The Big Screen Bulletin 03.03.08: So Good it Gives You OBD (Obsessive Bulletin Disorder)

Posted by Chad Webb on 03.03.2008

The birthday bash featuring Jessica Biel, box office results, films still affected by the strike, an Alice in Chains film on the way, a "Breakfast Club" remake, new DVD releases, the critic's quickee, blast from the past, and much more!

The Birthday Bash

Mark-Paul Gosselaar turns 34 - What type of Zack Morris do you prefer? Bleach headed punk Zack, intellectual nerd Zack, or scraggly homeless looking Zack? Either way, he is not Mark-Paul Gosselaar, but forever Zack Morris. He just can't stick to any show. He has Raising the Bar, a new series on the horizon.






Daniel Craig turns 40 - He always is photographed as the epitome of cool, so here's a funny caricature of Bond. His middle name is Wroughton. He has Flashbacks of a Fool, Defiance, The Quantum of Solace, and I, Lucifer as his next projects.






Jessica Biel turns 26 - This gives me an excuse to post a nice picture of a hot woman. This is one image that will just never get old. This year she has Hole in the Paper Sky, Powder Blue, and presumably Planet 51 on the way, and in 2009, she will get Nailed by David O' Russell.






Alan Thicke turns 61 - In his spare time, the father from Growing Pains enjoys taking in a little tennis, although here, he seems to be dropping a deuce on the court. Mr. Thicke is involved with a show called jPod and a film entitled Robodoc, a sure classic.






Ron Howard turns 54 - No jokes or funny pictures here. The Bulletin likes Opie and most of the movies he has directed. This year he has Frost/Nixon, a stage adaptation coming out, followed at some point by Angels & Demons if all goes according to plan.

The News Bulletin

"Pro" is #1, But Not With a Slam Dunk
New Line Cinema, which got word last week that it is being absorbed into Warner Bros., would like to have gone out with a slam-dunk. But its new Will Ferrell comedy "Semi-Pro," though it claimed the top spot, scored just an estimated $15.3 million. The newly crowned best picture Oscar winner "No Country for Old Men" enjoyed a bounce, taking in $4 million, a 67% increase over its previous weekend. The cume for the Miramax release climbed to $69.6 million.

But with the weekend's two other new wide releases -- Sony's costume drama "The Other Boleyn Girl" and Summit's modern-day fairy tale "Penelope" -- picking up $8.3 million and $4 million respectively, overall boxoffice was down for the fourth weekend in a row compared with the same weekend last year. Given the ease with which Ferrell's sports comedies have racked up points in recent outings -- 2006's "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" bowed to $47 million, while last year's "Blades of Glory" skated off with a $33 million opening -- his newest film hardly proved itself a contender, even if it did cinch the top spot in a low-scoring weekend.

Sony's Columbia Pictures joined forces with Focus to produce Justin Chadwick's PG-13 "Boleyn," in which Natalie Portman and Scarlett Johansson play two sisters competing for the attentions of Eric Bana's Henry VIII. While it ranked fourth for the weekend, the film, which opened in a restrained 1,166 theaters, carved out an $8.3 million niche for itself, posting the best per-theater average in the top 10 -- $7,118 -- playing to an audience that was 72% female, 66% of which were under 35.

"It's a great start. We couldn't be happier," said Rory Bruer, Sony domestic distribution president. "The cast couldn't have been more terrific." Also courting females, particularly younger girls, teens and their mothers, was "Penelope," the first official release from new distributor Summit Entertainment. ("P2," which the company released last year, was considered a holdover from the outfit's previous incarnation.)

What a shame that Ferrell's newest outing has done so horribly in its opening week. Less than half of what Blades of Glory. I guess it was all because of Craig T. Nelson's involvement huh? The Other Boleyn Girl camp should be pleased with a top 5 opening. Vantage Point is still doing solid at #2, Jumper is hanging on at #5, Penelope actually cracked the Top 10 at #8, and No Country saw a big increase, and I'm sure we all know why. All in all, a poor box office week, and now everyone is thinking 10,000 B.C. will be this years 300. I am predicting it to get #1, but not with a monstrous amount of money.






