The Big Screen Bulletin 10.06.08: Invisibility Running Wild

Posted by Chad Webb on 10.06.2008

The birthday bash featuring the Pink Power Ranger, the box office results, details on "Indy V", updates on the "300" sequel, "Under Siege 3", Scorsese and De Niro reunite, new DVD releases, new quickees, and a story about the Netflix tent.

The Birthday Bash

Kate Winslet turns 33 - As far as the double threat of looks and talent is concerned, Kate Winslet is by far my favorite. She has the full package. The 5-time nominated actress will be seen in Revolutionary Road directed by her hubby with Leo, followed by The Reader with Ralph Fiennes.






Guy Pearce turns 41 - This Calvin Klein/Abercrombie model spread-legged pose was not what I expected to skim across from Leonard of Memento. Still, Pearce is a diligent worker. He will be in The Road this Fall, in addition to In Her Skin, Bedtime Stories, Last Man and Kevin Approaches.






Amy Jo Johnson turns 38 - I want me some Pink Ranger. I actually went out of my way to get a pic with the Pink Ranger during my visit to Disney World a year ago due to my dirty fantasies of Ms. Johnson. She has been continuing with TV for awhile. She was in Wildfire, but is currently in Flashpoint






Elisabeth Shue turns 45 - Her role in Hamlet 2 shows she still has what it takes to be sexy and skilled. I found the above photo to be appropriate. She has Waking Masdison, Don McKay and The Hard Ride on the horizon.






Rachel McAdams turns 32 - This picture struck me as strangely erotic and thought-provoking in the most obscene ways. Anyway, she has The Lucky Ones coming out soon, followed by The Time Traveler's Wife, State of Play, and Sherlock Holmes on her slate for the future.

The News Bulletin

Aye Chihuahua Disney!
The weekend box office had something for everyone as Disney family pic "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" yapped its way to a $29 million bow, while Lionsgate's irreverent Bill Maher docu "Religulous" and Sony Pictures Classics' "Rachel Getting Married" got off to impressive starts on the specialty side. Maher's doc, directed by Larry Charles, grossed an estimated $3.5 million for a per-location average of $6,972, second best for any film on the top 10 B.O. chart after "Chihuahua" ($9,020), according to Rentrak. "Religulous" had to compete with seven new wide releases -- the most anyone can remember for one weekend. "Chihuahua," playing in 3,215 runs, was a clear hit in a month when big grosses are usually reserved for horror and gore pics. Opening number is Disney's best ever for October and a big part of the reason why the weekend was up a whopping 40% over the same sesh a year ago.

In contrast, three of the new wide releases didn't even crack the top 10 chart -- Spyglass and Universal's "Flash of Genius," which grossed an estimated $2.3 million from 1,098 runs; Miramax's "Blindness," grossing an estimated $2 million off 1,690; and Autonomous Films and MGM's Brit comedy "How to Lose Friends & Alienate People," opening to an estimated $1.4 million from 1,750. Doing solid business were Sony's "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist," which came in third, and Warner Bros./New Line's Western "Appaloosa," which placed No. 5 as it expanded nationwide after a two-week limited run. "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist," starring Michael Cera and Kat Dennings, debuted to an estimated $12 million from 2,421. It came in on the lower end of expectations but cost only $13 million to produce, according to Sony. It wasn't enough to beat DreamWorks/Paramount holdover "Eagle Eye," which came in second in its soph sesh. Pic declined a slim 39% to an estimated $17.7 million from 3,516 for a 10-day cume of $54.6 million.

"Carol," Vivendi's biting satire of Michael Moore and leftist politics, opened to an estimated $3.8 million from 1,639 to come in No. 9. Also, Christian-themed holdover "Fireproof," from Samuel Goldwyn Films, placed No. 8 in its second sesh, declining just 40% to an estimated $4 million from 852 for a per-location average of $4,776 and a cume of $12.5 million. Disney is in an enviable position with "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" since it's a family film. Of its aud, 77% were families, while dog lovers without kids also showed up: Couples made up 12% of the aud, teens 11%. Younger females (62%) drove business for "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist"; 55% of the aud was under age 21. Miramax said it was obviously disappointed over the performance of "Blindness," starring Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo and Gael Garcia Bernal and directed by Fernando Meirelles. Grim storyline follows the aftermath of an epidemic that leaves nearly everyone blind. Miramax was going to open the film in a limited run to build word of mouth before going wide but abandoned those plans.

