The Scorecard Review

City of EmberDirected by: Gil Kenan Cast: Harry Treadaway, Saoirse Ronan, Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, Martin Landau Time: 1 hr 35 mins Rating: PG

Plot: The people of Ember have been in a wondrous underground city of years, but now it is starting to fall apart and it's city lights are beginning to flicker. It's up to two kids to try and figure out a way to solve the problem and find a way out of Ember. Based on the novel by Jeanne Duprau.

Who’s It For? The whole family. I know I sound like a billboard, but this genuinely is a film that will keep both kids and parents interested. The violence is minimal, mainly coming from a giant mole, and even if your little one is afraid of the dark, this film won't traumatize them for life.

Expectations: I am always hopeful that a kids/family movie will do something beyond talking dogs (I'm looking at you Beverly Hills Chihuahua).

Oct 9
Oct 9 The Express

Nick Allen

The ExpressDirected by: Gary Fleder Cast: Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid, Omar Benson Miller Time: 2 hrs 5 mins Rating: PG

Plot: The story of Ernie Davis, (Brown), the first African-American football player to win the Heisman Trophy. A discriminated halfback at Syracuse University, Davis tackled racial differences on and off the field whether it was from prejudiced referees and teammates, segregated hotels and businesses, or the entire state of Texas.

Who’s It For? The obvious bid is for football fans, but the power of this true story widens its audience to anyone who is willing to listen.

Expectations: Sports films tend to be cinematic MVPs, making true stories seem like the most formulaic kind of thing. But once we disregard the Hollywood-injected factors like predictability, the stories they tell are usually able to stand on their own.

Oct 9
Oct 9 Body of Lies

Nick Allen

Narrative Review Body of Lies Directed by: Ridley Scott Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong Time: 2 hrs Rating: R

Our business in Iraq has always been a tough sell, even before our vain attempts to make movies about it. Hollywood has interpreted our presence in the Middle East in many ways, but few films were able to put up "Mission Accomplished" banners. Audiences didn’t care for the wimpy meow of Lions For Lambs; the controversial soldier re-enlistment film Stop-Loss (released to an audience that was MIA); and gung-ho disasters like The Kingdom, which were too busy with glorified violence to treat its mature themes seriously.

An adaptation of the novel by the same name, Body of Lies explodes into multiplexes and speaks the truth about the volcanic potential within such hot-topic films. This political action-thriller confirms that it’s possible for a flick to pack a message as tough as its punch, all while offering a unanimous, nonpartisan source of intelligent, gripping entertainment.

The film's political points are sharpest in the beginning. Russell Crowe, as big-boned CIA operative Ed Hoffman, delivers a monologue concerning our presence in the Middle East, debating whether a reason to defend our work over there is even necessary. Throughout his speech, (which doubles as a visual introduction of his intelligence partner in Iraq, Roger Ferris, played by Leonardo DiCaprio), Hoffman argues for the sake of surveillance to fight terrorism by saying: “we must keep our foot on the enemy’s foot, or the world will change completely.” Body of Lies is a story about the toes that are stepped on in the process to keep such an imperative balance.

Oct 8
Oct 8 Box Office Preview - October 10, 2008

Movie of the Week:Body of Lies Plot: A CIA operative (Leonardo DiCaprio) uncovers a lead on a major terrorist leader suspected to be operating out of Jordan. Buzz: Yeah, the plot is secondary. DiCaprio teaming up with Russel Crowe is the real interest here. And so far, when Ridley Scott directs Crowe, good things happen (Gladiator and American Gangster).

Also Opening: City of Ember The Express Quarantine Happy-Go-Lucky

The Beverly Hills Chihuahua must be stopped and DiCaprio plus Crowe should be enough to do the trick. Quarantine did not have an advanced screening in Portland or Chicago, so as always be careful with that.

