The Big Screen Bulletin: News That's Better Than Last Week's
Posted by Chad Webb on 04.16.2007
A nightmares with "The Dukes of Hazzard", "Angels & Demons" news, Edward Norton as "The Incredible Hulk"?, The "Anna Nicole" movie, the "Barbarella" remake, the box office results, new DVD releases, quickees, trailers, and much more!
Straight to Video Nightmares
The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning
Starring: Christopher McDonald, April Scott, Jonathan Bennett, and Randy Wayne
Directed By: Robert Berlinger
Release Date: March 13, 2007
Running Time: 95 minutes
Unrated
Well, considering that I refuse to watch the first film starring Seann William Scott and Johnny Knoxville, and since I was not a huge fan of the show (but at least respected its popularity), this review should be interesting shouldn't it? The 2005 film was directed by Broken Lizard's own Jay Chandrasekhar. It was met with scathing reviews by critics, and made many top 10 worst lists that year. However, I have met a couple of people who enjoyed it, and I feel sorry for them. Those people must have been a significant number because this prequel was the result. In this installment the origins of Bo, Luke, and most importantly…The General Lee are conceived. Prior to Bo and Luke raising hell in Hazzard, they ran into some trouble with the law in their previous hometowns. They are both sent to live with Uncle Jessie, and learn a hard day's work. That lasts all of one afternoon before the corrupt Boss Hogg hatches a plan to rid the county of all moonshiners, and of course that means Uncle Jessie, whom he has much disdain for. Hogg is preparing to make Hazzard a dry county, while also setting up ice cream parlors (this is a cover for his secret agenda for those who were not aware). Since Uncle Jessie is being watched closely by Hogg, and is supposed to pay him money at one point, Jessie decides to enlist Bo and Luke to help run the moonshine all over the area. They need a fast car. With the aid of Cooter, they find General Lee in the bottom of a pond. They fix it up and transform it to pristine condition because they have ample amounts of cash for that I guess. At this juncture of the storyline, I started to wonder what grade level the screenwriters reached in high school before dropping out.
In the background of our tale is one of the most annoying narrators in cinematic history, who absolutely must speak to us incessantly because of how ridiculous and surprisingly convoluted the plot becomes. He rambles so much that I paid little attention to him. Oh, by the way, Daisy is a brunette here, and we see her as a nerd with big clothes and glasses. We do discover why Bo slides over the car hood and hops in the window. It's so he doesn't have to walk the whole way around the car, and it's cool. Wow, now I can sleep easier at night. If you are upset by these minor spoilers, you must have issues. Anyway, Sheriff Roscoe and his dog Flash are involved in the hijinks too. The entire film is filled with about as much redneck one-liner dialogue, slapstick comedy, and so-called "unrated" nudity as any teenager can handle. The nudity consists of quick glimpses of topless girls. Yay. The filmmakers were so desperate to display skin that they had a stunt where the boys drive a go-cart through a school, and into the girls' locker room. Most of the time, Bo and Luke are either A) trying to get laid, or B) trying to get drunk. Inevitably, Daisy changes her boring style to get some dude to notice her. She starts wearing jean shorts and a skimpy shirt. She is played by April Scott, a pretty young lady who makes Shannon Elizabeth seem like an Oscar-winning actress. Scott is credited as "model", or "sexy girl" in the majority of her previous roles.
Having just watched one of the best car chase sequences ever in Grindhouse, I viewed the scenes in this prequel as complete and utter garbage. The occupants of the vehicles are so blatantly stunt drivers that Director Robert Berlinger made no attempt to conceal them whatsoever. So Boss Hogg of course threatens to forclose on Jessie's farm, and the boys need to think up some wacky scheme to get revenge on Hogg. Insanity and craziness ensues. You predict the ending.
