The Big Screen Bulletin 03.24.08: Recuperating from Pastel Colors, Bunnies, and Chocolate

Posted by Chad Webb on 03.24.2008

A nightmare with the Justice League, box office results, Dirty Harry 6, the Bob Marley biopic trouble, Rhona Mitra in "Underworld 3", new DVD releases, new trailer ratings, the critic's quickee, and much more!

Straight to Video Nightmares

Featuring the Voices of: Kyle MacLachlan, Neil Patrick Harris, and Lucy Lawless
Directed By: Dave Bullock
Written By: Stan Berkowitz and Darwyn Cook
Release Date: February 26, 2008
Running Time: 75 minutes
Rated PG-13 for violent content/images.







With the constant rumors, gossip, and news updates on the upcoming live-action Justice League of America film from Director George Miller, I had mixed emotions when I noticed the latest DC comics animated adaptation, Justice League: The New Frontier. On one hand, these Direct-to-DVD comic cartoon movies are short and relatively sweet. They deliver enough action and entertainment for fan boys and children just getting introduced to the characters. On the negative side, I seriously dislike a group of super heroes as a team. I admit, it is partially the fact that with the comic trend in Hollywood I have grown rather critical of the genre. In my opinion, too many super heroes = too many powers.

Luckily, The New Frontier does not suffer from that weakness. I'm actually astonished at how deftly the writers and director weaved the storylines and the heroes into one coherent adventure. A lot happens, so bear with me. The film opens with everyone's favorite brawler from They Live, Keith David narrating briefly as the voice of the Centre explaining the evolution of Earth. He explains that we must all be obliterated. It then jumps to the Korean War, 1953 to be exact. Hal Jordan (voice of David Boreanaz) and his wingman Ace Morgan (voice of John Heard) are attacked by enemy pilots. After ejecting to safety, Hal joins the Ferris space program by means of Carol Ferris (voice of Brooke Shields). Shortly thereafter he is sent on a mission to Mars. In the meantime, J'onn J'onzz (voice of Miguel Ferrer) is teleported to Earth because of a scientist. He takes the form of Detective John Jones. It appears that the super heroes are feared by the general public. Many are considered vigilantes, Batman (Voice of Jeremy Sisto) is a fugitive, and others simply ignore this and fight crime anyway. Even McCarthyism is mentioned if you can believe that.

As the events continue to unfold, the true nature of J'onzz is learned by Batman. The Flash (voice of Neil Patrick Harris) is also involved with King Faraday (voice of Phil Morris), among others. As the scenes shift from person to person, the theme of the Centre approaching for destruction keeps popping up. I don't want to give more away. Justice League: The New Frontier is based on a graphic novel by Darwyn Cook. He also co-wrote the script with Stan Berkowitz. The writing divulges an adequate amount of details on each super heroes, while maintaining the focus of the primary plot. Superman (voice of Kyle MacLachlan) and Batman are not concentrated on because most people understand their origins and powers. Superman plays peacemaker and leader for the most part, while Batman is somewhat creepy in that he sneaks into houses unannounced like a petty thief. Wonder Woman (voice of Lucy Lawless) is almost as big as Superman. They are best friends, and Superman visits her on Paradise Island on more than one occasion.

Cook and Berkowitz elected to have Hal Jordan and J'onn J'onzz as the stars, and that was a wise decision as many will be unaware of who they are and what they can do, myself included. I knew Hal Jordan, but had no idea what J'onzz the chameleon alien creature was. Not every comic book icon is given the time you might prefer, but a fair amount do appear, like The Atom and Green Arrow for instance. The action was taut, invigorating, and suspenseful. The biggest issue was Dinosaur Island, which looked kind of silly to me. Credit is due for Dave Bullock who had such a firm sense of pacing and structure for The New Frontier. He knew just when to switch from conversations to action, and vice versa. The voice cast is certainly all-star, but what makes this such a blast to watch is that every single one of them are anonymous as the characters.

