Celebrity Voice Casting, Effective or Irrelevant?

This week’s big release was “Monsters vs. Aliens,” and it seems that ever since the Superbowl back in February, this movie has sent a barrage of advertisements and promotions that yelled at us to go to this movie. Understandably, with some of the most successful movie franchises being computer animated family cartoons, it is obvious that “Monsters vs. Aliens,” is trying to establish itself with the leagues of “Ice Age” and “Shrek.” And much like “Ice Age” and “Shrek,” the voice actors hired to breath words into the computer animated characters are more well-known actors and actresses, with the film providing the talents of Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, and Kiefer Sutherland. There are also many other actors and actresses that provide their voice that other people would recognize. 

In terms of hiring well-known celebrities to portray the voices on these films, I wonder how much success they bring in. It seems like a good marketing strategy for more family-oriented films to appeal to high school and college crowds to go see the film because of having recognizable actors and actresses provide voices, whereas the younger kids don’t pay attention to that kind of thing. It would also seem that hiring heavier talent would also take a toll on the film’s budget. We have all heard the “dream job” stories of how some of these actors/actresses get paid a very, very large sum of money to say some lines in a recording booth for an afternoon. I wonder, if in the long run, if there is ever a large enough demographic of high school and college-aged patrons that attend these kind of family-oriented films to justify hiring on such expensive talent. As mentioned already, I highly doubt the intended audience of younger kids will care if Rogen is voicing the blue blob, because they’ll probably just be enthralled watching the blue blob. Even if you are a fan of these actors and actresses, these lighter family films don’t necessarily allow them to give the kind of normal entertainment they usually deliver. (I.e. The Colbert Report, Saturday Night Live, or Rogen’s “R” Rated comedies)

If you are an older moviegoer, and do not necessarily have little kids, do you still go see animated family films based on what kind of talent they have? Is it just the recognizable names that interest you? Do you think movie studios waste a lot of money hiring expensive names, or is it a valid investment in the long run?

Here’s an article from “Animation World Magazine” discussing the prominent trends of hiring celebrities to do voice acting: http://www.awn.com/mag/issue4.01/4.01pages/bevilacquaceleb.php3

Art Lovers Need Patience

by Jenna Whitecar – Mar. 23rd, 2009 07:20 PM
The Lonestar Group

Netting has been cited as the primary cost for the new art project at ASU's Downtown campus. Photo by Jon Teslevich.

The Downtown Phoenix art installation has been postponed due to netting issues.

The 600 pounds of colored netting added to complete the structure’s intended Saguaro flower shape, was taken down after crews installed it on Wednesday.

Since the netting did not meet the planned shape or requirements, it has been taken back to the fabricator.

The $2.5 million project, however, is still expected to continue.

Central Avenue Art Sculpture Brings Mixed Reviews

A new art sculpture is being constructed across from ASU's Downtown campus. Photo taken by Jon Teslevich.

by Jenna Whitecar – Mar. 23rd, 2009 07:20 PM
The Lonestar Group

Downtown Phoenix welcomes a new structure to its neighborhood. Located across the street from Arizona State University’s Downtown Phoenix campus on Central Avenue, the installation is to represent a Saguaro flower with netting.

With a height and width of 100 feet, the artwork is credited to American artist Janet Echelman.

Once completed, the $2.5 million sculpture will help create up to 150 jobs. In contrast, an ASU employee who refused to be named said, “I think it’s a waste of tax money.”

“The artwork should have been made by a local artist,” said tourism student Laura Cox. “It’s just like a big eye sore.”

However, journalism student Anastasia Avelar said, “I think once it’s done and you know what it is, it will be nice to look at.”

Please check back for more updates as they come in.

“I Love You, Man” Sub-Genre of Chick Flick for Guys?

