The Big Screen Bulletin 11.03.08: Halloweensgiving
Posted by Chad Webb on 11.03.2008
The birthday bash featuring Gemma Ward, the box office results, news on "Bubba Nosferatu", the highest rated Rotten Tomatoes films, Mark Millar's Superman idea, Joaquin Phoenix quits acting, new DVD releases, new quickees, Blu-Ray trouble, and much more!
The Birthday Bash
Gemma Ward turns 21 - The Australian model and actress is not really my type, but this is a nice picture of her. I know, I'm an internet writer and I'm describing my type, but go with it. The Strangers star has no new projects lined up.
Dolph Lundgren turns 51 - The one and only He-Man once released a workout VHS. How many of you secretly own a copy? I would just like to say that I definitely do not use it everyday. Anyway, Drago has been busy. He is writing/directing/starring in Icarus and Command Performance. He will also be in Universal Soldier III: A New Beginning and Direct Contact. This man deserves better work.
Matthew McConaughey turns 39 - The always shirtless McConaughey dopes the worm in one photo, and practices his sexual maneuvers in the other. How cool is he? He has The Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, another romcom, and Hammer Down, about a NASCAR driver pulling a heist. Wow, something new for a change.
Ralph Macchio turns 47 - A little then and now with Daniel Larusso. I can't bust on Ralph. I just met him and he is a very nice guy. He can be seen in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Undead and he might still have a guest spot on Ugly Betty.
Tatum O'Neal turns 45 - I couldn't resist displaying both of these pictures. I found a better one, but it contained a nip slip. She looks ok when she isn't doing cocaine. She already finished Saving Grace B. Jones with Michael Biehn and is currently filming Last Will with Tom Berenger.
The News Bulletin
It's a Cool School Once Again
Disney's "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" enjoyed a massive rebound from Halloween to place No. 1 at the North American box office for the second weekend in a row, pushing its worldwide total to an estimated $146.8 million in just 10 days. The domestic box office was flattened on Friday by Halloween, but picked up the pace on Saturday. "HSM" saw a surge of nearly 400% on Saturday to end its second sesh with an estimated gross of $15 million from 3,626 locations for a domestic cume of $61.8 million, according to Rentrak. Overseas, the film grossed $25.9 million in its second sesh for a cume of $85 million. Coming in No. 2 domestically was the Weinstein Co.'s "Zack and Miri Make a Porno," debuting to an estimated $10.7 million from 2,735 locations. Directed by Kevin Smith, pic stars Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks.
Lionsgate's "Saw V" came in third in its second frame, grossing an estimated $10.1 million from 3,084 runs. Clint Eastwood's "Changeling," from Universal, grossed a noteworthy $9.4 million from 1,850 as it went nationwide to place No. 4. Drama posted a per location average of $5,085, the best of any film in the top 10 chart. Pic opened the previous weekend in a limited run. Both Lionsgate and Universal said the Weinstein Co. was being too aggressive in their Sunday estimate. They predicted that the race between "Zack and Miri," "Saw" and "Changeling" could end much closer once official numbers are reported on Monday. Like "HSM," the three films all saw sizeable Saturday bumps from Friday. Halloween falling on a Friday never bodes well for the domestic box office, and this year was no exception. Ticket sales were down by more than 35% from the same frame a year ago, when "American Gangster" and "Bee Movie" both opened.
Well, I was correct, but only by $5 million. Congrats to Kevin Smith as Zack and Miri Make a PORNO comes in at #2. Thanks to all the ridiculous complaining, this will be one of his most profitable films to date. The race in top 5 was mighty close, but Saw V is staying strong, Changeling performs steady, and The Haunting of Molly Hartley cracks the top 5 at 5. Chihuahua and Eagle Eye refuse to quit. They are still alive at #6 and #9 respectively. Pride and Glory and Max Payne, however, look to be falling fast off the top 10. It should be a shock that my selection for next week's box office champion be Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.
Bubba Hellboy?
