HONEY

[thompsoncory]

"Her dream, her terms"

http://imdb.com/Photos/Ss/0322589/honeyposter.jpg

Plot Summary: This is the story of Honey (Alba), a tough sexy dancer from the inner city, who becomes a successful music video choreographer, a career which is threatened when her mentor makes her either sleep with him... or get blacklisted within the industry. She ultimately decides to pursue her lifelong dream of opening her own dance studio for inner-city youths.

Starring: Jessica Alba (Never Been Kissed), Mekhi Phifer (8 Mile), Lil' Romeo (Max Keeble's Big Move), Joy Bryant (Antwone Fisher), David Moscow (Just Married), Zachary Williams (Star Trek: Insurrection), Missy Elliott (singer, "Gossip Folks")

Directed by: Billie Woodruff (debut)

Rated: PG-13 (for drug content and some sexual references)

Running time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Call me crazy, but I think this looks like a fun time at the movies. It probably won't be perfect, it will probably even suck. But I like the two leads, and the premise reminds me a lot of SAVE THE LAST DANCE, which I loved and gave a 9/10. I will definetely see this opening weekend after THE LAST SAMURAI.

[Moviefan1234]

This looks terrible. It seems to be one of those movies that could cure an insomniac. I don't think I'll ever watch this turd.

[Fisting Ackbar]

I'm not touching this movie with a 40 ft pole.

[Nate6]

I'd rather have anal sex with Dame Edna.

[idealdiscountdude]

Sweet Lord!

I want to see Honey just about as much as I want kidney stones.

For the love of god, every single time I see the trailer I cringe....and here is why.

1. The majority of the cast is made up of Hip-Hop stars (Missy Elliott whom I like, but should not act; Ginuwine, Tweet, etc.)

2. The acting, in the two minute trailer is nauseating.........who gave Jessica Alba acting lessons, Freddie Prinze Jr.?

3. The whole set up itself reminds me of Glitter except swap singing with dancing. And I would rather stick a fork in my ass than see that turdish looking film.

I havent even seen the film, but the trailer is torture enough.

Granted I liked Save The Last Dance and I love Footloose, but damn, the trailer for Honey is unbearable.

It will be a sad, sad thing if a film that looks as horrid as Honey does better at the Box Office than a really great female schewing flick that did poorly at the Box Office this year....the surprisingly awesome Down With Love

[Mike]

Originally posted by Nate6
I'd rather have anal sex with Dame Edna.

Been there, done that :D :p...

Anyway, while I loved SAVE THE LAST DANCE, and this movie reminds me of it, this movie just looks retarded. It looks so awful, with awful acting to boot. Ugh! No thank you!

I will check this out on video for the hell of it, but no way will I be seeing it in theaters.

[Lynn Minmei]

Originally posted by thompsoncory


Call me crazy, but I think this looks like a fun time at the movies. It reminds me a lot of SAVE THE LAST DANCE, which I loved and gave a 9/10. I will definetely see this opening weekend.

Crazy.

[Jon Lyrik]

Honey looks like me going into an active bee's nest searching for the stuff. In other words: a painful experience.

I think it looks horrendous. Glitter anyone? I will see this the day I wish to be forcefully masturbated with a cheese grater to Mark Twain's corpse.

I hope this horribly bombs.

And Alba looks like an anorexic retard on that poster.

[m ali]

Looks terrible and is defiantely going to bomb at the box office.

[Scarface98.9]

This looks like an awfully terrible movie. And if they were gonna make this a crappy, dancing movie meant to inspire, they should've made the main goal, to be a music video choreographer, into something more interesting than such a boring goal

[Common Sense Man]

Will you all please stop making crappy dance movies!

Okay that will never happen unless 13 year old girls suddenly become extinct.

Man put this movie in the same bin as Save the Last Dance, Glitter, Gili, and the like.

Just another reason for me to dislike strongly the dark angel chick. I never liked that show either and I had to air it!

I have to admit that this type of movie is not for me so I am biased, but come on people pick a new premise.

Out.....................................

[blankpage]

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.....no. This looks awful.


I find it funny how Universal is trying to keep it 'real', and representing the 'street' in many of their films now. BUT, people will go see it, so that's all that matters.

[Freeway]

I'd rather have a root canal than see Honey. A tired premise with a nonstar in the lead role (Dark Angel wasn't exactly highly rated and was canceled after two seasons and she hasn't done anything else worthwhile really). Honey will flop unless all the rap fans actually turn out to see this piece of cliched crap.

