The Big Screen Bulletin 10.01.07: The Cinematic Smorgasbord
Posted by Chad Webb on 10.01.2007
A straight to video nightmare with Bobby Z, the box office results, Coppola's studio robbed, updates on the 2 Star Wars TV series, a Karate Kid remake, new DVD releases, the movie dictionary, and much more!
Straight to Video Nightmares
Bobby Z
Starring: Paul Walker, Laurence Fishburn, and Jason Lewis
Directed By: John Herzfeld
Release Date: September 4, 2007
Running Time: 97 minutes
In this edition of straight to video nightmares, Director John Herzfeld delivers his first cinematic offering in 6 years after 15 Minutes. This time he lacks the star studded cast of Kelsey Grammar, Robert De Niro, and Edward Burns, so he settles with Laurence Fishburn and Paul Walker, two men that never hesitate to take on work, so long as it gets them a quick $20. The title on the cover is Bobby Z, but in researching the movie, it has approximately 50 alternate titles, such as The Life and Death of Bobby Z, Let's Kill Bobby Z, and Kill Bobby Z. It is mind boggling that such disputes on a bad title could occur. But I digress…
The plot is incredibly convoluted to a degree which none of you can fathom, but I'll do my best. Tim Kearney (Paul Walker) is a loser from Palmdale, who has been in and out of prison his whole life, and the three strike rule has cemented his place there. That third strike came after he slit the leader of the criminal brotherhood's throat with a license plate….prisoners make license plates if you didn't know, but they also use them as weapons. The man he killed was appropriately named Mad Dog, played by MMA fighter Chuck Liddell, and a word of advice to him, never act again. I won't be saying that to his face though. Anyway, it turns out that Tim looks like a surfer/drug dealer named Robert Zacharias (Jason Lewis), nicknamed….you guessed it…Bobby Z. DEA Agent Tad Grusza (Laurence Fishburn) has offered him a release if he pretends to be this guy who has been missing for years. Grusza needs an exchange…the fake Bobby for his kidnapped partner, held by drug lord Don Huertero (Joaquim de Almeida). The plan goes haywire, the partner ends up dead, and Bobby lands in the clutches of Huertero's men, although Huertero isn't there. Tim quickly makes his escape, aided by Elizabeth (Olivia Wilde), a former lover of the real Z, and Z's illegitimate son Kit. And thus the fun begins with everyone under the sun chasing Tim/Bobby, the DEA, Huertero's men, and a group of bikers avenging the death of Mad Dog.
This is the most preposterously handled, carelessly managed, and absurdly executed plot of the year I'd say. Things become so complex and confusing at times it is sad, but no one watching really cares. By the way, this is based on a novel by Don Winslow, and this cannot be what the author had in mind, but oh well. The amounts of holes in this storyline are big enough to construct an entire housing development on top of them. This film is based on the theory that Tim is convincing as Bobby Z. I suppose no pictures of either man are floating around, and nobody took the time to glance at one when some strange dude shows up claiming to be Bobby. A former lover only reveals she knows later. She had to get laid first! Bobby is portrayed by Jason Lewis, and when comparing the two, a few similarities exist, but for the most part they look nothing alike. I resemble Jeff Gordon more than these guys look alike. Herzfeld seemed more concentrated on intriguing characters (which falls flat), and adrenaline fueled action (which is dull), than focusing on a cohesive story which glues together as if the crew had assembled the pieces after it went through the shredder.
Paul Walker has pretty much nailed the undercover officer routine at this juncture, seeing as how he has done it now 4 times in the last few years. I actually quite enjoyed Running Scared. That was a flick that relished how over the top it was. Walker is Walker, nothing more, nothing less. He is tolerable, and exposes his buttocks for the ladies. We also see Mr. Liddell from behind, and I won't be sleeping soundly for months thank you very much. Laurence Fishburn is goofy as a corrupt DEA Agent and wannabe cowboy. His methods are increasingly erratic and nonsensical. Joaquim de Almeida is Don Huertero, and I am certain that in his contract, it must be a prerequisite that he plays a drug dealer, or villain. The direction of John Herzfeld is just shoddy, weak work from the man who gave us 2 Days in the Valley, an admirable, yet flawed, film in its own right. This is an embarrassment frankly. The ending makes sure of that.