Paul Giamatti has announced big news on the "Bubba Nosferatu" front, with Ron Perlman apparently replacing Bruce Campbell as Elvis in the horror flick. For those unaware of Nosferatu, it's the proposed sequel to Don Coscarreli's cult hit "Bubba Ho-Tep", about an aging Elvis teaming up with a black JFK to fight an ancient Egyptian Mummy. Speaking to Ain't It Cool News, Giamatti revealed that Campell turned down the opportunity to reprise his role, but they had a more than capable replacement in the shape of "Hellboy" himself, Perlman. "He's a really, really great actor, and incredibly flexible," Giamatti said of Perlman. "I really can't wait to see the guy do it."
--From IGN
I do not think I was the only person who presumed this project to be dead and buried without Bruce Campbell because seriously, who would want to fill his shoes? Ron Perlman, that's who. Here is the timeline for this project. It started off as a joke, but became a possibility when Don Coscarelli noticed that fan support was large. It never entered production, but Coscarelli, Campbell, and Giamatti were reportedly attached. In August of 2007, Campbell stated he was not involved, and Joe Lansdale (he wrote the original short story the first film was based on) confirmed the project was dead. Now we have Giamatti out of nowhere saying that this sequel is still alive and Ron Perlman is in negotiations. Obviously this is not finalized, but it could be fun to see Hellboy as Elvis. I would love to see this sequel, providing the right cast is contributing. Perlman could work, but if he says no, this project should die.
Millar's Ambition for Superman
Since the success of the film "Wanted", which bared little relation to his original comic, Mark Millar has been boastful in interviews about his pitch for a new take on "Superman" that he and a 'big-Hollywood action director' will shortly be making to Warner Bros. Pictures. Now, talking with Empire Online, he revealed some new details about his ambitious eight-hour screen story which "will follow the entire life of Kal-El." Millar says the plan will be one saga in three parts, each film released a year apart. Millar says ""It's gonna be like Michael Corleone in the Godfather films, the entire story from beginning to end, you see where he starts, how he becomes who he becomes, and where that takes him." So that will involve what exactly? "I want to start on Krypton, a thousand years ago, and end with Superman alone on Planet Earth, the last being left on the planet, as the yellow sun turns red and starts to supernova, and he loses his powers."
--From Dark Horizons
I went from not caring about new Superman films at all, to caring a lot. It would be a wonderful joyous happy day if this idea were snatched up by Warner Brothers, but it all depends on who this "big Hollywood action director" is, and whether or not his style suits the desire of the studio. Since varying reports about the reboot have been coming and going, some reliable, most not, I would say that these two have an opportunity to be heard, and hopefully they take advantage of it. The problem is money, and that is not mentioned in the article. That will be the factor because Singer's Returns was really expensive and it did not make back what everyone projected or hoped.
On one hand, the studio will like the films being pumped out fast, but on the other hand, is this type of trilogy story what they had in mind? I say Millar is just talking, and while it sounds fantastic, I doubt we'll hear of this again. Everyone has their ideas of how the franchise should go, and these guys are not the only ones. So based on what I have read, I do not think this will be a reality, but then again, if he has a top tier filmmaker on board, I could be wrong. I hope I am. Mr. Hayhurst made a comment on the podcast that 3 films would not be enough to cover the Superman mythos. I think limiting it to 3 movies is wise to prevent overkill actually, but let us look at the studio's track record. Now Universal was content to limit Back to the Future to 3 films. Some studios have no issues with that, but Warner Brothers? They have Harry Potter and Batman. They want to milk a franchise for all its worth regardless of how good or bad the movie may be. That is just another reason this probably won't happen.
A Rotten Record Breaker
Magnolia Pictures documentary "Man on Wire" has become the best reviewed film ever on Rotten Tomatoes famous Tomato-meter. From 129 reviews, the film has scored a 100% approval rating which puts it just ahead of the 100% positive approval from 125 reviews that "Toy Story 2" received. "Man on Wire" tells the story of French high-wire artist Philippe Petit, who snuck up to the top of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center on August 7, 1974, strung a wire between the buildings and walked across, an unprecedented wire walk that has never been repeated or attempted since. The riveting documentary gives a first-hand account of how Petit was able to pull off such a brazen act, leaving all of New York City thrilled and amazed.
