Due Date Film Review

Last year, director Todd Phillips took comedy to new heights of hilarity with "The Hangover." Now, re-teaming with its breakout star Zach Galifinakis and superstar Robert Downey Jr., Phillips brings us "Due Date," his darkest, and most surprisingly heartfelt comedy yet.

A week before his wife Sarah (Michelle Monaghan) is due to give birth to their first child, L.A. architect Peter Highman (Downey) has an encounter with aspiring actor and ultimate aloof Ethan Tamblay (Galifinakis) which causes both to end up on the "no fly list" in Atlanta and grounded thousands of miles away from their destination in Los Angeles. With limited options, the two embark on a cross-country road trip together that redefines the word "disaster" for the both of them.

Taking a cue from 80's John Hughes classic Planes, Trains, and Automobiles and thrusting it into the raunchy comedy mold of the 21st century, Due Date creates a journey that mixes outrageous, often shocking humor with heart and a dark sense of tension that keeps the audience anticipating and hoping for a happy resolution for the mismatched pair of Peter and Ethan. While the story of Due Date won't surprise anyone who's ever seen a road trip movie, the caliber of the two lead actors and their lack of chemistry (yes, lack of chemistry) make for a bizarre, funny and wild journey.

Downey has become notorious in recent years for playing the cocky, charismatic jerk. Here, he is thrust in as a middleman in crisis, one who doesn't go out of his way to cause trouble, and often has difficulty handling it when it comes his. It's a nice change for Downey, as his boiling build up of rage against Ethan comes across as completely understandable and believable. He's dealing with a child in Ethan, ultimately preparing him for the journey of fatherhood he is about to embark on with his wife back home.

Zach Galifinakis's Ethan is a character that is one slight step above what he played in The Hangover, but with a little bit more of a soul. An aspiring actor who carries his dead father's ashes around with him in a coffee can, he's painfully and obnoxiously oblivious to his actions, whether it's getting Peter stranded with the Mexican Border patrol or dealing with his pet dog's nightly imitation of his master before bedtime (just wait for that one). And Galifinakis plays it like only he can. But it's in those smaller, touching scenes of bonding between the two road companions that he really shines. There's more to this stand-up turned actor than meets the eye, and although he'll go back to the well again with the sequel to Hangover next year, it would not be a surprise to see him turn up in more dramatic roles in the coming years.

There are also some truly stand out minor roles in the film from Danny McBride as a bank clerk (another one of the films best scenes where the less said, the better) and Juliette Lewis as a pot dealer. Not so much can be said of Jamie Foxx (usually a fantastic comic actor), as one of Peter's best friends who tries to help at one point. Foxx phones in the role and is barely a factor as his character turns out to be nothing more than a minor cameo, as he's not present at all in the second half of the film.

If there are flaws to be had in Due Date, it's that it never really feels like a completely cohesive movie. The jokes, while often hilarious, are grouped together in moments of spontaneity rather than being consistent like in many others. As the situation for Peter gets grimmer and grimmer, the laughs do come back, but there are often times where the audience will feel more tense than anything else. It gets uncomfortable at times, but the character's natural reactions to the situations keep the film grounded, and make for an ultimately satisfying and funny, but not mind-blowing film. Due Date is a film about parenting, and as any mother and father can tell you, it is not without it's ups and downs.

3 out of 5.

Written by Jeff Butler

Why Designers Deserve Margarita Fridays!

Friday...the single most celebrated day of the week!
To honor it, Menagerie just added a new member to the crew... Señor Margaritaville and he concocts the most delectable and decadent slushies this side of the Mexican border. To all you designers who made it through another week, we salute you with the Top Ten reasons you deserve one too!

1. Just finished designing, proofing and editing a 180-page book.
2. Found out your work is going to be published.
3. Interns are graduating.
4. Take a break from drinking coffee.
5. Margarita goggles help better manage multiple projects.
6. Stop thinking about kerning, rivers, widows, and tangencies and start thinking PMS 376.
7. The right brain is about to go on strike.
8. Two days and 167 comps later the client approves comp 1.
9. The Creative Director just announced everyone is working Saturday.
10. Do designers really need a reason?

