Tobey Maguire Sued Over Poker Game, DiCaprio, Damon, and Affleck Also Involved

Looks like Spider-Man got caught in a web - a gambling one. Tobey Maguire, along with over a dozen other high profile Hollywood celebrities are being sued in connection with a mega-millions illegal gambling ring that ran high-stakes underground poker games. Maguire allegedly won more than $300,000 from a Beverly Hills hedge fund manager who embezzled investor funds and orchestrated a Ponzi scheme as way to pay off his debts.




Brad Ruderman, the CEO of Ruderman Capital Partners lost $25 million of investor money in poker games held at the Beverly Hills hotel, Four Seasons, and the Viper Room on Sunset Boulevard. Leonardo DiCaprio, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon were said to have played in the no-limit Texas Hold 'em games. Others members who are facing hefty lawsuits include billionaire businessman Alex Gores, The Notebook director Nick Cassavetes, Welcome Back, Kotter star Gabe Kaplan, Paris Hilton's sex tape partner, Rick Salomon, record label owner Cody Leibel and Las Vegas nightlife entrepreneur and real-estate developer Andrew Sasson.



After being convicted on two counts of wire fraud and two counts of investment adviser fraud, Ruderman is set to serve time in a Texas jail until 2018. The people Ruderman embezzeled from are filing civil suits against those who won big in the illegal poker games, hoping to get back some of their money (good luck). But put your minds at ease ladies, DiCaprio, Affleck and Damon are not being sued. It would be illegal to put such gorgeous men behind bars anyways.



According to the lawsuit filed against Maguire in the United States Bankruptcy Court, these were "exclusive events, by invitation only, and that there was a regular roster of players consisting of wealthy celebrities, entrepreneurs, attorneys and businessmen." A source commented that Maguire won as much as $1 million a month over a period of three years. The trustee claims though that Maguire is "not entitled to receive the transfers from the Debtor, which transfers were compromised of improperly-diverted investor funds." California law states that it's illegal to play for money at underground poker clubs, but supposedly none of the participants are under criminal investigation. Maguire has hired an attorney to defend the allegations against him and argue that the games were not illegal. Yes, because everything about this seems on the up and up Tobey.



Does anyone else find it completely disturbing that our economy is still in the toilet yet celebs are gambling with all this money like it's nothing? There are much better ways to be spending your money boys: charities, the educational system, cancer research centers, online entertainment sites. Just saying

Britney Spears' 'I Wanna Go': A Pop-Culture Cheat Sheet

Britney Spears' new "I Wanna Go" video is, like some of her past clips, an all-out affront to the pesky paparazzi that follow her every move. But, unlike any video she's done previously, this one tackles the issue with tongue firmly planted in cheek.
See, "Go" is essentially one long dream sequence — instigated by the rote questions Spears is forced to endure by members of the media — and, as such, it's packed with pop-culture nods to film and television (and whistling dogs too). And that fact not only makes it pretty funny, but it sets it apart from most of Brit's other work. And though we've done pop-culture cheat sheets for her other videos, rarely have they been as much fun as they were this time out.
So, without further ado, alphabetized and cross-referenced for your perusing pleasure, here's our "I Wanna Go" cheat sheet:

"Crossroads": Epically bad 2002 coming-of-age flick starring Spears herself (written, interestingly enough, by "Grey's Anatomy" mastermind Shonda Rhimes). In a rare self-effacing moment, the supposed sequel — "Crossroads 2: Cross Harder" — is teased on a theater marquee in "I Wanna Go."


E*Trade Baby: Lippy, fiscally savvy infant who stars in an ongoing series of commercials for the financial company. In "I Wanna Go," there's a baby too, and while he doesn't dispense any trading tips, he does whistle, using the same creepy, CGIed mouth effects the E*Trade ads do.

"Half Baked": Cult 1998 stoner comedy starring Dave Chappelle as a weed-obsessed "master of the custodial arts" (and a weed-addled rapper named Sir Smoke-a-lot), who runs with an appropriately stony crew. Said crew includes actor Guillermo Diaz, who quits his crappy fast-food job in truly epic fashion. The scene is replayed verbatim at the beginning of "I Wanna Go," only with Britney delivering the "F--- you, f--- you, f--- you, you're cool and f--- you ... I'm out!" line. As an added bonus, Diaz also co-stars in the video. Truly the most inexplicably awesome part of the entire production.

"Kill Bill": Ultra-gory 2003 revenge flick written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, it stars Uma Thurman as Beatrix Kiddo, a bride out to avenge her wedding-day massacre. She battles several baddies throughout, including Gogo Yubari, a sadistic 17-year-old who wields a meteor hammer. In "I Wanna Go," Britney uses a microphone in much the same fashion — namely, to bash those pesky paparazzi.

"The Mickey Mouse Club": Oft-revived Disney variety show/ teen-sploitation factory that famously featured young stars like Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling (!) and, of course, Britney. She pays homage to her Mouseketeer days in "I Wanna Go" by wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with a Mickey Mouse skull.