The film has scored over $2.7 million in limited release so far, one of the most successful documentaries of the year. Distributor Magnolia is also releasing acclaimed Danish vampire drama "Let the Right One In" which has scored similarly stellar reviews (97% RT). The press release however doesn't take into account the generally more accurate 'Average Rating' score on RT which still pegs "Man on Wire" at a stellar 8.4/10 score - easily one of the year's highest. Unfortunately that is just behind not only "Toy Story 2" (8.5/10) but three other films this year - "The Dark Knight," "Wall-E" and the upcoming "Slumdog Millionaire" which are scoring 8.5/10.
For a comparison with other classic films - "Rashomon" with 9.4/10; "Citizen Kane" & "Chinatown" with 9.3/10; "Seven Samurai" & "Singin' in the Rain" with 9.2/10; "The Wizard of Oz" & "The Third Man" with 9.1/10; "The Godfather", "All About Eve," "The Maltese Falcon," "M" & "Dr. Strangelove" with 9/10; "North by Northwest, "All the President's Men" & the original "King Kong" with 8.9/10; "Taxi Driver," "Dog Day Afternoon," "Jaws" & "Rear Window" with 8.8/10; and "Aliens" & "A Streetcar Named Desire" with 8.7/10. Other films to have scored 8.4/10 include such stellar company as "Rio Bravo," "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind," "Ratatouille," "The Bourne Ultimatum," "The Silence of the Lambs," "Withnail and I," "Fantasia," "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," "The Queen," and "Lost in Translation".
--From Dark Horizons
Personally, I feel metacritic is a better judge in terms of film rating meters. They usually compile the score with the same group of critics each time. With rottentomatoes, it seems to vary depending on who reviewed the film. Other sites seem more accurate. That being said, no rating system is flawless. Some may rely on rottentomatoes to decide on seeing a new release. That's fine. I rarely weigh my decision based on any one of these sites anyway. If I want to see something, I see it. This documentary certainly has me intrigued now. I have noticed it in theaters around my area, but was not sure what it was about. Now that I have taken the time to read about it, I want to see it, and Let the Right One In soon.
Pulitzer Winner to Write "Spidey 4"
Columbia is set to hire a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer to pen "Spider-Man 4", according to The Hollywood Reporter. David Lindsay-Abaire, who won the prestigious award for his play "Rabbit Hole", has secured to gig to write the third franchise sequel that is set to unite stars Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst and director Sam Raimi. The choice of a high-brow screenwriter shows a determination by the studio to focus on character this time around, something many thought got lost in the messy "Spider-Man 3." Zodiac scribe James Vanderbilt previously wrote a draft of the script. As yet plot details are still being kept tightly under-wraps.
--From IGN
Perhaps you reacted like me to this news. Wow, a Pulitzer Prize winning writer on Spider-Man 4? This is sure to make up for the disaster that was Spider-Man 3. Let me shed some light on this. This is not David Lindsay-Abaire's first screenplay. He was one of three on Robots, the mediocre CGI flick, and he has also penned the screenplay for the upcoming Inkheart. I want to be optimistic, but I thought this would be his transition into movies. Since he has experience, and that experience stems from family films, what will that do for the tone of Spider-Man 4? It could go either way. He must have something special if he replaced James Vanderbilt. Hopefully Lindsay-Abaire understands the pressure he's under.
The 20 Second Sermon
Joaquin Phoenix has announced he is quitting acting for good to focus on a music career. While it is a shame that he will not be turning in some great performances, I feel that this is a ploy so that eventually the buzz for his return will be high enough to have a better shot at awards. These days, "retiring" as a celebrity is almost always a line of bull unless you are Sean Connery. Samuel L. Jackson has joined Tarantino's Bastards as the narrator. Sammy L is fortunate that QT is his friend. Brandon Routh says making the "Superman" character darker is against his nature. Well, the film can be darker and still maintain the true nature. Only time will tell if this occurs. Singer Pink denied rumors that she will portray Janis Joplin in an upcoming biopic. That would be a terrible casting choice. You know who would be great? Amy Adams. She has the energy and the smile to fit the legendary singer. John Woo's Red Cliff Part I is setting advanced ticket sales records in Japan. Now I am amped to see it. Woo needs a comeback.
