Sometime in the early '90s, my young adolescent existence went from nerdy and tomboyish to boy-crazy, nerdy and tomboyish. Once it happened, I started noticing cute boys everywhere and I found that my girl friends did, too. We would have sleepovers and hang outs and talk for hours about the objects of our obsessions, pick which ones were our favorites (making sure to choose diplomatically, in case two girls picked the Justins and nobody picked the Lances), and replay particularly swoon-worthy scenes in our heads (i.e. "Remember that time Jonathan pretended to be a girl to get on the soccer team!?"). Only these boys weren't the cootie-carrying classmates we went to school with; they were the dreamy, pretty, charismatic nice boys the likes of which could only be found in fantasy land. These were our movie crushes.

To kick-off this new column celebrating our collective childhood movie crushes, I'm taking it back to the first onscreen boy that ever made my heart beat with (innocent!) romantic palpitations. (Check out Jessica Barnes' Michael Biehn post for a much more respectably nerdy first crush.) The year was 1992, his name was Michael Treanor, and he was one of the young stars of a major motion picture that had girls the world over swooning while simultaneously asking their parents to sign up for karate lessons: 3 Ninjas.

Filed under: Fandom, Home Entertainment, Stars in Rewind

Continue reading My Movie Crush: Michael Treanor in '3 Ninjas'

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February is about to get really interesting for Pierce Brosnan. A mere week after his debut as a self-proclaimed "horse's ass" (aka Chiron) in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief on February 12, a much smaller and much more controversial thriller he's in will be hitting art house screens in New York and Los Angeles. Brosnan is one of the heavy-hitting stars in Roman Polanski's The Ghost Writer, the movie Polanski was doing post-production on when he was arrested in Switzerland on an outstanding warrant from 1978, when he fled the US before being sentenced for having sex with a minor. (Polanski finished the film while under house arrest.) Pierce Brosnan, who plays ex-Prime Minister Adam Lang, is part of an impressive ensemble; Olivia Williams is Lang's intensely intelligent wife Ruth, while Ewan McGregor is the titular writer who reluctantly signs on to help Lang with his memoirs after the first writer turns up dead.

Brosnan spoke to Cinematical about working with the legendary figure on The Ghost Writer, as well as Percy Jackson, dealing with Robert Pattinson's screaming fans on the set of Remember Me, and much more.

Filed under: Drama, Thrillers, Noir, Mystery & Suspense, Celebrities and Controversy, New in Theaters, Interviews, James Bond

Continue reading Interview: Pierce Brosnan on Polanski, Percy, and R-Patz

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EVERETT, WA -- When Everett's Puget Park Drive-In closed for the season in September 2009, patrons had no idea that the triple bill "9," "The Proposal" and "District 9" would be the final films to flicker on the 50'x 100' screen. Owner Sterling Realty Organization has made an agreement with Swedish Health Services of Seattle to open a $30 million stand-alone emergency room on the drive-in property.

The three-story building is expected to be constructed near the spot where the theater's red-and-blue snack bar now sits. Construction could begin as early as next month. The drive-in was a throwback, and for many customers that was part of its charm.

More can be read in the Daily Herald.

BOULDER, CO -- You will not find popcorn right now at the Flatirons Theater's concession stand, but the ice-cream will give you a buzz if you have a prescription for it; just have it checked at the box office. The theater has become Medicine on the Hill, a cannabis dispensary legalized under Colorado's recently passed Amendment 20.

Sicard, 38, opened the medical-marijuana dispensary inside the aging theater in October after spending months learning about Amendment 20, the 2000 ballot measure that changed Colorado's Constitution to allow the medical use of the drug. Sicard jumped on board the now-booming industry and found a home in one of University Hill's most visible locations at 13th Street and College Avenue. "It looked like an Amsterdam coffee shop," Sicard said of the interior lobby. "I went, 'Perfect, I'll take it."

Read more in the Daily Camera.

