http://thescorecardreview.com FILM REVIEWS, CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS, AWARDS AND MOVIE NEWS Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:56:52 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/interviews/2009/01/06/jaime-paglia-executive-producer-writer-of-eureka/2122 Operation Filmmaker Directed by: Nina Davenport Cast: Muthana Mohmed, Nina Davenport, Liev Schreiber Running Time: 1 hr 30 min Rating: Unrated Plot: Muthana Mohmed attends film school in Iraq until it is bombed during the invasion of Baghdad in 2003. In an act of charity, Director Liev Schreiber invites him to work as a PA ... http://thescorecardreview.com/dvd-reviews/2009/01/05/2112/2112 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2009/01/04/box-office-review-january-4-2009/2109 Revolutionary Road Directed by: Sam Mendes Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, Michael Shannon Running Time: 2 hrs Rating: R Plot: A married couple (DiCaprio and Winslet) with two children try to survive the banal suburban life of the 1950's. Who’s It For? We are all invited to experience the powerful story by Richard Yates, ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2009/01/01/revolutionary-road/1865 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2009/01/01/revolutionary-road-2/1885 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/12/31/inglorious-bastards-release-date-and-watchmen-featurette/2097 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/12/30/watchmen-arrested-development-and-more/2086 It's he (Nick Allen) and she (Morrow McLaughlin) talking about the new film The Spirit. She Said From what I understand of the original Spirit series by Will Eisner, the movie version is a gaudy, heartless sacrilege, but I haven't been exposed to the original. This is a disadvantage for me, because ... http://thescorecardreview.com/articles/2008/12/29/he-saidshe-said-the-spirit/2044 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/12/28/box-office-review-december-28-2008/2064 The months of January and February are Notorious for offering crumbs of quality scraped from the dishes used at Oscar's feast. However, some Fanboys might be Taken by surprise with reboots of their favorite horror classics, (My Bloody Valentine, now in 3-D or Friday the 13th). As for PG-13 horror, ... http://thescorecardreview.com/top-7/2008/12/28/top-7-anticipated-films-jan-feb-2009/2049 The Spirit Directed by: Frank Miller Cast: Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Mendes, Scarlett Johansson Running Time: 1 hr 50 mins Rating: PG-13 Plot: The Spirit (Macht) is a masked vigilante in Central City, U.S.A. He must stop his arch nemesis, The Octopus (Jackson), from drinking the blood of Hercules, which offers immortality. Who’s It ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/27/the-spirit/2039 Indestructible Directed by: Ben Byer Starring: Ben Byer, John Byer, Steve Byer, Oliver Sacks M.D. Time: 1 hr 50 min Rating: not rated Opening: Dec. 27 in Portland at the Hollywood Theatre Plot: Filmmaker Ben Byer is diagnosed with ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's, a degenerative, fatal disease, and decides to document ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/26/indestructible/2035 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/24/valkyrie/2011 The Wrestler Directed by: Darren Aronofsky Cast: Mickey Rourke, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood Running Time: 1 hr 45 mins Rating: R Plot: Randy “The Ram” Robinson (Mickey Rourke) morphs into a fractured, middle-aged version of the world famous professional wrestler he was in the 80s. Desperately seeking to reinvigorate the high of his heyday, ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/24/the-wrestler/1880 Frost/Nixon Directed by: Ron Howard Cast: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Sam Rockwell Running Time: 2 hrs Rating: R Plot: Because of the Watergate scandal, Richard Nixon (Langella) was the first American president to resign from office. David Frost, an Australian talk show host, was the unlikely interviewer who sought to uncover the truth ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/24/frostnixon/1998 The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Directed by: David Fincher Cast: Brad Pitt, Cate Blanchett Running Time: 2 hrs 45 mins Rating: PG-13 Plot: After being born to an affluent New Orleans family and abandoned minutes later due to his disturbing appearance, young Benjamin Button seems anything but -- his skin is wrinkly, his hair ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/24/the-curious-case-of-benjamin-button/2002 Marley & Me Directed