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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: Julia + Her Husband lived to thier 90's | I liked Julie and got bored of Julia quickly. 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: If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends: | Why is this movie called Shorts? 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: What's the best twist you've ever seen? | It all makes sense! 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: Didn't like it | Microphone in Frame! 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: President Plot hole question?? | M.A.R.S. Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Neill Blomkamp Stars: Sharlto Copley, David James, Jason Cope (Full Cast) Studio: TriStar Pictures The Plot: In Johannesburg, South Africa, a government operative (Copley) becomes sympathetic to the extraterrestrial race living in slum-like conditions within the city's borders when he is exposed to their biotechnology.
THE BUZZ: You might remember director Neill Blomkamp's name from Halo, which is on pause for the foreseeable future. With the launch of D 9's viral-y official site, a clutch of fans rejoiced with the confirmation the project is a feature version of Blomkamp's short film, Alive in Joburg. And at Comic-Con, the movie exploded into a mini pop culture phenomenon. Read our coverage if you will? Message Boards: Im seeing a serious Oscar. | I think a lot of people missed the point Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Hayao Miyazaki Stars: Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson (Full Cast) Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures The Plot: An animated adventure centered on a 5-year-old boy and his relationship with a goldfish princess who longs to become human.
THE BUZZ: The cult of Hayao Miyazaki doesn't need an all-star English-speaking voice cast or a major marketing push in order to get primed for the it's-finally-here release of the master animator's latest. When we picture parents and their children filing into theaters to watch this story unfurl, we become as happy as a princess (trapped in a glass bowl). Please pass the Purell. Message Boards: Elitism is Fun Kids! | One of Miyazaki's best, IMO Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Todd Graff Stars: Alyson Michalka, Vanessa Hudgens, Gaelan Connell (Full Cast) Studio: Summit Entertainment The Plot: An outcast (Connell) bonds with the popular girl on campus (Michalka) over their shared love of music, and together they decide to form a rock group and enter their school's upcoming battle of the bands competition.
THE BUZZ: Camp director Todd Graff is back with, ummm, another school-set musical with social misfit themes. But this one has a moderate budget and Vanessa Hudgens, who we thought received her diploma last year, or something. Kudos to Summit Releasing for braving tween waters with an original screenplay, since it's hard to gauge audience interest without a built-in audience upon which to rely. The HSM crowd is growing up fast, however, and I feel like Graff & co. could stick their necks out a bit -- at least enough to earn a PG-13 rating. Message Boards: Scott Porter's Voice | FAVORITE LINE?? Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Robert Schwentke Stars: Eric Bana, Rachel McAdams, Ron Livingston (Full Cast) Studio: New Line Cinema The Plot: A romantic drama about a Chicago librarian (Bana) with a gene that causes him to involuntarily time travel, and the complications it creates in his marriage.
THE BUZZ: With roles in Star Trek and Funny People, Eric Bana finally might become a movie star this year. Meanwhile, Rachel McAdams's star should be polished up thanks to her supporting turn in State of Play. (Scratch that, but we still love her!) New Line, now doing business under the Warner Bros. umbrella, is positioning this adaptation of Audrey Niffenegger's bestseller perhaps to catch some of the runoff of their combined celebrity, and I am wondering if, when it comes to marketing this late-summer romance, whether the story's sci-fi elements will be toned down so audiences might expect something along the lines of The Notebook? (Check!) Also, I think the studio could have ramped up the presence of beloved rock band Broken Social Scene, who cover Joy Division's "Love Will Tear Us Apart" and some of their original songs to the soundtrack -- this could have been the new indie-rock date movie of late summer, now that (500) Days has gone mainstream. Oh, and if you have no interest in seeing the film but want to know pretty much all of the details, watch Rachel McAdams spoil it all Message Boards: Poll: Would you want to go back and meet your spouse as a kid? | parts of book not mentioned in movie.... Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Nicholas Jasenovec Stars: Charlyne Yi, Michael Cera (Full Cast) Studio: Overture Films The Plot: Artist Charlyne Yi blends fiction, fantasy, and documentary in her exploration of what loves means to different people; all the while, she is courted by her real-life boyfriend, Michael Cera.
