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Movie Reviews
by Dana Winseman
Casino Royale
Rocky Balboa
Little Miss Sunshine
Reflections In Darkness: Moving Images of the Cinema
Theaters, film-festivals, on satellite, cable and DVD.
Casino Royale: A visually stunning first ten minutes that will
catapult you out of your seat. I expected nothing less and was not
disappointed. This is the first Bond film which returns to basic
character and story development since Sean Connery defined the
role visually over forty years ago. Daniel Craig, with a dark and
edgier performance, has grabbed the Bond gauntlet and mastered it.
The film takes us back to James Bond's first 007 mission, to
Madagascar, where he is to spy on a terrorist Mollaka. Not
everything goes as planned and Bond decides to investigate,
independently of the MI6 agency, in order to track down the rest of the terrorist cell. Following a lead to
the Bahamas, he encounters Dimitrios and his girlfriend, Solange. Bond learns that Dimitrios is involved
with Le Chiffre, banker to the world's terrorist organizations. Secret Service intelligence reveals that Le
Chiffre is planning to raise money in a high-stakes poker game in Montenegro at Le Casino Royale. MI6
assigns 007 to play against him, knowing that if Le Chiffre loses, it will destroy his organization. 'M'
places Bond under the watchful eye of the beguiling Vesper Lynd. At first skeptical of what value Vesper
can provide, Bond's interest in her deepens as they brave danger together--and even torture at the hands of
Le Chiffre. In Montenegro, Bond allies himself with Matthis, MI6's local field agent, and Felix Leiter, who
is representing the interests of the CIA. The marathon game proceeds with dirty tricks and violence,
raising the stakes beyond blood money and reaching a terrifying climax.
Production Status: Released Logline: The story examines James Bond's formative years and how he
developed his penchant for Aston Martins, martinis and beautiful women. Genres: Action/Adventure,
Thriller, Adaptation and Sequel Running Time: 144 min. Release Date: November 17th, 2006 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violent action, a scene of torture, sexual content and
nudity. Distributors: Sony Pictures Releasing, Sony Pictures Releasing International Production Co.:
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Danjaq Productions, EON Productions Studios: Columbia Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
(MGM) U.S. Box Office: $116, million Filming Locations: Pinewood Studios, London Prague, Czech
Republic Italy Bahamas Produced in: United Kingdom Also Known As: Bond 21 Casino Royale Untitled
(MGM/James Bond 21).
Rocky Balboa: Former heavyweight champion Rocky Balboa
(Sylvester Stallone) steps out of retirement and back into the ring,
pitting himself against a new rival decades after his initial glory.
When a computer simulated boxing match declares Rocky Balboa
the victor over current champion Mason \"The Line\" Dixon, the
legendary fighter's passion and spirit are reignited. But when his
desire to fight in small, regional competitions is trumped by
promoters calling for a rematch of the cyber-fight, Balboa must
weigh the mental and physical risks of a high profile exhibition
match against his need to be in the ring. I am a fan of the Rocky movies having seen the very first film in a
sneak preview thirty years ago. Never have I witnessed, since that time a film industry reaction similar,
with audience members standing, screaming, shouting and waving their fists cheering the characters on the
screen. I would not have believed it, if I wasnt there to witness it. Well Stallone has done it again this is
pure unbreakable human spirit and determination portrayed in movies - the old fashion way. The Rocky
films are a reflection of our times blended with human challenges to overcome the physical, mental and
emotional barriers we all face in life. (A camera device, Steadicam invented by Garrett Brown, first used
so effectively in the 1976 three time Academy Award Winning Best Picture Rocky. It is a non-tethered
motion-picture camera support system which allows complete movement with an actor during a
performance.) Director John G. Avildsens Cinematographer James Crabe did this so beautifully with
Garrett Brown in the first Rocky film. A momentous moment in the film, the climax of Rockys training,
when the camera followed Rocky running through the streets and up the steps, looking out over
Philadelphia. It was also used during the boxing sequences. In the current film Rocky Balboa,
Cinematographer J. Clark Mathis works with John S. Moyer and astutely reprises this visual element,
pushing the envelope for visual opportunities to effectively carry the audience into the storyline. The new
Rocky Balboa also illustrates an emotionally moving period time that catches up with us all.
Production Status: In Production/Awaiting Release Genres: Action/Adventure, Drama, Sequel and Sports
Release Date: December 20th, 2006 (wide) MPAA Rating: PG for boxing violence and some language.
Distributors: MGM Distribution Company Studios: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM),
Columbia Pictures, Revolution Studios Filming Locations: Los Angeles, California, USA Las Vegas,
Nevada USA Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA Produced in: United States Also Known As: Rocky 6,
Rocky VI (MGM).
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Little Miss Sunshine: The Hoover family treks from Albuquerque to the Little Miss Sunshine pageant in
Redondo Beach, California, to fulfill the deepest wish of 7-year-old Olive, an ordinary little girl with big
dreams. Along the way the family must deal with crushed dreams, heartbreaks, and a broken-down VW
bus, leading up to the surreal Little Miss Sunshine competition itself. On their travels through this bizarre
landscape, the Hoovers learn to trust and support each other along the path of life, no matter what the
challenge. Dont miss this poignantly produced production with wonderful character driven performances.
The photography blends with the storyline and keeps you involved with the situations. The ensemble
acting is not only first rate, each and every player comes through with emotionally moving
characterizations. It is not easy to make a feel-good movie with plenty of laughs and an upbeat ending out
of a story that includes drug addition, but you will not be disappointed. Sheryl and Richard Hoover, played
by Greg Kinnear and Toni Collette, are at a crossroads in their marriage as he can't get his nine-step
motivational program off the ground and she's bringing home what little bacon there is.
Running Time: 1 hr. 41 min. Release Date: July 26th, 2006 (limited) MPAA Rating: R for language, some
sex and drug content. Distributors: Fox Searchlight Pictures Production Co.: Big Beach Productions, Deep
River Productions, Bona Fide Productions Financiers: Big Beach Productions U.S. Box Office:
$58,938,608 Filming Locations: Los Angeles, California, USA Produced in: United States.
Dana D. Winseman is a cinematographer/photographer/image curator working in Hollywood, California
and writes about photography and photographers for leading
publications. \"mailto:Dana@CalifrorniaTourAndTravel.com\" Dana@CalifrorniaTourAndTravel.com
or \"mailto:MastersOfImaging@yahoo.com\" MastersOfImaging@yahoo.com
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