Box Office Report: Aug. 4-6

“If you’re not first, you’re last.” So says Ricky Bobby in “Talladega Nights” – an appropriate, albeit dumb remark for this week’s box office, as the dim-witted NASCAR racer did indeed easily finish in first over the weekend, raking in nearly $50 million. Last week’s number one, “Miami Vice,” dropped hard to fourth place, while yet another computer animated flick featuring animals took the second place slot (“Barnyard”).

Although it finished in third place domestically for the weekend, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” has wrestled the worldwide top spot from “The Da Vinci Code,” as it takes aim on more than $800 million at the box office. That’s a lot of booty!

1. “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby”
(Weekend domestic gross - $47.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $47.0 million)
(Budget - $72.5 million)
2. “Barnyard”
(Weekend domestic gross - $15.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $15.8 million)
(Budget - $51 million)
3. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $771.9 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
4. “Miami Vice”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $54.9 million)
(Budget - $135 million)
5. “The Descent”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $8.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “John Tucker Must Die”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.15 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.7 million)
(Budget - $18 million)
7. “Monster House”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $59.8 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
8. “The Ant Bully”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “You, Me and Dupree”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.64 million)
(Worldwide gross - $71.1 million)
(Budget - $54 million)
10. “The Night Listener”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $3.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $771.9 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $747.3 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
3. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $644.5 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $440.8 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $386.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $365.7 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $336.7 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $286.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $183.1 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
10. “Poseidon”
(Worldwide gross - $178.5 million)
(Budget - $160 million)

Movie Review: "My Super Ex-Girlfriend"

Starring Uma Thurman, Luke Wilson, Anna Faris, Rainn Wilson, Eddie Izzard, Wanda Sykes
Directed by Ivan Reitman
Official Web site

While the film’s premise is ultimately more clever than its execution, “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” is able to largely slide by on the energy and likeability of its solid cast.

In a twist on both superhero and romantic comedy genres, “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” positions Uma Thurman as the seemingly unstoppable superhero G-Girl, while Matt Sanders (Luke Wilson) has unknowingly started to date Jenny Johnson, her alter-ego. Problem is that Jenny, while appearing to be a nice, timid soul on initial dates, is also a jealous, emotionally unstable woman deep inside.

Still, Matt is intrigued by her, especially her aggressiveness in his bed (she actually breaks it during one coupling). This leads to Jenny eventually falling in love with Matt, to whom she reveals her secret identity. Naturally, most any guy that realizes he’s having sex with a superhero is going to be pretty excited about it. But for Matt, the news carries a decreasing level of thrills as time goes on. For one, he can’t tell anybody – not even a pair of good friends and co-workers Vaughn and Hannah (Rainn Wilson and Anna Faris).

His relationship with the latter is a very sore spot for Jenny, who views Hannah as a threat to her new man. Matt, meanwhile, starts to see Jenny’s darker, borderline psychotic side. He decides to try to end the relationship amicably, to which Jenny responds by trying to fry his goldfish with her heat vision before leaving his apartment – through his ceiling. This is just the beginning of her campaign to make Matt’s life a living hell, literally sending his car into orbit, as well as wreaking havoc on his career.

The screenplay by Don Payne (an occasional writer on “The Simpsons”) has some fun with the superhero genre by placing a woman, albeit a neurotic and unstable one, as the person with the power. Casting Thurman was a wise choice, as her beauty and near-Amazonian size makes you believe she could be a superhero. Being not that far removed from her very physical role in the “Kill Bill” movies certainly helps.

Wilson also does some fine work as a confidence-challenged man who is at first excited, then concerned, then outright terrified at what this new relationship could mean for his life. Although the film incorporates a good supporting cast, who all get some decent moments, Wilson, Farris and Wanda Sykes, as Matt’s sexual harassment-obsessed boss, aren’t utilized to their full potential. That’s especially true of Eddie Izzard as Professor Bedlam, the supposed archenemy of G-Girl. Izzard is given relatively little to do, as his role as the film’s supervillain is never developed or explained beyond an incident in his and Jenny’s childhood.

Much like he did in '80s hits like the “Ghostbusters” movies, director Ivan Reitman demonstrates a skill with comedic action, but this is more an example of the talent outclassing the material. In a summer with superheros and larger-than-life characters filling the screen, this one just doesn’t fly very high.

Grade: B-
(Rated PG-13 for sexual content, crude humor, language and brief nudity.)

Movie Review: "Dave Chappelle's Block Party"

Starring Dave Chappelle, Kanye West, The Roots, The Fugees, Mos Def, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu
Directed by Michel Gondry
Official Web site

Despite a genuinely good-natured vibe emanating from the proceedings, “Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” plays more like a get-together where you feel like you should be having a better time than you are.

Clearly that wasn’t a problem for the several hundred (maybe several thousand) people Chappelle invites and busses into Brooklyn from Dayton, Ohio, near his hometown in Yellow Springs, to see an unpublicized concert featuring a multitude of rap and hip-hop artists. Among the musical acts featured are Kanye West, the Roots, Erykah Badu, and a reunited Fugees (best known for the hit remake of “Killing Me Softly,” performed here in about the only uninterrupted performance of the film). Chappelle even manages to get an entire Ohio college marching band to the show, promising free transportation, food and board.

“Block Party” certainly shows a softer side to the frequently funny, yet controversial comedian who is probably now more noted for walking away from his hit Comedy Central show than for the sometimes brilliant content of the show itself. Just so people don’t think this was Chappelle’s answer to the pressures he said he was feeling from the show, the film quickly mentions the events leading up to and including the concert took place in September 2004 – well before his much publicized “escape” to Africa last year.

The documentary itself is played out in a rather disjointed style, which keeps viewers on their toes, but can also be rather disconcerting. This is especially true with the heavy editing done during the various musical performances, as songs are started and frequently intercut with backstage comments presumably filmed after the concert, as well as moments with Chappelle interacting with some of the concert invitees.

To be fair, the material that is included in between the music is often more interesting than what’s happening on stage (of particular interest is an extremely odd Brooklyn couple who own a towering mess of a home near where the concert will be filmed). But director Michel Gondry (“Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind”) keeps the film from feeling very cohesive, which is likely going to make some viewers wish for more music, while others, including myself, will desire to see more of Chappelle.

As it is, the film is sporadically funny with occasionally interesting musical moments, including an impromptu performance of “Jesus Walks” with West and the marching band. But ultimately, “Block Party” is not entirely successful in the laughter or musical departments. On the other hand, it sure looked like the concert’s audience had a good time. Maybe you just had to be there.

Grade: C
(Rated R for language.)

Box Office Report: July 28-30

Leave it to Crockett and Tubbs to finally knock Captain Jack off the top of the box office mountain, as the big screen version of the hit 1980s TV show, “Miami Vice” took in more than $25 million in its opening weekend. “Pirates” still held on fairly strong to the second slot, holding off newcomers “John Tucker Must Die” and the underperforming “The Ant Bully.” This marks the second straight weekend of disappointment for Warner Bros., as the studio is quickly seeing “Lady in the Water” sink down the charts.

However, with Will Ferrell’s “Talladega Nights” coming up this weekend, it’s a sure thing that “Vice” stars Colin Farrell and Jamie Foxx will be taken for a ride out of the top spot soon. Box office grosses on the worldwide level stayed relatively stagnant, as no new movies currently in theaters look poised to crack that top 10.

