More Codes for Born to be Wild

Born To Be Wild

AMC Metreon 16 with IMAX
San Francisco, CA 94103

Apr 4, 2011
6:30 pm


Code: CYCU7P3







Sac-







Born To Be Wild

Esquire IMAX Theatre
Sacramento, CA 95814

Apr 2, 2011
10:30 am


Code: CYC6X4Q







Born To Be Wild

Esquire IMAX Theatre
Sacramento, CA 95814

Apr 2, 2011
11:30 am


Code: CYC6FJN




San Jose:







Born To Be Wild

Tech IMAX
San Jose, CA 95113

Apr 2, 2011
10:30 am

Code: CYCL6R8








Born To Be Wild

Tech IMAX
San Jose, CA 95113

Apr 4, 2011
6:30 pm





Code: CYC6BDP







Fresno:







Born To Be Wild

Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 & Imax
Fresno, CA 93720

Apr 4, 2011
5:00 pm


Code: CYC13KH










Born To Be Wild

Edwards Fresno Stadium 22 & Imax
Fresno, CA 93720

Apr 4, 2011
6:30 pm


Code: CYCW0D8

Music Never Stopped trivia ideas

I was wondering what the Grateful Dead's first music video was?
And is JK Simmons in a lot of TV series?
The Dead also had some banned songs on the radio.  Which ones were they?

Born to be wild - codes

Get your passes to the IMAX film BORN TO BE WILD. Find your city below and enter the RSVP code at www.gofobo.com/rsvp.

Remember passes are limited and are on a first come first serve basis.

Good Luck!!

Cyclone


=========================================

San Francisco, CA
Apr 4, 2011
6:30 pm


Code: CYCU7P3



-----------------------------
Sacramento, CA

Apr 2, 2011
10:30 am


Code: CYC6X4Q



Born To Be Wild
Apr 2, 2011
11:30 am


Code: CYC6FJN



-----------------------

San Jose, CA

Apr 2, 2011
10:30 am

Code: CYCL6R8



Apr 4, 2011
6:30 pm

Code: CYC6BDP


--------------------------

Fresno, CA:


Apr 4, 2011
5:00 pm


Code: CYC13KH



Apr 4, 2011
6:30 pm


Code: CYCW0D8

Sucker Punch Review

Ok, so I'm confused.  The movie is an action film by the director of 300, set in the time of Sin City, but how did Charlie's Angels make it into the world of Inception? 

Enough said.  It was interesting. Movie mission accomplished. Acting not accomplished. Over-marketing by the studio and plenty of Run of Engagement passes may salvage the integrity, but don't expect a sequel.

"Sucker Punch" earns 3 out of 5 Cyclones for being a guy-film.

-jEREMY bRICKNER-
CycloneMovies.com Critic

Black Swan Experience in SF.

BLACK SWAN EXPERIENCE

All members looking to get into SOURCE CODE this week.

on 3/29 CycloneMovies.com will have the screenings of Source Code in Fresno, SF, and Sacramento.  The passes for Fresno will be handed out at the theatre on 3/29 before the show, all winners of the contgest got that email, and Sac will hand out passes at Ninja Sushi located in the 8900 block of Folsom Blvd from 800-930 or so Friday night (tonight), and SF members will be picking their passes up on Sunday at a location in the city.  Most likely the Red Vic or the AMC Metreon. 

Movie Screenings in Fresno, San Jose, Sacramento.

Select state and scroll through the 3 pages of available screenings in your area (CA):

http://www.filmmetro.com/events/

CLOVIS/FRESNO...a WIN WIN for you!

Passes are available for the WIN WIN screening on 3/29.  Here is the link:


http://www.gofobo.com/screenings/win_win/713229

Sacramento WIN WIN on 3/24

http://www.gofobo.com/screenings/win_win/713249

3 treats for those in SF for 3/23

Those of you not already going to Sucker Punch on 3/23, well here are a few treats for you.

If you are interested in seeing WIN WIN in SF on 3/23, then go to the gofobo rsvp site enter the following code for passes to see the advanced screening-

San Francisco: CYCELE6

If you are still looking for another option, please email cyclonemoviesbay@gmail.com and get passes to see INSIDIOUS in Berkeley on 3/23.

Yup, three all on the same day. This is a perfect opportunity to get your friends and co-workers on board for an advanced screening. Spread the word about CycloneMovies.com and get them to LIKE us on Facebook for their own passes on a regular basis.