The funniest aspect are the fight scenes, which were choreographed by Mike Gunther (Catwoman, Elektra), but UFC champion Pat Miletich and Chuck Liddell had to have been scrutinizing every maneuver as the constant submission holds and martial arts kicks are thrown out. These are all supplied by people that appeared to have acquired the abilities out of thin air. The women in this borefest look so depressed and tired to be performing as insignificant hotties. I do not feel sorry for any of them. I can always accept certain slip ups in a premise, but Bobby Z doesn't just want you to suspend disbelief; one must have an IQ of 10 or below to find this exciting or rewarding. This is simply a terrible, dreadful, appalling, atrocious, and agonizing way to spend 90 minutes. Calling it a nightmare is an understatement.
Final Rating = 2.0/10.0
The News Bulletin
Disney Unleashed a Good "Game Plan"
Disney had the winning game at the weekend box office, with family laffer "The Game Plan" easily grabbing the keys to the castle from Universal's Middle Eastern geopolitical drama "The Kingdom." "Game Plan," toplining Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and sporting a kid-friendly PG rating, exceeded expectations in grossing an estimated $22.7 million from 3,103 runs. Director Peter Berg's R-rated "Kingdom" grossed an estimated $17.7 million from 2,793 runs. Film stars Jaime Foxx, Chris Cooper, Jennifer Garner and Jason Bateman. Two pics got off to a close race on Friday, but all bets were off as "Game Plan" saw a whopping 63% jump from Friday to Saturday, compared to a 16% bump for "Kingdom." Weekend's other wide opening, MGM-Lakeshore's "The Feast of Love," struggled to cook up an aud, grossing an estimated $1.7 million from 1,200 runs. Pic couldn't crack the top 10, coming in No. 11.
On the specialty side, comedy also ruled, with Fox Searchlight and Wes Anderson's "The Darjeeling Limited" nabbing the highest per-screen average of the year at $70,000. Pic, starring Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman and Adrien Brody, grossed $140,000 from two runs in Gotham on Saturday and Sunday after opening the New York Film Festival on Friday. But there also was plenty of interest in Ang Lee and Focus Features' erotic period pic "Lust, Caution," which grossed an estimated $61,688 from an exclusive run in Gotham. Film, rated NC-17, nabbed one of the best per screen averages ever for an exclusive opening, as well as for a foreign language film.
I got it right again this weekend. I kind of figured Disney's audience would make their way to the theater for this. The wide release selection was slim this weekend, so it was only fitting. The two new offerings debuted at #1 and #2, and the rest were holdovers. On the limited side of things, all is fabulous, and since I attended two showings this weekend, I can say that the houses were packed. It proves that studios should have more faith and expand these. Lust, Caution and The Darjeeling Limited are examples. Next week, The Heartbreak Kid is a lock since the Farrelly Brothers and Stiller reunite.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your Weekly "Justice League" News
While Hollywood has been bracing for a strike by actors, writers and directors for sometime, the expectation has been that the work stoppage would begin next June when actors and directors' contracts with the studios expire. However, the Writers Guild of America could strike as soon as Oct. 31 of this year. Such a move would seriously impact the prospects for a slew of major movies currently in-development, including "Justice League of America." According to The New York Times, "JLA" does not have a final script and it has not been green-lit. Feature films such as "JLA" "are now being seen as high-value targets by those at the writers guild who advocate an immediate walkout should no deal be reached."
The Times reports, "The question at hand is whether writers, in the event no deal is reached, can inflict maximum damage on their bargaining opponents by striking immediately rather than continuing to work and letting the studios add those films to their strike stockpile." While the studio sweats over a possible WGA walkout, casting buzz continues to dominate online film news sites. Movieblog.UGO.com reports that "Transformers" star Tyrese Gibson is "in the running to play the part of Green Lantern John Stewart" in "JLA", but adds that he is merely one of several contenders for the role.
