Inception

James: I’ve seen this already.  It’s the best film of the year so far and already amongst my favorite films ever.  What do I have to do to get you to go see it?  You’re not going yet?  Go.  Now.  No seriously, now.

Benn:  Best movie of the summer by far, and probably amongst the best of the year.

Dylan: My only concern is that I don’t have high enough expectations. Everytime I see the trailer, I get a little chubby in my pantaloons. Seeing it A.S.A.P.

Fil: I’m very obviously excited about this.  Hopefully some people (JAMES) don’t hype it too much.  Definitely going to see this tonight, go see it and form your own opinions people.

The Sorcerer’s Apprentice

James: This looks like it could be passably fun, but the reviews haven’t been great.

Benn:  Looks fun, and for some odd reason, Nick Cage looks very entertaining.

Dylan: These are the kind of roles that Nick Cage should be playing, the goofy, silly, wacky character (like his should-be Oscar nominated performance in Kick Ass!). If this doesn’t try to be serious in any way, then I wouldn’t be opposed to seeing it.

Fil: I’ve been dying to see a wizard battle on screen for a long time.  Harry Potter get’s close, but this looks like it might finally give me what I want.  Netflix’d

Despicable Me

James: The trailers look cute but forgettable and I’m still not 100% sure what this is even about.  I’m predicting this to be a decent rental.

Benn:  Looks fun, but not my thing really.

Dylan: I’m not really sure why I should care about this movie. There are yellow freaks and Steve Carell and that’s about all I gathered from the trailer. Not the top movie on my list.

Fil: I think this might be kind of a fun movie to see.  Not exactly something I expect greatness out of, but it might surprise us.  Focusing on the ancillary characters in trailers is usually a bad sign though. <-Formatting error…or subtle hint that my opinion is more important?

Anna: The teasers looked like shit, but I recently saw a full trailer and it looked fun. I’d give it a try.

Predators

James: I remember loving the first Predator when I was a kid, but I haven’t seen it in a long time.  I’m wary of reboots like this, but Robert Rodriguez did write the script so that’s saying something.

Benn:  I’m very, VERY curious to see how this film will turn out.  I’m totally in.

Dylan: It’s getting good buzz so far and like the original as a mindless action film. For nostalgia’s sake, I’ll try and catch this a few weeks down the line.

Fil:Vurry excited to see this, even though I’m assuming it will suck.  I’m never wary of anything, cuz I got BALLS, but we’ll see, I suppose.

Anna: I’m seeing it Sunday and I’m going in without expectations. It is my duty.

The Kids Are All Right [limited]

James: Y’know, I actually really liked this trailer.  I don’t expect to see this in theaters but it looks like it could be a pretty good film.

Benn:  Looks like a pretty good film.  Plus, its got Mark Ruffalo; ain’t nothing wrong with that.

Dylan: I’ve got a weird thing for Julianne Moore, so this trailer calls out to me in an awkward way that I won’t go into the details. The story looks fun and interesting, plus the rest of cast ain’t that bad either. In for this.

Fil:I agree with James, for once, this was a fun trailer, and it’s something I wouldn’t say no to seeing.  Plus, I love all the people in it, especially lesbian Julianne Moore.

Anna: Looks like a nice heartwarmer, but I’ll never make an effort to see it.

The Girl Who Played with Fire [limited]

James: I haven’t seen The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo yet, but the buzz is huge.  I take it this is the sequel?  Or just by the same author?  I’m unclear.

Benn:  This is the sequel to “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” which was a phenomenal film.  Its a safe bet that “The Girl Who Played With Fire” will be just as great, if not even better.  This is the must see of the week.  Seriously, go to the University 6 theater at UCI and see it.

Dylan: The first film was a phenomenal mystery/thriller with that distinct Scandinavian style. It looks like this one will have more of an up tempo, action pace than the slower, putting-the-pieces-together pace of the first film. I’ll definitely see the sequel.

Fil:I also have not seen The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo but this looks pretty cool.  The images of fire, especially, are pretty striking in this trailer.  Probably should see the first one though.  Or set fire to some shit myself.

Anna: I usually take the time to read the book first, but the books have never interested me, nor have I seen the first movie. If the trailer for, “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” is just as cool, I’d give it a try for a cheap ticket.