Now for the acting. As I said, I was not a follower of the original TV series, but Jonathan Bennett and Randy Wayne do not just insult the abilities of Tom Wopat and John Schneider, but also the horrid efforts by Johnny Knoxville and Seann William Scott in 2005. I might not have seen that movie, but I did see the trailer, and that was all the proof I needed of putrid awfulness. Bennett and Wayne aim high and emulate Scott and Knoxville to some degree. Willie Nelson returns as Uncle Jessie, and even sings a dandy song in this sorry excuse for entertainment. He really does try hard, and he is by far the only one who delivers a solid turn. Harlan Williams steps in as Roscoe P. Coltrane. You will remember him from Half Baked. That was the high point of his career, and this is the low. His voice gave me a migraine. Lastly is Christopher McDonald, who was a fabulous actor at one time (Broken Flowers, Requiem for a Dream), but that is impossible to defend now. As Boss Hogg he is painful to endure. He deserves better. It is embarrassing that Shooter McGavin was forced to resort to these sorts of trashy scripts.
I have come across a few reviews that were actually positive for this torturous atrocity, and honestly, that doesn't say much for those sites. The best part of this experience for me was the fact that Trishelle from some recent season of MTV's The Real World plays some random hottie and gets naked. I didn't love her appearance for the nudity, it was just so damn hilarious to me that someone is paying that girl to act. The Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning has no laughter, no adventure, no excitement, and no reasons why anyone should waste time on renting or buying it. The people who said to themselves "This was a lot of fun" must be extremely die hard fans of anything having to do with The Dukes of Hazzard. That's the only thing I came up with. Maybe my explanation was not convincing enough for you to definitely avoid this. One rule of thumb: if a film is overloaded with gags regarding excrement and passing gas (especially involving a pig), you know full well it should never have been greenlit. I don't care how much money Direct-to-DVD releases are making. These are some of the most tasteless, moronic, unintelligent pieces of work to ever have a place in stores. This only hurts the legacy of the show.
Final Rating = 2.0/10.0
The News Bulletin
"Disturbia" Wins the Weekend
Hollywood staged a veritable spring clearance sale this weekend as six new wide arrivals hit movie screens, but the only new film that flew off the shelves was the Paramount Pictures release "Disturbia." The PG-13 thriller, starring rising star Shia LaBeouf as a housebound teen who suspects a neighbor of murder, captured an estimated $23 million to capture first place at the North American boxoffice. It was a good weekend for Paramount Pictures and DreamWorks -- not only did the distributor and production company field the winning "Disturbia," but their comedy "Blades of Glory" held down the No. 2 spot with an estimated $14.1 million, which brings its domestic cume to $90.2 million. But the weekend brought more bad news for the Weinstein Co. as its "Grindhouse," which bowed last weekend at No. 4, fell 63% to 10th place, picking up just $4.2 million, which brings its collective purse to a mere $19.7 million. 20th Century Fox's "Pathfinder," an R-rated Viking adventure directed by Marcus Nispel ("The Texas Chainsaw Massacre"), bowed in sixth place. Installed in 1,720 theaters, it scored an estimated $4.8 million. "Redline," the $34 million drag-racing movie self-financed by real estate mogul Daniel Sadek, who also distributed the film himself through newly created Chicago Pictures, pulled up in 11th place. Revving its engines in 1,607 theaters, it collected an estimated $4 million.
Disturbia seemed like a logical winner this week. On a side note, I guess somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 films got released this past Friday. I really didn't think about what would be #1 this week. I was more concerned this week with how badly Grindhouse was going to have drop, and unfortunately it went all the way to #10. What are people thinking? I am pleased that Perfect Stranger did poor, but I now that I have seen it, I wish it would have done worse. Apparently some thought it looked good. Even Pathfinder got #6, while poor Aqua Teen didn't even crack the top 10 at #13. Otherwise, 300 and Wild Hogs are still smiling with loads of money. This is a disappointing week for new releases in my opinion (in terms of quality at least). What would make me happy is to see Hot Fuzz slaughter the competition next weekend. My prediction is with Fracture though.
