Atomic Popcorn brings you yet another Top 10 list! This time we are bring you a list of some of the best on-screen duo’s there are! Below is a list of my top 10 on-screen duo’s of coarse you will have your own opinion. I promise to not use the word chemistry more than 4 times also!

If you all have any ideas for a top 10 list or want to see something specific send us an email at top10@atomicpopcorn.net and we will try and get it up here for you.

Without further ado, here is what I think are the top 10 on-screen duo’s of recent memory.

10. Ben Affleck & Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting- This unlikely duo of two kids from Boston making a movie based on something they wrote. Well the movie was a hit and the duo are still just that in Hollywood. Damon and Affleck both have a great career both behind and in front of them.

9. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence in Bad Boys- who can see these guys without at least humming “Bad Boy Bad Boys, whatcha gonna do?” I know I can’t. A great on screen chemistry between these overly large men. The acting is on par with any action flick but these two bring to the table something special. I think they may be channeling a little something from another of our top 10 contenders for Top 10 Duo’s.

8. John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson in Pulp Fiction – These extremely violent yet stupid criminals made a movie and a career for a certain Director. While these two came onto the scene quietly, they left with a very large bang after this film. Such chemistry and great writing lead these guy’s onto our Top 10 list.

7. Sam and Frodo in LOTR Trilogy – This unlikely duo has melted ring’s around the world. All jokes aside about being gay lovers, this on-screen duo shares a lifetime of pain and love throughout these films. This duo was something that I don’t we had seen on screen in a while. A true chemistry between two guys in the midst of uncertain times.

6. Brad Pitt and George Clooney in the Ocean’s franchise – two of Hollywood’s leading men, leading the charge for some awesome bank robbing. What more can you want from two Joe Cool’s. Great acting, great suave, these two ooze cool.

5. Tyler and The Narrator in Fight Club – Didn’t we just mention Joe Cool above this, well he is back along side Edward Norton as number 5 on our list. These two really gave us a run for our money in Fight Club. Writing aside, the acting between these two made the movie what it is today.

4. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover in the Lethal Weapon franchise – oh my, two entirely different people trapped with one another made these two real men of the 80′s. The boys of Lethal Weapon brought to the screen an on-screen chemistry that not many have or will match. The laughs, the tears, the fights, true brothers ended up on screen with these two crazies!

3. Woody and Buzz from the Toy Story franchise – Yes I am well aware that they are artistically enhanced characters. Yes I am also aware I have a animated feature as my number 3. Without a doubt you have to include Tom Hanks and Tim Allen on this list. Starting as fierce rivals for Andy’s love, they have grown into a duo among the best. The interaction and delivery from this duo brings to life what we only know as animated history!

2. Robert Redford and Paul Newman in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Sting – Suave and complete. The acting and everything that follows and it includes these guys had it and brought it to the screen. These movies are classics for two reason and the two reason are the men above and below this blurb. These guys we looked at the men of men and rightfully so.

1. Steve Martin and John Candy in Planes, Trains and Automobiles – the funny men of the 80′s paired together to bring to the screen one of the best on screen duo’s ever. With Candy gone we can only assume what could of been but this was and is still a great movie. Due in large, or in whole, to these two completely crazy comedians.

Valentine’s Day has come and gone but you’re still feeling romantic so here’s my top 15 favorite romantic movies or movie romances… I don’t know, I like them and I hope they like me just as much! First up: a classic romantic comedy and its remake, that’s right, Sabrina (1954) and Sabrina (1995). The original was written and directed by Billy Wilder whose filmography we should all know by heart. Wilder’s Sabrina starred Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn and William Holden, and you’re thinking why would anyone want to remake this all-star classic? Don’t ask why, just watch the Sydney Pollack remake starring Harrison Ford, Julia Ormond and Greg Kinnear. It’ll be worth your time. No, the remake is not better than the original but it is good and I do hope you’ve seen both or are planning on watching them soon!

Next up on the list is the Meg Ryan section a.k.a. Nora Ephron section which also has a Tom Hanks subdivision. When Harry Met Sally… is the movie I reference most when friends can’t figure out why they can’t be friends with people of the opposite sex. I’ll let you in on a little secret- the sex gets in the way. This modern classic romantic comedy was written by Nora Ephron, directed by Rob Reiner and starred Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, Carrie Fisher and Bruno Kirby. Probably Carrie Fisher’s second best movie, behind The ‘Burbs, this rom-com was just what we needed to leave the 1980s behind us and kick start the 1990s. The 1990s was the decade of love for Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks (not sure what either of their spouses thought of this) as they started in Joe Dante’s Joe Versus the Volcano before meeting up again in two films written for the screen and directed by Nora Ephron 1993′s Sleepless in Seattle and again in 1998′s You’ve Got Mail. Sleepless in Seattle, or An Affair to Remember without the ocean, was the second Meg Ryan movie to feature Harry Connick Jr.’s golden tones (When Harry Met Sally… was the first) on the soundtrack. You’ve Got Mail, or The Shop Around the Corner remake, came to us at a time when we needed to know how to have an online relationship and basically bridged the gap between the 1990s and 2000s. What will the decade of the 2010s be without Meg’s guidance?