We have two new writers joining our staff this week. The reviews for the weekend... Morrow McLaughlin - Body of Lies Nick Allen - Body of Lies & The Express Jeff Bayer - Happy-Go-Lucky & City of Ember

And now

Oct 7
Oct 7 Soul Men Soundtrack features Jackson, Mac and Issac Hayes

The film Soul Men might have started out at a comedy-drama, but now it has a different meaning. Bernie Mac stars in the film and Issac Hayes has a cameo. Both are featured on the soundtrack. Stax Records will release the soundtrack on November 4. Here is a press release from Stax.Authentic soul music and superstar musical performances are the consistent theme and backdrop for the side-splitting comedy, Soul Men, starring entertainment icons Bernie Mac, who passed away on August 9, and award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson. The film also includes a cameo appearance by Isaac Hayes who died the day after Mac in unrelated circumstances. Soul Men, directed by Malcolm D. Lee (The Best Man, Undercover Brother, Roll, Bounce) will be released November 7, 2008 nationwide (Dimension

Oct 5
Oct 5 Box Office Review - October 5, 2008

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, OCTOBER 3-5, 2008 1. Beverly Hills Chihuahua - $29.0 million 2. Eagle Eye - $17.7 million 3. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist - $12.0 million 4. Nights in Rodanthe - $7.4 million 5. Appaloosa - $5.0 million

Source: BoxOfficeMojo.com

Beverly Hills Chihuahua also had the highest per screen average with over $9,000. Second was the limited release Bill Maher film Religulous at $6,972 per screen. Barely anyone say Flash of Genius or Blindness.

It's like my own personal Apocalypse ... Audiences flock to a film about a chihuahua, the Iowa Hawkeyes pretty much declare their season is over and the Chicago Cubs ... sigh, let's just say I am canceling my return trip to Chicago for the World Series.

But there is good news as well, the TSR staff won the Box

Oct 5
Oct 5 TOP 7 Disney Kid Actors to Mainstream Stars

Thomas Pardee

Top 7

We start the Top 7. You finish the Top 10. The "Disney machine," huge in both net worth and influence, is notorious for catching kids young, making them humongous stars then releasing them into the open waters of mainstream media. Once the chord is cut, it's a toss up as to whether these freshly-baked celebrities will continue to grow their careers and join the ranks of the happy, healthy Hollywood royalty, or end up on the much longer list of child stars gone wrong. Or worse yet, gone nowhere at all.

Here's a rundown of the Top 7 highest climbers (and hardest fallers) of Disney's kin who made it out of the Magic Kingdom and found the grass greener on the other side of the moat. This isn’t a list of

Oct 3
Oct 3 Box Office Preview - October 3, 2008

Another huge slew of films hit theaters this weekend. An American Carol Beverly Hills Chihuahua Blindness Flash of Genius How to Lose Friends and Alienate People Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist Appaloosa

We did see everything except An American Carol and Beverly Hills Chihuahua. I can't imagine anyone is sad about that.

And now it’s time for everyone’s (or at least 12 people’s) favorite new game … Here’s how it works, just decide the order. Points are awarded as such … #1 at the box office = 5 points 2 = 4 points 3 = 3 points 4 = 2 points 5 = 1 point

Your goal: Try to beat us. Our goal: Prove our dominance. Currently our dominance has not been dominant. In fact, we are 0-2.

Dvaid Pohl 1. Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist 2. Beverly Hills Chihuahua 3. Eagle Eye 4. Flash of Genius 5. How to

Oct 2
Oct 2 Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist

Nick & Norah's Infinite PlaylistDirected by: Peter Sollett Cast: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Alexis Dziena, Ari Graynor, Jay Baruchel Time: 1 hr 30 mins Rating: PG-13

Plot: Nick (Cera) is getting over his ex and Norah (Dennings) has baggage of her own. But when she asks him to pretend to be her boyfriend for five minutes, they are thrust together in a New York City night of adventure in a world of mix tapes, drunk friends, and live music.

Who’s It For? This is ideally for the high school crowd, but should appeal to a wider audience. You'll get more of the same from Cera (which is a good thing).

Expectations: I was so excited that I forced the wife to come along for the screening. I had a hope/hunch this could rise above the typical

Oct 2
Oct 2 Appaloosa

AppaloosaDirected by: Ed Harris Cast: Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Jeremy Irons, Renée Zellweger Time: 1 hr 55 mins Rating: R

Plot: Virgil (Harris) is a hired gun along with his right-hand-man Everett (Mortensen) to clean up the town of Appaloosa, but things are complicated with the arrival of the widown Allison French (Zellweger).

Who’s It For? You'll never guess, this Western is for fans of Westerns. There is also a shocking amount of comedic dialouge between Virgil and Everett.