Kyle MacLachlan is inconspicuous yet terrific as Superman, Neil Patrick Harris is wonderful as a young Flash, David Boreanaz is fabulous as the ambitious Hal Jordan, and John Heard suits him as the partner Ace Morgan. You can find Jeremy Sisto as Batman, Kyra Sedgwick as Lois Lane, Brooke Shields as Carol Ferris, the great Miguel Ferrerr as J'onn J'onzz, Lucy Lawless as Wonder Woman, and on and on. One would expect a dynamic team like that to clash and sound obvious, but Andrea Romano and Dave Bullock were intelligent with the selections.

The history and resume of the screenwriters and director displays many animated television shows, but this film has no connection to any Justice League television program, and that is the way it should be. Justice League: The New Frontier exposes plenty of material to please fan boys and older audiences, while also targeting the younger boys that just want to watch their heroes kick butt. The more I think about it, the more I really enjoyed this. I do wish it had been longer though. Clocking in at 75 minutes, one can't help but wonder what else they could have fit in. This is not a nightmare at all. My advice is to seek it out. It's the best Direct-to-DVD offering so far this year.

Final Rating = 8.0/10.0

The News Bulletin

Horton Hears More Coinage!
"Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who" heard No. 1 for the second frame in a row, as Fox's CGI toon beat out another solid bow for Tyler Perry and a weak opening for Owen Wilson. Fox Searchlight and the Weinstein Co. may have had the most to brag about for the frame, however, as their "Under the Same Moon" broke the record for the biggest opening of a Spanish language film in the U.S., grossing 2.6 million from 266 locations. Studios noted that it did well in heavily Latino markets and at art house theaters. Per play average was $9,774 and the cume since Wednesday is $3.3 million. Falloff for "Horton" was 45%, giving it a gross of $25.1 million. After a very strong Good Friday, when it took in $10.3 million, pic had a tougher Saturday and Sunday, apparently due to the Easter holiday. Cume after 10 days is $86.5 million.

"Meet the Browns" was another solid bow for a Tyler Perry film from Lionsgate, opening to exactly $20 million. That makes it No. 4 of his five films, though it's less than $2 million off from "Why Did I Get Married?" and "Diary of a Mad Black Woman." Average was a very healthy $9,977 at 2,006 theaters. Paramount's "Drillbit Taylor" didn't strike much B.O. gold, as it opened to only $10.2 million. It's the second lowest opening for a Judd Apatow-produced pic in wide release, behind Christmas flop "Walk Hard." Comedy averaged just $3,338 per play at 3,056 locations. Par is hoping it will hold up well over spring break since auds skewed young.

New Regency's "Shutter," distribbed by Fox, had a similarly soft bow of $10.7 million, in line with expectations. Remake of the Thai horror film had a per theater average of $3,887 at 2,753 locations. Lionsgate's heist pic "The Bank Job" had a phenomenal hold, dropping just 19% on its third weekend, coming off a 15% decline last week. Jason Statham starrer grossed $4.1 million and has upped its cume to $19.4 million. Summit's fighting pic "Never Back Down" fell 43% on its second weekend to $4.9 million. Cume is $16.8 million.

This is probably the first weekend of 2008 where I predicted wrong. I thought for sure Perry's effort would top the rest. Anyway, a solid debut for Shutter at #3, Drillbit Taylor came out a bit disappointing at #4. Never Back Down dipped, but not nearly as much as I expected. Vantage Point and The Bank Job are hanging on, but at #10 Under the Same Moon cracks the top 10 which I am sure not many would have anticipated. Next week is a fairly big pile of wide releases such as 21 and Stop-Loss, but look for Superhero Movie to make a strong run for #1. Nevertheless, I can't see Horton losing. Look for a three peat.






Making Eastwood‘s Day with Dirty Harry 6
Since the project's announcement earlier this week, speculation has been rife about Clint Eastwood's "Gran Turino" project scheduled for December. Most of the talk revolved around an e-mail from an L.A. source named 'Kurt' which was sent out to at least three sites including Dark Horizons within hours of the announcement. I put it aside for later - the content of the e-mail sounded reasonable enough but the source, even though they provided their own information, didn't reveal any corroborating evidence or important details for further fact checking. Certainly Warners won't confirm anything about the project, short of the date, just yet.