Got another reason? We want to here yours!

Cel-e-brate Big Time...Come on!!!!

It’s another BIG year for Menagerie and CSUF Entertainment Design students in the 39th Annual Hollywood Reporter Key Art Awards!

I’m pleased to announce that two of our most outstanding package designs – The Paul Newman Tribute Collection and Night At the Museum/Monkey Mischief Gift Set each received nominations in their respective packaging categories.

And, as if this mama hen couldn’t be more proud, 7 budding artists from my CSUF Entertainment graphics class received nominations in the Student Poster category. We then went on to win a clean trifecta of third, second and first places in the poster category. In the trailer category, Christian Hill’s AV students received 6 out of 9 nominations then walked home with both second and third place honors.

This year is the SECOND time that Entertainment Design Print students have taken the top 3 spots (last time was in 2008). CSUF has become by far the uncontested, highest winning school in the nation with the most student distinctions in this competition.

For a complete listing of all Hollywood Reporter Key Art Award nominees visit Key Art Awards Nominees

What a fantastic week and it’s only Tuesday!

THE STAR WARS AUCTION IS HERE!

May the 4th Be With You!

Yes, it’s finally here. That day that comes once a year when we watch the Star Wars Saga unfold from the unbelievable talents of a young boy to the redemption of a father, practice our lightsaber duals and snack on Wookie Cookies.

Here at Menagerie, we are also celebrating in another way. Exactly one month ago, each of our creative forces was tasked to create a Star Wars inspired product that simply could not be purchased in a store. To further challenge the artists, they could only use recycled or reclaimed materials – nothing could be purchased from the traditional retail environment. It was swap meets, antique stores and Watto’s Shop only for this crew.

Finally, and most importantly, each artistic expression comes from the desire to simply share our love of these films while giving back to our local community. By creating a treasured item today out of what may have become landfill tomorrow, we hope to inspire others to do the same.
All proceeds from the sales of these auctions will benefit CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County).

So, what are you waiting for? The higher the bid, the stronger the force!

01 Darth Vader Doorknob

02 Bounty Hunter Cloak Rack

03 R2D2 Air Freshener

04 C-3P0 Desk Clock

05 Stormtrooper Earrings

06 Snowtrooper Keyring

07 Sandcrawler Storage Box

08 Darth Vader Picture Frame

09 Dark Side Fishing Lure Kit

10 Light Side/Dark Side Switch Plate Covers

From Alice to Zoolander, Hollywood’s Gone Green!

In honor of the day of St. Patrick, Leprechauns, pots of gold and green beer, we have compiled a collection of 16 of our favorite “greenified” one sheets with the most clever use of PMS 355.

Cheers!

Rainy Day Monday Blues!

In spite of what Barry Manilow may say, yes, it does rain in Southern California! In fact, this week, it poured in a few selective locations...including above the Menagerie production table!

Even this bleakest of weather can inspire some of the most stunning key art designs. So in honor of the mighty Mayan rain God Chac, and the all-powerful ruler of Mount Olympus Zeus, we share with our viewers a selection of 12 ‘misty’cal masterpieces. Now, can you two back off so our carpets can dry out?

Film Industry by the Numbers

Encouraging news for all us entertainment creatives and a really nice visual representation. Click to view larger.

Via: Online MBA

2010 Academy Awards® Nominations – Best Picture

On March 7^th, the 2010 Academy Awards® will once again take over the airwaves, and the most honorable awards in filmmaking will be bestowed upon the best artists, actors and motion pictures of last year. And, for the first time since 1943, the Academy has granted that there will be 10 Best Picture nominations.

