The Big Screen Bulletin 06.30.08: Where Computers Die and Critics Fly
Posted by Chad Webb on 06.30.2008
This week the Bulletin examines the various forms of critics, and looks at news with the SAG strike, the affect of gas prices on Hollywood, the new "Red Sonja", the box office results, new DVD releases, new quickees, and much more!
This week, my straight to video nightmare will be Futurama: The Beast with a Billion Backs, but I plan to review the entire DVD, so look for that soon!
What Type of Critic Are You?
One article I've wanted to write for awhile is analyzing the various forms of critics, and listing some that I frequently visit. First thing first. Critics do not commonly like each other unless they are from the same family. That is, we here at 411 get along well enough, but do not expect us to exchange friendly emails with the Inside Pulse staff. The same should usually go for newspapers and magazines. Splitting the critics up is a tricky task. There are several different categories, and one could establish many classes according to their own preferences. For starters, I divide us into two basic categories:
I. Mainstream Critics
II. Lower Level Critics (or "The Rest" or call them what you will)
Let's face it; the mainstream critics are the ones we find on sites like rottentomatoes and metacritic. When you observe quotes in trailers and advertisements, they are usually mainstream critics, unless they are quote whores. I'll get to them later. Examples of mainstream critics should be obvious. For instance, Claudia Puig of USA Today, Peter Travers of Rolling Stone, and of course Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Lower Level Critics is a broad category, and the name is not very kind, but it is true. I am lower level critic, but damnit, 411 should have been on rottentomatoes long ago! Anyway, these are generally internet writers, local newspaper critics, and so forth. Basically anyone whose name does not show up for the masses regularly in the media. These are not the only groups, but this is how causal audiences probably view the situation. The smaller sets are as follows:
1. Critical Critics
2. Generous Critics
One thing that irritates the hell out of me is when a critic claims "nothing good came out this year" or "this was a weak year." I've been listening to this whining for the past few years, and they are ALL WRONG. These critical critics afford one, maybe two four-star ratings per year. Peter Travers falls into this category, although in his defense, he has become better lately. These are people who must not enjoy their jobs because they enter a theater primarily to find mistakes and flaws, not judge with an open mind. Those few four-star ratings I mentioned will not be given until the Fall season, and both will probably be obvious Oscar contenders.
Generous critics love everything. They find it difficult to bash a film so they locate the positive (no matter how minute) in all the releases. Roger Ebert has started to move into this group as he gave more four-star ratings last year than I have my whole life. Ok, that's an exaggeration, but you get the idea. The folks at Entertainment Weekly can be considered overly generous as well. I would like to say I am in between, but I have begun to move into the critical category. The more movies a critic sees, the more scrutiny can be found in the review. I started out incredibly generous as a rookie here. Here are some more categories. I'll cite James Berardinelli as a source with these since the inspiration for this article came from a similar one he wrote.
A. Elite Critics
B. Popular Critics
C. Quote Whores
D. Non-Critics
The elite critics view filmmaking as a craft and an artform only. These are people that probably attended college for film exclusively. Their reviews are extremely long (resembling essays), and go off into tangents that appeal to very few. On occasion, the New York Times will write reviews of this nature. I suppose you throw the auterist into this crowd also. One that comes to mind is the famous writer Andrew Sarris. Elite critics are very arrogant and snobby. They will barely even acknowledge the other groups and when you do not see a star rating, you might be looking at the article of an elite critic. Some see star ratings as trivial. Most of them would be what I call "critical critics" as well. Admittedly, they do offer some fascinating examinations.
Popular critics are a large and diverse group. They tend to write reviews that are easily accessible to the general public. These critics could be anybody. They might not have any background in film studies, and it might not be their day job. These reviews are medium size in length and examine all the aspects of a movie from its artistic value to how entertaining it is. I like to think of myself as being in this group, but many might argue the contrary.
