In any case, there’s been a lot going on, which is why I haven’t posted as much on this blog.  Frankly, I lost my passion for movies for a bit.  It’s been tough to keep up especially since the economy hit me at the theatre.  Nothing too bad, but it’s definitely eaten up a lot more of my time than I would like, and made it much more difficult to enjoy movies.  Hopping from building to building isn’t exactly the most fun thing to do in the world, and I’ve spent a lot of time on the road just to make ends meet.  I did manage to catch a couple movies, which I hope to update on soon.  I’m actually working on a review of Underworld 3: Rise of the Lycans, which, despite it’s faults, I enjoyed!

Hey… great news! It looks like the Superbowl didn’t take it’s toll on the box office… as much as it should have anyway.  A new record for box office grosses on Superbowl weekend was set this past weekend. (Source: IMDB)  Personally, the commercials at the superbowl are enough to make me stay away from the movies.  I enjoy watching football too, so that wouldn’t help.  I really want to organize a superbowl watching party at a theatre one day.  That’d be awesome if it were possible to get a license to do that.  I wonder if it is?

Lastly, let’s take a look at the movies that are coming out this weekend!  I’m going to keep this one quick, because it’s getting late.  This weekend, we’ve got Coraline, He’s Just Not that Into You, Pink Panther 2, and Push.  It actually looks like it could be a good weekend.  I want to see Coraline but only in 3-D.  I’ve found that new technology can make some movies better… an example is My Bloody Valentine.  Who would have thought that a slasher flick would be made better if it were in 3-D?  It’s also pretty deterrent towards people who are sneaking in.  Haha.. I saw someone do that, but they couldn’t watch the movie because they didn’t have the glasses to see it properly.  Idiots.

More soon!

First up, we’ve got:

Frost Nixon - Directed by Ron Howard, Rated R

Frost/Nixon is the story of the battle between Richard Nixon, the disgraced former president, and up and coming journalist David Frost.  For nearly three years after he was forced from office, Nixon remained silent about what actually happened in the Watergate scandal.  However, he shocked the nation when he agreed to an all-inclusive interview, and selected David Frost to be the one to conduct the interview.  Nixon expected to easily outwit the journalist, and there were doubts even from his own staff that David Frost would be able to hold his own.  What happened instead was an epic battle of wits as Frost worked hard to get the truth as to what really happened.

Next up.. a fantasy based on the book by Corneila Funke, Inkheart (aff)

Inkheart - Directed by Iain Softley, Rated PG

A young girl finds out that her father can pull characters out of books and bring them to life.  However, when an evil character takes her dad hostage, she must assume the role of hero and try to rescue her dad.  There are a few good characters who will help her out along the way.

Now, another movie coming to wide release:

Revolutionary Road - Directed by Sam Mendes, Rated R

Frank and April meet at a party, get married, and to the outside world, seem like they have the perfect family.  However, that facade hides the turmoil that really exists in their lives, as their marriage falls apart.  To add to it, Frank works a job that he hates, and April feels that they don’t belong where they are.  Their realtor doesn’t see this, and introduces the family to her unstable son, hoping to bring some normalcy to his life.  The audience gets to watch as Frank and April’s lives unwind.

Lastly, one that I’m looking forward to….

Underworld 3: Rise of the Lycans - Directed by Patrick Tatopoulos

The prequel to the previous films in the horror/action series, it tells the story of Lucien.  Lucien is a werewolf, tired of his people’s enslavement by the vampires, decides to fight against their masters, despite his love of Sonja, the daughter of the vampire Viktor.

Joe’s Weekend Outlook

I can see it being busy this weekend, but I doubt it will be as the holiday season has passed, and those gift cards are likely running on empty.  The major draw of the weekend will likely be Underworld, but personally, I think it took too long for the limited releases to go wide.  Both were apparently excellent films (I’m talking about Revolutionary Road and Frost/Nixon if you didn’t pick that up), but I think that their appeal has dropped off.  I don’t know if the awards they won will help them, but I doubt it will be enough for them to make the impact that they should have.  Frost/Nixon could have actually drawn on the inauguration of the new President of the United States, but it appears that they’ve squandered that opportunity.  I’m sticking with Underworld for the top pick this weekend.

Don’t wait. Guarantee your seat before you go and avoid a sold out show. Skip the box office lines and buy movie tickets at Fandango.com.

Images for this post were provided by Movie Poster dot Com.

Bride Wars - Rated PG, Directed by Gary Winick.

Weddings can bring out the best and the worst in people.  Bride Wars has been likened to the TV show Bridezillas, and if you’ve seen that, you should know what to expect!  Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway portray two best friends turned foes when they schedule their weddings on the same day.  This comedy shows what weddings can really do to your friendship if you let it happen!