1. “Miami Vice”
(Weekend domestic gross - $25.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $26.8 million)
(Budget - $135 million)
2. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Weekend domestic gross - $20.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $572.6 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
3. “John Tucker Must Die”
(Weekend domestic gross - $14.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $14.3 million)
(Budget - $18 million)
4. “Monster House”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $44.5 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
5. “The Ant Bully”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $8.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Lady in the Water”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.14 million)
(Worldwide gross - $32.2 million)
(Budget - $55 million)
7. “You, Me and Dupree”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.11 million)
(Worldwide gross - $61.2 million)
(Budget - $54 million)
8. “Little Man”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $53.5 million)
(Budget - $64 million)
9. “The Devil Wears Prada”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $107.0 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
10. “My Super Ex-Girlfriend”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $17.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $744.2 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
2. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $644.2 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
3. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $572.6 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $440.2 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $380.9 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $331.5 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $317.4 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $272.0 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $183.0 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
10. “Scary Movie 4”
(Worldwide gross - $175.6 million)
(Budget - $45 million)

Bond Is Back

Demonstrating supreme confidence in the direction of the film franchise, James Bond producers Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli announced earlier in the week that the 22nd movie of 007 will be released May 2, 2008. Of course, there’s still that 21st film still to come, as “Casino Royale” is set to hit theaters Nov. 17, marking the debut of Daniel Craig as Bond. Replacing Pierce Brosnan as 007, who had become quite popular as the secret agent, is no sure thing. But it seems clear that the producers are interested in giving a new start to the franchise, even going back to adapting the first book in the James Bond series to do so.

Craig has already been snagged for the 2008 film, which oddly enough has a locked in release date, but no title or possibly even a script. Well, that’s not really important anyway.

Landing 'Fletch'

Bill Lawrence, creator of the consistently funny and enjoyable NBC sitcom “Scrubs,” is on the verge of new territory, having just been tapped to adapt and direct “Fletch Won.” The film will serve as a prequel to the exploits of newspaper reporter and disguise lover Irwin R. Fletcher, memorably played by Chevy Chase in the 1985 original and 1989 sequel.

If you assumed that Chase will not be returning to play Fletch, you would be correct. After all, Chase is now way too old for the role and probably hasn’t had a part this good since ... well, since “Fletch.” So who will be portraying the wisecracking columnist? No official casting decisions have been made. But as I’m sure followers of “Scrubs” know, series star Zach Braff plays a wisecracking doctor on the show and would probably be about the right age. Plus, his boss on that show will also be directing the movie, so this seems like a rather simple connect the dots activity. Filming should start in April 2007, during a “Scrubs” hiatus. So more on this at a later date...

Lowdown On Comic-Con

Comic-Con’s four day extravaganza in San Diego wrapped up Sunday before more than 100,000 attendees and the following are a few of the notable movie tidbits revealed at the event:

Open House
Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez were on hand to present the first public footage of the upcoming “Grind House,” which will feature two separate movies directed by the pair, complete with faux film trailers in between their respective stories. Intended as a homage to 1970s-era cult movies the two film fanatics love, the double-feature promises to be bloody good fun. Rodriguez’ story is nearing the end of filming, while Tarantino’s is yet to begin. But “Grind House” is expected to splatter its way into theaters in April 2007.

Spidey Sense Tingling
Naturally, the eagerly anticipated “Spider-Man 3” got a lot of attention at the convention, with a group appearance by stars Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, Topher Grace, Thomas Haden Church, Bryce Dallas Howard and director Sam Raimi. The teaser trailer for the film was recently released, indicating a bit of a darker direction for the franchise. For the record, Grace is playing Venom, Church is portraying Sandman and Howard will be featured as new Peter Parker flame Gwen Stacy. The web slinger will swing into theaters May 4, 2007.

Sequel Redux
“Superman Returns” director Bryan Singer said at the convention that discussions for a follow-up to this summer’s movie are ongoing. He said a target release in 2009 would be likely, but the film’s somewhat disappointing box office performance doesn’t make it a forgone conclusion.

However, one definite good piece of Superman news emerged as director Richard Donner, who helmed the 1978 “Superman” film, revealed that a DVD is being prepped that will give viewers a first official look at his vision of “Superman II.” Donner was fired from that film by its producers after principal photography had completed over more than half of it. A fair amount of that footage was reportedly scrapped and refilmed by director Richard Lester.

So this might prove to be a chance to see “Superman II” all over again, which is actually a really good movie in its current incarnation. The release date for the DVD is scheduled for Nov. 28.

It’s Not Easy Being Green
After the 2003 big screen version of “Hulk” largely failed with viewers and critics, it appeared that film franchise might be dead in the water. Well, think again. “The Incredible Hulk” is to be directed by Louis Leterrier (“The Transporter”), with a cast yet to be announced, although no one associated with the first film is expected to return. It sounds as if all parties involved are looking to distance themselves from the much-maligned (and a bit unfairly, I might add) Ang Lee-directed movie. No release dates were mentioned, but certainly don’t be looking for any action from the big green machine before 2008.

Movie News Debuts

To keep this site a bit more fresh and worthy of frequent visits, I’ll be starting to weave in some movie news amidst the reviews, DVD releases and box office roundup. It’ll be a bit of a work in progress, so some of the other items might be delayed a bit from time to time. For example, the weekly DVD releases are taking a few weeks off until I figure out just how much I can handle from one week to the next. Ideally, I’d like to have something up every day, but that might be a bit of wishful thinking at this point.

However, don’t be looking for this to degenerate into a daily gossip column. I’m not interested in what club Lindsey Lohan was hanging out in last night, or who Jessica Simpson is dating right now. Hopefully, you’re not either. But I will be trying to provide occasional updates on announced film projects and movie industry news that actually might mean something to the average viewer.

First up will be a wrap-up of some interesting items that emerged from Comic-Con, the annual convention in San Diego that just concluded over the weekend. True, it’s most known as a gathering for comic book and memorabilia geeks (and I use that term affectionately, so keep those pocket protectors in place). But Hollywood is now recognizing the convention’s value at building buzz for current and upcoming films. Just look at the swarm of movies that have been flooding multiplexes in recent years to know that comic book heroes equal big business for the movie industry.

Read the next item for more ...

– MC

Box Office Report: July 21-23

For the third straight weekend, the “Pirates” ruled the box office roost, taking in another $35 million domestically, making it the fastest movie ever to $300 million in America. Worldwide, Captain Jack and Co. have already surpassed $500 million and are currently eyeing “Ice Age: The Meltdown” and “The Da Vinci Code” for the top overall grosser.

Meanwhile, four debuting films all fell well short of knocking “Pirates” out of the top spot, with “Monster House” the nearest competitor at $22 million. M. Night Shyamalan’s “Lady in the Water” finished a disappointing third, while “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” made a surprisingly loud thump in seventh place, bringing in just under $9 million.

1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Weekend domestic gross - $35.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $536.0 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “Monster House”
(Weekend domestic gross - $22.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $22.2 million)
(Budget - $75 million)
3. “Lady in the Water”
(Weekend domestic gross - $18.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.0 million)
(Budget - $55 million)
4. “You, Me and Dupree”
(Weekend domestic gross - $12.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $45.3 million)
(Budget - $54 million)
5. “Little Man”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $43.1 million)
(Budget - $64 million)
6. “Clerks II”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.1 million)
(Worldwide gross - $10.1 million)
(Budget - $5 million)
7. “My Super Ex-Girlfriend”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $8.6 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Superman Returns”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.38 million)
(Worldwide gross - $288.3 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
9. “The Devil Wears Prada”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.36 million)
(Worldwide gross - $97.8 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
10. “Cars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $310.9 million)
(Budget - $120 million)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $741.0 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
2. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $643.0 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
3. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $536.0 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
4. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $439.0 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
5. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $373.2 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $310.9 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $288.3 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $259.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $182.8 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
10. “Scary Movie 4”
(Worldwide gross - $174.9 million)
(Budget - $45 million)

Box Office Report: July 14-16

Although it did have a fairly steady drop-off in its second weekend, “Pirates” ruled the box office for the second straight weekend, making it the highest grossing film in America for 2006, thus far. It also set a couple of new box office records, including the largest 10-day opening ever. Newcomers “Little Man” and “You, Me and Dupree” fought it out for a distant second place, amidst largely negative reviews.