Now we’ve reached the Hugh Grant part of our romantic journey, beginning with 1994′s Four Weddings and a Funeral written by Richard Curtis (we’ll see him again) and directed by Mike Newell (Donnie Brasco). Richard Curtis also scripted 1999′s Notting Hill and starred Julia Roberts alongside Hugh. 2002′s About a Boy was adapted for the screen by the Weitz brothers from Nick Hornby’s novel and taught us that no man is an island. Richard Curtis wrote and directed Hugh in 2003′s Love Actually a wonderful rom-com and holiday film starring Bill Nighy, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Emma Thomson, Martin Freeman, Keira Knightley, Laura Linney and Alan Rickman. Love Actually in my opinion is the only star-studded cast to successfully pull off the rom-com.

Since we’ve been in merry old England with Hugh Grant what better time to reveal two recent romantic films with foreign appeal- Paris, je t’aime (2006) and Amelie (2001). Paris, je t’aime has your love story in it — it has to, with 18 different stories being told in all! Based on the subject of love in Paris the film is actually a collection of short films by sometimes famous directors such as Gus Van Sant, the Coen brothers and Alexander Payne, starring Steve Buscemi, Juliette Binoche, Willem Dafoe, Nick Nolte, Bob Hoskins, Elijah Wood, Emily Mortimer, Rufus Sewell, Natalie Portman, Gerard Depardieu and Ben Gazzara. Paris, je t’aime is definitely a film in a league of its own. Amelie, I really don’t know where to begin other than saying Amelie has more style in minute 2 than most directors have in a lifetime and if you don’t fall in love with Audrey Tautuo then you’ve truly got a heart of stone. Please don’t have a heart of stone.

Rounding out our list is Woody Allen’s Annie Hall (don’t be a dead shark) and Michel Gondry’s Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind which I would never delete from my memory. Finally there’s Ewan McGregor starring in the homage to 1950s romantic comedies Down With Love and also starring in the only musical I like- Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge! see I didn’t have to include Pretty Woman to have a hooker with a heart of gold on this list! romance! film! loveliness! am I right? am I wrong? would my favorites ever breach your top ten? leave me a note in the comments section! LYMI

This list is near and dear to my heart, as I am a true fantasy genre freak. From my childhood till now, there are a very large number of fantasy films in my top 25, even my top 10 films of all time. With that being said, below is my list of the top 10 fantasy films ever!

10 – Willow – I know I’m going to get picked on about this one, but it is what it is. Willow is still one of my favorite films. Something about Willow is charming, fun, adventurous and simple; I love it!  Maybe it’s because Ron Howard was involved, or maybe it’s just because it’s a great, yet cute story. Who knows, but this movie has a special place on my DVD shelf that will remain as a constant in my fantasy collection.

9 – The Princess Bride – The Princess Bride, what can be said about this awesomely funny fantasy movie? Anyone who knows movies can quote way too many lines from this movie. From Andre the Giant to the ever beautiful Robin Write Penn, this movie stands tall amongst the best of the genre. This movie puts together all the ridiculous clichés of the fantasy genre all the while giving you a cast containing a mixed bag of fantastic actors. Classic and timeless – can you blame me for this pick?

8 – E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial – Spielberg. I could stop there but I am not that big of a Spielberg fanboy! This simple story of the bond between an average kid and a very lost (and ugly) alien wowed us all.  The storytelling is both personal and heartbreaking, to this day it can make me cry at the end. Spielberg takes a simple storyline, one created in his mind after his parents broke up, into one of the best movies of all time. Period.

7 – The Wizard of Oz – It’s the original. A wizard, a couple of witches, lots of freaky flying monkeys, what more do you want in a movie? A classic story and a classic film, this movie is beyond classic, it’s part of us all. Growing up close to where Frank Oz grew up, I have been on the actual yellow brick road! This is a must for all collections not matter what format!

6 – Pan’s Labyrinth – This film was such a surprise for me. The idea that this was more along the lines of an adult fantasy world really peaked my interest. The extreme violence I must say I was not expecting from the movie; it may of swayed people in the opposite direction but I truly enjoy this movie, rewatch after rewatch.