AICN and at least one other site however did post it that day and since then the idea has spread like wildfire, many are now already set in their minds that this is the next film in Eastwood's "Dirty Harry" series with Callahan hunting down a serial killer who drives that model car and killed his grandson. Don't count on it just yet. Filmjerk says that according to one of their regular sources, this is "a simple, quiet and compelling drama about Walt (Eastwood), a rural bigot who finds his outlook on life changed after a family of Hmong immigrants move in to the home next to his own, striking up a friendship with the family's teenaged son Tao over the older man's now-classic car."

Now here's where things get even more confusing. One of Movieweb's scribes got in touch with a contact who works for Eastwood's production company Malpaso who claims the talk is true, this is a Harry Callahan movie and the plots points mentioned in that e-mail from 'Kurt' are reasonably accurate. Certainly a new Harry Callahan movie sounds a far more enticing prospect than a drama about getting to know the neighbouring immigrants. Resurrecting old action hero franchises seems to be all the rage now as well. Still, don't commit to the idea of Callahan's return just yet - until official word comes out either way stay cautious.

I'm not buying into this. Eastwood is not Spielberg or Bruce Willis, or Sylvester Stallone. He has been very content making prestige pictures for Oscar season. Yes, the trend of resurrecting old action characters is active, but I would guess Eastwood to be the last to cave for a sixth installment. I think the people who send this gossip really really want the rumor to be true someday. I think the project concentrating on neighboring sounds intriguing, but of course it is a bit dreary next to a Harry Callahan rumor. Having said all this, if enough supporters in the Eastwood circle continue to push for it, he might give in, but I say this is fantasy at the moment. At least Dark Horizons admits to being unsure of the source.






A Full Schedule for DiCaprio and Scott
Ridley Scott and Leonardo DiCaprio are re-teaming for newcomer Brad Ingelsby's spec script thriller "The Low Dweller" for Relativity Media reports the trades. Set in Indiana in the mid-1980s, the movie centers on Slim (DiCaprio) trying to assimilate back into society after he's released from jail. His attempts to get back on track, including plans to marry his long-suffering girlfriend, he discovers that his loser brother has been murdered after getting involved in a seedy midwestern gambling racket. While Slim did time for a murder he couldn't avoid, he decides he can't skip out on his obligation to avenge his brother's murder. Scott and DiCaprio will produce the film, with DiCaprio attached to star and Scott eyeing to direct. DiCaprio and Scott just wrapped the geopolitical thriller "Body of Lies" for Warners due out later this year. DiCaprio has Martin Scorsese's period thriller "Shutter Island" and Ridley Scott is prepping the Russell Crowe-led Robin Hood romance "Nottingham" for Universal.

On paper, the premise strikes me as a tad convoluted, but with DiCaprio and Scott on board, the concept changes completely. I dig the title, not that it matters. Let's give credit to DiCaprio for not wasting time in accepting and delving into new films. He currently has 7 slated for the next three years. This year alone he has Body of Lies and Revolutionary Road. Why has he not slowed down? It is obvious I think. The man wants an Oscar desperately, and if this was anyone else, it would annoy me, but Leo deserves a statue under his name. Ridley Scott has three directorial projects on the horizon, not to mention an enormous load of shows and movies he is producing. Anyway, I am looking forward to The Low Dweller.






Bob Marley‘s Family is not "Jamming"
The family of Bob Marley has refused to license any of his music for a biopic that the Weinsteins are planning - this despite the fact that his widow, Rita Marley, is the executive producer says Reuters. The reason seems to be the competing Martin Scorsese documentary being produced by Tuff Gong Pictures and Shangri La, which is the first theatrical documentary to license Marley songs. The family members involved in the Scorsese project claim they were unaware that the Weinstein project would be unveiled so soon and believe its late 2009 release date would interfere with their documentary's February 2010 release which is timed to Marley's birthday. The efforts of Blue Mountain Music, which is Marley's music publisher, are all being put into the doco according to company president Chris Blackwell. He adds that "The Weinstein project has put the documentary into jeopardy", though some claim this is just a ploy to try and raise the price and compel the Weinsteins to buy Marley's music rights. Blackwell says that he expects a deal to be reached soon whereby the Weinstein Co. would take a stake in the Scorsese docu and agree to postpone its biopic.

