Okay, I admit it. I am a fan of monster movies. If you were to point out the quintessential staple of monster films you would have to look to the stable of creatures that populated the Universal Pictures horror films of the 1930s.

The films that made the likes of Boris Karloff (Frankenstein, The Mummy), Bela Lugosi (Count Dracula) and Lon Chaney Jr. (The Wolfman) household names. How can anyone forget those performances?

What made those films of the 1930s so impressive and magical were that they were about the monsters themselves. We learned about the curses, the damned and the beast within. Even if they were alien to us we still felt something for them which is strange since we are talking about the Prince of Darkness here.

When the end of the Universal Monsters arrived the studio started teaming up their creatures with classic “monster mashes” like “Frankenstein vs. The Wolf Man” and “House of Frankenstein”. The latter is still a personal favorite.

With the emergence of “Van Helsing”, Universal is looking to bring back a long dead monster franchise in a big new way.

Like the monster mashes of old, “Van Helsing” very loose premise begins with the world famous murderer/monster hunter Gabriel Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) finishing off his latest assignment and returning to the Vatican.

In the holiest of cities, Van Helsing is directed to aid a brother-sister team of Anna (Kate Beckinsale) and Velkan Valerious (Will Kemp) in bringing down the notorious Count Dracula (Richard Roxburgh). Dracula has been destroying the Valerious family lineage for over 400 years. For the mission, Van Helsing decides to bring reluctant Friar Carl (David Wenham) to aid him.

Upon their arrival in Transylvania, the duo learns that they aren’t exactly welcome and furthermore it seems that Dracula has a master plan of his own in the works and that Velkan Valerious may have been compromised.

The plot thickens as we learn about Dracula’s master plan and how it links to other legendary creatures such as Frankenstein, three vampiric brides, vampiric progeny and the Wolf Man himself.

For the most part “Van Helsing” is the dawn of the 2004 summer movie season and as a popcorn action effects-laden romp, it scores. It has every single element one needs from a summer movie.

I did on the other hand have about a handful of problems with the film itself. I was a little distracted by the lighting in the film which I am sure has been dimmed to cover some of the effects flaws. Director Stephen Sommers is still getting flack from his Scorpion King creation at the end of “The Mummy Returns”.

I also cringed a lot at the film’s version of Dracula. Roxburgh was excellent in his slimy, nasty and disgusting role in “Moulin Rouge” but that same allure is just wrong for Dracula. In this film he comes off more as George Hamilton’s Dracula than a debonair Gary Oldman or Bela Lugosi version of the vampire. And with that said the film hinges on this powerful foe but he is awful. The film needed Dracula to be more like Arnold Vosloo’s Mummy and less of a caricature. A lot more work was needed on this casting and re-imagination.

My favorite creatures in the film were the vampiric brides and of course the CGI werewolves. The scenes involving these carnivorous brides diving and swooping as they fly was so much fun. Van Helsing’s rapid-action crossbow trying to take down these evil divas was pure popcorn fun. The CGI keeps getting better and that makes for some nasty werewolves that are so much fun.

I felt that the whole Frankenstein concept and inclusion in this film was cheap and unnecessary. You really have to look to the film’s plot for the blame. I wanted more from Frankenstein.

As for the humans in the film, Jackman is still one of the best leading men around and he does bring a lot to the role of the monster-hunter but never really has a chance to act in the role. I have always been a huge fan of Kate Beckinsale, no matter what she has done. In a lot of ways I loved her in this film but in other ways she was one of the most wasted elements. Director Sommers break-neck pacing of the film doesn’t allow for much connection between Jackman and Beckinsale so you really aren’t ever sure if they have chemistry.

The story and how it interconnects the legendary lineages of the monsters is interesting and reminiscent of “House of Frankenstein” except instead of having a mad scientist you have Dracula as the scientist. But was it really necessary to have so many monsters in the first film. The film almost suffers from “Batman” sequel syndrome in that it was trying to include so many characters at once without really fleshing out any of the central ones.

As a whole I felt that the film reminded me more of the era of monsters after Universal’s golden age. The film feels a lot like a Hammer horror film with a huge effects budget. It is just too bad Peter Cushing wasn’t still around to play the priest who sends Van Helsing on his mission.

To be blunt, it is pure popcorn fun and why not since that’s what we love a brainless flick once in a while.

3.5 out of 5

So Says the Soothsayer.