5 – The Labyrinth – This great film from the 80′s has a strong cult following, and I am glad to say I am part of that following. David Bowie as the villain, strange puppets, a gorgeous world, an interesting plot, and a very young Jennifer Connelly. Do you ask for more? I also will drop the ever awesome name of Jim Henson, what a master in all he did.

4 – Legend – Ridley Scott, yes that Ridley Scott, created such an enormous universe for this film that it surprises me how long ago it was made. He was able to bring to the screen something huge.  This is a film that many people have forgotten but if it’s on TV or if I am in the mood – I watch it. Such a great tale of deception, love and much more.  It’s an adventure/fantasy that will linger with you long after the film has ended. Enjoy it!

3 – The Dark Crystal – A lot of people know that I love this movie, and I am sad that there is an even larger number of people who have never heard of this film. This film stars lots and lots of Muppets and is actually a really incredible fantasy story that will draw you in as you watch it. If you liked Labyrinth but missed this one, then you need to watch it right away! It’s the classic hero trying to save a nearly doomed world, and you’ll be surprised by how good it is. The Muppets, the man behind them, Jim Henson, and the team bring such a gorgeous story to life in a world that is all too familiar. GRAB this one now!

2 – The LOTR trilogy – You could argue how I could put three movies into one spot on the top ten list, I honestly don’t care. These movies are separate for one reason: the length, and that only. These movies are one very large story and an amazing one at that. Sit down and watch these amazing stories unfold before your eyes and allow yourself to be drawn into the world that has been built before you.  These movies are gorgeous interpretations drawn from the pages of books that are world renown, and bring you into the world of Middle Earth. The acting, the story, the effects all bring so much to the screen, it is hard to doubt anything about these movies. They are second for a reason. Below is that reason!

1 – The Neverending Story – This is one of my top 5 films of all time. A true classic in the realm of fantasy. The story of a boy locked in a room in his school reading a book that he shouldn’t be reading. So simple, yet an awesome starting point for something that is amazing. He controls the fate of a far away world all along finding himself. I remember as a kid (and an adult) watching this over and over again, following Atreyu, along with Falkor, one of my favorite creatures ever, through their journeys. I never get sick of this movie, and it’s one of those rare gems that is worth watching again and again.

That is my list – hope you enjoyed it. Please leave some comments on movies I may of left out or any issues or questions you may have. I do own all of these in one format or another, as should you!

How does one begin to approach a film they wanted to like?

Before viewing 9, the film had a lot of things in its favor, the first being absolutely stunning visuals. That looked to be aided by a strong, possibly original premise about a stitchpunk (my gamer side tells me to stick to “Sackboy”) being the key to humanity’s salvation. Factor in that Tim Burton’s producing, as well as Timur Bekmambetov who dazzled screens with Wanted, and you have what should be a pretty decent animated film.

9 makes sure you know it’s not going to be decent midway through. The plot borrows from every story ever written or filmed about the unlikely hero who is the savior of the universe. Understandably, the trailers did hint that this would be the central driving force but they also pretended that 9 was going to do something interesting with it. It doesn’t, and borrows very, very heavily from The Lord of the Rings and Burton’s own Edward Scissorhands. The filmmakers even go so far as to rip off the ending to the Mortal Kombat film (for the record, if you have to borrow from Paul W.S. Anderson of all people, you need your filmmaking privileges revoked.) Bottom line, Pamela Pettler and Ben Gluck’s screenplay plays it too safe and is definitely relying more on the looks of the characters to make audiences forget they didn’t bring it with a story. The pacing is also off for a film that runs under an hour and a half. Quite honestly, it feels longer than some other three hour films I’ve seen this year that moved along briskly.

Too bad 9 isn’t a very likable being. He’s described as “always willing to risk his life for others” and without giving too much away, the opposite is always happening to him and the others(there’s even a scene that explicitly shows this.) In fact I can’t recall a scene where the title character ever risks his life to save another, as everyone is always bailing him out when he’s not putting their lives at stake. Even if he’s voiced by Elijah Wood, it’s still tough to find things to like about him. Nine times out of ten he’s getting bailed out by 7, voiced by Jennifer Connelly. Who is she? The movie doesn’t explain, but she sure can take down metallic beasts stylistically. Connelly doesn’t know with the role, and comes off unnatural.