Sexy pop star Willa Ford will play Anna Nicole Smith in a newly announced biopic on the ill-fated celebrity's life that's set to start shooting next week. Ford, who had a hit single in 2001 with "I Wanna Be Bad" from her debut album "Willa Was Here," has remained in the spotlight largely due to her sexed-up image. Like Smith, Ford has modeled extensively and posed nude for Playboy. She has appeared on numerous reality TV shows, in men's magazines, and is currently working on a second album. The movie, "Anna Nicole", is being directed by Keoni Waxman. News of Ford's casting was first reported on the entertainment news show "The Insider", and was reiterated in today's Variety. The film will reportedly cover Smith's life from the age of 17 until her death in February at the age of 39. It will chronicle her rise to fame as a Playboy centerfold, Guess model and actress. The story will trace Smith's life through her marriage to billionaire oil tycoon J. Howard Marshall II, the death of her son and her own death five months after giving birth to a baby girl, Dannielynn. Ford can currently be seen hosting "Pance-Off Dance-Off" on Fuse TV.
Hollywood wastes no time whatsoever do they? First of all, this is a bad idea, but that should go without saying. Secondly, Willa Ford! Of all people to portray Anna Nicole Smith on screen, a pop singer? I think I speak for everyone when I say "What the hell?!" Right after the O.J. Simpson scandal was finished, a couple of made-for-TV movies aired. Both were terrible, and both were forgotten until I just mentioned them. Do we really need a movie about her made this quickly? It really says a lot about the idiots who are working in Hollywood that they would immediately go this route. The director hasn't completed anything of note, and with this his reputation isn't likely to get better. I realize this should have been expected at some point, but it still disgusts me.
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Brendan Fraser has officially signed on to appear in the third installment of "The Mummy" action-adventure franchise. He'll be without his lovely co-star from the previous films, Rachel Weisz, who recently dropped out of the project. According to industry insider mag Variety, Fraser has signed a lucrative deal to appear in the flick, which will team his character with a teenage son. Together, father and son go up against an ancient Chinese mummy played by Jet Li. Rob Cohen will direct the flick from a script by "Smallville" scribes Alfred Gough and Miles Millar. The writers are going to take another crack at the screenplay to write Evy, Weisz's character, out of the story.
Mommy has reportedly won out over "The Mummy" when it comes to Rachel Weisz's involvement with Universal's third installment of its blockbuster monster-bashing franchise. The Oscar winner has dropped out of "The Mummy 3", according to TMZ.com. Weisz is said to be juggling four competing projects, as well as her infant son, so the Rob Cohen-directed sequel to the series that made her a box office star took a backseat to those other considerations. TMZ adds that Brendan Fraser and Jet Li are still attached to star in the film, according to an unnamed studio rep. "The Mummy 3" will follow Alex O'Connell, the now-adult son of the first two films' protagonists, Rick and Evy (Fraser and Weisz, respectively). Jet Li will play the new mummy menace that the O'Connells must battle. Universal has "The Mummy 3" tentatively slated for a July 11, 2008 release.
In case you didn't notice, this is 2 news bits crammed into one. I want to applaud Rachel Weisz for opting not to join this disastrous-sounding sequel. I commented on a previous Bulletin about the plot, which is summarized above. IGN had the scoop right away, and I really think this film will be dreadful. Unfortunately, the extremely talented Brendan Fraser has so little to do that he must slip on the pants of O'Connell once more. Of course, now that the screenwriters are forced to write Evy out, it will most certainly be in the most absurd and aggravating fashion one can ponder. I still can't believe they will center this adventure around the son. This is one franchise that looks like it will just get worse.
