FilmCrunch 032: Dreamgirls, Pan’s Labyrinth, Employee of the Month, The Illusionist

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Lionsgate, Picturehouse, Paramount, Adaptation, Drama, Foreign, Musicals, Period, Science Fiction, Comedy, Thrillers, DVD Reviews, Full Episodes, Theatrical Reviews, Videocasts

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Veronica Santiago and Neil Estep are back with another full episode of FilmCrunch. This time they review the theatrical releases of Dreamgirls and Pans Labyrinth, as well as the DVD releases of Employee of the Month, and The Illusionist.

Now we want to hear from you - hit the forums and let us know what you think, what you want us to watch next, and any other recommendations you have for the show.

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Pan’s Labyrinth Review: A Violent but Visual Delight

Posted by Johnny Mercedes Categories: Picturehouse, Action, Adventure, Drama, Foreign, Foreign Language, Independent, Science Fiction, Thrillers, New Releases, Theatrical Reviews

Pan’s Labyrinth centers on an imaginitive young girl named Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) who is moved with her mother and unborn brother to a military outpost in 1940s postwar Spain.  Her new stepfather, the violent and merciless Captain Vidal (Sergi Lopez), is trying to round up the last of an insurgency living in the surrounding forest.  When Ofelia stumbles upon a fantastical underworld in which she will be made princess, she must prove her worth to a host of mystical creatures while protecting herself and her loved ones from the belligerent captain.  While the film isn’t for children or anyone with an intolerance for graphic violence, it is by far the most visually stunning spectacle of 2006 and leaves one with the faint but distinct desire to believe in the supernatural.

Pan’s Labyrinth is written and directed by Guillermo del Toro.  Rated R.

Click to continue reading Pan’s Labyrinth Review: A Violent but Visual Delight

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2007 Academy Award Nominations

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Drama, Foreign Language, Comedy, Thrillers, Awards, Lists

Somewhere out there director Bill Condon is trying to wake up from a very bad dream…

Just less than 24 hours ago, I was just telling my cohort Neil Estep that Dreamgirls would be nominated for Best Picture.  Thankfully, no money was involved.  Apparently what I should have said was, “Given that the film won the Golden Globe for Best Comedy/Musical, I think it will probably earn the most nominations this year—but not be nominated for Best Picture.”  My theory?  The voters were so Dreamgirled-out by the time they got to that part of the ballot…

The biggest shocker of the day?  Probably.  But there were plenty others.  And may I saw how excited I am!  Here are some of the more notable additions/omissions from this morning:

• We have one less Leo DiCaprio nomination in the Best Actor Category (in Blood Diamond, out The Departed) making room for Ryan Gosling in Half Nelson.  Woo hoo!  Is it weird that I’m excited about this nomination…even though I’ve never seen the movie?  But I’ve heard so much about it and have been waiting anxiously for the DVD to come out on on Feb. 13th.  I just love it when underdogs are recognized.  Could this be a surprise win ala Hilary Swank (Boys Don’t Cry) or Adrian Brody (The Pianist)?

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Read More | The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

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