I am at a loss for words. With 7 new films opening, more people selected Beverly Hills Chihuahua over the rest. This is just really sad. How parents can justifiably pay for these tickets and not think twice is beyond me. I am not surprised that two politically-geared films, Religulous and An American Carol broke into the top 10 since that fever is spreading as the election nears. However, when it means that Flash of Genius, Blindness and How to Lose Friends & Alienate People all seemingly superior films do not make the top 10, it angers me. Great showings from Burn After Reading, Nights in Rodanthe, Appaloosa, and Eagle Eye though. At least some folks still know what to see. I hope to hell that Body of Lies knocks all the competition away this Friday. That is where my bet is going.






Indiana Jones and the Fifth Installment
Harrison Ford has told the world that George Lucas is currently dreaming up a fifth installment in the "Indiana Jones" franchise. As Dr. Henry Jones, Jr. told The Los Angeles Times, "It's crazy but great. ... George is in think mode right now" about "Indy V." Ford continued, "It's automatic, really, we did well with the last one and with that having done well and been a positive experience, it's not surprising that some people want to do it again. The 66 year-old star said there was no one party -- himself, Lucas or director Steven Spielberg -- in particular who was pushing for another sequel. "Really, it comes from the ethos, from the ether. It's natural. It's a way of nature, of course, success breed opportunities," Ford said, adding, "also we don't stay as closely in contact as have in the last year, that's part of it." Ford also said that he wouldn't really be interested in lending his voice to an animated "Indiana Jones" feature, a la Lucas' recently released "Clone Wars" toon.

I liked Kingdom of the Crystal Skull more than some, but the reception was split down the middle. I still say the franchise is healthy enough for another adventure. We all knew that George Lucas had a plan to move Ford in the Connery role from Crusade, and transition Shia to the driver's seat so he could embark on his own series of adventures when Ford is too old. I think as long as Ford is involved in the sequels as Indiana Jones, then the film will be entertaining, and persist in bringing back fans. However, it is the idea of Shia taking over on his own that worries me. I am not the biggest Lucas supporter lately, but hopefully he lets the ideas percolate for a year or two. I have not forgotten how problematic the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull scripts were. On a side note, of course Ford isn't voicing Han Solo in that dumb CGI cartoon. He saw how bad Clone Wars was too.






The Dynamic Duo is Back
Legendary director/actor combo Martin Scorsese and Robert De Niro are set to team up once more in the gangster genre, with the pair signing on for Paramount's "I Heard You Paint Houses." The film, based on a book of the same name, focuses on the life of Frank "The Irishman" Sheeran (to be played by De Niro) -- a notorious mob hitman rumoured to have carried out the assassination of Teamsters' boss Jimmy Hoffa. Scorsese will direct and produce the project while Steven Zallian, who recently wrote "American Gangster" and won an Oscar for his "Schindler's List" screenplay, will pen the script. The macabre title refers to mob slang, with the "house painting" actually splatters of blood on walls and floors. Scorsese, who has just finished shooting thriller "Shutter Island", and De Niro last teamed up for ace gangster epic "Casino" and previously visited the world of the mob in the even more ace "Goodfellas."

What can I say that the world does not already know? This will be fantastic. Yes, I'm calling it now. And De Niro needs Scorsese…badly. He needs to have his career resurrected. If Leonard DiCaprio was in the movie as well, how cool would that be? Both of Scorsese's finest stars together under his leadership. It could be special. I love the title, the plot, and the fact that Zallian is penning. I'll definitely be keeping up to date on this.






300 Part II: 299 – The One That Got Away
Director Zack Snyder has been blabbing about the recently-rumoured 300 follow-up. He told IESB that he's waiting for original author Frank Miller to write and draw a new graphic novel set in the world. Only when that's finished will he begin writing a script for the movie, before directing the project. Plot-wise, Snyder said the novel will take place between the Battle of Thermopylae (the main focus of the original movie) and the Battle of Plataea right at the end of the film. The film will explore the year-long period between these battles, with the valour of the 300 Spartans inspiring the Greek.