Meanwhile, a source for JusticeLeague-on-Film.com claims that Warners and director George Miller "are having a hard time casting Batman. ... Actors that are considered a 'name' don't want to step on their [Chris Nolan, Christian Bale] toes. That's a big problem for Miller and Warners because you have a character [Batman] with its own franchise and it's successful -- and everyone loves what Bale is doing as Batman. I mean, Bale IS Batman. Do you think someone like a Jake Gyllenhaal wants to try to compete with Bale?"
My fingers are crossed for the writers to go on strike sooner rather than later and put an end to these rushed crappy flicks. I mean, I love movies just as much, if not more, than anyone else, but I am not in favor of sloppily handled productions based on a pending strike. And I see that what I commented on weeks ago is now a primary worry of the filmmakers. They don't want to step on the toes of other franchises. See, you readers should listen to me more often. I'm not always a complete dumbass. There could be big problems if the strike does begin earlier, but maybe it needs to.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Waxing On and Off Again
IGN has been informed by a reliable source that Sony Pictures is developing a remake of "The Karate Kid" that will be produced by Will Smith's Overbook Entertainment and Jerry Weintraub. Weintraub also produced the 1984 film, starring Ralph Macchio and Pat Morita, and its three sequels. We were also advised that Smith's son Jaden, 9, is attached to star in the remake. Jaden Christopher Syre Smith starred opposite his dad in last year's "The Pursuit of Happyness", which was also released by Sony. We understand that this new "Karate Kid" is currently out to writers. IGN didn't hear back from Weintraub's office or Smith's reps by time of publish, so until there's official confirmation consider this a rumor. UPDATED: IGN has verified that the "Karate Kid" remake is among the projects listed in agencies' open writing/directing assignment newsletters sent to their clients. Sony Pictures, however, has advised us they are not officially developing the project.
Sacrilege! This is a film that should never ever receive a remake. First of all, it just can't be done by today's standard without appearing ludicrous and cheesy. The original was 80's cheestastic, but in a positive way. Secondly, if someone was to approve the idea, I don't quite see someone as young as Smith's son as a good selection. The whole point of the original was that Ralph Macchio was a teenager getting older, and didn't know how to defend himself in a new school. As of now, Sony is not developing the project, but we all know it is only a matter of time before the plan is put into action. It is safe to say I am totally against this, and if Smith isn't careful, I'll be using the crane kick in order to persuade him to avoid this project.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scorsese Tackling Another Musician Documentary
Martin Scorsese may be best known for his prolific dramatic films like "Taxi Driver", "Raging Bull", and "The Departed", but the filmmaker has taken a shine to the music documentary scene of late. Scorsese directed the acclaimed 2005 documentary "No Direction Home" about legendary folk rocker Bob Dylan, and recently helmed the forthcoming Rolling Stones documentary "Shine A Light." Now, according to Variety, Scorsese will continue that tradition with a documentary about the life of late Beatles guitarist George Harrison. The trade says that the still untitled film is planned as a theatrical release, and adds that Harrison's family will supply materials from its extensive archive. Interviews and early production will reportedly begin later this year, with production expected to take several years.
The doc will, of course, focus on Harrison's career as lead guitarist for The Beatles, as well as his later solo career. It will also touch on Harrison's time as a film producer through his Handmade Films production company that made "Monty Python's Life of Brian" and "Time Bandits." Harrison's interest in Eastern spiritual pursuits is also expected to be a central theme. David Tedeschi, Scorsese's editor on "Shine A Light" and "No Direction Home", will reteam with him for the project. "George Harrison's music and his search for spiritual meaning is a story that still resonates today and I'm looking forward to delving deeper," Scorsese told Variety. Former Beatles bandmates Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr are both expected to participate.