1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Weekend domestic gross - $62.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $382.4 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “Little Man”
(Weekend domestic gross - $21.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $22.8 million)
(Budget - $64 million)
3. “You, Me and Dupree”
(Weekend domestic gross - $21.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $21.5 million)
(Budget - $54 million)
4. “Superman Returns”
(Weekend domestic gross - $12.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $241.3 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
5. “The Devil Wears Prada”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $83.7 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
6. “Cars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $301.5 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
7. “Click”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $130.8 million)
(Budget - $82.5 million)
8. “The Lake House”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $57.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Nacho Libre”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $77.2 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
10. “A Scanner Darkly”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $1.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $735.9 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
2. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $641.5 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
3. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $437.7 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
4. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $382.4 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
5. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $361.4 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
6. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $301.5 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
7. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $241.3 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $239.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $182.7 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
10. “Scary Movie 4”
(Worldwide gross - $174.9 million)
(Budget - $45 million)

DVD Releases - July 11

Yes, the weekly new DVD release update is behind schedule. But please refrain from throwing any garbage at me, as I’ve just been behind with the schedule – a situation that will probably repeat itself this week, due to time constraints. However, I’ll be back on track with the updates soon. Until then, enjoy a look back at the (somewhat questionable) highlights of July 11:

“Basic Instinct 2” (R) - OK, so the movie was panned by critics and laid a rotten egg at the box office when it crashed and burned in movie theaters earlier this year, there’s still a morbid fascination that some people will have in wanting to see this unnecessary sequel to the 1992 hit film. Sharon Stone is the only one returning from the original, showing that resurrecting a career ain’t such an easy chore.
Extras: Commentary from director Michael Caton-Jones, behind-the-scenes featurette.
Official Web site

“ER: Season 5” - The hit NBC medical drama probably hit its popularity peak around this time, with the 22-episode fifth season marking the last one for George Clooney. Much of the rest of the cast would remain intact for season six, but Clooney would never be heard from again. (Oh wait, I guess there was that Academy Awards stuff earlier this year. Almost forgot.)
Extras: Outtakes and a gag reel.
Official Web site

“I Dream of Jeanie: Season 2” - The wacky adventures of Jeanie and her master, astronaut Captain Tony Nelson continue in its second season. A total of 31 episodes are featured, with guest stars including Sammy Davis Jr. and Paul Lynde, among others.
Extras: Jeanie must have made them all disappear, as there is nothing to see here.
No official Web site

“Reno 911: Season 3” - This underrated comedy show about a pathetic police department in Reno, Nev., is now airing its new season on Comedy Central. It stars a number of cast members from the old MTV comedy show, “The State.” Now where is that show on DVD?
Extras: Numerous extended outtakes, action figure promos (!) and audio commentary from cast and crew.
Official Web site

“Weeds: Season 1” - The great Mary-Louise Parker snagged a Golden Globe win for her portrayal of a suburban mom who turns to selling pot to maintain her financial standing in this Showtime comedy (yes, it’s a comedy, albeit a dark one). It also stars Kevin Nealon and Elizabeth Perkins
Extras: Commentary on select episodes from cast and crew, outtakes, a marijuana mocumentary, and multiple featurettes.
Official Web site

Movie Review: "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest"

Starring Johnny Depp, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, Bill Nighy, Stellan Skarsgard, Jack Davenport, Jonathan Pryce
Directed by Gore Verbinski
Official Web site

In 2003, there wasn’t a lot of buzz behind “Pirates of the Caribbean,”
as the action-packed film sailed into theaters during the summer. After
all, it was based on a Disney theme park ride – not what one would call
high pedigree source material. Plus, it starred Johnny Depp, a highly
respected actor who had little to no box office pull with audiences.
But then the movie took the industry by surprise, becoming a smash hit
when it pulled in more than $300 million in America alone.

With that kind of success, a follow-up was inevitable. But unlike the
first go around, heavy expectations and pressures came with its sequel,
“Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest.” The fact that this film
serves as the second of a trilogy (the third “Pirates” will sail into
theaters next summer) put the filmmakers in the position of advancing
the story, while setting the table for chapter three.

In “Dead Man’s Chest,” gone is much of the exposition needed to
introduce the main characters in the first movie. Yet, the sequel still
comes in at a bloated two-and-a half-hour running time, complete with a
cliffhanger, as opposed to an actual ending.

While young lovers Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann
(Keira Knightley) are set to be married at the film’s beginning, their
involvement with the self-involved Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp,
once again the movie’s top asset) leads the couple to swift
imprisonment. Facing the gallows pole, Will reluctantly agrees to track
Sparrow down, as the British government has designs on obtaining the
captain’s compass.

Captain Jack has problems of his own, with a debt to repay to the
villainous Davy Jones (a completely unrecognizable Bill Nighy), who
seems a cross between an octopus, crab and human. Indebted to Jones for
getting to be the captain of the Black Pearl, Sparrow desperately wants
to avoid payment, willing to sacrifice anyone and everyone to placate
him.

Being the wily person that he is, Sparrow finds a possible bargaining
chip when he learns of a chest that Jones would very much like to get
his hands on. Naturally, Jones has the key himself, further
complicating retrieval efforts. So the game is afoot, with Captain Jack
and his oddly devoted and just plain odd crew on one side, with Jones
and his crew of (mostly) undead creatures on the other. Throw in the
Kraken, a gigantic, deadly sea creature controlled by Jones, along with
an island full of hungry cannibals, and you’ve got a veritable overload
of activity.

The fact that the film doesn’t buckle under the weight of all the
characters and their subsequent dashing (or sailing) to and fro is a
credit to director Gore Verbinski, who also helmed the first “Pirates.”
The movie’s many action scenes are rather convincingly and effectively
filmed, even when the activity in them is rather far from realistic
(which is most of the time).

While still delivering a number of laughs along the way, there’s no
denying that “Dead Man’s Chest” is a darker journey. Thanks to
excellent f/x and makeup work, the villains are appropriately creepy
and menacing – probably too much so for younger children.

The actors all generally acquit themselves nicely, with Stellan
Skarsgard as Will’s father, trapped in a life of servitude on Jones’
ship, as a particular standout among the supporting performances. Depp
continues his unique approach to Captain Jack, capturing the
character’s amazing ability to be both noble and a complete coward –
often in the blink of an eye. However, Sparrow is generally less
likable this time out, making the devotion of Will, Elizabeth and his
crew a little puzzling at times.

But much like the first film, “Dead Man’s Chest” gives audiences what
they want: lots of action, a few laughs and some old-fashioned, scary
fun. For some, it will feel like a bit of overkill (an understandable
argument given the overlong running time). But, then again, when you’re
based on a theme park ride, a little leeway might be necessary.

Grade: B
(Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of adventure violence, including frightening images.)

Box Office Report: July 7-9

Proving the success of the 2003 first “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie was no fluke, the sequel, “Dead Man’s Chest,” captured box office records for the largest single day opening ($55.8 million) and opening weekend ($135.6 million), utterly destroying its competition in theaters. Last week’s number one film, “Superman Returns” was a far distant second with $21.8 million. In fact, the rest of the top 10 films combined barely made half the money that “Pirates” grabbed over the weekend. The film is already the eighth-highest grossing worldwide this year.

Oh, and you can mark your calendars now as “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” has already staked its claim to May 25, 2007. It looks like other films hoping to compete with Captain Jack do so at their own peril.

1. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Weekend domestic gross - $135.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $182.3 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
2. “Superman Returns”
(Weekend domestic gross - $21.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $177.4 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
3. “The Devil Wears Prada”
(Weekend domestic gross - $15.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $63.1 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
4. “Click”
(Weekend domestic gross - $11.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $115.2 million)
(Budget - $82.5 million)
5. “Cars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $10.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $230.3 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
6. “Nacho Libre”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.34 million)
(Worldwide gross - $73.8 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
7. “The Lake House”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $51.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.55 million)
(Worldwide gross - $89.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Waist Deep”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.9 million)
(Worldwide gross - $19.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
10. “The Break-Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $1.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $135.4 million)
(Budget - $52 million)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $728.3 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
2. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $639.4 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
3. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $427.0 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
4. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $352.4 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
5. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $230.3 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
6. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $187.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $182.5 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
8. “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”
(Worldwide gross - $182.3 million)
(Budget - $225 million)
9. “Superman Returns”
(Worldwide gross - $177.4 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
10. “Scary Movie 4”
(Worldwide gross - $165.2 million)
(Budget - $45 million)

Movie Review: "Superman Returns"

Starring Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Parker Posey, Frank Langella
Directed by Bryan Singer
Official Web site

Much like last summer’s “Batman Begins,” another superhero is looking
to recapture past box office glory and relaunch a once proud film
franchise. But while “Superman Returns” doesn’t transform its vision
with the same creativity that the Dark Knight did in 2005, the Man of
Steel still manages to make a convincing and fairly effective return to
the big screen.