Expectations: Harris and Mortensen made a great film as enemies in A History of Violence, so maybe the same magic could strike as friends. Plus, I'm one of the ones who does like Westerns, even though my first thought after seeing the previews was, "Hmm, Harris doing Eastwood."

Oct 2
Oct 2 Blindness

BlindnessDirected by: Fernando Meirelles Cast: Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Alice Braga, Gael Garcia Bernal Time: 2 hrs Rating: R

Plot: A city is suddenly struck by an epidemic of "white blindness." The blind are quarantined by the government and one woman (Moore) who can still see, lies to be with her husband (Ruffalo). They attempt to deal with the blindness as best they can.

Who’s It For? This is a different type of film and will most likely be a bit uncomfortable for some. There is a difficult rape scene and there is really no reason to have your kids see this film. You are also going to see naked bodies of all shapes and sizes.

Expectations: I read the book by José Saramago ... OK, that's not totally honest. I starting reading the book, liked the concept, but got distracted with other things. My wife liked it though, and I was very interested in how this book could possibly translate to a film.

Oct 2
Oct 2 Flash of Genius

Chris De Salvo

Flash of GeniusDirected by: Marc Abraham Cast: Greg Kinnear, Lauren Graham, Dermot Mulroney, Alan Alda Time: 1 hr 59 mins Rating: PG-13

Plot: A small-town Michigan inventor’s idea for an intermittent windshield wiper is promptly gobbled up by the Ford Motor Company. Perpetually downtrodden, Robert Kearns risks everything (including his family) to take the automakers to court.

Who’s It For? Fans of the based on a true story genre who appreciate a filmmaker who can authentically encapsulate an era in the past. Anyone with relative interest in the time period that separated the optimism of the 1960s, and the self-absorbed 1980s should most definitely tune in.

Expectations: Early Oscar talk circulated the industry regarding Kinnear’s performance. A long-time producer who has had a hand in everything from The Hurricane to Dawn of the Dead, Marc

Oct 2
Oct 2 How to Lose Friends & Alienate People

How to Lose Friends & Alienate PeopleDirected by: Robert B. Weide Cast: Simon Pegg, Kirsten Dunst, Jeff Bridges, Megan Fox, Danny Huston, Gillian Anderson Time: 1 hr 50 mins Rating: R

Plot: A British entertainment journalist (Pegg) struggles to fit in at a high-profile magazine in New York. The film is based on Toby Young's memoir "How to Lose Friends & Alienate People."

Who’s It For? There's a node to A Dolce Vita but otherwise it's a pretty basic comedy with most of the laughs hoping to come from idiocy.

Expectations: Weide is mostly known for directing "Curb Your Enthusiasm" which has great bite to it and Pegg has a pretty strong record so far, so I was down for this celebrity journalist tale.

SCORECARD (1-10)

Actors: Simon Pegg as Sydney Young: The weight of the film is on his shoulders. Seems like he would wear that weight well. But look under "expectations." I said pretty strong. Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz

Oct 2
Oct 2 Towelhead

Chris De Salvo

TowelheadDirected by: Marc Abraham Cast: Summer Bishil, Maria Bello, Aaron Eckhart, Peter Macdissi Time: 1 hr 56 mins Rating: R

Plot: A tale a troubled Arab girl who forges through the tumultuous tweens amidst amplified adversity. Along with reaching her sexual awakening, young Jasira learns the yings and yangs of bigotry and racism without much help from her anti-role model parents.

Who’s It For? This is film based on the novel written by Alicia Erian. It’s interesting to see how successful books are morphed into feature films. Also, anyone interested in witnessing what could be the most provocative coming age story about a thirteen-year-old girl. Yes, I’ve seen Thirteen.

Expectations: Those of you expecting the rumored controversy this film with initiate should ready yourself. It’s difficult to fully assert how far this film goes with the material. Far past previously set standards for what’s expectable, especially considering the subject matter related films have dealt with. There will be a few scenes where it’s guaranteed you will be pushed to cover your eyes.