As a lover of both music and film, these documentaries by my favorite director are basically a dream come true. No Direction Home was an outstanding effort on Bob Dylan, and it proved Scorsese's brilliance in approaching some of the musical legends of our time. George Harrison is an intriguing choice, but since Paul McCartney and Ringo will probably be involved, the quality of the eventual finished product should certainly be stellar. In addition, the fact that the picture will not just focus on his music conveys the respect Scorsese and Tedeschi have for the man's life.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May the Force Be With One's Television
George Lucas recently spoke with TV Guide about the two "Star Wars" television series spin-offs he's developing:
Clone Wars - Well it's basically like Star Wars [in that it] takes place between, obviously, [the films] "Episode II [Attack of the Clones]" and "Episode III [Revenge of the Sith]", but it's the same kind of action. Unfortunately, it doesn't fall into the realm of what animation [typically] is, which is either adult, kind of off-color humor or kiddie stuff. This is, like "Star Wars", sort of in between those two things. It's a lot of battle stuff, and it's obviously the Clone Wars, so it's a war picture.
So it's kind of a PG-13 animated TV series, which is something that has never been done before and obviously doesn't fit in any of the conventional slots that these things fall into. In that, it's very different, and I think it's very exciting. It's got a very, very sophisticated look to it. It's very much like the features. We're still trying to figure out how to put it on the air. We're going to do a hundred episodes. I think we're on [No.] 40 right now. We'll probably end up with 50 to 60 episodes before we start to put it on the air. We'd like to put it on next fall, in about a year from now, but we'll see what happens.
Live-Action Series - Well, Clone Wars has got all the characters in it Yoda and Anakin and Obi Wan and the Emperor and all that so it's basically the movie. The live-action [series] is not the movie. It's the "Star Wars" universe, but it's characters from the saga who were [previously] minor, and it follows their stories. It's set between [movie episodes] III and IV, when the Empire has taken over. It's like "Episode IV" in that the Emperor and Darth Vader are heard about people talk about them but you never see them because it doesn't take place where they actually are.
Now, I have never been a Star Wars superfreak but I do own the original trilogy, and examining these two TV shows, I think I will prefer the live-action one. The animated show looks ok, but those are like a dime a dozen. The potential for the live-action storyline is huge in my opinion. If Lucas wants the animated one aired as soon as one year, that is pretty damn exciting for fans. So I'm assuming this will overshadow the exceptional Emmy winning hand drawn work achieved by Genndy Tartakovsky. That was already true to Lucas' vision, so I'm curious as to why he decided on the time frame he did. Regardless, TV is a new realm for Star Wars, and if these shows improve the quality of the crap we currently have, I'm all for it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coppola's Studio Robbed
Francis Ford Coppola says in an interview broadcast Friday that he lost 15 years of computer data, including writings and family photographs, when robbers raided his Argentine studio. Speaking with Argentine broadcaster Todo Noticias, Coppola appealed to the bandits to return the small computer backup device, which was taken along with computers in the raid Wednesday night. "They stole our computers; they got all our data, many years of work," said Coppola, who apparently was not in the studio at the time of the robbery. The director of "The Godfather" said the backup that rested on the floor in his offices at the Zoetrope Argentina studio was just "a little thing ... but the information is (worth) much time." "If I could get the backup back, it would save me years all the photographs of my family, all my writing."
Coppola said the robbery would not prompt him to leave Argentina, where he plans to shoot a feature film: "Argentine people are very nice." Nonetheless, he said he was thinking of relocating his studio from the chic Palermo neighborhood to a Buenos Aires district where he felt safer. Four robbers, at least one brandishing a knife, broke through a front door, tied up four employees and took four computers, cell phones and other valuables, apparently picking the studio at random, the newspaper Clarin reported, citing unnamed police sources. The Noticias Argentinas agency said one of the stolen computers contained the 68-year-old director's script for "Tetro," a story about Italian immigrant artists set to begin shooting next year and starring Matt Dillon. Although Coppola did not discuss the script in the televised interview, his publicist Kathleen Talbert said in an e-mailed statement that copies were saved elsewhere. One studio employee was reported slightly cut by a knife while resisting the attack.