2009 was a rather surprisingly good year for film in general. At the beginning of the year, most of the films in theaters were written and filmed at the time of the WGA Writer’s Strike in late 2007. This meant rushed or incomplete scripts, which could not be rewritten under the rules of the WGA. Fortunately, it seems as though many of those films managed to avoid being plagued by the strike, as all 10 nominations are truly what the best of ’09 had to offer.

And...the nominees for Best Picture are:

Avatar: Directed by James Cameron

The biggest film of…well…ALL TIME leads the race with 9 nominations. While it will most definitely sweep the technical categories (and deservedly so), the idea of a big science fiction epic winning the almighty Best Picture award seems a little daunting. There are a large number of filmgoers who were amazed by Avatar, and even a great many more left wondering how a film with such a clichéd script could create such a phenomenon. For a big blockbuster to rank a nomination is not a surprise for the Oscars®, Star Wars: A New Hope. Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jaws, E.T. and all three of The Lord of the Rings were each nominated in the category. In 2003, the third Rings film famously swept with 11 Academy Awards. Titanic was not the most original film of 1997, but it was certainly the most memorable, and the same applies with Cameron’s follow up Avatar. The Academy cannot ignore a film which has reached out to millions of people across the globe with such a cultural impact. Despite its flaws, Avatar is well told, expertly crafted, brilliantly directed, and most importantly of all, it was thoroughly entertaining.

Will it win? Comicon fans rejoice! This could be the year of the Sci-fi!

For a full review of Avatar, visit our previous review here.

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The Blind Side, Directed by John Lee Hancock

One of the surprise nominations, The Blind Side is most notable for the captivating performance of Sandra Bullock as Leigh Anne Tuohy, and her family’s taking in of Michael Oher, a homeless African-American youngster. This young man is given a second shot at life as a successful student and eventually becomes a professional football player. It has become a box office success, and has won over the general audience with its heartfelt and touching story. Bullock gives the performance of her career as the feisty Leigh Anne, a woman whose determination helps ensure the success of Michael Oher (played by Quinten Aaron). Despite a mixed consensus from critics, the film has managed to secure two of the top nominations, making it an interesting choice to watch for come Oscar® night.

Will it win? It wouldn’t be a Blind Side if it did.
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District 9, Directed by Neill Blomkamp

Now here is a film that both surprises and delights many film lovers. Likely the most lightly financed yet smartest sci-fi film of the year, District 9 has become a cult classic among fans and is a ballsy choice for the Academy. But alas, it was most certainly not the best film of the year, and when the votes are tallied, this one won’t even come close.

Will it win? As unlikely as any Sci-Fi film featuring ugly, gross, gun carrying, cockroach-like aliens which mutates into a heartwarming film uncovering the truth behind a marriage, and the relationship of a father and his son.

For a full review of District 9, visit our previous review here.

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An Education, Directed by Lone Scherfig

Based on an autobiographical memoir of the same title written by the British journalist Lynn Barber, the high praise in this film comes from newcomer Carey Mulligan’s standout performance as Jenny, a young woman full of promise and intent to study at Oxford until she meets an older man (Peter Sarsgaard) who changes her life in ways she cannot realize. The film first made waves at the 2009 Sundance film festival where it won the World Cinema Audience Award in the Dramatic category. Despite Mulligan’s praise for her performance, she faces sharp competition from veteran Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock, which will provide no easy feat in helping Academy voters decide who deserves the gold.

Will it win? Unlikely, but it’s certainly a lesson in fine filmmaking.

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The Hurt Locker, Directed by Kathryn Bigelow

If this film hasn’t hit your radar yet, you owe it to yourself to see free up some movie time. With fantastic performances, and suspenseful sequences that linger on until you are almost exhausted; The Hurt Locker is quite a ride. What is also promising about it is that it is a film, an Iraq based film no less, which offers no major, overtly preachy, message. It simply shows what soldiers are doing everyday to protect this country. It doesn’t question if what they are doing is moral or right, but it brings the audience up close to the personal hardships endured everyday, and the effects of their actions on their souls. This is a very powerful film, and most certainly a major contender for the win. The Hurt Locker is up for 9 nominations

Will it win? It’s definitely the one to beat.