Let the documentary unravel before the biopic. That is what occurred with Scorsese's Dylan doc No Direction Home, which preceded I'm Not There. I can't see the positives in rushing a Marley biopic. Get the music rights, get the proper cast, and get a fitting filmmaker, then worry about the release date. As I am not a film industry insider, I will not make predictions about the strategy and motives for this deal with Weinstein Company. However, a biopic will not work unless they are granted the right to use any of his tunes. Personally, I think Bob Marley will be the hardest yet for any actor to portray, so that is another reason the documentary should be supported more aggressively.






Darabont Getting Heated to 451 Degrees
A new movie version of the classic Ray Bradbury novel "Fahrenheit 451" has been kicked around in Hollywood for at least a decade. We spoke to Frank Darabont, who first became attached to the project back in 2001, and asked if there's a chance of the filming getting underway any time soon. "Fingers crossed," the "Mist" and "Shawshank Redemption" filmmaker tells IGN. "I'm really trying to get that one going this year. I'm very hopeful that it will finally happen. It's been a bit of a challenge in that it's not an obvious movie as far as the studios are concerned. It's not somebody's tent-pole idea. It's never been more relevant, in my view, and there's a reason that it's been in print for 60 years. It's a brilliant story and a brilliant piece of work and with a little luck, it'll happen." There's nothing further to report on the project right now, but it's worth mentioning that casting rumors back in 2007 linked Tom Hanks, who starred in Darabont's "Green Mile", to the project. Matt Damon, Paul Bettany, and Joseph Fiennes have also been rumored to be in consideration for the lead role of Guy Montag at some point. In the story, Montag is a fireman in a futuristic America whose job is to burn books. He is complacent with his job until a series of events prompts him to question himself, and eventually becomes a fugitive chased by a Mechanical Hound.

This is the perfect novel for Darabont to tackle. The story seems profound, relevant, and intriguing, and Darabont is one of the best filmmakers to convey that in the form of a motion picture. As far as the lead goes, I am not in favor of Paul Bettany or Joseph Fiennes. Matt Damon has yet to collaborate with Darabont so they might be a Director-Actor duo with chemistry. Tom Hanks is of course "the man" and can do anything, but he has a busy schedule so don't count on him. The "fingers crossed" quote has me doubting the possibility of this. Darabont usually sinks his teeth into a project every few years, and if this did get underway in 2008, it would be strange since it comes off the heels of The Mist from 2007. On the other hand, maybe Darabont is trying to work more often, which would be a-ok with me.






Please Note Mr. Spileberg‘s Schedule Planner
"Underworld: Rise of the Lycans" , the third installment in the franchise, may not have Kate Beckinsale in it since it's a prequel, but it does reportedly have hottie du jour Rhona Mitra (currently kicking ass on-screen in the post-apocalyptic thriller "Doomsday"). According to SCI FI PI, Mitra has been cast as "Sonja, Viktor's daughter, vampire lover of werewolf Lucian and cause of all the fuss that is the thousand year war between wolf and bat." Bill Nighy reprises his role as Viktor, while Michael Sheen is also back as Lucien. Production designer-turned-director Patrick Tatopoulos is helming the prequel, which was scripted by original "Underworld" director Len Wiseman. Tatopoulos calls "Rise of the Lycans", which is currently filming in New Zealand, "the 'cousin' of the first two films, with the story focused on the history of the werewolves and their rise from slavery."

Evidently Rhona Mitra has made a superb contact in Hollywood because I am shocked that she has received starring roles in some key releases. Doomsday landed in theaters, and was quickly pushed out of the top 10, but she is ideal to replace Kate Beckinsale in Underworld 3. With the dark set design and blue lighting, she could even pass for the same character, though I know this is a totally different role than that of Selene. Truth be told, this sequel will probably suck, but if I know anything it is this: Rhona Mitra + Leather outfit = No brainer ticket purchase.

