2011 Summer Movie Guide
JUNE 13, 2011
It’s summer again. As the heat and humidity rise in South Florida, so does the anticipation regarding some of this year’s biggest blockbusters. We, at The Reporter, present to you some of 2011’s most highly awaited films and rate them 1-10 on our buzz meter.......................................................................................................................... PAGE 2-7
VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER
By Mark Pulaski mark.pulaski001@mymdc.net twitter: @MarkTheReporter
By Jessica Medina jessica.medina008@mymdc.net twitter: @JessTheReporter
For up to date movie reviews follow Mark and Jessica on Twitter. GRAPHICS: LAZARO GAMIO
THE REPORTER IS THE FREE BIWEEKLY STUDENT NEWSPAPER AT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE. ALL CONTENT IS PRODUCED BY MDC STUDENTS. THE REPORTER IS A PUBLIC FORUM FOR EXPRESSION.
PLEASE RECYCLE
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2011 SUMMER MOVIE PREVIEW
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COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES
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THE REPORTER
COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX
Green Lantern ————————————————————————————————————
Mr. Popper’s Penguins ————————————————————————————————————
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Peter Sarsgaard—Directed by Martin Campbell—Warner Bros. Pictures—PG13—June 17
Starring Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino and Angela Lansbury—Directed by Mark Waters 20th Century Fox—PG—June 17
Green Lantern—DC Comics’ rebuttal to Marvel’s Thor, X-Men and Captain America releases—follows test-pilot Hal Jordan (Reynolds) after receiving a super-power granting ring and membership into an intergalactic group of warriors. Jordan becomes involved in a battle to keep peace in the universe, but first he must master his powers with the ring in order to help the extraterrestrial group defeat Parallax, their ultimate nemesis.
Loosely based on the children’s book of the same name. A businessman named Tom Popper (Carrey) loses sight of what’s important in his life until he inherits six Gentoo Penguins, converting his upscale New York City apartment into a snowy paradise. His whole life is turned upside down as he learns from his new-found feathered friends.
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MP: “Sadly, Jim Carrey seems to be losing his edge. By settling for the family comedy genre he is committing comedic suicide. ”
MP: “A superhero whose power was given to him via some alien ring? Sounds like he was just lucky, nothing special. Seems like DC’s lame attempt at stealing some of the shine from the Marvel trifecta.” 4
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JM: “Oh Jim, what have you done? Safe to say Carrey’s taking one for the team and doing this one for the children.”
JM: “Hollywood’s golden boy seems to have done a great job in Green Lantern. DC could make a fantastic comeback, Green Lantern joining the likes of Watchmen in a list of worthwhile summer blockbusters.”
COURTESY OF COLUMBIA PICTURES
COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY PICTURES
Bad Teacher ————————————————————————————————————
Cars 2 ————————————————————————————————————
Starring Cameron Diaz, Jason Segel and Justin Timberlake—Directed by Jake Kasdan Columbia Pictures—R—June 24
Starring Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy and Michael Caine—Directed by John Lasseter and Brad Lewis—Walt Disney Pictures—G—June 24
Elizabeth Halsey (Diaz) is a foul-mouthed, drug-using, junior-high teacher who could care less about education. Her goal is to marry her well-to-do fiance’ and settle for a life of pampering. When her sugar daddy breaks the relationship off, she’s goes after a new wealthy male target—her colleague Scott (Timberlake). Problems ensue when she isn’t the only one who has her eyes on the handsome young substitute.
In this animated sequel, racing star Lightning McQueen and his vehicular pal Mater hit the road harder than before, taking their talents to global heights in order to compete in the inaugural World Grand Prix. The pair are caught up in a detour that leads through the streets of Japan and Europe after Mater becomes involved in an international espionage mission.