Quote whores must be endured by the public almost every day. They are not actually critics. Their goal is simple. They want to write or say something that will be used in the marketing campaign for a film. Casual moviegoers can be fooled by these people easily. I can't tell you how many times I've had to explain to various family members and friends why those quotes are ridiculous. I always tell people to look closely at the names on advertisements and previews. Have you heard of the source? Whenever a studio cannot find a praiseworthy comment from a mainstream critic, they use someone like Jeffrey Lyons, Earl Dittman (if he even exists), and yes Pete Hammond of Maxim. I could go on and on about this group, but we all know who they are. Almost all critics despise the members of this group.
Non-critics are a tough bunch to dissect. Many will state that all internet critics to fall into this assembly. Truth be told, differentiating these critics is not easy. Any random person can create a website these days and write about movies. This group consists of people who do not write articles with an open mind. They write from the perspective of a fan, and will be incredibly biased. They lifespan of this critic is not long. They will write when they feel like it, and only write about the movies they care deeply about. Are they internet bloggers, movie lovers, or critics? You be the judge. At 411, we carefully decide who to hire and who will write reviews, so I can safely say we have a respectable group of internet critics.
I do not have any formal education in film, and my reviews might not be erudite enough for some, but my objective is to write informative pieces for the general population, both casual viewers and film addicts. If I had my way, I would review anything and everything as a permanent occupation. Unfortunately legitimate critics have become a dying breed, and attempting to land a position as one is extremely hard. I will not pretend to be unbiased with every movie I watch. It is impossible to do so, even for the critics who get paid good money. For instance, when I saw the Pathfinder trailer dozens of times for months prior to release, how could I not want to sink my fangs into it just a little?
Now I will list, in no particular order, my favorite critics. Whether I agree with them or not, whenever I have seen a new film or an old one for the first time, I usually stop by that site to see what they thought.
-James Berardinelli of Reelviews.net - I have the utmost respect for this guy, who works as an engineer by day, and reviews anywhere from 150 to over 200 films per year. I often disagree with him, but our writing styles are similar. He is extremely critical, but he consistently defends and praises his films with an honest attitude.
-John J. Puccio of DVDtown.com - Mr. Puccio is a retired English and Film Studies teacher, who really should be given more credit. He has reviewed so many movies of all different decades that I can always rely on him to have reviewed something when I check IMDB.com. He is a fantastic writer, and I urge you to look for his name.
-Richard Roeper of the Chicago Sun-Times - He is actually a columnist, but of course he delivers his thoughts on Ebert & Roeper at the Movies so he's qualified to be a critic in my eyes. When he replaced Gene Siskel, he offered a younger and straightforward opinion to movies to accompany Roger Ebert. At the end of the year, our top 10 lists always share many of the same titles.
-Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune - I admit I was introduced to his writing from the aforementioned show, but since then, I have come to enjoy his articles. When he speaks on the show, he is honest, open-minded, and likable. In his written articles, he shows that he is smart and gifted in the area of criticism.
Perhaps you had no clue so many categories of critics existed, but now you know. I have met many types of critics in my travels, some mainstream, some not, and I have received various reactions and attitudes from all. We do not all get along, and lumping us together as one club is not wise. It's like in high school where certain groups sat at certain lunch tables. The same goes for critics.
The News Bulletin
"Wanted" Can't Knock Down Pixar's "Wall"
Pixar and Disney's endearing toon "Wall-E" and Universal's Angelina Jolie actioner "Wanted" both did socko business at the weekend box office as overall B.O. revenues for the year ran ahead of 2007 levels for the first time in months. "Wall-E" easily won the weekend in grossing an estimated $62.5 million from 3,992 runs. The R-rated "Wanted" rocketed past expectations in grossing an estimated $51.1 million from 3,175. Each made the record books. "Wall-E" nabbed the third best opening for a Pixar film after "The Incredibles" ($70.5 million) and "Finding Nemo" ($70.2 million). It is the second best June opening of all time after "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" ($94.7 million).