Well if this news doesn't just suck big time, I don't know what would. My first thought was that Coppola should have taken precautionary measures to extensively back up his data in multiple locations, but the thieves stole numerous computers from what I've read, so how could he have prevented this? It's just one of those unfortunate circumstances, and who knows how long this will delay his future projects from gaining ground. Scripts are one thing, but family photographs and so forth are irreplaceable items. I am glad Coppola was not there, but it's a sad situation when anyone has to endure events like this. I wish that crew good luck in recovering.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Return of K.I.T.T.
With the premiere of "Bionic Woman" a ratings success story for the beleaguered NBC, it's no surprise that the network is brushing off another classic high-concept sci-fi show reports the trades. The Peacock is planning to remake classic 1980s series "Knight Rider" and has hired director Doug Liman ("The Bourne Identity," "Mr. and Mrs. Smith") to helm a two-hour backdoor pilot that could be ready for broadcast by the end of this season. Dave Andron is writing the script and if that pilot is successful, a new series based on the property could be ready in time for next Fall. Three attempts were made in the 90's to bring back the franchise with little success.
I'll bet the readers are thinking…what the hell, two television news bits? Isn't this a movie column? When I came across this shocker, I just had to comment on it. I am well aware of the excuse they used above, and capitalizing on the success of Bionic Woman, but I would bet any money that is secondary to the fact that they can update the appearance of the vehicle and catch people's attention, hence acquire viewers. This is the perfect scenario for Doug Liman. I can envision his pilot/film being watchable, but the proposal of a new series just rubs me the wrong way. Remaking shows is a trend now? Isn't it bad enough that studios are running out of ideas, now networks are dried up as well? I wonder what David Hasslehoff thinks about this. If done correctly, it might be entertaining, but it shows a lack of creativity. The picture of the new car is above by the way.
The 20 Second Sermon
Steve-O has confirmed that a third Jackass film is on the way. Ok….uh whatever. My guess is that it'll be the same as the last two…woopti dee. David Duchovny has stated that an X-Files sequel could start production by the end of this year. Regardless of whether or not this should happen, Duchovny has wanted this for a while, so I'll believe when the studio backs it up. Poseidon star Mike Vogel is the frontrunner for Captain Kirk in Star Trek XI. This young cast is looking risky. I hope they can pull it off, and with Karl Urban rumored as the villain, my excitement for this project is quickly diminishing. After all the discussion of Biel slipping into the Wonder Woman outfit, she has rejected the proposal. So what? As if she won't do a dozen other flicks in which she wears skimpy clothing.
What's Coming to DVD….Buy or Avoid?
DVD Headline of the Week
Entourage - Season Three, Part Two - I love this show, and have watched the DVD's multiple times just because they never get old, so yeah, I think this is worth the money. Buy
How I Met Your Mother - Season Two - It took me awhile to get into this series, but I'm glad I did. It is very funny, and only gets better with repeated viewings. Buy
Jericho - The First Season - I had no interest in this, but colleague Bryan Kristopowitz enjoys it, so I am curious.
Caligula (Three Disc Emperial Edition) - As it stands now, this is the worst film I have ever seen, but I am intrigued as to what the commentary tracks from the cast and crew sound like. Single disc "R" Rated and "Unrated" version will be out too. Buy at your own risk. Avoid
1408 (Two Disc Collector's Edition) - This was definitely not as awful as most horror flicks these days, but the last half still went a bit too nuts in my opinion. Avoid
Bram Stroker's Dracula (Collector's Edition) - Well this is a reccomended purchase, but I prefer the Superbit version, and the previous cover to this artwork. Just my thoughts. Buy
Species IV: The Awakening - Another Direct-to-DVD sequel for a franchise that was never great to begin with. Maybe I'll review this for a future news report.
