Go See: "Total Recall" (2012)

In the era of remakes (is it a sign of us aging?  say it ain't so!), it's hard to find that original idea anymore.  Nonetheless, I could sit here and complain or just tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed watching the latest version of the remake "Total Recall" starring Colin Farrell, Kate Beckinsale, Jessica Biel, Bryan Cranston and Bokeem Woodbine.  The original version starred our ex-Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sharon Stone and Michael Ironside (ummm, duh, he played Jester in "Top Gun") came out in 1990 although I can hardly remember watching the original film.  The updated version was directed by Len Wiseman so naturally Kate Beckinsale is in it as it would be his husbandly duty.  A bit of trivia: this is the first film that these two have worked on that is not "Underworld" related. 

I love a good action, sci-fi flick so this was filled with loads of great special effects and a lot of strormtrooper action, you'll see what I mean when you see it.  And a lot of great cameos who may surprise you John Cho, Bill Nighy and Will Yun Lee.  As a film buff, I'm always curious about where they end up filming as it's often not where we think.  This film was set in The Colony (Australia) and the UK but it was pretty much all shot in Toronto.  Cheaper production costs!  So there you go. Enjoy!

Oscar Catch-up

So, I'm still trying to catch up on all of this year's Oscar nominees and winners. I recently watched "Crazy Heart" on a flight from NY to LA on Delta. Loving those individual monitors on the backs of the seats. I was really impressed by Jeff Bridges's performance. I always knew he was talented but man, get him onstage with a guitar and he really becomes that country singer we never knew existed within him. The wonderful Maggie Gyllenhaal played such a raw but loving character that I just really don't want to go any further.

I had to say I had no idea that Colin Farrell was in this film and then to find him singing, I have to say - again, I was impressed. And not bad for the first time director Scott Cooper.

Go See: "Ondine"

Oooh, it's good to be back! I went to a screening of the film, "Ondine" tonight in Beverly Hills. Did you know that on Tuesday nights at the Laemmle Music Hall, they offer popcorn deals. I'm talking getting a medium tub of popcorn for $1.50. It made my day - and my dinner.

So, what better way to start off with is with this indie foreign film starring Colin Farrell speaking in his native Irish tongue. "Ondine" is directed by fellow irishman Neil Jordan who is also known most recently for directing "The Brave One", starring Jodie Foster. This is an almost enchanting tale about a fisherman who discovers a woman in his fishing net. His imaginative daughter believes that she's a mermaid but a larger secret is revealed.

Let's see if this intrigues you!