tagged w/ The Princess and the Frog
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Maybe you heard the Internet hubbub last Friday when The Hollywood Reporter broke a review embargo for James Cameron's Avatar. Most of the Internets were gobsmacked that a trade, not a filthy blog, would dare shake a stick at the 800-lb gorilla that is Fox.
And then everyone rushed their reviews out as fast as they possibly could. The shocking part? Fox said nothing about it and let the praise stream out. Except when it is a bad review. Then the embargo's on.
Sean Burns, a critic for the Philadelphia Weekly, did not like Avatar. In fact, it was "tacky," to say the least. This lead to one of the first public notices that Fox had finally come back on its' previous embargo. Now, the biggest kicker?
Avatar, as of writing this, has screened in New York, Los Angeles and Boston for critics. Burns lives in Boston. The Philadelphia Weekly is in a city that is very much not like Boston. A number of New York critics have written about it without complaint: Glenn Kenny liked it.
Armond White thought it was "the corniest movie ever made about the white man’s need to lose his identity and assuage racial, political, sexual and historical guilt."
So, why did Armond write that without having hellfire and brimstone rained upon him from 48th Street? Because he was in New York. He still writes for a (technical) alt-weekly, but he didn't have an axe hovering over his head.
The same use of embgo politics affected Now Playing, a movie review show on WOCC-TV. Doesn't sound familiar does it? Well, it would if you lived in Columbus, Ohio. Disney had informed Mark Pfeiffer that Princess and the Frog couldn't be reviewed on a December 8th episode, as the embargo was until December 11th.
Mind you, Frog was in special release in New York and Los Angeles for exorbitant prices. Outlets in both cities ran their reviews on day of release, as well as blogs and other online sites that geographically fall within those locations. While the embargo is one of a PR firm's best tools at keeping critics and outlets in check, it ultimately serves as a general reminder that if you dare not suffer in "The Big City," you'll be damned to whatever overtly caffeinated whims a guy under a guy under a guy has to suffer when the two folks above him break out the rakes with hot coals duct taped on.
Prior to this entire mess, Ryan Stewart was dead on. Except it wasn't his dream team theory of /film, AICN, Cinematical and Film School Rejects--it was a Trade with basis in a city that Fox gave way to. I don't mean to get on a soapbox--said the scruffy idiot savant as he adjusted his milk crate--but I can see the purpose of embargos. Without them, the AICN model could've have theoretically evolved into something much worse.
Instead, it transitioned itself into the format for which many sites and blogs function today. It's not secret that some publications seem more like the A.V. Club's mutated brother screeching "FFFFFFIIIRRRSTIES REVIEW. FFFFFFFFIIIIIIRRRSTIES" while waving club-shaped arms in the air. But that's shifted into a workable system. Same reason why people attend film festivals and then bank material for the future.
So I can completely understand the embargo. What I can't understand is why Fox has decided to play some twisted game of God when it comes to a negative review in an alt-weekly in Philadelphia, or why Disney is scared of a movie review show in Columbus, Ohio. But then again, I guess Columbus' entire population is avid readers of THR. So who needs local reviews when you have the genius that is Kirk Honeycutt and his completely fucking inept reviews.
So that's why the Avatar embargo is a Great Moment in Public Relations.
edit: As Mark tweeted after I published, "FYI, we tape our show every 2 weeks, so FROG isn't being reviewed until 12/21 due to the embargo. Got ARMORED airtime instead."
Maybe you heard the Internet hubbub last Friday when The Hollywood Reporter broke... more
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If you wondered where we were all weekend, it was one of the circles of Hell. Which manifested itself in a number of fun ways, but not limited to fires, rain and more rain. So let's relax with some old fashioned news!
-The Awards Season has begun and everyone loves The Hurt Locker. From Los Angeles to Boston.
-The Princess and the Frog took the weekend with $25 million. [BOM]
-The Butt-Numb-A-Thon occurred. Breaking: nerds love Avatar and Kick-Ass. [AICN]
-Michael Haneke's remake of Children of the Corn picked up a few awards in Europe. [Variety]
-AFI liked The Hurt Locker too. [AFI]
-Mel Gibson directing? Leonardo DiCaprio starring? In a movie about Vikings?! OK. [Variety]
If you wondered where we were all weekend, it was one of the circles of Hell.... more
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If it's Friday and almost quittin' time for us here on the West Coast, that means you need a peek at this weekend's new releases. So let Brett and Ellen be your guide while the full gamut is unleashed below!