Films in Strike Limbo
The writer's strike may be over, but with the actor's strike pending in three months things certainly aren't back to normal. Variety reports that Hollywood studios are refusing to schedule new start dates on films that can't complete shooting by June 30th. Thus whilst development may be back in full swing, actual production is notably down. Amongst the flow-on effects taking place:

- "Angels and Demons", Sony's "Da Vinci Code" prequel, will shoot all its exteriors in Rome starting June 5th for three weeks. The rest of the film will be shot on Sony soundstages, where sets will wait, if necessary, until an actor's strike is over.

- The crew and sets tied to "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins" which starts filming May 5th in New Mexico will essentially go on unpaid leave should a strike happen, but they will be ready to return to work within 48 hours of a settlement. All exteriors will be shot and completed by June 30th so that no extra location rental charges are incurred.

- Sony's "2012" and Warners "Justice League" both scheduled to begin filming mid-July may hit delays if a strike occurs. DreamWorks hopes to get underway on production of "Transformers 2" in early June and the writers (Ehren Kruger, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci) are currently very busy working on the script.

- Eddie Murphy comedy "A Thousand Words" begins production in mid-May and won't finish by June 30th, though a possible hiatus has been incorporated into all its contracts.

- Dwayne Johnson led comedy "The Tooth Fairy" for 20th Century Fox will begin production in August if the strike is called off before the June 30th date. If not, it will be pushed back.

For me, the biggest disappointment of the writer's strike and the pending actor's tantrum is Angels & Demons which I am greatly looking forward to. I still say The Da Vinci Code a brilliant thriller that was extremely faithful to the book. I hope that prequel arrives without too many more hitches. I thought Justice League was doomed, and I was ecstatic, and now it is moving forward again. Seriously this is going to be an abomination, George Miller or not. I realize Christian Bale's involvement in Terminator Salvation has everyone in a state of bliss, but keep in mind, a fourth Terminator is, was, and always will be unnecessary. Just because the great Bale has signed on does not mean it will be a worthy sequel. The third one concluded just the way it should. As for those other titles, none really stand out as all that important or significant to lose.






New Line Gets Sucked By the Warner Vacuum
New Line Cinema is officially being absorbed into Time Warner, a move that has long been expected and many say is overdue. The company will now serve as a genre arm of Warner Bros. Pictures (much like Screen Gems at Sony) with a focus on horror, comedy and urban features. In a move designed mostly to cut ballooning overhead costs, its expected that many of the 600 staffers working for the studio in its LA and NYC branches will be let go - amongst them the studio's creator Bob Shaye and topper Michael Lynne. Production President Toby Emmerich and Distribution Head Rolf Mittweg will stay on but will now serve under Alan Horn and Barry Meyer at Warners.

New Line will continue to have development, marketing and some distribution operations but those will be severely limited. The move also means that Warner's specialty film divisions Picturehouse and Warner Independent Pictures will also undergo some major restructuring. New Line will also stop its longstanding practice of selling off international rights to finance films - a move that came significantly after "The Golden Compass" underperformed domestically but grossed big overseas. The project's failure was the last in a long line of problems that have plagued the company since the success of the 'Rings' trilogy. The move is not expected to affect the production of both "The Hobbit" films which both got out under the label. The projects are targeting a Christmas 2011 and 2012 release.

In its time New Line has handled some of the more famous film franchises of the last few decades, most notably "The Lord of the Rings". They've also released the "Austin Powers," "Rush Hour," "Blade," "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "A Nightmare on Elm Street," "Final Destination" and "Friday the 13th" film series as well as notable one-off pics like "Se7en," "Boogie Nights," "Wedding Crashers," "American History X," "Magnolia," "A History of Violence," "The Notebook," "Snakes on a Plane," "Mortal Kombat," "Glengarry Glen Ross," "Dumb and Dumber"" and "The Mask". Their last official film as a full company is Will Ferrell comedy "Semi-Pro" opening today, other upcoming Summer releases of theirs including the "Sex and the City" movie, the "Harold and Kumar" sequel, and "Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D" will be handled by the new division.