At $23.1 million, "Wall-E" scored the biggest opening-day gross of all nine Pixar films, reflecting the fact that kids are finally out of school. "Wanted" scored the best opening ever for an R-rated film released in June and the 6th best opening of all time for any R-rated pic. Film, also starring James McAvoy and Morgan Freeman, placed No. 2 for the weekend and played equally well among various ethnic groups. Frame was up by as much as 20% over the same weekend last year, topping off an unusually strong June that has given the domestic box office a much needed boost. Heading into the weekend, year-to-date box office revs were essentially running even with 2007. Through Sunday, revs were slightly ahead.
Coming in No. 3 for the frame was Warner Bros. and Village Roadshow's "Get Smart," which enjoyed a good hold in its second weekend. Comedy declined 48% to an estimated $20 million from 3,915 for a cume of $77.3 million. Even with the entry of "Wall-E"--directed by "Nemo" helmer Andrew Stanton--DreamWorks Animation/Paramount toon "Kung Fu Panda" still rustled up plenty of biz, declining 46% in its fourth sesh to an estimated $11.7 million from 3,670 for a cume of $179.3 million and placing No. 4 for the weekend.
"Wanted" likely diverted attention away from Marvel and U's own "The Incredible Hulk," which declined 58% in its third weekend to an estimated $9.2 million from 3,349 runs for a cume of $115.5 million, and 20th Century Fox's R-rated eco-thriller "The Happening," which fell off 63% to an estimated $3.8 million from 2,483 runs for a cume of $59 million. "Hulk" placed No. 5 for the weekend, while "Happening" came in No. 8. The other comedy in the marketplace, Paramount's Mike Myers topliner "The Love Guru," struggled in its second sesh. Pic dropped off 61% in its second weekend to an estimated $5.4 million from 3,012 runs for a cume of $25.3 million. "Guru" placed No. 6.
I'm sure we all expected WALL-E to win the weekend, but I never thought Wanted to top $50 million. They certainly didn't get blown out of the water as I initially predicted. Iron Man is now off the top 10 with more than $300 mill, while Indy 4 is at #8 and has finally reached that amount. Zohan is still surviving at #10 along with Sex and the City at #9, and The Happening at #8. Kung Fu Panda will prove to be tough competition for Pixar in the long run as it was standing firm after this weekend. The Love Guru is dropping fast to no one's surprise, and so is the The Incredible Hulk which will likely make more than the 2003 version, but not by much. Next Friday is Hancock, which should dethrone WALL-E since Will Smith's new superhero feature has positive buzz.
Greek Myth Galore!
"The Incredible Hulk" director Louis Leterrier is set to direct Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures remake of the 80's classic "Clash of the Titans" reports Variety. Lawrence Kasdan penned the script for the new adaptation of the tale of Perseus from Greek mythology. Whilst the film has been in development for several years, the hiring of Leterrier has essentially greenlit the project which will move forward quickly.
The recent announcement of Tarsem Singh's "War of Gods" at Relativity Media, which is also based on Greek mythology, and with both utilizing the "300" style of green screen backgrounds has essentially created a race between the two projects to 'finish first' as such. Mark Canton and Gianni Nunnari ("300") will produce "War of the Gods" for Relativity Media says The Hollywood Reporter.
The script deals with the battles waged by Greek mythological hero Theseus, the legendary king of Athens. It's unsure if it will involve his most famous claim to fame was defeating the Minotaur and escaping Daedalus' labyrinth with the help of some string. Charley and Vlas Parlapanides ("Live Bet") penned the script and acclaimed music-video and commercial director Tarsem Singh ("The Cell," "The Fall") will helm. Production could start as soon as early 2009.
Well, I am more interested in War of Gods since it is not a remake. I own Clash of the Titans, which was a cheesy, but highly entertaining mythical adventure with romance, action, and loads of cool effects from Ray Harryhausen. I can assume that if Leterrier is directing, it will be either too serious or too similar to 300. I am curious as to how they will update the looks of the characters. Plus, War of Gods has the potential more inventive scenes. I guess it comes down to which one will finish first. Assuming they start production around the same time, whichever wraps first, will probably suck most.