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The long-in-development remake of "Barbarella" is getting new life courtesy of "Casino Royale" screenwriters Neal Purvis and Robert Wade. The James Bond scripters have been hired by producers Dino and Martha De Laurentiis to pen a new draft of the sexy sci-fi flick. According to Variety, De Laurentiis recently purchased the film rights from Julien Forest, the son of Jean-Claude Forest, author of the French comicbook series on which the original Jane Fonda flick was based. The first two "Barbarella" comicbooks will be re-released in tandem with the new movie, along with previously untranslated to English material. "Barbarella is the ultimate science-fiction adventure heroine: smart, strong funny and sexy," De Laurentiis told the trade. "I'm excited to reintroduce Barbarella to a new generation of moviegoers." The new movie will not be a send-up of the campy original, but a straight-up story of a modern woman who survives in a futuristic world through her intelligence, fighting skills and sexuality. De Laurentiis reportedly chose Purvis and Wade to adapt the flick because he liked the way they updated Ian Fleming's "Casino Royale." Incidentally, Variety adds that the screenwriting duo has just completed their script for "Bond 22." Fans that have tracked the project through years of development hell will remember that Drew Barrymore was once been linked to the lead role. We're now hearing that Lindsay Lohan's name is being tossed around. Stay tuned!
I had not seen this movie before this weekend, so I looked at this news update and figured it would be a good time to watch it. I must say it was one the worst comic book adaptations I have ever seen. It is the equivalent of sci-fi/fantasy porn, minus the sex scenes. It starts off and it just seems like a bad movie, then it continues and you'll think that it is just silly, but when it is finished you will want to punish yourself for losing that 1 hour and 40 minutes of your life. Even if it was aiming for that B-movie campiness, I hated it. The acting and set design were both laughably dreadful. It suits Lohan to pick up the role now though. Not Drew Barrymore. This will be beyond deplorable when it is remade for today's audiences. Seriously, this was one of the weirdest films I have ever seen.
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"Da Vinci Code" director Ron Howard is reportedly mulling another crack at helming a Dan Brown screen adaptation. Rumors spread earlier this week that Tom Hanks was sealing a deal to reprise his role as symbologist Robert Langdon in "Angels & Demons", and now comes the news that Columbia Pictures is close to signing Howard for the Da Vinci prequel as well. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hanks and Howard are both in "final negotiations" for the project. Sony declined to comment on the matter to THR. The trade adds that "Angels & Demons" is slated to begin filming in January and that Sony is awaiting Akiva Goldsman's screenplay adaptation to be finished. Sony has also reportedly hired Jane Jenkins and Debbie McWilliams to serve as the film's casting directors.
I was a huge fan of The Da Vinci Code. I thought it was underrated, and I am not ashamed to admit it. Most arguments were not fully thought out. That being said, I am all for an adaptation of the Angels & Demons book, which many consider to be the best Dan Brown novel. I liked it a lot, and will enjoy watching it on screen. However, I am worried about the paychecks being dished out. Months ago it was reported that screenwriter Akiva Goldsman was gaining a record payday for his work. Now it is rumored that Hanks is getting a record payday. What will Ron Howard be receiving? They are risking a lot by spending this much money. Da Vinci killed at the box office, but some of the poor critics reviews might affect folks coming back for a new film. It probably won't be enough to really hurt the numbers, but it could be an amount big enough that the total gain does not exceed the budget. Anyway, this is a long ways away, so anything could happen. I am glad to see the original Robert Langdon returning, as well as the director and screenwriter. Where will they film this? The plot is set at the Vatican most of the time. I doubt the Vatican would allow this project access.
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Director Joe Johnston did a solid job directing the third "Jurassic Park" film for Steven Spielberg, and his name has been oft-suggested in connection with "JP4", which is expected to begin shooting this year. In past interviews with the press, producers Frank Marshall and Steven Spielberg have both suggested the director's seat would be his if he wanted it. Johnston's agents, however, deny any involvement with the upcoming action-adventure sequel. According to MTV.com, he is definitely not directing, which leaves the field wide open for another to take the reigns. There's little to do other than speculate at the moment. Laura Dern, who is reprising her archaeologist character in the film, suggested unorthodox filmmaker David Lynch for the job — a rather unlikely choice. Another possibility we've written about before would be Alex Proyas of "Dark City" "I, Robot" fame. If "Jurassic Park IV" stays on track, we can expect some kind of announcement in the coming months. Stay tuned!