It is smart to have Frank Miller write and draw the graphic novel first, though I still feel the general desire for any follow-up is unnecessary. At least the schedule will not be rushed. It should stay in his head as a graphic novel, and then when that is completed, he can work out the live-action adaptation. The process must be handled delicately. This early premise does offer a tiny glimmer of hope that Snyder, Miller, and the studio aren't greenlighting this for the wrong reasons. I envision many hills and valleys before this ever gets made? So many crucial decisions must be made before this looks halfway decent. I just hope it isn't a recycling of the first film.






Under Siege 3: In Space
Steven Seagal tells MTV News he wants to make a third "Under Siege" film, the former action star's most popular franchise. Yet whereas the first one was generally liked for its decent realism, Seagal apparently wants to go the complete opposite tack with the next one - aliens. "I personally want it to be something more modern... In other words... I wouldn't mind if it was about something more mystical or...maybe extraterrestrial in nature. Some real government top secrets instead of just the typical" he says. Despite the wacky intentions, its early days yet - "There are offers and we're looking at them" says Seagal of where it is currently at.

This news bit made laugh out loud, so I had put in my main section instead of the sermon. This idea is comparable to Sylvester Stallone having Rocky face Chuck Norris on Mars. Of course Seagal wants to do this sequel. He has been gaining weight, losing his martial arts abilities, and looking like a joke in horrendous B-movies for years now. He makes Jean Claude Van-Damme look like an A-lister. Oh, and he claims offers are on the table. Yes, perhaps that is true, but I'd bet my next paycheck that all are for a quick DTV release. Steven, please, go away.






Spacey the Bald Returns
The Independent reports that Warner Bros. is paying Kevin Spacey big bucks to have him reprise his role as Lex Luthor in yet another new "Superman" movie that could start filming in 2009 for a 2011 release. As reported earlier, Warner Bros. plans to push the next "Superman" movie in the direction of "The Dark Knight" by making it darker and more gritty.

If we cannot learn from our history, we are doomed to repeat it. That quote echoes in my mind after reading this news bit. Now, as many have debated since its release date, Superman Returns had its highs and lows, but one of the lows in my opinion was Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor. He was cartoonish and stupid. It was a weak performance from him. Unless he has the right director like in Se7en, or is only a supporting cast member, Spacey can make a good villain, but has handed a bunch of dud turns lately in the villain role. See Fred Claus or 21 as two examples. This is a terrible idea. They want to reboot this franchise from scratch, yet they're having Spacey reprise his role? What sense does that make? If you intend to start from the beginning, you'd better do a complete overhaul. This has not made many fans happy, and I don't blame them. They want this new dark and gritty angle, so head that way, and let Luthor rest on the bench for one film. TMNT made Shredder wait. On a side note, Superman can be dark and still be awesome. Many commenters disagree, but Superman Doomsday was a bit darker, yet still rocked.

The 20 Second Sermon

Kenneth Branagh was announced as the director for Thor last week. This is a wise decision because they need someone talented to make that character cool. Get ready for a live-action/animated Yogi Bear hybrid in the vein of Alvin and the Chipmunks. I did enjoy the cartoon, but this will be terrible. Nine Lives filmmaker Rodrigo Garcia is starting a new project, Mother and Child, which he has been writing for 7 years. He is an ambitious person, and hopefully this new hyperlink drama will as good as he is capable of. George A. Romero is already set to film a new zombie flick. This one takes place on an island. I can't wait. If they aren't Romero zombies, then I don't care. Jack Black and his team of Kung Fu Panda scripters are planning a comedic take on a Bourne film. I like Black, but we all know he can be more creative. With Smallville coming to a close, the CW is prepping The Graysons, a show to focus on Robin before he aligns with Batman. Really? Will people actually care to watch this? I won't.

What's Coming to DVD….Buy or Avoid?