Gran Torino - Rated R, Directed by Clint Eastwood.

Clint Eastwood plays a grizzled Korean war veteran who forms a friendship with a young Hmong man and his immigrant family.  Eastwood’s character refuses to move along with the times, holding onto ideals that have long passed, and staying in the same neighborhood despite the ever-changing demographic.  When his prized muscle car is nearly stolen as part of a gang initiation, Walt Kalwalski (Eastwood), must grapple with the realities around him, and the racism that he’s developed over the years.

Not Easily Broken - Rated PG-13, Directed by Bill Duke.

A relationship drama about a couple whose marriage is falling apart.  Based on Not Easily Broken: A Novel (aff) by T.D. Jakes.  Jakes also serves as a producer on this film.

Reader - Rated R, Directed by Stephen Daldry.

The story of Hanna Schmitz and Michael Berg.  Hanna has an affair with a young boy (Berg), with the two spending their short time together making love and reading literature.  When Hanna disapperas, Berg continues on with his life, but runs into her again about 10 years later.  However, she is on trial for her work as a S.S. guard during the war.  Berg is torn over what to do as he may know a secret that could save her life, yet feels that justice should be served.

Unborn - Rated PG-13, Directed by David Goyer.

Casey Beldon always hated her mother for leaving her as a child.  However, after strange and terrifying events begin to occur, she starts to understand why her mother left.  Beldon turns to her spiritual advisor Sendak, to try to make her nightmares stop.  With his help, Beldon uncovers a family curse that dates back to the days of the Nazis, a creature that can inhabit anything, and becomes stronger with each possession.  Her only hope is to close a door that has been pried open by someone who has never been born.

Joe’s Weekend Outlook

Personally, I think it’s a little early for a horror movie, and I feel that Bride Wars is actually the most appropriate movie for this time of the year.  However, the rating of the Unborn makes it a perfect weekend movie for the tweenage crowd, and the bane of my life.  I think you’d be surprised how much the rating of a movie actually makes a difference.  All I can say is, if you really want to see that movie, don’t go to a show around 7pm… it’s bound to be filled with plenty of high schoolers who are going to be obnoxious.

I’m gonna say Bride Wars makes #1… but that’s just my opinion.  What’s yours?

Don’t wait. Guarantee your seat before you go and avoid a sold out show. Skip the box office lines and buy movie tickets at Fandango.com.

Images for this post were provided by Movie Poster dot Com.

Rank		Title	Weekend	Gross
1		Marley & Me (2008)	$24.3M	$107M
2		Bedtime Stories (2008)	$20.5M	$85.5M
3		The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)	$18.7M	$79.3M
4		Valkyrie (2008)	$14.1M	$60.7M
5		Yes Man (2008)	$13.9M	$79.5M
6		Seven Pounds (2008)	$10.1M	$60.1M
7		The Tale of Despereaux (2008)	$6.94M	$43.7M
8		The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)	$5.05M	$74.4M
9		Doubt (2008)	$5M	$18.7M
10		Slumdog Millionaire (2008)	$4.69M	$28.7M

Source: IMDB

Again, Marley and Me held on to the top spot at the box office, showing that the holidays really calls for a family friendly movie that everyone can see.  Holding form was Bedtime Stories at number 2, further proving the trend!  I’ve got no problem with having kiddie movies doing well at the box office, though I do have one small gripe with Marley and Me.  Those of you who have read the book already know what is going to happen.  A lot of people who are going to see the movie have not, and end up being very upset at the ending!

Let’s go over that again.  You’re upset at the end of the movie because it wasn’t totally happy?  Ok… that’s fine with me too, but here’s what really took it over the edge.  We had guests who wanted a warning as to how the movie was going to end.  Last I checked, people don’t like it when they like they find out the ending to a movie before they actually see it!  I mean, people would’ve been pissed if I walked out of a Harry Potter movie screaming that Harry dies… especially if you hadn’t read the book, right?

Overall though, a lot of decent grosses, films adding to their overall total.  I wasn’t surprised since there weren’t any new film releases last week (which gives me an excuse for not having written that post!).

For those of you who do care about what I was talking about before… check out Marley and Me from your local library before going to the movie if you don’t want to get upset like those guests did.  It’s not really a big deal… but some people might appreciate it.

You can also support Intermission at Work by purchasing Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog (aff)

Going to go take at the movies that come out this weekend for ya.  Happy New Year!