These are just rumors, but I can still have fun talking about how bizarre it would be to have David Lynch direct a Jurrasic Park sequel. Imagine fancy camera tricks and complex endings with dinosaurs. That would never happen in my opinion. In the words of the McMahons…No Chance in Hell. Personally, I think fans can argue and debate about decent choices for hours, but the fact is, the most reasonable prediction is probably a filmmaker we know very little about. I don't think this will be anyone with a great resume, or long history in the director's chair. I could be totally wrong on this one, but we'll see. I wish this sequel would not happen at all to be frank.
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Rob Marshall ("Chicago," "Memoirs of a Geisha") will direct a feature film version of the 1982 Broadway musical "Nine" for the Weinstein Company. The film and play are adapted from Federico Fellini's 1963 classic autobiographical feature "8 1/2," focusing on a film director stuck in neutral as he tries to make a movie while haunted by the demands of all the women in his life, including a wife, mistress and even his deceased mother. Raul Julia starred in the original version, whilst Antonio Banderas headlines a 2002 revival. Marshall and John DeLuca will produce and choreograph the adaptation of the show, which won five Tonys including best musical. The script will be adjusted to suit the strengths of the leading actors says Marshall, whilst a late 2008 release looks to be planned. Original "Nine" book writer Arthur Kopit and composer Maury Yeston will serve as co-executive producers.
I don't have much to say about this except that anything adapting Fellini's 8 ½ is an idea I am not in favor of. Leave that film alone. If the Broadway musical was a hit, that's great, but we don't need a film version. Then again, even though I sound grumpy about the whole plan, I would trust Rob Marshall to create a unique and acceptable musical. Who are they looking to cast in this? Antonio Banderas is obviously still working. I'm sure he would want to participate.
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Two Best Actor winners are teaming up for the fact-based drama "The Great Debaters." Forest Whitaker will star opposite Denzel Washington in the Weinstein pic, which Washington will also direct from a script by Robert Eisele. Filming begins next month in Louisiana. Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Films is producing along with Todd Black and Joe Roth. Variety reports that, in addition to helming, Washington will "play a volatile coach who molds a group of students from a small black college in East Texas into an elite debate team in the 1930s that wins the right to go against Harvard's championship team." The trade adds that "Whitaker will play the father of one of the students."
We know Denzel can direct after Antwone Fisher, but I have concerns about Robert Eisele, the screenwriter. His only other claim to fame is 3: The Dale Earnhardt Story. Can he handle something like this? Assuming he can, the cast looks great with Whitaker, Washington, and Columbus Short as the stars. The storyline does not entice me though. We have seen Denzel play a coach before, so watching him do it again, even though it is as a debating coach, seems redundant. I guess this could turn out alright. I wouldn't think that Denzel would pick just any idea as his sophomore directing job. I also found out that this will be a Weinstein Co. release. I hope those guys score soon with a hit.
The 20 Second Sermon
Ok, so LeBeouf is finally confirmed for Indy 4. I'm tired of commenting on this, and I'll move on now. Thomas Lennon has discussed possible sequels to Night at the Museum and Reno 911!. A Night at the Museum sequel is no surprise. Since I hated both films, I think these two will suck. Christina Ricci has joined the Wachowski's Speed Racer with John Goodman, Susan Sarandon, and Emile Hirsch. This cast is very odd, and has the chance to be very bad, or very good. The title for the upcoming Jet Li/Jackie Chan martials arts film is Forbidden Kingdom. Boring. How about some wacky kung fu style title? I have read an early report that says Edward "friggin" Norton is the new Incredible Hulk. The first thoughts that spring to mind are weird, but awesome! This is an extremely mainstream part for this guy. Personally, I can't to see how this turns out.
What's Coming to DVD….Buy or Avoid?
DVD Headline of the Week
The Last King of Scotland - If you haven't heard of Forest Whitaker's Oscar winning performance, you have been living under a rock. My DVD review is up tomorrow, but definitely buy this. Buy
Notes on a Scandal - Yes, the acting was top-notch here, but the plot was predictable and unoriginal. Avoid
The History Boys - This got a limited release, but was pretty unknown to most people. I heard mixed things. The artwork is lively though.