-Invictus is a film about rugby, Oscars and inspiring motivational speeches from Morgan Freeman.
-The Princess and the Frog has Disney's latest animated song and dance routine.
-The Lovely Bones is Peter Jackson's adaptation of the book about a dead girl who tries to fight crime or...NY/LA only? No where else until January? Sucks.
-My Son, My Son What Have Ye Done can be described as: WERNER HERZOG + DAVID LYNCH= AWESOME.
-The Slammin' Salmon has the Broken Lizard crew try their hand at Waiting...
-A Single Man is the story of a teacher who is lucky enough to be in a Tom Ford movie.
-The Vicious Kind is playing in L.A. before Sundance. Huh.
And for once, we don't want your webcam reviews for any of the films opening this weekend. Instead, we want your AWARDS for our First Year-Endies Award Show next Thursday. What do you have to do?
Upload a short video describing your personal award for a film released this year, give us a clap and Bob's your uncle! Do it by Sunday [1213] at midnight.
If it's Friday and almost quittin' time for us here on the West Coast,... more
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Landline is no stranger to mocking the system, especially when it comes to dead celebrities as advertising.
This time, they're just tackling an age old concept about Disney. And, you know, proving it could actually happen. As for whether the myth of Disney's hunger for children was real, I guess the world will never know.
[Babelgum]
Landline is no stranger to mocking the system, especially when it comes to dead... more
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We find that using the power of song is the best educator.
Of course, when it comes to remembering key traits of animated ladies, you may think Brett would be more than enough. But Ellen has some keen insights that do more than remind us how to fly.
It just takes a little magic powder.
[Current]
We find that using the power of song is the best educator.
Of course, when it... more
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Welcome to a very special midweek peek at the end of the week. Of course, we'll be a bit pre-occupied tomorrow with things like turkey and turkey and possibly reuniting with good friends like T. Urkey.
But before that, you don't want to spend all day in the kitchen. You want to get out and see some movies. We know what's on DVD, but what's in theaters?
-Ninja Assassin is about Korean pop star Rain, his abs and a large amount of CGI blood.
-The Road is the post-apocalyptic survival story from Cormac McCarthy, directed by John Hillcoat and scored by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis.
-Old Dogs is apparently painful. Like, Best Worst Movie Ever Why Was This Made God Why painful.
If you see those three movies, you should submit a webcam review for The Rotten Tomatoes Show by Sunday at midnight. You could get $100 and TV glory.
So what else is out there for you tomorrow?
-The Princess and the Frog is out in New York and Burbank in a special three-and-a-half hour spectacle that's a bit pricey.
-Me and Orson Wells is the latest from Richard Linklater in limited release involving Zac Efron and Claire Danes.
-The Private Lives of Pippa Lee , from Rebecca Miller, is also in limited and follows a devoted housewife who has a whole bunch of soul-searching. And Alan Arkin.
Welcome to a very special midweek peek at the end of the week. Of course,... more
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It shouldn't be a surprise that we're fans of abridged series. Especially ones that invoke Brooklyn Rage. Now what is the news on this Saturday morning?
-Welcome to Parodynormal Activity. [YouTube]
-Disney is so ready to push its' merchandise. [Variety]
-Precious is sparking a debate about its' use of race. [NYT]
-It's Saturday. Go outside.
It shouldn't be a surprise that we're fans of abridged series.... more
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The Rotten Tomatoes Show is a movie review show that airs on Thursday nights at 10:30 e/p on Current TV. From reviews of the newest releases to commentary on cult favorites and movie trends, each episode of The Rotten Tomatoes Show is a fast-paced, comedic journey through the week in cinema.
For more from the Rotten Tomatoes Show: http://rottentomatoesshow.com
For more about movies from Current: http://current.com/moviesThe Rotten Tomatoes Show is a movie review show that airs on Thursday nights at 10:30... more
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The Rotten Tomatoes Show is a movie review show that airs on Thursday nights at 10:30 e/p on Current TV. From reviews of the newest releases to commentary on cult favorites and movie trends, each episode of The Rotten Tomatoes Show is a fast-paced, comedic journey through the week in cinema.