A Sexy Sonja Indeed
"Planet Terror" filmmaker Robert Rodriguez will reteam with his (on-screen and off) leading lady Rose McGowan for a big screen retelling of the Robert E. Howard-created sword & sorcery character "Red Sonja." Rodriguez will produce the film with his pal Douglas Aarniokoski directing. Filming begins in October. "I was surprised when Rose brought me a script of "Red Sonja" that she liked," Rodriguez told USA Today. "I found it very entertaining. Sonja was strong, smart, cunning — just about everything she'd have to be to survive." McGowan said, "I do have a very scrappy-do personality. ... I lean toward physicality. The story has characters trashed by life who fight their way back. That is my theme." "Rose is a pistol. She's whip-smart, has attitude to burn, is sexy, extremely strong, yet has a vulnerable side that would surprise her closest friends," Rodriguez said. "That description also fits Red Sonja."
I am probably one of the few who actually dug Richard Fleischer's 1985 original with Bridgette Nielsen. Forgetting for a second what became of Nielsen, she was quite attractive for a female warrior, and of course we had Arnold playing Conan, err I mean Kalidor. I loved the 80's fantasy films for some reason. Rose McGowan is an odd, yet fitting choice. Despite having the ability to look great with any hair color, she just recently proved how intense she could be in Grind House: Planet Terror. The character first appeared in a Conan the Barbarian comic, and now has her own series, so I am sure oodles of new villains can be chosen for her to veer away from the 1985 flick. I hope this is as awesome as it could be with Rodriguez producing.
SAG Strike Around the Corner?
With the expiration of SAG's feature-primetime contract looming, the guild and the majors have agreed to keep working on a possible deal throughout the weekend. Bargaining recessed early Saturday evening at the headquarters of the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers and will resume Sunday. Saturday's talks marked the 40th session between the two sides since talks launched in mid-April. Though there's no official news blackout, both sides adhered to the usual no-comment policy about the substance of the talks.
SAG's deal expires at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, which means that the no-strike and no-lockout provisions of the contract are no longer in force. However, the companies are not expected to lock out actors and guild still hasn't asked its members for a strike authorization. Instead, talks are expected to continue though July 8, when results of the ratification vote on AFTRA's primetime deal will be announced. SAG's campaigned actively against the AFTRA pact, contending that the gains in salary, new media residuals and jurisdiction and retention of online clip consent are not sufficient to support the deal. SAG has 44,000 members who also belong to AFTRA so the results of the ratification vote should provide significant insight into whether SAG's 120,000 members would be willing to go strike. A SAG strike authorization would require 75% approval to go into effect.
In the meantime, the uncertainty over the SAG deal has resulted in studio feature production halting although SAG's granted waivers to over 350 indie features. Series TV production has also ratcheted down but not stopped completely. AFTRA, which has 70,000 members, has been campaigning actively for its deal and warning that voting it down could lead to a strike by SAG. And it's emphasized that its gains in new media are in line with the DGA and WGA contract advances. As of Saturday, over 3,000 SAG members had backed a "solidarity" endorsement of its negotiating committee's goals, which include the assertion that the terms of the AFTRA deal aren't sufficient.
About one week to go to see if another strike will wound Hollywood. As I've reported in previous Bulletin issues, the support for the SAG is not nearly as heavy as it was for the WGA. It is not easy to root for certain actors knowing how much money they already pull down. I hope that a deal is reached soon. Both sides, especially the SAG, better be working overtime for an agreement. A second strike in so short a time is not what the world needs right now. I find it intriguing at the fact that the majority of the SAG members might not approve a strike authorization. With so many new projects being discussed and greenlit, I will be paying close attention to the updates as the deadline approaches.