The 20 Second Sermon

I go through DVD players like they are going out of style. Usually the laser eye is the problem. I don't watch TV, just DVDs, so that is the reason. Anyway, I decided to jump the gun now that the High-Def war is over and buy a Blu-Ray player. Not a PS3, just a regular player. I also picked up my first Blu-Ray disc, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. I figured I should select one that will reveal some truly spectacular video. This met my expectations. The picture looks wonderful on my TV. I recently purchased Flogging Molly's latest CD Float. I enjoy this band more and more with each effort. This is one of my favorite albums so far this year. There will definitely be a fifth Rambo installment, and it will be shooting in Bulgaria. Don't worry though, Bulgaria has doubled for America many times, so the plot will be set in the US. I am excited about this. I want to see John Rambo kick more a**. It appear that Disney is not limiting the Narnia franchise to three films as was previously reported. The studio is aiming for the whole nine yards. Sam Raimi is supposedly bringing back Jack Ryan to theaters. Apparently, he will focus on a younger Ryan, which is better because that means a newer star has the chance to shine.

What's Coming to DVD….Buy or Avoid?

DVD Headline of the Week



The Mist (2-Disc Collector's Edition) - Another Frank Darabont classic. The ending was extremely controversial and argued about, but as Robert Sullivan has said, let's give credit to the cast and crew for leaving us with a conclusion that stick in our heads. Buyable

The Kite Runner - Perhaps it was the trailer which revealed entirely too much, but this did not win me over. The story was not all that moving, and it contained more than a few plot holes. Worth seeing, but nothing more. Rentable

Bonnie & Clyde (Ultimate Collector's Edition) - A undisputed masterpiece that deserved to be double dipped. I had mixed feelings when I first saw this, but it is indeed a brilliant film. Preorderable

WWE: Triple H - King of Kings - This is not a stellar line-up of matches, but I am going to buy this because the Mick Foley Hell in the Cell has arrived on DVD for the first time. Enough said. Buyable

Best of the Price is Right - Who doesn't want some of Bob Barker in their personal library forever? I remember when all three contestants spun the wheel and landed on $1.00. I'll bet that episode is on here.

Wristcutters: A Love Story - I have heard good things thus far about this one. I'll have to consult my Netflix or local Blockbuster.

WWE: No Way Out 2008 - This pay per view card actually looks decent. Maybe I will think twice about checing it out in the future.

Mr. Wong, Detective - The Complete Collection - Hmmm, I have heard of, but not seen any of these gems. It involves Boris Karloff so I can ask Mr. Hayhurst about its quality.

Walk the Line - (Extended Cut) - I'll have a review of this out tomorrow.

April Fool's Day - A Direct-to-DVD remake? Gee, I'll bet this is just fantastic viewing. I might rent this out of curiosity, and for this news report.

Keep an eye out for a bunch of Yul Brynner films and several more Gangster box sets as well this week!

Movie Dictionary: Word of the Week

Beat - A beat is a term used to describe the timing and movement of a film. When used within a screenplay it usually represents a pause in dialogue. When used to discuss the timing of a film a beat refers to an event, decision or discovery that alters the way the protagonist pursues their goal.

According to some schools of film theory, beats are specific, measured and spaced to create a pacing element that moves the progress of the story forward. Uneven or erratic beats will be felt by the audience as either slow - usually the most forgettable or often tedious parts of a film - or stretches of film that jolt the audience unnecessarily. Every cinematic genre has a beat that is specific to its development. Action film has significantly more beats (usually events) while drama has fewer beats (usually protagonist decisions or discovery). Between each beat a sequence occurs. The sequence is often a series of scenes that relates to the last beat and leads up to the next beat. In most American films the beat will fall approximately every five minutes. Following is a beat example from "The Shawshank Redemption":

At 25 minutes: Andy talk to Red and asks for rock hammer. - Decision
At 30 minutes: Andy gets rock hammer. - Event
At 35 minutes: Andy risks his life to offers financial advice to Mr. Hadley. - Decision
At 40 minutes: Andy notes ease of carving his name in the wall. - Discovery
At 45 minutes: Mr. Hadley beats Bogs severely. Event

After each beat above a significant series of results takes place in the form of the sequence, but what most people remember are the beats, the moment something takes place with the protagonist.

The Critic's Quickee

Horton Hears a Who! - To read all about my thoughts on this popular new CGI film, check out my full review by clicking right here.