OAK GROVE, LA -- Movie going in Northeast Louisiana just got a little bit better as the Fiske Theatre in Oak Grove, the oldest operating movie theatre in the region, announced the addition of DTS Digital Surround Sound that will be in operation for this weekend's showing of Sherlock Holmes. "DTS Digital Sound is the biggest innovation in the motion picture industry since movies learned to talk with the Jazz Singer in 1928." Fiske Theatre Director Adam Holland said. "We are very excited for our patrons to be able to enjoy the quality of sound that this system will provide. No other theatre within 60 miles of us will be able to match the quality of sound that we will have." The system which features 16 speakers, a DTS unit and a processor were donated to the West Carroll Chamber of Commerce by Gary Moore of Premier Cinemas located in Big Spring, Texas. Moore began his career in a small single screen theatre in his hometown and was featured in an issue of the International Film Journal last year, as well as being awarded the Exhibitor of the Year Award from the Tri-State Theatre Association in 2009, which the Fiske is a member. The donation was facilitated by Larry Delaney Premier's Director of Building and Technical Services. "We are very grateful for the donation from Mr. Moore," Holland said. "It is our goal to continue the legacy of our founder the late Donald B. Fiske by providing the best movie going experience possible to our patrons, and this addition helps return us to his standards of excellence in cinema presentation."

Paris is a beautiful city and James Reece (Jonathan Rhys Meyers) enjoys working for the U.S. government there. By day, is an assistant U.S. ambassador, but in his spare time, he’s trying to get into the spy game. Perform simple tasks such as changing sheets and cleaning cars, James is waiting for his big break. The [...] Related posts:

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The Playlist is reporting that Steven Soderbergh is moving forward with Contagion , the deadly virus outbreak script written by Scott Z. Burns ( The Bourne Ultimatum ). The action-thriller has attracted the likes of Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Marion Cotillard who all have deals closing to star in the film. Filming would take place in the fall. The site says the story takes place over four continents and is "terrifying." Soderbergh and the producers are shopping the project to different studios with co-financing already in place from Participant Productions.

CBS Sports' coverage of "Super Bowl XLIV," featuring the New Orleans Saints' 31-17 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Feb 7 (6:31-9:50 PM, ET), was watched by a Nielsen estimated average of 106.5 million viewers, making it the most-watched program in television history, eclipsing the finale of "M*A*S*H" in 1983 (106 million). "With all the memorable story lines going into Super Bowl XLIV combined with the awesome power of the NFL, we are thrilled with this rating, and I am extremely proud of the way the entire CBS Television Network produced, sold and promoted the most-watched television show in history," said Sean McManus, President, CBS News and Sports. The CBS Television Network's coverage of "Super Bowl XLIV" earned an average...

Wow, when did Starz/Anchor Bay pick this film up? It just played Sundance a couple weeks ago, so it must have been purchased before the festival in order to give it such a quick theatrical release. I'm kind of surprised that it got one at all, but glad; it's a good movie, if not quite a great one, and looks pretty nice on the big screen. It's certainly one that will encourage an audience to

HOOPESTON, IL -- CineMajestic LLC, the region's leader for State-of-the-Art sound, lowest prices, and the most spacious and comfortable theatres continues its celebration of classic film at the Historic Lorraine Cinema with "The Wizard of Oz", starring Judy Garland on Friday April 16th through Monday April 19th. "We had such a great response to Gone With the Wind in October, and I'd say every third person asked for The Wizard of Oz, so here it is, and remastered for our elite Sound system." stated Joshua Caudle, owner of the Historic Lorraine Cinema. The Lorraine Cinema was originally opened as a live house in 1922 and features a full balcony, newly expanded stage for live events, and classic historic artwork throughout. Last year, all new seating was installed with an industry leading five foot wide spacing between rows of seats to maximize comfort and eliminate any visual obstruction for films.

STAMFORD, CT -- Outreach to Pets In Need April 22, 2010 Fundraiser to Benefit Stamford Animal Care & Control In addition to its creative programming and special guest events, the Avon Theatre Film Center also lends a helping hand to the community. Thank you! Enter for a chance to win and be featured on the Avon’s magnificent screen - it's free! Call For Entries: OPIN Pet Tail Awards Video Contest Does your pet have what it takes to be a star? OPIN's 1st Annual Pet Tail Awards is looking for your short videos starring your cat, dog, bird, rabbit, or whoever you share your heart with.

BROOKLYN, NY--After years of false starts and rumors, it seems the Loews Kings is finally being rescued. The building is to be restored by Houston-based ACE Theatrical Group, for possible 2014 opening.