DVD Headline of the Week



Sleeping Beauty (Two-Disc Platinum Edition) - A pure Disney classic that has not been tarnished. It is ageless, and finally arrives on DVD with the royal treatment. Preorderable

30 Rock – Season 2 - Look for my review of this DVD this week!

How I Met Your Mother – Season Three - This is one of the best comedy shows on television today. It is well worth picking up. Many of the episodes in this season were legen-waitforit-dary. Buyable

The Happening - M. Night Shyamalan divides audiences these days, and this new environmental thriller will not change that. The plot, while clever, is not executed adeptly. The acting is very commendable by Wahlberg and company, but the fact that they try to outrun wind is just laughable. Borrow

The Visitor - Writer/Director Tom McCarthy crafts another elegant, smart, and subtle drama about odd encounters and uncomfortable situations. Richard Jenkins turns in one of his best performances in this touching and absorbing story. The supporting cast is excellent, the pacing is terrific, and the ending is perfect. Buyable

Psycho (Universal Legacy Series) - A new transfer and new extras. This is certainly worth a double dip. It is a classic that needs no explanation. Preorderable

Rear Window (Universal Legacy Series) - One of my favorite films of all-time, and what I say is Hitchcock's best effort. I will be purchasing this again with pride. Predorderable

You Don't Mess with the Zohan - We have multiple 1 and 2 disc versions for those who care. Adam Sandler has hit rock bottom, at least in terms of the quality of his comedies. This is the dumbest, most ridiculous piece of junk I have seen all year long. Trashable

Vertigo (Universal Legacy Series) - These DVDs will cause me to go broke. This was the winner for "V" in the best movies of the alphabet. It is another Hitch masterpiece. It just takes repeated viewings to see why. Predorderable

Feast II: Sloppy Seconds - A DTV sequel that I will most likely be skipping. Sorry.

Le Deuxieme Souffle – Criterion Collection - A Jean-Pierre Melville film from 1966. The last one of his from Criterion is one I own, Army of Shadows. I will be checking this out for sure.

Le Doulos – Criterion Collection - See above. Thank you.

Touch of Evil (50th Anniversary Edition) - Here is an Orson Welles film starring himself and Charlton Heston that requires another sitting to fully appreciate, but it is an unbelievable piece of work. Highly recommended. Preorderable

Lexx – Season One - I have heard positive things about this show. Do I need to check it out?

Paranoid Park - Writer and Director Gus Van Zant has crafted a bit of Indy heaven with this subdued and genuine examination of a skateboarder coming to grips with a crime. The acting is natural, the music integration is masterful, and the ending is poetic. One of the better films of the year. Buyable

Halloween (3-Disc Unrated Collector's Edition) - I'll catch some hell for this, but whatever. This reimagining from Rob Zombie will never be as brilliant as the original, but this holds up rather proficiently due to the added layers of the Myers family history, and the visceral attack sequences. This is far from perfect, but I was not bothered by it compared to other remakes. This could be Zombie's best to date. Buy it Used

WWE: Hell in a Cell - I own 95% of these matches, so I'll be passing on this one. Plus, the HIAC is better at the end of a regular PPV card anyway. Still, this is packed with goodies. Buyable

Joy Ride 2: Dead Ahead - This is a crammed week of releases, damn. The DTV sequels of bad horror flicks is giving me a headache.

Faces of Death (30th Anniversary Edition) - This is my Blu-Ray recommendation for the week. The cover has a quote: "The Ultimate Taboo." That is the only way to describe this unforgettably disturbing film.