THE BUZZ: PH had a great marketing and publicity team behind it, especially in a year where few specialty films have connected with audiences, be they documentaries or narratives. But I do wonder whether people will sour to this experiment now that it's been "confirmed" that Charlyne Yi and Michael Cera were never a couple in the first place? Crowds didn't necessarily flock at opening weekend, when we all thought Ms. Yi's heart had been freshly broken. Maybe fans would've cared more about the movie if they actually were an item. Message Boards: Demetri martin tension for real? | Podcast Interview with Director Nicholas Jasenovec Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Neal Brennan Stars: Jeremy Piven, Ving Rhames, David Koechner (Full Cast) Studio: Paramount Vantage The Plot: Used-car liquidator Don Ready (Piven) is hired by a flailing auto dealership to turn their Fourth of July sale into a majorly profitable event.
THE BUZZ: Jeremy Piven in Ari Gold mode is obviously the reason this lower-budget comedy was greenlighted, but the secret weapon here is Neal Brennan, a former special ingredient from "Chappelle's Show" who makes his directorial debut. This is the second project from Gary Sanchez Productions, Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's company, but let's hope this one fares a bit better at the box office than The Foot Fist Way. However, I have to say: It would provide some sort of surprise and relief if Ferrell and McKay could find a better way to title their project than their reliable colon/character name formula. Sounds nitpicky, I know. Message Boards: What porn were they watching in the hotel? | best line Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Davis Guggenheim Stars: Jimmy Page, The Edge, Jack White (Full Cast) Studio: Sony Pictures Classics The Plot: A documentary on the electric guitar from the point of view of three significant rock musicians: The Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White.
THE BUZZ: A few years ago, Davis Guggenheim turned Al Gore into a rock star with An Inconvenient Truth, which also helped usher in a renaissance for documentaries (which seems to happen at least once a decade). This time around, Guggenheim brings a trio of guitarists together for a summit on the sacred instrument of rock-n-roll. Did you know that Jack White (who really does rule) MacGuyvers-together a guitar here? Message Boards: Jack White and Jimmy Page = Genius. The Edge = Way over rated. | Jack White: The Sarah Palin of Rock Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: David Mackenzie Stars: Ashton Kutcher, Anne Heche, Margarita Levieva (Full Cast) Studio: Anchor Bay Entertainment The Plot: In Los Angeles, Nikki (Kutcher) is a sexual grafter who uses his assets to enjoy the city's richest women and their lifestyle. Soon he finds himself torn between two very different women: Samantha (Heche), a lawyer who gives Nikki more than he's ever had before, and Heather (Levieva), a waitress and equally savvy grafter in her own right.
THE BUZZ: Spread offers nothing more than a Bret Easton Ellisish twirl through a fantasy contemporary L.A. and charmless performances from likeable actors playing unlikeable characters. We love you, Ashton (serious!), and your charisma is most potent when you are, in real life and otherwise, on the arm of a cougar. Most of your contemporaries are totally not worth it. Message Boards: Where's the soundtrack?!?! | Best thing about this terrible movie Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Paul Solet Stars: Jordan Ladd, Samantha Ferris, Gabrielle Rose (Full Cast) Studio: Leomax Entertainment The Plot: After losing her unborn child, Madeline Matheson (Ladd) insists on carrying the baby to term. Following the delivery, the child miraculously returns to life, with an appetite for human blood.
THE BUZZ: I saw this film at Sundance and loved it. Originally a short film, director Paul Solet expanded on Grace's premise but re-cast every character in his "vegan horror movie" about a mother, Madeline (played by Jordan Ladd, ano Eli Roth affiliate) whose husband and unborn baby girl die in a car accident; however, through some form of dark miracle, the child returns to the living world soon after Madeline gives birth. Message Boards: So much hype!! Over what? | My interpretation of the movie...obvious spoilers. Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Glenn McQuaid Stars: Dominic Monaghan, Ron Perlman, Larry Fessenden (Full Cast) Studio: IFC Films The Plot: 18th century justice catches up with a pair of grave robbers. With only a few hours to go before his date with the guillotine, Arthur Blake (Monaghan) tells his life story to Father Francis Duffy (Ron Perlman). Before long, Arthur spills the beans on how he got started in the grim corpse peddling business with seasoned ghoul Willie Grimes (Fessenden).
THE BUZZ: The horror oddity has been flying under even the indie radar, but that was before genre oddball Larry Fessenden was announced as the director of The Orphanage remake being overseen by Guillermo del Toro. Strong reviews and increasing public interest means this will either get a big theatrical expansion/overall push, or a hurry-up DVD release date. Message Boards: When will this come to DVD | Dr. Jeckyll and Sister Hyde DVD commentary Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Quentin Tarantino Stars: Brad Pitt, Diane Kruger, Eli Roth (Full Cast) Studio: Weinstein Company, The The Plot: An American-led killing squad known as "The Basterds" terrorize the Nazis in German-occupied France during World War II.
