The Scorecard Review

You are browsing the archives of 2008 January.

John Lehr would like to thank you and make sure you come again. The creator and star of “10 Items or Less,” the TBS sitcom about a local grocery store, is beginning the second season of the show. The comedy is almost all improv with no character dialogue written beforehand. Lehr has a history of TV — and film and stage, for that matter — and spent time in Chicago, attending Northwestern and performing improv.

His wife, author Jennifer Lehr of “Ill-equipped for a Life of Sex: A Memoir,” is pregnant with their second child, and though he loves parenthood, Lehr vows his resolution this year “is to not have any more children. I’m getting it cut. Whatever it takes, I’m done.” ... Continue Reading

Plot: When Bridget (Diane Keaton) learns her husband (Ted Danson) is on the verge of losing their lifestyle, she slowly plots a scheme to get some extra cash. At her new job Bridget enlists the help of Nina (Queen Latifah) and Jackie (Katie Holmes) to rob the Federal Reserve Bank.

Who’s it for: You really need to be a big fan of Keaton or Latifah to look past the flaws of this lackluster caper.

Expectations: Well, January films have a history of being disappointing, almost like studios are just trying to get rid of them. Plus, Keaton has lost that spark since 2003’s “Something’s Gotta Give.”

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Actors:
Diane Keaton as Bridget: Bridget states crime is contagious, and normally movies have a way to ... Continue Reading

Plot: Jane (Katherine Heigel) has been a bridesmaid 27 different times. She always gives to others, never taking time for herself. When her sister gets engaged to her boss and secret crush (Ed Burns), helping with this wedding could prove too much. Especially when a journalist (James Marsden) starts to question her life.

Who’s it for: Women who are in need of a girls’ night out. If you love the idea of bumping your head and waking up to your dream man, then this is your movie.

Expectations: I am rarely satisfied with romantic comedies. I always look forward to them, but they seem to rarely capture any hint of authentic humor or romance. Heigel is hot from “Knocked Up” and “Grey’s Anatomy” ... Continue Reading

Plot: Two brothers (Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell) have financial problems in England. When their rich uncle (Tom Wilkinson) makes a rare appearance, both of them want favors, but he has a request of his own that throws the brothers into a world of chaos.

Who’s it for: This is a lighter version of “Match Point,” but still in the same ballpark. If you are looking for Woody Allen or for someone to act like him, you aren’t going to get it here.

Expectations: All I knew was Woody Allen, Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell. This was enough for me as two of the three have been consistently good throughout the years. No Mr. Farrell, I wasn’t referring to you.

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Actors:
Ewan McGregor ... Continue Reading

Plot: A monster attacks New York and some twentysomethings capture it all on their camcorder as they try to regroup and escape from the city before it is destroyed.

Who’s it for: This film is for the younger crowd. Also, you probably need to pop a couple of Excedrin before you see this shaky film. There are light humor and scares throughout.

Expectations: I had seen only one teaser beforehand, and with J.J. Abrams’ name attached that was enough for me. Besides “Lost” and “Alias,” I even watched his first show, “Felicity.”

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Actors:
Michael-Stahl David as Rob: A party is being thrown in Rob’s honor because he is moving to Japan (a nod to “Godzilla,” I assume). He is supposed to be ... Continue Reading

Plot: Based on Upton Sinclair’s novel, Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) is an oil prospector with a competitive appetite. He takes in an orphan and attempts to take control of a small community called Little Boston that is sitting on a pile of oil.

Who’s it for: If you’ve been waiting for the typical Paul Thomas Anderson, you need to keep waiting. This isn’t it. Also, it’s about two and a half hours, so get comfortable.

Expectations: Director Anderson is behind “Hard Eight,” “Boogie Nights” and my favorite of his, “Magnolia.” With films like this it’s hard not to get excited beforehand, especially when Daniel Day-Lewis joins.

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Actors:
Daniel Day-Lewis as Daniel Plainview: Daniel is a man of few words, but when he speaks the ... Continue Reading