The Critic's Quickee

Eagle Eye - It is easy to be deceived by this film. Your blood is pumping fast as this unravels, and on the surface, it seems like a lot is going on, when in fact, what plot exists, is very thin, completely ludicrous, and full of inconsistencies. Eagle Eye uses the action to disguise the fact that nothing is happening. Instead of running to get somewhere, you are actually just running on a treadmill. We've heard of torture porn. This is action porn, or maybe adrenaline porn. The name needs work, but you get the idea. Now, plenty of room is available for action movies like this. What is hypocritical of certain folks, is bashing Michael Bay and Jerry Bruckheimer for having done the same thing for years, yet praising Director D.J. Caruso's same efforts here. This movie has been described as resembling Hitchcock, similar to what Caruso and LaBeouf did with Disturbia. Many noticed the wheat field and the electrical tower, and thought North by Northwest. Yes, dabs of that are tossed in, in addition to 2001: A Space Odyssey, a popular inspiration this year. However, this borrows most from Enemy of the State, and that line is uttered a bunch here too. Eagle Eye employs the Tony Scott effect for viewers. The cast and crew place fancy visual effects and lots of explosive action to distract us. It worked on me for most of the silly story. Eagle Eye is a blast, I won't lie. The LaBeoufster, Shia that is, is fabulous as Jerry Shaw. The amount of jealousy, that's right, jealousy, from commenters on our site in regards to Shia LaBeouf, is just amazing. The point is, the kid can carry a motion picture well. He has charisma and can act just as well as anyone else. His on screen partner, Michelle Monaghan, is passable as Rachel, Ethan Embry appears as one agent, Michael Chiklis is good in his role, Rosario Dawson is commendable as an Air Force investigator, and Billy Bob Thornton proves once again that he can play more than just the Bad Santa persona. The action is actually quite creative. The car chases are exhilarating, the tension during gun stand offs is thick, and one notable action sequence in the baggage shoots of an airport was brilliant. Of all the flaws contained here, and they bombard you like a geek in a dodgeball match, two bothered me a lot. The first is the voice (we'll just call it that for now. I feel like I'm the only one who knows who the voice actor is) which knows everything about everything at all times. If you take a dump, it will know what type, how many times you should wipe, and with what amount of tissues. D.J. Caruso knows how to entertain, but his mistake is trying to please everyone. The second problem I had was the final scene. You watch the ending, and think "wow." Then that last sequence occurs, and it feels like someone punching you in the stomach on your birthday. This offers a lot of eye candy and splendid performances, but the last scene leaves you with a sour taste as you walk out of the theater. I did appreciate this mindless thriller for what it was, but this is only good in one sitting. These sort of flicks age horribly on video, and this will be no different. Nevertheless, I'll be nice. Final Rating = 7.0/10.0

Miracle at St. Anna - Spike Lee was recently in the news feuding with Clint Eastwood about the absence of black servicemen in Eastwood's recent Iwo Jima duology. According to Lee, Eastwood ignored history in Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima by not making any of the American characters black. Eastwood succinctly responded by suggesting that Lee should "Shut [his] face." He later said, also before the film was released, that his Eastwood comments would affect his chances of an Oscar. Now, I think Spike Lee is a very talented filmmaker, but just because Eastwood did not put any black people in his movie does not make him inaccurate, inconsiderate, or anything else. He just didn't do it. Get over it. Furthermore, you can't bitch about you Oscar chances prior to your films release and months before the nominations are considered. So, Lee buried himself for his newest war epic. It was difficult to approach Miracle at St. Anna with an open mind, but I did my best, and still came out disappointed. This is an extremely imbalanced film. It is historical fiction based on the novel by James McBride (who wrote the screenplay). I have to say my peace about one thing in particular. We understand how blacks were mistreated decades ago, and probably during war time. We have seen countless films depicting the harsh treatment of white to blacks. It was a terrible time without a doubt. So why is it that Lee has to remind us of this around every corner with the most stereotypical sequences? We don't need to see this over and over again. Take for instance one of the many strangely placed flashbacks where the central soldiers are back home entering an ice cream store. The store owner proceeds to force them to buy at the back of the store, which of course prompts guns to be pulled, nasty names to be called, etc, etc. Later on, the black soldiers go back to the store and have a good old fashioned stick up to the white owner. What kind of message does this send? Scenes like this made me angry at how sloppily they were handled. However, more subtlety would have worked wonders for Lee. In Italy, the black soldiers spot propaganda artwork depicting caricatures of black soldiers. Nothing is said, they just tear it down. This was fantastic and restrained. The movie needed more of this, but sadly that was not to be. The acting is certainly terrific. Derek Luke proves once again that is a rising young talent that deserves more attention. He is the leader of the group. Michael Ealy is also solid as Bishop, the pain in the ass guy who is helpful in a fight. Laz Alonso is the man you see in the trailer, and Omar Benson Miller is the big fella with an equally big heart. Both are fabulous. The supporting performances were wonderful from many people like John Leguizamo, John Turturro, and Joseph Gordon Levitt. Where some scenes evoke such masterful qualities of Spike Lee's direction, and spur such heart wrenching emotion from the viewers, others are so blatantly clumsy. There is a flashback within a flashback that is utterly confusing to figure out how this man could recall such events. The fact is, at 2 hours and 40 minutes, the film meanders, and it doesn't have to be. This reminded me a lot of Captain Corelli's Mandolin, another WWII picture that possessed lopsided motives. It should have aimed for a Glory or Tuskeegee Airmen feel. The violence during the battle sequences are realistic and gritty, which was a plus, though they are minimal, but a needless love triangle is inserted for absolutely no reason other than to soak up time. I saw potential in a couple of the flashbacks, but the timing and editing was so poorly assembled that it makes you scratch your head. Miracle at St. Anna is a film with proper intentions, but the wrong execution. It is heavy-handed and spells out various aspects to the audience like they are pre-schoolers when better reactions could have resulted from a less obvious attitude. Final Rating = 5.0/10.0

What Have I Done?

