July 30, 2010

Opening This Weekend

Steve Carell seems to be everywhere these days. Hot on the heels of his last movie, the surprise hit Despicable Me, is his latest comedy Dinner for Schmucks. In Schmucks, Carell pairs back up with The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Anchorman costar Paul Rudd. In order to receive a promotion at work, Rudd's character must bring the weirdest or dumbest person he can find to a special company dinner. Playing goofy, spaced out characters is certainly Carell's forte, and Rudd is perfect as a sarcastic strait man. This movie looks to be hilariously absurd, with an eclectic mix of odd characters including Zach Galifiankis (The Hangover) and Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords). This should definitely be worth checking out for fans of comedy.



Also opening this weekend is The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud, starring Zac Efron. This movie is quite the deviation from Efron's previous works, as he looks to prove he has the chops for serious drama. Charlie St. Cloud deals with issues such as love, loss, and gaining closure, certainly more mature themes than any of Efron's previous work. It will be interesting to see where this takes his career. Many forget that Shia LaBeouf began his career on the Disney Channel as well, and now he is one of Hollywood's biggest young stars. Time will tell if this movie is the springboard Efron needs to take take his career to the next level. For now, this looks like a good movie for anyone in the mood for a more serious drama.

For any families out there, Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore hits theaters this weekend. This movie continues the ongoing saga of the eternal war between felines and canines. This time around though, enemies become allies as they team up to fight a greater evil. In a summer that has had no shortage of movies for this kids, this looks to be a good way to keep the little ones entertained.

Inception has ruled the box office for the last two weeks, but I'm tabbing Dinner for Schmucks to topple the champ. Steve Carell's last movie took out The Twilight Saga: Eclipse from the top spot, and I think he has it in him again. When you get back from the movies, don't forget to channel your inner Ebert and post a review of what you just saw on Eventful. Remember, write a good enough review and it might be featured in our weekly Reel Buzz movie email, you'll be famous…within the Eventful community that is.

Ben, The Eventful Movie Guru

July 29, 2010

Washington DC venues

Washington DC is one of the shortest major metro areas in the country. Many believe it's because the Capitol was decreed to be the tallest in the city. However, the reason is actually because the firetrucks of the 1890s weren't capable of putting out fires in skyscrapers, so Height of Buildings Act was passed limiting the height of structures within the city.



Luckily, these great venues are just short enough to make the cut:

1. 9:30 Club: A popular live music and nightclub-type of venue to take in a fine meal and a show the likes of The Saw Doctors and The Black Crows
2. Verizon Center: The place for local sports like the Washington Mystics and for giant shows like Lady Gaga
3. John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: The place to soak up some culture via events like the Shen Yun Performing Arts with live orchestra and the National Symphony Orchestra performing the Labor Day Capitol Concert
4. DAR Constitution Hall: Another culturally-charged venue that holds events like Honoring Lafayette: Contemporary Quilts from France and America and Togliatti Autocomponents 2010
5. Black Cat: A sleek and mid-sized venue to take in up-and-comer shows like Run For Cover and MUMIY TROLL
6. Warner Theatre: A wonderful venue to catch today's hottest comics like Lewis Black or seasonal performances like Septime Webre's The Nutcracker
7. Rock and Roll Hotel: A smaller venue for louder music like Bear in Heaven and Dead Kennedys
8. Lincoln Theater: A venue available for community, musical, cultural or civic events like Metro Comedy Presents Dave Chappelle and SANCTIFIED
9. National Gallery of Art: A premiere art gallery to see such exhibits as French Collection: Nineteenth Century and the Italian Renaissance Collection
10. Blues Alley: The nation's oldest continuing jazz supper club thanks to appearances of superstars like Freddy Cole Quartet and MARSHALL KEYS

So, there's obviously plenty to do in DC in terms of culture, music and civics. But, there could be more. If we missed any, let us know!