Seashells: Hard, protective exoskeletons created by sea-dwelling creatures. In "I Wanna Go," Diaz's character gives Britney a handful of them, and since the majority of the clip takes place in her daydream, we're going to get deep here: In dreams, seashells represent security or protection.

"Terminator 2: Judgment Day": The 1991 sci-fi blockbuster featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as the titular Terminator, sent back in time to protect a young John Connor from the nefarious T-1000. Arnie suffers severe battle damage throughout, including one scene where half his face is blasted off, revealing a glowing cyborg eye beneath his skin. That same scene is shown in "I Wanna Go," though it's the paparazzi who are revealed to be robotic killing machines.


"Thriller": Iconic 1984 Michael Jackson mini-movie that may very well be the greatest music video ever made. It concludes with a famous freeze frame (and subsequent zoom-in) of MJ with glowing eyes and Vincent Price's legendary cackle. Britney pays tribute to the scene at the ending of "I Wanna Go," though it's Diaz's eyes that are glowing. We're not sure who provides the cackle.

Famous advices:Uma Thurman charmed Cannes (with her silhouette)

The actress flashed in the maxi Armani toilet, color blue, and nobody could believe how good a shape maintained Uma.

The secret to both fit silhouette is known. The Thurman regular exercise as it likes, but brain and body. For this reason and after participation in the films "Kill Bill 1 & 2" Thurman loved the martial arts like Wushu. Moreover, through this, Thurman lost 11 pounds in the whole filming of "Kill Bill".


It's not just martial arts. The warm love yoga and Hatha yoga specifically, but does not say no to activities outside the home and gym. She loves horseback riding, skiing and snowboard.

More recently, Thurman has loved and pilates and friends of the gynmastria Alycea Ungaro has surpassed the stage of beginner to Pilates.

Do not think however that Uma lacks everything to look so elegant. The Therma often succumbs to the temptation of chocolate and just before you see the red carpet forget the chocolates.


At 41 years old, Uma Thurman appeared more and more chic than ever kormara the red carpet of the Cannes Film Festival 2011.
The actress flashed in the maxi Armani toilet, color blue, and nobody could believe how good a shape maintained Uma.

The secret to both fit silhouette is known. The Thurman regular exercise as it likes, but brain and body. For this reason and after participation in the films "Kill Bill 1 & 2" Thurman loved the martial arts like Wushu. Moreover, through this, Thurman lost 11 pounds in the whole filming of "Kill Bill".

It's not just martial arts. The warm love yoga and Hatha yoga specifically, but does not say no to activities outside the home and gym. She loves horseback riding, skiing and snowboard.

More recently, Thurman has loved and pilates and friends of the gynmastria Alycea Ungaro has surpassed the stage of beginner to Pilates.
Do not think however that Uma lacks everything to look so elegant. The Therma often succumbs to the temptation of chocolate and just before you see the red carpet forget the chocolates.

The secret of Victoria Beckham for a posh attitude

Good posture can make you look taller and thinner.
Technical Alexander, implemented by Victoria Beckham to align the spine after years on 12ponta, focuses exclusively on the right attitude and our perception of our body. In this use the imagination and this is considered the ultimate mental and physical exercise.
Try:
Imagine your body like a fountain Visualize it as something constantly moving as the basis for getting the heart rate and pace your breathing. It will help you to stand more naturally.
Imagine your body like a bow will help you to bend more easily. Instead of slouching, try to resist the pull to the ground, as if resisting the pull of the bow string.

Date of Birth

23 November 1992, Franklin, Tennessee, USA


Birth Name

Destiny Hope Cyrus

Nickname

Smiley

Height

5' 4½" (1.64 m)

Trade Mark

Low voice
Southern accent
Blue eyes


Trivia


Daughter of Tish Cyrus and country singer Billy Ray Cyrus.

Siblings: Christopher Cody (older paternal half-brother), Trace Cyrus (older maternal half-brother), Brandi Cyrus (older maternal half-sister), Braison Cyrus (younger brother), and Noah Lindsey Cyrus (younger sister).

Her favorite novel is "Don't Die, My Love" by Lurlene McDaniel.

Her favorite song by her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, is "Achy Breaky Heart".

Has written over one hundred songs and some of them have been used for her show, "Hannah Montana" (2006).

Likes to eat Chinese food.

Has a Maltese dog named Sophie that her parents gave to her for her 16th birthday.

Miley was on the green team for 2 summers in a row in the Disney Channel Games.

She has never taken formal singing lessons [as of June 2007].

Started auditioning for "Hannah Montana" (2006) when she was 11 years old. She originally tried out for the part of "Lilly Truscott".

Was ranked #17 on Forbes List of The 20 Top-Earning Young Superstars (2007).

Was ranked #12 on interview magazine's Hollywood faces to watch "Future Stars of Tomorrow" (2007).

In January 2008, she legally changed her name from Destiny Hope Cyrus to Miley Ray Cyrus. "Ray" is for her grandfather, Ronald Ray Cyrus, whom she was very close to and "Miley" came from her childhood nickname "Smiley", which was shortened to "Miley", that was given to her because of her constant smiling as a young child.