A developer has signed an agreement, made a down payment on a $70 million renovation of the Kings and plans to turn it back into a functioning entertainment venue, this time presenting live performances, city officials said Tuesday. ACE, which has worked on similar restoration projects throughout the country including the Boston Opera House, will soon begin a review and design process expected to take a couple of years. Preliminary plans call for the space to open as soon as 2014, Mr. Pinsky said. The city has committed $50 million to the project, with another $15 million coming in the form of tax credits and $5 million from the developer, which would also be responsible for any extra spending, said Mr. Pinsky.

Read full article in the New York Times.

CARBONDALE, IL -- A bus operated by Southern Illinois University Student Union's bus service, the Saluki Express, crashed into the east wall of the University Place 8 cinema on January 27. None of the passengers was injured and the driver, who may have suffered a medical emergency causing him to lose control of the vehicle, has been released from the hospital. Two screens are out of service as the damaged is being assessed.

University Place 8 reopened Wednesday and was showing movies in six of its eight auditoriums, Kerasotes employees said. Theater managers are waiting to hear the cost of the damage from a structural engineer, they said. Officials from Beck Bus did not return multiple phone calls for comment, but James Barnes, a former driver for Saluki Express, said the company would most likely put Parker through multiple tests before allowing him to drive again.

There's more here in the Daily Egyptian.

WINTER GARDEN, FL -- The City of Winter Garden has assumed ownership of the restored 1935 Garden Theatre, which reopened during February, 2008. This action was requested by the Winter Garden Heritage Foundation, operators of the theatre. As a result, the City government will pay off the remaining construction and mortgage debts the Heritage Foundation owed, and will also be responsible for maintaining the building. The Foundation will lease the building from the City. This is considered a sweetheart deal by all who have been so heavily involved in the renovation and operations of the Garden. It gives the management of the theatre freedom to focus on artistic expression and operations, without the burden of confronting the debts. The next events scheduled at the Garden are a jazz festival, "Jazz on Edge" February 5 and 6, and the Beth Marshall Presents production of "Driving Miss Daisy" February 12-28. Reservations can be made by calling 407-877-GRDN (4736).

NEW CASTLE, IN -- The Castle Theatre closed Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010, as Kerasotes did not renew its lease, a condition it has not been subjected to since its opening in 1935. Some of its original Vitrolite facade remains and much of its interior is original. For those of us who did not grow up with a Paradise or Uptown in our neighborhoods, the Castle was just fine. Here's hoping that it will not be closed long and that we can tour it in June during the 2010 Hoosier Heartland Conclave with THSA.

favorite movies at the Castle. Amy Glaser, State Farm Insurance agent, and lifelong resident of New Castle, said she went to the theater as a child, and now her own teenage daughter goes to the movies there. "The Castle closing is very sad," Glaser said. "It's been a part of New Castle for a long time. My parents went to the Castle Theater. My kids go there, I've grown up there. It will be very missed in town."

Note the link to the video news clip as well.

I'm not going to say much here, so that I can get it up during my lunch break and remind folks that Mystery Team is having its last three screenings at the Brattle tonight (4 February 2010), and if you're in the area and haven't seen it, you really should; it's funny.Mystery Team* * * (out of four)Seen 2 February 2010 at the Brattle Theatre (first-run)Aw, nuts. Granted, it's not as if I'm likely

The more I have viewed of the film, the more I’m scotching my fingers (even the disturbingly collapsed ones) that Universal has brought off a newest and unusual remake of “The Wolfman.” Benecio Del Toro set about this as a love project, and I love that it’s a no-joke Monster Kid effortful Rick Baker’s makeup [...] No related posts.

