Tag Archives: Natalie Portman

New on Blu – Knight of Cups

There are plenty of Blu-rays being released today, but only one of consequence that I would even consider picking up. And no, it’s not Big Fat Greek Wedding 2. 

Knight of Cups

Once there was a young prince whose father, the king of the East, sent him down into Egypt to find a pearl. But when the prince arrived, the people poured him a cup. Drinking it, he forgot he was the son of a king, forgot about the pearl and fell into a deep sleep.

Terrence Malick has been a Hollywood figure for over 4 decades. in a bit of a slump with his last two films. To the Wonder (2012) and Knight of Cups (2015) have not received favorable reviews from the very same critics who previously lauded Malick for being visionary in films like, Badlands (1973), Days of Heaven (1978), or Tree of Life (2011).

To me, this latest film sounds like an allegorical retelling of some of Solomon’s wisdom. We see in the trailer a man who is indulging in a wild search for satisfaction in everything that the world has to offer. I haven’t had a chance to check out Knight of Cups yet, so I may be grabbing this Blu-ray this week. Whether it is his best film or his worst, anything made by Malick is dozens of times better than much of the rest of the garbage that is being released this weekend.

Once I see it, I will weigh in with my review. Have you seen Knight of Cups? What do you think of Terrence Malick? Sound off in the comments below.

Day 20 – 30 Day Movie Challenge

Your Favorite Movie With Your Favorite Modern Actor and Actress

No, I didn’t mis-count, it is still day 20. Yesterday I stretched this question into two questions by naming my favorite classic Actor and Actress. Today, I have the unenviable task of naming my favorite modern actor and actress. Gladly, these don’t necessarily have to be an on-screen couple, because I have struggled to find that perfect pair like Stewart and Kelly. While there are some couples with great chemistry, they are not my favorite performers. I was even tempted to separate my modern performers into young performers and those that are in their twilight, but I thought that would be going over the top.

As it is, My favorite modern actor is Matt Damon, and while I haven’t seen his newest offering Contagion, his filmography is filled with juicy roles. Since he broke out of obscurity alongside his long-time friend Ben Affleck with Good Will Hunting in 1997 and won an Academy Award for writing with him. He has worked for some of the finest directors (and alongside some of the most talented actors) in Hollywood, and proved his mettle as a dramatic actor, gifted screen comic, and steely action hero. He was even voted the Sexiest Man Alive in 2008. I wrestled with his many superb roles, but could never find one that surpassed his freshman effort in which he plays a janitor who is a mathematical genius.

My favorite modern actress is another tough decision. The leading lady I picked has been very selective in her roles. She started her career at 12 years old by getting herself kidnapped by a hitman named Leon. She would go on to get her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Harvard University, and become the Queen of Naboo and a representative in the Galactic Senate. But Natalie Portman really caught my eye when she shaved her head and learned an English accent to play Evey in the futuristic V for Vendetta. She is the accomplice to V, a masked and mysterious anti-hero who’s either a terrorist or a freedom fighter, depending upon which side of the explosion you’re on.

What are your favorites? Some of my honorable mentions for the fellas are Tom Hanks, George Clooney, Leonardo Dicaprio, and Brad Pitt (All who have shared the screen with Damon). On the female side, you have Amy Adams, Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet and Rachel Weisz. I would love to hear what you have to say. Perhaps you can come up with a modern on-screen couple on par with Stewart and Kelly. Leave me a comment in the area below or you can get in touch with me on Twitter or Facebook. I’m currently working on a complete list of films I have watched and films that I want to see, I’m using a great little site called icheckmovies.com you can create a profile and track your own progress.