The Big Screen Bulletin 05.12.08: The Bite-Size Version
Posted by Chad Webb on 05.12.2008
The Birthday Bash featuring Cate Blanchett, the surprising box office results, the debut film for David Chase, release date changes, "Donnie Darko 2", new DVD releases, new trailer ratings, the "Iron Man" quickee, and much more!
The Birthday Bash
Jason Biggs turns 30 - This is a strange comparison picture, but it makes sense when one thinks about how unfunny both men are nowadays. Anyway, Biggs has Lower Learning and My Best Friend's Girl with the equally as stupid Dane Cook for the rest of 2008.
Cate Blanchett turns 39 - I love to watch Blanchett on screen, but this might be the worst photo of her…ever. Words could describe how she looks, but they are too cruel. Besides Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, she has a bunch of projects on the horizon such as The Fantastic Mr. Fox, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Dangerous Husband, North of Cheyenne, and others.
Emilio Estevez turns 46 - No jokes about Gordon Bombay. I'm an Emilio fan. Ok,perhaps I'm wondering why he decided on the muscle pose for signing autographs. He doesn't act much these days, but he is planning on directing again. He will helm, produce, and write The Public, a story about a librarian who tends to the homeless.
Harvey Keitel turns 69 - Boy, he just looks like he wants to rip someone's head off. I'd hate to be that photographer. Harvey has three films on the way. They are The Ministers with John Legiuzamo, The Dust of Time, and Chaos. None sound all that wonderful.
The News Bulletin
Empty Tank for "Speed Racer" Allows "Iron Man" to Dominate
"Speed Racer" sputtered through its first lap at the box office, as Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow's $100 million-plus tentpole bowed to a very weak $20.2 million. Studio estimate puts the pic just barely ahead of Fox's "What Happens in Vegas." Modestly budgeted comedy opened a bit ahead of expectations, grossing $20 million at 3,215 theaters for a per play average of $6,221. Marvel and Paramount's "Iron Man" kept soaring on its second frame, dropping just 49% to $50.5 million. Relatively strong dropoff after a huge $99 million bow puts the superhero pic at a domestic cume of $177.1 million. Average this weekend was $12,284 at 4,111 locations.
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Speed Racer" got just $5,605 on average from its 3,606 racetracks. Final gross was well below already soft industry estimates for what Warners had hoped would be a summer blockbuster. Pic ended up playing primarily to families with young kids. Photo finish between it and "Vegas" means the industry will have to wait for final numbers on Monday to see which ended up in no. 2
Sony Pictures Classics took David Mamet's actioner "Redbelt" wide to 1,379 plays on its second weekend and managed only $1.1 million, or $827 per location. In limited release, "Son of Rambow" expanded from five to 36 theaters and grossed $137,971, a modest $3,833 per playdate. Cume is $210,974. Par Vantage plans to expand the pic to between 75 and 90 locations on Friday. ThinkFilm expanded romantic comedy "Then She Found Me" from 72 to 153 theaters for Mother's Day and grossed $489,072, or $3,197 per play. Cume on the Helen Hunt starrer is $912,086.
Well, I should have gone with my instincts and voted for Iron Man this week, but I thought that the Wachowski's might have enough steam for their opening. I guess not, and the reason is probably the trailer, which turned a lot of folks off. Iron Man dipped like 50% in its second week, although that is still awesome. It should have no trouble making it to the pinnacle $300 mill. The rest of the top 10 is fairly standard with holdovers except What Happens in Vegas, which made money because some people (for reasons that escape me) enjoy Ashton Kutcher. Redbelt cracked the top as well since it went wide. It deserves it. Next week, Prince Caspian will dethrone the superhero.
"The Sopranos" creator David Chase has signed on to write, direct and produce his first film for Paramount, according to Variety. The mastermind behind the seminal HBO mob drama has not revealed what the movie will be about, but an insider told the trade mag he will not be revisiting the New Jersey underworld on the big screen, at least not for the time being. Apparently the deal would not preclude a possible future adaptation of the show, but for the time being there are "no plans to revive the property."