[Rec] 2 [limited]

James: I saw the American remake of [Rec] (Quarantine), it was kind of fun in a watch it and forget it way.  I hear the original was better and this is its sequel but once again that’s a few too many steps away for me to consider watching it.

Benn:  I would really like to see the first film; it got fantastic reviews.  By the looks of the trailer, it looks really good.  I love the claustrophobic, documentary style filmmaking that went into this.

Dylan: Didn’t see the first one, but it doesn’t seem to matter for the looks of the sequel’s trailer. I have an affinity for shocker, virus films. I doubt this will be playing anywhere near me, so this will be a Netflixer film.

Fil: The original [Rec] was really pretty good, and I thought that Quarantine sucked monkey balls because it was essentially the same film.  This looks like the logical continuation of the story, so I’d definitely like to see this.

Anna: The mood of this movie looks pretty creepy, but I fucking hate zombie movies.

Great Directors [limited]

James: This looks kind of fascinating.  I’d watch it, but I’m a bit biased.

Benn:  I’m totally down to watch 10 directors discuss what it means to make films.  Plus, come on, David Lynch dude.  Who doesn’t want to hear what he has to say about anything.  I’d listen to this guy do weather forecasts all day long.

Dylan: The film studies minor in me is jumping at this and the documentary lover really wants to see this. I’m in.

Fil:My gut reaction to this kind of thing is that it’s pretentious nonsense, but I can see this being kinda interesting.  Not my kind of interesting, though.

Anna: Seems like they talk about everything that “artists” should already know, just filmed in a very pompous manner.

Grease (Sing-A-Long)

James: Most have seen this before.  If you haven’t, you’re not the audience for this.  If you have, singing along will be encouraged at these showings, I guess.  I’ll keep away myself.

Benn:  I’m not sure what I find worse: a Grease sing-a-long, or the legion of music theater geeks singing along with the film in the theater.

Dylan: Ug… not happening.

Fil: I’ve never seen Grease, so this means nothing to me.

Anna: I saw half of it and wasn’t impressed, but I’d rather see this than ever see any of the High School musicals. Plus John Travolta looks kinda cute.

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

James: What do I say about Twilight that hasn’t been said on this site 100 times already?  The trailer looks better than the first two?  That doesn’t take much.

Benn:  You know what?  I’ve said everything that needs to be said about this terrible, terrible thing.  Google “Fur and Loathing, Lock Stock” for my summation of “Twilight.”

Dylan: I’ve heard this is the best of the Twilight movies thus far. It’s like ranking S.T.D’s in order of most tolerable. This represents all that is bad in the world.

Fil: I, for one, am so excited about this.  GO TEAM BUFFY!

Anna: All I’m going to say is that there was a trailer for this before Iron Man 2. Everybody in the theater made noises of disgust. I joined in.

The Last Airbender

James: Worst reviewed movie of the year?  I’m morbidly curious now, I think I’ll rent it at some point just to see.  Supposedly the show is fantastic, go watch that.

Benn:  I might see this just to see what a colossal failure looks like.

Dylan: M. Night Shamalamadingdong hasn’t given me a reason to trust him in a long time. That and this is getting scathing reviews. Plus, why are all the main characters, who are either Asian or Inuit in the show, cast as whities?

Fil:  Dude, I love the show, but this…I just can’t believe he messed up this bad.  This is supposed to be worse than The Happening.

Anna: The trailer for this looks really, really cool. But like everyone else, I’m wary from Shyamalan’s history. Plus I’ve heard of the flaming reviews. Fil probably won’t let me see it anyway until I watch the show.

Love Ranch

James: This just looks so unnotable, which is disappointing for Taylor Hackford.

Benn:  Good principal cast, but…eh.  I take this time to cross off “Seven Samurai” off of my list of shame.

Dylan: “There’s no business like ho-business.” Since there’s not much this week… I’m going to hit up the instant watch on Netflix. Time to play catch-up.

Fil: I think of all the movies coming out this weekend, this looks like the one I would be most likely to divert to after not wanting to see the others.

Anna: I’ll probably be seeing this a few weeks before the Academy Awards, because it looks suspiciously like it’s going to make it there.

Knight and Day

James: Cruise looks to be kind of back on his game, but Diaz looks way out of place. I guess that’s the point, but I’m still not too interested.

