Lock, Stock, and Two Film Geeks

We enter another week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.  So irresponsible of us.

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.

Continue reading

We enter another week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.

A Nightmare on Elm Street

James: I’m taking this opportunity to watch the original instead.  I’m not one for horror really, but these glossy Michael Bay-produced remakes aren’t really the route I want to go if I’m craving a horror fix.  Nonetheless, if I had to pick one from Platinum Dunes, this one starring Jackie Earl Haley would be it.

Benn:  I always found Elm Street to be one of the best and more creative horror movies out there.  I’m wary of the Michael Bay-produced, CW-esque remakes, but Jackie Earl Haley is a great actor.  It might be worth it just to see him.

Dylan: There doesn’t seem to be anything different about this remake. Although of all the actors they could have chosen, they made the best possible choice with J.E.H. Sill going to skip it.

Fil:  I think the original is probably one of the best horror movies of all time.  This looks like nearly the same thing with elements of later films included to give more back story and shinier special effects.  I’ll probably Netflix this when it comes out, but I doubt I’ll see it in theatres.

Anna: I always loved the concept behind this movie, so I’m definitely interested. I’m looking forward to how they make the dream sequences in this remake, since the originals weren’t particularly scary to me.

Continue reading

We enter another week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.

The Losers

James: I think this looks like it could be pretty cool and the buzz is good, so I’m going to see it with hopes it pans out.

Benn:  It could be good, but it could be over-stylized garbage too.  It will be interesting to see how this does against Kick-Ass.

Dylan: Thank god this came out before The Expendables; it would have been overlooked and passed over as the comedic version of the film. Still, looks like it could be a hoot. Sorry, but I’ll be seeing Paper Man this weekend.

Fil:  I’m somewhat looking forward to this, it seems like it’ll at least be a good shoot ‘em up, but it’s also something I’ll watch because I’m not interested in anything else coming out this week.

Anna: If I were a comic book gal, I’d probably have more reason to see this. But the title is such a turn off.

Continue reading

We enter another week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.

Date Night

James: This seems like a great rental to me, since I like both actors.  If there’s impressive reviews, maybe I’ll see it in theaters but I’m running a bit behind at the moment.

Benn:  Steve Carell and Tina Fey, you both can do better than this.

Dylan: I don’t care what anyone says, I think Tina Fey is one sexy mama. That being said, I’d only watch this movie for Tina. Other than that, this looks bland and uninteresting. Although I am enjoy the airbrushed cleavage.

Fil:  This movie looks like it should be funnier than it is likely going to be.  Sad, because I, also, love Tina Fey.

Anna: I really like Steve Carell (although, ironically, I don’t care for The Office) but I’ve never seen Tina Fey in anything. I might go see this is someone wanted to take me, but I won’t make an effort myself.

Continue reading

We enter another week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.

Clash of the Titans

James: I’m hoping this is good, it looks like it could be a ton of fun and Louis Leterrier has a pretty good track record for exciting but mindless action films.  I’ve heard bad things about the 3D conversion though, so you might save your money on that.

Benn:  Liam Neeson as Zeus in enticing, and I like Sam Worthington, but this looks like a Greek bust.

Dylan: When I hear Liam Neeson say, “Release the Kraken!” I get this guilty, tingly feeling that knows this film will only stimulate the part of my brain that craves mindless action.

Fil: Fucking fuck yes fuck I will be fucking seeing this.  I don’t have any idea about whether it will be good or not.  From what I hear though, I’ll probably be seeing it in 2D.  I’ve been looking forward to this for a while.

Anna: Writing this a bit late, so I’ve already seen this. I really enjoyed it – very entertaining, especially CG-wise. Plus, some phenomenal imagination and portrayal of the gods and Mount Olympus. Definitely better than the 80′s version, if anyone’s seen that. But don’t look for the next Avatar or anything, despite Sam Worthington being in it.

Continue reading

We enter another week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.

Hot Tub Time Machine

James: I’m super psyched for this, I love all the actors involved and the tongue-in-cheek nature of the comedy looks like a win-win situation for me.  I will be seeing this before weekend’s-end if possible.

Benn:  Too dumb to fail.  Go!

Dylan: This reminds me of “Snakes on a Plane,” awesome premise backed by even awesomer title, except this looks like it won’t try and take itself seriously. Seeing it at midnight!

