New In Theaters - August 6th, 2011

THE CHANGE-UP

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Leslie Mann,

Olivia Wilde & Alan Arkin

Directed by David Dobkin for distribution by Universal

The Plot: During a drunken night of partying a married father of two (Bateman) and his single playboy best friend (Reynolds) make a wish to trade lives only to wake up the next morning and realize the wish was granted.

The Final Word: We’ve of course seen this scenario before where friends/family switch lives, but this is updated take on the classic device. Reynolds and Bateman clearly aren’t going for anything sophisticated here and that’s why it may work. In a summer where raunchy comedies rule the box office, “Change-Up” should find itself right at home.

RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES

Starring: James Franco, Freida Pinto, John Lithgow, Brian Cox,

Tom Felton, David Oyelowo & Andy Serkis

Directed by Rupert Wyatt for distribution by 20^th Century Fox

The Plot: A scientist’s (Franco) breakthrough and his company’s greed leads to Earth being overrun by smarter than human apes in this prequel to the iconic “Planet of the Apes.”

The Final Word: After a failed reboot in 2001, the “Apes” franchise has languished for nearly a decade. Now FOX is trying to give the once profitable movie series another shot in the arm by creating a prequel. It’s actually a clever concept as everyone is familiar with the man waking up on a planet run by apes story, but how the planet was overrun by the creatures was never explained in this much detail. Although following Tim Burton’s widely panned version of the movie, the question is will audiences be willing to give it another chance?

Previewed next week: 30 Minutes of Less, Final Destination 5, Glee 3-D, The Help

New Movie Roundup - July 29th 2011

COWBOYS & ALIENS

Starring: Daniel Craig, Harrison Ford, Olivia Wilde, Sam Rockwell,

Adam Beach, Paul Dano, Noah Ringer, Keith Carradine,

Clancy Brown & Ana de la Reguera

Directed by Jon Favreau for distribution by Universal Pictures

The Plot: A drifter (Craig) awakens in a small Western town with no memory of how he got there and soon finds himself teaming with the local sheriff (Ford) to battle a invading group of aliens from outer space.

The Final Word: Jon Favreau has taken an ageless genre and put a new spin on it, but best of all it’s in 2D! The movie already has enough gimmicks; it doesn’t need an added dimension as well. Craig and Ford should make for a fun on-screen paring and Olivia Wilde is one of the hottest rising young actresses. This is the role the “House” actress took that set up her (well written) temporary exit from the series.

THE SMURFS

Starring: Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, Sofia Vergara, Hank Azaria, Anton Yelchin, Jonathan Winters, Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, Fred Armisen,

George Lopez, Paul Reubens, John Oliver, Kenan Thompson,

B.J. Novak, Jeff Foxworthy, Wolfgang Puck, Gary Basaraba & Tim Gunn

Directed by Raja Gosnell for distribution by Columbia (Sony)

The Plot: Chased out of their own world by the evil Gargamel (Azaria), the Smurfs find themselves in a place they are unfamiliar with; Earth! Now the little blue cartoon characters must rely on the help of a married New York City couple (Harris, Mays) to find their way home.

The Final Word: Well it was only a matter of time before the friendly little blue animated kid icons got the big screen treatment and audiences are looking forward to their return. With a mix of CGI and live action, the Smurfs return to the world of pop culture sporting a strong voice ensemble and a perfectly casted Hank Azaria as the evil Gargamel. Audiences should feel nostalgic enough to give this film version a go, but some older viewers may be turned off by some of the lower brow humor shown off the trailer. Regardless, Columbia is expecting their blue friends to translate into a lot of green.

CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE.

Starring: Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Julianne Moore,

Marisa Tomei, Kevin Bacon & John Carroll Lynch

Directed by Glenn Ficarra & John Requa for distribution by Warner Brothers

The Plot: After learning that his wife (Moore) has been cheating on him, a married man (Carrell) teams up with a cocky playboy (Gosling) to get back in the dating game.

