Frankenweenie

Tim Burton’s stop-motion animated “Frankenweenie” is the story of a young boy whose dog gets killed when hit by a car. Young Victor doesn’t want to accept the fact that his dog is gone, however, and instead attempts something based on what he learned in science class… and winds up successfully bringing his dog back from the dead.

It’s obviously a very personal film for Tim Burton, you can feel the affection he had for this project pouring through. Even though it borrows from and contains many allusions to the classic monster movies of yore, it’s also his most original film in years. The character designs are all great, and the film that definitely has an abundance of heart and charm. While it doesn’t necessarily rise to the level of greatness, it’s a very enjoyable and unique film, and definitely worth checking out.

The 2012 Fall Movie Preview – Part II

Ok folks, here we go. Part II of the 2012 Fall Movie Preview. Today we’ll break down all the major releases on tap for the month of October, and the first week of November!

As you might imagine, it’s a diverse bunch. There are some ahead that look intriguing, and some that might as well be announcing that they’re garbage already, LOL. Let’s have a look and see if we can’t sort out what’s what!!

Movies That Everyone Should See: “Edward Scissorhands”

In light of the most recent effort from Tim Burton and Johnny Depp, and the fact that today is Mother’s Day and the movie features a sweet Mother looking after a misunderstood son who’s always getting into trouble through absolutely no fault of his own (LOL!!!), my choice for this week’s MTESS column was an easy one.

1990’s nouveau classic, “Edward Scissorhands”.

Now Showing on Cable: “The Dilemma”

Premiering this weekend on HBO was “The Dilemma,” a comedy released in January of this year starring Vince Vaughn, Kevin James, Jennifer Connelly and Winona Ryder.

“The Dilemma” is the story of two best friends and co-workers. When one of them (Vaughn) catches the others wife (Ryder) having an affair, he has a “dilemma”. Does he tell his friend (James) or not?

Comedy ensues.

Now showing on cable: “Black Swan”

Premiering… recently… (LOL, I’m sorry, lay off me!!) on Cinemax was last year’s highly acclaimed film, Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan”.

“Black Swan” is the story of Nina (Natalie Portman), a ballet dancer who covets the prestigious role of the Swan Queen in her company’s production of “Swan Lake”. The role is demanding, and challenging for her, and not just physically. The performance is a dual role… She needs to be able to portray the virginal, innocent, white swan, but also the seductive, evil, black swan. She is criticized for having the technical proficiency, but lacking the emotional conveyance necessary to perform the black swan portion of the role.

The pressure begins to… get to her.