PASSES Available

Sucker Punch San Jose
Sucker Punch San Francisco
WIN WIN Sacramento
WIN WIN Roseville
WIN WIN Clovis
WIN WIN San Jose
Sucker Punch Sacramento
Diary of a Wimpy Kid ii Sacramento
--------------
All passes are available.  Post requests here and holders can respond.  Also go to the cyclonemovies.com forum in the trading center/request center to swap out passes.

Sucker Punch Trivia

Abbie Cornish's current movies.
Zach Snyder's films.
Who loved Beastly?
A Hangover Part II fiancee.

Lincoln Lawyer Feedback

The book is better than the movie.  Matthew McConaughey is the lead and attorney Mick Haller in this "CSI" meets "The Client" tale meant for an afternoon showing at the old folks home on DVD ten years from now type of film.  The book was good, but a bit slow.  The movie was choppy at the start, but they are simply developing Haller's character.  Be patient.

Let's get into the meat and potatoes of the movie.  There are too many cases being tossed around by Haller, and yes, it may be true to life for an attorney, but much of the needed plot and story had to be cut for time.  The cheesy courtroom drama and police interaction should have been countered by CSI's David Caruso, nothing would have made me more prepared.  Ryan Phillippe and Matthew McConaughey would be better suited to a porn film than a blockbuster title (absent a stellar performance in Cruel Intentions.)  They just can't seem to pull off serious roles. 

The movie's twists and turns were true to the book and were done well on film.  If you enjoyed any of the John Grisham books put to film, including, The Client, Pelican Brief, or The Firm, then go enjoy "Lincoln Lawyer."  The movie will hit it's target audience well. It is a fun and simple film but if given the choice, save your money and read the book for a buck off the sale rack at the local book store.  "Lincoln Lawyer" will pull 3 out of 5 Cyclones for the adaptation.


Jeremy Brickner
CycloneMovies.com Critic

CycloneMovies.com review for WIN WIN

Paul Giamatti does an 'as expected' job in this dramatic story of financial despair, under-appreciated wrestling coach,  honesty and apathy.

Yes, high school wrestling.  That is the draw for "Win Win."  The writers try to put together an excellent story, but with some 'low budget' performances and too many sub-plots occurring simultaneously, the film (and viewer) is left a bit strung out.  If they were to narrow it down, we may have a perfect picture.  The performances by the assistant coaches were spot on.  The real life NJ State high school champion wrestler puts on an amateur performance.

The language was a bit much and is also the reason for the R rating.  My personal bias and love of high school wrestling will undoubtedly skew my overall rating.  The gaping holes in the plot and untied knots in the end hurt the movie. If you enjoyed the style of 'Cedar Rapids' and 'Little Miss Sunshine,' then you will enjoy sitting through this candid tale.  Win Win will pull a 3 out of 5 Cyclone rating. 


Jeremy Brickner
CycloneMovies.com Critic

Diary of a Wimpy Kid in SF. WIN WIN in San Jose

everybody get their passes lined up?  if you are in already, congrats.  if you are left out in the cold and didnt get the passes, post up here and maybe those with extras can help!

WIN WIN Fresno and San Jose.

you gofobo.com/rsvp codes:

Win Win 3/29
Clovis, CA
CYC62MS

Win Win, 3/30
San Jose, CA
CYCG0BZ

Sucker Punch Code for Wednesday in Sacramento

Just out is a gofobo.com/rsvp code for tickets to the movie

Sacramento: HOTQ7Q6

Limitless, Review

Good job on the film by director Neil Burger.  This is an awkward film to make and it was done well enough so people felt obligated to talk throughout the movie as they grasped for understanding and clarity. 

The acting wasn't key, it was the story that was unique and catchy.  Take the NZT-48 pills (like Adderall) and get the neuro-stimulants flowing through the brain and utilize all 100% of your brain, as opposed to the standard 10-20% or whatever is supposed to be used.

We are taken for a ride with investing money, running from thugs, bagging the ladies, as well as the fallout from coming down from the drug.  The story is interwoven in many clever ways, similar to Adjustment Bureau and Black Swan.  There are those who need the drug, those who have experienced the drug, and those who have died from the drug.  All their stories are unique and overlap at the same time.

The movie is enjoyable.  It is rated R for language, drugs, and violence.  There is action, love (shallow), suspense, and all things we love in a movie.  It has a Matrix meets Adjustment Bureau coupled with Run Lola Run feel.  It lacks a 5 Cyclone rating, but it earns a worthy 4 out of 5 Cyclones.

