The Big Screen Bulletin 04.28.08: News That’s Sponsored by Nuts 4 Nuts
Posted by Chad Webb on 04.28.2008
The birthday bash with Jessica Alba, box office results, updates on the SAG negotiations, the cast for "Angels & Demons" grows, a Jim Croce song becomes a film, new DVD releases, new trailer ratings, new quickees, and much more!
The Birthday Bash
Jessica Alba turns 27 - This is a male's dream buffet. You are looking of course at Alba, Lindsay Lohan, and Eva Longoria I think. Ms. Alba has The Love Guru on the way this summer, followed in 2010 by Sin City 2.
Penelope Cruz turns 34 - I have always found her attractive. Not everyone does, but it's hard to deny that she looks nice in this picture. Cruz has Vicki Christina Barcelona from Woody Allen on the horizon, as well as G-Force, Broken Embraces, and Nine.
Jay Leno turns 58 - One thing is for sure. In this world there is never a shortage of Leno caricatures. I like Jay actually. I watch him more than Letterman. I just think he's funnier as a whole. He is contributing his vocal talent to Unstable Fables: Tortise vs. Hare and Igor in the future.
Uma Thurman turns 38 - Uma can be sexy when she wants to be. It depends on the movie role and the clothes she is wearing. I find her more attractive when she plays tough chicks. She currently has The Life Before Her Eyes in theaters, but expect The Accidental Husband, My Zinc Bed, Eloise in Paris, and Motherhood soon.
Daniel Day-Lewis turns 51 - Here is a photo of Daniel sporting a hardcore beard. I won't display any embarrassing shots of him. We like Daniel Day-Lewis at the Bulletin. He has no films on his slate or in development.
The News Bulletin
The Baby Tops the Stoners
A pair of new comedies aimed at distinctly different audiences took the top two spots at the weekend boxoffice in North America, with Tina Fey's "Baby Mama" leading the charge. According to studio estimates issued on Sunday, "Baby Mama" earned a better-than-expected $18.3 million, as young women flocked to the "Odd Couple"-style pregnancy hijinks. The stoner sequel "Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay" opened at No. 2 with $14.6 million, generating buzz among male youngsters. Last weekend's champion, the Jackie Chan-Jet Li martial-arts vehicle "The Forbidden Kingdom," fell to No. 3 with $11.2 million. Its 10-day haul stands at $38.3 million. The film was released by Lionsgate, a unit of Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. Fey, the star and creator of the cult TV hit "30 Rock," stars in "Baby Mama" as a busy executive who hires a gum-chewing, cocktail-swigging woman (Amy Poehler) to carry her baby. Women accounted for about 68 percent of the audience, said Universal Pictures, a unit of General Electric Co's NBC Universal. On the other hand, 65 percent of the audience for "Harold and Kumar" was male, said Warner Bros. Pictures. The film's predecessor, 2004's "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle," made just $18.25 million during its run in theaters. But its success on DVD meant that a sequel was a no-brainer. Warner Bros. is a unit of Time Warner.
It was close, but Baby Mama managed to emerge victorious for the weekend, and now George Sirois can sulk since he predicted Harold and Kumar 2 in our podcast. Truthfully, it seems as if this could have gone either way, but both movies will drop considerably next week when Iron Man conquers all. The Forbidden Kingdom and Forgetting Sarah Marshall both roped in another solid amount this week. This proves that Chan and Li still have what it takes to connect with mainstream audiences. We already know Apatow is a strong contender. Deception barely made a splash, and that is no surprise. The rest are holdovers like Horton and 21 which will not go away, and Nim's Island which surprisingly is still in the top 5.
Getting Ahead of the Game
Feature film production in the Los Angeles area jumped 11 percent in the first three months of the year as studios moved to get ahead of a possible actors strike. FilmL.A. Inc., an agency that tracks on-location filming, said the increase came in comparison to the first quarter of 2007. "The studios are trying to get production wrapped before June 30," the expiration date for the current Screen Actors Guild contract, Jack Kyser, chief economist for the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp., said Friday. A film shoot interrupted by a strike would be a "very expensive proposition," he said. SAG and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers held their 10th day of negotiations on Friday as another actors union, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, waited in the wings for its contract talks to begin on May 5. AFTRA delayed the start of its talks for a week to give SAG a better chance to complete a three-year deal covering movies and prime-time television.