Instead Chase is still undecided about the nature of the script, but his producer, Paramount chairman Brad Grey (who also produced "The Sopranos"), said Chase will be given full creative freedom, including final cut, and that he expects shooting to begin within a year. Grey described Chase as "one of the great storytellers of our time," whose move into film is "long overdue." "We always talked about getting David into the Paramount fold," Grey said. "Three years ago [when I took over Paramount], I said I wanted to bring the greatest talents to the lot. David exemplifies that."
His transition into film is long overdue, but will that delay now affect how his first project turns out. As I have said to everyone, the big screen is a whole new ballpark. Critics will not just greet him with open arms, and neither will viewers for that matter, especially since this will have nothing to do with The Sopranos. Of course the trailer will say "From the creator of The Sopranos" in big bold letters. I am enticed as to what he conjures up, but if it has an open ending, moviegoers might riot. I still get into debates on No Country and There Will Be Blood with casual viewers. I wish Chase all the luck in the world though. He is a magnificent storyteller, and I hope his debut is a success.
Release Date Changes!!
'Zephyr' is back with an update on release date shifts in recent weeks: "Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li", starring Kristin Kreuk, Michael Clarke Duncan, Neal McDonough, Taboo, Chris Klein, Moon Bloodgood, Edmund Chen, Cheng Pei Pei, Josie Ho and Robin Shou, will come out February 27th 2009.
A sequel to "Alvin and the Chipmunks" will come out in theaters on March 19th, 2010; two weeks after Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland, due March 5th, and one week before Dreamworks Animation's How To Train A Dragon, due March 26th. It's a risky move; the sequel won't have the benefit of holiday legs and will only have a week to itself before Dragon, a Digital 3D wide-release going for the exact same audience.
"Push", a Summit Entertainment sci-fi thriller from the director of Lucky Number Slevin and starring Chris Evans, Dakota Fanning, Camilla Belle, and Djimon Hounsou will come out on February 6th 2009.
"12 Rounds", a Renny Harlin-directed, John Cena-starring action romp will come out March 13th 2009. There does seem to be intentional proximity with Wrestlemania XXV, which is on April 5th.
"Revolutionary Road", the Sam Mendes-directed drama reuniting Titantic duo Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet, has been delayed a week from December 19th to December 26th. It's a shame, as its original release date was the 11th Anniversary of Titanic's release.
It must be a sad time for Street Fighter fans. The abominable 1994 movie will still haunt them as this new adaptation looks to be just as bad, if not worse. How good can it be when it emerges from the director of Doom and Exit Wounds, and stars Michael Clarke Duncan and Neal McDonough. March 2010 will be children overload in theaters. Remind me to only attend night shows. Alvin and the Chipmunks 2 must have no drive by just planting itself between those two. 12 Rounds will probably only make like 12 dollars. I realize how horrible that joke was, but it was right in front of me. Revolutionary Road is delayed one week, which means it will have to push through the Christmas cramming.
Please Let This Be a Lie
One of the best cult films of the past decade has to be Richard Kelly's brilliant debut 2001 feature "Donnie Darko". Despite doing poorly at the box-office, the film scored rave reviews and has quickly become a big hit on DVD. Now unfortunately, an attempt it being made to cash in on the property with "S. Darko", a $10 million sequel of sorts that follows Donnie's baby sister according to Screen Daily. Set seven years after the first film, little sister Samantha Darko and her best friend Corey are now eighteen and on a roadtrip to Los Angeles when they are plagued by bizarre visions.
Daviegh Chase will reprise her role as Donnie's younger sister, and will be joined by Justin Chatwin, Ed Westwick and Briana Evigan Chris Fisher ("Nightstalker," "Rampage: The Hillside Strangler Murders"), will direct. Producers have spoken to Richard Kelly about the project but he is not involved in any official capacity at this stage - neither is any of the original cast such as Drew Barrymore, Jake Gyllenhaal, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Mary McCormack. Fox will handle distribution in the US and production begins filming on May 18th.