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MP: “C for effort. Maybe some extra credit will help it out. ” 2
MP: “Finally got it rolling. I love Pixar but I’d have to say Cars was my least favorite. Hopefully this can bring a tune up to the franchise. ”
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JM: “Just when you thought Cameron Diaz had hit rock bottom with Green Hornet she pulls off this little number. What happened to her in movies with substance like Being John Malkovich? ”
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JM: “Is there anything Pixar touches that does not turn into cinematic gold? It’s no Toy Story but it’ll do. ”
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COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES
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COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES
Transformers 3: Dark Of The Moon ————————————————————————————————————
Larry Crowne ————————————————————————————————————
Starring Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Tyrese Gibson Directed by Michael Bay—Paramount Pictures—PG13—June 29
Starring Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Bryan Cranston—Directed by Tom Hanks Universal Pictures—PG-13—June 1
Not much information has been leaked on the newest Micheal Bay blockbuster: Transformers: Dark of the Moon except most of the major characters are set to reprise their roles. The main exception being starlet Megan Fox, who left the franchise amid allegations of an altercation with iconic director Michael Bay. In this third film, the Autobots have learned of a spacecraft stranded on the moon that may provide the key to defeating the rival Decepticons
Academy Award-winners Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts star in a tale of self improvement. After Larry Crowne (Hanks) loses his long-time job due to his lack of education, he finds himself at wits end. He enrolls in the local community college to try and give his life a jump start, where he becomes involved with speech professor Mercedes Tainot (Roberts).
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MP: “Dark of the Moon? What kind of name is that? Did Pink Floyd hold a lunar copyright? I doubt this will be any more than meets the eye; huge explosions and high-speed action scenes with little else.” 4
MP: “I’m not a fan of rom-coms, but I am a Tom Hanks fan.”
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JM: “Storyline is interesting enough, but this would be a complete miss if it were not in the hands of all-star protagonists.”
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JM: “I look forward to the day Michael Bay takes his talents and creates an excellent film. Unfortunately, it won’t be June 29. Another summer blockbuster, another ten dollars poorly spent. ”
COURTESY OF COLUMBIA PICTURES
COURTESY OF NEW LINE CINEMA / WARNER BROS
Monte Carlo ————————————————————————————————————
Horrible Bosses ————————————————————————————————————
Starring Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy—Directed by Thomas Bezucha—Columbia Pictures—PG—June 1
Starring: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis. Directed by Seth Gordon—New Line Cinema / Warner Bros.—R—July 8
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Based on the book “Headhunters” by Jules Bass. A young woman, her best friend, and stepsister take a long-anticipated trip to Paris. While on a tour that fails to meet their expectations, the trio decides to embark out on their own adventure, which leads to one of the girls being mistakenly identified as a British heiress. Before they can correct the mistaken identity crisis, they are taken on an unprecedented vacation to Monte Carlo.
Three friends—played by Bateman, Day, and Sudeikis—come to a realization that the main things standing between them and happiness were their bosses—played by Kevin Spacey, Colin Farrell, and Jennifer Aniston. After a night of drinking with shady ex-con Motherf*****r Jones (Jamie Foxx), the three amigos formulate a plot to kill their tormentors.
MP: “Nope.”
MP: “This could be very good. The preview shows great promise and originality. Expect to LOL. ”
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JM: “This has absolutely no cinematic value. Steer clear.” JM: “Aniston and Farrell seem to have stepped up their comedic game. A little bit of substance and a little bit of comedy go a long way. ”
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COURTESY OF COLUMBIA PICTURES
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THE REPORTER
COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES
Zoo Keeper ————————————————————————————————————
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 ————————————————————————————————————
Starring Kevin James, Rosario Dawson and Leslie Bibb Directed by Frank Coraci—Columbia Pictures—PG—July 8
Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Ralph Fiennes Directed by David Yates—Warner Bros. Pictures—Not yet rated—July 15
A zookeeper, Griffin Keyes (James), who already lost his chances with one prospective bride over her dissatisfaction with his profession, decides that the best way to find his dream girl is to leave the zoo he loves to pursue a more lucrative career. The animals of the zoo however, do not want to lose their beloved zookeeper. In an effort to keep Keyes around they decide to reveal their big secret—they can speak.