I’ve always told people that when you pay for a movie, you pay for the whole thing.  This includes the preshow (even though you might not enjoy it), any food you might buy, the previews, the feature, and the credits.  The credits are important because there are people who like to sit through to the real end of the movie, perhaps see someone’s name that they know.  Even more importantly, there may be something after the credits!  Regardless of whether or not you watch them, the credits are part of your movie.  That being said, when I work and clean theatres, I try to wait until the credits are over before heading in there if at all possible.  IF someone is watching, I will try not to disturb them.

Well, today, it became pretty obvious that the average moviegoer does not feel the same way as me.  While waiting for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button to end, I was standing at the exit door, and there were a few people heading out.  I took a peek in, and saw that the theatre was still very dark, but that there were people who were pretty intently watching the credits.  It was very quiet in there, when suddenly, people started walking in behind me, talking quite loudly.  They were walking pretty fast, so I had to chase them, trying to whisper to them that the previous show had not ended.  They responded by loudly saying “Well when can I go in sit?”  After guiding them out, I informed them that when the theatre was cleaned, they could go in and sit, but the previous show had not ended yet.

Adding to that, people who had left some of their things in the theatre kept walking in and out while talking on their phones, insisting that I help them find their things.  It became more and more difficult for me to comprehend that they did not understand they were disrupting a movie!

I understand that these people may not have understood that the previous show was still going on…. despite the theatre still being dark.  Like I said though, when I go to a movie, I try to enjoy the entire thing.  Is it just me being picky about when a movie ends?  What do you think about people walking in before the previous show is over?

In my opinion, these people are great examples of Jerks at the Movies!

The Tale of Desperaux, Directed by Sam Fell, Rated G

In the kingdom of Dor, there used to be magic in the air, laughter, and anything you could possibly want.  However, a terrible accident left the king broken-hearted, and the kingdom became despondent.  Hope in the world was lost, and everything became grey.  Then Desperaux Tilling was born.  A small mouse, he cannot stand to be confined in his world, and is banished when he refuses to follow the rules expected of a mouse.  He refuses to be weak, despite being wheezy and having oversized ears.  He soon meets up with Roscuro, a fellow outcast; a rat who refuses to live in the underground like his kind.  Together, they embark on a noble quest to change the way their world is.

Yes Man, Directed by Peyton Reed, Rated PG-13

Carl Allen was never one to say yes to anything.  He lived a sheltered life, avoiding anything that could possibly be bad.  However, when he signs up for a self-help program that is solely based around saying “yes” to everything, he finds that his life can be changed in amazing and crazy ways.  However, he also discovers that it’s not always good to open your life to endless possibilities.

Seven Pounds, Directed by Gabriele Muccino, Rated PG-13

Will Smith is reunited with the directors and producers of The Pursuit of Happyness in this emotional drama.  Ben Thomas is an IRS agent with a secret, and must embark on a journey of redemption.  On his way, he will seek to forever change the lives of seven strangers, a task he must complete in order to obtain redemption.

Joe’s Weekend Outlook

As I mentioned before, these are very strong films.  We’ve got a good children’s movie coming out in Desperaux, a serious drama in Seven Pounds, and a comedy in Yes Man.  Basically, if there’s something you want to see or take someone to, you’ve got options this weekend.  However, with how close it is to Christmas, and all those gift cards yet to be distributed, I think that we’ll be disappointed at the Box.  I’m going to go with Seven Pounds in the number one spot, only because its hard to bet against Will Smith recently.  Desperaux will follow that in my rankings, and Yes Man will finish in third of the wide releases.

What do you plan on seeing this weekend?  Or will you just wait for Christmas?

Don’t wait. Guarantee your seat before you go and avoid a sold out show. Skip the box office lines and buy movie tickets at Fandango.com.

Images for this post were provided by Movie Poster dot Com.

Rank		Title	Weekend	Gross
1		The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)	$30.5M	$30.5M
2		Four Christmases (2008)	$13.1M	$87.8M
3		Twilight (2008/I)	$7.95M	$150M
4		Bolt (2008)	$7.46M	$88.8M
5		Australia (2008)	$4.17M	$37.8M
6		Quantum of Solace (2008)	$3.72M	$158M
7		Nothing Like the Holidays (2008)	$3.53M	$3.53M
8		Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)	$3.18M	$170M
9		Milk (2008)	$2.6M	$7.59M
10		Transporter 3 (2008)	$2.35M	$29.4M

A little bit of a shift after last weekend, but nothing really significant.  Nothing Like the Holidays entered the top 10, but posted a very weak showing, pulling in just $3.53 million.  Guess not all holiday movies are made equal.  I’m actually pretty surprised that The Day the Earth Stood Still actually made that much money, because it was absolutely dead at the theatre this weekend.  Unfortunately for me, I had a guest get mad because it wasn’t busy enough.  Well, there’s  a little bit more to it than that, but I think it’s deserving of its own post.

