500 Days of Summer

Firstly, I think we all know that I love Zooey Deschanel. Let's just clear that up right now.

Secondly, we all know that I love a good rom-com. But this one looks to be a little better than the norm.

First cute trailer:



Second cute Zooey Deschanel talking about her character. Because why not:

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Reevaluation of Watchmen

Upon first seeing the trailer for the upcoming film 'Watchmen,' I was moderately put off. The main reason was it had a tag of, 'From the visionary director of 300.' "Visionary Director?" What in the hell does that mean? Oscar Winning Director, I get. Visionary Director doesn't mean anything. That's even a step below 'Acclaimed ______ of ________.' Plus, 300 was really, really awful.

But Zack Snyder did direct the remake of Dawn of the Dead, which is one of the better recent horror movies, so he gets some slack.

Originally the concept of Watchmen seemed bland and confusing, with the trailer really revealing no plot whatsoever. But with the movie about to come out, I decided to pick up the original graphic novel to read beforehand. Let me tell you: This was a great decision. I can't put this novel down, it's so good.

I know the novel came out in ~1986, so I'm behind the curve, but cut me some slack. It's so interwoven and intricate that I have to force myself to stop reading it so I don't finish it in a day. Few books do that for me. I think the last one to do that was 1984.

I can imagine that it is a near impossible task to put this much material into a film, but hopefully it won't be a blown opportunity. I'm ready to accept that the film won't be as in-depth as the novel, but damn, does that trailer look better every time I watch it. I will definitely be there opening day.

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Role Models Opens Tomorrow

I love me some Paul Rudd. And Seann William Scott. But mainly Paul Rudd. Here's a trailer for a new comedy, 'Role Models,' which opens tomorrow. Should be quite funny. See it so we can talk about it!

(first = theatrical, second = red band [a lot funnier])

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Quantum of Solace

Here's a trailer for the upcoming James Bond 22, Quantum of Solace. You're welcome.



A lot of James Bond has been on television lately, but the recent Casino Royale is definitely one of -- if not the -- best. It was one of my favorite films of 2006, and hopefully this sequel will be just as good. A new director, yes, but Marc Forster is very capable and the writing staff is the same as Casino Royale.

Definitely opening weekend material.

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Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist

This looks kind of cute and kind of funny. Like Superbad, except less vulgar and more intelligent (judging from the trailer).

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Pineapple Express

When I saw the first trailer for this film, I was unimpressed. But 'Red Band' trailers are becoming extremely popular, and as with almost all other films (Step Brothers still looks awful), the redness makes it look much more appealing.



Don't know if I'll see it in theaters, but it can't be worse than Harold and Kumar 2 (but can be worse than White Castle).

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New 'Choke' Trailer

So there's been a new Red Band trailer for Choke released. It looks a lot, lot better than the original trailer. Maybe it will be all right after all. Anyway, here it is. NSFW.

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I Know, I Know...

So my movie countdown has paused. It will be back tomorrow. Promise.

A few things:

1) Why does Hellboy II look freaking awesome?
2) The Incredible Hulk was all right. Better than the other Hulk, worse than Iron Man. 4.5 out of 7.
3) Sex and the City was disappointing. I would have rather watched a fresh 30 minute episode than sit through that 2+ hour ordeal. Some good moments, but not worth seeing again for a few years. 3 out of 7.

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I Think I'll Just Watch North by Northwest Again

Funny, this is by the director of Disturbia -- another mimicry of a Hitchcock film. Let's see how many more classics he can ruin!

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'Choke' Trailer

So a day or so ago the trailer for the film adaptation of Chuck Palahniuk's Choke went online. You can view it here.

This is a prime example of how an adaptation can ruin a great book. Well, maybe not a 'great' book, but a good book. From the looks of it, the comedy fails miserably at transferring to the big screen and just comes off as tasteless. Is it Sam Rockwell's delivery? A big part of me thinks so.

It's for reasons like this I don't want to watch the movie Lolita. Loved the book. Love Kubrick. But from what I've read, Kubrick destroyed the script he asked Nabokov to write for him, and I think the movie will ruin my love for the book. Not that Choke is in the same ballpark, but it's the same sport.