Kyser said the reprieve for SAG gave many workers in Hollywood hope that there won't be a repeat of the 100-day strike by writers that brought the entertainment industry to a standstill. FilmL.A. said TV production was making a slow recovery from the strike. TV location filming was down 45 percent in the first quarter of 2008, compared to last year, the agency said. A key issue in the SAG talks is improved compensation for shows and movies distributed online, just as it was for the writers guild. SAG sent a report to members on Thursday outlining why projects distributed digitally are important to actors. It said 134 million Americans three in every four Internet users view online videos each month. In addition, it said that by 2010, the top 100 media companies will collect an estimated $20.7 billion a year in Internet revenue, with advertisers spending $2.9 billion annually on online video ads. "All this adds up to tremendous opportunities for actors," SAG told members.
I don't see why negotiations are still occurring. This is not similar to the writer's situation. We need actors for movies. Period. That is not difficult logic. Everyone wants a bigger cut from digital media, and they probably should get it, whether any of us think so or not. I don't understand why this might be a problem, and possibly a second strike. The fact that studios are rushing certain productions raises concerns in my eyes. After the writer's strike, and now this, it is safe to assume that we will most definitely notice a difference in the quality of films come Fall 2008 and into 2009. I sympathize with the studios that they are trying to save some hassle by finishing a few flicks, but what is the point if it effects the quality. Then again, when do they ever care about quality?
Gathering a Prequel Posse
Ayelet Zurer was locked in yesterday as the female lead, now Ewan McGregor is in talks to play a key character in Sony Pictures "The Da Vinci Code" prequel "Angels and Demons" says the trades. Based on the Dan Brown novel, "Angels" sees Hanks reprising his role as symbologist professor Robert Langdon (Tom Hanks) who tries to solve a murder and unravel a plot by the most powerful underground organization in history, the Illuminati, to wipe out Vatican City in a massive explosion during a papal conclave.
McGregor will play Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca, also known as Janus, the late pope's closest aide who initially helps Langdon in the investigation. During a conclave (which can go for hours or days), the camerlengo is a young impartial priest who serves as the 'defacto pope' whilst the cardinals are locked in St. Peter's Basilica to decide the next Pope. Akiva Goldsman adapted the book, Ron Howard will direct and shooting is set to begin in June in Europe before heading to Los Angeles.
Ewan McGregor would make an intriguing Camerlengo, but he must keep his overacting to a minimum if this prequel is to be anywhere near as entertaining as The Da Vinci Code, which I loved. I saw a picture of Ayelet Zurer, and she suits the part commendably enough in terms of appearance, though I imagined an actress that was very very Italian, such as Annabella Sciorra fromThe Sopranos. I can't wait for this one. My only question is how they plan to shoot the interior Vatican sequences accurately. I know a lot of people who enjoyed this novel more than The Da Vinci Code so we shall see how it turns out.
A Song Becomes a Franchise
In a story that screams out "only in Hollywood," a song that hit the charts more than 30 years ago is set to be turned into a feature film. Bad, Bad Leroy Brown was a hit for Jim Croce in 1973, while Frank Sinatra also had success with the song, which tells of a gangster known to be "the baddest man in the whole bad town." Now producer Warren Zide (American Pie, Final Destination) is looking to resurrect the story in the shape of an action comedy franchise.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Zide's uncle unsuccessfully tried to secure the rights 25 years ago, and when Warren recently heard the story, he immediately called the Croce family to determine the state of play. "We've always wanted to do a movie with one of Jim's character songs," said the singer's widow Ingrid (Croce died in a plane crash in late '73). "The concept is about a good guy who can do no wrong. We just want him and his memory and his music to live on. Most importantly, it sounds as if it's going to be a lot of fun. And Jim liked to have fun." Zide is now searching for a writer to pen the script.