Released a 3D concert movie of her Best of Both Worlds Tour on February 1st, 2008. It became the highest grossing Super Bowl weekend release ever.

Was ranked #22 on Entertainment Weekly's '30 Under 30' the actress list (2008).

Was ranked #1 on TV Guide's Top 10 Teen Star Countdown (2008).

Befriended her backup dancer, Mandy Jiroux, while on tour. The two have a Youtube channel called MileyMandy, that they regularly update with new videos. Their show is called "The Miley and Mandy Show".

Miley's half-brother, Trace Cyrus, and her "Hannah Montana" (2006) co-star Mitchel Musso's brother, Mason Musso, are in the band "Metro Station".

Godmother is Dolly Parton.

Likes the bands Coldplay, Radiohead, and The Killers.

Close friends with Ashley Tisdale.

Lived in Toronto, Canada where she attended the Armstrong Acting Studio.

Was ranked #22 on Moviefone's 'The 25 Hottest Actors Under 25' (2008).

On 25 September 2006, the Disney Channel was finally launched in South Africa. The first episode of "Hannah Montana" (2006) was broadcast on Friday, September 29, 2006, the show immediately became the channel's "Flagship" show. Miley Cyrus is the most recognized Disney Channel star in South Africa with the most DVD releases of the show and 2 versions of her "Best of Both Worlds Concert" - one standard edition and one double disc extended 3-D edition. The extended 3D edition was released on Disney Blu-Ray simultaneously in August 2008.

Ex-girlfriend of Nick Jonas [December 2007].

Good friends with Demi Lovato.

Her favorite actresses include Angelina Jolie, Jodie Foster, and Jennifer Aniston.

Best friends with her "Hannah Montana" (2006) co-star Emily Osment, who also plays her on-screen best friend.

Loves to ride horses.

Likes to watch the TV show "Sex and the City" (1998).

Admirer of Meryl Streep.

Her musical influences include John Mayer, Elvis Presley, Rob Thomas, and John Lennon.

Participated in the 25th Anniversary Edition of "We Are the World" which was performed in memory of Michael Jackson as well as for relief efforts for the earthquake in Haiti.

While performing at the 02 arena in London, she changed the lyric in her song Party in the U.S.A from "And a Britney (Britney Spears) song was on" to "And a Michael song was on". Michael being referred to Michael Jackson, who was suppose to have performed at the 02 Arena in July of 2009 but passed away before leaving to perform in London.

Has 3 tattoos: one under her left breast which says 'Just Breathe' and another one on her ear which says 'Love' and has an outline of a 'heart' on her ring finger on her right hand.

Split from Liam Hemsworth [August 2010].

Personal Quotes

Pink isn't just a color, it's an attitude!

There's no right or wrong, success or failure. I don't look at things as black or white. My life won't be a series of either/ors -- musician or actor, rock or country, straitlaced or rebellious, this or that, yes or no. The real choices in life aren't that simple.

I want to be Snooki, I love her. I'm obsessed. She's one of the only people I've asked for an autograph and a picture from because I love her and I'm inspired by her.

Where Are They Now

(August 2006) Currently on tour doing opening singing acts for The Cheetah Girls in concert.
(June 2007) Currently playing "Miley Stewart" in "Hannah Montana" (2006), which is in its 2nd season on Disney Channel.
(December 2006) Filming Season 2 of "Hannah Montana" (2006).
(January 2007) Recording her New album.
(March 2007) On her first ever European Tour.
(June 2007) Promoting her new Album.
(October 2007) On her Best of Both Worlds Tour.
(April 2008) She is based in Los Angeles, California.
(May 2008) Filming Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009) in Franklin, Tennessee.
(July 2008) Working on her new album Breakout
(July 2008) Working on Hannah Montana: The Movie (2009).
(2009) Release of her book, "Miley Cyrus: Miles to Go" by Miley with Hilary Liftin.
(September 2009) On her Wonder world Tour.
(February 2010) Recording a cover of "Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M. with other artists like Mariah Carey to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
(January 2010) Finished her Wonderworld Tour.
(December 2009) Performing her Wonderworld Tour in the UK.
(February 2011) Filming for new Movie "so Undercover"

All the things that you have to know about LADY GAGA!!!

Date of Birth

28 March 1986, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Birth Name

Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta

Nickname

GaGa

 Height

5' 1" (1.55 m)


Trade Mark

Her hair bow.

Platnium blond hair.

Her futuristic outfits.

She carries a glow-in-the-dark disco stick during performances.

Rhythmic hooks and choruses

Always features two Great Danes in her music videos

Refers to all her fans as "Monsters"

Often portrays herself as a rebel in her video
In her videos, she often ends up killing someone - usually her boyfriend

Various colored wigs


Trivia

Has three tattoos, one her on wrist, shoulder blade, and lower back.

Is of Italian descent.

Used to be a go-go dancer.
The album's lead single, "Just Dance", was released on April 8, 2008 and had reached number one in five countries.