Oct 2
Oct 2 Synecdoches, New York launches new website

Charlie Kaufman's mind is at it again. The writer behind Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind is set to direct his first feature film, Synecdoches, New York, starring Philip Seymour Hoffman, and now the film's website is following in its creative footsteps. View the Synecdoches, New York website here. Sony Pictures released this statement ... The website for writer Charlie Kaufman’s directorial debut “SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK,” was designed and programmed by 1 Trick Pony, in coordination with Sony Pictures Classics and the filmmakers. Its’ design utilizes a variety of film stills and imagery to convey the movie's tone which helps illustrate the overlapping of the actors’ roles in the film. Those entering the site can view full profiles of the main Cast and Crew, as well as 'Synopsis,' ‘Trailer’ and 'Reviews & Links' sections. These sections include cartoon/animations developed by Corduroy Road Productions (who also produced the animation seen in the film). The site has been programmed in 'Flash' to allow for the variety of subtle animation techniques and also uses selections from Jon Brion's unique film score as background audio.

Sony Picture Classics will release SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK on October 24th in select cities and nationally throughout November.

From Charlie Kaufman, comes a visual and philosophic adventure, “SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK”. As he did with his groundbreaking scripts for "Being John Malkovich", "Adaptation", and "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind", Kaufman twists and subverts form and language as he delves into the mind of a man who, obsessed with his own mortality, sets out to construct a massive artistic enterprise that could give some meaning to his life.

Oct 2
Oct 2 Downey, Law and Ritchie Start Sherlock Holmes

Robert Downey Jr. is still continuing this blockbuster pace. With Iron Man arriving on DVD, and Tropic Thunder still fresh in everyone's minds, Downey is set to begin production on the most famous detective of all time ... Principal photography is set to begin on location in London for the action adventure mystery “Sherlock Holmes,” being helmed by acclaimed filmmaker Guy Ritchie, for Warner Bros. Pictures and Village Roadshow Pictures.

Robert Downey Jr. brings the legendary detective to life as he has never been portrayed before. Jude Law stars as Holmes’ trusted colleague, Watson, a doctor and war veteran who is a formidable ally for Sherlock Holmes. Rachel McAdams stars as Irene Adler, the only woman ever to have bested Holmes and who has maintained a tempestuous relationship with the detective. Mark Strong stars as their mysterious new adversary, Blackwood. Kelly Reilly will play Watson’s love interest, Mary.

Based on an original story/comic book by Lionel Wigram, inspired by the classic tales of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the film will be produced by Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey and Dan Lin. Steve Clark-Hall and Bruce Berman are serving as executive producers.

In a dynamic new portrayal of Conan Doyle’s famous characters, “Sherlock Holmes” sends Holmes and his stalwart partner Watson on their latest challenge. Revealing fighting skills as lethal as his legendary intellect, Holmes will battle as never before to bring down a new nemesis and unravel a deadly plot that could destroy the country.

Sep 28
Sep 28 Box Office Review - September 28, 2008

WEEKEND TOP 5 STUDIO ESTIMATES, SEPTEMBER 26-28, 2008 1. Eagle Eye - $29.2 million 2. Nights in Rodanthe - $13.6 million 3. Lakeview Terrace - $7.0 million 4. Fireproof - $6.5 million 5. Burn After Reading - $6.2 million

Source: boxofficemojo.com

Kirk Cameron, box office star. Whoever had that in your office pool from 1987, congrats, it's time for your co-workers to finally pay up. Fireproof is Cameron's latest film that is closely tied to religion. It was only released on 839 screens which means Cameron's film had BY FAR the highest per screen average of the top 5.

Eagle Eye did what it was supposed to do, and LaBeuof will continue to get starring roles because of it. I just hope he doesn't simply continue with the action genre. He's got a small role in New York

Sep 25
Sep 25 Eagle Eye

Eagle EyeDirected by: D.J. Caruso Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Billy Bob Thornton, Rosario Dawson Time: 1 hr 50 mins. Rating: PG-13

Plot: Jerry (LaBeouf) and Rachel (Monaghan) are complete strangers thrown into a life or death situation by a mysterious phone call from a woman. She pushes them both into a series of increasingly dangerous situations, using the technology of everyday life to track and control their every move.

Who’s It For? Action freaks and perhaps the younger crowd that won't look too closely at all the leads and bounds, but instead focus on the concept that big brother is watching.

Expectations: Maybe it's too much to ask for more than mindless action, but with Thornton and LaBeouf on board I was expecting big things, like I was getting one more summer action film even though it's the fall.

Sep 25
Sep 25 Choke