The Big Screen Bulletin 03.31.08: Closing Out March with April Fools Plans

Posted by Chad Webb on 03.31.2008

The birthday bash featuring Lucy Lawless, box office results, Disney's "Lone Ranger", Lohan and the Mansons, the "Children of Men" TV series, new DVD releases, lots of quickees, new trailer ratings, and much more!

The Birthday Bash

Lucy Lawless turns 40 - For that age, she doesn't look half bad. I was kind of surprised to stumble across this revealing pic. Anywho, Xena was on Battlestar Galactica for a couple seasons, just contributed to Justice League: The New Frontier as Wonder Woman, and will soon be filming Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler and wait for it…Guy Pearce. Yes those two will make a movie together. Hell hath frozen over.






Warren Beatty turns 71 - Ahh the young Beatty with the bushy poof hairdo. He is a bit grayer and more wrinkled at this point. He has not done a film since 2001's Town & Country, but when he received a special Cecil B. DeMille Golden Globe, he stated that he would direct another movie, hopefully something better than Bullworth.






Ewan McGregor turns 37 - Well, Obi-Wan is Scottish, but I was not aware that he posed topless in a kilt. Different strokes for different folks. McGregor is an odd ball. After the disappointing Cassandra's Dream, McGregor will appear in Incendiary and Deceptionlater in 2008, followed by 5 projects including I, Lucifer with Daniel Craig.






Christopher Walken turns 65 - What image of Walken is not bizarre. He seems to be wiping something off his chin (I won't ask what), or making a whispering pose with his hand. Either way, he looks to have stuck his finger in an electrical socket. He has approximately 4 - 5 films on the horizon, including The Dirt where he will portray Ozzy Osbourne. Now that is rock ‘n roll.






Elle Macpherson turns 45 - The sexy model did have acting career with such acclaimed roles in Batman & Robin and the show Friends, but has since ceased accepting scripts. Still, for her age, she is certainly hot. This is just one of any number of photos that would have fit well in this week's issue.

The News Bulletin

Jackpot for "21"
Sony's gambling drama "21" beat the house at the weekend box office, winning a respectable $23.7 million from 2,648 runs and coming in No. 1. The per location average was $8,950. Pic, with a cast including Jim Sturgess, Kevin Spacey and Kate Bosworth, marks director Robert Luketic's biggest opening, and his first drama. He previously directed laffers including "Legally Blond" and "Monster-in-Law." Twentieth Century Fox holdover "Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!" continued to draw an enviable hand in its third frame, coming in a strong No. 2. Toon declined 29% to an estimated $17.4 million from 3,826 runs for a cume of $117.2 million, marking the first film of 2008 to jump the $100 million mark at the domestic B.O. After "21," other new offerings weren't so fortunate in their betting. MGM and Dimension Films' spoof "Superhero Movie" came in well below expectations with an estimated gross of $9.5 million from 2,960 runs, placing No. 3 for the frame, according to Rentrak.

Paramount's "Stop-Loss" became the latest Iraqi war film to be largely rejected by auds, managing to only place No. 8 in its bow, grossing an estimated $4.5 million from 1,291 runs. Film was directed by Kimberly Peirce in her first directing effort since "Boys Don't Cry." On the specialized side, the Weinstein Co. and Fox Searchlight's America Ferrera starrer "Under the Same Name" declined 19% from the pervious weekend as it added 124 screens in markets where the Spanish-language film was already playing. Film grossed an estimated $3.2 million from 390 runs for a per screen average of $5,771--the second best per location average after "21" among the top 20 films. Overall, the frame was down more than 17% from the same frame last year, when Paramount/DreamWorks' Will Ferrell laffer "Blades of Glory" led with a $33 million opening. The B.O. downturn is slowly eroding the film industry's year-to-date revenue gains. As of Sunday, revenues were running 0.64% ahead of the same period in 2007.
Weekend saw varying results among holdovers.