-Jeremy Brickner
CycloneMovies.com Critic

Mark at the Movies

Here's the scoop.  Mark Allen does his tv show about movies on Wednesdays.  He is looking to get some CycloneMovies.com followers and movie enthusiasts to go on the show.  The demographics are +/- 18 to 25 year old fans.  If you are interested, feel free to post a response here and we will get a group together for the taping in an upcoming episode on a Wed around 1030 in the morning.

WIN WIN Fresno and San Jose.

'Clones, there should be a CycloneMovies.com rep at the screenings the end of this month for WIN WIN in Fresno and San Jose.  Shirts, passes and other swag should be in abundance.  Get on board and enter the contests to get your passes and have some fun at the theatre!

WIN WIN has an RSVP Code from CycloneMovies.com for Roseville on 3/17

go to GOFOBO.COM/RSVP and enter the WIN WIN code for

Roseville:  CYCEVD4

Passes are limited so it is first come first served. 

Paul and Limitless and WIN WIN trivia ideas.

For Paul, ya might wanna know the IMBD histories of: Sigourney Weaver, Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Greg Motoal (it is on the pass you have tonight), Jane Lynch, Jeffrey Tambor, and The Green Hornet.  Yes, there are a lot of questions because there is a ton of stuff to give away!

Limitless trivia ideas were already posted on the blog earlier, but since we are screening it soon, you might wanna refresh.

WIN WIN is a bit quicker, know our nation's early Presidents, Olympic wrestling, and something funny in Scranton.

Battle: LA review

Battle:  LA

Yes, aliens.  Aliens invading Los Angeles and 12 major cities simultaneously around the world.  This is a sci-fi action film for the entire span of the film. 

There is mass hysteria and quick action from the get go.  Having see this the same day as the tsunami in Japan made me realize the film was fairly accurate.  There are those that jump into action, some curl up in fear, and others naively stand around and watch.  The military was mobile within minutes, and they too had no idea what they were facing as they fire shots at noises and flashes.  As viewers, we were watching and waiting for quite some time without knowing what was happening or what the purpose of the film or military was supposed to be.  The unknown carried “Battle: LA” for about an hour and a half.

We only learn in the last 30 minutes of the film that the aliens are seeking (liquid) H2O, and the half dozen Marines are all that stand between the downfall of the Earth and the aliens weakest link.  Yes we get action which is what the crowd wanted and it was effective film making.

Tis a year for science fiction.  And cliché films.  We have seen a few, and the year is still young.  This is pure action and explosions and computer animation.  Yes, it matches Independence Day, District IX, and Skyline. Given that one of the highlighted quotes of the film was, “Staff Sgt., Get my men off this LA freeway…” was just too tacky, I can only give “Battle: Los Angles” 3 out of 5 Cyclones.

-Jeremy Brickner-

CycloneMovies.com

Trading Tickets/Passes

Many people end up with extra passes (somehow???) and want to swap them out or put them to use for others to use.  You can list them on the CycloneMovies.com forum in the Trading Center section.  Or put them here so people at the screenings can contact you at the theatre (since the Cyclone site uses Flash) and make things work.  Post em early or post em late, at least this way people can get in touch with you for the trade!

Limitless trivia ideas. hhhrrmmmmm....

The A-Team has a role.

One of our girls is in Sucker Punch.

What do actor Edward Norton and Director Neil Burger have in common?

Red Riding Hood Review

Red Riding Hood - YouTube

Battle LA trivia hints

Michelle Rodriguez in Avatar...

Aaron Echhart in Dark Knight....

'California Love's this artist...

Leo Spitz's character is Transformers...

Lincoln Lawyer Screening 3/16 CODE IS ACTIVE NOW

http://www.gofobo.com/screenings/the_lincoln_lawyer/701391?pc=Q1NVU0FDVENFMA%3D%3D

The Music Never Stopped

The Music Never Stopped

The music and the tears never stopped in this Grateful Dead meets Life as a House masterpiece.  We have J.K. Simmons as the father - Henry Sawyer,  Lou Taylor Pucci as the son - Gabriel Sawyer, and Julia Ormond as the therapist - Dianne Daley.  This is a drama, not a musical, but the music in the film is like taking a trip back to Forrest Gump.

Gabriel has been away from his family for 20 years.  His parents get a call because he is in the hospital and he has a brain tumor.  The tumor is removed and his memory is shot.  Henry reads an article about therapy through music and Gabriel is united with Dianne Daley for the therapy and makes tremendous breakthroughs.  The ensuing story is about the therapy and the family bonding.