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Inglourious Basterds, Directed by Quentin Tarantino

Tarantino returns to form, and the work speaks for itself with 8 nominations! This is the largest amount of nominations a Tarantino film has received, and the first time he has been nominated for any kind of Oscar since Pulp Fiction in 1994. Although it would be great if it won best picture, the odds are against it. However, the real crime will be if Christoph Waltz (The infamous Hans Landa) does not win the Best Supporting Actor category, which he is rightfully nominated for and deserves. There was not a single character that was more captivating or memorable than his was. Basterds also has a fair chance at winning Best Original Screenplay as well, as no one in the industry writes dialog like Tarantino does.

Will it win? Here’s hoping!

For a full review of Inglourious Basterds, visit our previous review here.

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Precious, Directed by Lee Daniels

One of the most controversial films of the year, Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire, is getting notable recognition from the Academy with 6 nominations. In particular, the performances of the two lead actresses, Gabourey Sidibe and Monique Imes (Mo’Nique), have been nominated in each of the respective actress categories. The film was a hit at the 2009 Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals, which provoked Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry to assist in promoting the film to a distributor, as well as receiving production credit. Precious tells the tale of an abused, obese and illiterate teenager growing up in Harlem in the late 1980’s. It has generally received strong praise, although some critics found the story to be exploitive in the presentation of the abuse scenes and it’s dark social commentary.

Will it win? As the Academy tends to favor deeper personal stories over spectacle, it will be no surprise if Precious takes home the gold.

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A Serious Man, Directed by the Coen Brothers

This is a nomination that both surprising and not surprising. A Serious Man was amongst one of the most memorable films of the year. If you haven’t already read our full revie, you can read it here. Although it was not widely circulated film and many have not heard of it, it is one of the most original films of the year.

Will it win? Unlikely. But at least the Academy have given well deserved nod to the Coen Brothers.

For a full review of A Serious Man, visit our previous review here.

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Up, Directed by Peter Doctor & Bob Peterson

A major surprise, as only one other animated film in history (Disney’s own Beauty and the Beast) has been nominated for the Best Picture category, It’s quite a delight that UP gets to be the only other to share that title thus far. With lovable characters and a creative, funny story with a great deal of heart, UP is a favorite for many. Unfortunately, since it is also nominated in the Best Animated Feature category where it’s biggest competitor is Fantastic Mr. Fox, the odds of it getting the big prize are slim.

Will it win? Only if the Movie Gods deem it worthy

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Up in the Air, Directed by Jason Reitman

Here is a film that has gathered a lot of buzz, praise and love in the recent months. The third film from Rietman (Thank You for Smoking & Juno), this is a film for our times. It deals directly with the economic fallout of the country, and is a pretty accurate portrait of the world we live in today. George Clooney finally washed away the horrible memories of the nippled-Batsuit with this role, perhaps his best. The anomaly for this film is how memorable it is. The film is well made, people praise it, and there is nothing wrong with the story, performances or directing, but it’s still leaves the audience a little empty afterward. It feels very middle-of-the-road, and certainly won’t be on anyone’s mind in the next year or so

Will it win? Only if they votes are tied between the Hurt Locker and Avatar

What are your thoughts on the Oscar® nominations? Agree? Disagree? Who do you think got snubbed? We want to know.

Written by Jeff Butler & Cheryl Savala

SuperBowl 2010 AdBlitz: $3M every 30 seconds!

Minutes after the New Orleans Saints stormed past the Colts to win Superbowl XLIV, YouTube uploaded all the on-air ads in their annual “AdBlitz”. Viewers are invited to vote which of the $3+ Million/30 second ads will boast the YouTube front page on Thursday. According to USA Today’s Superbowl Ad Meter, Betty White and Snickers were the clear winners. Putting aside the typical “sex sells” and “anthropomorphized animals” ads, we’ve made our “Excellence in Creativity” selections including spots for the highly anticipated films Wolfman, Robin Hood and Alice in Wonderland. Did we leave out your favorite?

