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Director: Nora Ephron Stars: Amy Adams, Meryl Streep, Chris Messina (Full Cast) Studio: Columbia Pictures The Plot: Frustrated secretary Julie Powell (Adams) tries to shake up her life by chronicling her attempt to cook all 524 recipes in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking in a year's time.
THE BUZZ: Another blogger gets a chance to turn her Internet archive into a motion picture, but the real-life Julie Powell has a leg up on the Diablo Codys of the writing world, since her memoir Julie and Julia: 365 Days, 524 Recipes, 1 Tiny Apartment Kitchen became an enduring best seller since its debut in 2005. Two things I'm worried about here: The stiff hand of writer-director Nora Ephron (Bewitched) and the decision to cut back and forth between Powell's travails with marrowbones and lotsa butter and Julia Child's life circa 1949. But here's a question: Has Amy Adams been styled to resemble Cynthia Nixon, and does it look like the contemporary half of the movie was filmed in Carrie Bradshaw's old apartment? Here's an ace review of the inherent complexities of adapting this novel. Message Boards: An interview w/ MERYL STREEP + STANLEY TUCCI | Loved it, loved it, loved it...Jane Lynch Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||
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Director: Robert Rodriguez Stars: Jimmy Bennett, James Spader, Kat Dennings (Full Cast) Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures The Plot: Toe Thompson's discovery of a colorful, wish-granting rock causes a stir in the suburban town of Black Falls, and grand-scale chaos occurs when the object falls into the hands of local adults. Can Toe and his two newfound friends save the residents of Black Falls from themselves? THE BUZZ: A candy-colored, hyper-saturated family movie might not seem like the most bankable prospect in the post-Speed Racer era, but one of the obvious differences between this fantasy and that migraine-inducing blur is the notion of a story, theme, and desire to blend the real with the unreal. Plus, casting! And Robert Rodriguez's ability to work with actors, not just special effects. Maybe Warner Bros. won't lose their shirts and blouses on this one. P.S. Our interest in this one inched up a bit when we found out the title is a play on the movie's structure, which is broken up into short segments because the protagonist can't quite remember the sequence of events. Message Boards: Robert tries too hard on his family films. | why god Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||
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Director: David Twohy Stars: Milla Jovovich, Steve Zahn, Timothy Olyphant (Full Cast) Studio: Rogue Pictures The Plot: Two pairs of lovers (Zahn & Jovovich, Olyphant & Sanchez) on a Hawaiian vacation discover that psychopaths are stalking and murdering tourists on the islands.
THE BUZZ: One thing gives me pause as far as APG is concerned, and that's the idea of Milla Jovovich playing a victim; it's slightly harder than imagining her being in love with Steve Zahn (newly minted movie star!), though perhaps it's true that a sense of humor does get you places in the romantic arena. And who knows exactly how David Twohy's story will twist back on itself, making the hunters the eventual prey. What we do know, according to Twohy's blog: The movie was shot in just over a month and there's a sea cave sequence that will hopefully wipe my memory clean of Into the Blue. And thank God he's not going to write that Alien Vs. Predator installment that fanboys and girls are petitioning for him to handle. Message Boards: The trailers for this look like bad SNL skits | From the trailers... Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||
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Director: Sophie Barthes Stars: Paul Giamatti, Emily Watson, Dina Korzun (Full Cast) Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Company, The The Plot: Paul (Giamatti) is an actor who feels bogged down by his participation in a production of Chekov's play, Vanya. His condition which leads him to an organization that will store his soul while he treads the boards, though complications (and international travel) arise when his soul goes missing.
THE BUZZ: Sounds "Kaufman-esque," right? You're pretty much there, though one of my favorite writers gives Sophie Barthes's film more shape here. And if you want full critical perspective, head this way. Message Boards: People need to understand the difference between rip off and inspiration | Simpsons Episode anyone? Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||
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Director: Stephen Sommers Stars: Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans (Full Cast) Studio: Paramount Pictures The Plot: An elite military unit comprised of operatives known as the Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity look to dismantle Cobra, an organization headed by a Scottish arms dealer.