The story was well written and the lead males (father and son) performed admirably.  They carried the film on a small budget and marvelous directing.  The Dead Heads in the audience were thrilled to have some quality sound tracks and an easy film to appreciate.  The in your face performance from Pucci made viewers think he was truly ill. 

It is hard to find much fault in the film.  If viewers are unfamiliar with the era of music (1950-1980’s rock) then they may not appreciate the music, but they can still appreciate the movie.  I was hoping for a more intense story, but it wasn’t necessary.  There was some jumping back and forth in time, but it was needed for a thorough and timely understanding.   There was political humor and family dynamics was worthy of some chuckles.

There wasn’t a dry eye by the end of the movie.  The exclusion of those who are too young to drive makes it not quite a family movie, even with the PG rating.  I don’t see this one bringing home any Oscars, but I do see it being shared amongst friends when it is out on DVD.  If you enjoy Life as a House, In America, or other dramas in the genre, then sign up for “The Music Never Stopped.”  There is a CycloneMovies.com promotional screening on 3/31/11.  4 out of 5 Cyclones for this well done drama.

Trivia questions

Thanks to the followers who helped make some great trivia questions this week at the screenings.  It is always nice to be able to post them ahead of time, but when the audience is making the questions it can be tough to do.  Check before the screenings in the coming weeks for some hints.

Shirts, yes...CycloneMovies.com shirts-

SHIRTS! People want shirts. Well here we go. If you can get 10 new 'Clones to like/add us on Facebook, and they post on our wall that they added us through your invitiation/request, we can and will get you a shirt with the new order coming in. Get on it. Let's get our followers to top 1000 by the time school is out!

You see all the swag we had out to people wearing our shirts to the screenings (passes, more shirts at the Red Riding Hood screening, posters, etc.) and now is your turn to jump on board.

Passes to Sac (and SF) area screenings:

this link is for sacramento, but you can get to your city with a few clicks:

http://www.filmmetro.com/cities/main/30

Music never Stopped Screening Tonight Tues 3/8

There are passes available for the screening at the Crest tonight. Arrive early and get your passes on line.

Big Momma's House: Like Father, Like Son

The review for "Big Momma's House: Like Father, Like Son" -
Big Flop. It was that bad. Skip it. Even if your friends buy you tickets, save the two hours and don't go.  It was just as disappointing and Disney's "Mars Needs Moms."  Martin Lawrence can provide some laughs at times, but if you don't walk out, don't blame me for having wasted your time and not warning you. 1 out of 5 Cyclones.

Rango Review

Rango

“Rango” is about a gecko in Southern California’s Mojave Desert.  Johnny Depp is the voice and personality of Rango, Timothy Olyphant as the Spirit of the West, and Abigail Breslin as Priscilla.  This is a Nickelodeon animation set to earn some Oscar nods this year.

Rango is inside a vehicle during an auto incident on the desert freeway.  He becomes a free lizard during the dramatic incident and ends up in a small town called Dirt.  He is elevated to a heroic legend by defeating the bird that torments the town and acquires the Sheriff title for his actions.  Dirt is running out of water and Rango is tasked with finding out why.  He ends up being run out of town by Jake the Rattlesnake (yes, that is his name) as Rango’s true history is revealed.  Rango soon figures out where the water is (Las Vegas) and how to return it to Dirt.  In the process he runs into the Spirit of the West (a fitting animation of Clint Eastwood,) attempts to find the thief of the water, and devise a way to route it back to Dirt. 

Foremost on the viewer’s mind is the character of Rango.  Yes, Johnny Depp nails the part.  We are given a character we can see and feel is real.  Depp did not go over the top, but he did keep Rango enjoyable for the young and mature crowd alike. Rango’s entry into dirt is priceless.  His shorts gasps, facial features, and charisma are spot on.  The character of Priscilla was likeable and as a viewer I wanted more of her.  The mariachi owls constantly brought me back to the movie “3 Amigos.”  They provided a needed and smooth explanation of the events transpiring on and off screen.  Unfortunately the lead female role of Beans was a failure. 

The animation is noteworthy.  Nickelodeon did an amazing job with lifelike production of the characters and landscape. They sized the characters well so the film was easy to watch and the large landscape images were refreshing to see put together.  DreamWorks and Fox have a lot of catching up to do if they want to get in on the Oscars. “Ice Age, Continental Drift” may be in the running for 2012.  Disney missed with “Mars Needs Moms,” DreamWorks may hit with “Puss and Boots,” but Nickelodeon nailed it with “Rango.”  Even with all the worthy companies in the running, Pixar still reigns supreme. 