Spider-Man 2 (Unrated, Extended Cut) - What a ridiculous double dip this is right on time for Spidey 3. If you have the first edition, stick with that. Avoid
Smokin' Aces - This had an all-star style cast, and the plot was exciting enough at the time with a Tarantino vibe, but this is good only for a rental. Avoid
Freedom Writers - This is a poor imitation to Dangerous Minds. That is all. Avoid
Overlord – Criterion Collection - Three in one week for Criterion! I can't say as I've seen this either, but it's about D-Day so it sparks my attention.
Thieves Like Us - Another Robert Altman classic arrives on DVD. This one is not very popular, but still enjoyable with Carradine and Duvall. At $10, it is a worthwhile purchase. Buy
National Lampoon's Pucked - Another crappy looking Lampoon DVD. How did Bon Jovi end up in this? That's just weird.
Masters of Horror – Family - A horror film from Director John Landis (Blues Brothers 2000, Beverly Hills Cop III). I'll pass on this I think.
Pulp - I've never even heard of this Michael Caine flick, but I do know Director Mike Hodges, who ruined Damien: Omen II. I don't care…sorry.
Attack Force Z - A young Mel Gibson, San Neill, and John Waters. What cheesy title. I think I may have seen this long ago, but I'm not sure anymore.
The Critic's Quickee
Grindhouse - I could have definitely written a review for this, but I thought 3 was enough for the site. This is one of the best movies of 2007. Yes, the running time is well over 3 hours, and who cares? It didn't feel that long to me. First was Robert Rodriguez's "Planet Terror." This was a B-movie horror comedy that delivered all the gore, laughs, and one-liners. Josh Brolin was fantastic, and for that matter the rest of the cast was great also. Not one of them exaggerated their roles too much, and that was the key. "Planet Terror" had everything, and it did a fabulous job not just being unraveling like a zombie flick, but a film that saluted all those similar offerings that came before it. The comedy was just masterful here. In between were the faux trailers with star cameos, obscene images, and outstanding titles. This is an intermission that no one should miss. "Death Proof" resurrected the bad ass Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike. This is yet another Tarantino treasure with some truly spectacular female dialogue and conversations. In addition, his legitimate car chases rank right up their with those in Bullitt, The French Connection, and To Live and Die in L.A.. This is a more action-based B-movie with attractive women in skimpy clothing, cool cars, and exhilarating action. These should not be split in two. They should be viewed as one because this is a complete experience, not just a film. The missing reels, the old school theater presentations, and the rest of the package was simply sensational. This is a masterpiece from start to finish, from two guys who are experts on the genre, and honestly, I cannot wait for the DVD which will no doubt have the uncensored version. Final Rating = 10.0/10.0
The Host - Don't miss this limited release monster movie epic while it is still in a few theaters. Read my full review by clicking here.
The Reaping - I had a couple opportunities to see this, but in the end I didn't care, and had too many other things to do.
First Snow - This guy Pearce wannabe thriller really can't be seen in too many cities, but read my review right here so you know whether or not to avoid it.
Firehouse Dog - I have my limitations.
The Hoax - Go see Richard Gere in this superb film now. Get all the details by reading review. Click here.
Movievision Weekly
Monday Leprechaun: Back 2 Tha Hood - When Warwick Davis went to the hood, the sequels ceased being fun and exciting. This final leprechaun installment (to date) was possibly the worst of them all. This is on BET at 8pm. *
Holes - Shia LeBeouf stars with some veteran performers in this wonderful family film based on the popular book. I didn't think this was perfect, but it was better than most family films. It's on Disney at 8pm. ***1/2
Tuesday Rudy - One of the greatest sports stories ever put to film starring Sean Astin. This is such a terrific underdog movie. I love watching this whenever it's on TV. You can see it on ABC Family at 8pm. ***1/2
Unbreakable - M. Night Shyamalan's second masterpiece with Bruce Willis. It also has Samuel L. Jackson in a superb turn. This was an unbelievable film from start to finish, and before Shyamalan was disliked by most, he gave us this suspenseful jewel. It can be seen on USA at 9pm. ****
Wednesday Ladder 49 - At first I thought this was average, mostly due to Travolta and Phoenix giving nice performances, but looking back, this was just too depressing to ever want to watch again. If you want to see for yourself, this airs on AMC at 8pm. **1/2
The Killers - From 1946, starring Burt Lancaster and Ava Gardner, this classic film noir from Director Robert Siodmak is worth every minute of your time when it airs at 8pm on TCM. Don't miss it. ****
Thursday My Girl - Back when Macaulay Culkin ruled the world, he contributed to this family film that my girlfriend loves. I thought it was pretty good too. Directed by Howard Zieff, and also starring Anna Chlumsky, Dan Aykroyd, and Jamie Lee Curtis. It is on ABC Family at 8pm. ***
Underworld - Kate Beckinsale stars in this entertainingly stylish, but ultimately weak film which follows a war between werewolves and vampires. Good special effects, convoluted plot. This is on TNT at 8pm.