[Lynn Minmei]

Originally posted by Freeway
I'd rather have a root canal than see Honey. A tired premise with a nonstar in the lead role (Dark Angel wasn't exactly highly rated and was canceled after two seasons and she hasn't done anything else worthwhile really). Honey will flop unless all the rap fans actually turn out to see this piece of cliched crap.

Dude...She was on Punk'd!


For one segment

[Mystique963]

You know what the most entertaining idea about this movie is? That the only negative feedback I've heard about the trailer is from this board! Every single one of my 20-year old female college friends can't wait to see this thing. Yes, I will be going to see it opening weekend because I am a die hard hip-hop dancer who clubs more than I study and I love happy 'feel good' movies where the main charactor gets ahold of their dream. Yay!

But yes, you all have very valid points. I personally think this is going to do better than expected at the box-offices because there's a decent sized hype following it.

I will agree with Jon Lyrik, Alba totally looks like shit in that poster. And I want to give my congrats to everyone who's posted on the very vivid negative comments, especially the cheese grater masturbation one. I'm going to have nightmares. :)

[Common Sense Man]

Why is it that it is always the white chick that can't dance?

Out........................................

[Strider]

Even though Jessica Alba is a hot chick, "Honey" just looks like a fuckin' dreadful film! I would never see this film, not even if I was forced by gunpoint..... :D

[paul]

Well, there's nothing else playing next weekend, so I think I just might see this. It doesn't look great, but it looks like STLD which I loved.

[dellamorte dellamore]

I'm loathe to admit this , and yes , it does look cliched , derivative , pandering , standard MTV drivle , but , but , i think it will have some serious kitsch value , and in a guilty pleasure kind of way , i want to see this thing .

Just show me some hot babes shaking around a bit , to some half way decent music , and it's a hollywood video night i don't have to take too seriously .


This is one of those instances where i hope the narrative and subplots about sexually confused drug addicted friends :) are kept to a minimum , just show me an extended music video and i'll be happy .

[Mike]

Originally posted by Common Sense Man
Why is it that it is always the white chick that can't dance?

Out........................................

Is there a white chick that can't dance in this movie? I don't even remember seeing a white chick in the previews. Alba don't count because it looks like they're trying to pass her off as African American.

[EDsoulsurvive*]

all my girl friends wanna c it cuz they think it looks good. All my guy friends (and me) wanna c it cuz Jessica Alba is hot so yeah, I'm most likely gunna c it.

[Common Sense Man]

Originally posted by Mike
Is there a white chick that can't dance in this movie? I don't even remember seeing a white chick in the previews. Alba don't count because it looks like they're trying to pass her off as African American.

I am just saying that the plots to these crapfests are always the same.

A girl from the good side of town goes to the bad side of town to get hip.

It is insulting, to everyone!

And if they are trying to pass alba off black that is even worse. But I do not think they are doing that as it would be outisde the formula.

Okay I just reread the plot synopsis so she is already in the inner city, but they still stick to the formula.

Why did it have to be alba that the story is focused on, there are no other talented dancers in the inner city.

Again the formula had to be followed.

Out............................................... ....

[thompsoncory]

I'm really excited about seeing Missy Elliott in this movie. From the trailer it looks like she could be a pretty decent comedienne. We'll see soon enough.

There are some very interesting production notes on ROTTENTOMATOES.COM about the making of this movie, and can be accessed at this link here (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/Honey-1127773/about.php) . I've included some of the notes in this post:


Having attained success within the music industry as an initiator of some of hip-hop's most groundbreaking and creative ventures, Andre Harrell was looking for a new challenge…and the film industry seemed a natural place to explore. Harrell knew that hip-hop culture was a treasure trove rich with characters and stories that could easily be translated to the screen. A screenplay by Alonzo Brown & Kim Watson about a dancer who wants to attain success outside of her urban neighborhood proved to have the right elements.

Harrell says, "So much of the music that I'm involved in deals with stories about finding your dreams. There's a lot about empowerment—so many of the artists I work with are all about that. It's about taking action, it's about taking chances, which is exactly what I've always done in my career. Dreams don't just happen, you create them. And that's the idea that drives Honey, this kind of hip-hop rags-to-riches-to-reality story, so I was glad to roll up my sleeves and get involved with it."

Marc Platt didn't need much persuasion when Harrell approached him with the screenplay for Honey. Platt was already familiar with the way the genre had spread well beyond its urban origins. He had witnessed its cross-cultural popularity and was eager to become involved with the subject matter.

