John. P. Hanlon

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Articles by John. P. Hanlon

Trailer Talk: James Franco's 'Rise of the Planet of the Apes'

[youtube 28Z_D9Grh18 nolink] What’s to Like As a fan of James Franco, I’m usually interested in seeing him onscreen. He’s made some interesting choices in his career so I’m curious to see why he would sign up for this sci-fi

'Scream': A Look Back at the Trilogy

After more than a decade, the long-awaited fourth entry in the “Scream” catalog arrives in theaters this weekend. The original “Scream,” which was released in 1996, launched this suspenseful series about a woman named Sydney Prescott who is being hunted

Review: 'Arthur' Remake a Desperate Russell Brand Vehicle

As the title suggests, “Arthur” focuses on the life of one man. Unfortunately, that man is played by the unappealing British comedian Russell Brand, who’s desperate for laughs throughout the story. Brand replaces Dudley Moore, who was nominated for an

Trailer Talk: Ryan Gosling's 'Crazy Stupid Love'

Ed. Note: I’ve asked Big Hollywood’s Iron Man John Hanlon to cover the latest movie trailers as they come out and give us his impressions. thankfully he agreed, and this is the first in what should be a terrific series.

'Take Me Home Tonight' Review: Stay Home Tonight

An early contender for the worst movie of 2011 is the Topher Grace comedy “Take Me Home Tonight.” Set in the 1980’s, the story successfully celebrates the music of that decade but fails in almost every other regard. Unfunny and

'The Lincoln Lawyer' Review: Fast-Paced, Intelligent Legal Thriller

The new drama “The Lincoln Lawyer” skillfully shows off the talents of both its director Brad Furman and its star Matthew McConaughey. Furman, who previously served as an assistant to Julia Roberts, ably directs this high-profile picture and McConaughey proves

'I Am Number 4' Review: Good Actors Unable to Overcome Weak Story

Nine alien adolescents are being hunted by aliens, one by one, in the recently-released thriller “I Am Number 4.” The aliens hunting the teens, who are referred to as numbers, are called Mogadorians and they must kill them in chronological

'Red Riding Hood' Review: Stay Away

Catherine Hardwicke, the director of the original “Twilight” movie, returns to the genre in the new fantasy “Red Riding Hood.” Hardwicke replaces the blood-sucking vampires of her earlier film with a murderous wolf that terrorizes a small community in this

Review: Uplifting 'The Way Back' a Journey Worth Taking

At the 83rd Academy Awards, a small movie entitled “The Way Back” competed against “Barney’s Version” and “The Wolfman” in the category of best makeup. Although “The Wolfman” went home with the prize, it was good to see “The Way

'The Roommate' Review: Unoriginal and Uninspired

On Sunday, the Academy Awards celebrated the best films of 2010. Although some nominated films were unworthy of their acclaim, most of them were well-done and told original stories. Unlike most of those nominees, the recently-released thriller “The Roommate” is

'Biutiful' Review: Elegant but Overdone

Though neither won last night, when the Academy Awards nominations were announced, one of the biggest surprises was the inclusion of Javier Bardem in the Best Actor category. Bardem, who previously won an Oscar for “No Country for Old Men,”

Countdown to the Oscars: Who Will and Should Win

After all of the talk and the countless award ceremonies that have preceded it, the Oscars ceremony will finally take place tomorrow evening. The 83rd Academy Awards are bound to be exciting with ten best picture nominees and several tight

'Sanctum 3D' Review: No Safe Haven for Viewers

Many movies about people trapped in dangerous locations focus on their plans to escape. “Daylight” focused on a group of people who were trying to escape a tunnel that collapsed. “The Towering Inferno” focused on a group who were trying

'Unknown' Review: Thrilling Ride Worth Taking

Dr. Martin Harris is the main character in the new thriller “Unknown.” There are two men in the story who claim to be the “real” Dr. Harris. Liam Neeson plays the first one who is traveling to an international conference

Review: Despite Box Office Buzz, 'Green Hornet' Lacks Sting

James Franco, who recently earned an Oscar nomination for his role in “127 Hours,” briefly appears near the beginning of the new movie “The Green Hornet.” He plays a goofy but ego-maniacal villain who doesn’t realize whose turf he’s stepped

'The Dilemma' Review: Promising Premise, Good Actors Wasted

Early on in “The Dilemma,” one of the main characters asks how long it would take before a person can really know another person. Considering that the character who asks that question is sneaking behind her husband’s back and having

'The Mechanic' Review: Good Concept Eventually Stalls and Derails

Near the beginning of “The Mechanic,” a man dives into his indoor pool and starts swimming. Armed guards surround the man’s home. There are even people working nearby the pool who watch the man swim. It doesn’t matter. After spotting

'The Rite' Review: Geniunely Creepy Thriller Takes Faith Seriously

Inspired by a true story, the new movie “The Rite” presents a familiar debate about religion versus secularism in the modern world. Like the television show “Lost,” “The Rite” takes the debate seriously and presents both sides of the contentious

'The Fighter' Review: Boxing Drama Soars with Great Performances

“The Fighter” is an actors’ film. Unlike other movies that feature one or two strong roles, this new boxing film features four strong characters and four great performances. Mark Wahlberg, Melissa Leo, Christian Bale and Amy Adams all excel in

Top 5: Worst Movies of 2010

Admittedly, I try to avoid bad movies like the plague. Spending ten dollars on a movie that wastes my time isn’t my idea of a good time. However, there are some films that had potential but wasted it. Therefore, my

Ten Best Movies of 2010

When 2010 started dismally at the multiplex, it was difficult to imagine the excellent movies that would come out later in the year. However, with smart summer flicks like “Inception” and “Toy Story 3” and a slew of solid films

'The Tourist' Review: A Trip Not Worth Taking

Although the Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie-starrer “The Tourist” has been faltering at the box office, it recently received unexpected support from the Golden Globe nominations. Along with a nomination for best musical or comedy, the film also earned acting

'I Love You Phillip Morris' Review: Very Little to Love Here

In the 90’s, Jim Carrey established himself as a mainstream comedic actor with films like Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, The Mask, and Liar Liar. In recent years, he hasn’t often displayed the comic persona that made him a household name.

'Yogi Bear' Review: Lackluster Offering You've Seen Before

The shrewd picnic basket-stealing “Yogi Bear” often likes to say that he’s smarter than the average bear. With his sly plans, goofy wit and ability to speak fluent English, he is undoubtedly more intelligent than the typical forest animal. Unfortunately,

'Fair Game' Review: Sean Penn's Propaganda is Neither Fair Nor Game

Some films end with revelations that strengthen the story and leave audiences impressed by a well-orchestrated twist. Other endings undercut the stories that preceded them and make audiences wonder why they even bothered paying attention. “Fair Game,” the new film