One film I always get into heated debates on is Donnie Darko. The above news bit was copied and pasted from Dark Horizons, and yes, I disagree completely with his description of the Richard Kelly debut as "brilliant." I found it to be a totally inane film that tried too hard to be complex. Because of the ending leaving just enough room for discussion, everyone thinks it was great. Wrong. I think Kelly's Southland Tales showed how much talent he really has. Moving along, a sequel is just a poor idea. Who cares? You know what? I hope this comes out, and I hope it is in theaters, and ends up bombing so the reputation of the original is tarnished. Please direct all comments below.
The 20 Second Sermon
Natalie Portman has pulled herself out of the Wuthering Heights remake days before it was to be sold to distributors. You go girl! That's why she was my pick for best performer under 30 on the 411 movie podcast. Millennium Films has just acquired the rights to a Buck Rogers film adaptation. This was an entertaining show, so providing they don't modernize it excessively and hire idiotic young actors, it could work. Oh hell, it will suck and we know it. Oliver Stone's George Bush biopic entitled W is set for October 17th, a few weeks prior to the election. The pictures of Josh Brolin and Elizabeth Banks are hilarious and eerie in their similarity to the real people. This should be intriguing as long as Stone keeps his political feelings to a minimum. Apparently the British comedy show Spaced will not be Americanized by Fox as was once rumored. This is great news. That series needed to be left alone.
What's Coming to DVD….Buy or Avoid?
DVD Headline of the Week
The Great Debaters (2-Disc Special Collector's Edition) - This was a lot better than it had any right to be, mostly due to the incredible performances from Washington and Whitaker. The storyline is hum drum, but the acting is not. Buyable
Indiana Jones - The Adventure Collection - All three film are finally available individually, but they include nothing spectacular besides the feature. I'll just settle with the original box set thanks.
Mission Impossible: The Fourth TV Season - During this season, Leonard Nimoy enters as The Great Paris for Martin Landau. This is a superb series. Go ahead and buy this.
Untraceable - This is one of the most absurd and ridiculous movies of 2008. Diane Lane and Colin Hanks are both capable of more. I'd rather stick my head into a meat grinder than watch this again. Trashable
Mad Money - Another easy candidate for worst film of 2008, or at least top 10 worthy. This chick heist flick is a waste of my oxygen and precious time. Trashable
Frank Sinatra: The Golden Years Collection - Two other Sinatra sets,The Early Years and The Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly Collection are released tomorrow also. The Golden Years is the only recommended one since it has The Man with the Golden Arm.
A Raisin in the Sun - This stars Phylicia Rashad and P. Diddy. I am remotely curious because of the quotes on the cover which would make you think this is the new Citizen Kane.
Frontier(s) - Kind of odd that it gets released on DVD a mere four days after it went into theaters, but whatever.
The Lovers - Criterion Collection - Another week, and another Criterion DVD in stores. This week they continue with Louis Malle, director of The Red Balloon.
The Big Trail (Two-Disc Special Edition) - At the beginning of the talkies, this John Wayne pioneer adventure landed in theaters to negative reviews. Over the years, the reputation improved. Another box set of John Wayne westerns comes out as well. The Fox Westerns Collection with four movies. I've lost count of his sets at this point.
The Rat Pack Ultimate Collector's Edition - This is basically a repackaging of the first box sets, except Sergeants 3 is included for $15 more. Still, these movies are fun. Buyable
Youth Without Youth - Francis Ford Coppola's first film in years is not the masterpiece we were aching for, but it is beautiful in some ways, despite the utterly baffling plot. Rentable
For all western fans, this is your week. A whole heaping pile of them hit stores, many of which star Gary Cooper, John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, and others. There are too many to mention here.
Movie Dictionary: Word of the Week
Interactive Cinema - Interactive cinema tries to give the audience an active role in the showing of movies. The movie Kino-Automat by Czechoslovakian director Raduz Cincera presented in the Czech Pavilion in Expo '67 in Montreal is considered to be the first cinema-like interactive movie. The availability of computers for the display of interactive video has made it easier to create interactive movies.
Another newer definition of interactive cinema is a video game which is a hybrid between participation and viewing, giving the player - or viewer, as it were - a strong amount of control in the characters' decisions. A recent successful incarnation of an idea similar to this one is Fahrenheit, (censored version released in US and Canada as "Indigo Prophecy") a game dubbed as "interactive cinema" by its France-based developer, Quantic Dream. 2007 saw the release of North America's first interactive motion picture, the Canadian-produced "Late Fragment".