Having left the “X-Men” franchise after helming its first two films,
director Bryan Singer has patterned “Superman Returns” after the
original 1978 movie by Richard Donner. Set about five years after the
events of “Superman II,” the story by Michael Dougherty and Dan Harris,
co-writers of “X2: X-Men United,” has been infused with more heart and
vulnerability in its hero than most comic book movies.

While obviously inspired by the first two films in the series (wisely
ignoring that the last two movies even existed), the giant budget –
rumored to be over $260 million – provides special effects that make
the previous installments look quaint in comparison. Nowhere is this
more apparent than in a spectacular sequence that has Superman (played
by newcomer Brandon Routh) attempting to rescue the passengers of an
airplane headed for almost certain disaster. Natually, one of those
passengers is the constantly-in-peril reporter Lois Lane (Kate
Bosworth).

In the years since Superman’s disappearance, Lois has moved on with her
life, now complete with a 5-year-old son (Tristan Lake Leabu) and
fiance (James Marsden, another “X-Men” alumnus). She also holds some
bitterness towards Superman for his perceived abandonment of
Metropolis, which she parlays into a Pulitzer Prize for an editorial
she has written, explaining why the world no longer needs him. Of
course, leave it to a nicely staged rooftop scene between the two,
leading to a late night flight into the clouds to quickly melt away
Lois’ resentment.

But as Superman/Clark Kent tries to reposition himself back into
people’s lives, a new villainous scheme by arch-enemy Lex Luthor (Kevin
Spacey) looks to create a new continent, using alien technology stolen
from Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. Intrepid viewers will remember
Luthor discovered the location of the hero’s secret lair in “Superman
II.”

Luthor’s scheme is actually one of the least interesting aspects of the movie, bearing a bit too close of a resemblance to his plan in the 1978 movie. Spacey certainly does a good job with the material he’s given, but his Luthor is more of an angry, bitter character than the cunning egomaniac portrayed by Gene Hackman in three of the previous “Superman” films. There’s just not as much a sense of fun in the character, which previously made him a villain who was tough to dislike. That’s not really a problem this time out.

While this is basically a Superman for a new generation, coming nearly
20 years after the last film in the franchise, it’s difficult to judge
“Superman Returns” without looking to the movie magic created in the
first two films by Hackman, Margot Kidder and Christopher Reeve. Judged
solely on those terms, it doesn’t quite match up. But when placed up
against many of the present day comic book franchises now in operation,
the Man of Steel can still soar with the best of them. Hopefully, there
will still be more flights to come.

Grade: B
(Rated PG-13 for some intense action violence.)

DVD Releases - July 4

Well, as you can imagine, with it being a holiday week, the new releases are fairly sparse. Heck, I’m including a Ed Wood movie, for goodness sake. So that ought to tell you something. But for what it’s worth, here’s the new and exciting releases for July 4:

“Charlie’s Angels: The Complete Season 3” - The Angels are back for season three, with Farrah Fawcett making another contractually obligated three episode appearance, while Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith and Cheryl Ladd serve as the regular members of Charlie’s team. Dean Martin is among the many special guest stars during the 24-episode season.
Extras: The only crime here is the lack of special features.
No official Web site

“The Libertine” (R) - The versatile Johnny Depp portrays yet another unusual man, this one 17th century celebrated writer, John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester. As Wilmot, Depp warns the audience at the beginning that you won’t like him, so viewer beware. The film sat on the shelf for a while, before getting a rather perfunctory release in theaters a few months ago. Samantha Morton and John Malkovich co-star.
Extras: Commentary by director Laurence Dunmore, deleted scenes and a featurette.
Official Web site

“The Matador” (R) - A good cast of Pierce Brosnan, Greg Kinnear and Hope Davis headline this dark humored buddy comedy from writer/director Richard Shepard. Brosnan is a hit man struggling with his touch, who befriends a mild-mannered businessman (Kinnear), leading to a rather bizarre relationship. A lot of rave reviews came in for Brosnan’s performance, although the movie flew under the box office radar earlier this year.
Extras: Commentary with Shepard, Brosnan and Kinnear, multiple deleted/extended scenes, and a featurette.
Official Web site

“Plan 9 From Outer Space” (NR) - Most people will probably know this Ed Wood creation as “the worst film ever made,” but you are almost guaranteed to laugh at this so bad, it’s good movie. Oh, I should also add that for the first time, it’s in color!
Extras: Commentary from Michael Nelson of “Mystery Science Theater 3000,” Ed Wood home movies and commercials, deleted scenes and the lost Plans 1-8 (now the secret can finally be revealed!).
No official Web site

Box Office Report: June 30-July 2

As expected, the Man of Steel reigned supreme at the box office over the weekend, but still has a ways to go to make a mark on the heavyweights that have already put up huge totals this summer (“The Da Vinci Code,” “X-Men: The Last Stand”). In fact, initial results would seem to indicate that “Superman Returns” will fall well short of those two movies unless it shows strong legs in coming weeks, as tough competition – namely, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” – is still to come.

Those comparing recent superhero movies, “Superman” came out of the gates faster than last summer’s “Batman Begins” but far slower than “Spider-Man 2.”

On another note, 20th Century Fox has got to be thrilled with the performance of “The Devil Wears Prada,” starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. The counter-programming to “Superman” paid off, as the comedy practically recouped its budget in the first weekend.

1. “Superman Returns”
(Weekend domestic gross - $52.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $104.7 million)
(Budget - $260 million)
2. “The Devil Wears Prada”
(Weekend domestic gross - $27.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $27.0 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
3. “Click”
(Weekend domestic gross - $19.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $81.8 million)
(Budget - $82.5 million)
4. “Cars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $14.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $207.0 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
5. “Nacho Libre”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $65.4 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
6. “The Lake House”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $45.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.5 million)
(Worldwide gross - $75.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Waist Deep”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $15.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “The Break-Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $3.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $127.1 million)
(Budget - $52 million)
10. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Weekend domestic gross - $2.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $705.2 million)
(Budget - $125 million)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $705.2 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
2. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $638.7 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
3. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $424.2 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
4. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $338.7 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
5. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $207.0 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
6. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $185.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $180.9 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
8. “Scary Movie 4”
(Worldwide gross - $164.9 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
9. “The Pink Panther”
(Worldwide gross - $158.7 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
10. “Poseidon”
(Worldwide gross - $153.4 million)
(Budget - $160 million)

DVD Releases - June 27

It’s a decidedly mixed bag of releases this week, as there are a couple of moderate hit movies mixed in, but little to rush out and see – unless you happen to be a Chuck Berry fan. Read on for more on some of the June 27 releases:

“Annapolis” (PG-13) - Probably with hopes of capturing a bit of that box office magic that propelled “Top Gun” to smash hit status 20 years ago (20 years?!), “Annapolis” failed to click with audiences in theaters. The U.S. Navy gets another showcase movie as James Franco plays a young cadet hoping to become an officer in the elite military academy. Naturally, obstacles stand in his way.
Extras: Commentary from crew, deleted scenes with commentary, making-of featurette, and an in-depth look at the boxing sequences.
Official Web site

“Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock n’ Roll: Limited Edition” (NR) - Just about 20 years after its filming, the huge musical talent brought out to celebrate Chuck Berry’s 60th birthday finally gets released on DVD. Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Linda Ronstadt, Etta James and more helped mark the occasion.
Extras: Released in two versions, the limited edition version is loaded with bonus material including a new introduction from director Taylor Hackford, never-before-seen rehearsal footage, making-of documentary, two huge documentaries on the birth and golden age of rock and roll, and more.
No official Web site