The grand farewell to the epic Harry Potter series. The finale will wrap up the adventures of Harry Potter (Radcliffe), Ron Weasley (Grint), and Hermione Granger (Watson) as they proceed on their mission to search for the final horcruxes in order destroy the evil Lord Voldemort (Fiennes). Readers of the book are already sure to know the storyline, but for average moviegoers this will bring a conclusion to the Harry Potter saga. Part 2 promises to offer more action as the final battle between good and evil ensues.
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MP: “Paging Dr. Dolittle. Code Blue.” 1
MP: “After watching the whole series in two days a while back, I became quite the Harry Pothead. And since I haven’t read the books, the plot will be a surprise to me. I can hardly wait until the screening.”
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JM: “Folks, Kevin James may very well be committing career suicide before our very eyes.”
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JM: “David Yates hit the nail on the coffin with this one. Stellar cast, superb effects, magnificent storyline. Prepare to see box office records smashed with this easily being the # 1 summer blockbuster.”
COURTESY OF WALT DISNEY PICTURES
COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Winnie The Pooh ————————————————————————————————————
Captain America: The First Avenger ————————————————————————————————————
Starring Jim Cummings, Craig Ferguson and John Cleese Directed by Stephen J. Anderson and Don Hall—Walt Disney Pictures—PG—July 15
Starring Chris Evans, Stanley Tucci, Hugo Weaving and Tommy Lee Jones Directed by Joe Johnston—Paramount Pictures—Not yet rated—July 22
Stephen J. Anderson, director of The Emperor’s New Groove and Tarzan, takes on another childhood classic. With humorous wit and an adorable accent, Winnie The Pooh starts off very much the same as it always has; Pooh’s quest for honey. Nevertheless, things turn sour when Pooh misinterprets a note left by beloved pal Christopher Robin. Fearing the worst for his bestfriend’s supposed capture by a man named “Backson”, Pooh gathers the gang for a search party. With a lovable familiar story and a director known for delivering, one can only expect great results.
As the name implies, this movie tells the back-story of how the first member of the comic-book hero group The Avengers came to be. Starting in the World War II era the film follows the story of the patriotic Steve Rogers (Evans). After being regarded as unfit for enlistment in the US Army, Rogers signs up for a top-secret program designed to create a super soldier. The result is Captain America, who wages war against nemesis The Red Skull and all of America’s enemies.
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MP: “I expect explosive action, steamy love scenes, gruesome gore, and plenty of honey in this one. Okay; maybe just honey. ” 3
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MP: “I’m not the biggest fan of comic book movies. And nothing can top my all-time favorite “patriotic” movie Team America. Freedom isn’t free, but I’ll wait until this movie is before I see it. ”
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JM: “A stroll down memory lane does the soul more than good. We could all take a page from Winnie the Pooh, or perhaps just a spoonful of sweetness. ”
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JM: NEXT! Not a fan of Captain America or Chris Evan’s poor acting skills. This might be the worst comic book movie thus far. The only reason to see this is for the always exceptional Stanley Tucci.”
VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER
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THE REPORTER
COURTESY OF SCREEN GEMS
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COURTESY OF NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC FILMS
Friends with Benefits ————————————————————————————————————
Life in a Day ————————————————————————————————————
Starring Mila Kunis, Justin Timberlake and Patricia Clarkson Directed by Will Gluck—Screen Gems—Not yet rated—July 22
Starring Cindy Baer, Moica and Caryn Waechter—Directed by Kevin Macdonald National Geographic Films—Not yet rated—July 27
After going through terrible break-ups, good friends Jamie (Kunis) and Dylan (Timberlake) decide to have casual sex without the emotional ties a relationship strings along. In true romantic comedy fashion, our protagonist’s lives become slowly intertwined as love seeps its way through their friendship barriers.
Produced by Ridley Scott, director of Gladiator and Black Hawk Down, Life in a Day is a selective montage of videos shot by filmmakers around the world as a testament to human life on July 24, 2010. Encompassing all the different aspects of life, the beautiful and the daunting, this film has been heralded by film festivals around the world as a must watch.