Does anyone see this as a shock? I don't. On a negative note, I hate to see so many people losing their jobs during such a strenuous time in the US. On the other hand, New Line the company will only benefit from someone else taking the reigns. They have bombed big time after The Lord of the Rings mostly because of an endless succession of poor choices. I once heard Sir Mix A-Lot say you cannot recreate the same hit twice, and when they tried that move with The Golden Compass, it cemented their burial. As you can see, the studio handled numerous phenomenal franchises and films, and that legacy will not be forgotten. As for The Hobbit, who knows how they will pan out. These days the film industry is incredibly fickle, unstable, and bizarre. I wish all the employees who are getting laid off luck in the future.






McKay is "Born Again" as Layne Staley
Unknown 30-year-old actor Lathan McKay has been tapped to play late Alice in Chains singer Layne Staley in the upcoming biopic "Get Born Again" McKay, an Austin, Texas, native who looks eerily like Staley, was tapped for the role after meeting with journalist Adriana Rubio, who wrote the book on which the movie is based. According to a MySpace page for the movie, McKay has been working with a band called Motherweiser to hone his vocals for the project.

Status on this biopic is up in the air, but it so enticing that Alice in Chains might get the big screen treatment. The above picture is McKay, and really, it's creepy how much he resembles Layne Staley. The big detriment will be the vocals, unless of course they plan on lip synching, which from the sound of this article leads me to believe he is practicing with another band to sing himself. Staley has one of the most distinct voices in rock n' roll, and it will be near impossible to match that, let alone come close. Looks are a big factor, but in music biopics, the singing is everything. I am going to keep my eye out on this because I love the title, and if an inspired filmmaker is hired, you never know.






The Breakfast Club Gets Bumped Into a Remake
Bridget Johnson will produce comedy-drama "Bumped," a modern-day version of "The Breakfast Club," with Anna Mastro attached to direct says The Hollywood Reporter. Based on a script by Lizzy Weiss, it revolves around five twentysomethings -- including a corporate go-getter, a musician and a flirt -- who normally wouldn't be friends but who get to know one another when they're bumped from a flight and wind up stranded at Chicago's O'Hare Airport. Mastro will make her directorial debut on the independently financed project, who worked closely with director-producer McG on "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" and "Stay Alive." Shooting won't begin until the SAG strike situation is resolved.

Add another to the long list of projects that should not be made. It has been approximately 23 years since John Hughes' classic was released. It has aged beautifully thanks in part to TBS who airs it at least once a day. Is a remake really needed? Well, we all know the answer, and so do the people involved, but they could care less. The cast will certainly be filled with no talent youngsters who will attempt to mimic the original performances. This will prove a disaster, but that won't stop flocks of people to run to the theaters to see it, thus producing a sequel. Ok, I'm getting carried away with myself. Does it sound like I'm bitter?






The Tree of Life Could Have Landed in a Pitt
Has Brad Pitt been cast as the lead in Terrence Malick's long-in-development film Tree of Life? There's been no official announcement as yet, but a local TV news station in Texas seems to have unearthed the scoop. Heath Ledger had been previously linked to the lead role. Austin CBS affiliate KEYE is reporting that Brad and Angelina have been sighted in Smithville, Texas where Malick may be setting up for a location shoot. IGN spoke with producers River Road Entertainment this afternoon. They referred us to Pitt's publicist who was not immediately available for comment, but if we hear something we'll let you know. Numerous gossip rags are also now reporting that Pitt has been spotted in the area. Their photographers have snapped shots of him rocking a clean shaven new look. According to previous reports, Sean Penn is attached to star in Tree of Life as well. The story, which the elusive filmmaker has apparently been quietly crafting for decades, has been called a "complex drama." Nothing else is known about the film at this time except that the titular tree is apparently literal. A series of videos have surfaced online which purport to show the massive "Tree of Life" being moved and planted for the production.