The new film that opened this weekend was “I Love You, Man” starring Paul Rudd and Jason Segel. The plot involves Paul Rudd’s character trying to find a “guy best friend,” because he has spent so much of his life dating women. This leads him to hanging out with Jason Segel’s character, and the establishment is set for ensuing comedic chaos. What is significant about this fim is that it once again carries two stars, Paul Rudd and Jason Segel, who are part of what I refer to as Judd Apatow’s Crew. Judd Apatow, the director/producer/writer for such comedies like “The 40-Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up,” and “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” has hit mainstream success for his ability to carve out lewd humor coupled with heartfelt sincerity of love and growing up.

What’s interesting about these kinds of films, however, is I think they are essentially what are referred to as “chick flicks,” only it seems completely acceptable if guys want to see it just as much as girls. Normally, movies that place such heavy emphasis on the themes of marriage, looking for love, or the nature of relationships themselves, might not grab as big a grasp on the male demographic. The films mentioned above all could be considered of possessing these traits. However, Apatow and his crew usually lace these same films with gross and irrevant humor, as well as making the protagonists “frat-boy like” personalities. By adding these kinds of characteristics, it seems to masquerade the films as comedies, making it both a “chick flick” film for couples, as well as high school and college crowds regardless of their relationship status.

While I think that Apatow did not have anything really to do with “I Love You, Man,” I certainly think his slew of work input as influenced the Hollywood scene very much in the direction of their comedies. Personally, I think his ability to cater to both couples and the entire high school/college demographic is a very wise marketing choice. I just think it was funny when guys talk about how they don’t want to see “The Ugly Truth,” but “I Love You, Man” is completely acceptable to admit wanting to see.

This link has an interview with Apatow in “Rolling Stone” magazine, discussing how he has crafted his own kind of gener of comedies, and why they have been so successful.
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/14987801/knocked_ups_judd_apatow_how_to_turn_40_yearold_virgins_and_pregnant_ladies_into_comedic_gold

“Last House on the Left,” Extreme Graphic Violence and Sexual Assault Pushing Boundaries, or Simply Desensitizing?

This past weekend’s movie of the week would probably be “The Last House on the Left.” The film is a remake of an original movie by the same name that was originally released in 1972 by Wes Craven. Both the original film and remake share similar plots, which is parents taking revenge on a group of rapists after their daughter is raped. The content is morbid enough in concept, much less the actual portrayal of it on film. It is definitely a valid assumption that this kind of film exists to serve as a horror film, as well as an exploitational, graphic experience, dulling out vicious amounts of everything violent and taboo to entertain the audience through shock. What makes the remake significant, however, is just how much more graphic and horrible must filmmakers make audiences endure in order to meet the modern status quo? While I haven’t gotten a chance to see the film yet, I have heard some comments from others that the scene where the daughter is raped is jarring and gruesome. However, after sitting through other exploitational films like “Hostel,” and “Funny Games,” I wonder if such portrayals of such horrible topics are really necessary. Understandably, anything that falls within the “horror” or “exploitation” generes should be expected to play whatever they want, but for the audiences, you might wonder what kind of effects this is having. I think that in terms of “shocking” the audience, many recent movies have done things that are about as far as you can go. Many people, while clearly disturbed by these kinds of films, also get used to and more tolerable to what their witnessing on the screen. At the same time, filmmakers wishing to still jar and disturb their audiences are always looking for fresh approaches to up the ante for the next time.  Will the horror genre eventually cease to mean anything that carries “shock” value, and simply be an exercise in showing how gratuitious it can be?