America's Got Talent scours America for talent

For the first time ever, the reality/talent show America's Got Talent will be traveling across these United States in search of the most talented act out there right now. It seems as though they'll find it, too, considering Howie Mandel, Sharon Osbourne and Piers Morgan will be taking their audition stage to 25 major US cities in five weeks. No doubt Nick Cannon will be along for the ride as host of the show to provide introductions and humor.



The show responsible for introducing us to some of the most spectacularly wonderful and atrocious acts in television history will be kicking the tour off in Oakland's Paramount Theatre. From there, the tour sticks to the West by holding auditions in the Nokia Theatre LA Live and Las Vegas' Colosseum At Caesars Palace. The tour turns inland and hits most of the major Midwest venues like Minneapolis' Northrop Auditorium, Milwaukee's Riverside Theatre and Columbus, OH's Veteran's Memorial Auditorium. The tour sweeps the East and South for the fans on that side of the Mississippi by stopping at venues like New York City's Beacon Theatre, The MGM Grand at Foxwoods in Ledyard, CT and DAR Constitution Hall in DC before the final curtain call in the Bob Carr Performing Arts Center in Orlando, FL.

With as many stops and the keen eyes of the judges, we're certain to find America's next great talent somewhere along the road. Here's the full America's Got Talent tour schedule. See if there's an event scheduled near you. And, if you're brave enough to face the X buttons, try to audition!

July 23, 2010

Opening This Weekend

It looks like this weekend belongs to the women at the box office. First up is the Angelina Jolie spy thriller, Salt. This movie has gotten a lot of attention due to the recent news regarding possible Russian spies. I doubt that real life is anywhere near as entertaining as this movie looks to be. In shades of the Matt Damon Bourne movies, Jolie plays a spy who must use her training to avoid government capture. Fans of spy movies, or high action thrillers with lots of plot twists will certainly enjoy Salt.



Also opening this weekend is Ramona and Beezus. The movie is based on the beloved series of children's books by Beverly Cleary. Disney Channel star Selena Gomez takes on the role of older sister Beezus, who must try to corral her adventurous younger sister Ramona. Ramona and Beezus looks to be a fun family film, with lots of laughs and a heart warming story. If you're looking for a good movie that the whole family will enjoy, Ramona and Beezus looks to be a great choice.

Inception topped the box office last week and I'm predicting a repeat performance. This movie has been pulling in rave reviews left and right and I expect the word of mouth to carry it to the top spot again. While Salt should have a solid opening weekend, I just think topping Leonardo DiCaprio will be a tall order, even for Angelina Jolie. As always, we are eager to hear what you think. Did you like what you saw, or did you hate it? Be sure to post a review and let the rest of the Eventful community know what's worth checking out!

July 21, 2010

Seattle venues

Seattle had the first rotating restaurant in the US (atop the Space Needle) as well being the first US city to have played a Beatles tune on the radio. It's also a city with tons of great places to spend a day.



1. Neumos: Arguably Seattle's premier venue for live entertainment thanks to booked shows like the Nappy Roots or Langhorne Slim
2. The Showbox at the Market: A beautiful art deco venues that boasts live shows of the Wolf Parade and The New Pornographers variety
3. The Showbox Sodo: A large live music and entertainment venue located in a converted warehouse in the SoDo (South of the Dome) district where acts like Miike Snow and The Script like to make appearances
4. Moore Theatre: The oldest standing theatre in Seattle with the freshest acts like Matisyahu and Louis CK
5. El Corazon: A nightclub and live music venue where locals go to for acts like Cancer Bats - Heiress and Black Veil Brides
6. The Triple Door: An intimate and mid-sized venue to take in shows like Edwin McCain and Gypsy Soul and the like
7. Qwest Field: The home to sporting events involving the Seattle Sounders and the Seattle Seahawks
8. Paramount Theatre: A wonderful theatre for locals to enjoy music like Rufus Wainwright or comedy from Margaret Cho
9. The Seattle Center: Where the whole city gathers for festivals like Brazilfest and Bumbershoot 2010
10. Chop Suey: Another fantastic mis-sized venue to take in shows like Social Studies and YOUR INVISIBLE HANDS Shining Skulls / Smile For Diamonds

Finito. Now, if you're ever rushed indoors from the Seattle rain, you know straight where to go. Unless there are more hidden spots you'd like to share.

