New In Theaters - April 15th, 2011

RIO

Starring (voices): Anne Hathaway, Jesse Eisenberg, George Lopez,

Tracy Morgan, Jemaine Clement, Leslie Mann, will.i.am & Jamie Foxx

Directed by Carlos Saldanha for distribution by 20^th Century Fox

The Plot: A macaw (Eisenberg) leaves the comforts of his owner’s home to follow a potential mate (Hathaway) across the globe, only to end up in Rio de Janeiro during the height of Carnival, along with the many new friends he’s encounter along the way.

The Final Word: From the people who brought the “Ice Age” trilogy to the screen comes this new 3D animated feature. Director Carlos Saldanha, who helmed all of the “Ice” movies, could easily have himself another franchise to play with if this new movie catches on with audiences. Judging by the runaway success of kid-friendly films as of late, FOX could really be in for some luck here, especially after the movie’s recent partnership with the iPad staple “Angry Birds” worked to record breaking levels.

SCREAM 4

Starring: Neve Campbell, David Arquette, Courteney Cox Arquette,

Emma Roberts, Hayden Panettiere, Marley Shelton, Anthony Anderson,

Adam Brody, Alison Brie, Anna Paquin, Kristen Bell & Brittany Roberts

Directed by Wes Craven for distribution by Dimension Films

The Plot: Ten years after the events of the last film, Sidney Prescott (Campbell) returns back to her hometown as part a book tour, only to learn someone else has taken on the mantel of Ghostface.

The Final Word: In the 1990’s “Scream” was arguably one of the most dominating franchises around. It targeted the teen demographic in a very unique way and the end result was a trilogy which re-invigorated its genre. Now just over a decade later, Dimension is hoping to reboot the series with “Scream 4,” and could very well once again capture lighting in a bottle. The reason why this will be a success is because the studio is playing it smart and NOT changing what already works. They are taking a proven formula, adding in a new group of hot rising stars and seamlessly mixing in it in with its trio of returning veterans. The end result should be another smash hit.

Previewed next week: Tyler Perry's Madea's Big Happy Family & Water For Elephants

New In Theaters - April 8th, 2011

ARTHUR

Starring: Russell Brand, Helen Mirren, Greta Gerwig,

Luis Guzman, Nick Nolte & Jennifer Garner

Directed by Jason Winer for distribution by Warner Brothers

The Plot: A trust fund playboy (Brand) with zero ambition must fend for himself when he is cut off from his inheritance after he refuses to marry the woman (Garner) his family has chosen on his behalf. 

The Final Word: In 1981, Dudley Moore brought to life a character that would later earn him an Academy Award nomination.  A happy drunk with no ambition whatsoever; the character’s name was Arthur. Now thirty years later, comedian Russell Brand is about to slip into Arthur’s expensive shoes and remind audiences why they fell for this lovable lothario in the first place. Although this will be Brand’s second movie released in a two week span. Could audiences be in for a “Brand” overload? I don’t envy Warner Brothers, as it is hard enough to launch a movie by itself, much less one where your lead actor is basically competing against himself for number one at the box office.

BORN TO BE WILD 3D

Starring: Morgan Freeman

Directed by David Lickley for distribution by Warner Brothers

The Plot: A documentary focusing on orphaned orangutans & elephants and the people who come to their aid.

The Final Word: Narrated by Morgan Freeman, this nature film was shot in IMAX 3D across Borneo and Kenya. It profiles world-renowned primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas and noted elephant specialist Dame Daphne Sheldrick, as they go about their work in the field preventing these amazing animals from extinction.

HANNA

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Cate Blanchett, Eric Bana, Jason Flemyng,

Tom Hollander & Olivia Williams

Directed by Joe Wright for distribution by Focus Features

The Plot: A trained sixteen year old assassin (Ronan) is dispatched by her father (Bana) on a mission, only to be tracked by a ruthless intelligence agent (Blanchett) and her throngs of operatives.