“Failure to Launch” (PG-13) - Critics could have cared less about this romantic comedy, but when you’ve got a cast headed by Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey, then I guess it doesn’t matter. This far-fetched movie featuring McConaughey as a lazy guy still living with his parents (Kathy Bates and Terry Bradshaw), who hire a woman (Parker) to motivate him out of the house.
Extras: Multiple featurettes and a “Failure to Launch” contest (whatever that may be), and more.
Official Web site

“Madea’s Family Reunion” (PG-13) - Following up on his surprise box office hit “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” Tyler Perry is back in drag as granny Madea in another mix of comedy and drama that also met with success in theaters. Whether his sense of humor works for widespread audiences is still a bit unclear, but there doesn’t seem to be much like it getting released into theaters.
Extras: Commentary with Perry, deleted scenes, making-of featurette and more.
Official Web site

“Monk: Season 4” - The dependably good comedic mystery show releases all 16 episodes of its fourth season, starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Tony Shalhoub. New episodes are still airing on USA Network and it’s one worth seeking out.
Extras: A pair of featurettes involving writing for “Monk.”
Official Web site

“Roseanne: Season 4” - Another fourth season comes out this week with the former hit ABC sitcom about the Conner household. Like her or hate her, Roseanne had a good thing going with this show.
Extras: Video commentaries by Roseanne, new interviews with Roseanne, as well as with two of her kids on the show, D.J. and Becky.
No official Web site

“Ultraviolet” (PG-13) - Milla Jovovich stars in this action-oriented sci-fi flick that was the second one in a few months time to star an attractive female that tanked at the box office (“Aeon Flux” being the other). Although also offered in an unrated, extended cut, seeing it would probably only mean wasting an extra seven minutes of your life that you can’t get back.
Extras: Commentary by Jovovich, and a making-of featurette.
Official Web site

Box Office Report: June 23-25

Despite mostly negative reviews (hardly a rarity for Adam Sandler movies), “Click” climbed to the top of the box office charts this week, taking in $40 million over the weekend. “Cars” held strong at number two, following a couple of weeks at the top spot, pushing it up the top 10 for 2006. Sandler’s reign at the top will definitely be short lived, as the Man of Steel is flying in fast, beginning with late night showings Tuesday, June 27.

Meanwhile, "The Da Vinci Code" is solidifying its status as the top worldwide grossing movie of the year, having surpassed $700 million over the weekend.

1. “Click”
(Weekend domestic gross - $40.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $43.4 million)
(Budget - $82.5 million)
2. “Cars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $23.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $181.1 million)
(Budget - $120 million)
3. “Nacho Libre”
(Weekend domestic gross - $12.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $53.2 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
4. “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $58.8 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “Waist Deep”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.4 million)
(Worldwide gross - $9.4 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “The Lake House”
(Weekend domestic gross - $8.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $31.2 million)
(Budget - N/A)
7. “The Break-Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $6.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $116.2 million)
(Budget - $52 million)
8. “Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.2 million)
(Worldwide gross - $18.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $405.9 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
10. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $700.9 million)
(Budget - $125 million)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $700.9 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
2. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $636.5 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
3. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $405.9 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
4. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $337.0 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
5. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $181.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
6. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $180.2 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
7. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $169.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “Scary Movie 4”
(Worldwide gross - $164.4 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
9. “The Pink Panther”
(Worldwide gross - $158.6 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
10. “Big Momma’s House 2”
(Worldwide gross - $137.9 million)
(Budget - $40 million)

Movie Review: "Brick"

Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Nora Zehetner, Lukas Haas, Noah Fleiss, Matt O'Leary, Emilie de Ravin, Noah Segan, Richard Rountree
Directed by Rian Johnson
Official Web site

One would have to imagine the marketing people entrusted to promote “Brick,” writer/director Rian Johnson’s attention grabbing mystery, had their work cut out for them. For one, the movie is a film noir, closely patterned after the classics starring Humphrey Bogart in the 1940s – not the most popular genre going right now. Then, Johnson chose to set the movie in a modern day Southern California high school, with teenagers filling out the cast. Most younger audiences are likely unfamiliar with movies like “The Maltese Falcon” and the writings of Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, by which it’s obviously influenced. And adults might see an almost all-teen cast and think they’re in for a couple of hours of bad acting and a dumbed down script. But thankfully, they would be wrong on both counts.

If anything, the adults might be the ones that feel dumb as they try to wrap their heads around the fast, tough and fairly byzantine talking passing over the lips of these high schoolers, for whom homework seems the least of their concerns. This is a film that requires patience and most of all, attention.

“Brick” stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Brendan, a loner who gets a disturbing phone call from his ex-girlfriend (Emilie de Ravin), followed not long after by her death. Still holding feelings for her, Brendan takes it upon himself to find out who killed her and why. Naturally, this leads to him sticking his nose in other people’s business, with many showing various degrees of resistance to his “investigation.” Not unlike the hero in other film noirs, Brendan finds several people physically persuading him to stop his snooping – not that the frequent beatings he sustains deters him.

In fact, his persistence at taking a licking and coming back for more eventually makes inroads to The Pin (Lukas Haas in a pitch perfect performance), a mysterious and eccentric drug kingpin who might hold the key to Brendan’s case. Much of the film’s dark humor emerges from scenes with The Pin, who dresses in black, walks with a cane and seems to take up residency in the poorly lit basement of his mother’s house. Oh, and he drives in a minivan with a working table lamb, if you can figure out the logistics of that. But whatever, it’s still funny to see.

In all fairness, most of the characters in the film aren’t really grounded into any modern day reality. They’re basically high schoolers plopped into a film noir setting, with only the occasional reminder of today’s technology included, such as cell phones (although Brendan still seems to make frequent use of phone booths). As such, some people may have trouble caring about anyone’s fate, as relating to them is rather difficult.

But such a limitation should be able to be overlooked for one primary reason: the movie’s hook isn’t included as a lark. While there is some humor in the story, it’s played with a straight face and that helps “Brick” immensely. The actors are all in step with the language and attitude of the film from scene one – a challenging task indeed, what with all the twisty dialogue included. Gordon-Levitt particularly impresses as the undeterred amateur gumshoe and is building quite an eclectic acting resume.

Obviously a student of film noir, Johnson shows a remarkably focused vision of the world these young adults occupy. This achievement is all the more impressive when it’s factored in that this marked Johnson’s first film.

Audiences could probably watch “Brick” several times over and not completely understand all that is being said by the characters, but few should struggle to realize that there’s some real up-and-coming talent on display here.

Grade: B+
(Rated R for violence and drug content.)

DVD Releases - June 20

Another mix of movies and TV shows make up the lineup for this week’s wildly divergent releases. The first two on this list clearly demonstrate that observation. Here’s some of the notables for June 20:

“Eight Below” (PG) - It seems sensible that Disney is the movie studio behind this true tale of eight sled dogs stranded in Antarctica during a brutal winter, while their owner struggles to get back to rescue them. It’s one of those heartwarming stories where the animals are undoubtedly more interesting than the humans in it. Paul Walker and Jason Biggs are among the cast, so that theory is likely the case here.
Extras: Several commentaries, as well as a making-of featurette.
Official Web site

“The Hills Have Eyes” (R/Unrated) - Gather the family around for another heartwarming tale – this one about a stranded family on a cross country trip encountering a violent collection of mutants who will definitely not be providing directions out of town. This remake of Wes Craven’s 1977 horror film comes in an unrated version and the theatrical version for you wimps out there.
Extras: Pair of commentaries, including one featuring producers Craven and Peter Locke, a making-of documentary, production diaries and a music video.
Official Web site

“The King of Queens: Season 5” - For years, this show lingered in the shadows of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” but has consistently delivered good ratings and certainly has a solid cast headed by Kevin James, Leah Remini and Jerry Stiller.
Extras: However, this release does not deliver anything beyond the full season of 25 episodes.
Official Web site

“Mary Tyler Moore: Season 4” - The TV classic’s fourth season marks the final season for Rhoda (Valerie Harper) with a spin-off to come for her, but the show remained as popular as ever.
Extras: Nothing? Wow, nice way to treat one of TV’s most respected comedies.
No official Web site