This decision would be just fine with me. As a huge fan of Malick's work, I cannot wait to see his next project. He definitely has been constructing Tree of Life for years, and hopefully it turns out as grand as everything else he has completed. After watching what he did with Colin Farrell in The New World, Lord only knows what he can make Brad Pitt accomplish. I would love to see Malick win an Oscar, then maybe he would come out of hiding. Obviously this is straight up gossip, but Penn or Pitt would fabulous selections, though Penn might fit better.

The 20 Second Sermon

A spin-off of Family Guy entitled Cleveland is on the way. Normally I dislike spin-offs, and this is no exception. This character is one of least likely to deserve his own show in my opinion. Prison Break will also receive a spin-off, this time set in a women's prison. Ummm…who cares? It shouldn't last more than half a season. Step Up 3 is planned, in 3-D though. Well America, this is what you get for paying money to see this junk. I hope everyone is pleased with themselves. Ellen Page has left Sam Raimi's new film Drag Me to Hell in light of scheduling conflicts. That is unfortunate. We know how awesome Page is with horror. Disney has Cars 2, National Treasure 3, and Pirates of the Caribbean 4 as sequels set for 2011. Cars 2 is certainly unexpected. Kodi Smit-McPhee has bowed out of X-Men Origins: Wolverine for The Road a Cormac McCarthy adaptation with Viggo Mortensen. A wise choice indeed my boy. I picked up the Sixx:A.M. CD The Heroine Diaries Soundtrack led by Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue. A standard rock album with a few stand out tracks.

What's Coming to DVD….Buy or Avoid?

DVD Headline of the Week



12 Angry Men (50th Anniversary) - A ageless classic finally gets double dipped after the bare bones edition that has been haunting stores for years. At the lower price, I will expect each of you to pick this up right away. Preorderable

101 Dalmatians (2-Disc Platinum Edition) - Another Disney masterpiece gets the royal treatment, but remember these are only out for a short time. This was a sweet film with one of the best villains in cinematic history. Buyable

Into the Wild (2 Disc Collector's Edition) - To find out my thoughts on this new DVD, check out my review tomorrow! A one disc version is also avilable.

Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium - This film was just horrible from start to finish. Hoffman's accent was irritating and Portman looked awkward. Don't waste your money. Forgettable

Things We Lost in the Fire - Here is another DVD I have reviewed. Check it out on the site this week!

TCM Archives - Forbidden Hollywood Collection, Volume 2 - This contains five films featuring Bette Davis, Clark Gable, Lionel Barrymore, and others. These are the so-called "Pre-Code" movies.

Awake - Hayden Christensen has been making some poor choices lately, and this was one. With Jessica Alba, he sees himself being killed under surgery. This film was retarded with twists that became preposterous in the end. Forgettable

Surveillance 24/7 - Yeah I have no idea what the heck this even is. Some sort of British thriller. Moving along...

Mrs. Doubtfire (Behind the Seams Edition) - Here is a cross dressing classic that needed a DVD update years ago. I loved this movie, more so than Tootsie. Buyable

Pistol Whipped - A new Steven Seagal Direct-to-DVD disaster. I can't wait to see how truly appalling this is.

The Shepherd: Border Patrol - See above, only replace Seagal with Jean-Claude Van Damme. He is far more engaging, for what it's worth.

Saturday Night Live: Lost and Found - SNL in the 80's - This seems intriguing. This follows the highs and lows after the original cast departed.

Saturday Night Live: The Best of 06/07 - I was unaware that they had enough good material for one solid DVD. The show was horrendous during that season.

My Kid That Could Paint - This documentary was supposed to be amazing. I'd love to check it out sometime.

Dr. Dolittle: Tail to the Chief - Wow, they are really pumping out the straight to video junk this week aren't they. Has anyone kept track of this franchise? I haven't.

Dr. Seuss' Horton Wears a Who (Deluxe Edition) - This is an animated film from 1970 I did not know even existed. Well, you learn something new every day.

Movie Dictionary: Word of the Week

Sugar Glass - Sugar glass (also called candy glass) is not glass at all, but a mixture of sugar, corn syrup and water, which looks like glass when finished. It is used in stunt sequences of films where using real glass would be more dangerous, such as diving through a window or breaking a bottle on a person. Although sugar glass is less dangerous than real glass, it can still cause injury when shattered. After a sheet of sugar glass is made, it must be used soon afterwards. Otherwise, it will warp and become soft and sticky. Like sugar paper (also known as edible paper), sugar glass is edible. However, although its name contains the word "sugar", it is not particularly sweet tasting; it has little flavor, instantly dissolving in the mouth.