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In Theaters May 16

A quick week here, yet again. It seems we're down to only a single wide release in theaters May 16th.

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian || IMDb

It seems the general consensus here is either love or hatred. Same as with the Lord of the Rings trilogy. But I enjoy movies in all genres, and the first Narnia movie was a good adaptation of the beloved series. We have the same director and writer as before, so I think this will be another good movie. Who am I kidding, though. You are already set on if you want to see this movie and nothing I say will sway your opinion.

Jon's Pick of the Week: Narnia

DVD Release of the Week: Oh God, do I really have to pick one? The Great Debaters, I guess. But I did buy City Lights on DVD this week. You should, too.

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In Theaters May 9

Again, there's only two major movies opening May 9th. One looks to be super entertaining, yet potentially very awful. The other looks boring and certainly awful. Oh, where to start?

Speed Racer || IMDb

When I was a kid I loved me some Speed Racer. The cardinal problem is: Can the Wachowski brothers conjure up enough material to fill a big screen time slot? They did give us 'The Matrix,' but also forced us to sit through two crappy sequels. The Coen brothers, they are not. Yet I'm sure this will be a joy to watch, regardless of the inevitably bland plot. Plus I like Emile Hirsch a lot more since Into the Wild, and I've had a thing for Christina Ricci since she was in Casper (and I was 10 so that's not as creepy as it sounds). What is it with this movie bringing back childhood memories? Nostalgia, here I come.

Rating: Opening Weekend

What Happens in Vegas || IMDb

I like Ashton Kutcher a lot. To be honest he's never done any good movies, but I can't help liking the guy. Unfortunately my man-crush is canceled out by Cameron Diaz, who I think is quite possible the least attractive star on the Hollywood A-List. But besides that, I'm also spiteful against the movie for its excessive advertising well before it came out. I don't mind seeing trailers for The Dark Knight or WALL-E dozens of times, but I think trailers should be more to promote awareness than brainwash viewers with thousands of repetitive showings. I shall coin this term Movie Trailer Tact. Over-promoting a movie makes people sick of it, and this is just one example.

But honestly, like every other movie of this nature, we can all safely assume a pile of unfunny material peppered with occasional joke that is genuinely funny.

Rating: Download

Jon's Pick of the Week: Speed Racer

DVD Release of the Week: I'm Not There (haven't seen it, but it's a lesser evil)

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In Theaters May 2

Not much comes out this week. So little, in fact, I probably won't need to use the expandable post feature. Anyway, here are some movies in theaters May 2.

Iron Man || IMDb

When I saw the first trailer I was left with a good impression. I like Robert Downey Jr. a lot: He has this strange charisma, in a likable prick kinda way. But what's surprising is on Rottentomatoes, the movie has a 94% regular critics, and 88% top critics. Needless to say, that bumps the movie from 'should be entertaining' status to 'first good blockbuster of the summer' status.

Rating: Opening Weekend

Made of Honor || IMDb

It's tempting to rant about Grey's Anatomy here, but I shall not. Instead, I think we'll just all be safe in the assumption that there will be plenty of cliches and predictable plot points in this movie. At 101 minutes, I'm positive that is about 94 minutes longer than the movie should be.

Rating: Download

And that's it for wide releases this week. At least we have one winner.

Jon's Pick of the Week: Iron Man

DVD Release of the Week: The Diving Bell and the Butterfly (DVD Release of the Year so far)

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In Theaters April 25

Is it summer yet? It sure feels like it -- though in Florida it starts to feel like summer mid-February. At least we're getting some big name movies in theaters April 25th.

Baby Mama || IMDb

I wanted to see this until I realized it wasn't written by Tina Fey, it just stars her. Mean Girls and 30 Rock, great. SNL, not too bad these days. Baby Mama... pass.

Rating: Rental

Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay || IMDb

The first time I watched the original, I didn't like it. A month ago I bought the DVD. It grew on me (though some scenes still just make me cringe). Though this sequel is bound to be a bit inferior, same writers translates to a solid experience. That is, if you enjoyed the original.

Rating: Opening Weekend

Deception || IMDb

Interesting trailer, but bound to flop. Just take my word for it. Sometimes you just know.

