5. “Who I’m Gonna Be” – Coco Jones rocks it old school on this ’70s-style
funk piece about self-determination.
6. “You Belong to Me” by Tyler James Williams – a moving love song performed
Tyler.
7. “Tonight’s the Night” by Brandon Mychal Smith, Spencer Lee and Tyler
James Williams – Pure party music, sung by the “Let It Shine” cast, sets
the stage for hi-hop supremacy in the club.
8. “Around the Block” by cast of “Let It Shine” – One of the film’s
sensational m.c. battles, where razor-sharp wit and humor trumps all.
9. “Moment of Truth” by Tyler James Williams and Brandon Mychal Smith – the
climactic hip-hop battle, is as funny as it is memorable.
10. “Joyful Noise” by the cast of “Let It Shine” – This upbeat
gospel-flavored track sums up all the positive energy of “Let It Shine.”
11. “Good to Be Home” – Coco Jones sings this upbeat ballad, which is a
moving testament to faith and family.
12. “Let It Shine” by Tyler James Williams and Coco Jones – The film’s
joyous title song borrows from the classic gospel-folk tune.
13. “Self Defeat” by Tyler James Williams – This bonus track is a one-man
rap masterpiece from the talented star of “Let It Shine.”
The Plot of Let It Shine:
In the story, Cyrus DeBarge is the musical director at his father’s Atlanta, Georgia, church, and he’s been having some challenges convincing his preacher father that hip-hop is not the devil’s music. Cyrus’ struggles continue when, for a freestyle rap competition at the local teen club, he writes a song under the name “Truth,” which tells his childhood friend and longtime crush, recording artist Roxanne Andrews, how he really feels about her. When it’s all said and done, his best friend Kris McDuffy is mistakenly named the author of the rap song and winner of the contest. As Roxanne begins to fall for Kris, it’s up to the true poet Cyrus to overcome self-doubt, seize the opportunity to reveal both his talent and his feelings, and pursue his dreams. All the while, Cyrus must convince his preacher father that hip-hop music can convey a positive message despite the rap battle he is about to throw down with his nemesis, “Lord of Da Bling,” at the club.
Starring are Tyler James Williams as Cyrus DeBarge, Coco Jones as Roxanne Andrews, Trevor Jackson as Kris McDuffy, Brandon Mychal Smith (“So Random!”) as Lord of Da Bling, Nicole Sullivan (“MADtv”) as Roxanne’s music manager Lyla, Courtney B. Vance (“FlashForward,” ABC’s “Revenge”) as Cyrus’ preacher father, Jacob DeBarge, and Dawnn Lewis (“A Different World”) as Cyrus’ mother, Gail.
Source: Walt Disney Records
Figure It Out Returns to Nickelodeon
Nickelodeon is bringing back the ’90s game show, Figure It Out, with an all-new 2012 edition debuting June 11th at 7pm. Celebrities will be asked to guess kid contestants’ unique talents, with Jeff Sutphen handling the hosting duties. Among the celebs showing up to try and figure things out are cast members from iCarly, Big Time Rush, and Victorious.
“Giving kids a TV platform to showcase their quirky personal talents is core to the fun of Figure it Out,” stated Marjorie Cohn, Nickelodeon’s President of Development and Original Programming. “Combine this with slime and a panel of fiercely competitive Nick stars and you have a game that is uniquely Nickelodeon.”
Figure It Out Details [Courtesy of Nickelodeon]:
Every Figure It Out episode features a panel of four stars trying to guess the unique talent or accomplishment of two kid contestants each, through three rounds of game play, by asking yes or no questions while being bombarded by messy visual and tactile clues. For every round the panel fails to figure it out, the contestant wins a prize. If, after three rounds, the panel can’t figure out the kid’s unique skill, the contestant takes home the grand prize. Each game culminates in the reveal of the talent with an in-studio demo.
The slime that was made famous in the ‘90s version of Figure It Out is back and better than ever. Each panelist has a chance to be slimed if they perform the “secret slime” action, which is revealed in round two of the game. Contestants also have the chance to be honored with a sliming, if the panelist is able to guess the pre-determined “word of honor,” a word that is key to helping them figure out the contestants’ special talent.
Source: Nickelodeon
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