Other than that, another uneventful weekend, but it’s definitely not going to stay that way.  Check out the Movies This Weekend… coming soon (writing it as soon as I publish this!)

New Moon

But let’s get to the point here.  While its interesting news to me, being very interested in the film industry, will fans of the movies really care who directs them?  Personally, I don’t think so.  Yes, there are some film buffs out there who really care who directs their films, but a majority of moviegoers who will go out to see Twilight aren’t in that category.  Summit had released Catherine Hardwicke from her duties for the second film because they were not happy with the way the film turned out; I can understand that.  I saw the movie myself and was less than impressed with the way it looked.  However, the movie has still brought in over $144 million domestically, and that’s no small feat.

As for Chris Weitz, this is obviously a good thing for him and a potential big payday.  Like I’ve said, the fans of these movies will likely come out as long as the movie doesn’t totally suck, and even if it does they will see it at least once.  His most recent work came in directing The Golden Compass. Weitz also wrote the film, which wasn’t a domestic success but performed well overseas, bringing in $300 million total.

What is most important to Twilight fans is that Robert Pattinson will be back to reprise his role as Edward Cullen, and Kristen Bell will be back to play Bella (though I’m not sure how many people were fans of her).  The film should be released in 2010, with Melissa Rosenberg, who penned the first screenplay, also penning this one.  While this series is definitely not as big as Harry Potter, you can’t deny that it has had some success, and a new director should have little impact on the second film.  Now if he does a great job, then it will be good for him and the third film…. but I don’t really see people caring about Weitz at all.

Delgo, Directed by Jason Maurer, Rated PG

The land of Jhamora is inhabited by two peoples who are extremely prejudiced against each other.  There are the Nohrin, winged masters of the skies, and the Lockni, who live on the land, and have harnessed it’s powers.  Delgo is a reckless Lockni teenager who develops a forbidden friendship with Kyla, the Nohrin Princess.  When their people find out about their friendship, hostilities rise.  In this time of trouble, the old exiled empress takes the opportunity to reclaim her lost throne.  Delgo is imprisoned falsely, but to escape, he must put aside his differences and join forces with his enemy, travelling through the land of Perran.

Nothing Like the Holidays, Directed by Rick Najera, Rated PG-13

The Rodriguez family is coming home to Chicago to celebrate the holidays, and the return of their youngest brothers from combat overseas.  Each one in the family has their own issues to deal with.  Returning home, Jesse finds his feelings for an old flame rekindled, while his sister has been trying to acheive her goal of becoming an actress for years with nothing to show for it.  To top things off, the oldest Rodriguez son has brought home an executive wife, much to the dismay of his mother.  When their mother reveals that she will be divorcing their father, the three siblings begin to think about their past a reconsider their futures.  Suddenly, when one of them is faced with a real life crisis, the entire family pulls together, and discover that they are much stronger than they ever realized.

The Day the Earth Stood Still, Directed by Scott Derrickson, Rated PG-13

A remake of a 1951 sci-fi classic.  Keanu Reeves plays an alien who comes to Earth, trying to convince them that they need to save their world.  An unstoppable robot is dispatched to Earth, and only one phrase stands in it’s way “Klatuu Barad Nikto”.  Fans of the old film will be glad to see that this made it into the movie, but you’ll have to listen carefully to hear it!

Joe’s Weekend Outlook

I think that there are three strong films coming out this weekend.  Four Christmases should be dethroned as the number one movie this week, especially with a second holiday movie in Nothing Like the Holidays.  The advantage that Four Christmases has is that its a comedy and is easier to watch (comedies are generally easier to watch, in my opinion), than Nothing Like the Holidays should be.  We’ve also got a potential blockbuster in The Day the Earth Stood Still.  A lot of sci-fi fans should be heading out to see if this compares at all to the original.  I’m actually pretty interested in that movie, so I’m going to try to check it out, but I’ve got plenty of catching up to do as well.

I’m also really far behind on the Christmas shopping… will you make it to the movies this weekend?

Don’t wait. Guarantee your seat before you go and avoid a sold out show. Skip the box office lines and buy movie tickets at Fandango.com.

Images for this post were provided by Movie Poster dot Com.