July 16, 2010

Opening This Weekend

Has the first great movie of the year finally arrived? I speak of course about Inception, the new thriller from director Christopher Nolan. So far Christopher Nolan has not disappointed movie fans, and his streak looks to be intact with Inception. In fact, as of writing this right now, it is ranked #83 on the top 250 on IMDB.com. The movie stars Leonardo DiCaprio, taking a break from working with Martin Scorsese, as a thief who steals ideas from people's dreams. In a summer of sequels and remakes, Inception certainly looks like a breathe of fresh air. The movie also stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Ellen Page. I definitely recommend this as a must see.



Also coming out this weekend is The Sorcerer's Apprentice. Nicolas Cage stars as the titular sorcerer and up and comer Jay Baruchel as the apprentice. Cage is teaming up again with National Treasure director Jon Turteltaub. The Sorcerer's Apprentice looks to be big on action and effects, so if you're looking for a fun adventure, this will surely fit the bill. Cage and Turteltaub showed they know how to blend the action with the right amount of comedy doing National Treasure, and the inclusion of Baruchel in the cast is a good indication that this movie will have more of the same. If you're into magic, or were a big fan of the National Treasure movies, this will be worth checking out.

Despicable Me ruled the box office handily last week, but I think Inception is getting too much good press. Word of mouth can make or break a film, and I think in this case it's going to propel Inception to the top of the box office. What do you think, does it live up to the hype? Write a review and let us know!

Ben, The Eventful Movie Guru

July 15, 2010

Dallas venues

No surprise that the frozen margarita machine was invented in Dallas. It's also no surprise that this city is chalk-full of classic venues to check out.



So - drum roll, please - the top ten most happening spots in Dallas are as follows:

1. Dallas House of Blues: The perfect spot to drink in comedy acts like Demetri Martin or music shows like Keane with Ingrid Michaelson and Fran Healy from Travis
2. American Airlines Center: Here is where Dallas residents go for huge events like the American Idols LIVE! Tour 2010 and WWE World Wrestling Entertainment
3. Granada Theater: This venue, laced with crown moldings and art deco murals, is the spot for more intimate shows like Walter Trout plus: Josh Weathers Band and SPEAK plus: Radiant, The Crash That Took Me
4. Superpages(dot)com Center: Another monser venue that only boasts today's biggest acts like Jack Johnson: To The Sea Tour 2010 and John Mayer
5. The Palladium Ballroom: The schedule here is filled with ticket-sellers such as Saving Abel and As I Lay Dying / Underoath / Between the Buried and Me
6. The Majestic Theatre: A great spot to check out stage acts such as Daniel Tosh-Tosh Tour Twenty Ten and Moscow Ballets Great Russian Nutcracker
7. Music Hall at Fair Park: Since it's opening, this venue has been a major stop over for many of the nation’s leading operas, ballets, concerts and Broadway productions including shows like Shrek the Musical
8. Lizard Lounge: A venue popular for hosting internationally recognized DJs as well as hip-hop and acoustic performances like Dj Nvs and Sander van Doorn
9. Fair Park Dallas: A cultural, educational and sports complex hosting such events as Texas Tech vs. Baylor Football and North Texas Irish Festival
10. The Door: A smaller venue where bands make a name for themselves like Hennessey and Sleeping Giant

Done! Now you can use this information to brag to your friends about knowing where to go the next time you're in Dallas. Or you can add to the list by leaving a comment, too.