Benn:  Diaz is terrible, but Cruise looks like he’s having fun, and that goes a long way.  I won’t be lining up for the film, but I’ll say this, “Hey, its better than ‘The Killers’.”

Dylan: I remember when the early trailer came out that made this film look like a comedy/action flick. Cruise was playing a goofy character which works for him now (especially after Tropic Thunder). But now they’ve made it look like an action flick and I’ve lost all interest in seeing it.

Fil: Yeah this looks kind of fun. I mean, it’s not something I’d seek out, but it looks better than The Killers. Then again, watching paint peel was probably better than that film.

Anna: Looks kinda fun.

Grown Ups

James: Wasn’t interested at all until Ebert gave it a good review. I mean in the past I found these guys funny, could they do it again? Probably not.

Benn:  Watch old SNL episodes from the early 90′s instead.

Dylan: Rob Schneider is still alive?! Damn! This is anti-funny.

Fil: No. Not interested. None of these guys are funny anymore. And the comedy looks too…um…I guess the word I’m looking for is [pee turning blue because of the chemicals, but it's the adults who pee, not the kids]-ish. Fuck it.

Anna: I love most of the cast. I’d see it for $5 if I felt like watching something stupid and fun.

Restrepo [limited]

James: I feel like I heard good things about this, but it’s just not the kind of thing I’m that excited about.

Benn:  This actually looks like a really good war documentary.  It will be interesting to see the lifestyles and struggles from the soldiers’ raw, true perspectives.  Equal parts raw and noble, which is always the best mix.

Dylan: I’m really interested in seeing this, if it were in close proximity. It’s the kind of doc that is for or against the war, rather taking you through what soldiers are dealing with… and there aren’t any bad old guy jokes from comedians past their prime.

Fil: This looks pretty damn good. Always interested to see a war doc. Somehow I doubt I’ll be seeing it until it’s streaming on Netflix.

Anna: I have a hard enough time watching war movies. And the trailer suggest elements of reality TV – I wouldn’t watch it.

Wild Grass [LA/NY]

James: Trailer looks kind of interesting.

Benn:  The cinematography looks good, but…. the romantic element is just plain creepy.  Despite the onslaught of apparent critical acclaim, I can’t get over the idea of the whole romantic stalker thing going on here.

Dylan: Yeah… I don’t think so.

Fil: I’ve gotta say, this looks to be the best release this week. Still won’t see it. BECAUSE THERE ARE NO DINOSAURS IN IT.

Anna: Looks like a normal drama with a psyched up trailer.

Toy Story 3

James: My love for Pixar is endless, and these characters are the ones that started it all (well technically a VHS of their previous shorts was, but you get the idea).  I already have plans to see this Friday night.

Benn:  Come on, did you not read my review?

Dylan: Pixar can do no wrong. I’ve never seen a bad Pixar film and I don’t think I’ll be seeing on any time soon. See it!

Fil: Do I really need to say anything about this?  I don’t know anyone who hates Pixar.  I’m sure I’ll see this at some point, and I’ll love it.

Anna: I’ll be seeing this after I get home from Sacramento. Pixar hasn’t failed yet. I’ve been waiting eagerly ever since it was rumored on IMDB.

Jonah Hex

James: I wanted this to be good, but I think it’s pretty clear that it’s not going to be.  I’ve already heard it compared to Wild Wild West and Ghost Rider.  Too bad.  Go read the comic, it’s a good straightforward western.

Benn:  Looks weak.  Pass.

Dylan: Josh Brolin it too good for this. Megan Fox, however, is perfect as a trashy harlot in this trashy film. Avoiding it like the plague.

Fil: I like the character, and my fondest memory is definitely of an episode of Batman: TAS that he appeared on with Ra’s Al Ghul.  Cool stuff, but I really doubt this will be a good film.  Unfortunately, we have to wait for good DC movies.

Anna: This looks like a good idea (and comic) ruined by the rush to top Iron Man and Batman movies.

I Am Love [limited]

James: Despite the awesome Bernard Hermann-like score in the trailer, nothing here really grabbed my and I haven’t heard any critics muttering about this one.  Maybe if I hear more.

Benn:  Well, it looks visually stunning, and the sometimes cliched “trapped wife of rich family” story actually looks interesting.  I’d give it a go.

Dylan: I have no idea what’s going on. There’s a white chick and Italian food and melodrama… that’s about all I could gather.