Other, earlier examples include Quantum Gate, Psychic Detective, The Dark Eye, The Wrong Side of Town, Johnny Mnemonic, Uncompressed, The Vortex, The X-Files Game, The Gabriel Knight Series and The Wing Commander Series. All of which date from the early to late 1990's.
Participatory Cinema - Participatory cinema tries to involve cinema viewers in the process of making movies. The organizers of participatory cinema open up cinema showings and the cinema production process for non professionals. Where classic film production focuses on the final product, participatory cinema focuses on the process of making movies and its meaning on the participators.
--from Wikipedia.org
The Critic's Quickee
Iron Man - When the movie was over, I was a bit under whelmed. It might have been my mood that day, I don't know. The more I let it sink in though, the more I knew how solid the comic adaptation was. I do think people are overrating it a bit. This is a good movie, not a great one. I would compare it to the first Spider-Man, which was a huge hit, and then after awhile, the commotion relaxed, and people then get crazy about something else. Sometimes it seems that when comic movies are even halfway good, fans exaggerate their quality a tad. Just my opinion. Keep in mind, I had fun watching this. Jon Favreau is a very competent filmmaker, and he is familiar with fantasy/action/sci-fi territory if anyone saw Zathura. He reveals himself to be a fabulous blockbuster director. He needs to not collapse under studio pressure with future villains however. The casting and special effects are the main reasons to see this. Robert Downey Jr. has finally received the boost into superstardom he so justly deserved. He is brilliant and expresses how ideal he was for this boozing weapons womanizer. Gwyneth Paltrow was the shocker for me. That fiery red hair suited her marvelously, and she possessed natural chemistry with Downey Jr. from the onset. Jeff Bridges was a mixed bag. He was fine for the first half, but then dissolved into a cartoon caricature by the end. Terrence Howard was fine. I can't say much more. His screen time was fitting. I was slightly disappointed by the final battle sequence, confused as to the eventual villains motive, and a bit annoyed by several other minor segments. Tony Stark's house is a bachelor's Heaven. The scenes where Downey Jr. was alone with the robot were terrific. The action was exhilarating, the romance was kept to a minimum, and the origin aspects were proficiently executed. I am looking forward to see how this franchise goes. I can see myself buying this DVD just because I know the extras will be loaded. All in all, this was a very likable film. The flaws were there, but they did not prevent this from being a definite recommendation. Final Rating = 8.0/10.0
Baby Mama - Anyone who reads my column knows that Amy Poehler is not particularly funny in my eyes. However, I wanted to see this movie, mainly because Tina Fey's work interest me, even though I dislike 30 Rock. Fey and Poehler establish how masterfully they work together from the moment the characters appear together. I found myself laughing mainly at them as a duo. Steve Martin and Sigourney Weaver are irritating and amusing only because it's Sigourney Weaver and Steve Martin. The soundtrack to this movie is almost as engrossing as the plot. You'll hear tracks from the Beastie Boys, Collective Soul, songs like "Lady in Red", and so forth. Whoever selected them was wise. On a side note, the "Endless Love" scene was the best. The problem is the screenplay, which obviously revolves around a woman who wants to get pregnant, so she opts for surrogacy. You can only take this premise in so many directions, and the trajectory is predictable no matter what. Also, this can be compacted into a sitcom running time, and has been in the past. That being said, Writer/Director Michael McCullers does his best to switch things up for the audience. Greg Kinnear shows up as the handsome middle-aged dude like usual. It suits him I suppose, but then again, it should be his pair of comfortable shoes by now. McCullers infuses this genuine story with too many over the top characters inserted solely for comic relief. Like the birth classes instructor played by Siobhan Fallon or Romany Malco the doorman. We have seen this sort of idea before, and will again in the future. I did laugh, but I probably won't revisit this again. Final Rating = 6.5/10.0
Redbelt - I haven't decided yet if I want to review this. I still might. If I don't, look for this quickee next week.