Platt offers, "I welcomed the great opportunity to produce this film and surround myself with the culture, the people, the music, the feel and the kids—in a way that is exciting, exhilarating and hopeful."

With a commitment from Platt, it soon became time to find a director to bring the story to the screen, and Harrell thought of Bille Woodruff. Woodruff had established himself as a visually astute director of music videos for such artists as Britney Spears, Usher and The Backstreet Boys.

Platt wasn't initially familiar with Woodruff's work, but was impressed by the talent he saw. He comments, "I thought if he can evoke that kind of emotion and character in three minutes, think what he can do in the course of a full-length feature film."

It became clear that Woodruff's experience in directing music videos would be an asset to Honey's urban-infused energy. "It's a world Bille knows and since we're exploring this world, the truthfulness, the spirit and energy of it, it's something he can intuit and recognize easily," adds Platt.

Woodruff wasn't entirely sure that, as a music video director, he wanted his first feature film to be about hip-hop, but he soon saw the potential of the project. Honey was a chance to draw on his considerable knowledge about the world in which the film unfolds, while being able to showcase some of his more nascent skills.

Woodruff says, "It is a blessing that my first film draws on stuff that I'm very familiar with. But then I also get to show that I can handle narrative and tell a good story on a larger scale."

Woodruff approached the script with the eye of an expert and remembers, "We talked about ways to keep it realistic, given my background in the world of music videos, hip-hop and rock. So we included some things that can happen, given the real world that comes into Honey's story."

Honey's theme of overcoming adversity to make your dreams come true struck a deep chord in Woodruff; it took him back to his own childhood dreams. He offers, "The script appealed to me because I'd seen movies like Saturday Night Fever, Fame, Flashdance, Mahogany and Breakin'—they all spoke to me in a certain way. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a famous dancer, or a singer, or a rock star."

The director also responded to the story's inspirational quality and continues, "The idea of Honey's journey got me excited. People often see these kind of stories and relate them to their own lives and the goals they would like to achieve. It would be a dream of mine to inspire a dream in a kid who sees this picture."

Finding an actress with the right balance of emotion, sensibility, spirit and physicality to fill the role of Honey proved to be key for the filmmakers, who combed the music video and acting worlds to find their star.

Woodruff remembers it being a very grueling process in which the filmmakers and the studio explored several possibilities of how the film could be cast. He explains, "I'm very happy with the cast we found for the picture. I learned a lot through the casting process, especially that it's very difficult because there are so many good actors and actresses. Sometimes you have to look for such a subtle quality that you really just can't define."

When Jessica Alba appeared in Marc Platt's office, it suddenly became very clear that Honey Daniels had arrived. "There was something about Jessica that embodied that spirit, drive and determination of our title character," says producer Platt.

Woodruff agrees, "It's obvious to anyone who meets her that Jessica is a very strong person, very opinionated and very direct. I knew that she had the strength and the stamina to pull this off. I felt she could draw you into the story and take you along on her journey. I was aware of her work from Dark Angel and her beautiful, beautiful face, as well as her L'Oreal commercial. She just walked in and I liked her and she liked me. We had the same concerns about the character, we had the same notes and the same things that we wanted to bring out in Honey. So it just worked."

Alba was also inspired by films she saw in her childhood and particularly remembers watching Flashdance as a child. She explains, "I've been waiting for a story like that. So Honey is a dream come true for me. This is a story people can identify with. The character of Honey is real and smart—she realizes her real love and passion is sharing the dance with the kids in her urban neighborhood. These kids could fall into gang-banging or into drugs and she provides them with a positive outlet."

Though a naturally athletic person, Alba had never before taken dance lessons. Choreographer Laurieann Gibson had limited time to get the actress prepared to execute Honey's smooth moves. Platt describes Alba as being up for the challenge and offers, "She worked for months in aerobics class, exercise class, workouts, and then lots and lots of dance training. She's able to inhabit the character of Honey. The dance becomes second nature to her and the movement is an expression of who she is."

For the role of her supportive boyfriend Chaz, Alba suggested Mekhi Phifer. "Mekhi is amazing. I felt he was the only person who could play Chaz. His presence and his heart just glow through," Alba says.

Platt concurs, "When you watch Mekhi, you're riveted. There's something striking about his good looks, his performance, and his affability—which just comes through in the course of this film. The chemistry between him and Jessica is real and he makes Chaz a real, warm character."

Woodruff recalls, "Mekhi met with Jessica and me first and we were both thinking, ‘I hope he likes us.' Fortunately, he did. His thoughts about Chaz reflected the same types of thoughts that I had been having, and he was a great choice for this character with a great heart."