Misery (Collector's Edition) - A double dip was essential for this Stephen King adaptation. Kudos for whoever thought to make the cover look like a book. Buy
Audrey Hepburn 5-Pack - All of the films included with this set are available individually, but this has several of her best efforts, and for the price, you can't go wrong. Buy
Felix the Cat: The Complete 1958-59 Series - This was a fun cartoon show. I've seen many episodes, and if I had the money, this would be worth passing along to future generations.
Jindabyne - This received a limited theatrical release, but disappeared quickly. I am usually interested in anything Laura Linney does though.
Lots of NFL football team DVD's, as well as more Grindhouse releases hit stores this week also.
The Critic's Quickee
Good Luck Chuck - Let me say something right away. I don't like Dane Cook. I don't think he is funny. I don't think he is a decent actor. I don't think he deserves his popularity. Thankfully, he is always showing me how correct my judgment is whenever any new films of his are released. This is no different. It looks, feels, smells, and unravels as if it were a trashy script Adam Sandler passed on. I could have explained this plot from beginning to end without even seeing the damn film. By just catching a glimpse of the trailer, anyone, including my pet cat, could tell how this will conclude. Dan Fogler acts as Stu, the desperate for laughs sidekick to Charlie, a man who is a good luck charm to women. They get married to the next person they date. He meets Cam, a chick with bad luck, and so it goes. Blah, blah, blah. I just don't see the appeal in Dane Cook. Fogler could be funny, if his mannerisms and loud comedy weren't identical to Chris Farley. Jessica Alba is hot and all, but she and Jessica Biel can only slide by on their looks for so long. Eventually, that will wear thin. This is the debut directorial effort from Mark Helfrich, who had previously been an editor. I am unsure of whether or not to blame him, the screenwriters, or the cast. Hell, I'll just blame everyone involved with this lazy failure of a motion picture. Every performance blew chunks, all the jokes were abominable, and I already complained enough about the premise. This had no business being greenlit. Final Rating = 2.0/10.0
I failed to see Resident Evil: Extinction in time this weekend. I was too busy catching up on my limited releases like Into the Wild and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. I'll be reviewing them this week sometime.
Movie Dictionary: Word of the Week
Film Colorization - Film colorization, film colourisation, film colourization or film colorisation is any process that involves adding color to black and white, sepia or monochrome moving-picture images. The earliest examples date back to the early 20th century, but it has become more practical and more common since the development of digital image processing.
It has been done with different effects for various reasons, including as a special effect or as a form of restoration for color films. The process has also garnered controversy because of its use to reissue black and white films and television shows in color. Some have claimed that this use of the process is a form of "cultural vandalism". Colorization typically begins with a monochrome film print. From the film print, a high quality videotape copy is made. Technicians, aided by a computer, identify the grey level of every object in every shot and note any movement of objects within shots. A computer adds color to each object, while keeping grey levels the same as in the monochrome original. This technique was patented in 1991.
Movies colorized using early techniques have softer contrast and fairly pale, flat, washed out color. However, the technology has improved since the 1980s, and several black and white TV shows and films have been given what some viewers find to be a completely lifelike colorization.
Sample of a frame colorized using the Timebrush process, from the film Psycho.
A major difficulty with colorization has been its labor-intensiveness. For example, in order to colorize a still image an artist typically begins by dividing the image into regions, and then proceeds to assign a color to each region. This approach, also known as the segmentation method, is time consuming and requires a great deal of painstaking work on dividing the picture into correct segments. This problem occurs mainly since there have historically been no fully automatic algorithms that always identify correctly fuzzy or complex region boundaries, such as between a subject's hair and face.
In the mid-1980s, the process drew considerable controversy when "Topper" became the first black and white film to be redistributed in color using the colorization process. Defenders of the process noted that it would allow black and white films to have new audiences of people who were not used to the format. Detractors complained that the process was crude and claimed that even if it were refined, it would not take into account lighting compositions chosen for black and white photography which would not necessarily be as effective in color. They also cited creative decisions that the original director might not approve of, such as the visual pun of the character Violet in "It's a Wonderful Life" wearing violet. Thus they argued, the original work of the artists involved is damaged. Media mogul Ted Turner was once a particularly aggressive proponent of this process.