Went to the same school with Paris Hilton.

She has been influenced by Madonna, David Bowie, Judy Garland, Grace Jones, Cyndi Lauper, Freddie Mercury, Björk, Liza Minnelli, Yoko Ono, and Michael Jackson.

At seventeen, she was one of twenty people in the world to have gained early admission to the New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

Her stage name, Lady GaGa, is a reference to the song "Radio Ga-Ga" by Queen.

Interscope music executive Vincent Herbert hired her in January 2008 as a music writer.

She states that she is "very into fashion" and that it is "everything".

Her song "Boys, Boys, Boys" was inspired by Mötley Crüe's hit "Girls, Girls, Girls".

She learned how to play the piano at the age of four, wrote her first piano ballad at 13, and began performing at open mic nights by the age of 14.

Her parents are Joseph, an Internet entrepreneur, and Cynthia, a telecommunications assistant.

She makes mention of the band, The Killers, in her song "Boys, Boys, Boys".

On February 20, 2009, she donated tickets and a meet and greet, for any show on her Fame Ball tour, in the US or Canada, to raise money for Odyssey Charter School and elementary schools in Los Angeles affected by budget cuts.

Has a younger sister.

Is a natural brunette.

Attended Sacred Heart School, a private Catholic school in New York City. Her classmates included Paris Hilton and Nicky Hilton.

Bleached her hair blonde in light of the fact that she was being mistaken for Amy Winehouse by interviewers while trying to make it big.

Has a contralto vocal range.

Her song "Telephone" was originally written for Britney Spears's sixth album Circus. However, after it failed to make the album's final track listing, Gaga recorded the song as a collaboration with 'Beyonce Knowles' for her second album, The Fame Monster.

Is a big fan of Britney Spears.

Made the cover of Time magazine's double issue - The 100 Most Influential People in the World - alongside Bill Clinton and Didier Drogba. In the magazine's "Artists" category (which she headed), the singer's tribute was written by Cyndi Lauper. [May 10, 2010]

Stated in a video for Time's 100 Most Influential People of 2010 that the most inspirational person for her is Deepak Chopra, an Indian-born spiritual guidance book writer.

Is good friends with Deepak Chopra and has stated he is one of the most influential people in her life because of the spiritual guidance he gives her.



Personal Quotes

On Donatella Versace: She's iconic and powerful, yet people throw darts at her. She's definitely provocative.

Some artists are working to buy the mansion or whatever the element of fame must bear, but I spend all my money on my show.

I was the arty girl, the theatre chick. I dressed differently and I came from a different social class from the other girls. I was more of an average schoolgirl with a cork.

On her style: My grandmother is basically blind, but she can make out the lighter parts, like my skin and hair. She says, "I can see you, because you have no pants on." So I'll continue to wear no pants so that my grandma can see me.

You must never ever let a guy know how much you like him, because then he'll run in the other direction ... Well, I just sign that when you don't play hard to get, if you're too easy or you come off too eager, they run away so you gotta keep your pokerface on.

I love Dolce & Gabbana. I love Versace. I love the crazy, more eccentric stuff. I can't pay my rent, but I'm f---ing gorgeous.

I dropped out of NYU, moved out of my parent's house, got my own place, and survived on my own. I made music and worked my way from the bottom up. I didn't know somebody, who knew somebody, who knew somebody. If I have any advice to anybody, it's to just do it yourself, and don't waste time trying to get a favor.

Writing a record is like dating a few men at once. You take them to the same restaurants to see if they measure up, and at some point you decide who you like best. When you make music or write or create, it's really your job to have mind-blowing, irresponsible, condomless sex with whatever idea it is you're writing about at the time.

My album covers are not sexual at all, which was an issue at my record label. I fought for months, and I cried at meetings. They didn't think the photos were commercial enough... In my opinion, the last thing a young woman needs is another picture of a sexy pop star writhing in sand, covered in grease, touching herself.

[on Britney Spears] Britney's a real class act in terms of the way she handles herself in the media and embraces new artists. She's always really kind, I've always admired that about her.

[on Britney Spears] It was awesome seeing the song change when she put her touches on it. I'm just really grateful that she loves the music and she's so supportive of me. She's a fan of my stuff and to write a song that she loves and to know she loves me as an artist, you can't ask for anything better than that.

[on Britney Spears] She's gonna kick everybody's ass. She's awesome, as far as I'm concerned Britney never left.

[on writing the song Quicksand for Britney Spears] She was very sweet and she was very excited to do this song. It's an honor to do anything for Britney Spears - she is such an iconic pop figure for my generation.

I am not sexy in the way that Britney Spears is sexy - which is a compliment to her because she's deliciously good-looking.

[on writing songs for Britney Spears] She's a nice girl - I just feel very honored that she wanted to sing my song. I used to scream for her in Times Square and now I work for her. When I was 13 she was the most provocative performer of my time. I love her so much!

[on Britney Spears] Britney certainly doesn't need any freaking tips from me! Britney Spears is the queen of pop. I was learning from her.