1		Four Christmases (2008)	$16.8M	$69.4M
2		Twilight (2008/I)	$13M	$138M
3		Bolt (2008)	$9.8M	$79.4M
4		Australia (2008)	$7.05M	$30.9M
5		Quantum of Solace (2008)	$6.75M	$152M
6		Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)	$5.08M	$166M
7		Transporter 3 (2008)	$4.67M	$25.5M
8		Punisher: War Zone (2008)	$4.27M	$4.27M
9		Cadillac Records (2008)	$3.45M	$3.45M
10		Role Models (2008)	$2.57M	$61.6M

So, like I said, Four Christmases held strong. Twilight remained in the #2 spot.  Some interesting news out of that camp though.  I read over at Film School Rejects that director Catherine Hardwicke will no longer be working on the series!  It seems that Summit was not happy with the direction that the film took, saying that Hardwicke did more harm than good to the movie.  Everyone’s favorite superdog, Bolt, rounded out the top 3.

The holidays are quickly ramping up, and I need to see more movies.  Any recommendations?  This past weekend, being fairly uneventful, only had one guest who annoyed me.  She called, insisting that she had checked the paper and that we did not play a show that we had advertised.  I told her that if she wanted to hold on, I would definitely check to see what, if anything, caused that show not to play.  She didn’t want any of that….. what I think she wanted was for me to give her some free movies.  I went and checked anyway, but the show that she was talking about really wasn’t playing… the schedule was different between Saturday and Sunday… and I’m guessing she may have checked the wrong day or not at all.

I try not to let things like that get to me, so I just let it go.  Other than that, I just did my thing and stayed busy.. especially with my hockey games last week!

More movies to be released this week… we’ll check em out tomorrow!

Cadillac Records, Directed by Darnell Martin, Rated R

A film that explores the rise of Chess Records and the artists that rose to fame with it.  Leonard Chess, a young Polish emigrant hires a talented blues duo.  Fascinated by the sounds they produce, and wanting to get in on the lucrative recording industry, Chess arranges a recording session for Muddy Waters, one of the two he hired.  Waters’ initial recordings make their way up the R+B chart, and he becomes a success.

Chess tries to treat all his artists like family, buying them a Cadillac when they record their first hit.  However, conflicts of interests between all his artists begin to cause issues with his increasingly talented prodigies.  Soon, all of his artists are displaying their troubles, and trying to stay united while more and more scandals become revealed to them.  As Rock n Roll begins to rise, Chess’s artists try to move on as they are taken over by other popular artists.  However, each of them has lost a small fortune trying to live the high life, yet their spirit remains strong.  Chess eventually moves on and gets out of the record industry, but the blues live on.

I can’t even write this synopsis with any justice to the film without revealing too much! Sorry!

Yes, I know its the wrong poster.

Nobel Son, Directed by Randall Miller, Rated R

A tale of familial dysfunction, betrayal, lust, and all that other good stuff.  Barkley Michaelson is trying to finish his PhD thesis when his father wins the Nobel prize.  However, his father’s past begins to catch up with him when Barkley is kidnapped on the even of the Nobel being accepted.  His father refuses to pay the ransom to free his son.  Soon, however, he will learn that payback is quite the b*tch.

Punisher: War Zone, Directed by Lexi Alexander, Rated R

Frank Castile continues to wage his war on the world of organized crime, setting his target on mob boss Billy Russoti.  After Russoti is left disfigured by Castile, he begins his plan for revenge as a new man, Jigsaw.  With Russoti’s men hot on his trail, and the FBI not able to bring in Jigsaw, Castile must stand up for himself to the army that is after him, to ensure that good will prevail.

Joe’s Weekend Outlook

I’m kinda surprised that with this being the holiday season, that studios would decide to release 3, count em, 3, rated R movies.  Do they not understand the atmosphere of the holiday season?  I may be wrong, but I really think that a movie like Four Christmases was perfect for the time.  Do people really want a couple of heart-wrenching tragedies or an action thriller about someone who is trying to fight an army of darkness?  I don’t think so.  That being said, because they’re new films, they’ll at least crack the top 10… but don’t be surprised to find those theatres less full than those for Bolt and Four Christmases.

What do you think… do you agree with me?

1		Four Christmases (2008)	$31.1M	$46.1M
2		Bolt (2008)	$26.6M	$66.8M
3		Twilight (2008/I)	$26.3M	$120M
4		Quantum of Solace (2008)	$18.8M	$141M
5		Australia (2008)	$14.8M	$20M
6		Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)	$14.2M	$159M
7		Transporter 3 (2008)	$12.1M	$18.2M
8		Role Models (2008)	$5.19M	$57.8M
9		The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2008)	$1.7M	$5.17M
10		Milk (2008)	$1.45M	$1.94M

Source: IMDB

A very strong weekend indeed.  Twilight, as I expected, is falling fast, while Bolt looks to be on the way up.  I can’t get over how good that movie is.  You have to read this review, and then go see the movie for yourself.. it was great!