Movie Dictionary: Word of the Week
Wide Release - Wide release is a term in the American motion picture industry for a motion picture that is playing nationally (as opposed to a few cinemas in cities such as New York and Los Angeles) and on 600 screens or more in the United States and Canada.
In the US films for adults only (NC-17 rating) almost never have a wide release: "Showgirls" has been the only one.
The term is sometimes used informally in relative terms. For example, a documentary or art film promoter might speak of a film expanding from a few New York and Los Angeles screens to cinemas in major cities across the U.S. as moving into "wide release" even though it might be playing on a single screen in as few as 15 or 20 major cities.
Limited Release - Limited release is a term in the American motion picture industry for a motion picture that is playing in a select few theaters across the country (typically in cities such as New York and Los Angeles).
A limited release is often used to gauge the appeal of an independent film – especially of documentaries and art films. A common practice by major film studios is to give highly anticipated and critically-acclaimed films a limited release in December in New York and Los Angeles in order to qualify them for an Academy Award nomination, as set out by the rules outlined by the Academy. These films would often receive a wider release later in January or February.
Based on the Trailer…
To all the readers who scroll to this section, I want to inform you that this will be undergoing heavy construction in the next few weeks. After receiving some clever suggestions, I am aiming to improve this.
Newest Trailers
April Releases
Next - Sporting a Tom Hanks Da Vinci Code hairdo, Cage leads Julianne Moore and Jessica Biel in this movie that actually looks really promising. I am a big fan of Cage, but Lee Tamahori is not the most revered filmmaker. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
Fracture - A mystery thriller with Ryan Gosling and Anthony Hopkins. Ehhh, it's too early to tell how good I feel about it. The trailer showed nothing new. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
The Condemned - Wow, a WWE films release that has an intriguing concept. I'm actually looking forward to seeing this. You never know, it might be good in that B-movie way. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Vacancy - This Luke Wilson thriller looks like it could be really bad, or at best a 3 star movie. We'll see. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
The Invisible - This will likely be a film that relies on some big twisty ending. It doesn't look all that great, plus I have seen this trailer too many times. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Hot Fuzz - This is the new film from the Shaun of the Dead group. It looks very funny. I'm looking forward to it. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
May Releases Spiderman 3 - Despite my dislike of the second one, this newer trailer is friggin awesome. I'll admit, I'm looking forward to this greatly. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End - This looks awesome! This is a damn good trailer. It had just enough humor and action to get me excited. Johnny Depp's lines are fabulous, and the CGI looks great! Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
Shrek the Third - This will make so much money, and rightfully so. It looks fantastic. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
28 Weeks Later - This sequel looks to go deeper into this world in an imaginative way. I thought the first one was average, but ambitious. We'll see if this lives up to the impressive direction that Danny Boyle delivered in 2003. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Georgia Rule - Lohan might be a pain in the ass, but her choice of movies is usually intriguing. This could be worthwhile, you never know. Jane Fonda and Felicity Huffman are in it. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
Lucky You- Eric Bana and Drew Barrymore would make a delightful duo with Robert Duvall in the background. This should be average. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Delta Farce - This looks incredibly dumb. I don't think Larry the Cable Guy is as funny as everyone says. Trailer Rating = 3.0/10.0
June Releases
Knocked Up - This actually looks hilarious with a couple former Freaks and Geeks stars combined with 40 Year Old Virgin director Judd Apatow. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Live Free or Die Hard (2) - This second trailer is a bit longer, and reveals some more action sequences. They range from cool and exciting to wild and outlandish. It ends with a clip of Kevin Smith, which is not as funny as they'd hoped. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Oceans 13 - This looks wonderfully slick and edgy. I can't wait for it. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Live Free or Die Hard - This third sequel to the successful franchise does not look overly terrible. Maybe it will be shockingly good. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
