WEEKEND WRAP UP...

I hate making changes. Most of the time, when I make a change, at least for this blog, they end up working. However, in my attempt to ease my work load, I've neglected to update you all on upcoming DVD's and theatrical releases. However, the weekend wrap up is back, so here is the box office Top 10...

1.The Day The Earth Stood Still
2.Four Christmases
3.Twilight
4.Bolt
5.Australia
6.Quantum Of Solace
7.Nothing Like the Holidays
8.Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
9.Milk
10.Transporter 3
11.Slumdog Millionaire

I'm throwing in the 11th film, because, this weekend, I will get the chance to check it out, and I would like you all to read up about it. I'll explain more about this film in a few minutes.

So, over the past couple of weeks, we've had a few big releases, whether it be The Dark Knight or even smaller films, like Bottle Rocket in a new Criterion Edition, however, that completely changes this week...Here are the DVD's you should Buy, Borrow, or Burn...

BUY
-Burn After Reading-
This is the little seen follow up to No Country For Old Men, from the brilliant brother duo, Joel and Ethan Coen, and features a Golden Globe nominated performance by Frances McDormand. It's a very funny, if dry comedy, with a stellar cast, including a hilarious turn by Brad Pitt. It's not the funniest film of the year, but it is one of the more fun, and a must own for any fan of the Coen's, like yours truly.

BORROW
-TRAITOR-
Written by funny man, Steve Martin, this was another little seen film, that was a neo-replica of The Bourne series, just featuring Don Cheadle. Cheadle plays Samir Horn, a former U.S. Special Agent who turns to terrorism after a stay in a Middle Eastern prison. Guy Pearce co-stars in this solid action thriller. Worth a rent for sure.

BURN
-Death Race-
The critically destroyed remake of Death Race 2000, a personal favorite of mine, featuring Jason Statham and Tyrese. Avoid like the plague.
-House Bunny-
No matter how hot I think Anna Farris is, there is no way that this flick is getting money.
-Mamma Mia!-
A film based on a musical based on Abba music. Enough said.
-Mummy: Tomb of The Dragon Emperor-
A third film in the Mummy series, and it DOESN'T feature Rachel Weisz? Oh, and a fourth one is in the works, FYI
-Hamlet 2-
This is a big winner from this past Sundance Film Festival, but outside of a couple of good reviews, this is one that was mildly panned all around. Also, if you say the words "Napoleon Dynamite" in the TV spots, you can rest ushered your film will end up on this part of my list.
-American Teen-
I would say it would be worth a rent had The Breakfast Club never been made. I know I will get flamed all around, but you know what, if you are in high school, getting ready to leave school, check it out. Plus, one of the main characters is a film maker, so go for it, I'll just be picking up my copy of Sukiyaki Western Django.

Finally, we have a few films getting wide release this weekend. First we have Seven Pounds, a new film starring Will Smith as an IRS agent with a fateful secret who embarks on a journey of redemption by forever changing the lives of seven strangers. It features Rosario Dawson, and has not been talked about much in the huge awards discussion over the past month. Not one I'm to interested in, but over the past couple of days, the trailers have gotten me a little more into it. I don't think Smith is the most brilliant of actors, but he does have talent and an insane amount of range, and it features the same director as Pursuit of Happyness, a director Smith chose after seeing some of his Italian films, Gabriele Muccino.

However, when you have to go up against Slumdog Millionaire, not many films can win. This is the brand new film from director Danny Boyle, who stole the show for me last year with his great film, Sunshine. Its the story of how impoverished Indian teen Jamal Malik became a contestant on the Hindi version of "Who Wants to be A Millionaire?" A decision made without prize money in mind, rather, an effort to prove his love for his friend Latika, who is a huge fan of the show. Sounds like a great story, and in many, many circles, it's the odds on favorite to win the Golden Globe for Best Drama Film, and maybe even the Oscar for Best Picture.

So, I will have a review of Slumdog up over the weekend, along with a possible review of Curious Case of Benjamin Button, if a certain Grand Rapids Press selects me for one of 25 pairs of tickets.

Come back later for more news and notes...

Go see something good!