On the other hand, Transporter 3 opened to a very disappointing box office.  I heard that Jason Statham didn’t even want to work on the movie… so that can’t be a good sign at all.  I wonder how much they paid him to be in the movie, because he made the series, but if they had to pay him a lot to be in the film, it probably won’t make money.

A decent weekend for me personally, a lot of nice people coming in and buying gift certificates for their relatives.  I talked to a bunch of them and it seems like they’re going to use them to finish off their Christmas shopping.

I have to look into what’s coming out this week… I’m hoping its not too busy!

Bolt is the story of a dog who actually thinks he is a superhero.  He believes that his goal in life is to defend his person, Penny (Miley Cyrus), and will do anything for her.  To help him believe this, the producers of the show have immersed Bolt in this lifestyle, making him believe he actually has super powers and is a hero.  Penny truly loves Bolt, and wants only the best for him.  However, the show is suffering from falling ratings, and to try to draw people, they add a cliffhanger into their latest episode.  Unfortunately for Bolt, he really believes that Penny is still in danger, and breaks out in order to try to rescue her.

During his search, Bolt ends up in a packing box and is shipped across the country unknowingly.  On his journey  back to rescue Penny, he befriends a few other creatures: Mittens, a declawed and abandoned housecat living in New York, and Rhino, a hamster who wants nothing more than to help his hero, Bolt, on his journey.  Throughout their adventure, Bolt discovers the truth behind who he really is, and faces many obstacles in getting back to his person, Penny.

To find out more, check out the movie!  I’d like to comment on the 3-D part, because I saw it.  It’s pretty traditional in that you need to use glasses in order to see the 3-D, but it was done very well.  There are objects flying out at you, and it really does immerse you in the action quite a bit.  What was even better is that there were trailers in 3-D, which were excellent.  I know that watching a movie in 3-D costs more, but if it’s available, as I said before, you should definitely check it out.  It really gives a new perspective on how you can watch movies, and makes you see what theatres can still offer that you can’t get at home.  The experience is worth the extra cost.

Bolt is a great family movie, and I enjoyed the characters of Bolt and Rhino tremendously.  John Travolta does an excellent job, and Miley wasn’t even that annoying (even though I can’t stand her voice).  Disney did an incredible job on animation, they might actually be catching up to Pixar!  The only thing this movie could have used was a short beforehand, but I’m not going to complain.  I haven’t genuinely laughed this hard during a movie for a while.. and it was one that the girl and I actually enjoyed together!

Rating: 9 out of 10 stars

- This is not a film to miss.  See it in 3-D!

If this stirring review doesn’t inspire you… maybe this clip will!

Well.. almost right.  While this wasn’t one of the best movies that I’ve ever seen, I thought it was pretty funny and enjoyable.  The characters fit their roles well, and it had the same kind of feel as The 40 Year Old Virgin, which I also didn’t think was as good as everyone else did.  Both Role Models and Virgin fit in the “Good, but not Great” category to me.

So what’s it all about?  Well, Danny and Wheeler are employees for an energy drink company, Minotaur.  Danny becomes extremely frustrated with his job, and on an energy drink bender, ends up trashing the company truck.  His former girlfriend, Beth, manages to wrangle them a deal to get out of jail.  All they need to do is volunteer their time mentoring kids at the Sturdy Wings program.  Of course, things aren’t as easy as they expect, as their littles turn out to be more than a handful.

The two end up getting themselves into all different sorts of situations, and like you’d expect in this type of movie, they alienate their littles.  Things do end up getting better, but you’ll have to check out the movie to see how!  I do recommend this movie if you’re looking for some good laughs.  Sean William Scott and Paul Rudd are two pretty funny fellas.

I also have to say that Ken Jeong does a great job in all his roles…surprised to find out he’s also a doctor.. guess you have to have a backup huh?

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars

The latest incarnation of Saw takes a look at the history behind Jigsaw, and how all the people who have helped him with hs traps have come together.  It starts with a Jigsaw like trap, where a man is bound in a room.  Jigsaw’s tape begins to play, letting us know that this trapped man is responsible for taking a life, but got out of jail on a technicality.  Now, this man is forced to crush his own hands, which he used to take a life, in order to save his own.  If he does not, then he will be sliced in two by the blade that is swinging on top of him.  He proceeds to crush his hands, but the blade does not stop, and he is sliced in two.  Before he dies, he takes a look to his right, and sees someone watching him…..

The story then shifts back to the events of the second and third film.  We see Detective Hoffman enter the room where Jigsaw died, and shoots Jeff Reinhart in self defense.  There is a tape waiting for him, which tells him that his curiousity will be the end of him, that he should find solace in the room where he is now trapped.  Not one to listen to Jigsaw, Hoffman finds his way out of the room, but is attacked by a man in a pig mask.  When he awakens, he finds himself trapped with a glass box over his head, which begins to fill with water….