I would rather die than have my fans not see me in a pair of high heels. I'd never give up my wigs or hats for anything. You see legendary people taking out their trash, I think it's destroying show business.

[about her experience at school] I had a very big nose, very curly brown hair and I was overweight. I got made fun of.
Pop music will never be low brow.

Where Are They Now

(January 2010) Named the new face of "Polaroid".

Lady Gaga Teases 'Someone Legendary' Producing 'You And I'

Lady Gaga might have recently tweeted that she's basically wrapped up production on her May album, Born This Way, but the singer shared that there's still work to do on her piano ballad "You and I," which it seems has made the final cut.


"I can't tell you who yet, but someone legendary is producing this next song," Gaga told the crowd at her tour stop in Anaheim, California, on Thursday night, an eyewitness confirms to MTV News. "I'm so excited." The singer added that she "can't wait" for fans to hear the May 23 release.

Whoever the person is she hooks up with, they will be joining previously announced producers RedOne, Fernando Garibay and DJ White Shadow, who all have contributed tracks to the highly anticipated release.

With the album's first single, "Born This Way," still burning up the charts, fans have been hungry to know more about the album's next single, "Judas." With some lyrics already floating around the Internet, it's only a matter of time before Gaga and her creative director, Laurieann Gibson, get to work on the video for the track.

"It's no surprise, I'm sure, to many of you, that Judas is a man of the biblical senses, so expect to see some symbolism in this video," Gaga explained. "You have to look into what is haunting you, and you need to look into forgiving yourself in order to move on. And it's really fun to dance to and sounds like it could be a pop priest record."

Tell us your guesses who the "legendary" producer of "You and I" will be in the comments below!

Movies of thr week 31/03/2011

                                                                      LIMITLESS


starring:» Bradley Cooper» Robert De Niro» Abbie Cornish» Andrew Howard» Anna Friel

director:» Neil Burger



duration:105 minutes

One author (Bradley Cooper) thrash the streets looking for something good in life. The book has been delayed, she let go of him and rents outstanding. He meets an old well known and they do not have anything better to do the following in a pub. There, the guy will reveal a great deal of craftsmanship and cunning that is in possession of a drug in pill form, which increases the utilization rate of the brain by 20% to 100%. Although he finds attractive as an idea, the loser is not convinced, but puts the pill in his pocket. Not having much to lose, just before reaching home, try it. The result is exactly as you had described the dealer. A wave of superhuman potential wells in a joint head with the use of the drug can write a book a week to remember every little information you have received throughout his life and get rich ...

In principle this is a fantastic idea. They are smart, enthusiastic and attractive utopian, since it is something that perhaps every human being is a fantasy. Reminiscent of little «The Matrix», when he realized that Neo is the chosen one. He began to see things as they really are. So here. The Eddie acquires a lucidity that allows it to 'read' everything in seconds. But nothing is offered generously without asking in return. The dimension of the prone man easily blown addicted, makes its appearance and lands the hero and the audience. Through the unlimited possibilities of the man remains a fragile creature. A creature who insists on seeking help from anything to overcome the built himself. Eddie's addiction and the constant increase of the dose, except greed, confirm and can not handle a situation beyond his or her, a situation with the help of a pill seems easier, but ultimately it is not. Causes both good and bad.

So what do you do when you can be 'the chosen one? Power and money are the options. Maybe they all asked. Maybe not. In the film the man is what it ever was. Hunter. With or without a pill, the objective remains the same. The method of changing. A man acquires power and the others want it for their party. And the claim. The utopian approach becomes increasingly realistic until the end confused and not knowing which way to go. The script has a great understanding of human factors and puts him under a microscope by a method that offers the transcendence and risks. When you need to show an effect, whistling casually and says' your own conclusions. " It is perhaps the only thing we kakofanike - along with some long parenthesis in the narrative - and forced us to say that the film has more potential than that ultimately shows.

But it did no crime. As mentioned earlier, this is an excellent idea. The ambitious and directed by Neil Burger, the imaginative time traffic and the use of beautiful effects, gives the exact form of the match and the main actor Bradley Cooper is unexpectedly good at interpretive approach. So any 'slips' is not so important as to compromise the overall picture of the film.

The «Limitless» initially seem to fit the title. Later proves to have a limit but this limit remains high and the compensation of the viewer only good can be described ...



PS The Abbie Cornish is just beautiful ...



                                                         BATTLE L.A

Starring:» Aaron Eckhart» Ramon Rodriguez» Will Rothhaar» Cory Hardric» Jim Parrack

director:» Jonathan Liebesman


duration:106 minutes

 The epikelefstis Michael Nantz (Aaron Eckhart) has just returned from Iraq after his participation in a mission that went wrong. He has requested his removal from the army which is accepted by his superiors. But the dismissal has to wait, as the petty officer in a battalion is ordered to leave and take his place on one last mission. The news reports speak of a meteor shower, but as time goes by proves that this is a massive alien invasion. The battalion moved to the battlefield in order to save time disguised in a number of civilians has been caught in a police station, before the airline companies' scan of the area. The last mission to epikelefsti is the most difficult of his career ...