by: David Frankel Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Owen Wilson, Alan Arkin, Eric Dane, Kathleen Turner Time: 2 hr 5 min Rating: PG Plot: A family is both cursed and blessed by the most hyperactive, naughty, and nuerotic dog that ever lived. Who’s It For? Dog lovers and fans of the book. Expectations: The previews ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/24/marley-me/2006 The Reader Directed by: Stephen Daldry Cast: Kate Winslet, Ralph Fiennes, David Kross, Hannah Herzsprung Running Time: 2 hrs, 2 mins Rating: R Plot: The story of a young man’s affair with a retired SS Guard, and how time and consequence can tear apart pair of unlikely lovers. Who’s It For?: For people who can get ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/24/the-reader/1901 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/24/the-wrestler-2/1882 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. ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/24/the-curious-case-of-benjamin-button-2/2031 Taraji P. Henson conquered fear a long time ago. Good thing, too. Years ago, when she was fresh out of high school, the 38-year-old Washington, D.C. native almost let her fear stand in the way her dreams of leaving her mark on the acting world. It took failure in a career she ... http://thescorecardreview.com/interviews/2008/12/24/taraji-p-henson-the-curious-case-of-benjamin-button/2004 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/24/doubt-2/2092 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/24/the-reader-2/2079 Quickcard Review Frost/Nixon Directed by: Ron Howard Cast: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Kevin Bacon, Sam Rockwell Running Time: 2 hrs Rating: R CLICK HERE to read Allen's complete Scorecard Review 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/24/frostnixon-2/2075 Darren Aronofsky reminds me of Egon from The Ghostbusters. This is not a slight. He’s an engaging man whose lack of pretension is as much of a relief as it is an underrated character trait—especially for a critically acclaimed director of his stature. Throughout our roundtable interview the Brooklyn native poked ... http://thescorecardreview.com/interviews/2008/12/20/darren-aronofsky-director-of-the-wrestler/1905 The Tale of Despereaux Directed by: Sam Fell and Robert Stevenhagen Cast: (voices) Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Watson, Tracey Ullman Running Time: 1 hr 35 mins Rating: G Plot: On Soup Day, the Kingdom of Dor loses its Queen in a terrible rat-related accident. Subsequently, the King of Dor forbids both rats and ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/19/the-tale-of-despereaux/1986 Gran Torino Directed by: Clint Eastwood Cast: Clint Eastwood, Sue Lor, Bee Vang Running Time: 2 hrs Rating: R Plot: A retired and newly widowed Korean war veteran becomes a grand father-figure to two neighboring Hmong teenagers trying to escape the violence of a local gang. Who’s It For? Fans of Eastwood's magnetism need to see ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/18/gran-torino/1967 Yes Man Directed by: Peyton Reed Cast: Jim Carrey, Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, Rhys Darby Running Time: 1 hr, 44 minutes Rating: PG-13 Plot: Carl Allen is a pensive, heartbroken nobody who avoids all contact with the outside world. Though his friends insist he burst out from a cocoon of stymieing depression, Allen doesn’t see ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/18/yes-man/1964 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/18/slumdog-millionaire-2/1875 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/18/seven-pounds/1903 Beauty in Trouble (Kráska v nesnázích) Directed by: Jan Hrebejk Cast: Anna Geislerová, Roman Luknár, Josef Abrhám, Jana Brejchová Running Time: 1 hr 50 min Rating: Unrated Opens: Dec. 19 in Portland at The Living Room Theaters Plot: After a flood ravages much of Prague, Jarda (Roman Luknar) starts running a chop shop to support his ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/18/beauty-in-trouble-kraska-v-nesnazich/1878 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/12/14/box-office-review-december-14-2008/1961 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/12/13/winslet-bardem-hawkins-and-more-on-golden-globe-nominations/1958 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/11/the-day-the-earth-stood-still/1912 Doubt Directed by: John Patrick Shanley Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Meryl Streep, Amy Adams, Viola Davis Running Time: 95 minutes Rating: PG-13 Opens: Dec. 12th in Chicago at Landmark Century Cinema and AMC River East Plot: Based on his own play, John Patrick Shanley writes and directs a film about a Bronx parish in the 1960's ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/11/doubt/1867 How About You? Directed by: Anthony Byrne Cast: Brenda Fricker, Vanessa Redgrave, Hayley Atwell, Imelda Staunton, Joss Ackland Running Time: 1 hr 20 min Rating: R Opens: Dec. 12 in Portland at Hollywood Theatre Plot: A young, irresponsible woman (Hayley Atwell) is left in charge of her sister’s retirement home, where she has to deal with ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/11/how-about-you/1939 Nothing Like The Holidays Directed by: Alfredo De Villa Cast: Freddy Rodriguez, Elisabeth Pena, John Leguizamo, Luis Guzman, Debra Messing Running Time: 1 hr 40 mins Rating: PG-13 Plot: An eccentric Latin-American family living in the Puerto Rican area of Chicago celebrates Christmas and various life lessons that enhance the holiday spirit. Who’s It For?: Properly, ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/11/nothing-like-the-holidays/1857 I Can't Think Straight Directed by: Shamim Sharif Cast: Lisa Ray, Sheetal Sheth, Antonia Frering, Rez Kempton Running Time: 1 hr 30 min Rating: PG-13 Opens:  Dec. 12 in Portland at the Hollywood Theatre Plot: Tala (Lisa Ray), a Christian Jordanian from a wealthy family, becomes engaged and returns to London to meet with friends before ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/11/i-cant-think-straight/1869 Moving Midway Directed/Written by: Godfrey Cheshire Cast: Charles Hinton, Elizabeth Silver Cheshire, Al Hinton, Dena Williams Silver Running Time: 1 hr 38 min Rating: Unrated Plot: New York filmmaker and critic Godfrey Cheshire juxtaposes the enduring myth and romance of the antebellum Southern plantation against his brother’s attempts to physically move the actual house, Midway, ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/11/moving-midway/1859 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/12/11/hoffman-fincher-and-others-about-golden-globe-nominations/1935 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 Milk and ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/12/11/golden-globe-film-nominations-for-2008/1931 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/12/11/the-visitor-and-last-chance-harvey-screenplays-available-for-download/1928 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. ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/12/11/alien-trespass-starring-eric-mccormack-to-debut-in-january/1922 Nothing adds to the holiday's commercial cheer like a good Christmas movie. A story about a Puerto Rican family coming together for Christmas, Nothing Like The Holidays is a warm film full of, what Freddy Rodriguez has called himself, an "all-star" cast. From Alfredo Molina to John Leguizamo, or Elisabeth ... http://thescorecardreview.com/interviews/2008/12/09/freddy-rodriguez-elisabeth-pena-and-luis-guzman-nothing-like-the-holidays/1889 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/12/08/box-office-review-december-7-2008/1852 Cadillac Records Directed by: Darnell Martin Cast: Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Columbus Short, Beyonce Knowles Running Time: 1 hr 50 mins Rating: R Plot: The story of record producer Leonard Chess (Brody) and the blues musicians he made famous with his Chicago based company Chess Records. Who’s It For? Music fans, particularly those of Muddy Waters, ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/05/cadillac-records/1834 Nobel Son Directed by: Randall Miller Cast: Alan Rickman, Bryan Greenberg, Shawn Hatosy, Mary Steenburgen Running Time: 1 hr 42 minutes Rating: R Opens: 12/5 in Seattle and Chicago Plot: When Barkley Michaelson’s father is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, it begins a series of events that turns his directionless life around. An oft-troubled kid who ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/04/nobel-son/1836 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/04/punisher-war-zone/1839 My Name is Bruce Directed by: Bruce Campbell Cast: Bruce Campbell, Ted Raimi, Grace Thorsen, Taylor Sharpe Running Time: 1 hr 26 mins Rating: R Plot: When an unexplained supernatural yeti-monster wreaks havoc on a rural Oregon town, the community requires desperate measures to save themselves. When a naïve super-fan believes Bruce Campbell is the ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/12/04/my-name-is-bruce/1832 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/25/australia/1809 Four Christmases Directed by: Seth Gordon Cast: Vince Vaughn, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Duvall, Mary Steenburgen Running Time: 1 hr 22 mins Rating: PG-13 Plot: An evasive couple attempts to forgo sharing Christmas with their slew of family members, but are caught in the act (on national television). Faced with the unthinkable reality of having to ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/25/four-christmases/1811 Transporter 3 Directed by: Olivier Megaton Cast: Jason Statham, Natalya Rudakova, Robert Knepper Running Time: 1 hr 40 mins Rating: PG-13 Plot: Personal driver Frank Martin (Statham) is hired to transport a Ukrainian minister's daughter (Rudakova) who has been kidnapped by an evil American (Knepper) that is attempting to bribe the European country with toxic ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/25/transporter-3/1815 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/25/milk/1817 We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10. Australia, the other English speaking country. The one that doesn't have Shakespeare, Hollywood or Peter Jackson. It's so easy to forget about, until you remember it's the land of Russell Crowe, Naomi Watts, Geoffrey Rush and Mel Gibson. ... http://thescorecardreview.com/top-7/2008/11/25/top-7-australian-films/1805 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/interviews/2008/11/25/angus-maclane-director-of-burn-e/1803 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/20/twilight/1757 Bolt Directed by: Byron Howard, Chris Williams Cast (voices): John Travolta, Miley Cyrus, Susie Essman, Mark Walton Running Time: 1 hr 30 min Rating: PG Plot: This animated movie has Bolt (Travolta) the dog as the star of the biggest television show, but he doesn’t understand that none of it is real. When he believes ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/20/bolt/1774 Twilight Directed by: Catherine Hardwicke Cast: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson Running Time: 2 hrs. Rating: PG-13 I DIDN'T READ THIS BOOK ... if you want to read a review from someone who did -- click here for Jeff Bayer's review. Plot: Bella Swan (Stewart) is forced to trade her teenage life in the desert of Phoenix ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/20/twilight-2/1779 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/articles/2008/11/20/he-saidshe-said-twilight/1769 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/top-7/2008/11/19/top-7-vampire-films/1762 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/18/religulous/1753 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/11/17/box-office-review-november-16-2008/1748 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, ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/11/14/first-look-production-still-edward-nortons-leaves-of-grass/1745 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), ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/13/quantum-of-solace/1718 Dear Zachary Directed/Written/Produced/Edited by: Kurt Kuenne Running Time: 95 mins Rating: Documentary, unrated Opens: In Portland on November 15 at the Hollywood Theatre “Law is mind without reason.” ~ Aristotle I am desensitized. How can you tell? Here’s the test: What is your first reaction when you see extremely realistic gore in the movies? 1. “Gross! I can ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/13/dear-zachary/1707 JCVD Directed by: Mabrouk El Mechri Cast: Jean-Claude Van Damme, François Damiens, Zinedine Soualem, Karim Belkhadra RunningTime: 1 hr 36 mins Rating: R Opens: In Chicago on Nov. 14 at Piper's Alley Plot: A self-conscious Jean-Claude Van Damme stars in a film about a self-conscious big screen star (himself) whose life has unraveled. As if losing ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/13/jcvd/1716 Let the Right One In ... Låt Den Rätte Komma In Directed by: Tomas Alfredson Cast: Kare Hedebrant, Lina Leandersson, Per Ragnar, Patrik Rydmark Running Time: 1 hr 45 min Rating: R Plot: Oskar (Kare Hedebrant), a 12 year old boy, is unhappily resigned to a lonely life of friendlessness and a wicked trio of ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/13/let-the-right-one-in/1723 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/11/13/will-smith-to-green-light-new-version-of-the-karate-kid-with-kid-jaden-smith/1734 Slumdog Millionaire Directed by: Danny Boyle Cast: Dev Patel, Freida Pinto, Madhur Mittal Running Time: 1 hr, 50 mins Rating: PG-13 Plot: The success story of a poor Indian boy (Patel) is coincidentally told through the questions he must answer while on India’s own “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire”. Who’s It For? This is for ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/12/slumdog-millionaire/1728 The mastermind behind films like Trainspotting, 