Only two of the sackpersons…I mean stitchpunks have any sort of backbone to them; Crispin Glover’s not-so-subtle Holocaust victim 6 and an ‘evil’ dictator 1 portrayed by Christopher Plummer. First Glover, who is the most likable of the bunch. He might be crazy, sure, but Glover handles the part exceptionally and who better than George McFly to play the part. Plummer’s a different matter as he’s sort of accustomed to playing the villain in animation films this year. While Charles Muntz had considerably more development, Plummer does his best to make 1 three-dimensional and succeeds with grace.

9 isn’t a complete bust though, as Acker does succeed at creating absolutely gorgeous visuals. Often times one will get so lost in the visuals and assume they’re looking at an actual landscape instead of computer generated images. Even the cartoonish designs of the humans look like physically deformed individuals. Every little stitch is detailed on the characters, as is every spec of dirt and rust on the items left behind comes in crystal clear. Praise should also be given to the designs of the the machines that inhabit this world. The Burton influence is definitely felt, but these machines are particularly terrifying in the way they look and operate. The Seamstress sticks out the most, as she toys with her prey before snatching them up. From the doll head to her snake like movements, she’ll likely crawl into children’s minds and scare them.

Of course that’s assuming children want to see the film. Where Burton’s other animated ventures has a certain charm to them, 9 alienates itself by being overly dark. Again, that’s also fine provided you have a solid story and relatable characters (see: Coraline.) While the visuals are certainly pristine in 9, it severely lacks everything required to make a solid film. The story is bland, an unlikable lead, pretty visuals and meh characters do not a good film make. Yet, this movie’s biggest problem is who will it be marketed for? It can’t marketed for kids as it’s too dark with no charm, and adults will likely lose interest quick due to the awkward pacing. Maybe that’s a blessing in  disguise, as this film doesn’t really deserve Up numbers.

Do make sure you check out our 9 giveaway while you are here!

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ 

More pictures and interviews are coming just in time for the release of director Shane Acker’s film 9. Starring Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Christopher Plummer, the action packed animated feature has more pictures to add onto the bunch.

Along with that, G4′s Attack of the Show has an exclusive video piece from Elijah Wood and producer Timur Bekmambetov for you all to see below. Visit the 9 movie website to play the new brain teaser game called Cognitive Circuit. Do not forget, 9 comes out in theaters on September 9th (9/9/09).

Still being active with boosting up Shane Acker’s 9, an upcoming film from Focus Features starring the voice talents of Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Chrisopher Plummer among many others, here is another contest for you to go after!

A few weeks back, the Scientist was forcibly removed from his laboratory and interrogated. Upon returning to his lab, the Scientist realized that the Chancellor’s men had seized a collection of designs vital to his research. One of these designs holds the key to his next phase of development.

The designs have been shredded… torn into 9 pieces, scattered in 9 secret locations. We must find all 9 pieces and put them back together to reveal a secret alchemical code. Only the typewriter on www.9experiment.com can help decode the hidden message from the designs. Those who find all 9 hidden pieces and use the typewriter to decipher the code will be treated to another fantastic piece of 9” movie art, and can enter for a chance to win a pair of the Limited Edition 9” Shoes from Pony, as well as other great 9” movie prizes. If you need any additional help, look at the webpage from Facebook that will help give you clues on the search for all the pieces.

Well, what are you waiting for? Get to work on it before I do and take the prizes (ha-ha!).

While we wait for the release of Shane Acker’s post-apocalyptic animated tale of sentient rag dolls in 9, we could do any number of activities. We could try and cut our grocery bill. We could wash the car and cash in the sticky loose change or we could just ogle the new one-sheet poster.

Even though to some people this might not be a suitable Under the Radar, there are still a fair amount of people (even among my peers) who have no idea what it is when someone mentions Shane Acker’s 9. Being pumped up by Focus Features, 9 is a cgi animated movie that seems, to this reporter, to hold a mix of Coraline and a sprinkle of Tim Burton within the layers of this post apocalyptic feature. Originally coming from the short animated film of the same titling that was nominated for an Academy Award in 2005, the creation coming from up and comer director and writer Shane Acker will be storming into theaters.

9 takes place in a world parallel to our own, in which the very legacy of humanity is threatened. A group of sapient rag dolls, living a post-apocalyptic existence find one of their own, 9 (Elijah Wood), who displays leadership qualities that may help them to survive. The conflicted but resilient group includes 1 (Christopher Plummer), a domineering war veteran; 2 (Martin Landau), an aged inventor; 5 (John C. Reilly), a stalwart mechanic; 6 (Crispin Glover), a visionary and artist; and 7 (Jennifer Connelly), a brave warrior.

9 will be released in theaters everywhere on September 9th, so show your love for Under the Radar and see it when it comes out.