July 14, 2010

Cats On The Road

The story written by T.S. Elliott and put to music by Andrew Lloyd Webber is traveling across North America to share the spectacular with all fans of classic stage productions. Cats is currently on tour and will be performing in various cities until mid-October. So, for those of us outside of Broadway of the West End Theatre in London (where the show set long-run records), it's time for some culture.



The show's next extended stop is at St. Louis' The Muny in Forest Park where there will be four shows in the span of a week. Then The Orpheum in Memphis for another handful of shows. A few stops later and the famous felines will be on stage at the Hershey Theatre in Hershey, PA. there will be extended stops at the Fabulous Fox Theatre in Atlanta and the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier - PdA in Montreal before the traveling production takes a long cat nap after it's final show at Broward Center for the Performing Arts - Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale.

To see if you'll be able to experience the show, Eventful has the Cats full tour schedule.

July 09, 2010

Opening This Weekend

Quite the variety of movies opening this weekend. First is the animated Despicable Me starring the voice talent of Steve Carell. It's the tale of a super villain named Gru whose plot to steal the moon is side tracked by three orphans in need of a family. This is one of those films that looks like it has a little bit of everything. The army of little yellow minions should provide plenty of comic relief in-between what looks to be a touching story. Many studios have tried to capture the magical balance of adventure, comedy, and heart that makes Pixar movies so beloved, so it will be interesting to see how this one fares. Despicable me also features the voices of Jason Segel as Gru's nemesis Vector, and Miranda Cosgrove as one of the orphans. This movie certainly looks like it has a lot of charm, and is definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of animated movies.



If you like something a bit more...adult, then Predators is the way to go. Producer Robert Rodriguez is looking to take the franchise back to its R rated roots. Predators uses the formula that made the original work so well, a bunch of soldier types in a jungle being hunted. Oscar winner Adrien Brody stars as one of the humans trapped on a strange world. Rodriguez has promised that this movie will be faithful to the tone of the original Arnold Schwarzenegger version, which if true is going to be awesome. It's going to be hard to top what Arnold and company did the first time around, but if this movie comes anywhere close, count me in.

Twilight: Eclipse easily took the top spot in the box office over its opening weekend, but it seems to be losing steam after a week and a half. I think Despicable Me has too much charm, and a hefty enough marketing campaign to push Edward and Jacob aside for the number one position. Don't forget to tell us what you think, write a review over at the Eventful movies section. Most importantly, remember to sit back and enjoy the show.

Ben, The Eventful Movie Guru

July 07, 2010

San Francisco venues

Some may not realize that San Francisco is home to the only moving national landmark: The San Fran cable cars. Yet most know of all the great places to see while enjoying The City On the Bay.



Enough suspense already. Here are the ten most happening spots in San Fran:

1. The Fillmore: Here's where you can attend events like the Salsa Festival or see shows like The Walkmen
2. Warfield Theatre: The events at this venue include - but are not limited to - TV-created performers such as Adam Lambert and the Last Comic Standing Comics
3. Slim's: SF's premier venue for smaller shows with bigger headliners such as Ben Benkert and the Paper Tongues
4. Great American Music Hall: This is one of San Fran's oldest venues that still gets today's freshest acts like Here We Go Magic and 7 Walkers featuring Bill Kreutzmann & Papa Mali
5. Cafe du Nord: Head this way for music time with your favorites like Carbon Leaf plus Frank Innocent and Justin Roberts and The Not Ready For Naptime Players
6. Bottom of the Hill: If you're a fan of the "The" bands, you might want to head to this popular venue for shows like The Famous and The Morning Of
7. The Independent: A local favorite venue for over 30 years thanks to performances by BoDeans and David Bazan
8. Bimbo's 365 Club: Here's where to get all of your musical fixes from Ben Taylor and Katie Herzig to Cap'n Jazz
9. The Orpheum Theatre: Stage plays galore here, such as Wicked
10. Mezzanine: This venue showcases live and electronic music from all genres like Kele (of Bloc Party) featuring Jessica 6 / DJs Aaron and Miles or Chapterhouse with Ulrich Schnauss / Popscene DJs Aaron and Omar

There you have it. 10 places to go in San Francisco once you're fully exhausted from climbing it's 43 hills. If you know of an 11th spot, leave a comment.