THE BUZZ: To put this mother of a Methuselah project into perspective, Tarantino's finished three films since he first announced this one a decade ago (yes, we're counting Kill Bill as two). Those familiar with QT's attention-to-every-effin'-detail style know that that's a long-ass time. Originally due way back in 2004, the only thing keeping us from reaching the levels excitement we shared before Grindhouse is, well, Grindhouse. Still, a killer cast and way better source material (hopefully relying on The Dirty Dozen and Guns of Navarone instead of the original, properly spelled Bastards) has us praising Inglorious, hallelujah! Message Boards: If it was casted by The Simpsons | I wanted more Nazi one on one death Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Vicky Jenson Stars: Alexis Bledel, Michael Keaton, Carol Burnett (Full Cast) Studio: Fox Searchlight Pictures The Plot: When recent college graduate Ryden Malby (Bledel) discovers she can't land a good job because of the working world's harsh climate, she moves back in with her oddball family in order to reconsider her options.
THE BUZZ: Let's see: Beg for some soulless corporate job or live for free with your parents and juggle hot guys? Don't play us for fools, Rory Gilmore! Message Boards: Demetri martin | Have you ever asked someone when she's due? Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Richard Loncraine Stars: Renée Zellweger, Logan Lerman, Mark Rendall (Full Cast) Studio: Freestyle Releasing The Plot: A 1950s-set comedy in which the glamorous Anne Deveraux (Zellweger) leaves her adulterous husband and embarks on a drive down the Eastern Seaboard on a quixotic search for a wealthy man to fund a new life for her and her sons.
THE BUZZ: I think the best shot this well-received dramatization of George Hamilton's teenage years has at success is with older audiences for whom the feeling of '50s Americana will resonate. There's also a chance that Zellweger's waning supporters might rally around her for another period biography. (Remember that she earned a Golden Globe nomination for Miss Potter?) The industry, meanwhile, is behind young Logan Lerman (he plays George here) for now, since he has Gamer on deck for later this year, then the titular role in Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief in 2010. Message Boards: the ending.... so abrupt? | The Best Movie I've Seen This Year! Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Issa López Stars: Patricia Llaca, Julio Bracho, Maya Zapata (Full Cast) Studio: Maya Entertainment The Plot: A comedy centered on four women, each of them from different corners of Mexico, vying with hundreds of other aspiring actresses for roles in a movie producer's new project. Their respective missions become crystal clear once one of the country's top actresses -- who also happens to be the producer's on-again, off-again lover -- fails to get the starring role.
THE BUZZ: This might be the movie that introduces filmmaker Issa Lopez to U.S. audiences. Divas was one of the top 2008 releases in Mexico, and for a while there it looked like Sony was going to co-distribute the movie, but I *think* they handed full control over to Maya Entertainment, a specialized distributor who did a great job with Talento de barrio last year. Message Boards: Good story (stories) | Horrible, horrible film Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel Stars: Liam Neeson, James Nesbitt, Anamaria Marinca (Full Cast) Studio: IFC Films The Plot: As a youth, Alistair Little (Neeson) was a member of the Ulster Volunteer Force, a paramilitary group in Northern Ireland. After serving a thirty year sentence for the murder of a young Catholic man, Little prepares for his televised meeting with his victim's brother, Joe Griffin (Nesbitt), who watched as the hit was carried out. THE BUZZ: "Low key" perhaps is a surprising description for a political thriller that brings together Downfall director Oliver Hirschbiegel and newly minted action hero Liam Neeson, and it might be the reason the picture floated in distributor limbo for so long after its Sundance debut back in January. Still, the direction, writing, and performances are all strong, reportedly, and art-house types might recognize co-star Anamaria Marinca's name from 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. Message Boards: out the window scene | Stopping terrorism???????????? Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Doug Pray Stars: Mary Wells, Dan Wieden, Hal Riney (Full Cast) Studio: Seventh Art Releasing The Plot: A documentary on some of the mavericks of modern American advertising.