For more from the Rotten Tomatoes Show: http://rottentomatoesshow.com
For more about movies from Current: http://current.com/moviesThe Rotten Tomatoes Show is a movie review show that airs on Thursday nights at 10:30... more
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I've been nervous about seeing The Princess and the Frog. Disney makes some beautiful movies but often the images of black people and women have been less than progressive. So it is with some relief that I read this review by Nnedi Okorafor, science fiction author. She gives it a thumbs up (with caveats.) I think I'll give the film a shot.
http://nnedi.blogspot.com/2009/12/princess-and-frog-had-soul-but-needed.htmlI've been nervous about seeing The Princess and the Frog. Disney makes some... more
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Ellen's Year-Endie of the Year Award: Fresh Faces
Brett's Year-Endie of the Year Award: Goin' For It
The Rotten Tomatoes Show is a movie review show that airs on Thursday nights at 10:30 e/p on Current TV. From reviews of the newest releases to commentary on cult favorites and movie trends, each episode of The Rotten Tomatoes Show is a fast-paced, comedic journey through the week in cinema.
For more from the Rotten Tomatoes Show: http://rottentomatoesshow.com
For more about movies from Current: http://current.com/moviesEllen's Year-Endie of the Year Award: Fresh Faces
Brett's Year-Endie of... more
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Passion, love, royalty and 2D animation are the qualities of all Walt Disney princesses. The latest, Princess Tiana voiced by Anika Noni Rose, is no exception. Disney has brought together the directors and writers of such Disney princess classics as “Aladdin” and “The Little Mermaid” to create “The Princess and the Frog.”
To read the review on the "The Princess and the Frog," click:
http://www.cafemagazine.com/index.php/reviews/113-0912/546-a-new-disney-princessPassion, love, royalty and 2D animation are the qualities of all Walt Disney... more
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Brett Erlich and Ellen Fox take a peek at what's coming up this weekend including The Princess and the Frog, Invictus, & A Single Man. Also, new on DVD, is Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Public Enemies, & The Cove.
The Rotten Tomatoes Show is a movie review show that airs on Thursday nights at 10:30 e/p on Current TV. From reviews of the newest releases to commentary on cult favorites and movie trends, each episode of The Rotten Tomatoes Show is a fast-paced, comedic journey through the week in cinema.
For more from the Rotten Tomatoes Show visit: http://rottentomatoesshow.com
For more about movies from Current: http://current.com/movies.
The Rotten Tomatoes Show is a movie review show that airs on Thursday nights at 10:30 e/p on Current TV. From reviews of the newest releases to commentary on cult favorites and movie trends, each episode of The Rotten Tomatoes Show is a fast-paced, comedic journey through the week in cinema.
For more from the Rotten Tomatoes Show: http://rottentomatoesshow.com
For more about movies from Current: http://current.com/moviesBrett Erlich and Ellen Fox take a peek at what's coming up this weekend including... more
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Today we've got a climate change campaign music video with "Beds Are Burning," a cool graphical video titled "Blackhole," T.I. with "Hell Of A Life," a sneak peak at Disney's upcoming 2D movie "The Princess and the Frog," and Mika's new music video for "Blame It on the Girls." Enjoy!
To watch other Top 5 Virals, check out http://current.com/current-virals/ for more fun!Today we've got a climate change campaign music video with "Beds Are... more
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Jorge Carreon blogs an animated edition of his Personalities in Brief column with a unique announcement from the Walt Disney Studios. The Mouse House is throwing its doors open to the public to celebrate its newest animated musical, “The Princess and the Frog."Jorge Carreon blogs an animated edition of his Personalities in Brief column with a... more
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Get another taste from the Walt Disney Pictures' modern twist on the classic tale of 'The Frog Prince' through a brand new trailer of 'The Princess and the Frog'.Get another taste from the Walt Disney Pictures' modern twist on the classic tale... more
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The Rotten Tomatoes Show is a movie review show that airs on Thursday nights at 10:30 e/p on Current TV. From reviews of the newest releases to commentary on cult favorites and movie trends, each episode of The Rotten Tomatoes Show is a fast-paced, comedic journey through the week in cinema.
For more from the Rotten Tomatoes Show: http://current.com/the-rotten-tomatoes-show
For more about movies from Current: http://current.com/moviesThe Rotten Tomatoes Show is a movie review show that airs on Thursday nights at 10:30... more
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