Rating: Download

Jon's Pick of the Week: Harold and Kumar

DVD Release of the Week: The Savages

Side note: One Missed Call has a 0% on Rottentomatoes after 65 reviews. Hilarious.

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In Theaters April 18

We are in for a slightly better week at the movies this time around. There can only be so many bad movies made per year, right? One could only hope, but I don't think that's ever been proven true. Nonetheless, here is what is in theaters for April 18th.

The Forbidden Kingdom || IMDb

I can't tell whether this is supposed to be a parody or the real thing. I'm guessing the latter. Not really too much to say here -- if you like martial arts movies you will enjoy this, if not, then you will not.

Rating: Dollar Theater

88 Minutes || IMDb

Early reviews on Rottentomatoes show this one to be very bad, which confirms my assessment from the trailer that it will be very bad. Unfortunately not even Al Pacino can stop this train wreck. I think we need Keanu Reeves. See what I did there? I made a 'Speed' joke. Because Keanu was in 'Speed' and it was about stopping a vehicle. And that goes with my train wreck analogy.

Rating: Download

Forgetting Sarah Marshall || IMDb

I am really, really over the '40 Year-Old Virgin' and 'Knocked Up' hype. Any time I see those mentioned as a selling point in a preview I immediately go flaccid, which is saying a lot since this movie stars Kristen Bell and Mila Kunis. Let's be real -- it will be amusing, have some eye candy, but ultimately fall short of memorable. I think I'll just watch 'Knocked Up' again.

Rating: Dollar Theater

Jon's Pick of the Week: Forgetting Sarah Marshall (sadly)
DVD Release of the Week: Juno!

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In Theaters April 11

x-posted from Eggs N Bloggin.

It looks to be another deadpan week for the movies. When will it technically be 'summer' so we can get those huge blockbusters? Give me the next Batman already! Nonetheless, here is what is in theaters April 11.

Prom Night || IMDb

Even the worst, worst horror movies, in the trailer, manage to have some jump-out-scary moments that catch the viewer off guard. Prom Night fails to do even that. At least give me some trick camera angles. Or zombies. I like zombies. The only reason I can understand seeing this is for Brittany Snow, who was hot when she guest starred in Nip/Tuck, and also in Hairspray. Plus, she was born in Tampa, Florida, so that's always a plus. But if you use that logic, I guess you could, you know, watch Nip/Tuck or Hairspray....

Rating: Not If They Paid You

Street Kings || IMDb

I'm glad to see a movie with a fresh plot that has not been done a million times before. Oh, wait.... Novelist James Ellroy takes to doing screenplays. He wrote the novel 'L.A. Confidential,' which was turned into a great movie. But not by him. He should stay away from Hollywood. Instead, director David Ayer should stick to writing, where he at least has some notoriety (Harsh Times, Training Day). And Keanu Reeves should stick to Bill & Ted, obviously.

Rating: Download

Smart People || IMDb

Ellen Page will draw many viewers to this new movie because of her success in Juno. Sadly, people will see this movie for the wrong reason. Granted, there looks to be plenty of cliches and a happy ending, but I'm sure there will be witty moments. Thomas Haden Church is always memorable (his role in Sideways is one of my favorites in recent years), and Dennis Quaid is charming in most roles. Except Vantage Point. Did anyone even see that movie?

Rating: Dollar Theater

Jon's Pick: Smart People (it's in limited release, though)

DVD Release of the Week: There Will Be Blood (rent, don't buy -- the special edition has shit features and the regular one doesn't even have a real case)

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In Theaters April 4

It's that time of the month again. No, wait. Week. That time of the week again. Yes, that is what I was aiming for. It looks like this week may be a gamble. Last week I gambled on '21' and lost miserably. Let's see if we can do better this week.

Leatherheads || IMDb

I like George Clooney. Who doesn't, right? Plus I have a small man-crush on John Krasinski, and seeing him on Leno a few days ago solidified that, while this movie has some things going for it, we're looking at a bench warmer movie at best. Though it's only a few reviews, the movie has scored low on both Rottentomatoes and IMDb. 'Good Night and Good Luck.' was a great film, but here, well, let's wait for George's next round at directing.