THE BUZZ: Definitely one for the Objectified set. I saw Doug Pray's latest work at Slamdance earlier this year and loved it. Mind if I quote myself? Thanks! The portraits here are engaging, passionate, and literate; additionally, the widescreen cinematography and relaxed editing (an antidote to the jump cuts of today) result in a work whose ideas and emotions are on par with the work created by Art & Copy's subjects. And of course a bevy of the memorable imagery, slogans, and jingles are woven throughout the film. I think it would have been easy for Pray to either factor in the negatives of the advertising world, or to expand his contemporary view into Internet advertising, so I give Art & Copy top marks for its focus, which feels like the beginning of a potential series of documentaries. Message Boards: Terrific study of a subject we've all been over-exposed to. | Let me sell that mother... Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Steve Lawrence Stars: Travis Pastrana, Ricky Carmichael, Shaun White (Full Cast) Studio: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures The Plot: An X Games documentary featuring behind-the-scenes stories of the athletes and the sacrifices they make in pursuit of glory and the advancement of their sports on the biggest stage in action sports.
THE BUZZ: ESPN Films is in high-gear these days, with a lock on the X-Games phenomenon (it's the Warped Tour of sports) and a handful of sports-legend biographies in development. Even if this documentary doesn't reach its core audience during it's one-week theatrical run, expect the TV/DVD/download numbers to justify more from the Games in the future. Message Boards: did they already do this movie? | Seems like this is purely a US affair Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Rob Zombie Stars: Scout Taylor-Compton, Tyler Mane, Malcolm McDowell (Full Cast) Studio: Dimension Films The Plot: Laurie Strode (Taylor-Compton) struggles to come to terms with her brother Michael's deadly return to Haddonfield, Illinois; meanwhile, Michael prepares for another reunion with his sister.
THE BUZZ: All that industry talk about the Weinstein Company's lack of hits (and cash-flow) should be hushed temporarily now that RZ's sequel is following on the heels of QT's best-ever opening weekend. And even though H2 probably will open behind The Final Destination, the fact that Rob Zombie will now "complete his extreme vision of the terrifying legend" (we love that marketing-speak!), it makes the FD saga seem kinda wan and opportunistic in nature. That said, I do love that the summer is ending with a horror battle at the box-office, a woefully underrepresented genre this year. Message Boards: I like how(spoilers)... | How long do you think the uncut version will be? Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Ang Lee Stars: Demetri Martin (Full Cast) Studio: Focus Features The Plot: When Woodstock organizers have the plug pulled on their event, Elliot Tiber (Martin), a young man who is spending the summer working on his parents' farm, helps the event land a permit, and puts the organizers in touch with Max Yasgur (Levy), a dairy farmer whose plot of land could serve as a perfect spot for the concert.
THE BUZZ: A year after Milk, Ang Lee turns the clock back to the summer of 1969, when the Stonewall riots announced the season, and Woodstock ushered it out. The real Elliot Tiber was present for both events, though Lee's adaptation of his memoir (written by James Schamus, naturally) will focus more on the upstate action and less on the New York City grittiness. That isn't stopping Lee from focusing on queer themes, since the focus will also be on Tiber, who came out during the swirling weeks leading up to the concert. Wondering whether Demetri Martin can handle such a role? Read this interview and go from there. Message Boards: 'maoism = life' | Ang Lee is all over the place with this one Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: David R. Ellis Stars: Nick Zano, Krista Allen, Andrew Fiscella (Full Cast) Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures The Plot: After Hunt's (Zano) premonition of a deadly race-car crash helps saves the lives of his peers, Death sets out to collect those who evaded their fate.
THE BUZZ: I admire this franchise for embracing its dumb-fun appeal by balancing out the camp/gore ratio in the third installment three years back. Here, however, I find the race-track scenario to be kind of a bore, especially in the hands of Snakes on a Plane director David R. Ellis (who also handled FD 2), who apparently couldn't/didn't push for a more out-there premise. Still, the footage I saw at Comic-Con -- some 9 or 10 deaths! -- lured me back in like a helpless victim of awesome marketing. Will this story be rebooted 10 or 20 years from now? Message Boards: Major Plot hole in character deaths | WTF was up with that hole on the racecar? Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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Director: Robert D. Siegel Stars: (Full Cast) Studio: First Independent Pictures The Plot: Paul Aufiero (Oswalt), a hardcore New York Giants football fan, struggles to deal with the consequences when he is beaten up by his favorite player. THE BUZZ: Patton Oswalt's dramatic breakthrough with art-house audiences, or a hard-to-market misfire for First Independent Pictures, who brought Gigantic to us earlier this summer? Message Boards: soundtrack listing FAIL | Chicago release Showtimes | Trailers | Photos | Message Boards | User Comments | Reviews | |||||
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