The Final Word: Between “Arthur” and “Your Highness” I have every reason to believe this movie will be overshadowed at the box office. Although this is Focus Features and they’ve pulled off shockers before, but I just don’t see this falling to either of the two comedies it’s up against. Nothing against the film or its talented cast, but this honestly looks like a movie you may stumble upon on a cable channel in a few years and get sucked into for an hour or two. Then again Ronan (who at age 16 already has one Academy Award nomination) is already receiving rave reviews and Blanchett has become the definition of Oscar-bait, so this movie could still find a second life down the road.

SOUL SURFER

Starring: Dennis Quaid, Helen Hunt, AnnaSophia Robb, Carrie Underwood,

Lorraine Nicholson, Kevin Sorbo & Jeremy Sumpter

Directed by Sean McNamara for distribution by TriStar Pictures (Sony)

The Plot: The true story of surfer Bethany Hamilton (Robb), a young prodigy on the water who has her dreams shattered when a shark attack leaves her unable to perform. Although through her determination, Bethany fights to return to the sport she loves and overcome her handicap.

The Final Word: No doubt this uplifting story’s biggest asset is its cast, which includes Dennis Quaid, Carrie Underwood and Helen Hunt (who has seemingly fell off the map the last few years), but this is an insanely crowded release date and similar to “Hanna,” I see this getting overshadowed as well. It actually makes me wonder why TriStar didn’t hold it for the summer, when audiences begin to get tired of things blowing up and decide to go after this type of movie.

YOUR HIGHNESS

Starring: Danny McBride, James Franco, Natalie Portman,

Zooey Deschanel, Justin Theroux, Toby Jones & Damian Lewis

Directed by David Gordon Green for distribution by Universal

The Plot: Two princes (McBride, Franco) with vastly different personalities must team up to rescue the older and more mature one’s girlfriend (Deschanel) after she’s kidnapped by an evil wizard (Theroux)

The Final Word: Franco has to be dreading doing press for this picture following the Oscars, but with Portman getting ready to give birth, it seems apparent the promotional burden will fall on him and McBride. Although remember that this won’t be the first time the pair has teamed up for a movie and that could end up being what really helps this comedy succeed. Fans of “Pineapple Express” probably already have the film’s release date circled on their calendars since this is targeted at the exact same audience.

Previewed next week: Rio & Scream 4

New In Theaters - April 1st, 2011

HOP

Starring: James Marsden, Russell Brand, Kaley Cuoco, Hank Azaria, Gary Cole,

Elizabeth Perkins, David Hasselhoff, Chelsea Handler & Hugh Laurie

Directed by Tim Hill for distribution by Universal

The Plot: A out of work slacker (Marsden) is tricked into taking care of the Easter Bunny’s son (Brand), who ran away to Los Angeles instead of taking over the family business.

The Final Word: “Hop” cleverly blends CGI and live-action to tell this story about an unlikely friendship. Russell Brand lends his voice to the Easter Bunny’s son E.B., who instead of taking over for dear old dad, wants to be a drummer in Hollywood. Upon his arrival, Marsden’s character hits E.B. with his car and the bunny fakes an injury in exchange for a place to stay. It’s actually a fun concept and is (of course) perfectly timed to the upcoming Easter holiday. This will also be the first movie for “The Big Bang Theory’s” Kaley Cuoco since her sitcom premiered. She’ll co-star as Marsden’s love interest, who is also admired by E.B.

INSIDIOUS

Starring: Patrick Wilson, Rose Byrne, Lin Shaye,

Ty Simpkins & Barbara Hershey

Directed by James Wan for distribution by FilmDistrict

The Plot: A family finds their new house haunted by evil spirits only to realize the root of their problem may not actually be the house.

The Final Word: This new take on the classic haunted house genre comes courtesy of a collaboration of talent from the people behind “Saw” and “Paranormal Activity.” Horror films are notoriously unpredictable, but they have also been a hugely successful as of late. With the pedigree behind this film and a cast led by rising stars Patrick Wilson and “Damages’” Rose Bryne, upstart company FilmDistrict could make a splash if it doesn’t get overshadowed by “Source Code.”

SOURCE CODE

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, Vera Farmiga & Jeffrey Wright

Directed by Duncan Jones for distribution by Summit Entertainment

The Plot: A soldier (Gyllenhaal) becomes a part of a secret government program known as the “Source Code,” where he is given the ability to travel back in time to eight minutes prior to a terrorist attack.