And that all happens within the first 20 minutes.  It’s definitely a thinking movie, and if you’re kind of turned off by that, there is a back story with plenty of traps and Jigsaw puzzles that the people who are trapped must solve.  The movie also follows Hoffman as he tries to figure out who is taking over for Jigsaw.

Personally, I enjoyed this movie.  Like the guest said, it really did make you think, and it had all the traps to go with it as well.  Seeing as its the 5th movie in the series, I wasn’t expecting too much, and so I wasn’t disappointed.  The pace of the movie was good, and the traps remind you of why the movie is called Saw.  After you read this review, it’s likely that your local theatre won’t have this film anymore, but if you have a chance and you want to see a bloody interesting film, go check it out!  They’ve already been greenlighted for 6 and 7 as well, so we can expect more to come next Halloween!

Like the tag line says: You Won’t Believe How it Ends!

Rating: 7 out of 10 stars

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know exactly what movies come out this week.  This post is for those of you who have been living under a rock!

Bolt, Directed by Chris Williams, Rated PG

No day is ever normal for Super dog Bolt… that is until the cameras stop rolling.  When Bolt is accidentally shipped to New York City from his hollywood stage, he must begin an adventure to make his way back home to his co-star and owner, Penny.  Armed with just stories and delusions that his powers are real, Bolt discovers that he doesn’t need superpowers to be a hero.  Two companions join him on his journey, a jaded housecat named Mittens, and the TV-Obsessed hampster, Rhino.

Twilight, Directed by Catherine Hardwicke, Rated PG-13

A modern day love story between a vampire and a teenage girl. Bella Swan has always been a bit different, and has never tried to fit in at her trendy high school.  When her mom remarries, Bella is sent to live with her father in Washington.  At her new school, she meets Edward Cullen, who is unlike anyone she has ever met.  He is a vampire, but his family chooses to drink no human blood.  What Edward sees in Bella is someone he has waited 90 years for: a soul mate.  However, their plans may all change when a new clan of vampires moves into town.

Joe’s Weekend Outlook

Busy Busy Busy!!! As I already wrote over at Film School Rejects, the crowds are already beginning to line up to catch the Twilight this weekend.  I’m guessing that by now, there are probably about 450 shows that are already sold out nationwide.  If you want to check out Twilight or Bolt this weekend, I’d suggest buying tickets in advance, and be prepared to deal with the plenty of teenage girls and kids that are going to be there along with you.  It’s gonna be crazy.  Like.. Harry Potter crazy, except with all 13-14 year old girls.  Maybe Sex and the City crazy, with much younger girls.

By the way, the “A” key on my keyboard keeps getting stuck.  I should plug in my other one.

I’m going to be checking out a movie on Thursday night… what will it be that I see?!?!! Are you planning on braving the crowds this weekend?

1		Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (2008)	$63.1M	$63.1M
2		Role Models (2008)	$19.2M	$19.2M
3		High School Musical 3: Senior Year (2008)	$9.16M	$75.6M
4		Changeling (2008)	$7.25M	$20.6M
5		Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008)	$6.27M	$20.7M
6		Soul Men (2008)	$5.4M	$5.4M
7		Saw V (2008)	$4.07M	$52.2M
8		The Haunting of Molly Hartley (2008)	$3.32M	$10.1M
9		The Secret Life of Bees (2008)	$3.09M	$29.9M
10		Eagle Eye (2008)	$2.54M	$96.3M

Source: IMDB

Who would’ve thought Role Models would have done that well.  I actually heard it described as “the funniest movie ever”.  I didn’t totally agree with that statement… will have my own review of it out in the next few days or so. High School Musical 3 also hung strong, bringing in a decent amount this.  I have a feeling that next week may top this one in terms of the top movie grossing more… but this is still pretty impressive.  I applaud people who still take the time to enjoy a movie in theatres!

James Bond: Quantum of Solace, Directed by Marc Foster, Rated PG-13

Taking place just hours after Casino Royale, Bond looks to avenge the death of Vesper, the woman he loved, and also the woman who betrayed him.  Fighting the urge to make his next mission not personal, Bond learns from the captured Mr. White that the organization that plotted to steal Bond’s winnings is much more dangerous and expansive than they could have imagined.  Tracking intelligence throughout the globe, Bond must try to prevent an environmental group and “The Quantum” from achieving their goal, and avenge the death of Vesper.