Besides the title, how could anyone think that the movie will have anything to do with the classic song? I'm a Jim Croce fan. I've had his Photographs & Memories album for years, but seriously a franchise? Whenever a producer has the idea of an entire series before the first movie has taken shape at all, I become skeptical. It would be different if this was based on a set of books, but this is an action comedy franchise from one single 3 minute tune. If the outline wanted to be really inventive, the sequel could have Leroy Brown meet "Rapid Roy (The Stock Car Boy)" or the "Roller Derby Queen." Judging by Zide's resume, he strikes me as desperate for another series. Perhaps he should wake up and search for a premise that would make sense over 2 or more movies.
The Pakistani‘s Protest "Fitna"
Chanting "Down with Denmark" and "Down with The Netherlands," about 4,000 Pakistani women protested in Karachi on Saturday against a film critical of Islam and over the reprinting of a cartoon of the Prophet Mohammad. Titled "Fitna" or "strife" in Arabic, the film by anti-immigration Dutch lawmaker Geert Wilders suggests the Koran incites violence and has drawn condemnation from many Muslim countries. Protests have been held before by hardline Islamist groups in Pakistan, the second largest Muslim nation, against the film and the reprinting in Danish newspapers in February of a satirical cartoon of the Prophet Mohammad that first caused a storm more than two years ago.
The protesting women, many of them clad in all-enveloping burqas, the head to toe veil worn by some conservative Muslim women, chanted anti-Dutch and Danish slogans and called for a boycott of their goods. Many children wearing head bands reading "God is Great" also participated in the rally in the southern Pakistani city. "Today's rally shows that Muslim women are just as angry as men about the insult to the Prophet and the religion," said Mohammad Hussain Mehanti, a cleric from the hardline Jamaat-e-Islami party that organized the protest.
Pakistan's parliament early this month passed a resolution against the film and the reprinting of cartoons, but Mehanti said it was not enough and called on the Pakistani government to sever diplomatic ties with the Dutch and Danish governments. The Dutch government has distanced itself from Wilder's views and the Dutch upper house of parliament has condemned efforts to denigrate Islam and promote hatred.
I just watched the "Cartoon Wars" two-part story from South Park so I know how touchy an area depicting Mohammad is. Back in June of 2006 I reported on a controversial film called Valley of the Wolves, which was an anti-American starring Gary Busey. Since then, it has not seen the light of day in this country, and made a small bang back then which was quickly forgotten. The point is, it sounds like this Dutch filmmaker is just creating controversy for the sake of controversy. I'd bet that his movie never gets off the ground, or even if it does, is barely seen. Obviously that is not the point. I say he should just eliminate the portions which have ignited protest, and move on with his life before the situation explodes.
The 20 Second Sermon
Guillermo Del Toro has been officially announced as director for the upcoming Hobbit movies. This means we can breathe a sigh of relief finally. Meanwhile, he has stated that he would like to do a third Hellboy, providing that the series ends completely as a trilogy. The new Dark Knight poster is out, and it does look pretty cool, though it could be an image of just about anything and people would go bananas. It seems this franchise can do no wrong in the eyes of some. I picked up the Stephen Malkmus & the Jicks album Real Emotional Trash since it received such high ratings. I had been meaning to get it for weeks now. Overall it flows brilliantly, and the songs are uniformly terrific. It's one of 2008's better efforts. I also received Joe Satriani's Professor Satchafunkilus and the Musterion of Rock as a small birthday gift. I have been a long time fan of his. Where some listen to jazz or classical while doing work or whatever, I pop Satriani in. No one can top his guitar skills.
27 Dresses - I failed to see this, but honestly, do I need to? What could I have possibly missed out on? My guess is nothing.
The Golden Compass (2-Disc New Line Platinum Series) - Kudos to New Line for an excellent cover, but I did not enjoy this movie all that much. Many scenes were either rushed or made no sense, and many characters were miscast or underused. Having said that, a sequel might improve things. A one disc is out also. Borrow
The Red Balloon - Why do I have the suspicion that I watched this in school a long time ago? It seems familiar, but I can't put my finger on it. Either, way this is released in association with Criterion so it is worth a look.