Despite the enormous lulls in the progress of the story and the ambiguity of Rango’s purpose, we are entertained by Depp’s character throughout.  Those who like Ice Age, Open Range, 3 Amigos, or the Pirates of the Caribbean series may absolutely like Rango.  The PG rating is appropriate and may be a bit soft due to the language and animated violence.  With a more progressive plot and better supporting roles, this rating would be higher; however, given the great animation and some memorable performances by Depp and Breslin, Rango will pull 4 out of 5 Cyclones.

Jeremy Brickner

CycloneMovies.com Critic

Lincoln Lawyer Screening 3/16

http://www.gofobo.com/screenings/the_lincoln_lawyer/701391?pc=Q1NVU0FDVENFMA%3D%3D


replenishes often

Bay Area Clones, time for your cookie:

WIN WIN screening this Wednesday in the City.  Here is your RSVP code: CYCXWP6

There is going to be a Q&A with the director of the movie at this event.  So get there EARLY!

Fresno Clones - A cookie for you

Cedar Rapids screening on 3/8 in Fresno.  Here is your code for free passes CYC4YZM  on gofobo.com/RSVP  This movie is a toned down Hall Pass.  Think of Office Space meets Tommy Boy.  Enjoy.

Screenings this week = FEEL FREE TO ADD ON!

Monday there is a screening, but nobody has told me where or when....any intell. on this?
Tuesday = The Music Never Stopped at Crest (not a Cyclone event, but we will be there!) Bring some fortune cookies and comfortable chairs.
Wednesday = CycloneMovies.com's Red Riding Hood screening in Sacramento. Prepare for a wicked long line. Booked OVER 15:1
Thursday = CycloneMovies.com's Battle LA screenings in many markets (Sacramento and Roseville locally) Off to Fresno for the CycloneMovies.com critic!


Check the cyclonemovies.com forum....
more codes will be put there because folks haven't learned to flock to the blog yet.  we will teach them!  post the codes and links here and maybe find some bonus links and codes for everyone here.  New contests for RIO and others are going up on the Cyclone mother site here soon. 

Soul Surfer Trailer - Screening 3/15

Soul Surfer Trailer (passes available on the web)

The Music Never Stopped TRAILER - Screening 3/8 thru 3/31

Music Never Stopped Trailer (worth seeing)

Sucker Punch Screening 3/23

Sucker Punch Trailer

Lincoln Lawyer Screening 3/16

LINCOLN LAWYER Trailer

Paul Trailer for 3/15 Screening

Paul Trailer

Battle LA Trailer for Screening on 3/10

Battle LA Trailer

Red Riding Hood 3/9

Red Riding Hood Trailer

SAC CON

CycloneMovies.com had a line all day at the event. RSVP codes for Red Riding Hood were given out, along with Sucker Punch codes and shirts shirts shirts... Expect a bunch of baby 'Clones (like on Mars Needs Moms)...the cult 60 will have to train them in the coming weeks!

Mars Needs Moms - Review

Mars Needs Moms

The newest Disney movie on the circuit is “Mars Needs Moms.”  It is exactly what it sounds like.  The lead voices in this animation are Seth Green as the boy Milo, Joan Cusack as the mom, and Dan Foggler as Gribble.   The film is set in recent urban America and Mars.   This movie is put together by Simon Wells, the great-grandson of H.G. Wells.

The opening scenes of “mars Needs Moms” are a bit disturbing.  I can’t imagine that is what you expected to read for this review…well keep going.  Babies popping out of the ground (on Mars) and being harvested are what we get to enjoy as a Disney audience.  That is followed by the aliens on Mars, referred to as the Sis, zeroing in on moms on Earth to be utilized on Mars for the young Sis.  They select Mom because she is stern with her son Milo and she has “good” parenting skills.  The Sis come to abduct Mom and Milo gets dragged along as the ship takes off.  Upon arrival, Milo ends up in the trash down below and encounters Gribble, the only other human on Mars.  There is a happy Sis (Ki) that Milo encounters and she is the “hippie” of the Sis.  The trio comes together to rescue Gribble when he is put in front of a firing squad.  They work together to save Mom and in the process viewers will sit through:  The male aliens invading the female aliens lair, because as it is explained by Milo to his mother, the hairy aliens (male) are good and the others (female Sis) are not, Mom giving up her space helmet for the benefit of her son, and so on. 