What's Coming to DVD….Buy or Avoid?
DVD Headline of the Week
Futurama: Bender's Game - If it's Futurama, it gets the headline. Look for one of 411mania's writers to review this soon!
Kung Fu Panda - This two-pack also features a bonus DVD entitled Secrets of the Furious Five, which should be worth the extra dough. This was a genuinely funny CGI film from Dreamworks. It might not be perfect, but worth checking out. Buy it Used
Get Smart (2-Disc Special Edition) - Director Peter Seagal has crafted a faithful adaptation of the popular TV series. Steve Carrell leads a stellar cast with some terrific comedy bits. Aside from the thin plot and mediocre action, this is a very satisfying summer experience. Rentable
Shrek the Halls - This was very comical and heartwarming, but chances are it will be on TV again, so I say it is not worth buying on its own. Seeable
Star Wars Prequel Trilogy - This set contains all the films and the DVD 2nd disc with the extras. Personally, not one of these movies is worth owning to me, but the price is fairly low for all three. The original trilogy is released again as well, but you should all own that by now. Anyway, for the prequel set I'll go with Rentable/Seeable
A Woman Under the Influence – Criterion Collection - This is a film from the John Cassavetes box set from Criterion that has been in stores for years. Apparently at least this DVD is being released separately.
Transiberrian - This is a film from this year that has received mostly positive reviews. I'm definitely interested in anything Woody Harrelson is doing these days.
Return to Sleepaway Camp - This is the fifth installment of the cult series. I have not seen any, but I think Leonard Hayhurst owns one of the sets, so if you have any questions, I'm sure he'd answer them.
A Christmas Story (Ultimate Collector's Edition) - I present the reigning King of multiple dipped DVDs. If this isn't, it has to be a Christmas theme film. I own one of the past editions, so I will not be updating, but maybe you will. It comes out on Blu-Ray too.
When Did You Last See Your Father? - This is a drama starring Colin Firth and Jim Broadbent about a writer faced with the impending death of his father. Ehhh.
WWE: No Mercy 2008 - Shawn Michaels and Chris Jericho usually put on a good show, but other than that, this PPV card looks bland.
The Bourne Trilogy - Chances are you own the films you want already, but this is a low price, so if you do not have any, go ahead and pick this up. Buyable
Batman: The Complete Animated Series - Some of you like it more than I do, but this is one hell of a box set, and for the price, is worth the money for sure. Buyable
The Critic's Quickee
High School Musical 3: Senior Year - I'll make this brief since I know few of you care about this movie. I watch these not for the entertainment, but to keep up to date with pop culture. If I want to make statements on the franchise, I should see them right? This third installment is an insult. I am sick and tired of everyone dismissing this as harmless fun, or describing the cast as possessing energy. Not only is this is a recycle job of the first film, it seems as if the cast and crew have elected to push the viewers' buttons as much as possible. I'll be the first to admit that some of the songs could be catchy, but the forced expressions on each actor's face just damages any positivity of the tune. We still have Troy Bolton weighing two options: basketball and theater. Have we not moved on? If any other franchise did this, we would bash them relentlessly. The word for this flick is artificial. Every single facet is phony, and that is just increasingly irritating. The costumes are ridiculous. Look at Chad's tuxedo with his team number on the back. The school makes me want to vomit. The players' jerseys are retired, they have banners, and every room is more pristine than if it had just been built. Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens are the main characters, yet also the worst performers and singers of the bunch. Only one person is tolerable, and that is Ashley Tisdale. She is the only one who understands how silly it all is. Every other cast member plays the sludge as if it is real. Don't even get me started on the dialogue. I could also unleash due to the Saved by the Bell segments they ripped off, but I'll calm down a bit. Yes, if you are under the age of 10, you will love this now. Have those same kids wait 5 years and watch this again. The point is this film is horrible, the worst of the series. Director Kenny Ortega has been at the helm for all three, and seems content to churn out the same product each time. Is that really what fans want? Really, if any members of the movie zone were planning on doing a riff trax type commentary on a film, any one of these would be perfect. Disney is practically begging people to make fun of it. Final Rating = 2.0/10.0