An alternative to sugar glass is a resinous material known as "glass wax" or "ice wax". Being more durable than sugar glass, it is often used in situations where the glass or ice has to remain in place for a longer period of time, or in conditions where water exists. A good example of its use was the ice palace in the James Bond film "Die Another Day".

Blast from the Past

As we go back to January 8, 2006, I would like to draw your attention to a little piece of news I commented on back then as I was starting out as a news reporter here at 411. I still can't believe I wrote what I did. This is from The Big Screen Bulletin: Part 8-Pet Peeves.

"John Travolta and Tim Allen are in negotiations to star in "Wild Hogs," a comedy for Touchstone Pictures being produced by Tollin/Robbins Prods. Walt Becker is directing. The script, by Brad Copeland, revolves around a group of four frustrated middle-aged biker wannabes who hit the open road in search of adventure only to encounter a real Hell's Angels group. Travolta and Allen will play two of the four suburban men. Kristin Burr is overseeing for the studio.

Tim Allen and Travolta together? I'm there. I sincerely hope that this happens because Tim Allen has always been one of my favorite comedians, and I think these two would have great chemistry together on screen. The plot even seems like it is interesting."

Yep, that's right, I said "I'm There", apparently showing everyone that someone drugged me heavily that particular night. I was honest about Tim Allen. He is a favorite comedian of mine, and at that point, I did think he and Travolta would have good chemistry, but how in the hell could I have thought the plot was "interesting"? For what it's worth, I disliked the film when it was released.

The Critic's Quickee

Vantage Point - I don't know what this thriller was striving to be. It seems to be recalling action from The Bourne Identity, coincidences from Crash, and a structure like Rashomon. Whatever it had in mind, it failed miserably. This movie begins adequately enough with a meeting of world leaders in Spain, but it quickly spirals out of control to the point where you lose track of the twists, and eventually could care less about them. We endure various points of view from the same event. Once one is finished, we rewind back so a new aspect can commence. What fun. First of all, the angles are inconsistent. It is not totally from one exact POV because Director Pete Travis pans out, zooms, and all sorts of tricks which undercut the intended approach. Secondly, the trailer for this gave entirely too much away. We already know that the President has a double, and that a huge explosion occurs. The aftermath of the bomb is incredibly ludicrous, as is every unpredictable turn throughout the entire running time. I also thought it was a bit insulting that the USA was portrayed as this shady, deceitful, and cartoonishly villainous country. The US is far from perfect, but Bruce McGill's ramblings were absurd. The acting was commendable. Dennis Quaid displayed a lot of potential for this genre. He can carry himself as an engaging action star. Forest Whitaker did his customary smiling jolly fellow shtick. Judging by what he captures, his character of Howard Lewis is a better camera operator than anyone in Hollywood! The rest of the cast was just passable from Matthew Fox to William Hurt and Sigourney Weaver, whose contribution is really small. There is no way in hell that this complex plan would gain ground in the real world. By attempting to be overly clever, it ends up looking rather stupid. Debut filmmaker Pete Travis expresses signs of skill in carving a lucid thrill ride, but he needs to find his own identity first because it smells of other films that did it better. The biggest complaint is the script from Barry L. Levy, which is so mammothly sloppy that is causes the gimmick to seem like a last ditched effort to make the package competent. While it does not overstay its welcome at 90 minutes, it is ultimately just too preposterous to take seriously. Final Rating = 4.0/10.0

Be Kind, Rewind - All signs said I would have seen this yesterday, but my busy schedule interfered. I'll see it this week, and have a quickee for the next issue.