Alien invasion. Again?. Maybe something to say some before attending the «Battle: Los Angeles». The truth is that the trailer appeared to be the common points that would have to «Independence Day». Indeed. A first reading of the film could summarize the analysis of the sentence: "The« Independence Day »with better visual and sound effects. But as always the first reading can not draw a complete picture. The film Jonathan Liebesman has several elements worthy of reference and a visit to the details could change some data first impression ...

The Old School is dominated by state. The faceless aliens presented, with the indifference surrounding beings without emotions to dominate. Even the reason for visiting the planet mentioned hypothetical and not particularly concerned. What they are people who have families, memory, losing family and the dead to remember. The ingenuity and emotional intelligence, the fellowship has particular importance is again the elements that make people distinct and of course the good guys. Of course it is missing (how could it) the emergence of individual soldiers as human beings and the ideal of battle, a battle given by the elite or if you prefer the ability of a race, the human who has a history of more than the rest. We can not say we expected something different. And although sometimes most of these elements have an excess, make us a favor and stay behind the scenes of battle and not intruding on it.

There the representation is clearly more modern and spectacular, the effects are very well crafted and the scene several times to resemble video game. The masterful use of the camera increases the anxiety and stabs the eyes of the viewer screen, which, apparently, was betting the director. If we add to all this and the interpretation of Eckhart is better than the actor who has saved the world quite a few times (Will Smith), then the «Battle: Los Angeles» is rather more positive than negative ...

For fans of the genre is hard to be disappointed. It is certainly not «District 9», or «Mars Attacks!», But the spectacle offered is quite rich. A pleasure spent.

 

 

Movies of the week (03-03-2011)

                                                       The Adjustment Bureau


STARRING:» Matt Damon  Emily Blunt» Terence Stamp» John Slattery» Shohreh Aghdashloo


DIRECTOR:» George Nolfi


DURATION:» 105 minutes

A politician and a ballerina in love at first sight but can not seem to be those that determine their lives. The plan for both is different and a group of people control the destiny placed in the middle and try to separate them. The David (Matt Damon) begins a struggle against the agents of fate, the men of The Adjustment Bureau, to defend his love for Elise (Emily Blunt). I managed to change their destiny or will back down and accept the determination of other future?

The debut of screenwriter George Nolfi to the direction followed by a romantic science fiction with a strong existential quest. The issue of control of human destiny with the parameters of free will and unconstrained choice, is outdated. They have spent tons of ink from clerics, thinkers and writers of all kinds, like a film and theatrical years on this issue. In «The Adjustment Bureau» try a partly realistic, but overflowing with imagination, to show us his own thinking. He enlists police adventure elements to explain that his destiny is controlled and maintained by agents like those of the FBI. God is the boss, who disappointed in the results of human progress, when it granted them free will, again took control and writes the destiny of all, not to destroy the human race. Until mankind to contradict. What is the driving force? Of course Eros. The invincible in battle ...

The script does not do a great impression. The carriage is a bit more complicated, since it combines with chasing love story with political and existential. Reminiscent of the little «Inception» and more «Vanilla Sky», mainly to replace the pre-resolute reality with a more ideal. In a sense it is not bad. We say that a concept moves into mediocrity. For the male audience can certainly climb and level. That's why Emily Blunt is more beautiful than ever ...

Her face will be the envy of even the angels. The body is earthy and very attractive. The presence of vivid and erotic. The scenes that occurred left us with an open mouth. We do not want to exaggerate, but not watched much of the rest of cast ...

If we add all the elements, the film is interesting. It has a clever mind, a novel presentation of a classic theme and a female presence that are breathtaking. Not that I need and more. Entertainment, mainly entertainment ...

                                                        

                                                         Barney's Version

STARRING:» Paul Giamatti » Dustin Hoffman bio» Rosamund Pike» Minnie Driver» Rachelle Lefevre


DIRECTOR:» Richard J. Lewis


DURATION:134 minutes                                                             

Many weigh on his mind 60ari Barney Panofsky (Paul Giamatti): a turbulent life with three divorces and two children, a shadow from the past who still blame him for the vicious murder of a friend (Scott Speedman) in his youth, and Alzheimer's strikes him most loudly on the door. Before you erase the memories, was asked to remember and take us through his version regarding the important people and events that mark him. Starting from the bohemian years in Rome, the three women in his life (Rachelle Lefevre, Minnie Driver and Rosamund Pike), a veteran cop eccentric yet loving father (Dustin Hoffman) and several others entering and leaving out the world of Barney a man who has the insatiable and self-destruction in his blood.

Even the very late the Richler passionately wanted to see the award-winning book «Barney's Version» be transferred to the cloth on the cover of which had worked closely with his good friend Robert Lantos (producer). When Michael Konyves (writer) impressed by the book, looked for the rights, fell - for good luck - on the Lantos and the already well-established vision of the songs. Plus, he needed just one inspirational motivation, like that of Konyves to get the whole project at the stage of pre-production.