Saw V - At this point I would say the Saw sequels are whatever you want them to be. I view the franchise as a guilty pleasure, and am fully aware that it has problems, but this is the most original franchise we have nowadays so I take what I can get. If you are tired of the traps and mindgames, this will not win you over, so don't bother paying for another ticket just to express issues others have four sequels already. The fifth installment is directed by David Hackl, who previously served as Assistant Director and Production Designer since Saw II, so he understands the territory well and shows that immediately. As George Sirois has made mention before, this continues the "legacy" of Jigsaw trilogy, and I think it's mesmerizing. This film is certainly more of the same, but it does have a bunch of juicy treats to offer. I'll try to keep this as spoiler free as possible. The puzzles and deadly contraptions contained here are fabulous of course. The perverse and torturous things people can create are just amazing. The best scenes in Saw V are not gore related though. They involve Jigsaw and the manner in which he seduces his "associate." That person questions him on how he expects everything to go his way, and they discuss chance in regard to the outcomes. This is what I wanted to see because if you remember, we touched on this in Fate of a Franchise during a previous podcast. The biggest flaw for this sequel is the ending, which is both cool and outlandish at the same time. Nevertheless, while it does prevent this from being perfect, that was never attainable anyway. The acting is up to standard for a Saw picture. Tobin Bell is magnificent to watch, and thankfully the flashbacks are integrated competently. Costas Mandylor is a huge part of the series now, and he has a really creepy demeanor about him that will suit the role he possesses. Scott Patterson reprises the Agent Strahm character, and if I had to stamp a weakling in the acting department it would be him, but he is passable. Carlo Rota has a small part as an investigative journalist, which was highly entertaining, and his contribution should have been larger. The supporting efforts were fine as well from Betsy Russell, Meagan Good, and others. The fact of the matter is the Saw franchise has more than enough steam for a sixth installment. The dedicated crew is faithful to the roots and maintains the style that brought them to the dance, but is also discovering new ways to keep audiences intrigued and on the edge of their seats. This ends by leaving many facets open for the next sequel to touch on. As I said, this is not perfect, but is certainly worth owning for completists. Final Rating = 7.5/10.0
What Have I Done?
Monday - My week began with the frustrating task of completing my first Blu-Ray firmware update. The directions are clearly laid out on the website, but they need one minor adjustment. They "suggest" using Nero, but really you MUST use a sophisticated CD creating program, or it will not work. Mine finally worked 3 days and one call to Samsung later. Now I have a free backup disc coming I don't need.
Tuesday - I had a Lewis Black moment with the weather as sleet, rain, snow, and beautiful blue warm sunshine all appeared in less than 10 minutes. I live in the northeast, and by this time, it is usually cold and not much else. Weather like this is just plain weird.
Wednesday - If you have Netflix, you know how exciting it is to have a new friend join. If they join under you, it means free DVD rentals. Unfortunately, this also means other friends try to recruit that same friend under their own account. My friend joined under someone else. I should say "Oh well", but strangely, I want to sabotage the Netflix account of the person that stole my potential free disc. These opportunities don't occur everyday you know!
Thursday - If you have never heard of the site Garfield minus Garfield, and you are even a small follower of the comic strip, cartoon show, or line of books, you must make time to visit that site of only Jon Arbuckle comic strips. It is non-stop hilarity, I promise you.
The Weekend - I hardly ever go to Wal-Mart anymore, so I was unaware that they were the only retailer selling ACDC's new album Black Ice. I ordered it online, and had to wait a few days. I loved it, and for those who did not, know this: ACDC has never left their roots. They are a rock band who makes rock albums. They will not change and that is why they are legends. This is as solid as most of their material. Congrats to them on the #1 spot!