The Final Word: Director Duncan Jones put himself on the map in 2009 with a little-known film called “Moon.” The indie hit attracted the attention of Summit, which led to this movie, which could probably best be described as “Groundhog Day” with a twist. The son of David Bowie, Jones is slowly making a name for himself and is looking for “Code” to bring him mainstream buzz. The tricky part here is that Gyllenhaal, while known in the mainstream, still hasn’t been able to prove he can consistently open a picture on his own. Yes, “Brokeback Mountain” and “The Day After Tomorrow” did extremely well, but he was also a supporting player in both. While he is a talented actor, his films don’t perform well, with the most obvious example being last year’s high profile dud “Prince of Persia.” Although “Code” is just the right mix of indie, but molded for mainstream viewing, so it is possible he could be a great fit here, but honestly the jury is still out.

SUPER

Starring: Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon & Nathan Fillion

Directed by James Gunn for distribution by IFC Midnight (Films)

The Plot: An ordinary man (Wilson) transforms himself into a superhero after his wife (Tyler) leaves him for a psychopathic drug dealer (Bacon).

The Final Word: This is the definition of an indie film, but it comes with a very mainstream cast, which should earn it some attention. Although Gunn, who also wrote the script, is known for dark and edgy style which could limit its potential audience, but more than likely those going to see it will know ahead of time what to expect.: An ordinary man (Wilson) transforms himself into a superhero after his wife (Tyler) leaves him for a psychopathic drug dealer (Bacon).

Previewed next week: Arthur, Hanna, Born To Be Wild 3D, Your Highness

New In Theaters - March 25th, 2011

DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES

Starring: Zachary Gordon, Robert Capron, Rachael Harris,

Devon Bostick & Steve Zahn

Directed by David Bowers for distribution by 20^th Century Fox

The Plot: The parents of two feuding brothers try to keep the peace by having them try and spend quality time bonding.

The Final Word: Jeff Kinney’s “Diary Of A Wimpy Kid” book series have sold over 40 million copies, which in today’s Hollywood almost guarantees a movie adaptation. The first film, which was released around this time last year, had an impressive opening weekend and made back all of its money in just three days. Now comes the next installment in the series and I honestly really curious if they can repeat the success of the original.

SUCKER PUNCH

Starring: Emily Browning, Vanessa Hudgens, Abbie Cornish, Jamie Chung,

Jena Malone, Carla Gugino, Jon Hamm, Oscar Isaac & Scott Glenn

Directed by Zach Synder for distribution by Warner Brothers

The Plot: Locked away in an asylum against her will, a young girl (Browning) enlists the help of four of her fellow captives to escape from their prison and enter a fantasy world of warfare.

The Final Word: Let’s be honest, you can’t really summarize this movie’s plot. I’m not even sure I did it anywhere near justice, but the basic idea is hot girls kicking the ever loving hell out everything and everyone in their way; in IMAX. Directed by Zach Snyder, the man working with Christopher Nolan’s on the next “Superman” re-boot, this fantasy action flick is the type of movie fanboys go crazy over and with good reason. It has a smoking hot cast and basically a release date almost entirely to itself. 


Previewed next week: Hop, Insidious, Source Code

New In Theaters- March 18, 2011

LIMITLESS

Starring: Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish, 
Anna Friel & Tomas Arana

Directed by Neil Burger for distribution by Relativity

The Plot: An out-of-work writer (Cooper) discovers a wonder drug designed to let him access 100% of his brain, but finds his newfound intelligence comes with major side effects as well as the interest of a shrewd business mogul (DeNiro) determined to use it for financial gain.

The Final Word: This is a big opportunity for “Hangover” star Bradley Cooper to show he can carry a film without an ensemble to back him. He also won’t exactly be going it alone as Hollywood icon Robert DeNiro is his co-star, but the fact remains it is a great chance for Cooper to shine. He is a very talented actor and Relativity is banking on him to carry this adaptation of author Alan Glynn’s debut novel.

