Blogamole › Movies

By Michael Lopez

There is no denying that Facebook is a major presence in all of our daily lives (which reminds us, have you had a chance to LIKE the Tr3s Fan Page yet?). But most of us don’t have a clue about who was behind it and how it all got started.

And those who are tuned-in to founder Mark Zuckerberg’s saga (which will be profiled in the new “Social Network” movie) might not be aware that another major presence in Facebook’s inception was Brazilian-born Eduardo Saverin. Much of the film is based on the relationship between these two now legendary web heroes.

For most of us, it’s hard to find drama in a story where everyone walks away a billionaire, but you’d be surprised. Ruined friendships, destructive lawsuits, and tarnished images all arose from that cute blue and white Wall where we post our daily updates.

Back in 2003, when Eduardo and Mark were best buds at Harvard, everything seemed fine. But add in a revolutionary business idea and the opportunity to become very, VERY rich and you’ve got a saga worthy of big budget Hollywood movie.

And that’s exactly what happened. It all started when Eduardo (who went on to sue Zuckerberg for Facebook ownership rights) told his story to author Ben Mezrich. Mezrich then took those details and penned the hugely successful book that 'The Social Network' is based on.

Eduardo Saverin. Photo via Google Images

The most interesting thing now is that Mezrich claims Saverin never really wanted the story out in the public. As he told the New York Daily News, "Eduardo wanted to speak on the subject, but he wasn't thinking book, movie - I'm going to get Mark." Of course, that's exactly what happened, with the upcoming flick portraying Saverin and Zuckerberg as brutal enemies.

Is that how Eduardo feels today? For the most part, he isn't talking. There have been no interviews, no public postings, nothing at all relating to the release of the upcoming film. Perhaps he's just too busy counting the $1.1 billion he won from the Zuckerberg lawsuit.

So yes, 'The Social Network' looks like a very interesting movie and goes into this fascinating story with much greater detail (there’s even some early Oscar buzz). But we do have to issue one complaint…would it have killed you to cast a Latino in Eduardo’s role? Don't worry, we'll still see it anyway.

'The Social Network' arrives in theatres this Friday (October 1).

Source: [NY Daily News]

Are you interested in the Facebook story? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Eduardo Saverin, Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, Movies, Movies & CineMás, The Social Network

By Michael Lopez

Horror director Guillermo del Toro isn't the first name you think of when hear about G-rated cartoons. But Dreamworks is hoping they can channel a bit of his brilliance into their latest slate of animated films. Guillermo has signed on to produce 'Puss In Boots', 'Kung Fu Panda 2' and more.

Even better than that is the news that del Toro will write and direct an entirely original Dreamworks animated feature, entitled "Trollhunters." When describing his ideas for the project, Guillermo said,

"I wanted very much to develop a story that could be written for kids but dealt with a genre that was scary. It essentially combines fairy tales with modern times and is about how difficult it is to be kid. Normally, kids are idealized in animated films. But the growing pains, married with the notion that there is a world right next to us that is completely plagued by creatures of ancient lore, it's thematically fitting with the rest of my stuff."

Sounds very interesting. Add to that his announcement about a new video game venture and his highly-anticipated live-action "Haunted Mansion" movie and you can say Guillermo has his hand in virtually every entertainment medium. Thankfully his proven track record with projects likes "Pan’s Labyrinth" can ensure fans (and studio execs) that he's got the creative touch to pull it all off!

Source: [Yahoo]

Which of Guillermo's new projects are you most excited about? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Dreamworks, Guillermo del Toro, Haunted Mansion, Movies, Movies & CineMás, Puss In Boots, Trollhunters

By Michael Lopez

Audiences love getting their scare on this time of year. There’s a Wes Craven flick and a 3D "Saw" due in the next month, but this weekend’s frights belonged strictly to "Devil"! Producer M. Night Shyamalan, Jacob Vargas and more were heavily hyping this movie at the premiere last Wednesday (September 15), and now Team Blogamole’s got an "official" review.

For those who have seen the trailer, "Devil" does seem like a tough movie to pull off. Five strangers walk on to an office elevator, get trapped, and realize one is El Diablo in disguise? Sounds like it could be a 30-minute "Twilight Zone" episode at best, but can it be stretched out into a 90-minute film?

Believe it or not, it works! Within the first 15-minutes of the movie the elevator breaks down, but there’s never a dull moment that follows. M. Night Shyamalan's original story gets fleshed out extremely well and the tense acting between the five main leads really helps sell the premise.

Yes, the people in the elevator aren't immediately recognizable stars (though it was great to see Bokeem Woodbine from the '90s classic "Dead Presidents" in there), but they each sell their role perfectly! There's the mysterious older lady, the shady salesman, the security guard with a checkered past, a tough guy mechanic, and a young girl who has A LOT of enemies.

They all have their own "Devilish" traits, which makes picking out the Prince (or Princess) of Darkness so enjoyable. The big reveal doesn’t happen until the very end of the movie, but by the time it arrives, we’re so caught up in the characters it doesn’t even feel like a high priority anymore.

And we’ve got to give an extra shout out to Chris Messina as Detective Bowden and Jacob Vargas as Ramirez. Though they’re never actually in the elevator, they end up playing a great game of faith vs. science. Bowden’s a cop who’s concerned strictly with the facts, while security guard Ramirez is pushing towards a theory involving a much darker force.

As we mentioned in past reviews, we’re not concerned with high art, we just want to have fun. And “Devil” delivers on both levels! The visual angles and tense psychological scenes showcase some great filmmaking chops, while the twists, turns, and monstrous undertones give it a great scary roller coaster feel. In honor of Halloween, we’re giving “Devil” two pitchforks up!

Did you see “Devil” yet? What did you think? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Bokeem Woodbine, Devil, Halloween, Jacob Vargas, M. Night Shyamalan, Movie Reviews, Movies, Movies & CineMás

By Michael Lopez

Attention movie fans, we’ve got a hot new Latina to add to your radar. Born in Colombia, raised in Nicaragua, and coming soon to a theatre near you, Odette Yustman’s ready to take on Hollywood’s biggest lady stars in “You Again”.

Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Kristen Bell, Sigourney Weaver, and AARP "it" girl Betty White, “You Again” is bringing on the catfights and the crack ups. As Odette told Movieline, Betty pretty much stole the show, “She’s just got this thing, and she’s so witty and funny. I don’t know anybody that’s as vivacious and energetic and on it as this woman. What is she, 88?”

But just because this is her first headlining movie, don’t think she hasn’t paid her dues. Odette’s film career stretches all the way back to “Kindergarten Cop” with Arnold Schwarzenegger. After her childhood acting days, she took a break and almost went for a career in finance.

“I went to a community college for a year and a half and then I thought about going to Loyola Marymount for business finance, but I thought, “You know what? That’s not what I want to do. What am I going to do with business finance? That’s a joke. I want to act, and I’m not going to half-ass it.”

We’re certainly glad Odette chose a life in front of the camera. She’s got a great onscreen presence and it’s obvious she’s got a big career ahead of her (including a role in “Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2”!). If you want to see Odette’s comedy chops in action, check out this hilarious clip from Funny Or Die.

Source: [Movieline]

Are you excited about “You Again”? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Betty White, Celebrities, Funny Or Die, Hot Stuff, Movies, Movies & CineMás, Odette Yustman, You Again

By Michael Lopez

Take a look at the poster for “Burlesque” that was released yesterday (August 31) and four words come to mind. Battle Of The Divas! Split evenly between Cher and Christina Aguilera (in her feature film debut), it’s got glitz, glamour, and whole lotta pink!

It’s interesting to see Cher actually get top billing for the flick, since the story basically revolves around Xtina and her struggle to become a star. Of course the ageless icon has about five decades of acting experience over Ms. Aguilera, but by all accounts this is purely Christina’s movie.

photo via Sony Pictures/Burlesque

If you recall, earlier in the summer Team Blogamole posted the razzle dazzle trailer complete with dance numbers, hot lights, and Christina belting out some major notes. And when comparing it to the poster, they seem to go along perfectly.

This isn’t a guy movie, this may not even be a mainstream movie, but we’re sure “Burlesque” will find a dedicated audience who will learn every song and be able to recite lines straight from the film.

Even if it’s not a smash, it has cult classic written all over it (which in some ways can give it even MORE longevity). So with that in mind, why not celebrate pink lipstick, excess, and the fierce power of Cher and Xtina?!

What do you think of the “Burlesque” poster? Are you excited to see this flick? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Burlesque, Cher, Christina Aguilera, Hot Stuff, Movies, Movies & CineMás, Xtina

By Michael Lopez

For every Robert Rodriguez, there are about a dozen Carmen Marrons who are just as skilled, yet not quite as recognized by the mainstream. That’s why Thursday’s (August 19) opening gala for LA’s Latino International Film Festival (LIFF) was such an important event.

Latino filmmakers, actors, and writers all came out to celebrate this year’s up-and-comers. The week long event will feature screenings of over 60 features, documentaries, and shorts. While basking in the glamour and glitz of the red carpet, Team Blogamole was able to talk to some of the creative minds involved with this year’s lineup.

Gabriela Tagliavini

Director Gabriela Tagliavini, who was once an honoree and now at the helm of Eva Longoria Parker’s new "Without Men” movie said, “I love the festival because my first movie was here, my second movie was here, it’s a fantastic event.”

Read more...

Tags Antonio Villaraigosa, Cultura, Dayanara Torres, Edward James Olmos, Latino International Film Festival, LIFF, Movies, Movies & CineMás, photo, Photos

By Michael Lopez

"Scott Pilgrim vs. the World" hit theaters this weekend and Thursday night (August 12) young fans were out in droves at Montebello CA’s AMC theatre to get their first look at Michael Cera battling the 7 Evil Exes.

