- Twilight's First Official Photo and Why I'm Passing
- Rumor: Matthew McConaughey Possibly Captain America - Blasphemy!
- Sound Off: Iron Man - What Did You Think?
- Must Watch: Second Full Trailer for The Dark Knight!
- V for Vendetta Director, James McTeigue, Takes on Revelation (May 9, 2008)
- Donnie Darko Getting an Unnecessary Sequel?! (May 9, 2008)
- Pirates' Gore Verbinski to Direct BioShock Movie! (May 9, 2008)
- Frank Miller Bringing Buck Rogers Back? (May 9, 2008)
| Speed Racer | 8/10 |
| Iron Man | 10/10 |
| Iron Man | 9/10 |
| Baby Mama | 7.5/10 |
Must Watch: Trailer for Our SXSW Fave The Promotion
The first trailer for Steve Conrad's indie gem The Promotion has arrived. Both Ken and I saw this at the SXSW Film Festival in March and loved it! It is easily one of the funniest movies of the year that you won't forget by the end of the day and is destined to become a cult classic. Seann William Scott and John C. Reilly star as two assistant managers at a corporate grocery store both battling for the same job - the manager of a new grocery store soon to be opened. This two hit it off perfectly as competitive businessmen and they rival the chemistry of Peter Gibbons and Bill Lumbergh in Office Space. There is so much good humor in this that I can't stress enough how important it is you watch this trailer!
Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt Starring in 500 Days of Summer Together
Two of my favorite actors joining a romantic comedy together - what a joyous occasion! Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt will star together in an upcoming independent movie titled 500 Days of Summer for Fox Searchlight. Not much has been revealed yet: the story centers on Gordon-Levitt who falls hopelessly in love with Deschanel, a girl who doesn't believe in love. Music video director Marc Webb is making his feature film debut with a screenplay by newcomers Scott Neustadter and Michael Weber (who's only other work was on the upcoming Pink Panther 2). Shooting starts next Tuesday in Los Angeles and I'll be sure to keep my eye on this.
Worth Watching - May 7: Trailer for Noise Starring Tim Robbins
THINKFilm is releasing a new indie movie called Noise starring Tim Robbins. Also starring alongside Robbins are Bridget Moynahan and William Hurt. Get this - the movie is about a guy in New York City who can't stand car alarms so he makes it his mission to attack every car he can. He calls himself "The Rectifier" and leaves his superhero-like calling card in every car that he destroys each night. Yes, it's a radical idea, but it's got an indie touch so it might not be that bad. Well, the trailer makes it seem not that bad, but I'm not sure I'd say it really looks that good either. Take a look for yourself - seem like a fun flick to you, too?
The Wackness Official Poster Debuts - Really?
Are you kidding me? This is the official poster for The Wackness that is supposed to stand up next to other heavy-hitting summer posters like this one and this one? While I'm sure Sony Pictures Classics is saying to themselves, any publicity is good publicity, this time they're going to get a mouthful. This is pitiful! They just took the original design from Sundance, which I wasn't very impressed with any way, and threw an ugly out-of-focus drawing in the background. We knew it from the start - this is going to be a disaster of a release all because Sony Pictures Classics does NOT know what to do with The Wackness!
Worth Watching - May 1: The Duplass Brothers' Baghead Trailer
What is with this week and new trailers for all of my Sundance favorites?! First we had The Wackness, then my fave of the fest, The Escapist, and now we've got the trailer for Baghead! The film is a great little indie about four wanna-be actor friends who go off on a weekend trip to a cabin in the woods and encounter a freaky guy with a bag on his head. Well, it's part comedy, part horror, part drama, but overall awesome. I really had a great time with this movie - it was a very enjoyable experience that I came out of late one night at Sundance. Sony Pictures Classics really does not know how to market a movie - but I'm going to try and forget about that this time. As odd (or just plain bad) as this trailer may seem, just know that it is a great movie that I really hope everyone sees!
Must Watch: First Trailer for My Sundance Fave The Escapist
The Escapist is an absolutely phenomenal movie. It was my favorite film of Sundance, hands down, and has been one of the few I've been very anxious to see again. The film follows Frank Perry and his escape from an underground prison in London. I really can't say enough good things - the soundtrack in it is incredible, Brian Cox is amazing, and everything else is pretty damn perfect. The Escapist will probably still remain one of my favorites all year long and is guaranteed to end up on my best of the year list. I really don't know why this is an indie movie - it definitely feels much more like a full on studio thriller. You need to watch this trailer!
