New releases for Jan. 3, 2011: “Jimmy Owens,” Elvis, “Contagion,” “The Guard,” Lisa Swayze’s memoir
If like me you still haven’t used all your Christmas gift cards, here are this week’s new CDs, DVDs and books for your perusal:
CDs
Jimmy Owens, “The Monk Project.”
Elvis Presley, “Elvis Country” (Legacy Edition).
Lego Feet, “Lego Feet.”
The Beau Brummels, “Bradley’s Barn” (Limited edition re-release).
Johnfish Sparkle, “Flow.”
Mr. Oizo, “Stade 2.”
Monkees, “Head” (Limited collector’s edition).
DVDs
Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Season Five
Contagion
Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark
The Guard
I Don’t Know How She Does It
Justified: The Complete Second Season
The Last Lions
Mildred Pierce
Puncture
Removal
Shark Night
Books
Worth Fighting For: Love, Loss, and Moving Forward by Lisa Niemi Swayze
Private: #1 Suspect (Jack Morgan) by James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
Real Marriage: The Truth About Sex, Friendship, and Life Together by Mark Driscoll and Grace Driscoll
American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History by Chris Kyle, Scott McEwen, Jim DeFelice
The Harbinger: The Ancient Mystery That Holds the Secret of America’s Future by Jonathan Cahn
Taking People With You: The Only Way to Make Big Things Happen by David Novak
-BAM
New releases for Dec. 27, 2011: “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” soundtrack, “The First Grader” on DVD, Dean Koontz’s “77 Shadow Street”
Nine Inch Nails mastermind and Oscar-winning composer Trent Reznor (AP file)
In case you have gift cards or Christmas money to spend, there are some new entertainment options this week, including the three-CD soundtrack to the Hollywood adaptation of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” by Oscar winners Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, the uplifting Kenyan film “The First Grader” on DVD and new books from best-selling authors Dean Koontz and Christine Feehan.
Here is a list of this week’s new CD, DVD and book releases, from Amazon.com and VideoETA.com:
CDs
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” (soundtrack box set).
Elvis Presley, “Complete Louisiana Hayride Archives” (box set)
Seal, “Soul 2.”
Music Theatre Wales, “Philip Glass: In the Penal Colony.”
Thomas Newman, “The Iron Lady: Music from the Motion Picture.”
Yardbirds, “Glimpses 1963-1968” (box set).
DVDs
Apollo 18
Archer: The Complete Season Two
The Borgias: The First Season
Brighton Rock
Final Destination 5
The First Grader
A Good Old Fashioned Orgy
Hostel: Part III
Jersey Shore: Season Four
Love Crime
The Pool Boys
Shameless: The Complete First Season
The Tunnel
Books
77 Shadow Street by Dean Koontz
Spirit Bound (A Sea Haven Novel) by Christine Feehan
A Brief History of Thought: A Philosophical Guide to Living by Luc Ferry
Life Is Not a Reality Show: Keeping It Real with the Housewife Who Does It All by Kyle Richards
Hidden Summit (Virgin River) by Robyn Carr
-BAM
Best Bets for Dec. 23-27, 2011: Lyric’s “A Christmas Carol,” Rodney Carrington and Casey Donahew Band
Casey Donahew Band
Here are the Best Bets for events happening around the state over the next few days, as listed in Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman. For more Oklahoma events, go to www.wimgo.com.
1. Watch Lyric Theatre’s new production of Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” at 8 p.m. Friday at Lyric at the Plaza, 1725 NW 16 in the Plaza District. Performances continue Tuesday-Dec. 31. Information: 524-9312 or www.lyrictheatreokc.com.
2. YUKON — Hear the Red Dirt Rangers at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Grady’s 66 Pub, 444 W Main St. Information: 354-8789 or www.gradys66.com.
3. THACKERVILLE — Listen to popular Texas country group Casey Donahew Band at 9 p.m. Friday at WinStar World Casino, Interstate 35, Exit 1. Information: (800) 622-6317 or www.winstarworldcasino.com.
4. SHAWNEE — Laugh at Tulsa comedian Rodney Carrington at 5 and 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at FireLake Grand Casino, 777 Grand Casino Blvd. Information: 964-7263 or www.firelakegrand.com.
-BAM
Jamie Bell brings iconic globe-trotting character to America with “The Adventures of Tintin”
Iconic comic-book character Tintin (Jamie Bell) goes on a big-screen treasure hunt in the new movie "The Adventures of Tintin."
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
Jamie Bell brings famous globe-trotting reporter to America with “The Adventures of Tintin”
The English actor plays the iconic comic-book character in his first motion-capture movie, directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by Peter Jackson.