“Newsradio: Season 4” - Another great season of this seriously underrated sitcom that aired on NBC, it would also mark the final one for the great comic actor Phil Hartman, who would be killed by his wife before season five. But DVDs such as this will keep the laughs coming.
Extras: Cast and crew commentary on select episodes, a gag reel, and a short film called “One Man News Radio.”
No official Web site

“NYPD: Season 4” - The award-winning police drama from producer Steven Bochco returns for its fourth season release, with a few cast changes, but still has Det. Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) on board.
Extras: Commentary on select episodes and a pair of featurettes.
No official Web site

“The Omen: Collector’s Edition” (R) - Forget that version in theaters now, this “Omen” is the only one you need to see – that is if you don’t mind spending a couple of hours hanging with a really creepy kid who evidently is the son of Satan. To each his own. Director Richard Donner, who would go on to big success with “Superman” and “Lethal Weapon” is at the helm of the 1976 original.
Extras: The two-disc collection features two commentaries including Donner, multiple featurettes, a deleted scene and an introduction from Donner.
No official Web site

“Syriana” (R) - From writer/director Stephen Gaghan (an Oscar-winner for the screenplay to “Traffic”) comes another similarly movie with intertwining storylines, featuring a very strong cast headed by Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, Christopher Plummer, Amanda Peet and George Clooney (who won an Oscar for his performance as a troubled CIA operative).
Extras: Deleted scenes, a featurette and a conversation with Clooney.
Official Web site

Box Office Report: June 16-18

Well, if you’re a movie buff like me, you probably take at least somewhat of an interest in the box office performance of movies from week to week. You might study them like some sort of addictive mathematical equation or simply observe them in passing on Mondays when the weekend grosses are announced. But one way or another, most movie fans tend to know who the winners and losers are at the box office. For many movies, the opening weekend goes a long way to determine its financial fate. That especially applies in the summer, as new potential blockbusters open every weekend, looking to take crowds away from winners of the previous week.

So for you loyal readers out there (all two or three of you), this very site will start to offer weekly top 10 box office numbers (domestic and worldwide), both for the weekend and the year. (At least until I get bored with it – which will hopefully be never!) The budgets of the movies will also be provided, where available, which really helps determine their financial success or failure.

Now you’ll be able to see how well your new favorite movie did over the weekend, or lament at why seemingly brain dead material such as “Big Momma’s House 2” avoids becoming a box office bomb. Got to give credit to Box Office Mojo for the stellar info, providing way more box office numbers than you could ever hope to consume.

Of course, if seeing this many numbers tends to make your eyes glaze over, then quickly avert them, because here comes the totals for June 16-18:

1. “Cars”
(Weekend domestic gross - $33.7 million)
(Worldwide gross - $132.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)
2. “Nacho Libre”
(Weekend domestic gross - $28.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $28.3 million)
(Budget - $35 million)
3. “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift”
(Weekend domestic gross - $24.0 million)
(Worldwide gross - $31.9 million)
(Budget - N/A)
4. “The Lake House”
(Weekend domestic gross - $13.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $73.7 million)
(Budget - N/A)
5. “The Break-Up”
(Weekend domestic gross - $9.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $98.9 million)
(Budget - $52 million)
6. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.8 million)
(Worldwide gross - $378.5 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
7. “Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties”
(Weekend domestic gross - $7.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $7.3 million)
(Budget - N/A)
8. “The Omen (2006)”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.6 million)
(Worldwide gross - $80.4 million)
(Budget - $25 million)
9. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Weekend domestic gross - $5.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $677.7 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
10. “Over the Hedge”
(Weekend domestic gross - $4.3 million)
(Worldwide gross - $157.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)

2006 Year-To-Date
1. “The Da Vinci Code”
(Worldwide gross - $677.7 million)
(Budget - $125 million)
2. “Ice Age: The Meltdown”
(Worldwide gross - $634.1 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
3. “X-Men: The Last Stand”
(Worldwide gross - $378.5 million)
(Budget - $210 million)
4. “Mission: Impossible III”
(Worldwide gross - $334.1 million)
(Budget - $150 million)
5. “Inside Man”
(Worldwide gross - $179.2 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
6. “The Pink Panther”
(Worldwide gross - $158.6 million)
(Budget - $80 million)
7. “Scary Movie 4”
(Worldwide gross - $158.5 million)
(Budget - $45 million)
8. “Over the Hedge”
(Worldwide gross - $157.1 million)
(Budget - N/A)
9. “Big Momma’s House 2”
(Worldwide gross - $137.9 million)
(Budget - $40 million)
10. “Cars”
(Worldwide gross - $132.5 million)
(Budget - N/A)

Movie Review: "Nacho Libre"

Starring Jack Black, Ana de la Reguera, Héctor Jiménez, Darius Rose, Moises Arias
Directed by Jared Hess
Official Web site

In his sophomore effort, “Nacho Libre” director Jared Hess has concocted a movie that is by turns funny, odd, sweet-natured, and above all else, ridiculous. The heartbeat of the film is star Jack Black, who provides a physical and wildly expressive performance that shows a willingness to do anything for a laugh. Through his sheer force of will, he makes the film better than it probably has any right to be.

Undoubtedly, the storyline of “Nacho Libre” is an unusual one and generally stretched thin just to reach its 91-minute running time. Black plays Ignacio (Nacho becomes his wrestling name), a monk at a monastery in Oaxaca, Mexico, who is a hit with the orphaned children living there, despite the poor quality of food he prepares for them every day.

He’s also a huge fan of lucha libre wrestling – a fact he keeps hidden from his fellow monks, who don’t seem to respect him much in the first place. Riding into town one night on his transportation (imagine a cross between a motorcycle and a shopping cart), he is attacked by Esqueleto (Héctor Jiménez), a rail-thin thief. The encounter inspires Ignacio to recruit Esqueleto to become his tag team partner in the wrestling ring, an arrangement that begins to produce money for the duo along with fairly regular beatings. The two demonstrate high energy in the ring, yet little discernible skill.

The wrestling scenes, while generally well shot, don’t generate many laughs and tend to grow redundant and predictable as the film wears on. Better results involve Nacho’s unusual attempts at impressing Sister Encarnacion (Penelope Cruz lookalike Ana de la Reguera), a new arrival at the monastery. One sequence of events has Nacho asking to have the nun join him for some late night toast, later awkwardly sliding said toast under her door, and then getting invited into the room to noisily eat the food. If you can visualize the odd humor in that, then you’ll probably find it funny on screen.

Much like his first feature, “Napoleon Dynamite,” Hess demonstrates some pacing difficulties as director. Some scenes seem to exist for no reason, other than to generate a laugh or two, while others simply drag on beyond the point of effectiveness. For that matter, the script by Hess, wife Jerusha Hess and Mike White (a collaborator with Black on “The School of Rock”) doesn’t seem that comfortable with developing the supporting cast, as few scenes exist without Black.

But then again, Black is clearly the best thing the movie has going for it, as the overweight actor shows no self-consciousness in looking and acting as a fool. With a fashion ensemble that includes a cape and colorful “stretchy pants,” Nacho is a wild physical specimen. Even more impressive are Black’s seemingly endless facial expressions, maybe best captured when explaining to the orphans how “great” his life is, waking up at 5 a.m. to cook and going to sleep alone every night.

While some people might be put off by Black’s brand of humor, which certainly can’t be labeled as subtle, his comic muscles certainly get a chance to be showcased as Nacho. Whether you can stand to watch him flex them is another story.

Grade: B
(Rated PG for some rough action and crude humor including dialogue.)