THE LINCOLN LAWYER

Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Marisa Tomei, Ryan Phillippe,

William H. Macy,  Josh Lucas, John Leguizamo, Michael Pena,

Trace Adkins, Katherine Moennig & Erin Carufel

Directed by Brad Furman for distribution by Lionsgate

The Plot: A charismatic and at times morally challenged lawyer (McConaughey), who operates his firm out of his Lincoln Continental car, is drawn into what seems like a straightforward case involving a rich playboy (Phillippe) accused of attempted murder, but soon finds himself in a cat and mouse game of manipulation with possibly deadly consequences.

The Final Word: Some may be hard pressed to name the last movie that McConaughey successfully headlined, but surprisingly it was only a few years back in 2008 when he teamed with Kate Hudson in “Fool’s Gold.” While that may seem like a while ago, by Hollywood standards it is actually in the normal range. Although the year Lionsgate if focused on is 1996, which is the year McConaughey first broke through as a lawyer in John Grisham’s “A Time To Kill.” It is the studio’s hope that McConaughey can reclaim that magic and help them launch what could turn into a new franchise.

PAUL

Starring: Nick Frost, Simon Pegg, Seth Rogen, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig,

 Bill Hader,Jane Lynch, Sigourney Weaver, Joe Lo Truglio, 

David Koechner,Blythe Danner & John Carroll Lynch

Directed by Greg Mottola for distribution by Universal

The Plot: Two sci-fi geeks (Frost, Pegg) pick up an alien hitchhiker (voiced by Rogen) on a cross-country journey through America’s UFO heartland and soon find themselves the focus of a government task force designed to re-capture their new friend.

The Final Word: Frost and Pegg are known for their irreverent humor in movies like “Hot Fuzz” and “Shaun of the Dead,” which gives them a built in audience for this picture. The problem will be drawing in the average viewer who may not be familiar with the pair’s across-the-pond following. With a solid cast of supporting actors and Judd Apatow staple Seth Rogen in the mix, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility they could pull off a surprise at the box office.

Previewed next week: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules & Sucker Punch

The Flicks Flashblack- Aaron Eckhart

Today, Columbia Pictures releases “Battle: Los Angeles,” an action film that focuses on an alien invasion. The star of the movie is actor Aaron Eckhart who is best known for his role as Two-Face in Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight.” Although while “Knight” is what really made Eckhart a pop culture icon, he’s always been around the fringes of the Hollywood A-list. 

Here’s your “Flicks Flashback” featuring Aaron Eckhart.

Erin Brockovich (2000)

Total USA Earnings:  $125 million

While “Erin Brockovich” wasn’t Eckhart’s first role, it was probably the one that really put him on the radar with mainstream America. Playing the role of George, Erin’s biker boy-friend, Eckhart took on a strong but important supporting character. Through that part, awareness of this versatile actor began to pick up and more A-level roles began to find their way to him.

The Core (2003)

Total USA Earnings:  $31 million

As is the case with all actors, sometimes an increased number of roles don’t always lead to an increased number of hits. 2003’s end of the world action film “The Core,” on paper looked like a good idea. It had Hilary Swank, Stanley Tucci and Bruce Greenwood on board and a premise that was (at the time) very profitable for Hollywood. Although the critics quickly turned on it and then so did audiences. Despite a respectable (again, at the time) $12 million third place opening, the movie quickly half-lifed its way down the charts and out of theaters. It just wasn’t one of higher quality movies of its genre.

Thank You For Smoking (2005)

Total USA Earnings: $24 million

Following the implosion of “The Core,” Eckhart went back to his independent roots. He starred in “Thank You For Smoking,” a satirical look at the tobacco industry and their lobbyist spin doctors.  The feature-length directorial debut of Jason Reitman (son of “Ghostbusters” director Ivan) was a critical hit and began finding its way into contention for a number of awards. Eckhart himself was nominated for both an Independent Spirit Award and a Golden Globe.  The movie also turned a small profit as it only cost $6.5 million to make.