You can see how shitty the result is by the video above.
Based on the Trailer…
Newest Trailers
Grace is Gone - This film where Cusack's wife is killed in Iraq actually looks very moving with the utmost potential for Oscar nominations. I am interest in seeing it definitely. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Atonement - This film by Director Joe Wright looks amazing, and with two great young performers as the leads, he can't go wrong. This trailer was beautifully done. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
Things We Lost in the Fire - I really dislike Halle Berry, but I love Benicio Del Toro. Having said that, this preview brought out the best in both people. I hope it ends up being good among all the ambitious titles this fall. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Lars and the Real Girl - Mr. Gosling is proving how versatile he is with each passing role. This comedy looks hysterical, and I hope he continues to choose unique films. One day he will get his Oscar, just like Edward Norton. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
September 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
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
The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - Considering how much controversy I've heard, and the negative feedback, this trailer is excellent, despite the annoyingly long title. I can't wait. I love westerns. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Into the Wild - I have been told many things about the story, but regardless, Emile Hirsch is a young star who continues to climb in Hollywood, and this film could be very moving and engaging. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
The Darjeeling Limited - I have never been a humungous Wes Anderson fan, and this will not increase that viewpoint. It looks a bit too weird, but I always like to give him a chance. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
Lust, Caution - A beautiful, glorious trailer with no narrator. Forget the rating, I urge everyone to go see this. Tony Leung is marvelous, and Ang Lee's filmmaking should be superb. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
October Releases
The Heartbreak Kid - The new Farrelly brothers comedy with Ben Stiller. It looks shockingly formulaic in my opinion. I am sure it will be funny, but we'll have to wait to see how good. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Michael Clayton - I would put money on this being an average courtroom drama with a potentially superb performance from Clooney. It seems his acting will be the focus, but I don;t see the plot shaking me at all. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
We Own the Night - The new film by James Gray looks better than his previous efforts, and has a nice looking cast with Joaquin and Marky Mark. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
Hitman - Audience members went crazy for this teaser trailer, but I was just kind of sitting there solemnly. I like Timothy Olyphant, so maybe this will be passable, but I doubt it. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Rendition - The new film from Gavin Hood looks fantastic with Gyllenhaal and Witherspoon. I can't wait. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
30 Days of Night - Josh Hartnett is in this, and that's about all I have to say that is positive. Creatures and shooting, and darkness = boring. Next! Trailer Rating = 4.0/10.0
Saw IV - I'll give credit to these guys because they know how to craft a clever teaser that doesn't give too much away. I'll admit, I am enticed. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Dan in Real Life - Is this Carell's Meet the Parents? I laughed at a few lines, but this is one trailer that gives away too much of the plot, and you all know I hate that. I see this failing. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
Gone Baby Gone - By far the best preview I've seen in awhile. Ben Affleck directs his brother and an all-star cast in the adaptation of a novel from the author of Mystic River. This looks fantastic. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
Elizabeth: The Golden Age - This is too desperate a cry for Oscars. It might appeal to some, but I smell a tedious humdrum drama. Oh well, you never know. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Reservation Road - Wow, this is shaping up to be brilliant. Mark Ruffalo and Joaquin Phoenix seem to be in top form, and the director gave us Hotel Rwanda. This gives away a bit too much, but I still loved it. Trailer Rating = 9.5/10.0
November Releases
The Kite Runner - I have not yet read the book, but the film looks to have Oscar potential for sure. I enjoyed this trailer, but like so many, it gives away too much. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
Stephen King's The Mist - The new film from Frank Darabont, and it looks like such a departure from his style. I don't know what to make of it. I hope it is good, but I have doubts. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
August Rush - The cast of Freddie Highmore, Rhys Meyers, Keri Russell, and more get my attention quickly. I think this preview might have divulged a bit too much though. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
No Country for Old Men - The Coen brothers are up there with today's best filmmakers, and this new offering was tremendously intriguing to me. It has a terrific cast, and a unique premise. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