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MP: “Another rom-com, this one doesn’t look half bad though. I might go see it casually, nothing serious. ” 4
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MP: “Better than any ‘reality’ show. Looking forward to a glimpse into life itself.”
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JM: “Portman did it better in No Strings Attached. Come on now Mila, be a little bit more original. You can be the swan princess next time. ”
COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES / PARAMOUNT PICTURES
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JM: “Premiering in South Florida during the Miami International Film Festival, Life in a Day, is a breath-taking display of the most beautiful aspects of the human condition.”
COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES
Cowboys & Aliens ————————————————————————————————————
Crazy, Stupid, Love ————————————————————————————————————
Starring Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford and Olivia Wilde—Directed by Jon Favreau Universal Pictures/Paramount Pictures—Not yet rated—July 29
Starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Julianne Moore—Directed by Glenn Ficarra and John Requa—Warner Bros. Pictures—PG13—July 29
Based on the 2006 graphic novel of the same name, Cowboys & Aliens brings an original blend of two major genres—Westerns and science-fiction—to the big screen. A man awakens in the desert with a strange device locked to his wrist and no memory of his past. After he returns to town, thus learning that he is a wanted criminal, an alien attack ensues. Past differences must be put aside to combat the greater of two evils and save the town.
Cal Weaver (Carell) leads a seemingly perfect life. He has a good job, a nice house, and a great family. But all that seems to unravel when his wife asks for a divorce after sleeping with someone else. Things seem to take a sharp turn for the better when long time bachelor Jacob Palmer (Gosling) helps Cal steer his life back on track. Clever, stirring, and entertaining, this films promises to deliver.
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MP: “Bang! Bang! Zap! Zap! Yeehaw!” 3
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JM: “What a horrible title, what a horrible concept. Spielberg needs to return to directing and stop budgeting these type of movies. Can I get an amen?”
VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER
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JM: “It is such a relief to see a good romantic comedy bobbing in a sea of summer blockbusters. Emma Stone, Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, and Ryan Gosling. Need I say more?”
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COURTESY OF COLUMBIA PICTURES
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THE REPORTER
COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX
The Smurfs ————————————————————————————————————
Rise of the Planet of the Apes ————————————————————————————————————
Starring Neil Patrick Harris, Katy Perry and Hank Azaria Directed by Raja Gosnell—Columbia Pictures—Not yet rated—July 29
Starring James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow Directed by Rupert Wyatt—20th Century Fox—Not yet rated—August 5
In an unfortunate chain of magical events the Smurfs are cast out of their village and into the concrete jungle—New York City. With help from human friend Patrick Winslow (Harris), Papa Smurf leads the way as him and his clan try to find their way back home before the evil wizard Gargamel is able to track them down in the big apple.
This prequel to the popular Planet of the Apes series, set in present-day San Francisco, gives rise to the origin of how primates eventually came to conquer the world. Scientist Will Rodman (Franco) conducts an experiment on an ape that goes awry, leading to rapid mutation and increased intelligence that may put the future of mankind in question.
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MP: “Maybe I’ll check it out after getting really smurfed up. ” 1
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MP: “A fresh start for the franchise seems like a good idea. We finally get to learn how the apes came to rule the world. I’m not exactly going bananas about it, but I’ll check it out.”
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JM: “The trailer alone makes me feel terribly blue.” JM: “Why is this movie continuing to be remade? It was bad before, it will be bad now. Can we all agree to leave Darwin within the pages of our biology text books and not our movies?”
COURTESY OF UNIVERSAL PICTURES
COURTESY OF THE WEINSTEIN COMPANY
The Change-Up ————————————————————————————————————
Dirty Girl ————————————————————————————————————
Starring Jason Bateman, Ryan Reynolds and Olivia Wilde Directed by David Dobkin—Universal Pictures —Not yet rated—August 5
Starring Milla Jovovich, Juno Temple and Mary Steenburgen—Directed by Abe Sylvia The Weinstein Company—Not yet rated—August 5
From the writers that brought us the comedy classic The Hangover, Jason Bateman stars alongside Ryan Reynolds in a feel-good comedy about an unsatisfied father and playboy best-friend, who by chance switch bodies. Taking advantage of the situation, Dave (Bateman) acts as single as ever, mingling effortlessly with beautiful coworker Sabrina (Wilde).