No Reservations (2007)

Total USA Earnings: $43 million

After the critical success of “Smoking,” Eckhart returned to the mainstream in “The Black Dahlia” which despite a strong pedigree among its cast and crew stumbled out of the starting gate. Although Eckhart quickly got back in the game, with “No Reservations,” a romantic comedy opposite Catherine Zeta-Jones. Released during the height of the summer movie season, the film was a welcomed relief to people tired of the big budget action films that traditionally dominate the season. Again, it was only a mild hit domestically, but it also managed to match that total in the international market.

The Dark Knight (2009)

Total USA Earnings $533 million

Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” dominated from week one and this Oscar winning film would go on to top $1 billion worldwide. Eckhart starred as Harvey Dent, the alter ego of Batman’s eventual nemesis Two-Face.  It was a defining moment in the actor’s career and one that he will always be associated with his filmography.

Eckhart followed that role with a turn as Jennifer Aniston’s love interest in “Love Happens” and then Nicole Kidman’s husband in “Rabbit Hole.” While nothing happened with “Love,” “Rabbit Hole” put him back in contention for awards season. While it was his co-star who eventually received the Oscar nomination, it was the still talked about success of “Knight” that made him a strong contender in what proved to be a tight race.

That brings us to the present and “Battle: Los Angeles.” Eckhart once again is set to take a leading role and looks to be in prime position to take the box office by storm.  

New In Theaters - March 11th, 2011

BATTLE: LOS ANGELES

Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Michelle Rodriguez, Ramon Rodriguez,

Bridget Moynahan, Ne-Yo & Michael Pena

Directed by Jonathan Liebesman for distribution by Columbia (Sony)

The Plot: For years conspiracy theorists have claimed the existence of UFOs was being covered up; but what if they were right? After many early and ignored signs, Los Angeles finds itself under attack from hostile visitors the likes of which the world has never seen and a Marine staff sergeant (Eckhart) finds his platoon may be the world’s last hope.

The Final Word: Aliens attacking Los Angeles isn’t a new concept, but that has never stopped Hollywood from trying to put a new spin on it. Director Jonathan Liebseman is a hot property these days and Columbia believes his touch will attract audiences to this movie, whose concept is reportedly (loosely) based on an incident during World War II known as the “Battle of Los Angeles.” Although the irony here is that Disney has selected the same weekend for its animated alien pseudo-attack film. Of course they are targeting two extremely different audiences, but I can’t remember the last time to similarly themed went head to head on the same opening weekend. Now that will be a battle!

MARS NEEDS MOMS

Starring (voices): Seth Green, Dan Fogler, Elisabeth Harnois,

Mindy Sterling, Kevin Cahoon & Joan Cusack

Directed by Simon Wells for distribution by Walt Disney Pictures

The Plot: A nine year old (Green) stows away on a spaceship to Mars after the Martians kidnapped his mother (Cusack) to act as a surrogate for their kids.

The Final Word: So while Columbia has aliens attacking Los Angeles, Disney has them kidnapping Earth mothers. The main plot difference here is that while “Battle” takes place on Earth, most of “Mars” takes place in space. Based on the book by Berkeley Breathed, this 3D/CGI/IMAX film is from the same producers of Disney “A Christmas Carol” and Warner’s “The Polar Express,” so they clearly have the whole added dimension thing down by this point, which should help remedy some of the 3D problems that has gripped the studios as of late.

RED RIDING HOOD

Starring: Amanda Seyfried, Lukas Haas, Gary Oldman, Billy Burke, 
Shiloh Fernandez, Max Irons, Virginia Madsen & Julie Christie

Directed by Catherine Hardwicke for distribution by Warner Brothers

The Plot: A medieval village is targeted by a werewolf in this update of the classic fairy tale with a dark undertone.

The Final Word: “Twilight” director Catherine Hardwicke returns to theaters in a movie that could very well be a different version of the popular teen book series she helped launch, complete with werevolves. Here rising star Amanda Seyfried steps into the iconic red cape and in this adaptation falls for woodcutter with a bad reputation. Hardwicke is major draw for the teen sect and she has two popular young leads that will bring audiences to theaters. The only major drawback is that this is going to be prove to be a busy week for the sci-fi/fantasy genre and it result in lower grosses across the board.

Previewed next week: Limitless, The Lincoln Lawyer, Paul