The filmmakers worked to accommodate Phifer's shooting schedule on NBC's long-running, critically acclaimed drama, ER. Platt notes, "I was intent on having Mekhi in the film and he was intent on playing this character and luckily we both made it work."

Chaz's qualities appealed to Phifer because "he's a motivator, a support structure for Honey. He's successful at what he does and he doesn't have to worry with trying to find himself."

Honey was also a welcome departure from the film work the young actor had previously done. "This is one of the first movies I've done," smiles Phifer, "that I can bring my son, my grandparents and everyone I know to see."

The producers also wanted to involve some up-and-coming talents in Honey. "I was working on a project with Lil' Romeo's father, Master P, when I first met him," explains Platt. "As Honey started to evolve, it just came into my head—Lil' Romeo is Benny."

Woodruff is also effusive in his praise of the young star. "Lil' Romeo is a superstar with a million-dollar face. He takes it very seriously by studying his lines and always being prepared. And he takes direction perfectly. The subtlest little thing that I ask him to do with his eyes at the end of the scene to convey a certain emotion—he nailed it every single time."

"He's a great dancer, but he has a real bad attitude," says 14-year-old Lil' Romeo of his character Benny. "He has bad influences like B.B. and Otis. Honey is the good influence. He wants to be on the good side, but his street friends keep pulling him back."

Filming Honey did not keep Lil' Romeo from his studies. "I always have to go to school, even on the set. I have to do schoolwork for about four hours a day. When I'm not shooting, I do it for five hours. If I didn't have my education, I would not be doing this," he explains.

Recently seen in Denzel Washington's critically acclaimed feature directorial debut Antwone Fisher, Joy Bryant appears as Honey's best friend, Gina. Bille Woodruff notes, "There is something very real about Joy—the fabulous, effervescent Joy Bryant. She has this earthiness about her, this instant likeability. She also provides some great comic relief. She seems like a girl who lives in the Bronx, and would be friends with Honey and be the spirit and drive behind her."

The filmmakers were pleased with the chemistry between Alba and Bryant, and it was a feeling that the actors felt, too. Bryant explains, "I wanted to make sure that the friendship between them was authentic—that there was a genuine good friendship between the characters. Gina's like an older sister to Honey. She may not know about the specifics of the music business, but she knows a lot about people and she knows a lot about men. She can recognize game when she sees it."

Woodruff had a clear vision of the type of actor he wanted to cast in the role of Michael Ellis, the music video director who encourages and then derails Honey's early success. "We needed someone who could be likable to a certain extent and then turn on a dime. We didn't want the audience to automatically think he's a jerk and see what's coming."

David Moscow had recently worked on a project with Marc Platt and was cast in the role. Moscow was familiar with the film's setting, having grown up in the Bronx, gone to school in Harlem and now lives in New York City.

In describing his character Michael, Moscow says, "In Honey's eyes, he is the man of the moment. He can take her and change her world, which he does, and then he snuffs it out just as quickly. And the crux of the film is whether she can survive that and still thrive."

Eight-year-old Zachary Isaiah Williams secured the role of Raymond, Benny's lonely little brother, despite his lack of expertise in a key area. Woodruff explains, "Zach is amazing. I knew instantly that I wanted him to play Raymond. But Zachary couldn't dance and Raymond becomes a good dancer with Honey's help. But I didn't care, I knew he was perfect for the role. And I have to hand it to him, he ended up getting some moves."

Casting Lonette McKee in the role of Mrs. Daniels, Honey's disapproving mother, was a dream come true for Woodruff. Her seminal role in the film Sparkle and her embodiment of beauty has affected much of what he's done as a music video director.

"Having Lonette McKee in this film was a personal treat for me. She's an icon in the African-American community, so having her in my first movie is such a big deal to me. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love Sparkle, and they say, ‘Oh my God, you got Lonette!'" enthuses the director.

Playing the role of Honey's mother was easy for the Tony-nominated actress, who recognized the character and her relationship with her daughter. McKee comments, "I've had very similar problems in my past, so I knew that Mrs. Daniel was within my reach."

McKee acknowledges that she really does have a passion for hip-hop and adds, "My actual reasons for wanting to be involved in this project were specifically Bille Woodruff and Andre Harrell. I've been a fan of theirs for years and I've actually known Bille for years. When I heard he was doing his first film, I was more than happy to be involved. The icing on the cake was discovering it was such a clean, beautiful, youth-oriented and uplifting script."