This film, which originally debuted at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival, follows the story of Danielle (Temple) who is known around her school as the ‘dirty girl.’ After her bad behavior gets her kicked out of class and sent to a special program, she is partnered with another outcast by the name of Clarke (Jeremy Dozier). Together they embark on a journey of self-discovery, finding out a little about each other along the way.
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MP: “Another body swap movie? Not too original. ” MP: “The title sounds interesting. ” 5
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JM: “The classic switch-a-roo! Being as this has been extremely over played throughout the years I would advise against it. However, Bateman and Reynolds may have given the concept new life.”
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JM: “Journey of self-discovery? The only thing I’ll be discovering in this movie will be the inside of my eyelids. “
VISIT US ONLINE: WWW.MDC.EDU/THEREPORTER
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COURTESY OF COLUMBIA PICTURES
30 Minutes Or Less ———————————————————————————————————— Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Danny McBride, Aziz Ansari and Nick Swardson Directed by Ruben Fleischer—Columbia Pictures—Not yet rated—August 12
———————————————————————————————————— Going about his regular pizza delivery routine, Nick (Eisenberg), unluckily stumbles into a trap set up by two wanted criminals. Having a bomb strapped to his chest and warned he only has nine hours to rob a bank, Nick seeks help from ex-bestfriend Chet (Ansari). After an Oscar nominated performance by Eisenberg in his last film, 30 Minutes Or Less guarantees to have audiences howling with laughter.
COURTESY OF NEW LINE CINEMA
Final Destination 5 ———————————————————————————————————— Starring Nicholas D’Agosto, Emma Bell and Arlen Escarpeta Directed by Steven Quale—New Line Cinema—Not yet rated—August 12
———————————————————————————————————— Unexpected survivors of a bridge collapse accident find their lives creeping closer to an end as, one by one, they experience freak accidents concluding in their deaths. They have nothing else to do but band together in an effort to cheat death and take control of their lives. MP: “Can this be the final Final Destination? Enough is enough.” 1
MP: “ Hope they can deliver some hot comedic deliciousness.” 6
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JM: “ Let’s get a round of applause going for the creators of this movie. It must be really challenging to continue to come up with creative ways to kill characters off after four successful prequels.”
JM: “This looks like a complete hit-or-miss situation. Interesting to see a comedy as Eisenberg’s first choice after being an Oscar nominee. Hmmm...intriguing.”
COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY FOX
COURTESY OF TOUCHSTONE PICTURES
Glee Live! 3D! ————————————————————————————————————
The Help ————————————————————————————————————
Starring Dianna Agron, Lea Michele and Chris Colfer Directed by Kevin Tancharoen—20th Century Fox—Not yet rated—August 12
Starring Emma Stone, Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer Directed by Tate Taylor—Touchstone Pictures—PG-13—August 12
Comprised of concert and behind the scenes footage from the Glee Live! tour, filmed in 3-D . The concept with this film was to give fans the opportunity to witness some of the most memorable moments and performances from the 2011 concert series which featured 14 members from the four-time Golden Globe winning TV show.
Eugenia “Skeeter” Phelan (Stone) returns from college to find a moral crisis at her doorstep when long time friend Hily Holbrook (Bryce Dallas Howard) introduces a bill to further discriminate the African-American maids in small town Jackson, Mississippi circa 1962. Using her talents as an aspiring author, Skeeter turns a blind eye to racial loyalties in an effort to let the voiceless be heard.
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MP: “ I don’t watch the show and I wont watch the movie.” 2
MP: “ Not my cup of tea. Bring another, please. ”
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JM: “They are milking your money, gleeks! Stay home and stay tuned.”
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JM: “Emma Stone is everywhere lately, and she most definitely does not need any help. A promising film from a promising young actress. ”
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