Gas Prices Hurting Hollywood
As Hollywood sweats out the labor standoff, another villain has entered the scene: soaring oil prices. The great crude spike of 2008, which has seen prices shoot up almost 50% in six months to highs well above the previous 1970s peak, has not yet eviscerated the media and entertainment business as it has airlines or Federal Express. But there will be blood, especially given studios' reliance on petroleum-based fuel to run generators and vehicles ranging from trailers to limos to jets.
Consumers have already spoken, flocking to Amtrak and even Segways and driving less than they have in a generation. General Motors, with its stock trading at Eisenhower-era levels, has slashed production of SUVs, citing lax consumer demand. The bright spot, if there is one, can be seen in surprisingly healthy B.O. this summer. But how will the industry respond to the oil crisis and reshape the way it operates? Companies can't exactly cease producing or promoting entertainment; they have no choice but to adapt. Here are some of the pressure points:
Travel - Trips considered routine as little as six months ago, when crude oil was half the $139 a barrel it costs today, will be under increasing scrutiny. Up for debate: Agents flying to sets to check on clients and drum up business; location shoots trying to work in a few extra setups; or even the more mundane but essential aspects of everyday life on the lot.
Lot operations - Already-tight studio budgets are going to be tightened anew. "It's a long way from the glitz and the glamour, but things have reached a tipping point," says Jack Kyser, senior VP and chief economist at the Los Angeles Economic Development Corp. "It would behoove studios to set up an energy operation that's looking at ways to change consumption."
Location shooting - In the past few years, the U.S. has reclaimed a lot of film and TV production that had fled north to Canada and across the pond to Romania and elsewhere.
The green scene - Most lots have already been ramping up environmental initiatives, and that will only pick up speed as prices rise. The ultimate cost-saver would be movies modeled after "300." Computers don't require a lot of diesel fuel.
AMS/Pacific Limousine & Transportation, which makes almost half its money from Hollywood, has seen business dive 20% in the past two months. Prexy Jack Nissim says studios have cut back a bit. In response, he's tried introducing hybrid vehicles and teaching his drivers how to drive more efficiently. Even attendance at a non-Oscar event like Comic-Con, a popular promo stop in recent years because of its marketing potency and proximity to L.A. talent and execs, is no longer a foregone conclusion. "It became such a popular destination for movie marketing in part because it was so close to L.A.," says one publicist who works with major studios and top indies. "Everyone would say, 'Of course we'll travel there. It's San Diego!' But now it's, 'Wait a minute, it's gas. I don't think so.' "
Warner Bros. points to its eco-programs, given a push by hybrid-driving chief Alan Horn well ahead of the oil crisis. For the past year, more than half of the Burbank lot's courier fleet has been comprised of hybrid vehicles -- though, for what it's worth, Ford Escapes will be replaced in coming weeks with Toyota Priuses. Disney says that budgets across the lot have been adversely affected. The greening of Hollywood, spoken of in choral tones of reverence by some (especially after "The Inconvenient Truth" racked up massive B.O.), may well take on a new urgency now. Sony is in the midst of a consolidation and environmental construction project that will consolidate operations formerly scattered around Los Angeles Carbon credits are common on a lot of big productions. One vendor, Apache Rental Group, recently bet big on biodiesel, switching its entire fleet to the alternative fuel. "Studios have been very receptive," says owner Jim Krauskepf. "It's creating quite the little buzz."
I just thought this was a fascinating article, and probably something we don't think about when watching and judging films. I suppose if there was a significant difference to be observed, they would not be as evident until 2009 or 2010 because of the fact that the prices have risen so dramatically in the past 6 months. The green screen is the big one audiences will notice. As for shot locations in Canada, that is nothing new. The number of projects being shot in that country might increase, but Toronto has always been a popular spot. It is a sad situation we must all put up with, but as this article states, people will start cutting back in other areas, so no Comic-Con for some stars. As time goes by, and prices steadily increase, the impact will be felt stronger. At least studios are starting to shift to alternative fuels. I would hope that this is not a dilemma a year from now, but the truth is probably a lot bleaker.
The 20 Second Sermon
Sienna Miller had to wear fake breasts for her new role as the Baroness in the G.I. Joe movie. Well that should be neat to see. Kevin Smith has written a terrific tribute to George Carlin here. Check out the teaser logo for Seth Rogen's The Green Hornethere. Vicki Cristina Barcelona has landed a PG-13 rating, which means the highly sought after threesome scene with Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, and Scarlett Johansson will be nothing to speak of. That sucks. Mike White has stated that he has completed a script for a sequel to Jack Black's School of Rock. That was one of his better films, so I say that's cool. I have listened to Alanis Morrissette's new album, and it's one of her best in years. This is the sound fans should be hearing all the time from her. I also checked out the new Judas Priest double concept album Nostradamus. Overall it is a nice metal package with a couple awesome tunes, but mostly average ones.
What's Coming to DVD….Buy or Avoid?
DVD Headline of the Week
Batman: The Movie (Blu-Ray) - Usually I wouldn't push a film solely in the Blu-Ray format, but this is old school f'n Batman in high definition with new extras. As a completist, I must have this. The first version can be found in any Wal-Mart bargain bin. It is trash. Buyable
Vantage Point - This movie was horrible. The plot was ludicrous and incredibly lame. The acting was sub-par to terribly exaggerated, and the direction was very poor as it displayed all the plot holes in the script. The big name cast will fool many people, but do yourself a favor and skip this. Forgettable
Meet the Browns - I have seen quite a few Tyler Perry flicks, and was disappointed with all of them. I haven't seen this, so I'll keep my mouth shut, but I can't understand how this man is so popular.
My Blueberry Nights - One the movie letdowns for me this year was missing this theatrical release. So many times I wanted to see it, but it came and went too quickly. I will be renting this soon. Kar Wai Wong's debut must be intriguing at the very least.
Only the Valiant - A 1951 western starring Gregory Peck and Lon Chaney Jr. The amazon reviews are stellar, so I'll check this out.
Drillbit Taylor (Extended Survival Edition) - It was disheartening that this Apatow related (he produced it) flick was so mediocre at best. The jokes were hackneyed, the characters were clichés, and the plot had no depth…just nerds vs. bullies. I expected more. Borrow
Patriotism – Criterion Collection - Yukio Mishima directs and stars in this pic about ritual suicide. I am definitely curious to see this one. The cover alone is eye-catching.
City of Men - Look for my review of this foreign film on the site soon!
Sex and Death 101 - This has Simon Baker and Winona Ryder as the leads. I say the trailer and was unenthused, so I doubt I'll remember this.
WWE One Night Stand 2008 - What a shame. The ECW logo is gone from the cover now. All it says is "Extreme Rules." Too bad this exciting PPV has turned into garbage. The matches might be good, I haven't seen it, but I say "garbage" in terms of marketing strategy.
All sorts of bizarre releases from decades leading back to the 50's will be in stores. Visit Amazon's future release section for more details.
Movie Dictionary: Word of the Week
Biopunk - Biopunk (a portmanteau word combining "biotech" and "punk") is a term used to describe:
A hobbyist who experiments with DNA and other aspects of genetics.
A techno-progressive movement advocating open access to genetic information.
A science fiction genre that focuses on biotechnology and subversives.
The biopunk movement is a small intellectual and cultural movement, which encompasses a growing number of scientists, artists and cultural critics who are organizing to create public awareness of how human genomic information, produced by bioinformatics, gets used and misused. On the basis of a presumed parallel between genetic and computational code, science journalist Annalee Newitz has called for open-sourcing of genomic databases. Biological Innovation for Open Society is an example of an open-source initiative in biotechnology aiming to apply open license for biological innovation.