Let’s focus on the character development in “Mars Needs Moms” for a moment.  The animation of the characters was mediocre at best.  The suits used by the real actors/voices help create lifelike motions and facial features, so it is not like watching “UP” or “Sin City” but we are left feeling like we are watching “Sim City” on steroids.  The animation aspect was unique but unfulfilling.  We cannot understand the Sis language, only their body language which is constantly negative.  The voice for Gribble is almost as poor as using Seth Rogen for “Paul”.  The audience at the screening did not react to any of the characters for an hour into the film.  We first got a feeling for some of the characters during Gribble’s rescue, way too late into the film.  An hour for the first audience reaction = boring movie.  The trauma from that point on was a bit harsh such as kids crying at some death/dying scenes and moms disappearing.  Near the end we are hit with the standard happy family type message. 

The fact Simon Wells was involved as the head honcho for this film does not lend much merit to the film overall.  It was just as irrelevant as James Cameron lending his name to “Sanctum.”   Disney’s negative messages and images in this film are not what should be expected from a kids’ film.  The social stratification and threat to family are not exactly what young parents and toddlers should be subjected to.   

“Mars Needs Moms” doesn’t leave much to the imagination.  The story is fairly in-your-face.  There isn’t much to spoil but if your kids are old enough to read and understand this review, then they should be savvy enough to know they should pick a different movie.  I was fully hoping for quality children’s films after “Paul” and other mature titles recently.  The Disney name didn’t hold up in this picture.  It is clear Disney is promoting and working on B-title films.  Some films that come to mind while watching this are Planet 51, Planet of the Apes, 5^th Element, and Minority Report for some reason.  I wouldn’t take the time to rent, steal or make a copy of this movie if it were on DVD.  Take the kids to “Rango” in the meantime.  “Mars Needs Moms” picks up a tragic 1 out of 5 Cyclones. 

Jeremy Brickner
CycloneMovies.com Critic

PAUL REVIEW

Jeremy Brickner

CycloneMovies.com

“Paul” is the name of our movie and lead alien for this review.  “Paul” opens in Moorcroft, Wyoming with the crash landing of Paul’s spaceship circa 1947.  The scene then jumps to present day San Diego, CA at the Comic Con convention.  The lead actors are Simon Pegg as Graeme Willy, Nick Frost as Clive Gollings, and Jason Bateman as Agent Zoil.  This is a simple “British” comedy for about an hour and forty-five minutes.

Paul crash lands in rural Wyoming and kills the local dog.  We then miss out on the six decade jump to the present where Graeme (Graham) and Clive are visiting the states for the nerdy Comic Con Convention with a subsequent trip of the western states to see the infamous Area 51, Roswell, NM, and Black Mail Box for their alien heritage.  The Brits get in the middle of an auto accident on NV 375 between the Black Mail Box and Area 51.  Paul, the alien, was in one of the vehicles and is now free from his government captors and finds himself in the Winnebago with Graeme and Clive.  The three are considered fugitives and are tracked by a few government agents on their unexplained trip back to Wyoming.  The agents want to harvest Paul’s stem cells to harness his unique powers.  They gather all his knowledge, but can’t stop there.  Paul is unwilling to cooperate and willing to flee however he can.   Paul visits the original crash site and apologizes to now
 aged little girl, Tara (Blythe Danner,) for killing her dog when he crashed.   No spoilers in this review….so we gotta stop here.

The humor was a bit too toned down for what was expected.  But regardless of expectations, the humor was a bit terse.  The focal points of a majority of the jokes were on homosexuality, religion, and nerds.  If you are easily offended, beware.  Paul, being all-knowing, doesn’t back down to misinformation and is willing to startle and enlighten humans.  These were often some of the most entertaining moments.  The “black-suits” and government agents’ dysfunction provided most of the remaining humor.

Seth Rogen is the voice-over for Paul and was definitely not the best choice (as with Green Hornet.)  At no point did Rogen manage to provide any benefit to the well animated Paul.  As a character, the blunt and direct interaction with humans made Paul likeable, even a possible Paul II would not surprise me, but as for Rogen, they should have Paul grow up and have a more appealing and workable personality with his voice.