28 Days Later, the underrated Sunshine, and the newest, Slumdog Millionaire, Danny Boyle introduces himself with a big genuine smile and a firm handshake. When he starts talking, (immediately, about his take on British toilet humor), he has the intrigue and charm reminiscent of ... http://thescorecardreview.com/interviews/2008/11/12/danny-boyle-director-of-slumdog-millionaire/1725 We start the Top '007'. You finish the Top 10. Who would James Bond be without his cool gadgets? Sure, he would still be a great spy with a license to kill but would there be 22 movies about the man? Bond fans remember the old films when Q would introduce ... http://thescorecardreview.com/top-7/2008/11/12/top-7-james-bond-gadgets/1713 We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10. World domination is a tough business. The hours are long, the sacrifices are heavy, and the workload is endless. Sometimes, your hard work doesn't even pay off. Even worse than all of this is when some horn dog super agent is ... http://thescorecardreview.com/top-7/2008/11/11/top-7-james-bond-villains/1699 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/11/10/box-office-review-november-9-2008/1695 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/fluff/2008/11/07/now-on-hollywoodchicagocom-exclusive-viggo-mortensen-pics-from-chicago/1690 Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa Directed by: Eric Darnell, Tom McGrath Cast: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett Smith, David Schwimmer, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric the Entertainer, Bernie Mac, Alec Baldwin Running Time: 1 hr 20 min Rating: PG CLICK HERE to read McLaughlin's Top 7 Animal Characters Plot: Alex the lion (Ben Stiller), ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/06/madagascar-2-escape-to-africa/1632 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) ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/06/synecdoche-new-york-2/1637 Soul Men Directed by: Malcom D. Lee Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Bernie Mac Running Time: 1 hr 43 mins Rating: R Plot: Two estranged and aging former soul singers, Louis and Floyd (Jackson and Mac), are forced to reunite after the death of their former band mate Marcus (real-life crooner John Legend) has his managers ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/06/soul-men/1658 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/06/the-boy-in-the-striped-pajamas-pyjamas/1281 Synecdoche, New York Directed by: Charlie Kaufman Cast: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Samantha Morton, Catherine Keener, Michelle Williams Time: 2 hrs 4 mins Rating: R Plot: When suburban theater director Caden Cotard’s life begins to unravel in a very unconventional way, his ambitions to create an original work arise. This is the story of a man ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/06/synecdoche-new-york/1266 Role Models Directed by: David Wain Cast: Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Bobb’e J. Thompson Time: 1 hr 35 min Rating: R CLICK HERE to read De Salvo's Top 7 Paul Rudd Performances Plot: Two energy drink reps (Paul Rudd, Seann William Scott) get into trouble with the law, and they agree to spend ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/06/role-models/1634 We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10. With Madagascar 2: Escape to Africa and Bolt creeping up on us, we started thinking about the top 7 animal characters in film, either real or animated. I trusted Bayer with the top 7 animated films and he didn’t even mention ... http://thescorecardreview.com/top-7/2008/11/06/top-7-animal-characters-in-movies/1639 There are certain actors who carry a movie without having to bear the weight. Paul Rudd invented this situation. He’s a character actor with leading-man looks who impressively walks the fine line between the two without losing a shred of the charisma that would make President Obama proud. Girls love that ... http://thescorecardreview.com/top-7/2008/11/06/top-7-paul-rudd-performances/1669 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 | ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/11/02/box-office-review-november-2-2008/1625 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/11/02/november-08-monthly-movie-preview/1617 Quickcard Review The Haunting of Molly Hartley Directed by: Mickey Liddell Cast: Haley Bennett, Jake Weber, Chace Crawford Time: 1 hr 30 mins Rating: PG-13 Plot: Seventeen-year old Molly (Bennett) slowly learns of the horrors that will happen to her on the day she turns eighteen. Who's It For?: In the world of Molly Hartley, parents are ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/11/02/the-haunting-of-molly-hartley/1614 Charles Burns isn't about reinvention. But he is about taking risks. The 55-year-old Seattle native is known all over the world for his award-winning and ground-breaking graphic novels, comic series and collected works like Black Hole and El Borbah. His work has earned a cult following for its dark, distinctive themes, ... http://thescorecardreview.com/interviews/2008/10/31/charles-burns-director-of-fears-of-the-dark/1606 Zack and Miri Make a Porno Directed by: Kevin Smith Cast: Seth Rogan, Elizabeth Banks, Craig Robinson Time: approx 1 hr, 40 mins Rating: R Plot: Two platonic, twenty-something roommates (Rogen and Banks) emerge from their 10-year high school reunion with dead-end jobs, a stack of unpaid bills and not-so-sterling reputations as the dregs of ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/10/30/zack-and-miri-make-a-porno-2/1583 RocknRolla Directed by: Guy Ritchie Cast: Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton, Jeremy Piven and Ludacris Running Time: 1 hr 55 mins Rating: R Plot: Sometimes it's easier to actually do the things happening in Guy Ritchie plots than describe them. But here goes: members from the underground and the upper class become intertwined in ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/10/30/rocknrolla/1596 I.O.U.S.A Directed by: Patrick Creadon Time: 1 hour and 15 mins Rating: Documentary, unrated I.O.U.S.A--or, as I like to call it, Saw 5 for Grownups--might just be the scariest movie I've seen in a long, long time. The documentary deconstructs and explains each little aspect of this Nation's skyrocketing debt, and it does a ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/10/30/iousa/1588 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/10/30/box-office-preview-october-31-2008/1580 Fear(s) of the Dark Directed by: Blutch, Charles Burns, Marie Caillou, Pierre Di Sciullo, Lorenzo Mattotti, Richard McGuire Cast: uncredited Time: 1hr 25 mins Rating: Not yet rated Plot: Fear(s) of the Dark is made up of a series of black-and-white animation sequences depicting the horror of the unknown. One is about a college student whose ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/10/30/fears-of-the-dark/1264 Ballast Directed by: Lance Hammer Cast: Michael J. Smith Sr., JimMyron Ross, Tarra Riggs Running Time: 1 hr 35 mins Rating: Not rated Plot: A man's sudden suicide affects the lives of the three people whom considered him a brother, husband, and an uncle. (For those who don't know, "ballast" is defined as dead weight ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/10/30/ballast/1559 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/10/30/rocknrolla-2/1563 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/10/30/zack-and-miri-make-a-porno/1162 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/10/30/44th-chicago-international-film-festival-wrap-up/1573 Lance Hammer's Ballast is a docile film that has made quite a name for itself in the festival circuit. His first film uses the Mississippi Delta to explore an "underlying sadness," as he calls it, involving three human beings who are affected by a suicide. The subtle and moving film ... http://thescorecardreview.com/interviews/2008/10/29/lance-hammer-director-of-ballast/1549 Stefan Forbes is a courageous documentarian that says what he believes and believes what he says. In his latest effort, Boogie Man: The Lee Atwater Story he sheds a microscopic light over the life of the Republican Party’s last rock star, Lee Atwater. While working on both the Reagan and Bush ... http://thescorecardreview.com/interviews/2008/10/29/stefan-forbes-director-of-boogie-man-the-lee-atwater-story/1565 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 ... http://thescorecardreview.com/news/2008/10/27/box-office-review-october-26-2008/1544 We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10. The fight for justice can sometimes be an internal struggle, thanks to the character of the dirty cop. They abuse their power while disregarding their duties to protect and serve; these crooks tend to be the worst of all criminals. In ... http://thescorecardreview.com/top-7/2008/10/27/top-7-dirty-cop-movies-from-the-past-20-years/1540 Saw V Directed by: David Hackl Cast: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson, Meagan Good Time: 1 hr 30 mins Rating: R Plot: Characters and audiences alike are tortured in the fifth installment of the Saw franchise. Essentially, people die slowly. In the movie or, (for the audience), in their souls. Who’s It For? 1. People ... http://thescorecardreview.com/film-reviews/2008/10/24/saw-v/1371