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
Beowulf - Robert Zemeckis returns to directing, and this film looks pretty damn entertaining. It might be too CGI-ish, but overall, I'm excited. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
American Gangster - This is the one I have been waiting for, and it does not disappoint, and least by the looks of this preview anyway. I was surprised by the music contained, but this new Ridley Scott flick looks great. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Enchanted - This started as a good trailer, but mixing live-action and animation is always risky, and this looks kind of stupid. Amy Adams has the cute thing down for the role, but she can do better. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium - This looks bizarre. I like Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman, so I'll give it a chance, but I'm not sure yet. Is it supposed to be reminiscent of Willy Wonka or something. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Margot at the Wedding - Noah Baumbach's newest offering looks watchable, but I wish he would concentrate on serious topics instead of just comedy. Nevertheless, this could be very good. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Lions for Lambs - You would think a film with such a powerful cast (Cruise, Streep) and director (Redford) might entice me more, but this did not. I hope it's good, but right now I have no emotion. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
Fred Claus (2) - Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti are funny, but this looks like a huge bomb of a Christmas flick. I'll see it just because of Giamatti. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
I'm Not There - This is the Bob Dylan biopic starring many actors portraying him during various periods. Only Cate Blanchett looks like Dylan. This teaser actually disappoints me at the moment. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
December, TBD, and Beyond Releases
The Savages - With Philip Seymour Hoffman and Laura Linney. This looks pretty funny, and with two outstanding performers, it should be halfway decent. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
National Treasure: Book of Secrets - I loved the first film, despite harsh reviews. They are entertaining. This one looks more of the same adventure of history. It's right up my alley. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
Alien vs. Predator: Requiem - I disliked the first one because of the trivial human plot, and this appears to be more of that sludge. I'll see it out of curiosity, but I'm not expecting anything out of this world. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story - This might be mildly humorous, but probably nothing more. My respect for John C. Reilly will get me into the theater, but the plot looks blase. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
Vantage Point - Hmmm. I'm not sure about this political thriller. The cast is fine, but will that matter if the film blows hard? Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
I Am Legend - This is what I call a brilliantly constructed trailer. It gives you just enough to be excited, and then rips it away from you. I can't wait. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Wall-E - Another Pixar classic is under our belt, and I can't wait for the next one. This robotic adventure should be great, and easily superior to Robots. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep - The "loch ness" angle in the story intrigues me, but I'd bet this is a Free Will tale all over again. No thanks. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
10,000 B.C. - I'm not sure if this wants to be Apocalypto or Pathfinder. Either way it is helmed by Roland Emmerich, so it is likely to blow aside from the special effects. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
Drillbit Taylor - Another movie from the people who brought us Superbad and Knocked Up, and this one has Owen Wilson as bodyguard to high school kids. It looks ok I suppose. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Alvin and the Chipmunks - I am probably nuts, and even though I hate to see Jason Lee taking his career in this direction, I kind of enjoyed this teaser. It looks funny. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
Iron Man - I must admit, any trailer that has Black Sabbath's "Iron Man" is ok by me. This looks funny and could be a decent blockbuster. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
Cloverfeld - Sorry I haven't gotten this one up yet. The footage here is intriguing because of all the mysteriousness regarding the premise. I am officially ready for this to come out though. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
Other Stuff to Read
411 September Roundtable - This month I compiled the thoughts of the movie zone staff on the summer releases of September!
Fact or Fiction - Ben Piper gathers the thoughts of Bryan Kristopowitz and Tony Farinella this week!
Furious on Film - Arnold Furious gives you his opinions on new and old films every week.
Make sure to check out all of this week's reviews of DVD's, Movies, Music, and more!
And of course read every movie review with the name Chad Webb attached to it.
Thanks for reading the whole way through, and make sure to tune in next week. (All news sources from Hollywoodreporter.com, ign.com, moviehole.net, and definitions from Wikipedia.org)