Rating: Download

Nim's Island || IMDb

A little better, though I think children's movies have a bit of an advantage. It seems like they get more leeway from critics because the subject matter doesn't have to be as mature. But then again, a good movie is a good movie. I think this one will safely be 'enjoyable but not memorable.'

Rating: Dollar Theater

The Ruins || IMDb

I'm kind of partial to this one, but only because I've been on a horror movie kick. But, A) the movie is rated R, so that's a start, and B) it looks to branch a bit beyond typical 'dead teenager movies.' Those two criteria put it immediately above most horror movies released recently, so there you go.

Rating: Theater

Shine a Light || IMDb

A documentary about the Rolling Stones. Basically, if you like the Rolling Stones, you'll like this. If not, then not.

Rating: Dollar Theater

Jon's Pick of the Week: The Ruins

DVD Release of the Week: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

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In Theaters March 28

x-posted from Eggs N Bloggin.

Finally, it looks like a decent week for some movie action. Recently I went and saw 'Horton Hears a Who.' Decently entertaining, except the whole time I could only think of the Mayor, voiced by Steve Carell, as Michael Scott from the Office. But that made it funnier.

21 || IMDb

Everything about this movie looks good. Capable director, fun plot premise (who doesn't like gambling/casino movies?), Kevin Spacey, and Kate Bosworth back at a healthy weight. The trailer looks good, but for some reason I just feel like it's going to flop. There's just something missing, and I can't place my finger on it. On Rottentomatoes it has a 38% off of 37 reviews, and that's not too hot. Either way, I shall see it and report back.

Rating: Theater

Run, Fat Boy, Run || IMDb

'Hot Fuzz' was one of my favorite movies last year. Unfortunately it looks like Simon Pegg is starting to go downhill. Maybe he just needs a paycheck. I mean, sometimes that's gotta be the case. Seriously though, this movie looks like it may have some moments, but overall, just keep in mind it's directed by Ross from Friends.

Rating: Rental

Stop-Loss || IMDb

Let's do a pro/con list.

Pros: Scott Rudin, producer.

Cons: Woman director (sorry, but the only one to come to mind with more than one movie worth watching is Sofia Coppola*), an MTV production, America is tired of war movies (see: all of last year), Ryan Phillippe is the only noteworthy cast member, and even he isn't that big of a sell.

Some people are enthusiastic and calling it a must-see. I don't see it.

Rating: Download

Superhero Movie || IMDb

If you're really considering this, you need more help than I can provide.

Rating: Not If They Paid You

Jon's Pick of the Week: 21

DVD Release of the Week: Bonnie and Clyde special edition! If you haven't seen this amazing classic, you should get on it. Seriously. One of the best movies ever made.

* Yes, there have been quite a few movies directed by women. Some of my favorites, to be honest. But those that have directed more than one that was received well? That's my point.

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This is mostly a list for my personal reference, but I feel the general public will benefit as well.

Movies not yet released which I need to see:

Sweeney Todd
Atonement
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
Juno
There Will Be Blood
The Savages
The Kite Runner
Cassandra's Dream (not very good buzz so far, though)
Youth Without Youth (same as above)

Movies already released that I need to catch up on:

Into the Wild
The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
I'm Not There

And, movies I have seen from 2007 that, if you haven't seen, you should see ASAP (and a quick, off-the-wall rating):

No Country for Old Men (10/10)
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (9.5/10)
American Gangster (8.5/10)
Eastern Promises (8.5/10)
Zodiac (10/10)
Ratatouille (10/10)
3:10 to Yuma (8/10)
Hairspray (8/10)
La Vie en Rose (9/10)
Away From Her (9/10)

What does all this mean? Oh, you know. The end of the year crunch for studios to put out movies for Oscar season. Unless something comes way out of left field (which is possible, there's usually one) a majority of the nominations will come from the movies above. The only other movie I can think of is Michael Clayton, which I did not like at all. It's just nice to finally be able to sort through the enormous post from earlier this year, which had lots of potential. Now we know what to see and what to skip. That's me -- saving kids money $7.50 at a time.