Second Wackness Trailer - Still Not a Great Trailer!
As much as I wished this new trailer looked really great to everyone who hasn't seen the movie yet, it really doesn't. We've been fighting against Sony Pictures Classics since the film was bought by them back during Sundance. The first teaser trailer was out a few weeks ago and now we have this full-length follow up trailer for the Sundance hit The Wackness. Despite how bad this may seem, you still have to hold out and understand it's a brilliant movie. At least you get to see some of the cool scenes, like when Shapiro dances on the sidewalk and the tiles light up. The least we can do is start warming you up to The Wackness through trailers like this so you'll be good to go by July anyway.
Worth Watching - April 27: Alan Ball's Towelhead Trailer
Towelhead is the feature film directorial debut of Alan Ball, best known as the screenwriter of American Beauty and "Six Feet Under". Based on the novel of the same name from Alicia Erian, the film is about a 13 year old Arab-American struggling with sexuality and her strict father. The film premiered at Toronto last year, where I missed it, and showed again at Sundance this year, where I missed it again, but I've heard nothing but rave reviews. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this trailer gives a great introduction and now I'm definitely much more interested. Although we're just about to start the summer, don't forget that this is an indie film.
Must Watch: Young People Fucking Trailer!
I'm sure everyone's jaw just dropped. No this isn't porn, no this isn't tasteless filmmaking, if anything, this is one of the best comedies I've seen in the last few years. Young People Fucking debuted at the Toronto Film Festival last year and ended up being one of my favorites of the fest. The film is a delightful and fun comedy exploring the quirks of sex through five different relationships: the couple, the exes, the roommates, the friends, and the first date. I suggest you read my 9/10 review and I demand you watch this trailer - no really, I'm sure you'll all get a kick out of it - and there are a lot of gorgeous women in it…
Ang Lee Directing an Adaptation of Taking Woodstock
Oscar-winning director Ang Lee has directed nearly everything - the Hulk, gay cowboys, sexual spies, kung fu experts, romantic sisters - now he's tackling the greatest concert of all-time - Woodstock! Lee will direct and Focus Features president James Schamus will write the screenplay for a film based on Elliot Tiber's memoir "Taking Woodstock: A True Story of a Riot, Concert, and a Life." While not exactly about the concert itself, the story instead focuses on a motel owner who inadvertently sets in motion what would eventually become one of the most unforgettable concerts in history. Production is expected to begin before year's end with a $5 to $10 million budget.
Worth Watching - April 20: Henry Poole Is Here Trailer
The first trailer for Mark Pellington's comedy Henry Poole Is Here has finally debuted. The film initially debuted at the Sundance Film Festival and was bought by Overture Films. Luke Wilson stars as Henry Poole, a guy who has nearly given up on life until his neighbor finds the face of Jesus in the stucco on his wall. Yea, it's a high concept, but apparently it played pretty well at Sundance and it looks at least mediocre. Maybe it's better than this trailer is making it out to be? At least they chose some great music and at least Radha Mitchell looks like a worthy addition to the cast.
Must Watch: Red Band Hamlet 2 Trailer!
You need to watch this trailer. Not only was Hamlet 2 a late addition to the Sundance line-up that still sold for $10 million - the biggest sale of this year - but I loved the movie! You have to understand, it was co-written by Pam Brady - who wrote Hot Rod and Team America: World Police and is one of "South Park's" big writers. It's some pretty brash humor but that's what makes it brilliant. It makes more fun of thespians and the film industry than almost any other movie ever made (and most of the good lines aren't even in the trailer). And even Steve Coogan is awesome! I can't suggest this enough - some of you will love it, some will hate, but that's what makes it unique!
Worth Watching - April 17: The Babysitters Red Band Trailer
The first red band trailer for David Ross' The Babysitters has debuted. Before you jump on us like with Water Lilies, I'm posting this because reviews I've heard (including from SlashFilm) all state things like "[The Babysitters is] a completely refreshing look at a story you've likely heard and seen before." The film is about a 16 year old babysitter in high school who realizes that she can make money by turning her "services" into a call-girl job for married men. This isn't as over-the-top as some may assume, and looks like a fairly good indie movie, so give it a shot. Be aware - this is a red band trailer!