Based on the Trailer…
Newest Trailers
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2) - Yes, I am a bit skeptical of the director, but this looks very good. This teaser gave me hope that Yates knows what he's doing. The comedy part at the end was terrific. Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Angels & Demons - The Da Vinci Code was a superb thriller, and this looks to be outstanding as well. This teaser has me amped for Tom Hanks as Robert Langdon again! Trailer Rating = 9.0/10.0
Twilight - I realize this is a bit of a cheat since the link goes to all the trailers, but I did watch all of them. My conclusion is that a lot of Matrix like action and a lame romance angle will produce a mediocre vampire flick no matter how unique it may seem. Sorry for those who enjoy the books, but this cannot be what you wanted. Trailer Rating = 5.5/10.0
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans - I have never been a big fan of this franchise. The first film was ok, but the second was weak. I like Rhona Mitra, she's hot, and has talent, but needs to pick some dramas. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
November Releases
Role Models - On one hand you have Paul Rudd, who is always hilarious, but then you also have Seann William Scott, who is annoying after about 5 minutes. This looks average the very maximum. Trailer Rating = 6.0/10.0
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
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
Delgo - I've seen this one twice now, and it amazes me how studios think. If we stack as many stars that are willing to join, it will be a hit right? No. The animation looks sloppy, and the story sounds forgettable. Trailer Rating = 5.0/10.0
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
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
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
Gran Torino - Clint's second release looks good primarily because he is in it. Otherwise, the plot would seem average at best. But since he is the star and the director, my interest goes up considerably. Trailer Rating = 8.0/10.0
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 Releases
Paul Blart: Mall Cop - Kevin James stars in a Happy Madison production about a mall security guard. This looks like it will provide a few chuckles, but not much more. Trailer Rating = 7.0/10.0
Bride Wars - Kate Hudson has gone downhill as much as possible after her great role in Almost Famous. This looks dreadful, and not because it is targeted at women. I'm sure it will be #1. Trailer Rating = 2.5/10.0
Notorious - You can access both trailers from here. The newest offers a larger glimpse. This movie looks ok with inspired casting decisions, but my question is how sugarcoated will it be? Even those a little familiar with Biggie will see through the phony scenes. 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
February, TBD, and Beyond Releases
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
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
Friday the 13th - This looks about as bad as any Michael Bay produced remake, but the mother voice over was eerie. Trailer Rating = 4.5/10.0
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 see 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
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
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
The 411 Movie PODCAST - This week we discuss new releases and the Halloween TV schedule!
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.
Monday - My week began with the frustrating task of completing my first Blu-Ray firmware update. The directions are clearly laid out on the website, but they need one minor adjustment. They "suggest" using Nero, but really you MUST use a sophisticated CD creating program, or it will not work. Mine finally worked 3 days and one call to Samsung later. Now I have a free backup disc coming I don't need.
Tuesday - I had a Lewis Black moment with the weather as sleet, rain, snow, and beautiful blue warm sunshine all appeared in less than 10 minutes. I live in the northeast, and by this time, it is usually cold and not much else. Weather like this is just plain weird. 
Wednesday - If you have Netflix, you know how exciting it is to have a new friend join. If they join under you, it means free DVD rentals. Unfortunately, this also means other friends try to recruit that same friend under their own account. My friend joined under someone else. I should say "Oh well", but strangely, I want to sabotage the Netflix account of the person that stole my potential free disc. These opportunities don't occur everyday you know!
Thursday - If you have never heard of the site Garfield minus Garfield, and you are even a small follower of the comic strip, cartoon show, or line of books, you must make time to visit that site of only Jon Arbuckle comic strips. It is non-stop hilarity, I promise you. 
The Weekend - I hardly ever go to Wal-Mart anymore, so I was unaware that they were the only retailer selling ACDC's new album Black Ice. I ordered it online, and had to wait a few days. I loved it, and for those who did not, know this: ACDC has never left their roots. They are a rock band who makes rock albums. They will not change and that is why they are legends. This is as solid as most of their material. Congrats to them on the #1 spot!