White Mane - This is another film, released by Janus films, in association with the Criterion Collection, which must mean that this is good, but is also a bit cheaper than usual.
Saludos Amigos/Three Caballeros - Disney is releasing these overlooked animated movies together for a cheap price. I say it's probably worth the money. Buy it Used
Terror of Mechagodzilla - This was previously released with the box set, but is now available separately. All Monsters Attack is also coming out tomorrow. The box set is the wise purchase. I have it and its terrific.
Paddle to the Sea - Another Janus films release. I'm curious as to why Criterion and Janus are distributing movies in this fashion.
Sabrina the Teenage Witch - The Complete Animated Series - I had no clue this was a cartoon at one time. Hmmm, I think I'll pass on this. One the other hand, the price is cheap enough that whoever released it knows hardly anyone will buy it.
How She Move - Another dance flick. Ugh. Who cares.
Creative Geography - Creative geography, or artificial landscape, is a film making technique invented by the early Russian filmmaker Lev Kuleshov sometime around the 1920s. It is a subset of montage, in which multiple segments shot at various locations and/or times are edited together such that they appear to all occur in a continuous place at a continuous time. Creative geography is used constantly in film and television, for instance when a character walks through the front door of a house shown from the outside, to emerge into a sound stage of the house's interior. A notable and innovative example of creative geography is the TARDIS time machine on "Doctor Who", which looks like a police call box on the outside but is a large space ship on the inside. The viewer knows that the actors are stepping into a prop, and then filming at a sound stage that represents the interior, but via creative geography, suspension of disbelief, the transition is made seamless.
An extreme example of creative geography occurred in the film "Just a Gigolo" in a dialogue scene featuring the characters played by David Bowie and Marlene Dietrich. Bowie and Dietrich actually filmed their respective parts separately, in two different rooms months apart: editing and shot-matching were employed in an attempt to convince the audience that these two people were in the same room at the same time. At one point, Dietrich's character gives a memento to Bowie's character: to achieve this, she handed the prop to an "extra actor", who then walked out of frame. In a separate shot, a different "extra actor" (playing the same person) walked into frame and gave the prop to Bowie.
--from Wikipedia.org
The Critic's Quickee
Forgetting Sarah Marshall - Most of the reviews I've read spend so much time talking about Jason Segel's nude scene and so little about how funny the film is besides that part. It makes one wonder. The truth is that the beginning definitely grabs your attention, and showcases how dedicated Segel is. Director Nicholas Stoller, graduating from the show Undelcared has crafted a comedy that fits right into the Apatow catalogue of hilarity. It is noteworthy that Stoller and Apatow managed to take two actresses that had yet to have a solid movie role under their belts. Kristin Bell and Mila Kunis are terrific as the lead females, and the chemistry they share with the rest of the cast is undeniable and fabulous. The supporting cast is brilliant from Russell Brand as rocker Aldous Snow to Bill Hader as Brian and of course Paul Rudd and Jonah Hill. Nevertheless, this is Segel's movie, no question. He doesn't totally carry it, but if he were not the star, the structure would be in grave danger. Segel, who also wrote the screenplay, works with Stoller and company by taking a hackneyed storyline and polishing it into a gem. This is a standard romantic comedy contorted into a confident and genuinely lovable experience. Not all the characters make you laugh every time, but that's ok. This is easily one of the funniest movies of the year, even if it isn't quite as stellar as Knocked Up or Superbad. My favorite moments include the sex scenes and Peter mocking the cast of Sex and the City. This is well worth seeing and buying on DVD when the time comes. Final Rating = 8.5/10.0
The Forbidden Kingdom - Much like The Other Boleyn Girl where Natalie Portman and Scarlet Johansson worked together for the first time, the idea of Jet Li and Jackie Chan joining forces in a kung fu flick was exciting and gave way endless possibilities. That is why it is unfortunate the result is mediocre. First of all the plot is somewhat cheesy and bland as if it were striving for The Princess Bride audience. Here is the summary from IMDB: "A discovery made by a kung fu obsessed American teen sends him on an adventure to China, where he joins up with a band of martial arts warriors in order to free the imprisoned Monkey King." Basically it involves prophecies, magic, and lots of CGI. I was hoping for an old school martial arts movie with exhilarating fight sequences and a humorous plot. Well, the plot is amusing, but in a bad way. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing terribly negative about this, but months from now, it will be tough to locate somebody that still cares. The fights are lackluster with Jet Li swinging his monkish robe around, a witch who uses her hair as a weapon, and so forth. This mixes realistic kung fu and the fantasy elements of Hero and House of Flying Daggers. Combining the two does not look refined, but sloppy. The Jet Li/Jackie Chan battle is ok, but certainly not at the level either are capable of. Director Rob Minkoff is known for his efforts in animation, namely The Lion King and Stuart Little. His live-action debut was The Haunted Mansion. He is not qualified to handle this. He has made a pre-summer blockbuster that fits as the Transformers of kung fu flicks. It is goofy, funny, but average at best. On a side note, I am sure Michael Angarano is a fine young talent, but it seems he was built as a second rate Shia LeBeouf here. Overall, the story was tolerable, and provided some entertainment, but not enough. Final Rating = 6.5/10.0
88 Minutes - I went to see Gus Van Sant's Paranoid Park instead. I still plan on seeing this though, if only to see how bad people say it is. Look for my review of Paranoid Park soon!
Based on the Trailer…
Newest Trailers
The Accidental Husband - How many ways can we package a typical romantic comedy? This doesn't fool me. It is the same old song and dance we get every year, only this time with Uma Thurman and Jeffrey Dean Morgan. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
Quarantine - I suppose this wants to be the Cloverfield of "infected" movies. I say this will suck big time. Trailer Rating = 4.0/10.0
War, Inc. - A satire about war with a really intriguing and hilarious cast led by John Cusack. I'm anxious to see this. It looks funny and entertaining at the same time. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
The Tracey Fragments - For all those who question the abilities of Ellen Page, watch this preview. This looks outstanding. The plot seems different, and the cast looks good. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
May Releases
Redbelt - A new David Mamet drama with Tim Allen in a serious role. I have to see it just out of sheer morbid curiosity. I have to admit, the premise does seem complex and intriguing. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
Iron Man (2) - At first, this looked ok to me, but now, I can't wait to see it. Robert Downey Jr. is terrific, and this trailer was fantastic. Who can't love a bald Jeff Bridges? Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
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
Wall-E (3) - How can some people not be lovers of Pixar? This movie looks wonderful, and I'm pleased this trailer revealed some added characters. 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 Releases
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 Wackness - This little indy was a hit at Sundance, and definitely looks funny and creative by the teaser trailer. I'll be giving it a chance for sure. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
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
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
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
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
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
August, 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
Bangkok Dangerous - Nicolas Cage continues his "Next" phase with this assassin story. Ehh, Cage is starting to piss me off. He's such a talented actor, and he does this junk. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
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
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
Lakeview Terrace - Patrick Wilson and Samuel L. Jackson star in this thriller about an insane neighbor who is also a cop. This seems sort of like Cape Fearto me, but not nearly as good. Ehhh. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
Hamlet 2 - I heard a lot of positive things about this comedy, plus I'm a huge fan of Steve Coogan, who is the star. Catherine Keener and Amy Poehler also star. It is about a high school drama teacher who writes a musical called "Hamlet 2." Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
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
The Spirit - This is the new adaptation from Frank Miller. I'm anxious to see this, but from this teaser, it looks a bit too similar to Sin City. Oh well. I loved that film, so maybe this will be just as entertaining. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
Other Stuff to Read
The Best Movies of the Alphabet - Check out my special 100th issue movie feature! 411 April Roundtable - This month Owain J. Brimfield takes the reigns and compiled the thoughts of the movie zone staff on the spring releases for April! The MeeThinks Friday FreeThinks - Thanks again to John Meehan for providing my banner here, and for the Alphabet feature.
Make sure you listen to the always fun 411 MOVIE ZONE PODCAST by clicking HERE!
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.
