Each month I’ll give you a look at the movies I’m looking forward to seeing as a moviegoer, just like you! I worked in the motion picture industry for 22 years before retiring in 2008 and approach viewing movies with a profound love of the art of telling stories… How do I pick them? Well, some I’ve heard the ‘buzz’ about, others I watched the trailers at NCM.com and my curiosity is peaked. Here’s my August list!

The following is a collection of quotes pulled from reviews written by AZ Weekly Entertainment Magazine in Phoenix, AZ’s Film! Section contributors to present readers with a wider perspective about this new release!

Meanwhile, Twentieth Century Fox is reportedly interested in creating a new franchise out of this summer's “Predators” reboot. Filmmaker Robert Rodriquez said that he intends to use the “world” set up in this movie and “really go crazy from there.”

Finally, teen singing sensation Justin Bieber is following in Eminem's footsteps, starring in a biopic detailing his path to stardom. The musician-turned-actor is calling the project, “Kind of like my own version of '8 Mile.'”

Be among the first to get the latest scoop from Joseph J. Airdo at Examiner.com/Phoenix

The Phoenix Film Critics Society is the official association that represents the movie reviewing press members for the State of Arizona, whose movie reviews appear in the print, broadcast mediums, and on-line. For more information about the Phoenix Film Critics Society visit our website at www.PhoenixFilmCriticsSociety.org



To view the trailers! ~ To find a theater near you! ~ To Read my review!

In ‘Salt’, the theme is once again presented with the intricate story, thrilling action sequences, and dynamic performances. The opening sequence sets the tone for this story. And as is my policy not to reveal vital clues or the ending so that you’ll have as close to the same first hand experience, ‘Salt’ is a first rate psychological thriller on one level as the story accelerates into high gear!

Angelina Jolie has the distinction of both a dramatic, and an action actor. In the past 10 years, she has starred in five action themed movies that have averaged $124 million in US grosses, and worldwide with totals nearly $1.5 billion. Those films are "Wanted" (2008), "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" (2005), "Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life" (2003), "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" (2001) and "Gone in 60 Seconds" (2000). For ‘Salt’, her latest role as Evelyn Salt, the ‘buzz’ is she received $20 million for the role, which includes her virtually contributing to the overwhelming aspect of performing the stunts, in a role that was originally written for a man!

And yes, this reviewer is strongly attracted to women in action roles. Other favorites include Milla Jovovich who stars as Alice in the ‘Resident Evil’ franchise films with ‘Resident Evil: Afterlife’ due later this year, and Kate Beckinsale star of the ‘Underworld’ movie franchise!

In superhero casting news, Mark Ruffalo is in talks to replace Edward Norton as Dr. Bruce Banner – also known as the Hulk – in “The Avengers” while “Chuck” star Zachary Levi is rumored to portray Clark Kent in Jonathan Nolan's “Superman” reboot.

Finally, Tim Burton's cinematic adaptation of ABC's classic gothic daytime serial “Dark Shadows,” in which Johnny Depp stars as vampire Barnabas Collins, will begin production in January over at Warner Bros. Pictures.

Be among the first to get the latest scoop from Joseph J. Airdo at Examiner/National

An interview with writer/director Stewart Raffill

Musical theme films have always been favorites for moviegoers from the early days of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire in the 30’s - 50’s, ‘Fame’ (1980) the hit movie and the TV series (1982) for the next generation, and the Oscar® nominated ‘Nine’ (2009) proved that the musical is alive and well today. The one thing in common, these musicals’ audience is the young adult. Writer/director Stewart Raffill’s latest ‘Standing Ovation’ focuses on the 5 to 15 year olds of today who enjoy the aspects of signing, dancing, and performing!

Why the younger audience, using non-actors but real kids, featuring over 20 songs and spending 6 months writing them? The younger talented kids of today appealed to Stewart, recognizing their exuberance, fearlessness, and excitement at simply performing!