Kevin Smith Raves about Dark Knight

Director Kevin Smith (Clerks) has seen an advance screening of Dark Knight and raves about it on his blog:

Without giving anything away, this is an epic film (and trust me: based on the sheer size and scope of the visuals and storytelling, that's not an overstatement). It's the "Godfather II" of comic book films and three times more earnest than "Batman Begins" (and fuck, was that an earnest film). Easily the most adult comic book film ever made. Heath Ledger didn't so much give a performance as he disappeared completely into the role; I know I'm not the first to suggest this, but he'll likely get at least an Oscar nod (if not the win) for Best Supporting Actor. Fucking flick's nearly three hours long and only leaves you wanting more (in a great way). I can't imagine anyone being disappointed by it. Nolan and crew have created something close to a masterpiece.

Bond: Quantum of Solace Trailer

Just Jared:

Here is the very first movie still of Daniel Craig in a steamy love scene with Bond Girl Gemma Arterton.

Thanks to The Sun, we get to see Bond affectionately kissing the back of his 22-year-old costar, from the new Bond movie, Quantum of Solace.

Gemma has previously hinted that 007 will wed her character, Agent Field, in the movie.

Quantum comes out November 7. Now THIS is what I call a trailer!

Can I see some ID?

The Hill:

Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) may have one of the best-known faces in the world, but that doesn’t mean he is recognized everywhere, even in Washington.

Washington Sports Club employee Takehia Wheeler was manning the front desk to scan members’ identification cards Friday morning when the presidential candidate walked in with his entourage. The gym opened a month ago in the Columbia Heights district.

“He came in and walked past me,” Wheeler told In The Know. “I was like, ‘Sir, you need to come back.’ ”

Wheeler said Obama looked familiar, but she didn’t recognize him. So she asked for his ID card.

“I said, ‘What’s your last name?’ He said ‘Obama,’ ” Wheeler explained. “I said, ‘So what’s your first name?”

Then she laughed because it was at that point that Wheeler realized who she was talking to. How did she make amends? By saying, “Sorry, Mr. Future President!”

Mamma Mia Most Fun EVER!

Yippee!! I've been holding my breath, hoping that this one would be good. And now, an absolutely RAVE review has come from London, where Mamma Mia has its world premiere today. We get it in the US July 18.
The Hollywood Reporter:

No matter how many blockbusters there are, Universal Pictures' screen version of the global hit stage musical "Mamma Mia!" is the most fun to be had at the movies this or any other recent summer.

Teenage boys may be glued to the latest action adventure, but the rest of the family will be having a rollicking good time and dancing in the aisles to Swedish pop group ABBA's irresistible songs. It's a delightful piece of filmmaking with a marvelous cast topped by Meryl Streep in one of her smartest and most entertaining performances ever.

Read the rest here!

Your Guide to Not Voting

Today Now!: How To Pretend You Give A Shit About The Election
Hat tip: Andrew Sullivan

When Hippos Fly

A Wee Visit to Glen Tilt

A visit to a glen in Scotland with Periurban:

(lower quality, for slower download speeds here)

Morgan Freeman was Always Cool

Was there any doubt that Morgan Freeman was always cool and groovy? Here he is as the Easy Reader from the Electric Company days with Rita Moreno.
Hat tip: Movie Moron

Before Morgan Freeman was cast as Q in Batman Begins, before he played God, the President, or drove Miss Daisy, he was just another jobbing actor. In fact, he was kinda a hippie. And he liked to sing.

New Eagle Eye Trailer

This trailer debuted before Wanted screenings this weekend:

Wanted has boffo box office weekend

Wanted did huge business at the box office in America.

The movie made $51.1 million and

- Wanted was the biggest opening of a live action film in Jolie's career
- It turned out to be the best June opening ever for an R-rated movie, beating Knocked Up's $30.6M, and the 6th highest R-rated opening of all time
- The studio expected only a $35+M opening, so the film did much better than anticipated
- Angie proved she is a big draw: Cinemascore said the main reasons given for choosing to see Wanted were the action (67%) and Jolie (61%).

I haven't seen it yet as I was at a family reunion this weekend. Tomorrow I have a date with James!!