Based on the Trailer…

Newest Trailers

Get Smart - I need to catch a few episodes of the original show before seeing the film. The trailer is funny, which means it should be somewhat fun. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

Sex and the City (2) - The teaser was fine, and that should have been it, but this new trailer spoils the end of the series, and most of the plot in the film. Why bother seeing it now? This is one of the worst kind of previews. Trailer Rating = 2.5/10.0

The Love Guru - I usually enjoy Mike Myers, but this new character might not be as popular as Austin Powers or Wayne Campbell. I laughed a few times, but this has not really jumped out as all that spectacular. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0

Sputnik Mania - Some great looking documentaries are being released in the Spring and Summer, and this one follows that trend. It examines a frightening time in our history. It should be worth a look. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0

Doomsday - This is directed by Neil Marshall, the same man who gave us The Decent, but Rhona Mitra is the lead, and that is a risk as she is normally used for eye candy and not solid acting. Still, any new sci-fi intrigues me, so I'm totally giving it a chance. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0

March Releases

Snow Angels - This follows three couples at adjacent periods in life and stars Sam Rockwell and Kate Beckinsale. It looks average at best by the trailer, but that could be misleading. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

Funny Games - I'll give credit to whoever created this preview. It's different and gets your attention, but also annoying. Still, Tim Roth seems to be in his share of projects lately. This should be worth a look. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0

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

Horton Hears a Who - CGI might be the best way to adapt a Dr. Seuss book to the screen. This doesn't look all that bad I guess. I'll give it a shot. Carell and Carrey should be funny together. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

The Grand - This is a new mockumentary about a poker tournament. I saw this at Tribeca last year, and I will have the review ready for you. The trailer is just average, but I recommend seeing the film. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

Stop-Loss - The cast here is risky. Ryan Philippe and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are superb, but Channing Tatum is certainly not. Still, Gordon-Levitt is enough reason for me. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

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

The Bank Job - Another pointless and lame Jason Statham action thriller with a lousy and stupid title. I could care less about anything he does these days. Trailer Rating = 4.5/10.0

Superhero Movie - Another parody comedy. Oh joy. I'm going with Robert Sullivan when I say, I'll bet the next one (after Sci-Fi Movie) is Oscar Movie. This looks bad, not as dreadful as the others, but bad. Trailer Rating = 2.5/10.0

April Releases

The Ruins - As usual, this piece of horror does not interest me at all. A bunch of kids who get killed. Yippee. Although, it is more original than most lately. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0

Baby Mama - I wouldn't mind this trailer if Amy Poehler wasn't in it. I really think she is annoying on a whole new level. Tina Fey is amusing, but I think this will be a very blasé comedy. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0

Prom Night - This is going to be a stinky turd. Nothing else needs to be said, and the trailer doesn't help. The bad cover song hurts as well. Trailer Rating = 4.0/10.0

88 Minutes - I do think this will be a competent thriller, mostly due to Pacino. For once the trailer revealed a lot without exposing too much. Hopefully this delivers. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden? - Morgan Spurlock hunts for the Al-Qaeda leader. Morgan Spurlock is funny, and he tackles interesting topics, but this just seems goofy to me. What is the goal of this documentary keeps popping into my head. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0

The Visitor - From Tom McCarthy, the director of The Station Agent, comes this new drama which actually looks pleasant and heartwarming with Richard Jenkins. I'll give it a shot. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0

Leatherheads - George Clooney directs and stars in this football film with Jim from The Office and Rene Zellweger. I think it looks fun and entertaining. Clooney is a fine filmmaker. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0

Forgetting Sarah Marshall - The new pic from the Apatow pack looks hilarious with Jason Segel in the lead role. At this point, we'd go see anything with Apatow's name attached. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0

Nim's Island - This one requires a viewer to stretch their imagination far. Abigail Breslin is starting to annoy me, and what is Jodie Foster thinking here? Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0

May Releases

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - Hey, it Indy, our favorite history professor, and he has returned. This preview was wonderful. The action looks fantastic. I am so there. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0

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

Speed Racer - This film looks weird. I mean, it should visually amazing like only the Wachowski's know how, but I'm not sure about this one yet. It should be entertaining though. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0

Son of Rambow - Since this was tagged to Rambo the action movie, one can't help but think this looks cute. It should be an entertaining children's film despite the peculiar title. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0