Joe’s Weekend Outlook

I’m imagining that it’s going to be very busy this weekend.  Will the down economy prevent Quantum from bringing in $100 million?  I’m going to say yes… however that’s not to say that it won’t be busy this weekend… you’re going to want to buy tickets in advance and show up early in order to get good seats.  From what I can see over at Rotten Tomatoes, Quantum has had pretty good reviews… which is great!

I must say that this is a short movie… less than two hours with previews, which is disappointing.  I will be sure to let you know what I think of it as soon as I see it… which should be tomorrow!

Don’t wait. Guarantee your seat before you go and avoid a sold out show. Skip the box office lines and buy movie tickets at Fandango.com.

Images for this post were provided by Movie Poster dot Com.

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, Directed by Eric Darnell & Tom McGrath, Rated PG

After escaping from New York City, the pack is back for more as they head off the Island and try to find their way to Africa.  Returning are the voices that made the first feature, Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, and Andy Richter.  Hilarity is guaranteed as they embark on a new adventure.

Role Models, Directed by David Wain, Rated R

Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott play a couple of guys who are not even close to what one would consider a role model.  However, their antics put them in trouble with the law, and now they are forced to be mentors to some children as part of their punishment.  Watch what happens when these guys try to guide children in the right direction.  Unfortunately for them, the kids are a little less than cooperative….

Soul Men, Directed by Malcolm D. Lee, Rated R

Bernie Mac and Samuel L. Jackson star as former backup singers Louis and Floyd.  They travel throughout the country, performing at tribute concerts to their late former band leader.  The two, however, have not spoken to each other in years but reluctantly agree to travel together.  Will the two be able to make it through the tour?

Joe’s Weekend Outlook

I think this will be a pretty busy weekend.  It’s been a few weeks since there’s been a true kids movie that came out, and Madagascar 2 fits the bill perfectly.  I think parents will be out with their kids in droves, so this might not be a great weekend to go to the movies if you’re looking for it to be quiet.  Soul Men will probably draw a crowd as well, as I believe this is the first on-screen appearance for Bernie Mac since his unfortunate passing.  What’s going to hurt the latter two films this weekend (Soul Men and Role Models) is the R rating.  It’s quite the killer nowadays.. with kids not bothering with their parents and just buying tickets to other movies then trying to sneak in.

I think that I’ll try to make it to a movie this weekend… I really need to.

Don’t wait. Guarantee your seat before you go and avoid a sold out show. Skip the box office lines and buy movie tickets at Fandango.com.

Images for this post were provided by Movie Poster dot Com.

People are Looking at You

The telltale sign that you’re the one causing the problem.  If the people around you are constantly turning to look at you, either you are:

• Very Attractive
• Smell Bad
• Causing a disruption

In any case, you’re doing something to distract people.  I wouldn’t put too much to mind if you fall into the first category though, I understand how difficult that can be.  :-P  Just think about what the people around you might be thinking.  If you can’t hear anyone else talking, and people keep turning around, odds are… it’s you that’s being a problem.

You’re on your Cell Phone

Surprisingly, a lot of people don’t realize that even if you’re not talking on your phone, you could still be ruining someone’s experience.  While you’re not talking, the bright lights, constant clicking and vibrating can all be distracting to the people around you, especially if you’re in front of them and it’s fairly quiet otherwise.  Take a quick look around… how many phones can you see?  Are they distracting you now?  Yeah, that’s what you just did to someone else.

If you’ve got to use it, just take it outside.  But beware not to fall into the next category….

Getting Up, Moving Around, Leaving and Coming Back

I’d say that this is probably one of the top complaints I get at the theatre.  Teenagers are definitely guilty of this a lot more than regular guests.  For some reason, paying $10 or more to see a movie isn’t enough to keep them glued to their seats. I know that I won’t leave a movie to do anything unless I’ve already seen it, and I don’t even have to pay!

Some tips to help you get around this:

• Empty the tank before going into the movie.  It’ll make your experience that much more enjoyable, and clear the way for the gallon of soda you’re about to chug.
• Come early, and get concessions then if you want to.  This will give you time to get settled and be more comfortable.

A lot of times what causes this is that kids (teenagers) have gotten tickets to a movie that they don’t actually want to see, and are leaving to check if they can sneak into movies.  I’ll talk more about this later, but even though you might not want to, simply telling a manager will often alleviate the problem.  I’ve got no problem removing kids that are just waiting to sneak into a movie!

Basically, once you’re in a movie, there should be little reason to get up.  You know how distracting and annoying it is to have this happen to you… so why do it to anyone else?  I’m not saying that this is all-encompassing, but just thinking about these things before you go can save you a lot of trouble!

Talking Point:  What do you find annoying at theatres, and how do you deal with it?  Discuss in the comments below!

Bonus:

Check out what people in the UK find most annoying!