A decade after the death of Richler and his dream comes true, with the «Barney's Version» coming out in theaters. The Richard J. Lewis, director of video mostly shows (CSI) undertook a project with special sentimental value for many stakeholders. It is worth noting that the film made cameo appearances known to friends, fans and colleagues of the author (see David Cronenberg, Atom Egoyan, Denys Arcand).

In this overall load expectations, Lewis delivers an honest, intensely bittersweet drama with strong comedic elements equally, attentive to detail (a great job on makeup by Morot), which reaches the highest possible level through some great performances. The first and best anyway great Paul Giamatti in the role of an eternally immature, kinda cute but egomaniac, cynical and ultimately tragic hero that moves and angers the public simultaneously.

From a short distance below the worshiped Dustin Hoffman who never stops playing with heart and boundless talent, while the lovely Rosamund Pike, the role of the ideal - literally - a woman gives change. Returns the utopian theory of heroine with such realism that it is practically impossible not to admire in every shot - not to say that we love her - and is also a major reason that the soul of his character Giamatti reaches its maximum depth through interaction with her. The trend, moreover, their relationship is hiding and turning point of the film, and to some extent one could argue for a moment that follows a quirky romantic comedy with a typical happy-end. The rest of the story, of course, holds that most ignore rom-com, what follows the 'happy' finale: the painful reality.

A typical sample of writing a movie character, where the shots work as faithful servants, of showing with respect as they come alive ekmaiefontas media from the pages of a distinguished literary work, «Barney's Version» is a movie that no prisoner ever to the limits of a single species. Starts balancing between the distinctive feel-good film and lighthearted mystery to evolve gradually into one - in some heartbreaking - drama that never loses touch with the comic - tragic irony to the point - point. Definitely has a lot to say in his soul (30 +) male viewer, but excludes the corresponding female audience. Besides, the hectic life of a man who precipitated as always ignore the importance of self-knowledge and wanted more than they had, I do not think leaving many indifferent.

                                                         How I Ended This Summer


STARRING:» Grigoriy Dobrygin» Sergei Puskepalis» Igor Chernevich» Ilya Sobolev» Artyom Tsukanov


DIRECTOR:» Aleksei Popogrebsky


DURATION:» 124 minutes

In a deserted island Russian Arctic, two men working in a small weather station. Their job is to take measurements of radioactive soils and send data by radio to the central station. For Sergei, this job has become routine in fifty years. The years of isolation at the station, made him see his job very seriously.

 His new partner, Pavel, assumed to spend the summer at the station. The two men have much in common ... The Pavel spends his time hanging out with the mp3's and video games, trying to ignore the imposing presence of Sergei. The balance is disturbed one day when Sergei will leave his post to go fishing for trout. Pavel has left the responsibility for measurement, and their mission, but he would neglect and later decides to invent false information to cover his error.

 






 
 
        

                                                                      Drive Angry


STARRING:» Nicolas Cage » Amber Heard» William Fichtner» Billy Burke» David Morse


DIRECTOR:» Patrick Lussier


DURATION:104 minutes

 Milton escapes from hell (literally) to go after those who killed his wife and daughter. To make it available to only three days before they sacrifice their little granddaughter when the moon be full moon. At his side is the Piper, a young waiter with sexy, fast car with the former, of Milton to help the persecuted Jonah King and deadly team. In their wake, however, is the right hand of the devil, who seeks to turn the hell back in Milton.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                             Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son


 
STARRING:» Martin Lawrence» Brandon T. Jackson» Jessica Lucas» Michelle Ang» Portia Doubleday


DIRECTOR:» John Whitesell


DURATION:107minutes

agent of the FBI Malcolm Turner (we first in 2000 «Big Momma's House») has now become an adoptive son, Trent. The Malcom will be forced to impersonate an even once alter-ego, his Big Momma to trace a crime. Along with Trent (which would also be disguised as exuberant Charmaine) will sneak in an art school just for girls, since Trent has witnessed a murder at the school. Father and son must work together to find the murderer, before he discovered them.



Movies of the week

RABBIT HOLE

STARRING:Nicole Kidman » Aaron Eckhart» Dianne Wiest» Miles Teller» Sandra Oh

DIRECTOR:» John Cameron Mitchell

DURATION:» 91 minutes

PREMIERE: » 10-02-11



LINKS:OFFICIAL SITE OF THE MOVIE: http://www.rabbitholefilm.com/index.html
http://www.imdb.com/find?q=Rabbit+Hole

 Becca (Nicole Kidman) and Howie (Aaron Eckhart) is a happily married couple. The perfect their world collapses once and for all o stroke when their son, Danny, killed by a car. The Becca, a former executive at a large company abandoned its position to devote himself to her family, trying to redefine its existence into the surreal atmosphere that make the well-meaning relatives and friends. The experiences of Becca, painful, embarrassing, funny, the push to find solace in a peculiar relationship with a strange young comic book creator, the Jason, the driver who killed her son. At the same time, the Howie immersed in the past and seek refuge in another woman who offers him what can not his wife.