Lionsgate's "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns," placing No. 4, declined 61% in its second sesh to an estimated $7.8 million from 2,016 runs for a cume of $32.8 million in its first 10 days. Par's Owen Wilson laffer "Drillbit Taylor" declined 44% in its second sesh to place No. 5 for the frame, grossing an estimated $5.8 million from 3,061 locations for a cume of $20.6 million. Placing No. 6 was Fox and New Regency's "Shutter," which declined 49% in its second weekend to an estimated $5.3 million from 2,756 runs for a cume of $19.1 million. Warner Bros.' "10,000 BC" declined 45% in its fourth weekend to place No. 7 for the weekend, grossing an estimated $4.9 million from 3,055 runs for a cume of $84.9 million. Disney's "College Road Trip' came in No. 9 in its fourth frame, declining 25% to an estimated $3.5 million from 2,270 locations for a cume of $38.4 million.

Well I wrong again. I though Horton would three-peat, but evidently 21 appealed to more people than I anticipated. At least it is not Superhero Movie, although how does this spoof flick get #3, when Meet the Spartans, which looked ten times worse, got #1 earlier in the year? Anyway, the studios will soon be skeptical on green lighting an excessive amount of Iraq projects. This is just one more in a long line that have bombed with viewers. Meet the Browns dipped a few spots, but at this point, I'm sure it made the budget. Perry's films can't cost that much to make. This was a bad showing overall for Drillbit Taylor. Apatow pics usually resonate better, but not this time. Next week Leatherheads will effortlessly win the weekend.






Hi-Yo Silver Disney!
"Pirates of the Caribbean" and "The Mask of Zorro" scribes Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio are in final negotiations to write a live-action big-screen adaptation of "The Lone Ranger" for Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer says The Hollywood Reporter. The hero's origin story begins with a group of Texas Rangers chasing down a gang of outlaws led by Butch Cavendish. The gang ambushes the Rangers, seemingly killing them all. One survivor is found, however, by an American Indian named Tonto, who nurses him back to health. The Ranger, donning a mask and riding a white stallion named Silver, teams up with Tonto to bring the unscrupulous gang and others of that ilk to justice. The property began life as a 1930s radio show before becoming movie serials, TV shows, comic strips and comic books, toys, novels and more. The last big screen incarnation was the 1981 bomb "The Legend of the Lone Ranger". A TV movie/backdoor pilot with Chad Michael Murray in the role was made in 2003 but failed to draw ratings.

I read about this new franchise experiment months ago, and was doubtful then. Yes, Disney wishes this to take over for Pirates of the Caribbean as a new popular live-action series. I say this venture will fail, both critically and in the box office. I'm sure Disney will do a grand job of promoting it, and maybe it will make money, but I do not expect moviegoers to connect with it on the same level as Captain Jack Sparrow. The Lone Ranger has evolved throughout the years in a very strange way, but the concept and execution still carries the risk of being highly cheesy. Unless a talented filmmaker jumps aboard, this will probably land better with younger kids than adults.






The Weekly Children of Men
"Bionic Woman" executive producer David Eick tells SCI FI Wire that he's working on a pilot script for a proposed TV series based on P.D. James' novel "Children of Men". Alfonso Cuaron's 2006 film of the same name scored great acclaim, but it departed quite dramatically from the novel - using only the basic story concepts. This new show is expected to follow James' work much more closely.

"It's really taking root more in the origins of the novels in that it will focus on the cultural movement in which young people become the society's utter focus. Much like our culture, whenever Lindsay Lohan does something [and] it becomes the headline of every news show, it's about how, when you don't have a responsibility to the next generation and you're free to do whatever you want, where do you draw the line?" says Eick.

Eick adds it will question how society defines responsibility, freedom and a sense of values when it doesn't necessarily believe humans will survive as a species. "So it's a very compelling, I think, human question that science fiction has always explored extremely provocatively. It's not really a war show like the movie was. It's more an exploration of that issue."

Do television shows based on movies, or ones that take place after a film has already been made, ever really succeed? Yes, this is based on a book, but the majority of the public will recognize the movie similarities. What is the point of this? You would think these people who want to take such chances would remember that history usually repeats itself in such circumstances. It doesn't matter how good the book is, or how brilliant the film is. City of God tried the same thing, and no one talks about that series either. My advice is to trash this idea. It won't last. What half glass empty attitude right?