“Paul” is rated R for language and sexual references.  It is not necessarily a kid’s movie.  A few parents walked their kids out of the theatre after the movie started.  Too late parents, damage was done by the time you left.  Under age 13 would not be advised even with parents.  If you are a fan of Dumb & Dumber, Men in Black, Shaun of the Dead, or Independence Day, then sign up for a subtle version of each with “Paul.”  Without have much that stuck in my head for this film and having to refer to my notes so often for my review, the film lacked any sticking power in my mind.  Not good for having seen it less than a day ago.  “Paul” is going to receive 2 out of 5 Cyclones as a score.

Battle LA is coming Sac.

Check your email if you entered the contest.  Check back here in a while to see what is leftover from the contest winners....they get first shot at it!

Bay Area (outside of SAC) Clones...YOUR TURN!

Here are the codes for Battle LA and Red Riding Hood in the our outer-markets:

Look at other entries for more codes and links

Red Riding Hood

http://www.gofobo.com/screenings/red_riding_hood/709087?pc=SU5UTkI5Mjg%3D

and you can use the RSVP - INTNB928

More will be posted on CycloneMovies Facebook and Forum as they come out. 

trivia for thursday's paul screening

I need three trivia questions for PAUL for Thursday night.  If you have some that work AND post em here AND i use them, ill get you a shirt (s-xl) at the event.  I dunno what the trivia winners will get.  Maybe passes to see the "music never stopped" or something.  maybe "mars needs moms" this weekend.  i may have some ROE passes for "unknown" as well.

To the loyal dozen following:

http://themusicneverstopped-movie.com/rsvp-to-a-screening/

click and get some tickets. there are dozens of locations, just scroll down.

Beastly Review

Beastly

“Beastly” is a love story set in current day New York.  Alex Pettyfer is the male lead Kyle Kingston, Vanessa Hudgens is the female lead as Lindy, Mary-Kate Olsen is the witch Kendra, Lisa Gay Hamilton as Zola, and Neil Patrick Harris is the blind teacher Will.  The film takes place in a large house or confine as the abominations are more-or-less secluded from the public’s eyes. 

“Beastly” is a modern day “Romeo and Juliet” meets “Beauty and the Beast.”  There are the pretty ‘have’s” and the externally not so pretty “have-nots.”  The stunning Kyle is running for Green Committee President at his prep academy and is quite degrading to the outsiders.  His father has instilled some hostile views about looks, public perception, and social standing.  These views flowed into his everyday life and during his speech he was quite offensive and Kendra cast a spell on him to make him externally shameful and required that he get someone to say they loved him within a year to reverse the curse.  Alex ends up begin drawn to Lindy and follows her discretely throughout her days.  She was one of the outsiders from his prep school and would never have had a chance with Kyle (who goes by the name Hunter once in seclusion) until the curse was upon him.  He writes undelivered letters to her.  He later encounters her father trying to protect her and he shots some gang members.  Kyle takes Lindy into his secluded spot for protection with the permission of her father.  The love story rolls out at this point.  At the hideout there is Will who is hired to teach Kyle and not be afraid of the way he looks, and Zola who has lost her family and is there as the hired help.  Kyle learns many lessons about life and himself as the months roll by.  Will and Lola are “insightful” and provide much of the nurturing his father neglected to give him.

The movie is perfect for the “tween” age group.  There are an abundance of morals and personal revelations viewers will uncover as they sit through “Beastly”.  A quote by Lindy says a lot for the lessons in the movie and this critic’s feelings, “I guess this cage set me free.” Good wholesome moral lovestory - absolutely. Good movie, editing, lead performances  – no, but thank you Doogie Howser and Mary Kate for giving us something to enjoy.  The rest of the production should have been cut out.  Alex Pettyfer must have an amazing agent, because his performances lack much talent.  Take your kids to see this and watch it with them.  If you are in college or at least old enough to drive, keep looking over the movie menu for something else.  Let me digress even further:

The movie was horrible.  I realize that if I complain about the “Beauty and the Beast” aspects of “Beastly” it is like complaining that “Chicago” was a musical and is a cold city, or that Halle Berry wasn’t naked enough in “Swordfish”.  We just gotta take the movie for what it is worth.  If viewers want to see a watered down version of a Twilight love story, then go rent the second installment or see “Beastly,” both are equally as disappointing.  Simple movie, simple story, works well for tweens and Bieberphiles who want to text, talk, and cry through the film. 

The PG-13 rating is even a bit rough.  Many kids under 13 could see this with their parents and be just fine.  There is nothing very graphic or offensive to make parents want to turn their kid’s head away from the screen.  The editing was horrific, but the big picture was there.  Fans of Twilight, Notebook, I Am Number 4, Lake House, and Edward Scissorhands may enjoy “Beastly”, not that I am chalking this up to the levels of any of those films.  Wait for the DVD.  “Beastly” earns 1 out of 5 Cyclones.