The return of the talented American John Cameron Mitchell could not have gone unnoticed. We are talking about two separate director and controversial - for some - movies, beloved «Hedwig and The Angry Inch» and sexy «Shortbus». After four years of absence, surprised the movie audience, fans and otherwise, selecting a family drama based on the homonymous work of winning Pulitzer David Lindsay-Abaire and production of own Nicole Kidman. Given the somewhat underground filmography in which we have been accustomed in the past, it is impossible not to wonder that here in this film, watch the heartbreaking story - cliche a couple who lost their child and trying to recover.

Lamentation, obsession, anger and need for atonement are essential components of any drama that respects himself and «Rabbit Hole» all-encompassing. The Becca is trapped in a cocoon of denial and introspection, while Howie seems to be making genuine efforts to restore life to normal levels. But outbreaks of Becca in each direction (towards God, his mother and sister, neighbors and himself Howie), coupled with the apparent calm Howie dynamite atmosphere and everyone seeking peace in different people.

The curiosity with «Rabbit Hole» is that it remains a classic, banal display of these emotions, leading protagonists with mathematical precision in the chaos and existential impasse, but instead varies with telling realism, sometimes with humor, the way followed the couple to cope with loss, find the lost balance and eventually led to the desired clearance. And such an approach is undoubtedly interesting. However, some are running out of any originality of the project.

Having become accustomed to Nicole Kidman in such roles is not surprising that a good interpretation, which brought her again uncle Oscar, but not shocking. The Aaron Eckhart, manages to fulfill the role of agony than loving husband, although at times it seems that the interpretation is somewhat more sophisticated than necessary.

The direction of Mitchell is simple. Idealizations and filming without emotional blackmail, disassociating from the exuberant style he described in previous works, but to the extent that the viewer might be tired and not able to identify with the characters, which is essential for a complete family drama.

This course is «Rabbit Hole»: a simple film (in any way simplistic), which captures realistically the grief resulting from the loss of a loved one and the painful process of recovery. Without melodrama, but without his writing peak. With everything that implies.

IF I WANT TO WHISTLE, I WHISTLE

STARRING: » George Pistereanu» Ada Condeescu» Mihai Constantin» Clara Voda» Laurentiu Banescu

DIRECTOR: » Florin Serban


DURATION:91 minutes

PREMIERE:10/2/2011

LINKS: http://vreausafluier.ro/ 
              http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1590024/

Silviu is only 18 years old. Over the past 4 years is incarcerated in the Juvenile Detention Center, while the remaining five days only to be released. The five days but they look like an endless nightmare, when his mother appears after an absence of years to get together in Italy, the little brother, whose Silviu has grown like a son. Similarly, the life Silviu, displayed Ana, a beautiful his age working as a social worker. With emotions overwhelm him and time flowing backwards, the Silviu gradually driven to extremes ...


For 5 years a number of Romanian filmmakers turning to a dynamite film after another, setting up a current which some call the Romanian "new wave". Having grown most under the Ceausescu regime, make films in a transitional period for the country, which tries to smoothly integrate into the European Union, without having been completely eliminated, apparently the remains of a hardcore police state. Therefore a common element of their films is a system (physical and mental) depression in the context of which the heroes are asked to solve the problem presented before them - which is a key driver of the plot. The key thing is that the themes are not confined within the borders of the Romanian territory, but on a wider audience outside of them.

In «If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle» our hero, the 18 year old Silviu, spends his last days in a juvenile penitentiary, a prison, where correction is synonymous with ... sentencing. We do not know what he has done and is there is probably a bad thing, but the gentle nature and behavior of softly exclude the possibility that something very bad. In each case there is to be reformed to take that a new system of knowledge and values from that led him to offend, to 'humanised' and be reintegrated into society.

Through interaction with the staff of reform school and the other inmates, the Silviu educated. Viewing minor offenses punished disproportionately, in a particularly brutal. She learns that kindness is a weakness. He learns that to get what you want, even if it is entitled, even if it's something small and insignificant, should demands with violence. He learns that the dignity of the other is a concept that circumvented forward to meeting the personal desire. And so, when forced by circumstances to move from inaction to action, 'reformed' anymore, plays what he learned. Obviously he wants to reach the Florin Serban, however the front view is sacrificing something of consistency and plausibility of his character in the first stage of the film in a second, since the latter is set up entirely on the person Sylviu , the camera follows him constantly.

The cinema Serban does not have the elaborate frame of Porumboiu, or the muffled intensity Mungiu, and some irregularities in some editing options routiniarikes filming scenes key to the evolution of the film, working against it. But it is a simple movie, penetrating and very interesting, a worthy representative of contemporary Romanian cinema - although, we repeat, not the highest quality. And closes with a song Free range, so that sidled up to the Le-Fri and interpret the Greek to the distinctive voice and his normal activity, the tracks will now sigh in winter and Mykonos in the summer. What more is the Kiamos with 'whistled and Expired' say?