Lohan Goes Insane With Charles Manson
Lindsay Lohan may have cleaned up her act, but she's saving a little bit of crazy for a big-screen turn as Nancy Pitman, a former member of Charles Manson's crew. E! News scoops that LiLo will star in "Manson Girls", a film about -- you guessed it -- the female members of cult leader Charlie Manson's "family." Her character, Pitman (a.k.a. Brenda), was not directly involved in the Manson Family killings, but she was one of Manson's most hardcore devotees. After the murders of Sharon Tate and her friends, Manson took Pitman to the scene where they planted false evidence. "Manson Girls" producer Brad Wyman of Junction Films confirmed Lohan's casting. "Yes, I am doing it with Lindsay," he told E! News. Lohan will next star opposite Jared Leto in "Chapter 27", the story of another killer, John Lennon murderer Mark David Chapman.

Before I address the news bit, "LiLo"?! Have I missed the boat? Are we seriously calling her this? I refuse. I hate these conceited gossip conjured names like Bennifer and Brangelina. Moving on, it is nice to see Lohan tackling some challenging and ambitious material like the Manson family and Mark David Chapman. Despite all the hullabaloo, she is still a gifted actress capable of anything. I say this regardless of the abomination that was I Know Who Killed Me. There have been a couple films on the Manson murders, but I'd be anxious to see what Hollywood comes up with now.






He-Man Plays the Drums?
Dolph Lundgren, the muscle-bound star of "Rocky IV" and "Masters of the Universe", is to direct and star in an action pic that he describes as "Die Hard at a rock concert." According to The Hollywood Reporter, "Command Performance" will feature Dolph as the drummer in a band at a concert for the Russian President. A villainous gang disrupts the show however, and it's left to drummer Dolph – who also happens to be a former Marine – to rescue the President. Lundgren, who also co-wrote the thriller with Stave Latshaw, says he got the idea from a concert that Madonna performed for Russian Premier Vladimir Putin several years ago. Looking for a drummer turned marine? Then Dolph Lundgren's your man. He will also be putting his drum skills to the test, telling THR "I used to play when I was a kid. Now I play at wrap parties after I've had a few tequila shots. It'll be fun." "Command Performance" is set to shoot in Moscow this summer.

This must have been a rather slow news week because for some reason, this was posted on every movie news site. Now, I grew up with Dolph, and enjoy his films for the most part, but this is sure to be another Direct-to-DVD release, so why all the fuss? He describes it as "Die Hard at a rock concert." I say it sounds like his version of Sudden Death, the Jean Claude Can Damme actioner. I do hope Dolph returns to the big screen someday soon. He is always entertaining to watch, and hey, he does tequila shots. What's not cool about that?







Mos Def is mos def playing Chuck Berry
Rapper/actor Mos Def will play legendary rock n' roller Chuck Berry in Sony BMG's "Cadillac Records," currently filming in New Jersey. Also joining the cast of is Gabrielle Union, who plays Geneva Wade, a girlfriend of Muddy Waters. Written and directed by Darnell Martin ("Their Eyes Were Watching God"), the film is set in 1950s Chicago and follows the turbulent but exciting lives of Leonard Chess, who founded Chess Records, and the label's artists, including Waters, Little Walter and Howlin' Wolf. Chess started the label with his younger brother, Phil, started the record company by traveling the south selling records out of the trunk of their Cadillac.

The two join a cast that includes Adrien Brody (Chess), Jeffrey Wright (Waters), and Beyonce Knowles (Etta James). Sony BMG's Andrew Lack and Sofia Sondervan are producing. Knowles is an executive producer. Def's film credits include the comedy "Be Kind Rewind" and the crime thriller "16 Blocks." He was nominated for an Emmy and Golden Globe for his role in the HBO film, "Something the Lord Made." His upcoming projects include "Keep Coming Back," helmed by William H. Macy, and "Next Day Air." He is represented by Paradigm and Garden Grown Entertainment. Union's credits include "Ugly Betty" and the upcoming Eddie Murphy comedy "Meet Dave." She is repped by UTA and manager Jeff Morrone.