Never Back Down - This is easily the front runner for worst film of 2008. This cannot be what MMA fans were hoping for. This is the laziest, most unoriginal, and most ridiculous excuse for a film in awhile. For starters, all this tries to be is The Karate Kid with MMA instead of just karate. I was actually angry as I watched this piece of garbage. Sean Faris is Jake Tyler, a stupid name for an actor who was previously on the horrid show Reunion. He is a kid moving to a new school because his little brother is a tennis star. Yes, a sub-plot involving tennis. He quickly develops a nemesis named Ryan McCarthy, who tricks him into fighting via his girlfriend Baja Miller. This is a school where Youtube videos are seen on all cell phones the minute they are posted on the internet. As a matter of fact, the entire student body must do nothing but visit that site. Jake finds a loser buddy named Max, basically a kid inserted for cheap wisecracks. This was directed by Jeff Wadlow, the man who gave us Cry Wolf. When he cannot think of a scene transition, he slaps on some inane training session. I forgot to mention the worst part. Djimon Hounsou is Jake's Mr.Miyagi. Why oh why would Djimon Hounsou, a brilliant actor, sign on for this? I'm hoping the paycheck was nice. He's a two-time Oscar nominee for goodness sakes! Who viewed this crap and said, "we need to get this into theaters immediately"? I hated every aspect of this film. The paper thin characters, the elementary school plot, the dumb fight sequences, and the endless mainstream rock/pop songs to overshadow how unbelievably brainless the movie is. This is the type of film that people who love The Fast and the Furious would enjoy. I like to call it Fight Club for Idiots. Final Rating = 1.0/10.0

Ok, I am seeing Doomsday, but not until the middle of this week, so look for my quickee of that in the next Bulletin. As for Funny Games, it was not in as many theaters as expected, but I would like to review that in the near future, so keep an eye out for that also. It has been a busy week my readers, but I promise to be back on track soon.

Based on the Trailer…

Newest Trailers

Tropic Thunder - I am liking the plot to this film, and the trailer is pretty funny. Hopefully this is a Ben Still flick I don't hate. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

The Pineapple Express - This is the red band trailer by the way. I haven't laughed this hard at a trailer in awhile. This is going to be great. The cast is fantastic, and James Franco is being put to good use. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0

March Releases

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

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

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

My Blueberry Nights - Well, the cast looks amazing, and Wong Kar Wai is a fabulous filmmaker, but the wild card is Norah Jones. This teaser doesn't show anything, which worries me a little. Still, I am anxious to see it. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0

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

Speed Racer (2) - I had massive doubts from the first trailer, but this new one is worlds better, and I actually an amped to see it. If it sticks to a family tone, it could work. It still may be a huge dud, but you never know. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0

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

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

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

Wanted (2) - This movie does look extremely cool, but I still se a lot of Matrix elements. Oh well, Angelina Jolie is sexy, Morgan Freeman is playing his customary wise instructor role, and the special effects look neat. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

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

Righteous Kill - The new crime thriller with Pacino and De Niro! This looks average at the moment, but it should be fantastic with the two of them as a duo on screen for most of the film. The supporting cast looks excellent as well. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

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

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 Incredible Hulk - I love Edward Norton, but I fail to see how this will right all the wrongs of Ang Lee's version. Is the origin story the biggest demand from fans? This just looks ok so far, and the CGI appears sloppy. It is a long ways away, but I'm not impressed. Trailer Rating = 5.5/10.0

Madagascar: The Crate Escape - This is some sort of weird DVD trailer, but we see the basic layout of the plot, and it is not very funny or interesting. I could care less about this one. Trailer Rating = 4.5/10.0

Lost Boys: The Tribe - I stumbled upon this trailer for the Direct-to-DVD sequel starring Corey Felmdman. For a B-movie, it doesn't look half bad, though Feldman is not the actor he once was. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0

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

Step Brothers - Now this is a Will Ferrell comedy I can't wait to see. The premise is unusual, and the jokes in this preview are hilarious. Plus, it's directed by Adam McKay, who knows his stuff. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0

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 March Roundtable - This month I compiled the thoughts of the movie zone staff on the winter/spring releases of March!
Fact or Fiction - Ben Piper gathers the thoughts of Christi Csonka and Jason Chamberlain 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. Check out his B-movie column too.
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.