Must Watch: The Wackness Teaser Trailer
The first teaser trailer for the Sundance hit The Wackness has debuted. You definitely need to check this out! This could be the big summer indie success - as long as everyone out there makes it a hit (pun intended)! The Wackness, set in the nostalgic 1990s, is about Luke Shapiro - one of New York City's biggest pot dealers and a loser of a kid who is looking to make something of his summer. The film stars Josh Peck as well as Ben Kingsley, Olivia Thirlby, and even Method Mad. Hopefully that'll be enough of an intro to get you to watch the trailer. You won't be let down - The Wackness is definitely this year's indie gem!
Worth Watching - April 15: The Children of Huang Shi Trailer
This trailer came out of nowhere. I didn't even know The Children of Huang Shi existed until I heard about this trailer, but after watching it, I'm sold. I'm very curious to find out more and am already looking forward to seeing it. This indie film is about a young British journalist, played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who saves a group of orphaned children during the Japanese occupation of China in 1937. The cast is impressive: Rhys Meyers, Radha Mitchell, Chow Yun Fat, Michelle Yeoh. I suggest that you do not skip over this. Something about Rhys Meyers' performance really has me captivated. Plus the appearance of David Wenham, albeit brief, also has me interested. Let us know what you think.
Worth Watching - April 12: Vice Trailer with Michael Madsen
When I interviewed Michael Madsen at Sundance in January, he mentioned something about this. It was one of his upcoming films and he spoke highly of it because it was one that he just made with his friend Daryl Hannah. Now we have the first trailer for Vice and I'm not sure what to make of it. Could this be an indie gem that 1000 people will end up owning on DVD and will watch on rainy nights? Or is there something more (or less) to this that we can't make out through the trailer? Either way, I'd say this is at least worth checking out.
Must Watch: American Teen Trailer!
After hearing all about American Teen for months, we finally have the first trailer to show all of you! This is the sensational documentary that both Ken and I have fallen in love with. It's incredible, in fact, it may be one of the best movies of the year. I'm not normally a documentary guy, but I love everything about American Teen. I've even seen it twice now and still want to see it again. The doc follows four seniors as they finish their last year in high school in a small Indiana town. There's nothing more I can say now besides that you must watch this trailer.
Worth Watching - April 9: Battle in Seattle International Trailer
An international trailer has appeared for Battle in Seattle, the feature film retelling of the 1999 World Trade Organization riots in Seattle. I'm amazed - this played at both the Toronto Film Festival and SXSW Film Festival, two fests that I was at, and I somehow missed it. I'm really looking forward to it and I really don't even know why. This is the first footage I've seen from it and it makes me regret missing it even more. From the trailer alone, Martin Henderson looks like the best part, and Ray Liotta the worst - but it's an ensemble movie so I can't say for sure. This trailer is definitely worth your viewing time this fine morning, so fire it up!
Worth Watching - April 8: Willem Dafoe's Anamorph Trailer
Like zombie movies, movies that involve serial murderers and investigations have their place in cinema, too. Anamorph is another one of those serial murder thrillers with a bit of a unique twist. Starring Willem Dafoe and Scott Speedman, Anamorph is a psychological thriller based on the concept of anamorphosis, a painting technique that manipulates the laws of perspective to create two competing images on a single canvas. Remarkbly, this doesn't look half bad, but it won't be playing in too many places. Take a look at the trailer and let us know what you think.
First Teaser Trailer for Fernando Meirelles' Blindness
The first teaser trailer for Fernando Meirelles' Blindness has finally debuted. I've been anxiously waiting for the first footage ever since I first heard about it back in 2006. My life was changed when I first saw Meirelles' City of God and since then I've been following him feverishly. While I wasn't really blown away by The Constant Gardener, I've been looking forward to Blindness quite a bit. Starring Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, and Gael García Bernal, Blindness is about an epidemic of blindness that mysteriously overtakes a city. This trailer is definitely a solid tease to get us in the mood for more of what's to come.