Most rappers turned actors try one or two projects, and move on, but Mos Def actually has potential. He has a genuinely charming and engaging presence on screen. The cast does look impressive at the moment, but when you throw Knowles into the mix, the director is crucial. This does not mention one, but if this is to be worthwhile, that decision is important. Having heard music from the artists involved, I do approve of the casting choices. This could be very good, but you never know how things will turn out these days


The 20 Second Sermon

Robert Duvall and Jeffrey Wright are rumored for roles in Oliver Stone's George W. Bush film. These two would be interesting to watch. I still think this idea is a bit strange, even for Stone. As a reminder, Josh Brolin is set for George Dubbya. Check this link out. It is both creepy and funny. Kate Walsh joins Tyrese Gibson, Dennis Quaid, and Paul Bettany in the new thriller Legion, about the archangel Michael who stands between mankind and the apocalypse after God loses faith in humanity. Man's only hope is to deliver a baby they realize is Christ in his second coming. I actually think this could be neat, but the cast worries me. At this point, I'm optimistic about anything original.

What's Coming to DVD….Buy or Avoid?

DVD Headline of the Week



Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2-Disc Special Edition) - My review for this DVD will be up tomorrow, but I guess its obvious I liked it.

Alvin and the Chipmunks - I can't say as I've heard too many positive reviews, but I am oddly curious because Jason Lee is in it.

The Bette Davis Collection, Volume 3 - This contains 6 films including Deception with Claude Rains. Other than hard core Davis fans, I can't see anyone noticing this.

The Cutting Edge: Chasing the Dream - I can't believe they're still green lighting sequels to The Cutting Edge. Are we saying an audience is still demanding them?

The Good Night - A straight to video release with Simon Pegg? Say it ain't so! It also has Danny DeVito, who is a magnet for those trashy scripts lately.

Eye of the Beast - A man eating squid film with James Van Der Beek. Wow, people are digging at the very bottom of the barrel this week folks.

Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle (Extreme Unrated Edition) - Now Don't get me wrong, this movie was fairly amusing, but how many dips will they release of this until we can't take it anymore? I say no to this release, but yes to movie itself.

Movie Dictionary: Word of the Week

Mickey Mousing - In animation and film, "Mickey Mousing" (synchronized, mirrored, or parallel scoring) is a film technique used to sync the actions on screen with the accompanying music. The term comes from the early and mid-production Walt Disney films, where the music almost completely works to mimic the animated motions of the characters. Mickey Mousing may use music to "reinforce an action by mimicking its rhythm exactly....Frequently used in the 1930s and 1940s, especially by Max Steiner, it is somewhat discredited today, at least in serious films, because of overuse. However, it can still be effective if used imaginatively".

Examples of Mickey Mousing outside of Walt Disney films include the original 1933 "King Kong", in which the music is crescendoed in such a way as to suit Kong's motions in climbing the Empire State Building. It is also used frequently in horror films, typically during a killing scene involving the villain. Composers including Aaron Copland Mickey Moused.

'Mickey Mousing' is also used to criticise that a visual action is - without good reason - being duplicated in accompanying music or text, therefore being a weakness of the production rather than a strength. Newlin lists six other functions which music may serve besides this one. Complaints regarding the technique may be found as early as 1946.

The Critic's Quickee

Drillbit Taylor - This marks the second misfire in a row for comedies that were Apatowed. He served as producer here, while Kristofor Brown and Seth Rogen scripted, and Steven Brill helmed. For a trailer that debuted as an attachment to Superbad, this looked promising, but instead it is the first huge disappointment of 2008. What could have been a hilarious romp through high school with Owen Wilson ends up as a hackneyed and exaggerated up the ying yang nerds against bullies tale. It's amazing that Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow, two men who were involved with Freaks and Geeks end up now associated with such a juvenile and flat effort about 3 geeks. The acting is fine from Nate Hartley as the skinny Wade, and Troy Gentile the chubby kid who raps. Even Wilson seems particularly calm and comfy. The problem is the writing and the direction. The bullies are so cartoonishly nasty and over the top that it's frustrating to no end. Plus, every adult besides Drillbit Taylor appears to be an idiot. The trio complains about the harassment, but no one listens. Yeah right. Drillbit Taylor arrives as a clash of two distinct comedy realms. Steven Brill has previously directed Mr. Deeds and Little Nicky with Adam Sandler, and now he shifts to this. Sandler's brand of humor and Apatow's are not similar. One is intended to be genuine, convincing, and witty, while the other is embellished and ridiculous. They do not mix well. Many of the jokes are just not amusing, and do not suit the characters. On top of everything else, the course of the plot delves further and further into being just plain preposterous. I was really hoping to enjoy this, but unfortunately not. Final Rating = 5.0/10.0

