Entertainment Today and Beyond

Never Met a Zombi I Didn’t Like…

Should ZACK and MIRI have used PORNO in the TITLE?

ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO continues to be the source of controversy as a handful of TV stations and newspapers around the country have rejected advertising because of the word “Porno” in the title. While I would never object to the content of any film as long as it’s rated by the MPAA, I have mixed feelings about the Weinstein Company and director KEVIN SMITH going with that title. I think the question to think about is – how liberal do we want our society to get? I certainly say that as someone who is much more liberal in my views than conservative but understand and appreciate the viewpoints of all people. Remember this debate has nothing to do with the content of the film; it has to do with the title, which will be seen on print material advertised on buses and trains and on TV.

We are living in a time where the country hasn’t been this divided in living memory. Getting news coverage from FOX and CNBC is like living in two totally different worlds. Half this country is somewhat liberal while the other half is more conservative. The film’s title has and will offend many people and it has nothing to do with whether I agree with that or not, it’s just a fact. RESPECT is still an important thing, at least in my world! When the Weinstein Company and Smith agreed on that title they knew it would meet with resistance in many circles. So now they have to live with it. I wrote a few months ago that by going with that title it could hurt its box-office, and maybe a lot, and if it were my money I would have used something different because I want to maximize my profit potential. That is just smart business. The question I ask again is- DO you want to live in a society where anything goes? Where teachers use curse words to educate children, where you turn on TV and see hard core porn on major networks? Where internet posters use the F-BOMB every other word! OH, forgot we’re there with that one already!

This story’s far from that or the end of the world, but to walk a mile you have to take one step at a time! If we continue to accept Trash over Class we put everything right into the gutter. Again, I don’t object to the film’s content. I like Kevin Smith and think he’s one of the most knowledgeable and interesting guys in the business but sometimes you can be wrong! While I look forward to seeing the film I feel they might have gone down that proverbial slippery slope with the title! Whether that helps or hurts the box-office is yet to be determined as only time will tell, but the real question is, what do we ultimately want and expect from our society?! Let me know what you THINK.

October 17, 2008 Posted by | And Beyond - Trailers & News | | Leave a Comment

Will the New STAR TREK film fly, and my opinion on NBC’S MY OWN WORST ENEMY!

Paramount has started an early marketing BLITZ for JJ Abrams new STAR TREK re-boot which features a whole new cast with the exception of Leonard Nimoy who will reprise his role of the film’s older Spock. Besides the six photo stills released today on the net, the film will be the cover story on next week’s Entertainment Weekly. Considering Abrams is one of Hollywood’s best talents (Lost, Mission Impossible 3) I have no doubt this film will be good but will it attract a new generation of fans beside the core base which really thinned out with the last few Trek films.

Look for the newest trailer attached to the new James Bond film Quantum of Solace in November, and the film itself next summer. While not being a huge Star Trek fan, I did attend a few conventions in NYC years ago and thought they were fun. The fan base is unlike any other as there’s something a bit surreal standing around grown men dressed as Klingons! Writing that brings back GREAT memories!   

NBC’s highly hyped new show, MY OWN WORST ENEMY, where CHRISTIAN SLATER plays a spy with a split personality, drew a somewhat disappointing 7.3 million viewers in its premier episode Monday night. The program, which plays like a cross between Total Recall, True Lies, and Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, was slightly confusing, but also extremely ambitious and fun. I’ve always been a fan of CHRISTIAN SLATER and he certainly makes for an interesting presence as a network TV lead which I thought was refreshing. While it’s hard to really tell how good or bad any new show will be from one episode, I think the program has a ton of potential. The big question is – will enough viewers stick around to see it to really develop. Many TV viewers in today’s world don’t like to think too much and this show is definitely for the thinking person. 7.5 Out of 10

October 17, 2008 Posted by | And Beyond - Trailers & News, Reviews | , | Leave a Comment

   

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.