Eagle vs. Shark - This quirky little independent love story film struck me as way over the top in terms of weirdness. It reminds me of Napoleon Dynamite in a way. That is not a good thing. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
Hostel: Part II - If you have read my material for the past 10 months, you know how I feel about this. The first one sucked, and this one will also. Trailer Rating = 3.0/10.0
Evan Almighty - This sequel doesn't have strong plot. Evan is told to build and ark. Dumb, but Carrell is still funny. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Mr. Brooks - Any movie with Kevin Costner in it catches my interest. This thriller looks like it might be worthwhile with William Hurt and Demi Moore, but Dane Cook in a serious role? Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Oceans 13 (2) - This is the second trailer for this final installment. It still looks pretty good, but I have some doubts now. I'm hoping this is just as fun as the previous two, but also has some twists and surprises. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Nancy Drew - This new movie is based on the books in some way I guess. It seems molded to fit the teeny bopper audience. I am not impressed. Trailer Rating = 5.5/10.0
Surfs Up! - Well, it's about penguins so we know it will get nominated and probably win the Oscar if it's half good. I am sick of penguins. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Other Releases
Resident Evil: Extinction - This was an average teaser trailer. I'm still not sure how this will turn out though. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Talk to Me - Don Cheadle as a risky radio jockey. This looks to have potential, but it's not the role Cheadle is capable of shining most in. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
Balls of Fury - A new comedy with Christopher Walken. Some parts made me laugh, but overall I thought this looked dumb. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
The Kingdom - If Chris Cooper is involved, I'm there. Oh yeah, Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner are in this Iraqui actioner too. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Bee Movie - This is the second trailer. It is much funnier. I can't wait to see this. It's not made by Pixar, yet it still looks good. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
Sunshine - This new film by Danny Boyle looks outstanding. I can't wait to see it. We could use some good sci-fi. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry - Boy does this look bad. I am sorry to say that, but I will only be seeing this because of Jessica Biel in her underwear. That is worth the price of admission. Otherwise this is the regular Sandler hijincks. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Stardust - With an all-star cast, this looks extremely bizarre. I'm not sure what I think yet, especially with Michelle Pfeiffer playing some ugly looking witch. It actually looks pretty bad after one viewing. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Underdog - Jason Lee sounds funny as the voice of this dog, but the preview does not catch my fancy. I hope it isn't as awful as it appears. This and Firehouse Dog will not cause the dog genre to make a comeback I think. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Rescue Dawn - With Christian Bale and Steve Zahn (in a serious role). This war film from Werner Herzog looks terrific. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
Transformers - This is the newer trailer, and I think this could actually be decent. I have good feelings about it. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
The Simpsons Movie - I am not the biggest Simpsons fan, but this trailer is hilarious. Maybe this movie won't be all that terrible. Trailer Rating = 8.0/1.0
Halloween - Call me nuts, but this could be a surprisingly innovative re-imagination of the John Carpenter classic. I was not disgusted by the teaser, and I usually am. I hope this is solid. Good remakes are few and far between. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
Other Stuff to Read
411 April Roundtable - This month I take over the roundtable and gather the readers thoughts on the April releases in the roundtable!
Fact or Fiction - Ben Piper gathers the thoughts of myself and Nick Wallander this week!
Furious on Film - Arnold Furious gives you quick rundowns of interesting movies every week.