For Jamie Bell, round-faced, ginger-haired boy reporter Tintin is more than just an intrepid journalist with a knack for finding danger along with a good story.
“He’s really dealing with injustices, he’s really dealing with political tensions, he’s really dealing with issues. He’s also kind of a pioneer of technology and science: I think he landed on the moon 16 years before Neil Armstrong did,” the actor said during an interview earlier this year at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles.
“He’s also part of history; I think he’s one of the very first comic book characters ever. He’s way older than Batman; he’s way older than Superman. This is the definitive comic book character. This is where it all started.”
Actor Jamie Bell attends the premiere of "The Adventures of Tintin" at the Ziegfeld Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 in New Yok. (AP Photo)
After growing up watching a French-Canadian cartoon based on Belgian artist Herge’s classic comics, the English actor is helping introduce the adventuresome writer to American audiences with the Hollywood film “The Adventures of Tintin,” which opened Wednesday in U.S. theaters.
“It’s a massive responsibility, obviously. I know Tintin as someone who’s ingrained in my home continent’s culture. Like every European at some point will pick up a Tintin book or will refer to Tintin or … see a silhouette of him and be able to say, ‘Yeah, that’s Tintin,’” Bell said last week in a follow-up interview from New York City, where he was promoting the film.
“So the fact that he is unknown on these shores presents us with a great opportunity to introduce the character to a new generation of people and kind of tell them what they’re missing.”
“The Adventures of Tintin” is the first animated film from director Steven Spielberg, who became a fan of the character when French reviewers likened his Indiana Jones to the comic-book hero. Spielberg teamed with fellow three-time Academy Award winner Peter Jackson, who grew up on the comics in New Zealand and produced the film.
To bring Tintin to the big screen, Spielberg used a blend of digital animation and the motion-capture technology Jackson pioneered to create the villainous Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings” films and the giant ape in “King Kong,” which co-starred Bell.
“It’s a little intense to have these two very powerful, very creative, very visionary powerhouses on the same set,” Bell said. “I’m very grateful for that experience. It’s a great experience to have. It was daunting, but they work so well together and “I learnt a lot about the way you can work with someone and come up with ideas. Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson just have this ability to make things work, on a visual level, on a storytelling level.” They just have this gift. It’s a gift.”
The movie is based on three of Herge’s (the pen name for Georges Remi) books — “The Secret of the Unicorn,” “The Crab with the Golden Claws” and “Red Rackham’s Treasure” — and sends Tintin, his valiant dog Snowy and boozy seafarer Capt. Haddock (Andy Serkis) on a globe-trotting treasure hunt that pits them against the sinister Sakharine (Daniel Craig).
“We stayed very true to the books in the depiction of the world and the embodiment of the characters,” Bell said. “I think when we were making the film that was paramount to everyone.”
While his co-star Serkis is considered the master of mo-cap, having used the technique to embody Gollum and King Kong for Jackson and hyper-intelligent chimpanzee Caesar in “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “Tintin” marked Bell’s first film made with the high-tech process. Although the story hops from forbidding desert to lashing seas, Spielberg shot the movie on a Hollywood soundstage, while the actors were covered in reflective dots recorded by dozens of digital cameras.
“I kind of couldn’t believe the work of the animators. We made the film basically in one room, so for us to see this finished product was just eye-popping because for us we’d been used to pretty shabby pre-vis kind of animation, which has no rendering to it, and the graphics are so like 1990s,” Bell said with a laugh.
While the animators fleshed out the characters in post-production, Bell, 25, said the actors were tasked with bringing them to life in the first place.
“You’re doing the exact same thing that you do in a live-action film,” he said. “Without the actors, the digital puppets are lifeless. They don’t move and they don’t think and don’t feel and don’t speak. And we’re bringing all of that to the table.”
“Tintin” began showing in overseas theaters two months ago and is already is a global blockbuster, nearing $250 million at the worldwide box office. Jackson is planning to direct a sequel, and Bell would be thrilled to reprise the role, especially if Americans flock to theaters to meet the iconic character.
“Getting to work with Peter on a Tintin movie would be great. I think he’d make a really good movie,” Bell said. “I don’t think that’s ever decided by the filmmakers; it’s often decided by the public … if they embrace the film and want to go on more adventures with the character. So we’ll see.”
Contributing: The Associated Press.
-BAM
Wednesday Video Spotlight: Trent Reznor and Karen O’s “Immigrant Song,” featured in “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”
Trent Reznor and Karen O - "The Immigrant song"... by taimurl
Check out the video for Oscar-winner Trent Reznor and Karen O’s cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” featured on “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” soundtrack.
The three-disc soundtrack box set will be released next Tuesday, but director David Fincher’s hotly anticipated film adaptation of the late Stieg Larsson global best-seller opened in theaters this Tuesday.
