LIMELIGHT: Seth Rogen

Stop me once you figured out the connection: “Freaks and Geeks” … “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” … “Knocked Up” … “Superbad” … “Pineapple Express” … “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” … ok, ok I think you figured out the connection is Seth Rogen.

Rogen is appearing left and right in some of the most hilarious comedies to emerge in the past four years. It is almost a given that if Seth Rogen plays a role, then the movie is sure to keep you entertained. His humor comes to life in the geeky, everyday man situations and absurdities his characters find themselves experiencing. The audience can relate, but at the same time, not feel ashamed or foolish.

Seth Rogen is one of “us,” the common man. And he may have started off on a teen drama with a better following after it was syndicated, but now he is an A-lister working with some of the leading actors in comedy. His new movie, “Funny People” (2009) released this weekend, and is sitting comfortably at the number one spot in the box office. Rogen stars alongside veteran Adam Sandler, and new-comers Jonah Hill (“Superbad”) and Jason Schwartzman (“I Heart Huckabees”).

Rogen is also involved with “The Green Hornet” film, expected to release in 2010. He is a contributing writer for the screenplay, and he is set to play Britt Reid aka The Green Hornet. Nicolas Cage and Cameron Diaz are also signed on to the project.

Look out for more details on “The Green Hornet” as the release date gets closer. Until then, check out some of Seth Rogen’s other movies including “Funny People.”

LIMELIGHT: Seth Rogen

FILM REVIEW: Robert Luketic’s The Ugly Truth

For those of you, who lacked any faith in Katherine Heigl’s comedic potential, please stop worrying right…about…now. She is hilarious in “The Ugly Truth” (2009), along with Gerard Butler. The romantic comedy will bring tears to your eyes from laughing so hard. You may even gasp for breath.

The movie is daring with many of its scenes. No spoilers here, but expect your jaw to drop. Heigl gets herself into some funny and “oh-no” situations. Besides the comedic aspects, the romance does not get overlooked by the jokes. In fact, it is the meat of the story. Finding the perfect man, women obsessed with controlling love, men who fall below expectations, and the confusing dynamics in the man-woman relationship are running elements in the film. Writers Nicole Eastman, Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith do not treat the heavy topics with the seriousness that is usually dedicated to such matters. Instead, they treat the problems faced when dating with a light-hearted and raunchy perspective.

And let’s not forget the over-whelming sex appeal Gerard Butler exudes. Maybe it is the Scottish accent or the devilish smile or it could be the manly man appeal. Whichever the reason, the female audience can not help but to swoon. Butler works really well with Heigl. The chemistry is present, and it is evident in their performance.

Take your boyfriend/girlfriend to see “The Ugly Truth.” It makes for a great date movie. Entertaining for both parties. The movie is also the perfect summer chick flick.

Rating: 4 Obnoxious Laughs out of 5

FILM REVIEW: Robert Luketic’s The Ugly Truth

BOX OFFICE SLAM! Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince

The movie community predicted the major turnouts for all the Harry Potter movies across the globe. It seemed logical with the overwhelming popularity of J.K. Rowling’s famed magical books. But, ::omg:: the “Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince” movie is breaking the Gringotts Wizarding bank and Avada Kedavra any competitors!

HP raked in $22.2 million from Wednesday's midnight showings alone. An estimated $79.5 million for its opening weekend at the box office. And overseas, the blockbuster movie made $396.7 million, making it the biggest international debut ever. Accio movie fame.

Slowly, the hype is dying down along with the shattering box office records. But, I predict “Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince” (2009) will rise back to headlines praising its blockbuster luster once the movie is released in IMAX theaters on July 29^th. And, believe you me, the movie is worth the extra two or four dollars to see Harry, Hermione and Ron on the big screen. Did I happen to mention the opening scene is amazing and awe-inspiring in 3D?!? Trust me, those die-hard Harry Potter fans and movie enthusiasts will stampede to enjoy the Harry Potter 3D IMAX experience!

Lucky for me, I was able to attend one of four early releases of the 6^th installment in IMAX. But, that does not mean I will not see it again. I have an unwavering crush on Ron Weasley (played by Rupert Grint) ::sigh::

BOX OFFICE SLAM! Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince