The Scorecard Review

You are browsing the archives of Jeff Bayer.

I caught up with Jaime Paglia in the only place possible in Los Angeles … from his car.

The husband and father of two spoke with me about his other love, “Eureka.” The Sci-Fi hit has become a centerpiece for the SCI FI channel. While Paglia navigated the unmoving streets of L.A. we spoke about the show, the strike and I even quizzed him a little to see if he is the all-knowing, all-powerful mind of everything “Eureka.”

For those that aren’t fans of “Eureka” yet, what’s the show about and how do they get caught up?

It’s small town, big secret. To me it’s a blend of “Northern Exposure” with a little bit of “X-Files” or “Twin Peaks” tossed in. A small town sheriff is in charge of a town that looks ... Continue Reading

It’s deja vu all over again.

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, JANUARY 2-4, 2009

Rank. Movie Title - Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Marley and Me - $24.1 million | 3,505 | $106.5 million | 2
2. Bedtime Stories - $20.3 million | 3,684 | $85.4 million | 2
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - $18.4 million | 2,988 | $79.0 million | 2
4. Valkyrie -  $14.0 million | 2,778 | $60.7 million | 2
5. Yes Man - $13.9 million | 3,434 | $79.4 million | 3

Does this look familiar? It should. Exact same top 5 order as last week.

Films like Revolutionary Road, The Wrestler and Gran Torino are doing well, but still sitting in limited release.

Next week we’ll get to see very typical January films … a horror (The Unborn), and ... Continue Reading

Quickcard Review

Revolutionary Road

Directed by: Sam Mendes
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon
Running Time: 2 hrs
Rating: R

CLICK HERE to read Nick Allen’s complete Scorecard Review.

Plot: Based on a Richard Yates novel and set in the 1950s … A married couple, Frank (DiCaprio) and April (Winslet) try to overcome the normal suburban existence and do something more with their lives, to the surprise of everyone they know.

Who’s It For? This is a slow moving, heavy drama. You shouldn’t be thinking it would be fun to see the Titanic gang back together again. And with Mendes, DiCaprio and Winslet … Oscar must be the in back of someone’s mind with this period piece.

OVERALL

Yes, the gang is back together (DiCaprio, Winselt, and let’s not forget Bates) but with much different results. Frank ... Continue Reading

Here’s the press release from TWC annoucing a war movie that has the potential to be THE GREATEST WAR FLICK OF ALL TIME!.. too much? Have I already over-hyped? Sorry, here’s the info …
December 31, 2008 – The Weinstein Company (TWC) and Universal Pictures announced today that Academy Award-winning director Quentin Tarantino’s World War II epic, Inglourious Basterds, starring Brad Pitt, will open domestically August 21, 2009. The announcement was made by Harvey Weinstein, co-chairman of TWC and David Linde, co-chairman of Universal Pictures who are partners in the film. TWC and Universal are co-financing and co-presenting the film with TWC handling domestic distribution and Universal handling international distribution. International release dates will be announced shortly.
As we reported yesterday, Watchmen is still on schedule to open in theaters (and IMAX) ... Continue Reading

Don’t worry, the Watchmen is still coming.

Fox has been trying to block Warner Bros. from the March release of the film Watchmen.

They say they own some rights to the film based on the most popular graphic novel of all time. Warner Bros. is ignoring them, but it all likelihood, they will have to open up their wallet, and hand some cash to Fox just to get them to shut up.

But all signs still point to March 6 when you can see Billy Crudup, Jackie Earle Haley and Carla Gugino — sorry, I mean — Dr. Manhattan, Rorschach and Silk Spectre.

Source: Variety

There has been talk that Arrested Development has been down two cast members. Michael Cera and Will Arnett had not signed on yet. Well, it sounds like we can ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, DECEMBER 26-28, 2008

Rank. Movie Title - Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Marley and Me - $37.0 million | 3,480 | $51.7 million | 1
2. Bedtime Stories - $28.1 million | 3,681 | $38.6 million | 1
3. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - $27.0 million | 2,988 | $39.0 million | 1
4. Valkyrie - $21.5 million | 2,711 | $30.0 million | 1
5. Yes Man - $16.5 million | 3,434 | $49.6 million | 2

Source: boxofficemojo.com

Marley and Me was the no-brain winner of the box-office this weekend. Just think what it could have done if Bedtime Stories (and it’s insanely low Rotten Tomatoes score) would not have come out.

For all the odd disdain for Valkyrie, it still did ... Continue Reading

Valkyrie
Directed by: Bryan Singer
Cast: Tom Cruise, Bill Nighy, Tom Wilkinson, Kenneth Branagh, Terence Stamp
Running Time: 2 hrs
Rating: PG-13

Plot: Based on the true story, a proud German military man, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg (Cruise), is loyal to his country before his allegiance to Adolf Hitler (David Bamper). He along with other German politicians and soldiers look to use Hilter’s own emergency plan–known as Operation Valkyrie–to assassinate Hitler and seize control of Berlin.

Who’s It For? First and foremost, it’s a war movie, with enough well-crafted suspense. There isn’t much violence, only one important woman’s role and it also should be in contention for end of the year awards.

Expectations: Tom Cruise tries to kill Hilter while wearing an eye patch. That might be a tough sell. Look, I don’t care what you think ... Continue Reading

Quickcard Review

The Wrestler

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
Cast: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood
Running Time: 1 hr 45 mins
Rating: R

CLICK HERE to read Chris De Salvo’s complete Scorecard Review

Plot: Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) was a wrestling legend in the 80s, but now after 20 years, Randy is still holding on to the spotlight. He’s stuck wrestling in school gyms and small venues, just scraping by in life. When he’s hit with a heart problem, Randy looks around at his life and sees a stripper (Tomei) and a estranged daughter (Wood) and that’s it.

Who’s It For? This is a character study, with Rourke in almost every shot. It isn’t completely necessary but it sure does help if you watched wrestling in your lifetime or at least banged your head to ... Continue Reading

Quickcard Review

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Directed by: David Fincher
Cast: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett, Taraji P. Henson
Running Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Rating: PG-13

CLICK HERE for Pardee’s complete Scorecard Review

Plot: Benjamin Button (Pitt) is born a tiny old, wrinkled dying man. But Queenie (Henson) takes him in and cares for him. Then the most amazing thing happens … he ages backwards. And along the way he falls in love with Daisy (Blanchett).

Who’s It For? You need to know it’s slow. The pace of the film only has a few quick moments. So the kids will get restless, and you might too.

OVERALL

I had a hunch The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons was going to be one of my favorites this year. I mean it’s got Pitt, Blanchett and Fincher running the ... Continue Reading

Quickcard Review

Doubt

Directed by: John Patrick Shanley
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Viola Davis
Running Time: 95 minutes
Rating: PG-13

CLICK HERE to read Allen’s full Scorecard Review

Plot:John Patrick Shanley wrote the play and now the screenplay. He also directs this film about a parish in the 1960’s.  A nun (Streep) accuses respected priest Father Flynn (Hoffman) of a serious crime, and she also attempts to convince another nun (Adams) that she’s right, and he’s guilty.   

Who’s It For? Do you like plays? Well, let me qualify this better … do you like slow-moving, character study plays?  Then this is for you.

OVERALL

Man, Meryl Streep is evil. In fact, look closely, when she takes the stage (I mean screen) it’s almost the spitting image of Darth Vader when Luke takes off the mask in Return of ... Continue Reading

Quickcard Review

The Reader

Directed by: Stephen Daldry
Cast: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Hannah Herzsprung
Running Time: 2 hrs, 2 mins
Rating: R

CLICK HERE to read De Salvo’s full Scorecard Review

Plot: After World Ward II, a young man (Kross) has an affair with a quiet woman (Winslet), but when their paths cross again later in life, he must watch her go through a trial for horrific crimes.

Who’s It For?: Well, it actually is quite sexual. And if you have teenager/older woman fantasies, you’ll want to step in line for this film as well. Plus, it’s another film that touches on World War II, though it deals with the aftermath.

OVERALL

Complete double standard. A 15-year-old boy can have an affair and no one will be appalled. The surprising thing here is that it’s a ... Continue Reading

Quickcard Review

Frost/Nixon

Directed by: Ron Howard
Cast: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Sam Rockwell
Running Time: 2 hrs
Rating: R

Plot: Based on the true story … Former President Richard Nixon (Langella) has just resigned from office. David Frost (Sheen), an English talk show host, is the unlikely interviewer who lands the story and chance of a lifetime.

Who’s It For? First and foremost this is for history fanatics. In an interview the real-life Frost said this film is 80 percent true. That’s pretty good compared to most “based on a true story” flicks.

OVERALL

Does director Ron Howard have a style? He’s a very accomplished man, but I never feel like I am watching a RON HOWARD FILM (the caps showed emphasis). It’s almost like he’s a chameleon director, able to craft a variety of projects ... Continue Reading

Quickcard Review

Slumdog Millionaire

Directed by: Danny Boyle
Cast: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Madhur Mittal, Irfan Khan
Running Time: 1 hr 50 mins
Rating: PG-13

CLICK HERE to read the complete Scorecard Review by Nick Allen

Plot: It’s the potential of rags to riches as a slumdog (poor Indian boy played by Patel) must answer questions while on India’s own “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” Each question somehow relates to a moment in his past mainly involving his older brother (Mittal) and a girl (Pinto) who he believes is the love of his life.

Who’s It For? This is the most accessible, mainstream Indian film (yes, it’s Indian even though a English man directed it) I have seen. The only thing Bollywood about it is all the vibrant colors and a slightly odd musical number at ... Continue Reading

Seven Pounds
Directed by: Gabriele Muccino
Cast: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Barry Pepper
Running Time: 2 hours
Rating: PG-13

Plot: An IRS agent named Ben Thomas (Smith) has a secret and embarks on a journey to change the lives of seven strangers, while looking for his own path of redemption.

Who’s It For? Smith won over audiences last year with The Pursuit of Happyness and it’s the same type of powerful tale. There’s a little mystery involved here but otherwise, it’s pulling at the heart strings.

Expectations: Just like everyone else, I like Smith. It’s hard not to. Though, it’s funny, looking over his most recent films like I, Robot, Hitch, I Am Legend and Hancock … Pursuit is the only good one in the bunch.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:
Will Smith as Ben Thomas: At first Ben almost ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, DECEMBER 12-14, 2008

Rank. Movie Title - Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. The Day the Earth Stood Still - $31.0 million | 3,560 | $31.0 million | 1

2. Four Christmases - $13.3 million | 3,540 | $88.0 million | 3

3. Twilight - $8.0 million | 3,649 | $150.1 million | 4

4. Bolt - $7.5 million | 3,133 | $88.9 million | 4

5. Australia - $4.3 million | 2,703 | $37.9 million | 3

Source: boxofficemojo.com

The Day the Earth Stood Still was pretty much guaranteed the top spot this weekend. But $31 million is a disappointment. Two new releases of note here … Nothing Like the Holidays failed to capture the spirit, landing at #7 with just $3.5 million. And completely forgotten is ... Continue Reading

More quotes and reactions for actors nominated for the Golden Globes.
The show will be on air January 11, 2009 live on NBC.

KATE WINSLET, nominee for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture, THE READER:
“Playing April Wheeler and Hannah Schmitz, two strong and complex characters was a true gift. To be recognized by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for both performances is a genuine honor and I am incredibly grateful. I am forever thankful to my husband Sam Mendes, Leo and fellow cast members and for Justin’s beautiful script. I am equally proud to share this day with Stephen Daldry and David Hare.”

JAVIER BARDEM, nominee for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical - VICKY ... Continue Reading

The Day the Earth Stood Still

Directed by: Scott Derrickson
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly, Jaden Smith, Kathy Bates, John Cleese
Running Time: 1 hr 50 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: Klaatu (Reeves) is an alien who visits Earth with his large robot counterpart. He is here on a mission and scientist Helen Benson (Connelly) is out to understand why, but so is the U.S. government led by the Secretary of Defense (Bates).

Who’s It For? I can’t say teens, because it’s kind of boring. And I can’t say intelligent adults, because it’s not really that thought provoking. I was hoping for a little humor with the fish (alien) out of water (outer space), but it just didn’t happen.

Expectations: I never saw the original 1951 version of The Day the Earth Stood Still. But from what I ... Continue Reading

With the Golden Globe nominations out, that means people need to be happy and humble.
Here’s thoughts from Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson, David Fincher and Eric Roth.

“It is so exciting to be nominated, but working with Emma was reward enough. Don’t get me wrong, I still want to win!”
- Dustin Hoffman, LAST CHANCE HARVEY, nominee for Best Actor (Musical or Comedy)

“Dustin and I had the best time making this film. It seems insane to get an award nomination on top of that, but I’m thrilled.”
- Emma Thompson, LAST CHANCE HARVEY, nominee for Best Actress (Musical or Comedy)

“I would like to thank the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, Kathy Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Cean Chaffin, Paramount and Warner Bros. for allowing me to make this movie that I’ve wanted to make for ... Continue Reading

The awards have started. Here are the nominations for the 2008 Golden Globes. You may remember last year’s awards ceremony, it was the odd infomercial (due to the writers strike) with Queen Latifah.

Well, my first thoughts are there is no love for Valkyrie and very little love for The Dark Knight.

BEST MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
The Reader
Revolutionary Road
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTOR IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Leonardo DiCaprio, Revolutionary Road
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn, Milk
Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler

BEST PERFORMANCE BY AN ACTRESS IN A MOTION PICTURE – DRAMA
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie, Changeling
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Kristin Scott-Thomas, I’ve Loved You So Long
Kate Winslet, Revolutionary Road

BEST MOTION PICTURE – MUSICAL OR COMEDY
Burn After Reading
Happy-Go-Lucky
In Bruges
Mamma Mia!
Vicky Cristina Barcelona

BEST PERFORMANCE ... Continue Reading

Overture Films is trying something new.

Available now on their website, you can download The Visitor and Last Chance Harvey. Though they are really pushing the first.

Overture Films is proud to announce the screenplay of The Visitor is now available online. Please visit www.overturefilms.net/awards/downloads.html to download your copy.

The inspiring story, written and directed by Tom McCarthy (The Station Agent), reminds us of the beauty of human connection and the impact one person can make in the lives of others. In The Visitor,  Richard Jenkins (“Six Feet Under,” Burn After Reading), a veteran actor for over 30 years, steps into the spotlight in his first leading role as Walter Vale, a Connecticut economics professor whose life is transformed by a chance encounter with a young immigrant couple in New York City.  The ... Continue Reading

Maybe it’s because I recently saw The Day the Earth Stood Still, and was completely underwhelmed, but Alien Trespass seems like a tough sell. Simply the names Urp and Ghota are going to be tough to work through. The one thing it does have going for it is the 1950’s. The problem with recent alien invasion flicks is that we have to spend time with technology (cell phones and news casts) instead of focusing on characters.

ROADSIDE ATTRACTIONS TO RELEASE ALIEN TRESPASS

STARRING ERIC MCCORMACK

World Premiere at the 2009 Palm Springs International Film Festival

Los Angeles (December 5, 2008) - Roadside Attractions has acquired the U.S. theatrical rights to R.W. Goodwin’s (The X Files) colorful homage to 1950’s

Sci-fi alien invasion films, ALIEN TRESPASS.  The film stars Will & Grace’s, Eric McCormack in his ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, DECEMBER 5-7, 2008

Rank. Movie Title - Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Four Christmases - $16.8 million | 3,335 | $70.8 million | 2

2. Twilight - $13.2 million | 3,620 | $138.6 million | 3

3. Bolt - $9.7 million | 3,516 | $79.3 million | 3

4. Australia - $7.0 million | 2,721 | $30.9 million | 2

5. Quantum of Solace - $6.6 million | 3,423 | $151.5 million | 4

Look closely, not one new film made it into the Top 5 this weekend. You’ll have to drop down all the way to the 7 spot … Punisher: War Zone bombed. Thank goodness. We shouldn’t reward mindless violence unless it’s the good kind. Yes, Quantum of Solace, I’m talking about you.

Cadillac Records ... Continue Reading

Punisher: War Zone

Directed by: Lexi Alexander
Cast: Ray Stevenson, Dominic West, and Julie Benz
Running Time: 1 hr 47 mins
Rating: R

Plot: Waging his one-man war on the world of organized crime, ruthless vigilante-hero Frank Castle (Stevenson) sets his sights on overeager mob boss, Billy Russoti (West). After Russoti is left horribly disfigured by Castle, he sets out for vengeance under his new alias … Jigsaw.

Who’s It For? Anyone who can’t be talked out of this being the Punisher film worth seeing. Maybe you didn’t know, but this is the third Punisher film that Hollywood has tried. They need to stop. And kids should not see this bloody mess (just like they shouldn’t play ultra-violent video games).

Expectations: I know better going to these films. All I was looking for was mindless action.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:

Ray ... Continue Reading

Australia

Directed by: Baz Luhrmann
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Brandon Walters, David Wenham
Running Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: This is Luhrmann’s epic romance action adventure ode to Australia. Set just before and during World War II comes the story of an English aristocrat (Kidman) joining forces with a rough local (Jackman) for a cattle drive and much more.

Who’s It For? Look at the running time again. Is it for you? It’s not completely action packed, but there aren’t many dull moments in this crowd pleaser.

Expectations: I was completely and utterly on the fence with this film. Love Luhrmann, but Jackman and Kidman only occasionally put a smile on my face. Plus, the previews make this look just like another take on Far and Away.

SCORECARD (0-10)

Actors:
Nicole Kidman as Lady Sarah ... Continue Reading

Milk

Directed by: Gus Van Sant
Cast: Sean Penn, James Franco, Emile Hirsch, Josh Brolin, Diego Luna
Running Time: 2 hrs 8 mins
Rating: R

Plot: Sean Penn is gay-rights activist Harvey Milk. Set in the 1970s, Milk became the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in America. This film tells the story of his rise to power and his tragic end.

Who’s It For? This is a story that isn’t told that much. We still live in an insanely divided country … just look at the horrendous decision to reverse gay marriage rights in California, of all places. There is an insanely talented cast and a very important story to be told here.

Expectations: Thanks to my wife the history major, I knew just a hint of this story. But I think ... Continue Reading

And along comes Burn-E … the one being who’s life is not charmed my Wall-E.

I sat down with Angus MacLane at the Westin Hotel in downtown Portland. He’s the directing animator on Wall-E and directed the original short Burn-E which is included on the Wall-E DVD.

He’s also worked on Geri’s Game, A Bug’s Life, Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., and Finding Nemo. So yes, he is Pixar.

For those that don’t understand animation film making, what does a director animator do?
The director directs everybody, the supervising animators help organize the animation department, and interface with the producer, director and they make artistic calls. The directing animator is more downward facing and helps on the ground the animators to get their work done and facilitate the consistency. They make sure the characters ... Continue Reading

Twilight
Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke
Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Billy Burke, Peter Facinelli
Running Time: 2 hrs
Rating: PG-13

I READ THIS BOOK … if you are looking for a review that didn’t click here for Thomas Pardee’s review.

Plot: Based on the best-seller by Stephanie Meyer comes the story of Bella (Stewart), an awkward teen who moves to Forks, Washington to be with her dad. She’s immediately drawn to the mysterious Edward Cullen (Pattinson) who turns out to be much more than she ever thought possible.

Who’s It For? There is a huge following from the books. It’s probably the most anticipated adaptation since Harry Potter. And that’s exactly who this is for, and teenage girls won’t mind staring at Edward for a couple of hours either.

Expectations: I read the first book and ... Continue Reading

Let’s get one thing clear … If you haven’t seen Twilight and you want to go in fresh … STOP! Key plot points, the ending, spoilers and differences between the book and film will be discussed.

It’s HE (Jeff Bayer) and SHE (Morrow McLaughlin). Both read the first book (though McLaughlin read all four … in three days).

She said:
In lieu of crucial dialogue, the movie instead chose to fumble its way through uninspired montages, bland visuals, and then what I could only describe as random flotsam–scenes that seem to go nowhere and serve no purpose. Mix that in with Bella’s inconsistent narration, which felt like it had been stapled on–probably because no one on board actually knows how to tell an engaging story–and what you have is a painfully average teenage-angst ... Continue Reading

We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10.

I’m going to stick my neck out and say this list will be something you can really sink your teeth into. It will be your cross to bear if you don’t read it. OK, those are all the awful vampire puns I could muster. More importantly, Twilight fandom is upon us, so before we are all blinded by dreamboat Edward Cullen, let’s sift through the millions (seems like it) of other vampire films that Hollywood has made.

This list focuses on the last 25 years of blood sucking. So if you are looking to reminisce over the brilliance of Nosferatu from 1922, it probably feels like I stabbed you in the heart (with a wooden stake). And I want to offer Jim ... Continue Reading

Quickcard Review

Religulous

Directed by: Larry Charles
Starring: Bill Maher
Running Time: 1 hr 41 mins
Rated: R

Mug. That’s the key to Religulous … which, by the way took me WAY too long to finally pronounce correctly. It was like staring at Scarlett Johansson … I knew I was supposed to get “it,” but I wasn’t seeing what everyone else was.

Back to mug, which can pretty much equal Maher for the duration of this film. He’s front and center leading the way to create an understanding of why and how people believe what they do. Maher says he simply doesn’t know the answers. That’s his religion, the unknowing. And he attempts to investigate why others believe what they do with an open mind, but it’s Maher. He mugs.

And most everyone who sees Religulous ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, NOVEMBER 14-16, 2008

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Quantum of Solace (Sony / Columbia)
$70.4 million | 3,451 | $70.4 million | 1

2. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (Paramount (DreamWorks))
$36.1 million | 4,065 | $118.0 million | 2

3. Role Models (Universal)
$11.7 million | 2,798 | $38.1 million | 2

4. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Buena Vista)
$5.9 million | 3,202 | $84.4 million | 4

5. Changeling (Universal)
$4.2 million | 1,896 | $27.6 million | 4

Source: www.boxofficemojo.com

Just as you would expect, Bond broke records. I predicted last week that it would pass Casino Royale’s opening weekend. But even I am a little surprised by $70 million.

Next week will be very interesting with Bolt and Twilight coming into play. It could be ... Continue Reading

Is there any actor better than Ed Norton right now?.. OK, the answer is probably yes. But please remember this is the man from Fight Club, American History X and The Painted Veil (which more people should have seen)… Well, maybe “Leaves of Grass” will bring him back. I mean, there’s two of him. What could go wrong?

HollywoodChicago.com — TSR’s news partner — just published a first-look production still for the comedic thriller “Leaves of Grass” in which Edward Norton stars as twin brothers. The film, which recently wrapped production in Shreveport, La., is due out in 2010. It also stars Richard Dreyfuss, Keri Russell and Susan Sarandon.

See the first-look “Leaves of Grass” production still at The Scorecard Review partner HollywoodChicago.com.

Quantum of Solace

Directed by: Marc Forster
Cast: Daniel Craig, Olga Kurylenko, Judi Dench, Mathieu Amalric, Jeffrey Wright
Running Time: 1 hr 40 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: James Bond (Daniel Craig) picks up right where he left off … kicking arse. Still seeking revenge for the death of his true love Vesper (who betrayed him), Bond encounters Dominic Greene (Mathieu Amalric), an environmentalist who has sinister motives.

Who’s It For? Action fans will flock. No romance this time … and if all you care about is gadgets and villains … take a deep breath, you aren’t getting your fill here.

Expectations: I am one of the few who thought Casino Royale was just average. I have unusually high expectations for Bond films. But Casino was just simply too long on a romance I never believed in and ... Continue Reading

Sometimes rumors do become true. Will Smith will produce a new version of “The Karate Kid” with his 10-year-old kid, Jaden Smith, in the starring role. The confirmed news surfaced this week in contrast to denied reports from a year ago that Will Smith was planning to wax on a remake of the 1984 classic “The Karate Kid”.

Read the full news article at The Scorecard Review partner HollywoodChicago.com.

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, NOVEMBER 7-9, 2008

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (Paramount (DreamWorks))
$63.5 million | 4,056 | $63.5 million | 1

2. Role Models (Universal)
$19.3 million | 2,792 | $19.3 million | 1

3. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Buena Vista)
$9.3 million | 3,464 | $75.7 million | 3

4. Changeling (Universal)
$7.3 million | 1,855 | $20.6 million | 3

5. Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Weinstein Company)
$6.5 million | 2,735 | $20.9 million | 2

Source: boxofficemojo.com

The first Madagascar made $47 million in its opening weekend, so this can only mean one thing … expect more Madagascar.

Zack and Miri is slowly slipping away, already down to number five, the attempt at mainstream just didn’t seem to work for porn ... Continue Reading

From Adam Fendelman’s HollywoodChicago.com – a partner with TSR – comes exclusive pics from the Chicago International Film Festival.

Academy Award nominee Viggo Mortensen posed for a HollywoodChicago.com red-carpet portrait on Oct. 29, 2008 prior to receiving a career achievement award at the U.S. premiere of “Good” on the closing night of the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PICS

Quickcard Review

Synecdoche, New York

Directed by: Charlie Kaufman
Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Samantha Morton, Catherine Keener, Michelle Williams
Time: 2 hrs 4 mins
Rating: R

CLICK HERE to read De Salvo’s complete Scorecard Review … he gives it a 7/10

Plot: It’s pronounced (sin-neck-doe-key) if you’re unsure. But unsure just might be the point. Caden (Hoffman) attempts to create the most ambitious play ever imagined at the exact time his life begins to unravel.

Who’s It For? Let me just take a line from the film to explain who it’s for … “Knowing that you don’t know is the first essential step to knowing, you know?” This is an impressionist film. It is what you make it. That will turn away most, but with Kaufman directing, you are guaranteed to see something original.

OVERALL

It’s a movie about ... Continue Reading

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas
Directed by: Mark Herman
Cast: Asa Butterfield, Vera Farmiga, David Thewlis, Jack Scanlon
Running Time: 1 hr 35 mins
Rating: PG-13

Opens in Chicago on November 7. Opens in Portland on November 14.

Plot: Based on the John Boyne novel, and set during World War II, this is the story of Bruno (Butterfield), an 8-year-old and son of the commander in charge of a concentration camp. Bruno secretly explores the area and finds a friendship with a Jewish boy (Scanlon) who is inside the camp.

Who’s It For? I looked it up … and there are officially infinity different films about WWII. Just amazing. What’s more impressive is that this is another original way to tell the horrendous story. If you are looking for a way to introduce your ... Continue Reading

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Theaters | Total Gross | Week #

1. High School Musical 3: Senior Year (Buena Vista)
$15.0 million | 3,626 | $61.8 million | 2

2. Zack and Miri Make a Porno (Weinstein Company)
$10.7 million | 2,735 | $10.7 million | 1

3. Saw V (Lionsgate)
$10.1 million | 3,084 | $45.8 million | 2

4. Changeling (Universal)
$9.4 million | 1,850 | $10.1 million | 2

5. The Haunting of Molly Hartley (Freestyle Releasing)
$6.0 million | 2,652 | $6.0 million | 1

Source: www.boxofficemojo.com

I like to think people chose parties and trick-or-treating with the kids over going to the theater. And I also like to think that the reason I underperformed on the Bayer Box Office Challenge was because I was too concerned on properly draping fake spider webs on the banister.

Here ... Continue Reading

If you haven’t heard … November will be the most important month in our lifetime. And from what I understand it has nothing to do with the latest Bond film.

Go vote.

Before we look forward, let’s take a look back at October.

There was just an insane amount of films released. Nobody even had time to focus on films like How to Lose Friends and Alienate People or Flash of Genius. And there was no film to dominate the box office except Beverly Hills Chihuahua, which I have decided I can’t fully rip on since I haven’t sat through it. It almost sounds worth it.

Here’s a quick list of the best of October.

5. City of Ember
4. Blindness
3. W.
2. Zack and Miri Make a Porno
1. Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist

Since ... Continue Reading

MOVIE OF THE WEEK —

Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Plot: Didn’t you read the title? Two friends (Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks) are out of cash and attempt to make some money through amateur porn.
Buzz: No, Judd Apatow isn’t directing. In fact, this is Kevin Smith’s chance to get back to being hip and relevant again.

Also Opening:
Changeling (wide)
The Haunting of Molly Hartley
RocknRolla
Fear(s) of the Dark
Ballast
Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story

The Haunting of Molly Hartley wasn’t screened in Portland or Chicago, which is probably for the best. Chace Crawford can only do so much right?

More importanly, we have iterviews from the directors of …
Fear(s) of the Dark
Ballast
and
Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story

and now it’s time to play –

Simply pick the Top 5 movies at the box office this ... Continue Reading

Quickcard Review

RocknRolla

Directed by: Guy Ritchie
Cast: Gerald Butler, Mark Strong, Tom Wilkinson, Toby Kebbell, Idris Elba, Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Jeremey Piven, Thandie Newton
Running Time: 1 hr 55 mins
Rating: R

CLICK HERE to read Allen’s full Scorecard Review

Plot: The underworld of London gets blown up (figuratively) in the latest Ritchie film. A huge cast of characters are looking for money, a lucky panting, and a rock star.

Who’s It For? If you check the ‘yes’ box next to liking Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and the film Snatch then here’s another one for you. There are moments of sex and violence and tons of foul language to go along with it all. If you saw Ritchie’s other films … and enjoyed them … sorry, I don’t have any sarcastic award to ... Continue Reading

Quickcard Review

Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Directed by: Kevin Smith
Cast: Seth Rogen, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson, Jason Mewes, Katie Morgan
Running Time: 1 hr 41 mins
Rating: R

CLICK HERE to read Pardee’s full Scorecard Review

Plot: Friends forever … Zack (Rogen) and Miri (Banks) hit hard financial times and they look for any option to make money for the rent. Zack suggests they make a porn flick, and a group of friends are willing to help. But as the cameras role, the two begin to have feeling for one another and of course, that complicates things.

Who’s It For? It’s easy to say this is for the younger crowd. Those under 40 seem to have a different appreciation for porn, it’s something that can be talked about instead of hid in the ... Continue Reading

A wrap-up from Michael Kutza, the founder and artistic director, of the Chicago International Film Festival ….
50 COUNTRIES, 175 FILMS, 100 DIRECTORS

What more can a city ask for? This year more than ever, the Chicago International Film Festival opened your eyes to things you just don’t see every day. In our 44 years, we have been committed to taking you across the globe to discover some of the most exciting cinema the world has to offer. The new voices, new ideas, new storytellers, new stars. I feel we have the perfect mix of star-studded red carpet premieres and cutting-edge world cinema for serious filmgoers.

The two weeks of the Chicago Festival are still packed full of once-in-a-lifetime events where you will see things that may never hit the Chicago screens again! ... Continue Reading

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, OCTOBER 24-26, 2008

Rank. Movie Title (Distributor)
Weekend Gross | Total Gross | Week #

1. High School Musical 3: Senior Year - $42.0 million | $42.0 million | 1

2. Saw V - $30.5 million | $30.5 million | 1

3. Max Payne - $7.6 million | $29.7 million | 2

4. Beverly Hills Chihuahua - $6.9 million | $78.1 million | 4

5. Pride & Glory - $6.3 million | $6.3 million | 1

Source: boxofficemojo.com

Just as I predicted … almost.

These were my picks -

1. HSM 3
2. Saw 5
3. Max Payne
4. Pride & Glory
5. Beverly Hills Chihuahua

For some reason I thought Ed Norton and Colin Farrell could somehow manage to make over $7 million and beat a little dog that’s been around for a month now. Next week can we ... Continue Reading

Just 12 days before we decided who will be the next President of the United States. And now Ron Howard isn’t just sitting on the sidelines.

But he’s not alone.

I wish I was in the meetings or listening on the phone when Howard approached Henry Winkler and Andy Grittith.

I mean, I feel like he, even more than the two of them, has distanced himself from the iconic characters of Opie and Richie.

Did they both just immediately respond, “You’re willing to do what?!”

Great effort by Opie Cunningham.

It seems too late to say, but you’re registered to vote right?… ... Continue Reading

Happy-Go-Lucky
Directed by: Mike Leigh
Cast: Sally Hawkins, Eddie Marsan, Alexis Zegerman, Samuel Roukin
Time: 2 hrs
Rating: R

Plot: Poppy (Hawkins) is a woman who is always wearing a smile on her face. She walks through life always looking for the positive spin on things in North London with her friends.

Who’s It For? Are you convinced that sunshine always beats rain? This is a film that will test the theory. It’s actually tough to say if this is for people who can’t stand the annoying over-talker in the group, or for those who have no idea they are the one who just can’t shut up.

Expectations: I have been a fan of Leigh but it comes down to one film: Topsy-Turvy. Otherwise Secrets & Lies and Career Girls underperformed for me. ... Continue Reading

Movie of the WEAK?!

Pride and Glory
Plot: One family has a long history of New York City Police officers. The family’s moral codes are tested when Ray (Edward Norton), investigates a case that reveals an incendiary police corruption scandal involving his own brother-in-law (Colin Farrell).
Buzz: Norton is on the short list for top American actor and Farrell can do it (In Bruges) so we’ll see what director Gavin O’Connor (Tumbleweeds, Miracle) can do with this gritty cop drama.

Also Opening:
Saw V
High School Musical 3: Senior Year
The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D (re-release)
Changeling - In Chicago
Happy-Go-Lucky

I am happy and confident to report that Saw V will not win the box office this weekend. But the fact that it will be taken over by HSM 3 … should I really feel good about any ... Continue Reading

Quickcard Review

W.
Directed by: Oliver Stone
Cast: Josh Brolin, James Cromwell, Richard Dreyfuss, Elizabeth Banks
Time: 2 hrs 9 mins
Rating: PG-13

Plot: The life and time of George W. Bush (Brolin) — from the time he was in college to his current position as President of the United States.

Who’s it For? Liberal minded folks with flock to this film for a chance to laugh at our current President. But I am vastly more interested in people who still respect/admire/follow our current Commander-in-Chief, what will they make us this? The focus is not as mean as I was prepared for, I think there are only two f-bombs and it doesn’t talk about George W. Bush’s cocaine use.

CLICK HERE to read De Salvo’s full Scorecard Review

OVERALL
It’s always good, never great. It’s an amazing time ... Continue Reading

Weekend Box Office Results:

1 Max Payne - $18,000,000
2 Beverly Hills Chihuahua - $11,200,000
3 The Secret Life of Bees - $11,050,000
4 W. - $10,550,000
5 Eagle Eye - $7,343,000

Queen Latifah beats the President. Max Payne kills the chihuahua.

The Secret Life of Bees has the highest per screen average at $6,945.

I haven’t figured out how, but I’m going to change up the box office preview/review. Until I figure out the perfect system, TSR’s Box Office Challenge will be on a slight hold. I’ll still be attempting to predict the order of the top 5, and for the record, I won again …

Jeff Bayer = 9 points

1. Max Payne
2. Beverly Hills Chihuahua
3. W.
4. Sex Drive
5. Body of Lies ... Continue Reading