Self-described "transgenic artist" Eduardo Kac uses biotechnology and genetics to create provocative works that concomitantly revel in scientific techniques and critique them. In what is probably his most famous work, "Alba", Kac collaborated with a French laboratory to procure a green-fluorescent rabbit; a rabbit implanted with a green fluorescent protein gene from a type of jellyfish in order for the rabbit to fluoresce green under ultraviolet light. The members of the Critical Art Ensemble have written books and staged multimedia performance interventions around this issue, including "The Flesh Machine" (focusing on in vitro fertilisation, surveillance of the body, and liberal eugenics) and "Cult of the New Eve" (analyzing the pseudoreligious discourse around new reproductive technologies). Georgia Tech professor Eugene Thacker leads the Biotech Hobbyist collective, and has written extensively on the field.
Biopunk science fiction is a sub-genre of cyberpunk fiction that portrays the underground side of the "biotech revolution" which in the 1990s and 2000s was expected would start having a profound impact in the first decades of the 21st century. Biopunk stories explore the struggles of individuals or groups, often the product of human experimentation, against a backdrop of totalitarian governments or megacorporations which misuse biotechnologies as means of social control or profiteering. Unlike cyberpunk, it builds not on information technology but on synthetic biology. Like in postcyberpunk fiction, individuals are usually modified and enhanced not with cyberware, but by genetic manipulation. A common feature of biopunk stories is the "black clinic", which is a lab, clinic or hospital that performs illegal, unregulated or ethically-dubious biomod and gengineering procedures.
One of the prominent writers in this field is Paul Di Filippo, though he called his collection of such stories ribofunk, with the first element being taken from the full name of RNA, ribonucleic acid. Examples of biopunk in film and television are: The Fly (1986), Gattaca, and Dark Angel
--From Wikipedia.org
The Critic's Quickee
Get Smart - I had hoped to rent some episodes of the original series before this film was released, but realized only later versions of the show were available on DVD. The original episodes hit stores later this summer. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the humor in this TV-to-film adaptation. Steve Carrell seems like the ideal candidate for the role. Anne Hathaway was adequate. She certainly looked good, but her performance fluctuated from scene to scene. The Rock was terrific as Agent 23. Excuse me, Dwayne Johnson. He is better in a supporting capacity, rather than a lead. Alan Arkin was fine as the Chief, David Koechner was outstanding as Larabee, Bill Murray offered a priceless cameo as Agent 13, and James Caan was comical as the President. As far as laughs and proper casting are concerned, this is easily comparable to the first Austin Powers. The difference lies in the effectiveness of the plot. As in most secret agent stories, someone is trying to take over the world. Austin Powers made fun of that, whereas Get Smart is a bit too serious with regards to KAOS' world domination scheme led by Siegfried (Terrence Stamp). In short, the premise was too thin. The action is the other weakness. When viewers leave the theater, the memorable lines will be the topic of discussion. The shootouts, explosions, and pursuits are for the most part, mediocre, and that is a shame. Several of the sets were too noticeably artificial. This does not match Director Peter Seagal's previous efforts of 50 First Dates or Tommy Boy, but it is a satisfactory summer comedy. Carrell steals the show because of his ability to mold all sorts of comedic styles from slapstick to deadpan and back again. The complaints I made were relatively minor. One that annoyed me was how the script gave away its twist too early. Without spoiling, I cannot elaborate. Get Smart is a genuinely fun time, nothing I'd watch repeatedly, but worth the price of admission for sure. Final Rating = 7.0/10.0
The Love Guru - I really didn't want to see this, but after hearing all the scathing reviews, I am curious to see how bad it is. I'll have a quickee for next week.