July 02, 2010

Opening This Weekend

Oddly enough, both major movies opening this weekend opened before the weekend even started. Twilight: Eclipse opened Wednesday to throngs of vampire loving fans, or werewolf loving fans depending on whose team you are on. Eclipse is the latest chapter in the Twilight series, and one of the most anticipated movies of the year. After New Moon set the stage for a showdown between Team Jacob (Taylor Lautner) and Team Edward (Robert Pattinson) fans finally get to see heroine Bella make her choice. Drama aside, this movie also looks to dial up the action, as the vampires and werewolves go to war. If you're a fan of Twilight then it goes without saying that this movie is a must see. Even if you aren't, it may be worth checking out to see what all the hype is about.



Also opening before the weekend was director M. Night Shyamalan's new action flick The Last Airbender. Based on the animated series on Nickelodeon, The Last Airbender tells the story of warring nations, each with the ability to control a different element. Newcomer Noah Ringer stars as the hero of the film, one who can control all the elements. The film also features Dev Patel of the Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire. The Last Airbender has been generating a lot of buzz, and anything M. Night Shyamalan is attached to always generates a lot of interest. This looks like it could be a fun adventure movie with some great visuals. While fans of the original animated series are going to be most excited for this, it looks like the type of movie that anyone can sit back and enjoy.

Toy Story 3 held on to the box office crown for a second week, but it has some stiff competition this week with Twilight and Last Airbender. I'm taking the safe bet, and going with Eclipse to win the holiday weekend. Never bet against a franchise with an army of devoted fans. If you're a fan of Twilight, don't forget to check out our latest movie poll, where we want to know: Edward or Jacob? Whatever you see this weekend, enjoy the show and remember to have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Ben, The Eventful Movie Guru

July 01, 2010

Atlanta venues

Atlanta - the city with the largest indoor aquarium in the world as well as the World of Coca-Cola permanent historical exhibit - is next on the list of cities with great venues to check out. Come along. Join in the word tour with us.



In no order, here are where you should go to experience all that is Atlanta:

1. Philips Arena: Check out Atlanta Dream WNBA games as well as Justin Bieber and Roger waters musical events here
2. Tabernacle: A great mid-sized venue where youngsters are often found attending music shows like The Cool Tour 2010
3. Center Stage: This is where Atlantians go for comedy shows like Thou Shall Laugh 2 and for up-and-coming musicians such as Kassav
4. The Masquerade: A popular nightclub and concert venue where people head to see acts like Black Veil Brides and Seven Story Fall
5. Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood: A larger performing arts venue known for its high quality acoustics and top notch shows like John Mayer and Alice In Chains
6. Variety Playhouse: A theater and nightclub where locals go for great shows like Beth Orton and Xavier Rudd
7. Chastain Park Amphitheater: Here is one big picnic where you can see double-team acts like Chris Isaak & Marc Broussard and Boyz II Men & En Vogue
8. Georgia Dome: Get your sports here like The 2010 Atlanta International Soccer Challenge and all of the Atlanta Falcons home games
9. The Civic Center: The Atlanta Civic Center facility features 4,600 theater-style seats, 5,800 square feet of meeting space and the largest performance stage in the Southeast that hosts a number of music concerts, Broadway productions, comedy performances, family shows, corporate meetings, community events and award ceremonies
10. Park Tavern: Tons of great events are held here like Joshua James Live in the Park with Mikky Ekko and The Atlanta Arts Festival

So, as you can see, even when the thermostat breaks triple digits in Atlanta's steamy summer months, there are plenty of reasons to escape to the indoors. If you can think of any more, add a comment!