Film Review – “Destroyer”

DESTROYER
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell and Sebastian Stan
Directed by: Karen Kusama
Rated: R
Running time: 2 hrs 1 min
Annapurna Pictures

A body is discovered in a deserted area.  Next to it lies the murder weapon and some oddly discolored money.  On the back of the victim’s neck are two very distinctive tattoos.  Detective Erin Bell (Kidman) stumbles to the scene, mutters “I think I know who did it,” and stumbles away.  Thus begins “Destroyer.”

Riding strongly on the narrow shoulders of its lead actress, “Destroyer” is a film that, through a series of flashbacks, tells the story of how Erin Bell went from gung-ho law officer to the self-destructive drunk she is now. We slowly learn that she and her partner (both at work and in love) were deep undercover with a gang of bad guys (think Keanu Reeves’ Johnny Utah in “Point Break,” though I’m not sure how well Kidman can throw a football).  The more we learn the more we aren’t sure whether we should sympathize with Bell’s plight.  She’s still a tough cop – one who will go to any lengths to obtain information – but she’s also a horrible human being.  You feel sorry for her and her plight, but you also can’t help but think she brought it on herself.

Going the “no makeup” route here, Kidman is almost unrecognizable. In fact, in some scenes she more resembles former “Dr. Who” star Tom Baker rather than one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood.  With her hollow cheekbones and mousy hair, she could easily be mistaken for your neighborhood crack addict.  She is the emotional heart of the film and she does not disappoint.

Working from a script by “AEonFlux” screenwriters (Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi), director Kusama, who also helmed the film “Girlfight,” keeps the story moving, giving the viewer just enough information that, no matter how hard they try, they are always a step or two behind.  Well recommended. 

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Filed Under: Film Reviews Tagged With: annapurna, destroyer, kidman, nicole

DVD Review “Anna Nicole”

Starring: Agnes Bruckner, Martin Landau, Adam Goldberg, Cary Elwes, and Virginia Madsen
Director: Mary Harron
Distributed by: Sony Home Entertainment
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Running Time: 89 minutes

Film: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Extras: N/A

When I saw the cover for “Anna Nicole”, I would have sworn that it was a documentary about the late supermodel. Agnes Bruckner (TV’’s ““Private Practice”) is really spot on with the looks and the nails this role. The film is based on the New York Magazine article “”Paw Paw & Lady Love”” by Dan Paul Lee. It also packs a solid supporting cast including Martin Landau, Adam Goldberg, Cary Elwes, and Virginia Madsen. Growing up “adoring” Anna Nicole in her prime as a kid, I really enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look into her troubled life.

Official Premise: Anna Nicole Smith (Agnes Bruckner) was a single mother from Texas, who became one of the biggest supermodels in the world, but her sudden catapult to fame came with a price, as drugs, alcohol and reckless behavior led her down a tragic path. Now you get to see the whole story in this compelling original film, as Anna Nicole’s sexual desires, crippling addictions and her overwhelming need to be famous lead her from incredible fame and fortune to her unfortunate descent.

This film also grabbed by attention since it comes from the Director of “American Psycho”, Mary Harron. I think she had a good vision and it shows both the rise and the fall of this supermodel quite well balanced. It is well-written thanks to John Rice & Joe Batteer (“Blown Away”, “Windtalkers”). If there are any fans out there still of Anna Nicole Smith, I would recommend giving this a watch for sure. Just remember this was made for Lifetime, so don’t expect any skin. The one thing that I was a little upset about that there are no special features included along with this DVD. I would have been curious to see about Agnes transformation into Anna Nicole.

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Filed Under: DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews Tagged With: anna, dvd, nicole, review

iHip Unveils “Snooki Couture” by Nicole Polizzi

iHip Unveils “Snooki Couture” by Nicole Polizzi

 Headphones, Earbuds & Audio Accessories “Fashion You Can Hear”
Available at Walgreens

June 17, 2013 Available September 2014 in 5,000 Walgreens locations nation-wide, the much anticipated “Snooki Couture” Fashion Headphones. With two wildly popular reality shows “Snooki & JWoww” and “Jersey Shore”, four books, two perfumes, jewelry, slippers, tanning and sunless lotion lines, body moisturizers, boots, sunglasses, sandals and smart phone apps under her belt, Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is now creating buzz in a brand new area combining her love for dancing and house music into her next endeavor in her “Snooki Couture” brand….headphones. Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi’s personally designed fashion audio products and accessories will offer not only booming bass and noise-cancelling effects, but also all the personality and attitude of the reality star herself, all tied nicely with a bow of fashion forward  accessories.

“Snooki Couture by Nicole Polizzi” now offers the much-anticipated line of “Fashion You Can Hear” headphones, ear buds and audio accessories including portable speakers, iPhone and iPad covers and other accessories all with her distinctive style such as rhinestones, sequins, feathers, neon and animal prints. Perfect for listeners of any age and savvy-style taste, iHip serves a multi-functional purpose, combining stellar acoustics with tricked-out personalized style. “Snooki Couture by Nicole Polizzi” brings a fresh and super-stylish perspective to her branded line with iHip. The entire line ranges from $24.99 – $59.99 and will be available at Walgreens and snookisounds.com
 

Joining the ranks of other celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Dr. Dre; Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi officially unveiled the line at this year’s past CES, Las Vegas in January of 2013. With rave reviews from fans and press alike, Nicole is happy to finally share them with her fans along with fashion and electronics consumers everywhere. “You can multitask now, listen to music & look fabulous doing it. I’ve created my very first headphones to be fashionable with quality sound & comfortable fit. Its fashion you can hear. I’m obsessed” says Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi.

About Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi
Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi is the New York Times bestselling author of A Shore Thing, Confessions of a Guidette, Gorilla Beach and the upcoming Baby Bumps. Famous for her trendsetting pouf hairstyle, her small stature, and her acrobatic moves on the dance floor, she is the breakout star of MTV’s Jersey Shore, the highest-rated shows in the network’s history. Polizzi’s new show “Snooki & JWoww” chronicling her life as a new mom, engagement, and friendship with Jenni “JWOWW” Farley is starting production on its third season that will air this fall. The new mom to Lorenzo has been parodied on Saturday Night Live, appeared on almost every major talk show, and been featured in The New York Times. The constantly expanding “Snooki” by Nicole Polizzi, Team Snooki Boxing, Team Snooki Music, and “Snooki Couture” brands include an upcoming clothing line, jewelry, slippers, sunglasses, baby products, tanning and sunless lotions,  apps, handbags, fragrances, sandals, boots, beauty and hair products. Visit her online at snookinicole.com.

About iHip
iHip has been delivering fashion and function in a variety of audio accessories for well over a decade. The stylish iHipcollection just made audio accessorizing even more fun with the most popular sports and entertainment properties! Introducing licensed audio accessories and portable electronics made by iHip! Our licensed brands include the National Football League, Major League Baseball, NASCAR, NHL, CLC, DC Comics, Kraft, Discovery, Marvel Comics, Leif! And Isaac Mizrahi. iHip products can be found at Best Buy, Modell’s Sporting Goods and Sports Authorities or online atwww.ihip.com.

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Filed Under: Commentary Tagged With: couture, ihip, nicole, polizzi, snooki, unveils, ...
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