Fil: Since I have no time or money, I’ll say I would love to see the hell right out of this, but am not going to be able to.  Yes, I think I shall use the sad face. =(

Anna: Not interested. Wouldn’t even rent it. Can’t stand John Cusack and it looks completely stupid.
Continue reading

We enter another week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.  Also, today is James’ birthday!

Green Zone

James: This movie is basically a politically inclined Jason Bourne film, right?  I’m interested, but I wonder if it will do well enough at the box office.

Benn:  Looks way too much like The Bourne Identity, but I like Matt Damon, and I do did like Greengrass’ approach towards the last two Bourne films.  I’d see it, even if it is Jason Bourne Visits the Middle East.

Dylan: It’s what would happen if Jason Bourne didn’t have amnesia. Maybe some political commentary condemning the Middle East quagmire? Can’t really get excited to see this one.

Fil: You guys, Jason Bourne is Wolverine in a Matt Damon body.   That has nothing to do with whether I want to see this or not.  And I could really care less.

Anna: Now that I’ve seen the fuss concerning The Bourne Identity (yes, I know everyone is going to put that title in their stock – but how can you not?) I know I can skip this. I just didn’t care for Bourne, I just don’t care for Matt Damon, and I just don’t care to see another war movie with epileptic-inducing trailers. Continue reading

We enter another week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.

Alice in Wonderland

James: My level of interest in this film has vacillated.  At first it seemed like a no-brainer, then I realized I was tired of Tim Burton re-imagining children’s stories in his style, and finally, I’ve begun to find the trailers to be very visually satisfying.  I just hope it’s good, and the early buzz says it might be.

Benn:  I’m pretty indifferent to the film, though Tim Burton’s latest trend of tired remakes of classics with the same color schemes and cast.  Honestly, I’ll stick with the old Disney cartoon.

Dylan: I like Burton better when he’s working with his own original material. Again, his usual suspects are back. I’m starting to get the feeling that 3-D will be the deus -ex-machina of films. “If the plot is suffering, make that shit 3-D!” Anyways, I’m definitely seeing this, but only in IMAX 3-D. Go big or go home.

Fil: I’ll likely enjoy this film, especially in 3D – but to be honest with you, I’m just finding it really hard to get excited.  Tim Burton needs some fresh material.

Anna: I thought Tim Burton would be one of those directors who wouldn’t get cocky with his style. The Gothic, crooked CG is a little old now, even for a seemingly fitting fucked up drugged story. Maybe if I’d seen the trailer before the succession of Planet of the Apes, Corpse Bride, and Big Fish, I’d be a little more excited since the Disney version never thrilled me as a kid. Can we stay away from the tragic, showy remakes, please?

Continue reading

We enter OUR MOST FANTABULOUS week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff (ESPECIALLY FIL – HE’S SO DREAMY) tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.

Cop Out

James: I’ve always been a fan of Kevin Smith, and I think directing someone else’s script might be the type of thing that could get him out of his funk.  I do wish he’d make another “Kevin Smith” movie, it feels like he’s been trying to vanilla-ize himself too much lately.  That said, I’d like to see this.

Benn:  This makes “Jersey Girl” look like “Clerks”.  Shame on you Smitty, you’re better than this.

Dylan: I’m so torn. I really want this to be funny. I just don’t think Kevin Smith should go too mainstream. If I can fit it in, I’ll see it, otherwise I’ll wait for netflix.

Fil: I really wish this was still called A Couple of Dicks, but renaming it to Cop Out has a certain self referential humor to it.  I’ll see it if someone else wants to, but I won’t go out of my way. Continue reading

We enter another week of “Taking Stock,” our weekly column in which the entire staff tells you what they think of the movies coming out this week based on very little knowledge and first impressions.

Shutter Island

James: Martin Scorcese, DiCaprio, Ruffalo, Kingsley, and doing a genre thriller. Nothing more needs to be said, I’m going tomorrow.

Benn: Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge Scorsese fan, and I’m excited to see how he does with a non-gangster film. Then again, most of his other non-gangster endeavors tend to be very good anyway. See it.

Dylan: I think we all need to recover after a lack luster month of sub par movies. This’ll pick you right up. Seeing it as soon as I can.

Fil: I don’t even need to review this trailer…I’ve been watching it for what seems like years. I’ll be watching this as soon as I knock over a bank for cash money. Continue reading