The major differences between shooting a music video and filming a feature quickly became apparent to Woodruff. He notes, "With a video shoot, I can be on top of everything, but on a feature film, you have to delegate and let people do their job and trust them to bring you what you need."

He considers himself fortunate to have assembled his creative team, crediting them with helping him to realize his vision for the film. He says, "I found a team of people whose work I really like. I feel very, very blessed. My director of photography, John Leonetti, is a prime example; he has done huge, large-scale action pictures. Honey appealed to him because it's so different from the other kinds of things that he'd been doing. His excitement fueled my excitement. Every department head brought their best ideas to the project."

[HHH123007]

Originally posted by thompsoncory
[B]Plot Summary: This is the story of Honey (Alba), a tough sexy dancer from the inner city, who becomes a successful music video choreographer, a career which is threatened when her mentor makes her either sleep with him... or get blacklisted within the industry. She ultimately decides to pursue her lifelong dream of opening her own dance studio for inner-city youths.

That sounds like it summarizes the whole movie.....Thanks, now I don't have to see it.

:cool:

[TheGodSon]

Jessica Alba is un-godly gorgeous. Her abs, her ass, her "upper region", her eyes, her hair...ok, i'll stop now.


I'll rent it and put it on mute. ;)

[Freeway]

I really don't see Honey having much of an audience this weekend because the film is being dumped opposite a Tom Cruise film, easily the biggest star in the world. Yeah, that shows that Universal has alot of confidence in Honey.:rolleyes:

[Moviefan1234]

Originally posted by Freeway
I really don't see Honey having much of an audience this weekend because the film is being dumped opposite a Tom Cruise film, easily the biggest star in the world. Yeah, that shows that Universal has alot of confidence in Honey.:rolleyes:

Unfortunately, it will do decent because it's a completely different target audience. Why oh why do films like this do well? :(

[Mike]

Originally posted by Moviefan1234
Unfortunately, it will do decent because it's a completely different target audience. Why oh why do films like this do well? :(

Yep, you're right. They are both completely different target audiences, and it should do decent business. I don't think The Last Samurai will hurt it at all. If anything, it could help it a tad, because if someone goes and wants to see The Last Samurai, but it sells out, instead of just leaving the theater they usually see something else, which could be the only other new wide release this weekend, Honey. Besides, I highly doubt a bunch of young pre-teen and teen girls are going to be wanting to see The Last Samurai over a movie with a girl that dances. People seem to be suckers for movies with a girl that dances. Hell, if they look good, I don't mind them either, but this looks stupid. Still, young girls will turn out for it because of the dancing and "follow your dreams" story, and some guys will go for Alba.

I wish I could answer your question, but I can't. I don't know why movies like this do well. They just do. Now all you basically have to go by is, if it looks like crap and has a PG/PG-13 rating, it will probably do decent business (Kangaroo Jack, Malibu's Most Wanted, etc...).

Also, if Universal is opening it against The Last Samurai, wouldn't that mean that they do have confidence in it?

This will probably be a hit, and then we can see more movies like this :rolleyes:. I don't have a problem with them if they look good, but jesus, this just looks bad. And I am so sick and tired of seeing the trailer in front of everything. I had already seen it a million times on Coming Attractions before I had to see it on the big screen. And the TV spots suck too! I hate that stupid song that they use that's like "When I move you move, just like that!"

[daddiefatsacks]

i was surfing around the net and i got a pop up saying

"for your consideration: Missy elliot Best Supporting Actress"

man, Potential oscar nominee Tom Cruise vs Potential Oscar nominee Missy Elliot?? guys its going to be a tough one this weekend.

[rilocay]

If i ever check it out (itll be on dvd) but it would be cuz of Alba.



Btw Fisting Ackbar, luv ya pic! Lol, thats a movie ithat i'd definatly see the sequals.:D

[Mike]

Originally posted by daddiefatsacks
i was surfing around the net and i got a pop up saying

"for your consideration: Missy elliot Best Supporting Actress"

man, Potential oscar nominee Tom Cruise vs Potential Oscar nominee Missy Elliot?? guys its going to be a tough one this weekend.

LOL! That's hilarious!

Wow, two movies with Oscar buzz behind them opening this weekend. It's going to be a fight to the death. Man, Missy is a shoe-in for a nomination at this years academy awards. :rolleyes: She'll probably win too. From the moment I saw her in the trailer, I thought "Now that looks like an Oscar-caliber performance!" It's no wonder no other movie wanted to take on these titans this weekend. I'd feel sorry for them if they did. They wouldn't stand a chance. :D


I wrote a little rhyme. It's dumb, but it's funny. Of course, I think it's one of those things that's so lame that it's funny.