44 Inch Chest - Clip 1 44 Inch Chest is a provocative, outrageously profane and surprisingly tender film amidst an explosion of unbridled testosterone. The movie explores the masculine ego at breaking point, testing whether fear is stronger than love. Colin (Ray Winstone) is in agony, shattered by his wife’s (Joanne Whalley) infidelity. However, he has friends who do more than stand by; they kidnap his wife’s French lover and hold him prisoner so that Colin can restore his manhood with revenge. Directed by: Malcolm Venville Starring: Ray Winstone, Ian McShane, Tom Wilkinson, Joanne Whalley, Dave Legeno

Whip It
Directed by Drew Barrymore
2009, 111 minutes, USA

It should be prefaced that this week has oodles of recommendable discs—including The House of the Devil (podcast), A Serious Man (interview), Bronson (review), and Eleven Minutes (podcast)—so here's a plea to those who might've sadly ignored Drew Barrymore's directorial debut last week simply because, well, it's Drew Barrymore's directorial debut. The former Charlie's Angel hasn't exactly developed a distinct style and vision to canonize her as a great American auteur or anything, but in her capable hands, a potentially hoary coming-of-ager about a small-town Texas high schooler who finds empowerment through an all-girl roller derby league proves to be an infectious, emotionally credible dramedy with a decidedly postfeminist ideology. More movies deserve to focus on the kinds of progressively written female characters Whip It offers in teams, but almost as important, it's a kick-ass entertainment, too.

Continued reading DVD OF THE WEEK: Whip It...

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(Joe Bowman on Feb 4, 2010 10:34 PM) Good call, Aaron. I was... charmed.

Unreal. I go pretty much all last year without losing a ticket stub, and this year I've lost two in the first month. I'm guessing that this one either wound up tossed in the trash with the little slip the concession stand at AMC Boston Common gives you so that you can claim your mozzarella sticks when they come out of the kitchen, or somehow slipped out when Matt and I went to the Elephant &

BALTIMORE, MD -- Two of the four proposals submitted for the Senator Theater have been rejected. Of the two remaining, one would keep the nearly 75-year-old cinema going as a movie house and add two restaurants; the other envisions making it a performing arts venue and home to a public radio station.

The BDC plans to ask for more detailed financial information on the two remaining proposals, Clark said, before deciding between them. A 10-member review committee, including many residents of the surrounding neighborhoods, had been studying the proposals since they were submitted in December, and those from Cusack and Towson were the clear favorites, Clark said. "They really are making an attempt at digging deep into these proposals," she said. "This is at the heart of their community. They care a ton." The committee, which is scheduled to begin meeting again next month, could recommend one proposal over the other, Clark said, or leave that decision up to the BDC. A final decision on the Senator's future could be made as early as March, she said.

There is more in the Baltimore Sun.

OWOSSO, MI -- The contractor in charge of rebuilding the fire-gutted Lebowsky Center began seeking bids to rebuild the walls and roof of the theater. Bids are due by February 5 with the bids likely to be awarded by February 15. Bazzani Associates expect the project to be completed by May 1. Restoration of the theater's interior is not expected to begin until next year.

The Committee has received $165,000 in gifts or pledges so far to renovate the building destroyed by a fire Feb. 13, 2007, Peterson said. Construction is expected to begin soon after the winning bid is announced. Peterson said she was notified the project's steel order could be delayed by more than 12 weeks. However, Bazzani said he still expects the project to be finished no later than May 1.

More details can be found in the Argus-Press.

I'm beginning to suspect that I will never understand movies from India.(Come on, say the obvious comeback out loud. You know you want to. Heck, I just did and laughed. It's not good to keep responses to obvious straight lines bottled up, you know!)While I was walking back home from Rann, I pondered that Bollywood movies really are their own thing, to the point that even the people who only

MIAMI, FL -- Miami Beach's Lincoln Theatre is on track to mark its 75th anniversary as... shops and restaurants. A business brief in The Miami Herald (1/26/10) states that representatives of Savitar Realty Advisors is scheduled to close on the property next week. The New World Symphony, owners and tenants of the Lincoln for the past 20 years, will relocate to their newly constructed symphony hall nearby (designed by Frank Gehry). Symphony performances will continue at the Lincoln for another year. This will leave the Colony as the sole vintage movie theater on South Beach still active as a performing arts venue. Full article (probably for a limited time) in the Miami Herald.

The Pontiac Silverdome Drive-in is re-opening starting April 9th 2010. They will have 3 screens running each showing double feature first run movies. the season will run through September. prices are Adults: $7 Students (w/id): $6 Children (4-12): $5 Phone number is 248-346-6634

Film CORES wanted, 35mm width - does anyone have an accumulation you'd box-up and sell me? Either diameter will do and any color, though they should of course have the keyslot. Films came from labs on these. Tell me roughly how many. Thanks, Greg