For a full listing of all the ads visit http://www.youtube.com/user/adblitz

The Evolution of the Tablet

We’ve waited for months with bated breath for the long anticipated announcement of Apple’s tablet. In honor of this historic day, we take a look back at the evolution of this little hand held miracle.

1440 BC
The Ten Commandments according to the Hebrew Bible, are spoken by God to the people of Israel from the mountain referred to as “Mount Sinai” then later given to Moses in the form of two stone tablets.

1952
The National Secretaries Association creates a special “Secretary’s Day” to recognize hard working office secretaries and their stacks of yellow executive note tablets.

1959
The Ohio Art Company sees for the first time drawings of Arthur Granjean’s “L’Ecran Magique” or “the magic screen” and later produces the Etch-a-Sketch drawing tablet in time for the 1960 holiday season.

1984 The KoalaPad, the first graphic tablet for home computers, is invented and recommended for use on 8-bit home computers including Atari, Commodore 64 and Apple II.

2010 The iPad according to Apple Inc, as introduced by Steve Jobs via worldwide streaming video from the city known as Frisco, promises a magical, digital revolution in the form of a 9.7 inch tablet.

A faux pas for Oprah!

Just where were the scruples in 1989? Considering Photoshop 1.0 wasn’t even released until 1990, the retouching expert behind this masterpiece was likely on a Quantel Paintbox with a highly paid art director breathing over his shoulder. That art director would have had the cover approved by his Creative Director, who in turn sought approval from the cover editor who again needed the green light from the Editor in Chief. Count in Oprah and her publicist, and there were at least 7 people that thought stripping the head of $250 million megastar Oprah onto America’s red headed bombshell Ann Margeret was a “good” idea.

According to Time Magazine the manipulation was immediately detected by Ann-Margaret’s fashion designer Bob Mackie, who created the gown. What’s even more ironic is I remember this cover and thinking Oprah literally had a big head but, darn it, I wanted those legs and that dress!

100’s of Classic Movies right in your Pocket

Turner Classic Movies has taken the lead in bringing home entertainment literally into your pocket. With TCM’s recently announced iPhone app, how long before the big guns like Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Bros., Universal, Sony and Paramount follow behind. The $2.99, TCM app, offers movie clips and trailers, photos and access to three months of TCM schedule.

On February 1, TCM begins its annual “31 days of Oscar” celebration. When a film is clicked, consumers will be able to read a full synopsis of the film, cast information, trivia and see any essays or other relevant information related to the film. Other Value Added Material (VAM) include film clips, trailers, photos, press kits, posters and lobby cards. The latest entries from TCM’s movie blog will even be streaming.

While the app is only designed for the iPhone right now, TCM plans to release a version for the Android and BlackBerry platforms next month.

As the home entertainment industry redefines itself amongst the downfall of DVD and the slow rise of Blu-ray, motion picture studios are redefining themselves as well. These behemoth corporations are realizing that in order to think big, they need to think small, literally. They have already been covering every marketing angle from partnering with Video On Demand providers such as Vudu and X-Box live, to cable subscriptions and now these iphone apps further capitalize on their rich catalog of film classics, it’s now become clear that the power of consumers really is in their hands.

How will this change the future of Entertainment Design? There’s no question that mobile media has become a key component to every consumer product marketing plan. Connecting to consumers is the number one mission and what better way than in the palm of their hands. But, with so many competing delivery formats, will consumers stop appreciating the films for their artistic nature and see them only as a passing time commodity?

We would love to hear what you think! Send us your thoughts

The Typologist is In

If you’ve taken Strengthfinder, Myers Briggs and Enneagram tests, the time has come to REALLY define your personality type...literally. From the brilliant minds at Pentagram comes an investigation into the inner workings of the mind of a graphic designer and our outward typographic expression.

Tell us... What type are you?
(Password is Character)

Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions of a Graphic Designer

In anticipation of the New Year, those of us still working away this week have put together our top 10 list of resolutions. Enjoy!

10. Travel More. Move the printer to the far side of the studio.
9. Save Money. Buy fewer black turtlenecks.
8. Exercise More. Race through Photoshop tutorials at lunch.
7. Get Organized. Use more post-its. Everywhere.
6. Think Green. 60% Cyan 100% Yellow is nice.
5. Keep a Journal. When frustrated with brainstorming, throw in direction of an intern.
4. Be nicer. Hug an intern.
3. Eat Healthier. Cut back to 3 gallons of coffee a day.
2. Read More. 140 character twitter feeds don’t count.

and finally the #1 resolution for 2010...
1. Spend more time with the family. Have them bring a midnight snack to the studio.

A Trifecta of Holiday Blockbusters!

As the holiday season ends and the New Year begins, three of the most anticipated blockbusters of the season are continuing to dominate the box-office. The first is a 15 years in-the-making science fiction epic; the second, the long awaiting revival of a beloved detective; and the third, a rockin’ and rollin’ Squeakquel.

Written back in the mid-1990s but delayed until film technology was primed, James Cameron presents his first film since 1997’s Academy Award™ Winner Titanic. AVATAR transports us to a bleak future where the only hope for mankind is to mine the distant planet of Pandora, a vast world of jungles and forests home to ten-foot tall, blue humanoids called the Na’vi.

From a purely technical level, AVATAR is an astonishing achievement. The world of Pandora is immensely beautiful and completely immersive. When seeing the film in 3D (truly the best way to experience it) the viewer is pushed straight into the action. Cameron developed a special 3D camera to shoot the film, and the result is nothing short of a visual feast. Another achievement is in the detail of the CGI. While promoting the film Director James Cameron boasted that it would contain effects so believable that viewers would be unable to distinguish reality from the visual effects. Today’s sophisticated audience may not completely agree, but the movie certainly shows that the next great advancement in visual effects has hit mainstream. Pandora is unlike anything ever seen on film. The artistic direction that went into the creation of the world will blow your mind and surely worth an artist’s investment in an edition of the Art of Avatar.

With a relatively simple story told by James Cameron – the master of action, pace, and emotion – there is a wealth of cliché’s in the film, but Cameron presents them in the best possible way, never leaving the film feeling amateur. The performances are also fairly well done. Zoe Saldana is a major standout. Her motion captured performance of Netiryi packs an emotional punch that hasn’t been seen since the likes of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings. Sigourney Weaver reunites with Cameron for the first time since Aliens to provide the role of Dr. Grace Augustine, creator of the “avatar” program and lead researcher on the Na’vi culture. Unfortunately, our hero Jake Sully (portrayed by Sam Worthington), is the most underwritten character in the film and many audience members may not find themselves connecting emotionally or rooting for our hero. The character seemingly acts without consideration to the consequences of his actions, which takes some of the drama away.

Despite these minor hiccups, AVATAR is a major, major achievement in film and with over $1 billion in gross revenue in a mere 2 weeks at the box-office. It’s a phenomenon no one could have predicted or should miss.

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Now, if you’re looking for something a little more down to earth, Sherlock Holmes is right up your alley. The first major film based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s literary detective in over 20 years, Guy Ritchie’s update is a fast paced, deduction spewing adventure that doesn’t let up one second in its 134 minute runtime. Like AVATAR, Holmes has all the fine tuning of a rousing, entertaining, adventure of a movie and offers escapism into another, albeit former world. Add in the brilliant casting of Robert Downey, Jr. and Holmes is an elementary choice at the movies.

While the film is definitely a more modern take on the Holmes character, with a bit of amplified action, the film stays true to the characters of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s books. Holmes’ quirky, almost superhuman analytical and observational reasoning, his boxing and sword fighting skills, and his distinct lack of personal hygiene is truly the character at his roots. The charisma between Downey and Law is unmistakably great, so much so that they carry the film when the plot turns to mulch in the third act. While the plot for the film is well written and is quite witty at times, the overall payoff simply boils down to the villain’s desire to “take over the world” – seemingly a little generic for a film about the world’s greatest detective.

