Category Archives: based on a book

“Spinning Man” Trailer, Poster, Featurettes, Clip

based on a book, mystery, thriller, , , , , , ,

Directed by Simon Kaijser, Spinning Man is based on the book of the same name by George Harrar adapted for the screen by Matt Aldrich. The move follows Evan Birch, played by Guy Pearce. He is a family man and esteemed professor at a distinguished college, where his charm and reputation have made his philosophy class very popular.

When a female student named Hannah, played by Jamie Kennedy, goes missing, Evan’s previous off-campus dalliances make his wife, played by Minnie Driver, question his alibi.

Gruff police Detective Malloy, played by Pierce Brosnan, has even more reason to be suspicious when crucial evidence makes Evan the prime suspect in Hannah’s disappearance. Suddenly, the questions Evan comes to grip with aren’t merely academic – they’re a matter of life or death.

The movie trailer is tight and suspenseful, and I keep wondering what happened to the student. It appears in the 100-minute movie there is a twist at the end of a storyline about examining a crime, punishment, and conscience undertones.

I have a feeling Brosnan is going to steal the show. He has developed into quite an actor. He was amazing in the  Only Boy in New York. The movie also stars Clark Gregg, Odeya Rush, Alexandra Shipp, and Freya Tingley.

This clip seems like they shouldn’t worry, but they sure seem worried.

This movie clip gets intense and he sure seems guilty.

In Part 1 of the Featurette Brosnan and Driver talk about when they worked together on Brosnan’s first James Bond Movie.

In Part 2, the Featurette is filled with the actors talking about working with the director. The director, Simon Kaijser, talks about working with the story and actors.

“Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot” Trailers and Poster

based on a book, drama, true stories, , , ,

Gus Van Sant directed Don’t Worry, He Won’t Get Far On Foot and brought us notable movies like To Die For, Milk and The Sea of Trees.

Based on a true story, the movie follows Joaquin Phoenix, a Van Sant alumni, as he performs John Callahan’s lust for life with a quirky knack for off-color jokes and an obvious drinking problem.

The tragedy begins with an all-night bender and ends in a catastrophic car accident. John wakes up using a wheelchair for the rest of his life.

The movie is about his journey back from rock bottom. His honesty and wicked humor turn out to be his saving grace. He builds friends with an oddball AA group while discovering that love is not beyond his reach. He develops a talent for drawing irreverent and sometimes shocking cartoons that bring him notoriety. 

Amazon Studios produced the movie, which means I am a Prime member and will see it as soon as it leaves the movie theaters. I look forward to peaking at the acting chops of some fine actors in this movie, including Rooney Mara, Jack Black, and Jonah Hill.

Here is a second trailer with a soundtrack that is like The Beatles.

Check out the trailer and notice Jack Black and Jonah Hill take severe turns in this poignant story.

“The Leisure Seeker” Trailer and Clips

based on a book, comedy, drama,

Directed and co-written by Italian Paolo Virzì, The Leisure Seeker follows a vintage recreational vehicle as John, played by Donald Sutherland and Ella Spencer, played by Helen Mirren, take one last road trip from Boston to the Hemingway House in the Florida Keys.

The road trip movie is about John and Ella arriving at the Keys before his Alzheimer’s and her cancer can catch up with them. They base the movie on a novel, so the story is rich and thought-provoking.

X-Men: “Dark Phoenix” Trailers, Poster, Featurettes, and Images

action, adventure, based on a book, fantasy, science fiction, sequels, , , ,
Sophie Turner stars as Jean Grey.

Twentieth Century Fox’s next X-Men movie, X-Men: Dark Phoenix, is directed by Simon Kinberg, who has written quite a few of the franchise movies, including this one.

The movie stars James McAvoy as Charles Xavier, Kodi Smit-McPhee as Nightcrawler, Tye Sheridan as Cyclops, Alexandra Shipp as Storm, Michael Fassbender as Erik Lehnsherr, Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, Jennifer Lawrence as Raven/Mystique, and Jessica Chastain as Smith.

Blu-ray, DVD, and digital streaming are available. The bonus features include a hilarious but important one-on-one “How to Fly Your Jet to Space” lesson in the Special Features section.  You get hours of extensive special features and behind-the-scenes insights from Simon Kinberg and Hutch Parker, delving into everything it took to bring the movie to the screen. 