Fueled by Rooney Mara’s fearless performance as cyberpunk Lisbeth Salander, Fincher’s version of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” lived up to the considerable hype. Right now, it is on my list of the top 10 films of 2011, and I don’t see that changing.
This may just be the best Zeppelin cover of all time, and it is prominently featured in what may just be the coolest opening credits sequence that doesn’t belong to a Bond movie.
-BAM
New releases for Dec. 20, 2011: Common, “Dolphin Tale,” “Midnight in Paris,” “Warrior” and more
Common (AP file)
Just a friendly reminder: Christmas is Sunday, so there are only a few shopping days left.
Here is a list of new CDs, DVDs and books, from Amazon.com, VideoETA.com and BarnesandNoble.com:
CDs
Common, “The Dreamer, The Believer.”
Young Jeezy, “TM 103 Hustlerz Ambition.”
Alexander O’Neal, “My Gift to You.”
Roscoe Dash, “J.u.i.c.e.”
Percy Sledge, “Atlantic Recordings” (Limited edition box set).
The Stooges, “Complete Funhouse Sessions” (Box set).
Christopher Young, “The Rum Diary: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.”
The Saint Vincent Camerata Scholars, “A Blessed Day Has Dawned.”
DVDs
Blackthorn
Burke and Hare
Catch .44
Colombiana
Dolphin Tale
Futurama: Volume 6
Glee: The Concert Movie
Margin Call
Midnight in Paris
One Tree Hill: The Complete Eighth Season
Straw Dogs
The Tempest
Warrior
Books
Covert Warriors (Presidential Agent Series #7) by W. E. B. Griffin
D. C. Dead (Stone Barrington Series #22) by Stuart Woods
Weight Watchers One Pot Cookbook by Weight Watchers
Star Wars The Old Republic Explorer’s Guide: Prima Official Game Guide by Mike Searle
Once Upon a Time: A Collection of Classic Fairy Tales by Brothers Grimm
-BAM
Best Bets for Dec. 16-18, 2011: “Territorial Christmas Carol,” the Commodores, Modern Rock Diaries and more
Modern Rock Diaries
Here are the Best Bets for events happening in the state this weekend, as they appear in Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman. For more events, go to www.wimgo.com.
1. GUTHRIE — Watch “A Territorial Christmas Carol,” an Oklahoma version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, at 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Pollard Theatre, 120 W Harrison. Performances continue Wednesday-Dec. 23. Information: 282-2800 or www.thepollard.org.
2. CONCHO — Hear the Commodores and Kool & the Gang at 8 p.m. Friday at Lucky Star Casino, 7777 N U.S. 81. Doors open at 7 p.m. Information: 262-7612 or www.luckystarcasino.org.
3. See Busby Berkeley-inspired dance numbers, slow-motion fight sequences and sarcastic, inebriated actors during Ghostlight Theatre Club’s annual holiday fundraising show “Screw the Eggnog, Pass the Rum” at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the theater, 3110 N Walker. Information: 286-9412 or www.ghostlightokc.com.
4. Listen to Oklahoma City indie band Modern Rock Diaries at 9 p.m. Friday at VZD’s, 4200 N Western. Information: 524-4203 or www.vzds.com.
-BAM
RIP “Frances” author Russell Hoban
Prolific fantasy and children’s author Russell Hoban has died at the age of 86, reports the Associated Press.
The former illustrator, painter and decorated World War II veteran passed away in his adopted home of London on Tuesday night, Bloomsbury Publishing told the AP. The cause of death was not immediately available.
“Russell Hoban was a complete original,” Bill Swainson, his editor at Bloomsbury, told the AP. “People who only read his adult fiction don’t know he was also one of the great children’s writers of our time.”
Hoban is perhaps best known for his series of children’s books about an imaginative badger named Frances. A personal favorite, the series was originally illustrated by Garth Williams and later by Hoban’s first wife, Lillian.
Russell and Lillian Hoban also wrote and illustrated the book “Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas,” which Jim Henson made into a classic 1977 TV movie.
In all, Russell Hoban wrote more than 50 children’s books.
In the 1970s, the Pennsylvania native turned to writing fiction for adults. His 1980 novel “Riddley Walker,” set 2,000 years in the future after a nuclear war has destroyed much of the world, is considered his masterpiece. The book relies on a language Hoban created, based on English, that characterizes the near-death of the human spirit.
Swainson told the AP that Hoban was productive until nearly the end of his life and had published a novel last year.
Swainson said the author is survived by his second wife Gundula and his children and grandchildren.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and fans.