As with most action movies, the writing of the female character has been undervalued. Irene Adler is touted as the one person in the world that has outsmarted Holmes, but Rachel McAdams is underwritten in her character, unconvincing in her role and undeniably present to set up a sequel. Granted, Downey is so brilliant in the role that it’s nearly impossible to imagine anyone able to match him.

Visually, the audience becomes captivated by the deductive reasoning of our genius detective as they are literally thrown into the mind of Holmes through fascinating slow motion camera work and editing. Add to the brilliant cinematography the slick, Tim Burton“esque” production design complimented by Hans Zimmer’s score of bizarre banjos & violins, and Sherlock Holmes becomes one of the most distinct and memorable films of the year.

Finally, for us designers, be sure to stay around for the end credits. They are truly an artistic achievement! If you want to learn more about the process of the design on these end credits, click HERE.



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To round out our trifecta of blockbusters, if you’re looking for just a “little” escapism with your movie going experience, climb aboard with Alvin and the Chipmunks as they head back to school and into a whole new world of adventure and...you guessed it...love!

Through another inevitable series of pratfalls, misguided intentions and overactive imaginations, our lovable munks Alvin, Simon and Theodore wind up in the care of Dave Seville’s twenty-something nephew Toby (Zachary Levi). The boys soon after find themselves tasked with saving their school’s music program in a battle of the bands when they unexpectedly meet their match with The Chipettes... Hellooooo Ladies!

Although the audience doesn’t see much of Dave (Jason Lee) in this film, Zachary Levi fills the role of the newly-appointed caregiver quite charmingly. Toby let’s the boys pretty much run amuck until Alvin, Simon and Theodore teach him a few unsuspecting lessons in commitment, responsibility and love. David Cross returns as Ian Hawke in a performance truely fitting of his character’s surname! Reduced to residing on the rooftop of Jett Records in a robe and slippers, Hawke receives an unexpected visit from what promises to become the next pop sensation...The Chipettes. Against his first impulse to “jett”ison the girls off the building, Hawke eagerly sees dollar signs in his eyes again and assigns himself their manager.

The Squeakquel is definitely a film for the family! Kids will laugh at the antics and be singing during the ride home. For parents, it’s a fun-loving movie you can feel good about taking the youngsters to see. If you’re looking for an emotionally packed story, rich cinematography, and ground breaking special effects, you’re barking up the wrong tree. Alvin and the Chipmunks offers a low dose of cinematic ingenuity but a high dose of good clean fun.

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The New Year promises something for every film enthusiast! If you love action, thrills and an unbelievable visual experience catch AVATAR. If you like your action movies with a little more intellectual flavor, Sherlock Holmes is your man! And, if you’re looking for a couple hours of saccharine induced antics, Alvin and the Chipmunks are ready to spin you round, round like a record baby! Those of us movie lovers here at Menagerie, are rarely satisfied with seeing any film just once so next time you’re at catching one of these blockbusters, look around, you may just run into us at the popcorn bar – extra butter please!

Written by Jeff Butler and Cheryl Savala

A Holiday Gift Just for YOU!

As a way to say thank you and extend festive “greadings” to our valued and loyal blog followers, we would like to send YOU a set of 8 Novel Occasion “Greading Cards” Volume 1. Each card contains a detachable bookmark perfect for sliding in between the pages of a favorite book you want to share with a friend or loved one. Volume one covers a year’s worth of special occasions including New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays and more. Just be one of the first 10 readers to reply and comment to this post before January 1st 2010 and a complete set will be yours.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Tassels, punches, dies...oh my!

Night at the Museum Comes to Life!

In case our viewers haven’t already heard, Augmented Reality is the biggest buzz to hit Home Entertainment since Blu-ray knocked out HD. If you aren’t familiar with this latest technology you can catch up on a little history and background by visiting our previous post Augmented Reality — A New Era is Born!