Here it goes:

I know Ms. Alba's cute, like a little bunny, but I'd rather save my money, than waste it on Honey! :p (Yep, I have no life ;))

[Fisting Ackbar]

Originally posted by rilocay
Btw Fisting Ackbar, luv ya pic! Lol, thats a movie ithat i'd definatly see the sequals.:D

Thanks :)

[DaMovieMan]

I have been waiting for this movie ever since i was born. Once i see it i know i will get the inspiration to follow my dreams and become what i want to be by believing in my self and my close friends. Oh gosh, i can't wait to see this sure masterpiece and i always thought Miss Eliot was an excellent actress when i watch her videos. Hopefully the Academy will see this too and start handing oscars to rap stars, because they deserve it!

This and LOVE DONT COST A THING are my number one movies on my 'must see list'. Does anybody know anything about the DVD? I cant wait until it comes out.


;)


DMM

[Moviefan1234]

Originally posted by Mike
Now all you basically have to go by is, if it looks like crap and has a PG/PG-13 rating, it will probably do decent business (Kangaroo Jack, Malibu's Most Wanted, etc...).



That seems to be a good theory...:rolleyes:
Anyway, thanks for the explanation. This indeed has oscar bait written all over it. We may as well pencil Mekhi Phifer in as best support actor, who could possibly beat him?

[Fisting Ackbar]

Originally posted by Moviefan1234
We may as well pencil Mekhi Phifer in as best support actor, who could possibly beat him?

That guy who spoofed his 8 MILE character in SCARY MOVIE 3!

[Freeway]

Mike, you might be underestimating the appeal of Tom Cruise to the female audience. Most girls think that he's cute and will see anything that he is in no matter what it is because of him. That would effectively take away more of the potential audience for Honey except for the inner city audience.

[Mike]

Originally posted by Freeway
Mike, you might be underestimating the appeal of Tom Cruise to the female audience. Most girls think that he's cute and will see anything that he is in no matter what it is because of him. That would effectively take away more of the potential audience for Honey except for the inner city audience.

I think some older teen girls will see it for him, but that still leaves a bunch of little girls and other people that don't want to see The Last Samurai for Honey. The Last Samurai will definitely make much more than Honey, but Honey will still get some decent numbers. It should anyway.

[Freeway]

Originally posted by Mike
I think some older teen girls will see it for him, but that still leaves a bunch of little girls and other people that don't want to see The Last Samurai for Honey. The Last Samurai will definitely make much more than Honey, but Honey will still get some decent numbers. It should anyway.

It definitely doesn't deserve decent numbers. And Universal is dumping it opposite The Last Samurai, they definitely don't exhibit having confidence in it or else there would be a much bigger marketing push. You should know this since you claim to know alot about the box office.

[thompsoncory]

NO ADVERTISING! Sorry, but I have seen so many ads for this movie it is actually getting annoying. At least one is on every hour (maybe even more often) and it has been getting more promotion (from what I have seen) than The Last Samurai on TV and radio. Plus they are doing that whole "In 3 days," "In 2 days," thing in the ads for Honey, which could mean that they are expecting a hit. I think The Last Samurai will open at the top, but Honey will surprise, and I still very much want to see it.

[Freeway]

Originally posted by thompsoncory
NO ADVERTISING! Sorry, but I have seen so many ads for this movie it is actually getting annoying. At least one is on every hour (maybe even more often) and it has been getting more promotion (from what I have seen) than The Last Samurai on TV and radio. Plus they are doing that whole "In 3 days," "In 2 days," thing in the ads for Honey, which could mean that they are expecting a hit. I think The Last Samurai will open at the top, but Honey will surprise, and I still very much want to see it.

Maybe those who watch hours upon hours of TV have seen many ads but for others who don't (like me) haven't seen maybe more than one ad for Honey while I have seen many more for Samurai. Just because Universal is doing the 3 days, 2 days thing doesn't mean that they think they have a hit on their hands. It just means that they have little faith that people can remember when it comes out without constant reminders.

[thompsoncory]

Originally posted by Freeway
Maybe those who watch hours upon hours of TV have seen many ads but for others who don't (like me) haven't seen maybe more than one ad for Honey while I have seen many more for Samurai. Just because Universal is doing the 3 days, 2 days thing doesn't mean that they think they have a hit on their hands. It just means that they have little faith that people can remember when it comes out without constant reminders.