Monday - Finished listening to all the Everlast albums, in addition to his new CD Love War and the Ghost of Whitey Ford. He threw a few covers in this batch of rap/folk/rock songs. This was a very tight and steadily sounding group of tracks. I certainly recommend, but only if you enjoy his material from the past. He also plans to reunite with House of Pain and others for a supergroup called La Coka Nostra.





Tuesday - This was the first Tuesday in what seems like years that I did not make my routine stop at Best Buy for new releases. Even I don't buy anything, I browse longingly. Times are tough folks, and I just can't spend as much money as I would like. I am too tempted when I go to "look around."





Wednesday - Friends attended a wedding reception that served of all things, heart-shaped hamburgers. Yes, they exist. Not to sound like a grump, but we already know love is in the air on a wedding day. Do we really need our meat to look like a heart? Let us have a break from the kissing and hearts during dinner.





Thursday - I watched a couple oddball films this week. One was the made-for-TV Captain America II: Death Too Soon. I'll discuss that in the near future for the Captain America timeline. I also saw Flight of the Red Balloon (2008), inspired by the 1956 classic. It was a very slow, but deliberately paced film that is not just for kids like the original was. It is profound and has superb performances. Check it out.



The Weekend - I was walking through New York City and spotted a Netflix tent in the center of Times Square. Inside was a group of approximately 6 people trying to break the world record for watching movies for the most consecutive days. I became jealous since my job and my fiancée prevent me from doing this. I could break it darnit!

Based on the Trailer…

Newest Trailers

Seven Pounds - I'm not quite sure what to make of this yet, but it looks compelling, and it also looks like Mr. Smith is aiming for another Oscar nom. We'll see, but this is worth a ticket price. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

The Uninvited - A crappy looking horror film with some sort of lame twist at the end. Yay. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0

October Releases

Quarantine - For weeks I have been told this is a remake of a decent Spanish flick called .REC. I get the picture. I will rent it at some point. I still think this remake will suck big time. That is all. 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

Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2) - Kevin Smith's new comedy still looks funny, but this trailer sends a different message of tone than the teaser did. I'm anxious to see this due to the absence of Jay and Silent Bob, although Mewes is involved. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0

Body of Lies - The new Ridley Scott pic featuring Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe. It looks phenomenal, but that should be expected with such brilliant talent. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0

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

High School Musical 3: Senior Year - Oh boy the teaser has arrived. Why do I have the feeling that this will be exactly like the first two, both in plot and level of suckage. Ms. Tisdale is the only tolerable character. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0

Pride and Glory - A nifty looking cop thriller with Ed Norton and Colin Farrell. Should be ok. And if we're lucky, we will get some commendable work from Jon Voight. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

Max Payne - This trailer kicks major a** with the song in the background and Marky Mark as the main character, but then again, so did the Hitman teaser, and it ended up blowing. Remember, this is based on a video game. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

W. - You're lying if you say you're not curious. Josh Brolin looks the part with white hair, but as the younger Dubya, he looks like himself. I will definitely see this because it is Oliver Stone, but I have serious doubts since its being rushed for the election. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0

Changeling - Not to be confused with the superb horror film starring George C. Scott. This is a Clint Eastwood original that looks outstanding. Can Clint do no wrong? Angelina Jolie looks to be in contention for an Oscar. I will be seeing this. Trailer Rating = 9.5/10.0

RocknRolla - The new thriller from Guy Ritchie. It can't be as bad as Revolver right? He needs a comeback badly, and I hope this is it. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0

Saw V - This is just a teaser, but it gets the same point across. I am a fan of the series, so I'll certainly be seeing this one. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0

November 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

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

Quantum of Solace - I saw this weeks ago, but forgot to rate it here. The new Bond movie looks to be just as awesome as Casino Royale. I can't wait. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0

Transporter 3 - I know George's buddy is looking forward to anything Statham, but this franchise has never been all that outstanding to me. Statham is hit or miss. I'll see this I guess, but only out of curiosity. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0