L.A. Times Film Review, in which they compare the original to the remake, as well as discuss how effective the remake’s more graphic violence impacts the overall appeal: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/movies/la-et-lasthouse13-2009mar13,0,2261775.story

Upcoming Summer Flicks May Test Some Fan’s Patience

With the highly anticipated film “Watchmen” opening with $55 million this weekend, it also has been heavily critiqued, analyzed and criticized by fans of the graphic novel of which it was based off of. If you check any message board or forum concerning this film, it is guaranteed you will find your fair share of rants and raves from fans of the “Watchmen” graphic novel, with pages of arguments and terse confrontations. While I have personally thought it interesting to compare the original source material to another adaptation, (Like novels being adapted into films) some of these debates border on rather nasty ridicule. Certain fans of anything, be it book, film, or music, will ardently come to its defense if they feel the material is not being handled properly. While such fanatical behavior from these fans is due to their overcompensation to declare to the world what they like, or just to irritate others, varies from person to person. However, given the strong backlash that “Watchmen” has already received thus far, it is hard not to notice that other such arguments may be just around the corner. With the summer of 2009 quickly approaching, many of the prime summer flicks are remakes, or based off other items. “Angels and Demons,” and “Harry Potter 6” will certainly have a lot of people pouring through their texts and looking at the moving reels of film at the same time. “Star Trek” will have certainly have arguments over whether the original movies made decades ago are still better, and whether the franchise is in need of a reboot at all. “G.I. Joe” and “Transformers 2” will have all of the people who grew up in the 80’s wondering if these films properly capture the old nostalgia the toys had. These summer flicks may bring in the crowds, but will it run the risk of alienating the fans that brought it to prominence? While the ugly truth remains that Hollywood probably doesn’t care what the fans think, but only see the potential to cash in on something lucrative, it is just as interesting to gauge the fanbase’s reaction to the treatment of their interest. What are your comments? Do you believe fans are simply outspoken individuals who heavily criticize unnecessarily, just to show newcomers how much more they know about the movie. (Even if they are just concerning tosy or video games adapatations) Do you think the fim industry should have more reverence for the fans in general, as they were the ones who made the franchises famous in the first place?

http://www.comingsoon.net/ for the list of upcoming 2009 films.

Hoping for Tips After Basketball Game Photo Blog

I took some photos at the US Airways Center on Sunday afternoon, after the basketball game between the Lakers and Suns were over. I was focusing on the bike taxis and cabs scattered around the entrance. They were all lining up and waiting for the crowds to come out so that they could score some tips. It was a bit difficult to get some quality shots of the taxi bikes or cabs moving, as a lot of people from the game simply across the street to their parked cars, and a lot people did not use the bike taxis. I took the pictures and arranged them to show that as the end of the game was happening on the TV, the bike taxis, cabs, and crossing guards were all prepping outside the entrance.

 

Photo By: Andrew Barker-Photo of: Taxis Waiting Outside Hotel

Photo by: Andrew Barker-Photo of: Bike Taxis WaitingPhoto by: Andrew Barker-Photo of: Bike Taxi Waving

Photo by:Andrew Barker-Photo of: Basketball Score on TV

Photo by: Andrew Barker-Photo of: Outside US Airways Center

Photo by: Andrew Barker-Photo of: Bike Taxis Waiting Outside Entrance

Photo by: Andrew Barker-Photo of: More Bike Taxis

Post-Academy Awards, Some Still Disagree that “Dark Knight” Was Snubbed

A comic book movie winning the coveted “Best Picture of the Year” award at this year’s Academy? Many scoffed and just as many hoped. I was with the group hoping that “The Dark Knight” would at least get a nomination, but the Academy ultimately decided against it. Many say that “The Dark Knight” was essentially snubbed for “Best Picture” simply because it was based off a comic book, as well as becoming one of the biggest blockbusters in film history. I guess some on the Academy Board felt that it would not be appropriate, or fair, that a film carrying both the acclaim and bucks should get the final word from the prestigious Academy Awards as well. While Heath Ledger certainly deserved a nod for his portrayl of the anarchic Joker character, I felt that he was given the award post-humously because of his untimely death. If Ledger had not met his unfortunate death, I wonder if he would have been included at all. Many argue that “The Dark Knight” certainly had enough layers of meaning and depth to qualify as “Best Picture” material. Indeed, one could find images and concepts of good vs. evil, the reactions of terrorism, difficult ethical morality choices, the lure of corruption when attempting to do good, and the psychology of why people do what they choose among the film’s running time. Some top critics did not even proclaim it was a good “comic book” movie, but a serious and thoughtful “crime drama” that ranked amongst the echelons of “The Godfather.” Indeed, it seemed the praise awarded to this film not only takes this film seriously, but equated it with other great films throughout the history of cinema. What do you think? Do you feel “The Dark Knight” deserved a nomination? Or do you feel that success does not necessarily mean significant? What do you think criteria should be to merit the “Best Picture of the Year” award?