I don't even watch a lot of TV and I still see ads for it a whole lot. Right now I'm thinking that it will do CROSSROADS numbers. So far reviews haven't been good, but not nearly as bad as I expected.

[Gregorious8]

Originally posted by thompsoncory
but Honey will surprise, and I still very much want to see it.

Hell, it will surprise me if it makes ten dollars.

[DaMovieMan]

The only two good things about the trailer, which i also notice quite a lot even though most of my time i spend on campus, is Jessica Alba's hotness and the song Ludacris - Stand Up. That's it.

DMM

[Ron34]

Originally posted by DaMovieMan
The only two good things about the trailer, which i also notice quite a lot even though most of my time i spend on campus, is Jessica Alba's hotness and the song Ludacris - Stand Up. That's it.

DMM

same here

[Mike]

I don't watch all that much TV either, but I've seen several ads for Honey. They are on all of the time. I've only seen around 3-4 for The Last Samurai, but that doesn't matter much, since TLS will be a hit no matter what. It doesn't need much advertising.

[Lynn Minmei]

I haven't seen a single TV ad in the last week for Honey. Not good news. I've seen a ton for TLS, though.

[Lynn Minmei]

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319061/board/thread/4548743


That's it, I'm contemplating suicide now ;)

That link disgusts me.

[Mike]

Originally posted by Lynn Minmei
I haven't seen a single TV ad in the last week for Honey. Not good news. I've seen a ton for TLS, though.

Have you just not had a TV on? ;) Actually, it all depends on what you watch too and when you watch it. In the last hour I've seen at least 3 TV spots for Honey, all on different channels of course. And guess what? None were MTV or a music video channel either, since I pretty much don't watch those. I can only imagine how thick the spots for it are on MTV.

[ilovemovies]

Roger Ebert's * * 1/2 review:


HONEY / **1/2 (PG-13)

December 5, 2003






Honey Daniels: Jessica Alba
Chaz: Mekhi Phifer
Benny: Lil' Romeo
Gina: Joy Bryant
Michael Ellis: David Moscow
Mrs. Daniels: Lonette McKee
Raymond: Zachary Isaiah Williams
Joey: Jull Weber


Universal Pictures presents a film directed by Bille Woodruff. Written by Alonzo Brown and Kim Watson.

Running time: 94 minutes. Rated PG-13 (for drug content and some sexual references).









BY ROGER EBERT


Hey, kids! Let's rent the old barn and put on a show!

These words are so familiar that surely I must have actually heard them in a movie at one time or another, but I confess I cannot remember when. They summarize one of the most persistent of all movie formulas, pioneered in the days of Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, reborn in the era of Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello, and now finding new life with Jessica Alba and Lil' Romeo.

If I were to tell you (a) that Jessica Alba works as a dance instructor in a neighborhood center, (b) that she discovers Lil' Romeo and his friends break-dancing in the streets, (c) that city inspectors shut down the center because of leaks and unsafe construction, and (d) that there is an empty church nearby that could be borrowed for an evening, what would you say the chances are that Alba will hit on the nation of using the old church to put on a show with the kids, to raise money for the community center?

It's amazing that this formula still survives, but it does, right down to the crucial moment when the doors open and her parents (who disapprove of her hip-hop dance style) join the audience, are moved by the performance, and have maybe a few tears in their eyes, having seen the light and understood their daughter's dream at last. "Honey" crosses this formula with another: The talented girl from the neighborhood who is discovered by a big producer, who lures her away from her old friends. Will she be dazzled by the bright lights and the big city? Will the slickster's limousine and champagne lifestyle make her forget the honest and dependable neighborhood barber who truly loves her? Will she let the kids down?

There is not a lot of suspense behind these questions, because Jessica Alba doesn't have the face and smile of the kind of creep who would sell out to a crass big-shot producer and dump the dear hearts and gentle people back in the neighborhood. She plays Honey Daniels, who teaches a dance class at the center run by her mother (Lonette McKee). She hangs out with her best friend Gina (Joy Bryant) and dreams of someday surviving an audition and being selected to dance in a music video.

Meanwhile, Honey and Gina dance at clubs on weekends, and a scout supplies a video of her style to Michael (David Moscow), a famous video producer. He bypasses the auditions, gives her a role in his new video, hires her to choreograph three more, and takes her to fancy parties and opening nights. It takes her just a little too long to figure out what's perfectly obvious to us: He wants to be her lover.