New faces and a new director make for a promising movie.  Kinberg is favorably familiar with the story that follows Jean Grey, played by Turner, who begins to develop incredible powers that corrupt and turn her into a Dark Phoenix. The second trailer starts off with Grey being with her mother and father. It’s a happy moment that turns to destruction and death.

The story is an extended version of the fictional Marvel Comics series penned by Chris Claremont and illustrated by Dave Cockrum and John Bryne.

The X-Men will have to decide if the life of a team member is worth more than all the people living in the world. That shouldn’t be too hard to figure out. Don’t you think?

Still, they share their existence as unique beings who are outcasts because they don’t fit in with the status quo.  It will be interesting to see how the X-Men handle their rogue mutant – Dark Phoenix.

The most recent poster shows all the characters in the movie. The imagery indicates the influence Dark Phoenix has on all of them. She is a true anti-hero.

The next trailer tells us a huge spoiler. It’s not blunt but obvious. Jean is an out-of-control killing machine. The green screen and CGI effects are unbelievable. They mesmerized me throughout the trailer – some true sound editing and mixing worth experiencing in the movie theater. The box office draw is diehard fans.

It looks like she’s turned into a bad girl. The trailer explains how it happens and when it happens. The X-men want to kill her, so they can protect themselves and society. The special effects (CGI) looks pretty good, showing us all that is happening. It appears the Dark Phoenix is in a chaotic world all her own.

The next two featurettes are keepers. Each stands out as a unique reason for telling the story of the Dark Phoenix. One featurette gives us hope and introduces us to the writer and editor of the comic book series – Chris Claremont and Louise Simonson.

The next featurette shows us the history of the X-Men, though some are women. We learn that the Dark Phoenix is a huge battle for them, and the outcome is what we all want to know.

“Every Day” Trailer, Movie Clips, Poster, Featurettes

based on a book, drama

Directed by Michael Sucsy, Every Day is based on a bestseller by David Levithan. The movie follows Rhiannon, played by Angourie Rice, a 16-year old girl who falls in love with a mysterious spirit named “A” who inhabits a different body every day.

Feeling an unmatched connection, Rhiannon and “A” work each day to find each other, not knowing what or who the next day will bring. The more the two fall in love, the more the realities of loving someone who is a different person every 24 hours takes a toll, leaving Rhiannon and “A” to face the hardest decision either has ever had to make.

The movie also stars Maria Bello. I’ve liked her work since History of Violence.

This movie clip is intense and tells us the obstacles these two people or beings have to face to make their relationship work.

The movie clip below explains how the story works.  Rhiannon is in love with a spirit who occupies a different body every day.

The featurette tells what the movie is about. This day and age it is very contemporary.  I like the spiritual aspect of the story.

The following clip is so real and tender.

The movie trailer is inspirational and gets under my skin.

“Mortal Engines” Trailers, Featurettes, Movie Clip & Poster

adventure, based on a book, fantasy, science fiction, , , , , , ,

Peter Jackson is attached to this production as one of the producers. Yet, directed by Christian Rivers, Mortal Engines follows Tom Natsworthy, played by Robert Sheehan, after thousands of years civilization was destroyed by a cataclysmic event, humankind has adapted and a new way of living has evolved.

This new way is very science fiction with a twist of fantasy. Gigantic moving cities now roam the Earth, ruthlessly preying upon smaller traction towns. Natsworthy comes forth from a Lower Tier of the great traction city of London. The movie finds him fighting for his own survival after he encounters the dangerous fugitive Hester Shaw, played by Iceland actress Hera Hilmar.  Both are completely opposite in views and purposes, but their paths crossed anyway. They build an unlikely alliance that is destined to change the course of the future.

After viewing the featurettes and interviews with the actors, director, and behind-the-scenes talent, watching this clip is so much more real and impressive.

Composing music for a film has always interested me and this featurette is so inspiring.

I am surprised I didn’t know this movie is based on books. Here in this featurette, we hear from the author of the books – Phillip Reeve.

The latest featurette interviews the author and producers.  The film is visually stunning.