Also, check this article written back in October in “Entertainment Weekly.” It’s a column citing why “The Dark Knight” should be considered for “Best Picture of 2008”: http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20237200,00.html

Blog Images & Photoshop 02-25-2009

Barker @ Maricopa County. Photo by Shawna Barnett.

Barker @ Taylor Place lobby. Photo by Parker Leavitt.

Barker @ Light Rail. Photo by Parker Leavitt.

“Slumdog Millionaire,” Underdog of Academy Awards?

The 81st annual Academy Awards was broadcast today, heralding in 2008’s wave of highly praised films and prominent work in the film industry. For many months, certain films have generated a large venue of “Oscar-buzz,” most notably “Milk,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” and “Slumdog Millionaire.” These films have been regarded as the primary potentials of nabbing the major Academy Awards of “Best Actor/Actress,” “Best Cinematography,” and the revered “Best Picture.”

What I found significant in the film “Slumdog Millionaire” is how essentially uplifting and inspirational it is, especially in comparison to the other nominees currently. The other films that were nominated included:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader

While “Milk” was certainly inspirational, it can also be regarded as a tragedy in what sacrifices are made intentionally or unintentionally made in the hopes of advancing a cause for the greater good. The film “Forst/Nixon” was also inspiring in how investigative journalism can unhinge even the greatest of powers to reveal corruption, but is also cynical and disheartening in showing a period of American history where such scandals started to take prominence in the American psyche. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” can also be regarded as a tragedy, in showing how even the purest of things (Such as love) can eventually fade away, no matter how strong such ties are. Finally, “The Reader” is a film involving choices in the past affecting the present, and involves the heinous action perpetrated within World War II concentration camps.

In stark contrast, “Slumdog Millionaire,” uses tragedy, corruption, and dire situations as its jumping-off point to tell its story, but it chooses not to end the film in such a way. Indeed, the film plays out more like a classical fairy-tale in the path that the character of Jamal has to undertake. Ulitmately, hope, redemption and destiny converge to reveal the postive aspects of humanity.

When “Slumdog Millionaire” won the award for “Best Picture,” I wondered whether the Academy chose this over the others, not out of the tecnical aspects, but rather out of tone. “Slumdog” was certainly fantastical and fairy-tale like in its presentation, but it was also escapism and inspiring at its best moments. Amidst the worldwide conflicts and crisises both home and abroad, I wonder if such problems had any signficant influence at the Academy board to wish to promote some kind of hope. (Even if it was just a movie)

Out of curiousity, I looked up the past winners, and they, for the most part, have been either very dark and cynical, or ambiguously hopeless in tone. Such films include:

No Country for Old Men (2007 Winner)
The Departed (2006 Winner)
Crash (2005 Winner)
Million Dollar Baby (2004 Winner)

Please commment below if you have any thoughts about this. Do you think the “happier” movie carried home the trophy because the Academy has had enough of “gloom and doom” portrayed in its films, or was it simply a legitimately solid movie? Also, do you disagree that the other films nominated this year are also cynical, but rather promoted just as strong as feeling of hope as “Slumdog?”

To view an entire listing of “Slumdog Millionaire’s” additional awards and nominations, please visit http://www.oscar.com/oscarnight/winners/.