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

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

The Soloist - Atonement' Joe Wright changes his British period drama material for something new. This looks a bit like Resurrecting the Champ, only with better actors. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0

Milk - Sean Penn as a gay man. At least we know he wants an Oscar. I love Gus Van Sant, so this should be fabulous no matter how many Oscars they want. The cast has some outstanding young guys in it, so I'm there. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0

Four Christmases - Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon in a holiday comedy. Yippee. I generally dislike modern Christmas movie because they all go way overboard on the slapstick. This appears to be up that same alley with typical Vaughn shtick. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0

December Releases

Doubt - A great looking drama with great performers. This trailer was riveting. I'm looking forward to it. How can you go wrong with Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman going toe to toe? Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0

Frost/Nixon - Wow. I was glued to my seat. This is an amazing trailer that shows right away how brilliant the performances are. Ron Howard is a superb director, and I really hope this is a hit for him. Trailer Rating = 10.0/10.0

Yes Man - A new Jim Carrey comedy where he must say yes to everything. Sounds a bit like Liar Liar, but this is the Carrey humor I have missed for years. It looks pretty funny to me. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

Che - Granted, this is in Spanish, which I do not speak fluently, but this trailer looks amazing nevertheless. Soderbergh's epic should be fantastic. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0

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 Spirit (2) - This revealed a lot more than the teaser, and while this film looks like a blast, I have some doubts, and they start with Samuel L. Jackson. Can Frank Miller hit a homerun for a third time? Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

The Day the Earth Stood Still - This teaser illustrates how a classic sci-fi film will probably not update well for this era. I am curious because Keanu Reeves is a suitable choices, but I noticed too much CGI just from this, so that's not a good sign. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0

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

January, TBD, and Beyond Releases

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

Terminator Salvation - I love Christian Bale, and the Terminator franchise, but I have serious doubts about this. I believe it will be terrible, but I must admit, this teaser was well constructed. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0

Watchmen - This was the best trailer attached to my Dark Knight screening. Hopefully Zack Snyder can continue to improve his skills after 300. I must read this graphic novel soon. Trailer Rating = 8.5/10.0

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

Wolverine - Not the finest quality of trailers, but you can still seen and understand it. Gavin Hood is directing, so that is intriguing. The preview is ok, and I am still unsure. Can the character carry a whole film on his own? Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0

The Perfect Game - Though I'm not a baseball fan, I always enjoy watching the Little League World Series. The problem with this film, despite a bad title, is that the preview reveals way too much, so hopefully it has more going for it besides the story, which I'm sure is inspirational. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0

Outlander - Hmm, I'm not sure about this, but the cast alone is enough for me to buy a ticket. James Caviezel is so talented, but his script choices continue to boggle me (not in a bad way mind you). The idea is shaky, but the effects and acting look good, so I'm in. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0

The International - Sadly, this will be released early in 2009, which is not a good time of the year. Still, I like both Owen and Watts, and since Tom Tykwer is helming, it should be at least halfway decent. Trailer Rating = 7.5/10.0

Fast & Furious - Is that the best title they could come up with? Well, I hate this franchise, and everything it stands for, but I'd be lying if I said this wasn't a step up from the previous installment. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0

Knowing - This has Number 23 sort of approach, which is fine, but why is Nicolas Cage doing all these mediocre thrillers? He's a great actor, and should be showing that more. Anyway, this looks ok. Trailer Rating = 6.5/10.0

New York, I Love You - The first film, Paris, Je T'aime was one of the best films in recent memory that few knew about. So I am very excited about this second installment. The cast and directors look amazing. It should be a terrific experience. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - This was a great book, the darkest of the set, and this trailer rocks. I'm anxious to see this. The franchise has not decreased in quality, and here's hoping this continues that trend. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0

Other Stuff to Read

The Best Movies of the Alphabet
411 October Roundtable - This month Owain J. Brimfield continues as roundtable host and compiles the thoughts of the movie zone staff on the releases for October!
The MeeThinks Friday FreeThinks - Thanks again to John Meehan for providing my banner here, and for the Alphabet feature.

Also, keep an eye out for more comic book character timelines in the future. Here are the first two:

The Ultimate Batman Timeline
The Ultimate Daredevil Timeline



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