What Happens in Vegas - This is a movie that gives people reason to say there is nothing good out. This will be a total and complete piece of junk. You know it, and I know it. Trailer Rating = 2.0/10.0

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian - I must admit, after disliking the first one, this trailer actually has me anticipating the sequel. Perhaps they improved with age. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0

Midnight Meat Train - You watch this preview, and it strikes you as a riveting thriller, then the title comes up, and you can't help but chuckle. It seems to take itself way too seriously for a bizarre title like that. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0

June, TBD, and Beyond Releases

Kung Fu Panda - This could be funny. Jack Black has solid voice for CGI, and the premise is intriguing. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

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

Wall-E (2) - The second trailer for Pixar's upcoming film makes me want to see it even more. I'm sorry, but this company is doing wondrous things right now. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0

The Happening - While many have lost all faith in Shyamalan, I think he can still supply riveting thrillers if he puts his mind to it. I actually see this as a vast improvement from Lady in the Water. Here's hoping anyway. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0

Mamma Mia! - I have never seen this musical on Broadway, but I suppose I'll have to see this film, featuring music from Abba…ugh. It doesn't look terrible, but it's not my type of thing. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0

Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D - This will most likely be cheesy and preposterous, but hey, it's in 3D, and it has Brendan Fraser, so it should be semi-enjoyable. This should be fun in the theater, but not much else. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0

You Don't Mess With the Zohan - What a shame that Adam Sandler's films seem to be getting worse. I have no interest in seeing this, and I did not laugh once during this trailer. Same old song and dance from him. Trailer Rating = 4.0/10.0

The Duchess - This is a goofy trailer. You wonder who could be introduced, and then the title "The Duchess" comes up, and you wonder why all the hassle of building it up. Knightley is to period pieces as Seagal is to B-movie action. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0

Hancock - Will Smith plays one of the most extraordinary looking super heroes in history. I'm actually excited to see this. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 - I generally hate the term "chick flick", but really what else applies here. Never saw the first one, won't see this one, and this trailer is not up my alley. That is all. Trailer Rating = 4.5/10.0

Star Trek XI - The teaser was superbly placed before Cloverfield, and this causes me to be amped for the next installment despite my doubts about the cast. I hope it's as good as we deserve. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0

Hellboy II: The Golden Army - I loved the first film, and am greatly anticipating the sequel. It looks to have kept the same sense of visual excitement and adventure. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0

The Dark Knight (2) - I have to admit, despite the endless news bits about this film, the trailer is marvelous and could not have been handled better. This will rock. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0

Kitt Kittredge: An American Girl - The new Abigail Breslin vehicle. I'll bet this blows as it looks similar to Nancy Drew, which was horrendous by itself. I'll be passing on this one. Trailer Rating = 3.0/10.0

Defiance - This new Edward Zwick film looks outstanding with Daniel Craig leading the cast in World War II story. This gave me chills. I can't wait. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0

Other Stuff to Read

The Best Movies of the Alphabet – From A to E
The Best Movies of the Alphabet – From F to J
The Best Movies of the Alphabet – From K to O
The Best Movies of the Alphabet – From P to T
The Best Movies of the Alphabet – From U to X
The Best Movies of the Alphabet – From Y to #

411 February Roundtable - This month I compiled the thoughts of the movie zone staff on the summer releases of February!
Fact or Fiction - Ben Piper gathers the thoughts of Will Helm and Matthew Motiuk this week!
Furious on Film - Arnold Furious gives you his opinions on various films every week in his brand new news report.
What!!-This-Column!?? - Bryan Kristopowitz continues his column about…stuff.
Two Tivos to Paradise - Al Norton brings all the news and updates in television that you can handle.
Ask 411 Movies - Leonard Hayhurst answers all the questions in Ask 411 movies.
The USB Evening Movie News - George Sirois brings the Thursday news for you.
Misunderstood Masterpieces - Will Helm gives you his weekly misunderstood masterpiece for your reading pleasure.
The MeeThinks Friday FreeThinks - Thanks again to John Meehan for providing my banner here, and for the Alphabet feature.

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.