THE BUZZ: Despite the magazine-ready cast and built-in audience, it looks like cheesy CGI and an upset fanbase might result in a Van Helsing-like experience for director Stephen Sommers. I thought this was supposed to be heavier on the stunts and lighter on the visual-effects flash? Guess we'll have to wait and see how the fans respond to opening weekend. Message Boards: To all the 30 year olds like me... | Old characters not in it! Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||
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Director: Judd Apatow Stars: Adam Sandler, Seth Rogen, Leslie Mann (Full Cast) Studio: Universal Pictures The Plot: When seasoned comedian George Simmons (Sandler) learns of his terminal, inoperable health condition, his desire to form a genuine friendship inspires him to take a relatively green performer (Rogen) under his wing as his opening act. User Rating:
THE BUZZ: With no Will Smith movie set for July 2009, Adam Sandler looks to rule the season with a comedy-drama (don't say "dramedy") that I'm hoping will feature his best performance since Punch-Drunk Love. Little bits of evidence here and there, such as the presence of Oscar-winning cinematographer Janusz Kaminski and a certain special event, have convinced me that Judd Apatow is looking to crack his mold and usher in a different kind of, ummmmm, masculine realness (?) for his third go-round behind the camera. Also, with Ms. Apatow and Sarah Silverman cast (in major and minor roles, respectively), maybe the director finally will learn how to fold actual-real funny women into a story. Message Boards: Is this movie okay for a 68 year old? | The anti-semitism on this board... Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | ||||
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Director: David Yates Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint (Full Cast) Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures The Plot: In his sixth year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter discovers even more about the evil Lord Voldemort's past, thanks to his mentor Dumbledore and mysterious textbook marked "This book is the property of the Half-Blood Prince." By the end of the year, nothing will ever be the same. User Rating:
THE BUZZ: Director David Yates is again at the helm for this sixth film, which if the book is any indication, trods into decidedly grown-up territory -- we have left Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans far behind. Good news: screenwriter Steve Kloves is back, and the newest high profile cast additions include Jim Broadbent as professor Horace Slughorn) and Helen McCrory as Draco's nefarious mum. (Don't know her? She was Cherie Blair in The Queen) The bad news? You will probably need a hug by the time the credits roll -- darkness, death and despair loom highly for our hero. Message Boards: wow they changed a lot | why arent the other schools... Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | ||||
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Director: Hoyt Yeatman Stars: Will Arnett, Penélope Cruz, Zach Galifianakis (Full Cast) Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures The Plot: A specially trained squad of guinea pigs is dispatched to stop a diabolical billionaire from taking over the world. User Rating:
THE BUZZ: Guinea pigs are this year's chihuahua, at least on the Disney lot. Truthfully, while I am not moved by such movies, there are much worse ways to spend 90 minutes with your kids. But I do wish the creative minds here rethought the idea of making animals appear "sexy." And it's interesting to note the normally filthy tongued Will Arnett is the main face here. Watch the trailer. Message Boards: One of the worst animated movies ever | Die Hard Reference Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | ||||
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Director: Robert Luketic Stars: Katherine Heigl, Gerard Butler (Full Cast) Studio: Columbia Pictures The Plot: A macho morning TV show correspondent (Butler) makes a bet with his love-challenged producer (Heigl): If his tips on how to land and keep a guy don't work, he'll quit the business. But while he coaches her through a fledgling romance, can he avoid falling for her, and vice versa? User Rating:
THE BUZZ: Hmm, if anyone out there really wants to go see a super-formulaic romance that turns two likable actors into two icky characters, let me know if you truly enjoyed The Ugly Truth, whose plot is more schematic than Heigl and Butler's planned career trajectories. I'll be one theater over, watching something slightly more tolerable, like the movie version of a Disney TV show, or an ill-advised sequel. Message Boards: Worth seeing ?! | Katheriine Heigl is some annoying pain in the pie hole Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | ||||
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Director: John Schultz Stars: Ashley Tisdale, Robert Hoffman, Carter Jenkins (Full Cast) Studio: Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation The Plot: In Maine, a group of teenagers must protect their vacation home from the aliens who have taken over the top floor of the dwelling. User Rating:
THE BUZZ: Whoa, it's like a family version of The Mist, with a screenplay by an acutal-real writer! And the most wildly divergent cast (in terms of demographics) we've seen in a while, what with two former "SNL" dudes, an HSM vet, Doris Roberts, and the boy from Step Up 2: The Streets. Does this mean we can expect some singing, dancing, and improv? We wish. Actually, the best thing this movie has going for itself: It's an entirely original story, no pressure to turn some Caldecott-winning kids' lit masterpiece into a potential franchise. Message Boards: I DEMAND YOU RATE THIS A 1!!!!!!!!! | Actually, it wasn't as terrible as I thought it would be Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | ||||