DVD Releases - June 13

Some TV shows make their debut on DVD this week, while some overlooked movies hope to find a new audience, beginning this week. Here are a few of the many June 13 releases:

“16 Blocks” (PG-13) - Bruce Willis plays (surprise) a burned-out New York cop forced to escort a prosecution witness (Mos Def) for a court trial. Complications ensue when he realizes this case involves the witness testifying against cops and is forced to protect him from his own department. Clearly, Willis is in his comfort zone with this pic, and director Richard Donner (“Lethal Weapon” series) knows a thing or two about delivering action.
Extras: Deleted scenes with commentary from Donner and screenwriter Richard Wenk, and an alternate ending.
Official Web site

“Cheers: Season 8” - The eighth season of the hugely popular NBC sitcom probably makes the network misty-eyed thinking about the good old days when “Must See TV” actually stood for something. All 26 episodes of the season are featured.
Extras: Nope, this beer tap is dry on that.
No official Web site

“Dave Chappelle’s Block Party” (UR) - It’s like “Chappelle’s Show,” only you have to pay to see it now. Actually, this mix of sketch and standup comedy, along with music from West and the reunited Fugees, didn’t catch on in theaters for Chappelle and director Michel Gondry, despite wide critical acclaim. Perhaps an unrated version of the feature will take off in sales, in much the same way the seasons of Chappelle’s now defunct Comedy Central show did.
Extras: Extended music acts, and a couple of featurettes on the making of the film.
Official Web site

“Dharma & Greg: Season 1” - Forget the poorly received sitcom of hers that just got axed on CBS, Jenna Elfman was a real standout in this ABC show about a seemingly mismatched couple married in San Francisco. This show was actually quite entertaining until it started running out of ideas in its later seasons. Thomas Gibson co-stars, in case you were wondering who Greg was.
Extras: Commentary on select episodes from Elfman, Mimi Kennedy and Alan Rachins, a featurette, and an interactive game.
No official Web site

“Frasier: Season 8” - It’s Kelsey Grammar again! The eighth season of “Cheers” wasn’t good enough for him this week, so here comes season eight from his spin-off show that wasn’t too shabby of a performer for NBC, in its own right. All 22 episodes of the series’ Emmy-award winning season are here.
Extras: The doctor appears to be out in regards to this area. Try back again later.
No official Web site

“Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” (R) - Probably the most unfairly overlooked film of the year, “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” stars a very game cast headed up by Robert Downey Jr., Val Kilmer and Michelle Monaghan. Writer-director Shane Black spins a twisty film noir that takes action movie conventions and has fun with them. Fun is the operative word here.
Extras: Commentary with Downey Jr., Kilmer and Black, as well as a gag reel.
Official Web site

“Medium: Season 1” - Yes, yes, Alison Dubois (Patricia Arquette) can see dead people in the hit NBC drama about a psychic helping crack criminal cases for the Phoenix District Attorney’s office. Yep, it’s pretty far fetched, but Arquette has certainly achieved some notoriety for her role, having earned an Emmy for best actress.
Extras: Cast and crew commentaries on select episodes, deleted scenes, several featurettes, gag reel and an extended version of the pilot.
Official Web site

“The Pink Panther” (PG) - I generally really like Steve Martin and Kevin Kline, yet filling the shoes of Peter Sellers and Herbert Lom in the roles of Inspector Clouseau and Chief Inspector Dreyfus is a very tall order – and an unnecessary one. Critics generally lambasted the movie, but audiences still went to see it. Hence, a sequel is in the works. If you enjoyed the original “Pink Panther” movies, then there’s really no reason to see this.
Extras: Deleted scenes with director’s commentary, alternate opening sequence, several featurettes, a documentary and commentary with director Shawn Levy.
Official Web site

“Walker Texas Ranger: Season 1” - Playing the title character, Chuck Norris takes every opportunity to go ballistic on the villains, using his martial arts abilities over his gun. Isn’t that just like every Texas Ranger out there? All 26 episodes from the first season are featured, so you can create your own highlight reel to show off at a moment’s notice, just like Conan O’Brien.
Extras: Just like the number of Emmy awards this show earned during its run: 0
Official Web site

Movie Review: "Hard Candy"

Starring Patrick Wilson, Ellen Page and Sandra Oh
Directed by David Slade
Official Web site

Just to get it out of the way up front, “Hard Candy” is basically an exploitation movie, and it’s not an easy watch. The very subject matter of the material will clearly deter some people from seeing it, while others may be put off by some of the unlikely machinations of the story. But as a script that centers around a suspected pedophile being put through a tortuous ringer for his alleged misdeeds, it’s likely that there are some people out there that will quietly cheer its boldness.

The movie, directed with a nice visual touch by David Slade, could just as easily have been a stage production. It features only five characters, with just two of them garnering any significant screen time. Most of the action takes place in one location and centers around an arranged meeting between Hayley (Ellen Page), a young teenager, and Jeff (Patrick Wilson), a 32-year-old photographer. As the film opens, the two are exchanging some rather adult conversation on an Internet chat room, agreeing to meet in person. As recent news programs such as "Dateline NBC" demonstrate, the disturbing ease in which some of these inappropriate encounters take place is alarming.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries at a cafe, the action shifts to Jeff’s stylish and almost immaculately clean home. Demonstrating a rather remarkable intelligence for someone who claims to be just 14, Hayley chats up Jeff innocently at first, but after he passes out from a drink she makes for him, he wakes up tied to a chair and realizes he’s not in control of the situation anymore.

Hayley believes Jeff to be a pedophile – a murderous one, at that – a charge he consistently and desperately denies. She proceeds to play mind games with him in an attempt to get him to trip up, maybe say something he shouldn’t, while also searching his place for possible clues or evidence to his guilt. Psychological and physical torture ensues.

But to the film’s credit, while talked about, very little bloodshed or sexual imagery is shown. Of course, keeping an “R” rating might have had more to do with that decision than anything, but it works to the movie’s advantage – particularly in one scene that will have you squirming in your seat.

Without a doubt, the success or failure of a movie structured such as this is extremely dependent on the two lead performances. You have to buy into these characters from the very start, in order to believe there could be a hidden side to them. On that front, Wilson and Page do an exceptional job. Page especially impresses as a teen who can play sweet and innocent in one scene, then calculated and masochistic in the next. It’s a very challenging and substantial role for such a young actress to be able to sink her teeth into (in contrast, she is largely wasted in “X-Men: The Last Stand”).

While the screws are effectively tightened during the movie’s second act that keeps the proceedings ambiguous, things start to come undone in the third act, with a debatable denouement. Even aside from its finale, the one almost guaranteed outcome of this movie, like it or hate it, is that it will get you talking. And when it comes to shining a light on the seemingly growing problem of dangerous dealings between adults and underage youths on the Internet, a little conversation is a good thing.

Grade: B+
(Rated R for disturbing violent and aberrant sexual content involving a teen, and for language.)

Movie Review: "X-Men: The Last Stand"

Starring Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen, Famke Janssen, Anna Paquin, Kelsey Grammar, Rebecca Romijn and Patrick Stewart
Directed by Brett Ratner

Practically promising a conclusion to the “X-Men” movies by stressing “The Last Stand” over “X3,” the popular Marvel Comics series gets its biggest, although not best big-screen treatment this go around.

That said, director Brett Ratner largely acquits himself from the firestorm of criticism he received upon news that he would be taking over the movie franchise from Bryan Singer, who directed the first two installments. Singer, who left the project in pre-production, moved on to his career dream project of helming a “Superman” movie. That film, “Superman Returns,” will look to compete with “X-Men: The Last Stand” for box office supremacy when it opens later this month.

Picking up a short time after the events in “X2,” the mutants face their biggest challenge yet, as news quickly spreads of a scientific “cure” to mutancy that will allow them the ability to be entirely human. In the collective thinking of the government and probably most of the human population, that means being “normal.”

Naturally, not everyone is thrilled with the newly developed opportunity, particularly Magneto (Ian McKellen), one of the more powerful mutants with the power to control and manipulate metal. He sees the cure not as an option, but as the beginning of a war to wipe out mutants altogether. The fact that he learns many doses of the antibody are being loaded into guns to be used against them only serves to fuel his already heavy skepticism.

But his more ego-like counterpart, Professor Charles Xavier (Patrick Stewart), ever the optimist, holds out hope that a peaceful coexistence can still be attained. He tries to convey this outlook upon his colleagues and students at his school, with varied degrees of success. Among them are Woverine (Hugh Jackman), Storm (Halle Berry) and Rogue (Anna Paquin).