Fil: I have no idea what this is about.  The trailer was…pretty?  I dunno, this is a bad trailer.

Anna: The trailer was enticing, but it looks like an artsy drama. Not my kind of movie.

Cyrus [limited]

James: I’ve heard nothing but good things about this movie, I really look forward to catching it when it gets close to me.

Benn:  I’m ambivalent towards the Duplass Brothers; some of their improvisational mumblecore stuff works and other parts don’t.  John C. Reilly is a solid actor though, and I enjoy films with a bigger budget that still retain indie sensibilities.

Dylan: It looks like a comedy that will try too hard to be awkwardly funny. I like J.C.R and Marisa Tomei is nice eye candy (and talented. A good combination). I’d give it a shot if someone talked me into it.

Fil: You know, this just isn’t my kind of movie.  I’m sure it’s good, but I doubt I’ll watch it until it’s streaming on Netflix.

Anna: I think it’s too early for Jonah Hill to try a serious role. This movie looks very awkward.

8: The Mormon Proposition [limited]

James: Trailer makes it look worthwhile, but it’s probably not something I’ll seek out with a lot on my plate.

Benn:  I love a documentaries like this.  Anything that puts the spotlight on the hypocritical, the corrupt, the shady, and the flat-dumb who have abused their power gets my nod of approval.

Dylan: This is a subject that pushes my buttons. The documentary looks very interesting, like a Watergate “follow the money” type of narrative. I’d see it if it were in close proximity and I had people to go with.

Fil: Man, don’t even get me started on Prop 8.  But this looks like a really good explanation to all those people who were flabbergasted when the results came up.  I’ll try to see this.

Anna: Fuck yeah, I’m seeing this.

Get Him to the Greek

James: Aldous Snow was the highlight of Forgetting Sarah Marshall for me.  I’d be down to see more of this character.

Benn:  Love Brand’s Aldous Snow character, but I’m not crazy about Jonah Hill in anything but very small roles.  Still, it just might be worth.

Dylan: I’m in a small minority that doesn’t think Russel Brand is entertaining. However, I did like Forgetting Sarah Marshall for reasons other than Brand, and P. Diddy (Diddy Dome Diddy Doo, or whatever he’s called now) looks kind of funny. If a group is going, I wouldn’t be opposed.

Fil:  Russell Brand was the best part of Forgetting Sarah Marshall (that bitch) – so if given a choice between this and anything else but Splice, I’d probably see this.

Anna: I really liked Forgetting Sarah Marshall, so I probably wouldn’t go into this kicking and screaming. But it’s really not worth the movie ticket.

Killers

James: I feel like both of these two are usually the lesser of their normal romantic pairings, throw them into a tried and true formula and you get… sludge?  This isn’t being screened for critics, a really bad sign for a comedy.

Benn:  Whoever wrote the line,”Let’s just say I work for the blah blah blah and have a license to blah” should be publicly beaten with reeds.

Dylan: Just…. just, just no.

Fil:  I think I’ll stay home and watch Mr. and Mrs. Smith True Lies instead.  Then I’ll quietly drown myself for allowing this movie to be made.

Anna: I like Heigl, but this story is so unappealing.

Marmaduke

James: I always hated the Marmaduke comic strip, and the fact that he talks in this makes it even worse.

Benn: Go f*ck yourself.

Dylan: It’s movies like this that have me questioning Hollywood: Are they so scared to take a chance on an original idea that they resort to a stretch of an adaptation like this?

Fil:  Is this movie based on the hilarious comic strip with the same name?  Yeah? Then my answer is Fuck. No.

Anna: When I went and saw How to Train Your Dragon, there was a trailer for this. I must have been in a really good mood for this to look appealing, especially since it has Owen Wilson in it. But there is really no good reason to see this.

Splice

James: I hear this is kind of mis-marketed, and it’s a much different movie than it looks.  I’ve also heard it’s pretty good, but pretty fucked up.  I usually prefer to see these kinds of fucked up films at home where I can run away or take a break if necessary.

Benn:  Director Vincenzo Natali has never been one to write a simple, high-concept scifi film (see: Cube).  This looks like it will combine easy scares with very complex ideas.

Dylan: I’ve heard people talk about it with anticipation, and I do like Adrien Brody, but this doesn’t do anything for me.

