the press box Blog

It's movie time!

Before I get to the summer blockbusters, let me give you some quick reviews of my recent trips to the silverscreen.

-Ironman.  Robert Downey Jr. saves the day and becomes a box office hero.  I've always liked this guy and I'm happy that he's happy.  Not your typical superhero tale. The good guy is really a bad boy who turns over a new leaf when his life's at risk from his own creation of wmd's.  The bad guy is not a super villain, but good ole USA weaponery in the wrong hands.  Most moviegoers and critics missed that politico message.   Good fun and it stays true to the comic book lore.  Stick around til the end of the credits for the sequel setup.

-Speed Racer.  It didn't make money at the box office the first weekend and that's ironic because in the movie there's a line from Speed about racing isn't about making money!  I loved the cartoon as a kid waking up early before school to watch each and every episode( Marine Boy too.)  The critics panned this film, but I enjoyed it.  Visually it's amazing.  The plot had to be explained in long form which makes for a long movie, but it stayed true to the 'toon and had some moments that brought back memories and a smile.  Remember when you see this, it's like a cartoon so the racing scenes aren't supposed to look "real."  And really folks, what movie with chimps doesn't make you laugh?  

Go Speed Racer!

-The Forbidden Kingdom.  Everybody was Kung Fu fighting! Jackie Chan, Jet Li and two very attractive actresses,  Liu Yi Fei and Lie Bing Bing kick, jump, kick and jump again.  The usual excellence in martial arts choreography and some beautiful location scenes.   Don't feel bad if you missed it.  Worth a Saturday night in front of your high def tv.

-Baby Mama.  Huge Tina Fey fan.  Funniest chick in the biz(watch 30 Rock).  Again reviews were not great but I really liked this movie.  Several funny and laugh out loud moments.   I went in not knowing who was in the flick, besides Fey and Amy Poehler, so I was surprised by Steve Martin and Greg Kinnear.   Martin turns in a classic performance and Kinnear is always solid.   Strongly suggest you see this movie as it continues to linger in the box office top 5.

Okay, now to the movies I can't wait for this summer.

-The Dark Knight.  The Joker as he should be.  A totally insane and murderously maniacal villain.  I suggest you read "The Killing Joke"  before seeing this movie.  Heath Ledger's lasting legacy.

"Wait'll they get a load of me!"

-Hell Boy II.  Remember when Ron Perlman was "The Beast?"  The first movie was so original.  One of the best of 2004 and a brilliant escape film from genius director Guillermo del Toro.

-Tropic Thunder.  Downey Jr. will make you forget he's Ironman.  Ben Stiller never disapoints me. I've forgiven him for "Mystery Men."  Blue Steel!

-Hancock.  Once again Big Will comes to the rescue near the 4th of July holiday.   The trailer is all the buzz and looks good.  Big fan of Jason Bateman.

Prove it to me:

-Indiana Jones and the yada, yada, yada, skull something or other.  The ending of the 3rd one was perfect with our hero riding off into the sunset.  Why take a chance at ruining it?  Note to Harrison Ford, it wasn't fun watching Sean Connery play 007 at the age of 53 so why should it be fun watching you play "Indy" at 65?

-Get Smart.  Steve Carell was hilarious as "Brick" in "Anchorman",  charming in "The 40-yr Old Virgin",  Oscar worthy in "Little Miss Sunshine", not so good in "Evan Almighty" and I have yet to see "Dan In Real Life."    I'm a big "Smart" fan and so are a lot of other children of the '60's.  His "Office" persona is so overwhelming that I'm just not sure he can pull of a role that won Don Adams 3 Emmy's.  If he doesn't put his mark on this role, "Kaos" will ensue.

The Dark Horse:

-Wall.E.  Pixar hasn't bombed yet.  I saw the trailer and I have to admit, I might sneak into this one.  Did I say that?

Wait for HBO debut:

-You Don't Mess with the Zohan.   Another Adam Sandler flick.  "I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry", "Click", and  "The Longest Yard."  Need I go on?  Why should he?  I'd rather watch dvd's of "Happy Gilmore" and "Billy Madison." It may surprise, but I doubt it.  Maybe he'll get in a fight with Drew Carey. (Bob Barker reference)

-The Incredible Hulk.  I'll watch only if they play that sad, walking away music they used in the tv series.  Oh, and if Edward Norton goes all "Fight Club" on Brad Pitt.   The first rule of "Fight Club"....you know the drill.

-Sex and the City.  Wasn't this on HBO to begin with.  That's where it belongs!   What next, a "Soprano's" movie?  How bout, "Curb" or "Flight of the Conchords" or really old school, "Dream On."   I wouldn't mind seeing a "Larry Sanders" reunion.   HEY NOW!

-Narnia.  I've seen this before.  It was called "The Lord of the Rings!"     Precious!

Enjoy the popcorn!  And please silence your cell phones.