The greatest monster hunter of them all has his work cut out for him as he tracks down three deadly foes in this action-adventure saga. Gabriel Van Helsing (Hugh Jackman) is a man who has dedicated his life to battling evil forces who exist outside the bounds of nature; Van Helsing’s work has not always made him friends, and a false accusation of murder still trails him. But when he’s summoned to Transylvania at the behest of Anna Valerious (Kate Beckinsale), whose family has been fighting supernatural beings for generations, Van Helsing wastes no time answering her call. There, Van Helsing discovers that the undying vampire Count Dracula (Richard Roxburgh) has put a misshapen creature named Igor (Kevin J. O’Connor) under his spell, and, in turn, has forged an alliance with a hideous monster (Shuler Hensley) who was created by the misguided Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Samuel West). Adding to Anna’s burden is her brother, Velkan (Will Kemp), a lycanthrope who becomes a bloodthirsty wolf under the light of the full moon. Van Helsing also co-stars Elena Anaya, Silvia Colloca, and Josie Maran as Dracula’s vampire brides

Step Up 2 the Streets
★★ / ★★★★

Jon Chu directs the sequel for “Step Up” and I must say that although the dancing was much more incredible than the first, the story did not quite hold up. Briana Evigan decides to audition to attend Maryland School of the Arts with the help of Channing Tatum (a more than welcome return). In the school, she meets a geeky kid (Adam G. Sevani) who has a passion for dancing but decides not to pursue it because he doesn’t think he’s good enough and an all-star charming guy (Robert Hoffman) who’s sick of the school’s way of structuring/limiting certain styles of dancing. Evigan and Hoffman team up and gather outcasts who have a talent for dancing in order to compete in The Streets, an underground hip-hop battle of dance. Aside from the first scene when Tatum reprises his role to pass the torch (and for the audiences to find out what happened to him after the first film) and the final dance scene in the rain, the rest of it was pretty weak. The dialogue was laughable because even though it makes fun of pop culture such as “The Hills” and the “High School Musical” franchise, they resort to the same type of drama that defined such references. So, in a way, the sequel’s jokes worked against itself. Other than the two leads, we didn’t really get to know who the outcasts were outside of their stereotypes. Although they might have said one funny line or two, they were still one-dimensional. I almost wished that the picture could have focused more on the relationship between Evigan and the strict dance professor who wanted to mold her talents (Will Kemp). I felt like there could have been a two-way street connection between the two to highlight the fact that there are teachers out there who truly care for their students. That would have been a much better film because such an issue is concrete and universally relevant. The bit about the rivalry between groups felt too forced at times. Still, if one is in the mood to see impressive dancing, then by all means, see it. If one cares more about the story, I suggest to watch its predecessor instead.

3…2…1 yo!!

Here we go..

Move your leg.. move your ass. Can you follow me?? Hahahahaha….

Hey everybody, whats up??

Have you seen Step Up 2-The Street?? Not yet?? Hahahaha… you’re so left behind. I recommend you to see it immediately for you guys who haven’t seen it yet. It’s a great movie, not only for the dancers but also for all circles or professions could watch it,,<it’s possible you can dance after u see it.hehehehe..>  you are gonna be entertained by looking their dance, even for they who are getting stress or depress, hahahaha (Oops, I’m sorry, I didn’t meant…) you’ll feel better like having no problems.

Okay, I’ll tell you a little bit about Step Up 2 movie, but the rest just see it. I promise you won’t get bored.

:: Step Up 2-The Street is something like dance competition and shows the moves where the dancers should have a crew. But it’s not easy to register the crew to The Street. The first thing to do is the crew must record their dance through by video recorded and show it to “The Prank”. A good dance should be unique, awesome, cool, free and those the requirements to join The Street..

Four-One-Oh is a well-known crew at that moment with Tuck as a leader. They have a great move, free dance. They have won the competition five times. Andie (Briana Evigan) with Chase(Robert Hoffman), the Maryland School of the Arts students, also make a crew. They recruit 8 people, known as a MSA crew. Moose (Adam G. Sevani), one of MSA crew is my best dancer. He moves like Michael Jackson did. I never imagined he can move, Director Collins  (Will Kemp) even never imagined he did. After a lot of practices they had, finally the competition’s coming. Four-One-Oh, MSA crew, and other crews just be ready to compete…

And what comes next?? What’s the surprise thing??

Just see the movie..

So I was being a stalker and Googling my new favorite person, Patrick Wilson, and I came across this GAP commercial he was in with Claire Danes:

Then I started watching more of them… they are just great feel-good entertainment. Some more of my all-time favorites for your viewing pleasure… I bet you remember watching them over the last decade:

Will Kemp:

Audrey Hepburn:

What’s your favorite old GAP commercial? Post the link!