Based on the Trailer…
Newest Trailers
The Tale of Despereaux - This new Universal CGI film has some cute lines and some exquisite animation, but the plot strikes me as dull. You never know, at least it isn't filled with poop jokes. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0
Bolt - It takes exactly two seconds to decipher the Disney CGI to the Pixar Disney CGI. This has John Travolta as the lead voice. The hamster seems funny, but the rest doesn't impress me. Trailer Rating = 5.5/10.0
Disaster Movie - I realize all the bitching about these putrid films has been done, but what really bothers me is that some of the flicks it is parodying are not even out yet. These people have no souls. Trailer Rating = 1.0/10.0
Repo! The Genetic Opera - They keep the music clips to a minimum in the trailer, which was wise. While this certainly intrigues me, the praising quotes from random websites worries me. It could be really bad, but check out the cast. That alone is worth the price of admission. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
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
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
Space Chimps - A new CGI film about chimps going to space. Ehhh…don't care. The voice cast looks fair, but the jokes in the trailer are weak. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
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
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
Encounters at the End of the World - Werner Herzog is a magician, and I cherish each and every offering he bestows to the world. This documentary is about Antarctica, and I can't wait to see it. 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
The X-Files: I Want to Believe - I really need to revisit this series. From what I read, a list of episodes are related to this film. Either way, the trailer looks average to me. I like what Duchovny has been doing lately, so I'll see this no matter what. 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 Releases
The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor - Months ago when this premise was announced, I laughed at it. Now that the trailer is finally out, it still looks bad. I like Brendan Fraser, but not this new approach with following the son character. I'll see this only out of curiosity. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
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
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
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
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
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
Death Race - Anyone who remembers the Top 10 B-Movie feature a couple years back, knows that the original is a favorite of many staffers here. I must admit, this doesn't look near as bad as anticipated, as long as the Statham routine is toned down. It looks to have nothing in common with the original. I'll see it out of curiosity. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
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
September Releases
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
Nights in Rodanthe - An adaptation of a novel from Nicholas Sparks, so this might not be too bad for a romance. It has Richard Gere and Diane Lane reuniting from Unfaithful, so I'm in. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
Burn After Reading - The new comedy from the Coen Brothers looks funny as hell. I am not totally sure where the plot goes, but then again, that is why I am so fascinated by it. The cast looks great, and I am definitely seeing this one. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Choke - A new adaptation from author Chuck Palahniuk, and that gets me excited. I love his books, though I haven't read this particular one. I will before the movie comes out though. This has Sam Rockwell in the lead, so it should be funny. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
Righteous Kill - The new crime thriller with Pacino and De Niro! This looks average at the moment, but it should be fantastic with the two of them as a duo on screen for most of the film. The supporting cast looks excellent as well. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
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
Eagle Eye - Mr. LaBeouf surprises me with every passing role. I'll start giving him more credit. This thriller teaser has me intrigued for sure. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0
Miracle at St. Anna - I get annoyed by some of Spike Lee's comments, but he is a fabulous filmmaker, and this new war epic looks marvelous with Derek Luke and Joseph Gordon Levitt. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
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
October, TBD, and Beyond Releases
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa - 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
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
Zack and Miri Make a Porno - Kevin Smith's new comedy looks hilarious. I'm anxious to see this because I know he is a great filmmaker that can flourish outside of Jay and Silent Bob. Note: This may not be online anymore. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
Regilulous - Well, Bill Maher is always one to stir up controversy, and I'm sure this documentary will do the trick. I think it looks funny personally, so I'll give it a shot. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
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 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
City of Ember - Here is a film that could end up being pretty neat. The cast alone is worth the price of admission. You have Bill Murray, Saoirse Ronan, and Tim Robbins, among others. Gil Kenan is a decent director and the plot is creative, so I'm in. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0
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
Australia - The new epic from filmmaker Baz Luhrman seems to have left out his usual exaggerated flair. Kidman and Jackman will make a fine team. I think this looks rather good, and the trailer has a splendid piece of music accompanying it. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
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
Punisher: War Zone - This is only a teaser, but I get the impression I have seen all I need to. This sequel (or whatever is in relation to the previous film) looks like an comic action nightmare with cliches up the wazoo. I'm not a fan of the Punishers movies thus far, and this does not look to change that. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - This film looks amazing. David Fincher is the man, I will be waiting to purchase my ticket. A plot about someone who ages backwards has all sorts of possibilities. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0
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 "Hot or Not" with various female celebrities and models!
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.