Doomsday - Another letdown came full blast in the form of the first science fiction adventure of the year from Neil Marshall, the gritty and intelligent filmmaker The Descent, one of the best horror movies in the last decade. While the trailer was crafted and marketed to make this look like Resident Evil meets Mad Max, I maintained faith, and was optimistic for another solid outing from Marshall. Sadly, that is not the case. Doomsday proves only one thing. Marshall knows how to take notes from the past classics like Escape from New York, Mad Max, or any other post-apocalyptic thriller from the past three decades. The performances are largely uninspired and lackluster from Bob Hoskins, Alexander Siddig, and Malcom McDowell. I will say Rhona Mitra proves her ability to star in a film, specifically an action one. She could have a bright future beyond just accentuating cleavage as eye candy. It's not that this is terrible with medieval sword battles, infected zombies, and angry gang torture, but once it is over, you'll be reminded of the fact that you can watch basically the same storylines on DVD already. His is simply an awkward mishmash which hurts the encouraging reputation of Marshall. He needs a quick rebound. Final Rating = 5.5/10.0

Funny Games - I'll be honest, I still do not know how to approach and rate shot for shot remakes, at least ones which are copies of the original I enjoyed. Writer/Director Michael Haneke has basically taken a new cast and filmed exactly the same thing he did in 1997 with the late great Ulrich Muhe. Despite some very slight alterations in dialogue, nothing has changed. This is not for everyone. It is an unpleasant, unsettling, and disturbing story, one that concludes opposite of what you anticipated. It is difficult to explain aspects of the plot without revealing too much. The major complaint after comparing this version to the old is the updated cast. Tim Roth, Naomi Watts, Brady Corbet, and Michael Pitt are actors many of us would recognize. The original was comprised of a cast that looked, sounded, and acted like real, normal people. Now, Roth, Watts, and company reiterate the lines admirably without sounding like blatant imitations, but the minor difference in casting is weird. Corbet and Pitt are equally as creepy as their predecessors. Funny Games is a movie with unrelenting power. It is thought provoking, scary, and unforgettable. Haneke elected for this remake I guess because of the fact that many audiences refuse to watch anything with subtitles. My problem is, this new version was not a wide release, so what really was the goal here? This is not like The Omen where the director and cast was changed. It is the same movie with a new cast. In the end, if I had to buy one version, I suppose it would be this one because well, I'm a guy, and Naomi Watts running around in her underwear is hot. Final Rating = 7.5/10.0

Shutter - Asian horror remakes and spoof comedies go hand in hand these days. We can count on them being a total and complete crapfest. Approximately 4 years after the original Shutter, made in Thailand, American viewers are greeted with this abomination starring Joshua Jackson and Rachel Taylor. I have just about reached my last nerve when it comes to ghostly visions in dark rooms. The "spirit photography" as they call it in the story is an outline for an intriguing premise. Unfortunately, what results from this garbage is anything but intriguing or interesting. I have seen these Asian related cheap scares dozens of times before, and seriously, it needs to stop. The twists are not surprising but idiotic, the performances are not believable but silly, and the pacing is not suspenseful but dull. Rachel Taylor is pretty monotonous as Jane and Joshua Jackson has never appeared more desperate for attention than he does here. This was directed by Masayuki Ochiai, and written by Luke Dawson. One must wonder if anyone has the ability to craft an inventive piece of horror anymore. As if you hadn't already guessed, this definitely falls into the worst of 2008 pile. Final Rating = 2.0/10.0

Based on the Trailer…

Newest Trailers

Meet Dave - Just when you think Eddie Murphy will only dove lower for his comedies, this to me, actually looks kind of funny. I'm having trouble admitting that after Norbit, but this seems original. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

Street Kings - Keanu Reeves stars in a movie about cops, guns, and killers. Excuse me while I yawn. Youknow, when Forest Whitaker is on, he is really on, but it seems his Oscar is causing him to overact a lot more than usual. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0

Sex and Death 101 - Simon Baker is a very underrated actor, and Winona Ryder is ok too, but this film looks like the definition of mediocre. At least it will have a decent cast. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0

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 Releases
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July, TBD, and Beyond Releases

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

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

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

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

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

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 Bryan Kristopowitz and Leonard Hayhurst 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.