-BAM
Opening of “Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” moves to Tuesday night
Moviegoers will get a jump on one of the most highly-anticipated films of the season as “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” opens one day earlier than planned, with showings beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20 nationwide, according to an announcement from Jeff Blake, chairman, Worldwide Marketing and Distribution for Sony Pictures.
Commenting on the announcement, Blake said, “This is one of the busiest times of the year for moviegoing and we can’t wait to share this outstanding thriller with audiences all over the world. We feel that by opening for night-time shows on Dec. 20, fans of the book will be given the perfect opportunity to get a jump start on the release of an exceptional film.”
In “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” Academy Award-nominated director David Fincher (“The Social Network”) uncoils the world of Stieg Larsson’s global blockbuster thriller on the screen. Within the story’s labyrinth lie murder, corruption, family secrets and the inner demons of the two unexpected partners chasing the truth of a 40-year-old mystery.
Mikael Blomkvist (Daniel Craig) is a financial reporter determined to restore his honor after being convicted of libel. Engaged by one of Sweden’s wealthiest industrialists, Henrik Vanger (Academy Award nominee Christopher Plummer), to get to the bottom of the long-ago disappearance of his beloved niece, Harriet – murdered, Vanger believes, by a member of his large family – the journalist heads to a remote island on the frozen Swedish coast, unaware of what awaits him.
At the same time, Lisbeth Salander (Rooney Mara), an unusual but ingenious investigator with Milton Security, is hired to do a background check on Blomkvist, a job that ultimately leads to her joining Mikael in his investigation of who killed Harriet Vanger. Though Lisbeth shields herself from a world that has repeatedly betrayed her, her hacking skills and single-minded focus become invaluable. While Mikael goes face-to-face with the tight-lipped Vangers, Lisbeth plies the wired shadows. They begin to trace a chain of homicides from the past into the present, forging a fragile strand of trust even as they are pulled into the most savage currents of modern crime.
The film co-stars Robin Wright, Stellan Skarsgård and Joely Richardson. The screenplay is by Steven Zaillian, based on the book by Stieg Larsson originally published by Norstedts. The producers are Scott Rudin, Ole Søndberg, Søren Stærmose, and Ceán Chaffin. The film is presented by Columbia Pictures and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures.
-BAM
New releases for Dec. 13, 2011: “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” “Kung Fu Panda 2,” “Fright Night,” “The Walking Dead, Vol. 15″
There are less than two weeks left until Christmas, and for cinephiles, several soundtrack albums and well-reviewed movies are out this week for home listening and viewing.
In the CD section, movie soundtracks dominate, from the score from the blockbuster “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1″ to Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa’s music from and inspired by “Mac & Devin Go to High School.” Jonsi’s music for “We Bought a Zoo,” John Williams’ for “The Adventures of Tintin” and Hans Zimmer’s from “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” also are due.
Among the new DVDs, most critics praised the sleeper hit “Rise of the Planet of the Apes,” the remake “Fright Night,” the animated sequel “Kung Fu Panda 2″ and Chinese director Hark Tsui’s Sherlock Holmes-esque “Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame.”
For comics fans, “The Walking Dead, Volume 15,” Marvel’s “X-Statix Omnibus” and the finale “Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 27″ are among the new selections on the bookshelf.
Here are more options for new CDs, DVDs and books out this week, from Amazon.com, VideoETA.com and BarnesandNoble.com:
CDs
Carter Burwell, “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1, The Score.”
Rammstein, “Made in Germany.”
Anthony Hamilton, “Back to Love.”
John Williams, “Music from the Motion Picture The Adventures of Tintin.”
Charlotte Gainsbourg, “Stage Whisper.”
Hans Zimmer, “Sherlock Homes: A Game of Shadows Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.”
Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa, “Mac & Devin Go to High School: Music From and Inspired by the Movie.”
Smokey Robinson, “The Solo Albums: Volume 6.”
Jonsi, “Music from the Motion Picture We Bought a Zoo.”
DVDs
Circumstance
Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame
Family Guy: Volume 9
Fright Night
Kill Katie Malone
Kung Fu Panda 2
A Legend Is Born: Ip Man
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
The Smell of Success
Tanner Hall
Books
The Walking Dead, Volume 15: We Find Ourselves by Robert Kirkman
Covert Warriors (Presidential Agent Series #7) by W. E. B. Griffin
D. C. Dead (Stone Barrington Series #22) by Stuart Woods
The Devil’s Elixir by Raymond Khoury
Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 27 by Hiromu Arakawa
X-Statix Omnibus by Peter Milligan
Vampire Academy: The Ultimate Guide by Michelle Rowen
Star Wars The Old Republic Explorer’s Guide: Prima Official Game Guide by Mike Searle
Once Upon a Time: A Collection of Classic Fairy Tales by Brothers Grimm
-BAM