Titolo originale: Step up 2-The streets

Regia: Jon Chu

Cast: Briana Evigan, Robert Hoffman, Will Kemp, Cassie Ventura, Adam Sevani, Sonja Sohn, Channing Tatum, Christopher Scott, Janelle Cambridge

Distribuzione: Moviemax, USA 2008

Guarda il trailer

La ribelle Andie (Briana Evigan) vive creando scompiglio tra le strade con la sua crew, la 410, più volte vincitrice della competizione hip-hop più importante di tutta Baltimora: la The Streets. Notata da Chase (Robert Hoffman) fratello del proprietario della Maryland School of the Arts e studente nella scuola, Andie entra a sua volta nel prestigioso istituto, orientata verso un insegnamento rigido e professionale. Lei e Chase sono completamente diversi, ma hanno un elemento in comune: la voglia di esprimersi liberamente, al di fuori delle rigide regole della scuola. Tale desiderio li porterà a fondare una loro crew con altri allievi e a partecipare al The Streets. I problemi e le sorprese tuttavia saranno molti…

La storia si svolge. come nel primo capitolo, all’interno della MSA (Maryland School of Arts), istituto diretto dal rigido direttore Robert Collins, interpretato da Will Kemp, che storce il naso di fronte alle esibizioni di Andie e al desiderio di suo fratello Chase di portare all’interno della scuola la danza di strada. C’è inoltre anche l’apparizione del protagonista del primo Step Up, Channing Tatum, che procurerà ad Andie il provino presso la MSA.

Come nel primo capitolo, assistiamo alla contrapposizione tra due personaggi apparentemente agli antipodi: da una parte Andie, ribelle “ragazzaccia” dal passato doloroso e protagonista di scorribande con la sua crew, e dall’altra Chase, bello, ricco e popolare studente della MSA, destinati all’inevitabile happy end.

Tuttavia in questo secondo capitolo, le coreografie sono ancora più spettacolari, con numeri davvero eccezionali realizzati in maniera eccelsa dai protagonisti e dal simpatico contorno di outsider che ruotano attorno alla loro storia (in particolare da notare il bravissimo Adam Sevani). Il culmine è rappresentato dalla coreografia finale, davvero ammirevole. Ottimo lavoro da parte dei coreografi Jamal Sims, Nadine “Hit Hat” Ruffin (colei che ha inventato l’hip-hop sensuale, il cosiddetto Hit Hat ) e Dave Scott.

A supporto di queste coreografie “estreme” una colonna sonora altrettanto estrema, con Missy Elliot, T-Pain, Florida (che proprio con T-Pain hanno realizzato la bellissima Low) Trey Songz, Akon, Cassie Ventura (che recita anche nella pellicola nel ruolo di Sophie).

Il giovane regista Jon Chu è un ex ballerino e nella pellicola ciò si nota, dal momento che ogni singolo elemento (dialoghi, scenari, monologhi, la stessa vicenda narrativa) è messo a servizio della danza.

Conclusione: Da vedere per le coreografie e per il talento dei protagonisti.

Voto: 7

Pra quem ainda não assistiu o filme, minhas sinceras desculpas mas, paga um pau e aprende de uma vez por todas que, High School Musical é um lixo!! Hehehehehe…

Step Up 2 – Final Dance (Timbalnd – Bounce “Remix”)

Die rebellische Andie (Briana Evigan) verschlägt es an die elitäre Kunstschule Maryland. Nach anfänglichen Anpassungsproblemen trifft sie Chase (Robert Hoffman), den besten Tänzer der Schule, der ihr Talent erkennt und ihre Andersartigkeit schätzt… Gemeinsam beschließen sie eine Tanztruppe aus Mitstudenten zusammenzustellen, die ihren Style genauso schätzen und beherrschen. Ihr Plan: Am Undergroundbattle “The Streets” teilzunehmen. Bei den Vorbereitungen wird Andie klar, dass sie damit die Brücke zwischen der elitären Kunstschule und ihrem bisherigen Leben als Street-Tänzerin schlagen und der Glaube an ihre Kunst Berge versetzen kann. Beim finalen Battle zeigt Andie allen, was wirklich in ihr steckt. Dies beeindruckt nicht nur den Schuldirektor Mr. Collins (Will Kemp) sondern auch Chase…

Step up to the Streets ist die Fortsetzung des Überraschungsblockbusters STEP UP, der in den USA allein am ersten Wochenende 21 Mio. US-Dollar einspielte. Auch in Deutschland lockte der sexy Tanzfilm knapp 700.000 Besucher in die Kinos. In bester “Flashdance”-Manier belebt Step up to the Streets das Tanzfilmgenre erneut mit frischem Wind ganz nah am aktuellen Zeitgeist und Shows wie Dance!. In den Hauptrollen tanzen die Jungschauspieler Briana Evigan und Robert Hoffman zur Musik von Hip Hop-Legende Missy Elliott und angesagten amerikanischen Hip Hop- und R&B-Acts wie Flo Rida, Cherish, Scarface, Cassie und Danity Kane. Der coole Soundtrack ist ab Kino-Start im Handel erhältlich.

Step up to the Streets erzählt vom Kampf um Respekt und den Glauben an sich selbst.

• Mit Briana Evigan, Robert Hoffman, Will Kemp, Cassie Ventura u.a.
• Regie: Jon M. Chu
• Drehbuch: Toni Ann Johnson und Karen Barna
• Produktion: Patrick Wachsberger, Erik Feig, Adam Shankman und Jennifer Gibgot