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Since I haven't done a post in a while, here's something moderately big. I'll call it a '4th Quarter Preview,' though it will partially encompass the end of September. These are movies you should keep an eye on and why you should do so. This is partially geared toward Oscar-worthy movies, or generally 'artsy' movies. I love when the summer blockbuster season comes to an end.

September 14th

Eastern Promises - Trailer

A gangster flick with Viggo Mortenson and the beautiful Naomi Watts. Also, David Cronenberg has made some good movies, plus it's getting great early reviews.

In the Valley of Elah - Trailer

I have no real desire to see this one, but the last few years Paul Haggis has been a big name in the Oscar business (writer: Million Dollar Baby, Crash, Letters from Iwo Jima), so I can't ignore it. Also Tommy Lee Jones and Charlize Theron. IMDb plot outline: "A career officer (Jones) and his wife (Sarandon) work with a police detective (Theron) to uncover the truth behind their son's disappearance following his return from a tour of duty in Iraq."

September 21st

Into the Wild - Trailer

Another one I'm not rushing to see, but Sean Penn directs and there was some great buzz from the film festivals.

The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford - Trailer

Maybe my favorite so far. Brad Pitt seems to be straying into some uncharted waters the last few years, taking serious roles in movies that look good. Could be good. As with almost all movies on this list, good early buzz.

Lust, Caution - Trailer

I posted about this before, but here it is. Ang Lee's next directorial effort, and it looks intense/seductive/coy enough to be worthwhile.

September 29th

The Darjeeling Limited

Owen/Luke Wilson. Wes Anderson. Can't go wrong. Though I haven't heard anything about this movie yet.

October 12th

Elizabeth: The Golden Age - Trailer

I really love Cate Blanchett, even if she's played Elizabeth in like 50 different movies. The other 'Elizabeth' movie was all right. This one looks a lot better.

November 2nd

American Gangster - Trailer

Also posted about this one before. I'm pretty excited and sad that it's so far away. Even though Russell Crowe is an enormous asshole, he's still a good actor. Denzel is always good. Plus Ridley Scott. Best line-up yet? I think so.

November 9th

No Country for Old Men - Trailer

The Coen brothers, even at their worst, still make good movies. I'm so excited for this one since it looks like Fargo goes out West. I want to give this a 10/10 without seeing it. Also great early reviews.

Lions for Lambs - Trailer

Robert Redford has done some decent directing before (obvious understatement), and this time we have Meryl Streep. Tom Cruise, well... maybe he's back in good form. Wait for reviews on this one.

November 16th

Beowulf - Trailer

Doubt it'll be too great, but the special effects should be pretty solid. I'm going to see it unless it bombs with early reviews.

I'm Not There - Trailer

Doubt I'll see this one, but obviously all Bob Dylan fans will. Plus I think it's hilarious/awesome that Cate Blanchett is one of the six actors portraying him.

Margot at the Wedding - Trailer

After some success on his own, Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale) is out front again. This time he has Nicole Kidman, who can hopefully nullify the awfulness of Jack Black. We'll see.

Atonement - Trailer

Don't know how I feel about this one, but early reviews are all raves. James McAvoy praise, and Keira Knightly isn't bad either.

November 30th

Cassandra's Dream

New Woody Allen movie. Always worth seeing, cause even bad Woody Allen is still pretty good.

December 14th

Youth Without Youth

Coming out of what may have been a retirement, Francis Ford Coppola is making a new movie about a man who finds a way to restore his youth. I have no doubt that this will be at least somewhat of a hit, even if it's for the indie crowds. But I mean it's Coppola, so it can't be too indie.

December 21st

Sweeney Todd

I'm actually really excited for this one. Tim Burton doing a musical? That's live action? No way. Of course it has Johnny Depp and HBC, but whatever. Unless he butchers the original material I see good things.

December 25th

Charlie Wilson's War

Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Amy Adams, and Mike Nichols directing. I don't know too much about this one, but I'm sure it will be a flick to watch.

December 26th

There Will be Blood - Trailer

Oil and war seem to be the popular topics in today's film. Paul Thomas Anderson, of Magnolia and Boogie Nights fame, comes again with a new flick. The trailer didn't strike me too well (wow that pun was amazing), but we'll see.


I think I hit all the main movies for this Oscar season. I'll edit this later if I missed one, or let me know.

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