Made of Honor - You won't hear me say this too often, but I truly could care less about this, no matter how much Grey's Anatomy fans protest, or how good Michelle Monaghan looks.
Based on the Trailer…
Newest Trailers
Star Wars: The Clone Wars - It might be Star Wars, but this movie looks goofy to me. It starts out with an excessive amount of Yodaness which made me chuckle. The animation looks nice, but isn't this a bit of overkill? Ehhh. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
Igor - The concept has potential, but I can't see this being anything more than a couple laughs. John Cusack does not sink into the character well. I'll see this for Steve Buscemi‘s contribution, but I'm not all that impressed. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
The Strangers - They actually showed this preview before Baby Mama and the audience erupted in laughter. This looks incredibly dumb, and what was Liv Tyler thinking doing a clumsy horror flick? Trailer Rating = 4.0/10.0
Blindness - This is a movie that proves how I have changed. It stars Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo. It involves an infection. That sounds rather bland right? Well, it's directed by Fernando Meirelles, a brilliant filmmaker, so I'm in, even though it doesn't sound outstanding. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
The Rocker - Rainn Wilson from The Office finally gets to star in a comedy of his own…with some Jonah Hill wannabe guy. This actually looks really funny, mainly because I enjoy Rock ‘n Roll and Rainn Wilson. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
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
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2) - I thought this wasn't nearly as inspiring as the first trailer, and gave away too much information. Of course this matters not since I will be seeing it on opening day for sure. 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
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
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
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
The Incredible Hulk (2) - This second trailer is a bit better than the first, but not by a lot. It shows part of the transformation and more of William Hurt, which was neat, but the CGI still looks bad to me. 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
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
Hancock (2) - This is the superhero movie that is top on my list. Unfortunately this 3 minute trailer gives away basically the whole storyline. These previews anger me. The movie looks cool, but this trailer is not. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
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
The Dark Knight (3) - I'll be honest. I was getting sick of everyone talking about this movie, that is until I saw this trailer. It is amazing, and Heath Ledger's performance looks to go down as one of the best in term so of comic book adaptations. 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 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
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
The Escapist - A British prison break film starring Brian Cox. This is my favorite genre, so I can't wait for this, but in order for this to make a splash, it will have to be something special. The critic quotes being from random guys worries me. 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
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
The 411 Movie PODCAST - This week we have the Challenge edition by picking the best short feature film and the best performer under 30!
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.
Your audience laughed at he trailer for The Strangers? Wow, mine was freaked the hell out.
Posted By: EricG (Guest) on May 11, 2008 at 11:30 PM
I agree about Donnie Darko. My brother believes it's the greatest movie of all time, and I don't get it.
Posted By: Lissa (Guest) on May 12, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Dude, it's "12 Rounds" not 'Pounds'. Honest mistake though as the name will not stop it from sucking.
Posted By: Toddo (Guest) on May 12, 2008 at 10:22 AM
I will admit also that I didn't care for the open ending of 'No Country', or 'There Will be Blood'. I liked both movies, with the nod going to 'No Country'. Can anyone tell me what exactly the plot was to 'There Will Be Blood'?
Posted By: Toddo (Guest) on May 12, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Not to call you a tool, but if you think Alvin and the Chipmunks is going to be hurting in the sequel, you're WAY off base. This movie did huge business this year with everyone passing it off as "It'll never draw" and it did. And the DVD did great as well. Kids and parents will WANT to see the sequel and it'll blow that other stuff out of the water.
Posted By: Yoshi (Guest) on May 12, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Do movies really plan release dates two years in advance? They have the release date set before they even start filming?
Posted By: Eric von Erich (Guest) on May 12, 2008 at 12:42 PM
Yes for big budget event flicks they always have release dates set way in advance so other studio's can plan other movies around them so you don't get two big huge movies opening against each other the same week.
Another reason why these movies are stressful on director's since they have a set date they have to be finished by.
Posted By: EricG (Guest) on May 12, 2008 at 07:28 PM
How sad, I didn't know Cate Blanchett died...... Oh my god she is alive in that picture!!!!!!
Posted By: Kevin (Guest) on May 12, 2008 at 09:49 PM