Fil:  Of all the movies out this week, I think this is the one I’m most excited about – I love the actors, and the premise seems sufficiently creepy.  I’ll definitely be seeing this one.  And James?  You’re a pussy.

Anna: I’d rather go watch the Alien quadrology again.

Ondine [limited]

James:  Trailer lost me about halfway through, it seems like it could be alright but simply not for me.

Benn:  You know what?  I think it looks charming and well acted.  Besides, what else are you going to see, Marmaduke? (if answer is yes, see prior response to the film)

Dylan: Were they speaking English in the trailer? From what I was able to decipher, it The Little Mermaid with drinking and potential stabbing.

Fil:  I wouldn’t say no to this – I guess we’re looking at a serious take on a mermaid movie?  Sure, why not?

Anna: I honestly couldn’t understand a word they were saying in the trailer.

Finding Bliss [LA/NY]

James: I’m sure this is pretty bad, but I did laugh a couple times during the trailer.  Anyways I won’t be seeing it.

Benn:  Eh….. it is what it is.

Dylan: Generally, any trailer that starts off with, “For (character’s name)” and tells you what the movie is about lacks any creativity and originality. So no, pass.

Fil:  This…is not my kind of film, but I would totally watch it to hear all the funny porn titles.  Also, I think a friend of a friend of a friend might have done a webseries that was along these lines?

Anna: This looks very poorly made.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time  

James: Because I’ve liked a lot of Bruckheimer films that even others have not, and because I have a nostalgia for the franchise, I may try to see this, this weekend.  But because of the mediocre reviews, it may not happen as well.  But if I see anything this weekend, it will be this.

Benn:  You know what, I don’t have a problem with the Disney/Bruckheimer adventure films; they’re easy fun and very enjoyable.

Dylan: The Bruckheimer/Disney Pirates films, though void of making any sense, were decent popcorn flicks. Kingsly is awesome, but I’m not sure about Gyllenhall. He doesn’t see like the action type of actor. If I’m dragged to this, I’ll do it without much complaining.

Fil:  You would think I’d be excited about this.  I love Pirates.  I love Bruckheimer.  But seriously – how the FUCK is Jake Gyllenhall a prince of PERSIA?  Also – the coolest thing about this (the parkour action) looks soooo bad.  No no no no no.

Anna: The only thing that barely tugs me about this movie is Kingsly, but I just don’t care to see another generic period/action/adventure/romance/CG piece.

Sex and the City 2

James: I managed to be offended just in one trailer, I just hate the tone of the dialogue, among many many other things.

Benn:  Money, Fashion, Recreational Infidelity, Glamour For The Sake Of Itself and Charmingly Delivered, yet Hollow Wit?  I’m starting to think no one took the works of Wilde or Fitzgerald seriously.

Dylan: So you have a bunch of scantily clad cougars going to the Middle East? I can only hope one of them gets stoned, and not in that fun college way.

Fil:  If I’m not mistaken, does this, or does this not take place in a City?  The title is misleading and confusing.  I can only assume there will be sex in it at some point?  Ugh, even that doesn’t make me want to see it.

Anna: Besides the fact that I’ve never seen the first one, I haven’t even watched the show. Seeing this would do nothing for me except for getting annoyed with Sarah Jessica Parker.

Micmacs [limited]

James: Love the director’s work, but due to time, I’ll probably see this way down the line after seeing a few of the gaps in his filmography I already have.  Heard it’s pretty good, though.

Benn:  Jean Pierre-Jeunet?  I’m in.  This movie looks great.  Go.

Dylan: This is the movie you need to see this weekend.

Fil:  Don’t forget City of Lost Children, Anna.  This is going to be amazing.  It also is monumental for being the first time that Benn and I agree on anything.

Anna: What I think doesn’t matter. Fil will probably make me see it since he loves Delicatessen and Dominique Pinon.

Survival of the Dead [limited]

James: Romero’s films just seem to get worse and worse ratings, next in line for me is Day of the Dead so I’ll hold off on this.

Benn:  I’ve heard some pretty bad things about how Romero’s films have been getting worse since “Land of the Dead.”  I might see this purely out of loyalty to Romero, but this probably won’t be very good.

Dylan: Not interested in this one, however, I am excited for the next installment, Sex and the City and the Dead.

Fil: I guess I can already watch this on demand on my X-Box?  The hell?