Just like our bass playing hero, Tr3s and local radio station Exitos 93.9 gave fans the chance to see how well their musical talents could shine with a live "Rock Band" battle.

Not quite as epic as Scott vs. the Katayanagi twins, it was still just as dramatic. Guys, girls, and even parents were getting in on the action as local DJs cheered them on. And trust us, conquering “Rock Band” was not all fun and games. The settings were on "Difficult" and the songs came fast and furious!

There was also a $250 prize that hung in the balance (along with some really cool “Scott Pilgrim” t-shirts and posters) for the group that scored the most points. When all was said and done, local rockers 87X took home the big prize.

Read more...

Tags Contests, Hot Stuff, Movies, photo, Photos, Rock Band, Scott Pilgrim vs The World, video games

By Elis T. Ortiz
Photo Credit: Bashira Webb

La noche más popular del NY International Latino Film Festival is arguably Dominican night…
and this year it did not disappoint! The press was in a frenzy awaiting the big stars, Michelle
Rodriguez and Celinés Toribio of the movie "Trópico de Sangre."

Some took celebrating la noche Dominicana a bit too seriously, constructing a makeshift microphone out of a platano and taping a piece of yucca on top, declaring that’s the instrument they’d use for their interviews. But all jokes were cast aside and focus was drawn back to the stars as soon as they graced the green carpet.

"Trópico de Sangre" premiere at NYILFF on July 29, 2010

Director Juan Delancer made his way down first, assuring us that his main goal with "Trópico
de Sangre" was to tell the truth about Trujillo’s dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. As it’s
very important for him to promote tolerance and equality for women through his work, he feels
fortunate to have gotten two great Dominican talents in Michelle and Celinés to represent this film.

Director Juan Delancer

The movie tells a truer version of the story of the famous Mirabal sisters who stood up against
the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic, three of whom paid for it with their
lives. Yes, there was that 2001 adaptation of the story called "In The Time of the Butterflies"
starring Salma Hayek and Marc Anthony, but that was a fictionalized account.

"Trópico de Sangre," sin embargo, nos cuenta la historia con la ayuda de la única hermana Mirabal
sobreviviente, Bélgica Adela “Dedé” Mirabal-Reyes.

Read more...

Tags CineMas Cool, interview, latin, Michelle Rodriguez, Movies, Movies & CineMás, new york international latino film festival, photo, Photos, Trópico de Sangre

By Simone Hilliard

It's official: Guillermo Del Toro will direct a remake of Disney's Haunted Mansion! The Oscar-winner announced the news on Thursday (July 22) at San Diego's Comic-Con.

Del Toro, who recently stepped down from "The Hobbit", said this film will be a scary 3D live-action take on what he calls "the most precious real estate on earth."

The director visits the popular ride once a year and even admitted to having a Haunted Mansion-themed room at his home.

"This, to me, is a dream come true and I hope to steal as many props as possible."

Del Toro said the flick won't be a comedy, but will be true to the "spirit, art and aesthetic" of the original Disneyland Haunted Mansion.

"We're making it into an e-ticket ride. It will be scary and fun at the same time."

Source: [MTV Movies Blog]

Are you excited for Del Toro's remake? Weigh in below or @MTV3.

Tags Celebrities, CineMas Cool, Guillermo del Toro, Haunted Mansion, latin, Movies, Movies & CineMás, MTV NEws, Tr3s

By Michael Lopez

You’ve seen the trailer and the posters are all over the web, but recently the marketing team behind “Machete” unleashed their most buzzworthy move yet: a brand new poster of Lindsay Lohan, dressed as a nun and licking a pistol! Gasp!

Twentieth Century Fox released the promotional poster after LiLo was not featured in the official trailer.

Despite her noticeable absence from the teaser clip, director Robert Rodriguez has already shared that Lindsay lit up the screen with her performance. And with all of the headlines she’s been making lately, this provocative poster is guaranteed to draw more interest.

Can you believe it’s been two years since La Lohan has had a major movie release in theaters (the very forgettable “Chapter 27”)? Believe it or not, before all of the personal drama, Lindsay was actually regarded as a pretty good actress! Doesn’t anybody remember “Mean Girls”?

Pairing her up with cast members Michelle Rodriguez (http://blogamole.tr3s.com/tag/michelle-rodriguez/">Danny Trejo, and Robert De Niro means that "Machete" is a film you can't miss.

We won’t lie, of course we were going to see this flick whether Lindsay was in it or not, but having her play a habit-wearing, gun-toting socialite is major icing on the action cake!

Good move, Robert!

Source: [NY Daily News]

Are you excited to see Lindsay back on the big screen? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags CineMas Cool, latin, Lindsay Lohan, Machete, Movies, Movies & CineMás, photo, Photos, Tr3s