Last Tuesday, Night At the Museum, Battle of the Smithsonian hit stores and online retailers everywhere and as part of the excitement, an Augmented Reality site was produced. Menagerie Creative pitched implementing this technology nearly a year ago with part of our initial packaging exploration and was thrilled when it finally come to life! To activate the AR, you will need the DVD or Blu-ray package or the newspaper ad insert (also designed by Menagerie Creative). You can also download and print an image from www.nightatthemuseumcomestolife.com. To unlock the AR content, simply follow the instructions at www.nightatthemuseumcomestolife.com.

Okay, now go enjoy a fun film, monkey mayhem and little online mischief!

Gaga over Neutraface!

Here at the blog for Menagerie Creative it’s not normally our intention to post links or content from other creative sources, but in the case of this video, it just screamed to be shared with our audience. Enjoy a little light hearted humor and an ode to one of our favorite typographic House Industries fonts. Thank you Mark and Jason for sharing a brilliant moment!

A Serious Man. Why So Serious?

Amongst the great American filmmakers, one team that never fails to stand out and surprise their audience, be it with laughter, disgust, frustration or applause, is the duo of Joel and Ethan Coen. Famous for such films as Fargo, Barton Fink, The Big Lebowski, and their Academy Award® winning No Country For Old Men, the brothers Coen return to the cinema with A Serious Man, one of their most mature, funny, and unconventional pictures to date, and while it may not be a major hit with the mainstream, it is one of the more memorable pictures of the year.

Mildly reflecting the Coen’s Jewish suburban Minnesota lifestyle, A Serious Man takes place in the late 1960s, where meek college physics professor Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg) is having what he would call a “mid-life crisis.” Based on what happens to him in the film, the rest of us in the real world would call it a “apocalypse.” Mirroring a series of events similar to the story of Job, Larry is constantly tested in his faith when his whole world comes crashing down. His wife leaves him for the dreaded Sy Abelman, his son is a pot head, his daughter wants a nose job, his tenure is in question, his sick brother can’t stay out of the law’s way, his bills are piling up, and he is simultaneously being black-mailed and bribed by a student in his class. Is all this a test from God? Why do bad things happen to good people? Can he get an answer from a rabbi (or three)? Unfortunately for Larry, the Coen Bros. are the angry Gods punishing him, and as in all their classic dark comedies, the protagonist endures quite a lot before those end credits roll in.

While by no means a blockbuster, the film itself is quite hilarious, despite all the harrowing mishaps that Larry gets thrown at him. Michael Stuhlberg (a Tony Award winning stage actor in his first major role) plays Larry like George Costanza with a conscience. Despite being a complete push-over, the amount of abuse that he takes makes him an enduring and tragic character. His son Danny (Aaron Wolf), suffers in many similar ways at his school, and the parallels that both father and son endure while being nearly completely unaware of each other’s hardships is a funny and misfortunate. Danny manages to cope better than his father does, escaping with F Troop, getting stoned out of his mind at his Bar Mitzvah, and Jefferson Airplane (“Somebody To Love” is essentially the theme song for the film). Despite all the wild decisions that only a teenage can make, he ends up in a better place than his father...until the tornado storm of an ending.

Despite the strong performances, wonderful cinematography (by long time Coen collaborator Roger Deakins), and its hilariously grim humor, the ending is what is going to divide audiences. The Coens, over their last few films, have developed a trademark for the unconventional ending. While this can be a turn-off to many, it is a parallel to the sheer sense of uncertainty that Larry faces in his life, searching for the answers that we all ask ourselves and will never know the answers to. “Hashem doesn’t owe us anything,” a rabbi tells Larry. Frankly, neither do the Coens. They tell it like they see it, and while it is frustrating, they are making their point. It is a film that will stay in your mind, whether you love it or hate it, for days on end.

3.5 out of 5 Stars

Written by Jeffrey Butler