Anna: Save for Max Brooks, I can’t stand Zombie-lore. This looks terrible.

Shrek: The Final Chapter

James: I was barely able to make myself watch the last film on TV while multitasking and making food.  After that, I decided I had no need to move forward with the franchise, even though I love the first film.

Benn:  Mike Myers once said he was afraid that the no-talent police would come and get him.  No-Talent PD, we’re waiting….

Dylan: I must have been in the dark because I had no idea there was a third one let alone this forth. This one looks like they’re wringing the towel for whatever is left in the original idea, which doesn’t look like much anyways. Pass.

Fil: I was initially into Shrek – but then I realized the comic book Fables does everything Shrek does better.  This movie can go fuck itself.  Also, the last one was terrible. (I’ll probably watch it someday).

Anna: I love all three of the Shrek movies. They may not be the best movies out there, but I have a lot of fun with them. I’ll definitely be seeing this.

MacGruber

James: I love the sketches and the word of mouth is good, so I’m in.

Benn:  A movie based on a few 30 second skits?  That, plus the overly-aggressive marketing campaign claiming this to be the be-all of comedies makes me suspicious.

Dylan: This is based off the 30-second sketches where Will Forte is 80′s out, says stupid shit and gets blown up at the end. Stretching it out into a 90-minute movie seems as much of a stretch as a fourth Shrek film. Pass.

Fil:  I haven’t watched SNL for such a long time, so I’m not really sure what to think about this.  On the one hand, it’s a movie from a sketch parodying a TV show.  On the other hand…I got nothin.  I probably won’t see this either.

Anna: Sorry, not an SNL fan. This looks annoying. And painful.

Holy Rollers [LA/NY]

James: Jesse Eisenberg’s alright, but this just looks uninteresting.

Benn:  Could be good, and I’m curious to see if Eisenberg has any range.

Dylan: Just the drug/crime rags-to-riches story but with orthodox jews. While that sounds like it could be a funny SNL sketch, doesn’t look like it would traslate well into a serious feature. Pass.

Fil:  I guess it looks okay…but eh.  Not really my thing?

Anna: The guy’s name is Q-Tip? Not really up for a flick that clashes religious culture with drug trade.

Solitary Man [limited]

James: Nice cast, really nice cast in fact.  But the trailer doesn’t ever seem to click.  That said, trailers can be deceiving.  I don’t know.

Benn:  Michael Douglas’ character looks a bit intriguing to me, and I don enjoy a good character study.  I’m going to say maybe on this one.

Dylan: Another weeks of “passes” for me.

Fil: Not.  My.  Thing.

Anna: Ew. No.

Robin Hood

James: Check out the upcoming podcast for my thoughts on these sort of epic movies.  This looks pretty cool, but it also looks like more of the same from all involved.  I’ll likely see it, so here’s hoping it’s good, but I’m not chomping at the bit.

Benn:  It looks like a typical Ridley Scott epic (see: “Kingdom of Heaven” and “Gladiator”), which isn’t a bad thing.  We may have seen this type of film countless times before, but you can’t argue with a strong cast and director.  Go.

Dylan: It’s got the look and feel of an epic film, like Gladiator or Master and Commander, but I just can’t get myself excited to see this one. When the trailer ends with Russell Crowe charging into battle, it just feels bland and steril. I’d see it if I’m dragged to it.

Fil:  I’ve gotta agree with James on this one.  I love the people involved, but this seriously looks like Gladiator 2 mixed with King Arthur.  I mean, I won’t shy away from it, but I just can’t get super excited about it.

Anna: What Fil said.

Letters to Juliet

James: Ah, cliche romantic comedies.  I’m kind of running out of things to say about these types of films, they’re relatively inoffensive and often executed passably, but as a single guy, they provide nothing for me.

Benn: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Dylan: Every time one of these new romantic comedies (?) comes out, I have this image of the writer or directer saying to themselves, “I’ve done it! I’ve come up with such a unique, brilliant idea that will make this movie stand out from every other romance picture. This is a masterpiece!” And then I laugh quietly to myself.

Fil: I guess as romances (I don’t even think this classifies as a comedy) go, this looks like one of the less terrible ones.  I still wouldn’t touch it with an 11 foot pole.