These behind the scenes featurettes are for the person who is an artist at heart.  My admiration for the talent behind this film is unbelievable. I am amazed at the detail and skill of each artist. The fact that Peter Jackson brought them all together to work on this extraordinary movie is so refreshing.

The featurette tells us what is happening with those engines. We learn about the lead character and how she relates to the story.

The third trailer tells us more about the story.  We find out who the villain is in the movie. The CGI looks great. I just hope there are not pan shoots of CGI. That can really make a movie boring.

The featurette tells us about the movie and how Peter Jackson envisioned the story.  It is better than the movie trailers.

Mortal Engines is adapted from the award-winning book series by Philip Reeve, published in 2001 by Scholastic.

The trailer doesn’t offer much of the movie, but it focuses on Shaw – a female character instead of a male character like Natsworthy. I wonder if it is because Universal understands the importance of celebrating the female role in Hollywood.

“Annihilation” Trailers, Featurette, Poster

based on a book, horror, science fiction, ,

The poster is pretty but doesn’t say much about the movie. If you read the book, you know what you are in for. We just hope it is a worthwhile adaptation.

Written for the Screen and Directed by Alex Garland, Annihilation is based on the novel by Jeff VanderMeer – Southern Reach Trilogy.  The movie stars Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Tuva Novotny, and Oscar Isaac.

Slimmer Featurette interviews Natalie Portman and Jennifer Jason Leigh and offers more insight into the storyline.

It’s good to see Jennifer Jason Leigh in this movie.

I watched the movie last night on Prime. Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and the rest of the cast are fantastic. Gina Rodriguez is making a name for herself and starring in several movies of late.

The special effects held its own because I know it’s all green screen. The story is visceral, so without reading the book, it’s hard to track what is real and what is imagined. Each character holds a difficulty close to their chest, which sends them on this “self-destruct” mission.

The creatures the women encounter on their mission brings a horrific layer to the story. They are trying to get to the lighthouse where all their answers will be found. But, that doesn’t happen, which is paradox that makes the movie weak.

The movie is based on a trilogy, and the ending indicates there is more to come. I am curious if that will happen based on the box office returns.

“Avengers Infinity War” Trailers, Posters, and Blu-ray/DVD

action, adventure, based on a book, fantasy, legend, sequels, ,

I must have watched the trailer over ten times to count how many superheroes are in this movie. Infinity of superheroes is definitely the way to interpret the title.

Then, at the very end of the trailer, we see and hear Thor say, “Who are you guys?”  I like the line better in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, “Who are those guys?”

The poster is slick but doesn’t say much. When the character posters come out it will be an epic download for all the fans.

The movie will be fun entertainment, and I look forward to seeing more trailers, clips, and sound bites. Here is another poster that was released after the first one above. The latest shows all the different superheroes in the movie.  I took a quick count and came up with twenty-one superheroes.  Wow! Below is the second movie trailer.

Found some more information on the movie. The next Marvel superhero movie brings to the screen the definitive, deadliest showdown of all time.  Just look at all the characters in the trailer. Allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.

The Blu-ray, DVD, and streaming are hitting the streets. Now, is the time to see the movie again. We can only hope for a sequel that will save everyone.

The information provided says the bonus materials contain are pretty awesome, though some retailers may vary. The Blu-ray and digital bonus features are to die for and are fantastic. I included the timeframe for each feature, so you get an idea of how much is available.

    • Strange Alchemy (5:08)– Share the thrill of characters from across the MCU meeting for the first time—and discover why some were teamed up together.
    • The Mad Titan (6:34) – Explore the MCU’s biggest, worst villain, his trail of influence through the stories, and the existential threat he represents.
    • Beyond the Battle: Titan (9:36) – Dive into the climactic struggle on Thanos’ ruined world, including the epic stunts and VFX, to uncover the source of its power.
    • Beyond the Battle: Wakanda (10:58) – Go behind the scenes to find out how the filmmakers pulled off the most massive and challenging battle Marvel had ever attempted.
    • Deleted and Extended Scenes (10:07)
    • Happy Knows Best (1:23) – Tony and Pepper spar over the details of their upcoming wedding—until a hassled Happy Hogan pulls up with an urgent request.
    • Hunt for the Mind Stone (1:24) – On a darkened street, Wanda Maximoff and the wounded Vision attempt to hide from Thanos’ brutal allies.
    • The Guardians Get Their Groove Back (3:20) – As Peter Quill and Drax quarrel over their failed mission to Knowhere, Mantis interrupts with the news.
    • A Father’s Choice (4:00) – Thanos confronts Gamora with a vision from her past—and with lying to him about the Soul Stone.
    • Gag Reel (2:05)– Watch your favorite Super Heroes make super gaffes in this lighthearted collection of on-set antics.
  • Audio Commentary (approx. 149 min.) by Anthony and Joe Russo, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely

Only on Digital:

  • A Directors’ Roundtable (approx. 32 min.) – Eight amazing directors reflect on how their movies contribute to the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s larger storytelling adventure.

Anthony and Joe Russo directed the film, which is written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.

“A Wrinkle in Time” Trailers, Poster, Interview with Director

adventure, animation, based on a book, children movies, family movies, fantasy, kid movies, , , , , ,

Directed by Ava DuVernay,  A Wrinkle in Time is based on a wonderful and timeless book by Madeleine L’Engle. My daughter read her book with awe and excitement. The timeless classic came to the screen before in the 1980s. The technology at the time failed to bring the magical story to life.

A Wrinkle in Time Blu-ray/DVD hit the streets. So, if you haven’t seen it yet, nows your chance.

Now, the audience will be able to view the dimensions of time and space, examining the nature of darkness versus light and, ultimately, the triumph of love. Through one girl’s transformative journey led by three celestial guides, we discover that strength comes from embracing one’s individuality and that the best way to triumph over fear is to travel by one’s own light.

The movie’s cast is stellar with Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Michael Pena, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Zack Galifianakis, and Chris Pine.

DuVernay is a woman of many firsts in the movie industry as a director and screenwriter. In 2012, she won Best Director for her second feature Middle of Nowhere at Sundance becoming the first African-American woman to win the award. For her work in Selma, she was the first black female director to be nominated for a Golden Globe Award and the first black female director to have her film nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. A Wrinkle in Time exceeds a budget of $100 million, making her the first black woman to direct a live-action film with a budget of that size.

The movie’s screenwriter, Jennifer Lee, is best known as the writer and director of the Disney’s Frozen, for which she earned an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

The interview with the director, Ava DuVernay, who tells the storyline and describes each character and how each actor plays the role.  This is a must watch and very informative interview.

The second trailer shows more of the storyline. The CGI is pretty awesome looking. I just hope there are no pan shots of CGI.

“The Man Who Invented Christmas” Trailer, Poster, Movie Clips & Featurette

based on a book, comedy, drama, ,

Directed by Bharat Nalluri, The Man Who Invented Christmas follows the magical journey of Charles Dickens, played by Dan Stevens, which led to the development of one of the most classic characters in literature – Ebenezer Scrooge, played by Christopher Plummer. The classic story includes other well-known characters such as Tiny Tim.

Watching this trailer and being a writer, I find myself caught up in the irony of Dickens creating one of the most celebrated stories ever.

The movie is based on the book by Les Standiford, who is also a historian and has written several books on poignant times in history.  Nalluri also directed Miss Pettigrew Lives for A Day, which did quite well at the box office.

The Man Who Invented Christmas entertains the story of how Charles Dickens mixed real-life inspirations with his vivid imagination to conjure up unforgettable characters and a timeless tale, forever changing the holiday season into the celebration we know today.

I am delighted to see Outlander alumni, Scottish actor Bill Paterson, who plays Ned Gowan, Simon Callow, who played Duke of Sandringham, and Annette Badland, who played Mrs. Fritz.

I watched the movie with my daughter, and we completely enjoyed the movie. It’s a wonderful movie to watch during the holiday season because Dickens’ message come through loud and clear. Christmas is a time to be with friends and family while helping those who are less fortunate.  The movie is available on Blu-ray, DVD, and streaming. My daughter and I watched it on Prime.

The trailers and clips did not do the movie justice. It is truly entertaining while learning about the life of Dickens.

I saw a great little clip where Dickens struggles to concentrate in a household of children. It such a fun movie to watch during the holidays.

This looks like a fun movie to see during the holiday season.

It is wonderful to see the process of such a great writer.

Great Featurette, the movie gets under Dickens’ skin.