Honey has been inspired by the free dance styles of Benny (Lil' Romeo) and his buddies, borrows some of them for her choreography, and persuades Michael to let her use the kids in a new video starring Ginuwine. Meanwhile, Chaz (Mekhi Phifer), the faithful barber, wonders if Honey is lost to him -- even though she likes him a lot and likes Michael less and less.

A movie like "Honey" is aimed at younger teenagers, who may not precisely be students of Mickey and Judy; scenes that have unfolded in a thousand other movies can seem new if you're seeing them for the first time. I wasn't seeing them for the first or even the 50th time, but the warmth of Jessica Alba and likability of Mekhi Phifer were real enough -- a consolation even when their characters were repeating all the old moves.

"Honey" doesn't have a shred of originality (except for the high-energy choreography), but there's something fundamentally reassuring about a movie that respects ancient formulas; it's like a landmark preservation program.




Copyright © Chicago Sun-Times Inc.

[thompsoncory]

LMAO Lynn that is one of the funniest things I have ever read. Here it is for those who don't want to click...

"jessica alba desearces an oscar nomination for this film she is so talented and she can dance...this si teh ebst perfromnce of the year and her emtional work during teh film is incredible u cna really feel her pain...she is so talented taht ehr facial expreesion sum up all ehr emtions in thsi film i was shocked when i went to go see thsi i ddint think she was a good actress i ust thought she was hot, but after seeign this film which wasnt hat good i knwo thatbwithout jessica's brave, demandign and emotionally raw perfromance thsi movie would have been nothing..she boudn to get some kidn of critic awards thrown at her com year end and i woudld not be surprised to c her get at least an oscar nomination for this incredable perfromace"

[Lynn Minmei]

The funnier part: It's on the BIG FISH message board. How can you confuse Big Fish with Honey?

[Nate6]

Originally posted by Lynn Minmei
The funnier part: It's on the BIG FISH message board. How can you confuse Big Fish with Honey?

Missy Elliott, being a big fish, may lead some people to confusion.

Everyone I know thinks this movie looks bad, so I still don't think it's going to do extremely well.

[Mike]

Originally posted by thompsoncory
LMAO Lynn that is one of the funniest things I have ever read. Here it is for those who don't want to click...

"jessica alba desearces an oscar nomination for this film she is so talented and she can dance...this si teh ebst perfromnce of the year and her emtional work during teh film is incredible u cna really feel her pain...she is so talented taht ehr facial expreesion sum up all ehr emtions in thsi film i was shocked when i went to go see thsi i ddint think she was a good actress i ust thought she was hot, but after seeign this film which wasnt hat good i knwo thatbwithout jessica's brave, demandign and emotionally raw perfromance thsi movie would have been nothing..she boudn to get some kidn of critic awards thrown at her com year end and i woudld not be surprised to c her get at least an oscar nomination for this incredable perfromace"

LAUGH OUT FUCKING LOUD! THAT'S HILARIOUS! Thanks for posting that because I wouldn't have clicked on the link, not knowing what it was or caring much. I didn't think it would be something hilarious like that. It's almost hard to believe that that person is seriously THAT stupid. It almost seems like it was a joke. Either way though, it was very funny.

[sharkstank]

so......i guess no one has seen it, eh?
oh well

WWWWWWWHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[ilovemovies]

Personally, I don't think this looks bad. Just uneccessary since it's been done a thousand times before. And that's what the reviews have been saying. I liked how Ebert described it on Ebert and Reoper tonight. He said it was hugely likeable but agonizingly predictable. They also say that Jessica Alba is really good in it. So I don't think it will be bad. Just too much of a been there done that, that's all.

[thompsoncory]

Originally posted by ilovemovies
Personally, I don't think this looks bad. Just uneccessary since it's been done a thousand times before. And that's what the reviews have been saying. I liked how Ebert described it on Ebert and Reoper tonight. He said it was hugely likeable but agonizingly predictable. They also say that Jessica Alba is really good in it. So I don't think it will be bad. Just too much of a been there done that, that's all.

This is what most critics are saying. I won't be able to see it this weekend, but I am going to try to next weekend.

[TheGodSon]

I honestly don't think it looks terrible. I'll give it a rent to check out her abs.

[thompsoncory]

I saw it today. It was pretty good, not great, but a good way to spend an hour and a half. Jessica Alba gives a good performance, and Missy Elliott is funny for the five minutes she is in the movie. The dance sequences are pretty cool. The bad thing was Lil' Romeo, possibly the worst child actor EVER. He was completely unconvincing and just so awful. Anyways, it was better than most of you are thinking.

7/10 (B)

[anakinsrise]

Why does it seem as if Alba is doing the same dance throughout the movie