Anna: This looks cute, but I really wouldn’t make an effort to see it. Although, they did just sort of tell the whole story in the trailer…ending and all.

Just Wright

James: This trailer got worse as it went on.

Benn:  I’d pick this over “Letters to Boo-liet” a hundred times over.

Dylan: Honestly, I’m looking back at what films already came out. This week is not so good. And it’s got to be obvious that I’m passing on this dud.

Fil:I, uh, don’t even know what to say about this film.  Is it a film?  FOR FUCK’S SAKE THEY TELL YOU THE WHOLE STORY IN THE TRAILER.  Save you time and money, just watch the trailer if you’re interested in seeing the movie.

Anna: The only thing appealing about this movie is Queen Latifah. But it isn’t enough, really.

Iron Man 2

James: Do I really need to tell you how I feel about this one?  The reviews aren’t quite what I hoped but I still plan to have a ball.

Benn:  Having seen the midnight showing of the film, it’s not as good as the first, and it suffers from “Sequel Syndrome” (more is better, or so the execs may think).  Still, Downey, Rourke and Rockwell are solid.  See it.

Dylan: Sure, it’s not as good as the first, but it’s still an awesome movie. Went to the midnight showing and loved every moment. See it now and watch the trailer for J.J Abram’s super secret project Super 8. Boner!

Fil:  Was definitely looking forward to this.  Saw it at midnight.  Enjoyed the hell out of it.

Anna: I’m seeing it tonight. The trailers were enticing, especially with Rourke. I’ve heard it doesn’t live up to the first, but I still expect something decent.

Babies

James: The trailers are adorable.  I have no idea how quality the storytelling will be, but it seems like it’d make a good date or something.

Benn:  Next to “Jesus Camp”, this is the best horror film ever.  Honestly, babies are adorable, sure, but is there anything more infuriating than a baby screaming in a public place?  Also, if a girl asked me to this film, I’d run for the hills:  there can only be one Hadlander.

Dylan: If this had puppies in it as well, it might just have given Iron Man a run at the box office, cause everyone without a Y-chromosome would have seen this. Not a baby person, so I’ll pass.

Fil: Out of all the non-Iron Man movies coming out this weekend, this is definitely the one I would see.  Babies are super cute.  And this looks like it gets that point across really well.  Also: terrible date movie, James.  Your date will immediately be overcome with the desire to have a child.

Anna: I kind of don’t see the point of this…I really don’t see what would keep your attention for that long. Cute scenes can only be entertaining for so long. Maybe this is to prove that we are racially/ethnically tolerant or something?

Mother and Child [limited]

James: Nothing here really grabs me, I could see maybe a different audience digging this but I’m not sure I see enough of a through-line on the story.  It seems to be taking the “Crash” approach to motherhood, which doesn’t seem all that appealing.

Benn:  Seems dramatic in a “who cares” kind a way.  If your maternal instincts are that strong, stick with “Babies”.

Dylan: I get the impression from the plot synopsis that it could be good, but I’m not seeing it from the trailer.

Fil: I love Naomi Watts, but not enough to sit through this snorefest.  Although I do love me some Sam Jackson too.  Still, not my thing.

Anna: Looks like a cute heartwarmer. Maybe if I was in the mood to feel girly and teary.

Casino Jack and the United States of Money [LA/NY]

James: I’m not big on documentaries and I don’t care enough about this subject matter, at least that’s what I was going to say until I caught the credits these filmmakers have.  Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room was a really interesting film about potentially uninteresting stuff and this trailer does seem to make this story immersing.  Nevertheless I’ll likely rent this if anything.

Benn:  I like documentaries, but I heard enough about Jack Abramoff on “The Daily Show” a few years back.  Also, these over-stylized political documentaries are starting to wear thin for me anyhow.  ”Ocean’s 11″ meets Michael Moore just doesn’t appeal to me all that much; I’ll stick with Jon Stewart for stuff like this.

Dylan: I likes me some documentaries, but I probably won’t see this because it will most likely depress me. It sound interesting, but I don’t want to lose any more of the little faith I have in government.

Fil: Documentaries aren’t really my thing, but this one looks like it could be interesting.  I probably won’t go out of my way to see it unless someone begs me to.  Or I’m drunk and it’s on Netflix streaming.

Anna: This looks like the kind of stuff I need to know, but there isn’t much of a chance that I’ll take time to see it.