Jeremy Brickner

CycloneMovies.com

Trivia for Wed at the Beastly Screening

Brush up on your Olsen twin knowledge, your favorite child doctor, and the acting backgrounds of the two leads in Beastly.  We will be giving away some passes for movies and future screenings at the 3/3 Beastly screening!

The Adjustment Bureau - Review

“The Adjustment Bureau” is a suspenseful drama (with a little bit of love) film set in current day New York.  Stars include Matt Damon as Congressman David Norris, Emily Blunt as the dancer Elise Sellas, and Anthony Mackie as Adjuster Harry Mitchell.  

The movie begins with David Norris running for office as a US Senator for New York.  He is very young and has a bad boy reputation to precede him.  Elise’s entry into David’s world was snappy and entertaining in the men’s room at the Waldorf Hotel in New York.  His run for office faces many of the typical challenges.  After his bid for Senator, and against the will of the Adjustment Team, he reunites with her on a New York Metro bus.  This encounter was not part of ‘the plan’ and begins the drama that unfolds and creates this wonderful movie.  The two are separated by the team, but by chance David encounters her again on the same bus route about three years later.  David is forced to make life altering decisions in dealing with the Elsie dilemma and the Adjustment Team’s options presented to him.  David leaps through many doors to try and make his “reality” work.  He tries to balance his professional needs, his love life, and his political career in split second decisions.  

The Adjustment Team’s entry into the movie was a bit abrupt and abrasive, but necessary for the story.  It just felt rushed as a viewer.  Yes, the outfits are terribly cliché and tacky with the fedora hats and the tacky suits, but it works.  The terms used by the team are not as important as paying attention to the big picture.  Don’t get hung up or confused while watching….it will all come together for you as you watch.  There is always a plan, but the entities involved only see part of it.  

This all comes back to a “big brother” issue.  Is there something bigger than us out there controlling our future?  There are unseen characters in the film that leave the viewer some discretion to explore their own avenues.  There is the Chairman who is the only one who knows and writes the whole plan.  There are the unknowns in the everyday life, people wearing hats, doors that lead places, coincidences that may often serve a legitimate purpose in our destiny, yet we just don’t know it.  The issue of free will is profound in this movie.  Do we have it, or is it all just a plan?  

“The Adjustment Bureau” provides an amazing mix of comedy, suspense, action and drama.  There is some love in there as well.  All audiences can take something wonderful from this movie.  The PG-13 rating is spot on.  The previews and trailers for this movie do not do it any justice.  The movie is not as predictable as you might be predicting, LOL.  If you are a fan of “Mad Men”, “City of Angels”, “Matrix”, or “Inception” then this film may work great for your next night out.  There isn’t much to bring this movie down or to bag on, it was a very pleasant surprise.  “The Adjustment Bureau” will earn a respectable 5 out of 5 Cyclones. 

-Jeremy Brickner-   

CycloneMovies.com Critic

codes for the week

***There are no codes for Adjustment Bureau on Tuesday.  Just studio passes sent to members through the studio. Same goes for Paul on Thursday.

Hello Cyclone members,

To show our appreciation for being apart of Cyclonemovies.com we have passes to see a special screenings of BEASTLY and for our Sacramento members CEDAR RAPIDS. To receive passes enter the following codes at http://www.gofobo.com . Hurry passes are extremely limited and are on a first come first serve basis.

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Beastly
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Clovis 3/1

CYCNVE2

Sacramento 3/1

CYC09BN

San Jose 3/1

CYCYV2D

San Francisco 3/1

CYC8FGQ

FRESNO 3/2

CYCMUR5

Roseville 3/2

CYCHAV9

San Francisco 3/2

CYCV2YZ

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Cedar Rapids

Sacramento 3/1

CYCC7XT

Sacramento 3/3

CYC940Y


See you at the movies,

First one to tell me....

My predictions about the Ocsars came true, will get one of our CycloneMovies.com shirts at the screening on Tuesday for Adjustment Bureau.  You know who I am.  Read my reviews and just know that I called it when I said "King's Speech" would take home the 'movie awards' and "The Fighter" would take home the 'acting awards'.  I only wish I had enough insight and was bold enough to mention "Inception" taking the effects and sound awards...I will drag some S-XL shirts to the screening.  Let me know you read it here and how amazing I am with my predictions.

-This Guy