The wild card in the conflicting philosophies of Magneto and Xavier arrives when Wolverine and Storm find friend and fellow mutant Jean Grey (Famke Janssen), believed to have perished in “X2.” As the X-Men quickly realize, Jean’s not quite her normal self and is in fact, capable of destroying pretty much anything in her path, if she sets her mind to it. This puts her former colleagues in the unenviable position of trying to decide if she can be saved or whether she must be destroyed.

As the mutants led by Magneto choose to fight tooth and nail against the human’s desire to administer a cure, Xavier’s side tries desperately to fend off an impending war.

While the script by Zak Penn and Simon Kinberg brings up some quite interesting philosophical dilemmas and complicated issues of conformity versus individuality, they tend to get muted beneath all the noise and special effects. That’s not to say the special effects don’t impress, because they do – perhaps no more so than an intense sequence at Jean’s house where characters and the house’s very frame are being lifted into the air. It’s just that by the film’s near chaotic conclusion, which features more characters than you can keep track of, “X-Men” starts to break down.

If anything, this is a movie that probably could have stood to be a little longer, as it features so many new characters, that few of them are very well developed. Meanwhile, older ones are pushed to the background or disappear altogether. Some of those developments bring a bit of surprise to the proceedings, but still leave you wanting more.

As for this film truly being the end of the “X-Men,” don’t believe the hype. With the franchise showing it still has life in story and at the box office, you can bet they’ll be no “cure” coming for at least some of these mutants anytime soon. Let the spinoffs begin.

Grade: B
(Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of action violence, some sexual content and language.)

DVD Releases - June 6

It’s another busy week in DVD-land, as some spring box office disappointments mix together with some lower profile, yet critically acclaimed films. Here’s a look at some of the variety coming out June 6:

“Dazed and Confused: Criterion Collection” (R) - Fans of writer-director Richard Linklater’s depiction of high school life in 1976 were subjected to two crappy DVD releases of this movie in the past. But leave it to the cinema lovers at Criterion to give the comedy-drama a DVD version worth owning. The movie was never a big box office hit, yet ask around – I bet you or someone you know has seen it.
Extras: Commentary from Linklater, a making-of documentary, a 72-page book featuring essays and character profiles, lots of on-set interviews, deleted scenes and footage from the 10-year anniversary celebration.
No official Web site

“Entourage: Season 2” - The HBO series that follows the life of film star Vince Chase, his friends and agent is back for its second hit season. This season features a story arc that has Vince involved in making the potential blockbuster movie, “Aquaman.” Well, every other comic book hero is getting a movie made, so why not him?
Extras: Behind-the-scenes interviews with the cast and crew by executive producer Mark Wahlberg.
Official Web site

“Firewall” (PG-13) - Harrison Ford struck out at the box office with this thriller about a bank security expert (Ford) being forced to use his knowledge against the very bank he’s supposed to be protecting. So why would he do such a devious thing? His family’s been taken hostage, of course. Paul Bettany and Virginia Madsen co-star.
Extras: A pair of featurettes, including an interview with Ford and director Richard Loncraine.
Official Web site

“Glory Road” (PG) - The gang that brought you “Remember the Titans” presents another true inspirational sports story – this one focusing on the 1966 season of Texas Western University, who would form the first all-black lineup in college basketball history. Josh Lucas plays future Hall of Fame coach Don Haskins.
Extras: Several featurettes focusing on Coach Haskins, numerous interviews with his players and colleagues, two audio commentaries, deleted scenes and an Alicia Keys music video.
Official Web site

“Home Improvement: Season 4” - While the cast headed by Tim Allen and Patricia Richardson was likable enough, it’s hard to understand how this show was so popular during its run on ABC. And did anyone else get sick of the decision to hide the next door neighbor behind a fence in every episode? Sorry, just ranting a bit there.
Extras: Bloopers, bloopers and more bloopers! They loved to screw up on this show!
No official Web site

“NCIS: The Complete First Season” - The hit CBS series about the Naval Criminal Investigative Service makes its DVD debut with Mark Harmon at the helm. Does it seem like Harmon has been in the cast of about 20 series over his career? Its yet another crime drama procedural, this one from the same guy who brought you JAG – also on CBS.
Extras: Multiple featurettes on the show’s creation, as well as a commentary on one of the episodes from series creator Donald P. Bellasario.
Official Web site

“The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” (R) - Marking the directorial debut from Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, the veteran actor also stars as a Texas ranch foreman who forces a U.S. border patrolman (Barry Pepper) to take the body of a man he accidentally killed back to Mexico for a proper burial. The journey is a personal one for the foreman, who was good friends with the deceased.
Extras: Commentary with Jones and co-stars Dwight Yoakam and January Jones.
Official Web site

“Underworld: Evolution” (R) - A relatively quick arriving sequel to the hit 2003 film, “Underworld: Evolution” continues the bloody and stylish war between vampires and werewolves as they fight, swap recipes, and go clubbing together. Or something like that. Heck, it’s got Kate Beckinsale dressed up in tight leather for a couple of hours, OK? Isn’t that the main attraction for the guys?
Extras: Commentary from director Len Wiseman and other crew members, several featurettes on various aspects of the production, including its journey from script to screen.
Official Web site

Movie Review: "Match Point"

Starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Emily Mortimer, Scarlett Johansson, Matthew Goode, Penelope Wilton and Brian Cox
Directed by Woody Allen

Writer-director Woody Allen has been making movies for so long now at such a consistent clip (generally about one per year), that audiences tend to take him for granted. In recent years, the general consensus of his newer movies are that they are perfectly watchable, but very unexceptional.

So it comes as a bit of a surprise (although it really shouldn’t) that Allen still has the ability to deliver a standout movie that actually marks a bit of a departure for the 70-year-old filmmaker. Not only is Allen not in “Match Point,” but there isn’t even a Woody-like character to be found. Then again, there are no laughs to be had in this beautifully shot and well-crafted drama that delves into passion, deception and desire.

Having such a distinction is one manner in which the movie differentiates itself from his 1989 film with similar themes, “Crimes and Misdemeanors.” Another way is that “Match Point” is set outside of Allen’s usual New York backdrop – landing smack dab on the other side of the pond in London. Still, Allen’s always demonstrated a knack for showing off classic cities and he, along with cinematographer Remi Adefarasin, capture wonderful shots of London, largely seen through the eyes of the film’s central figure, Chris Wilton (Jonathan Rhys Meyers).

As a good, but not great former tennis pro, Chris is restlessly teaching the sport at a London country club as the film opens. But he soon has the luck of teaching Tom Hewett (Matthew Goode), the son of a very well off family headed by parents Alan and Eleanor (Brian Cox and Penelope Wilton). Tom invites Chris to an opera, where he meets an almost instantly smitten Chloe (Emily Mortimer), the Hewett’s lovely and spoiled daughter.

It might not quite be love at first sight for both of them, but Tom certainly knows a good thing when he sees it. So he quickly gains in trust and favor in the family, eventually being hired into one of the father’s companies. Around the same time, he meets Tom’s fiancée, struggling American actress Nola Rice (Scarlett Johansson), who should come equipped with a warning sign. A smoker, drinker and heavy flirter, Lola has trouble written all over her. Yet, Chris is almost irresistibly attracted to her, even as he is fully aware of the risks attached.

Those risks only become greater after Chris marries Chloe, while Nola, never a favorite with Eleanor, splits up with Tom. Now she is available while Chris is decidedly not. He knows that their relationship has no real foreseeable future. After all, neither of them have any money or any real solid prospects away from the Hewett family. So for Chris, the question becomes, is the risk worth it?

Meyers does a very good job at capturing the internal conflict of his character, a generally affable and good-natured person caught in a struggle between his head and his heart. His character’s decisions basically determine the direction of the film, particularly in the third act, which reveals itself to be a rather effective thriller by that point.

Near the beginning of the movie, Tom remarks that he’s rather be lucky than be good. Of course, being lucky doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with being happy. By film’s end, one has to wonder if Tom can believe the same thing.

Grade: B+
(Rated R for some sexuality.)