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Director: Jaume Collet-Serra Stars: Vera Farmiga, Peter Sarsgaard, Isabelle Fuhrman (Full Cast) Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures The Plot: After their unborn baby dies, Kate and John Coleman (Farmiga and Sarsgaard) decide to adopt a child as a hopeful way to bring some joy and normalcy into their lives. Esther (Fuhrman), a 9-year-old orphan, captivates the couple, and comes home to live with them, though a strange sequence of events follows Esther's arrival, who's angelic façade might mask sinister intentions. User Rating:
THE BUZZ: Sigh. Another creepy-kid frightener ... released in July ... starring Vera Farmiga. No offense to the unintentionally campy Joshua, but you'd think Warner Bros. might have opted for a different release angle with this one, the third film from ho-hum director Jaume Collet-Serra (House of Wax). Plus, select audiences have already risen up against the picture. Message Boards: Orphan T-Shirts (Post Funny Lines Here) | Did anyone notice children younger than 8 in the theater? Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | ||||
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Director: Carlos Saldanha Mike Thurmeier Stars: Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, Denis Leary (Full Cast) Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Animation The Plot: When Sid gets into some trouble, it's up to Manny, Ellie, Diego, and Scrat to save their friend. Their mission leads them to an underground world where encounter dinosaurs, flora, and fauna -- as well as a one-eyed, dino-hunting weasel named Buck. User Rating:
THE BUZZ: Animation studio Blue Sky might just fulfill their promise to help Twentieth Century Fox bring Pixar-level quality to family audiences this year, as they look to resuscitate this franchise after the touchy, feely, Dr. Phil-y Ice Age: The Meltdown. (Admittedly, we are more primed for their other 2009 offering, Wes Anderson's The Fantastic Mr. Fox.) With just the teaser trailer and other shreds of evidence available, we say prepare for Scrat, and his new lady companion, to be positioned a bit toward the front and center, delivering true entertainment while they possibly distract from the revisionist history taking place. Message Boards: WAY too much with the squirrels | Worst Character = BUCK! Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | ||||
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Director: Todd Phillips Stars: Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, Justin Bartha (Full Cast) Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures The Plot: In Las Vegas, three groomsmen lose their about-to-be-wed buddy during their drunken misadventures, forcing them to retrace their steps in order to find him before the church bells ring. User Rating:
THE BUZZ: Hmm, did Ashton and Cameron's success in Vegas influence director Todd Phillips to finally pick his first project since the woefully misguided School for Scoundrels remake? Whatever the case, Phillips and Warner Bros. are keeping it low budget here, with a B-list cast (at best) that should keep this comedy in the black. Message Boards: pathetic comedy attempt | Funny.... but top #250 ? Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | ||||
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Director: Anne Fletcher Stars: Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds (Full Cast) Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures The Plot: A publishing executive (Bullock) forces her assistant (Reynolds) to marry her so she can avoid deportation back to Canada. User Rating:
THE BUZZ: Step Up director Anne Fletcher is making strides in her career, and she's looking to spotlight "Sandy's" physical-comedy skills here, which will most likely pale in comparison to Ryan Reynolds's innate ability to make annoying behavior somehow charming. Thing is: Both Reynolds and Bullock's respective partners are exponentially hotter than this on-screen pairing, but we sense that 2009 is turning into the Year of the Cougar. Message Boards: 84% on RT...or is that 44%? | age difference Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | ||||
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Director: Michael Bay Stars: Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel (Full Cast) Studio: DreamWorks SKG The Plot: Decepticon forces return to Earth on a mission to take Sam Witwicky prisoner, after the young hero learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers. Joining the mission to protect humankind is Optimus Prime, who forms an alliance with international armies for a second epic battle. User Rating:
THE BUZZ: Nearly two years to the day after the original Transformers was released, it's interesting to note how the personalities involved here have changed. Shia LaBeouf has gone from an up-and-comer to full-fledged star, with attendant backlash and ego bursts; Megan Fox one upped her co-star by becoming a more credible Hollywood bad boy; Michael Bay is still as huffy as producer Don Murphy is angry, though they both do an admirable job of bringing movies news, insights, misdirections, and angry rants to the TF universe. What do we really know about the project? Highlights: A boosted budget (a reported $200 million, which excludes marketing and all that) allowed the creation of some 40 Autobots and Decepticons, who will receive more screen time; LaBeouf will likely channel Mutt Williams a bit, given the ancient-world tie-ins here (hint: Egyptology reveals the origins of TF life?!); rabid worldwide fanbase + four-barrel marketing attack + IMAX footage = biggest film of the year? KIT with TF2 via cheat sheets and spoiler logs. P.S. When is the last time a coloring book spoiled a plot? Message Boards: Blame America | Real fans Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | ||||
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