The Final Word: Steve Carell’s “Office” exit has opened the doors to more movie opportunities for the talented and affable actor. Here, he teams with a who’s who of Hollywood including the very in demand Emma Stone, who became a hot commodity after last year’s “Easy A.” All of the leads have proven they can hold their own, but this a big chance for Gosling, who has yet to be showcase his comedic side. Paired with Carell, they’ll create a new type of “odd couple” which audiences could really enjoy watching.

Previewed next week: "The Change-Up" and "Rise of the Planet of The Apes"

New Movie Roundup - July 22nd 2011

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER

Starring: Chris Evans, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Sebastian Stan, 
Toby Jones, Samuel L. Jackson, Dominic Cooper, 
Tommy Lee Jones, Stanley Tucci, Neal McDonough & Derek Luke

Directed by Joe Johnston for distribution by Paramount/Marvel

The Plot: A military experiment transforms the weak and scrawny Steve Rogers into a super-solider known as Captain America.

The Final Word: Comic book fans have had a busy summer at the box office so far with the release of “Thor,” and “X-Men: First Class.” Now comes the final major super hero flick of the season and along with it the last Marvel film before next summer’s “The Avengers.” Starring an eclectic mix of Hollywood stars, “Captain America” will look to continue the momentum that has carried Paramount’s slate the last few years. Audiences have stayed with the brand so far and they aren’t likely to stray now.

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

Starring: Justin Timberlake, Mila Kunis, Patricia Clarkson, Jenna Elfman,

Bryan Greenberg, Richard Jenkins & Woody Harrelson

Directed by Will Gluck for distribution by Screen Gems (Sony)

The Plot: Two friends (Timberlake, Kunis) attempt to have a relationship without any of the emotional responsibilities, but soon find that isn’t as easy as they thought.

The Final Word: Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. Paramount released the similarly themed “No Strings Attached” back in January to put some distance between the two films. Although surprisingly in this market, there may be room for both comedies as at this point the summer, many audiences are tired of all the action and 3D explosions and looking for something lighter. Another positive aspect going for the movie is its director Will Gluck, who hit gold last September with the Emma Stone led romantic comedy “Easy A.” Audiences really responded both Stone and Gluck, which could help influence audiences to see “Benefits.”

Previewed next week: "Cowboys & Aliens," "Crazy, Stupid, Love." &  "The Smurfs"

New In Theaters - July 15th, 2011

HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS: PART 2

Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane,

Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Helena Bonham Carter, Jason Isaacs,

Alan Rickman, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, David Thewlis,

Julie Walters, Bonnie Wright & Kelly Macdonald

Directed by David Yates for distribution by Warner Brothers

The Plot: As Harry Potter’s (Radcliffe) final battle with the evil Lord Voldermort (Finnes) looms, it’s the boy wizard’s friends that could pay the ultimate price in the final movie in the iconic book series.

The Final Word: There is nothing I can write hear that you probably don’t already know. This is the last “Harry Potter” movie and it comes to Cineplexes almost a full decade after the original. Fans of the boy wizard are going to see this no matter what, meaning it could be in 2D, 3D or in good old fashioned black-and-white and it wouldn’t make a difference to the bottom line; the movie has insane drawing power.

WINNIE THE POOH

Starring (voices): Jim Cummings, Craig Ferguson, Tom Kenny, Travis Oates, 
Bud Luckey,Jack Boulter, Kristen Anderson-Lopez, 
Wyatt Hall, Huell Howser & John Cleese

Directed by Stephen J. Anderson & Don Hall for distribution by Disney

The Plot: Return to the Hundred Acre Woods with Winnie The Pooh and all of his friends as they go on a journey to save their friend Christopher Robin.

The Final Word: Winnie The Pooh is arguably one of the most cherished children’s characters of all time and many have missed the presence of the pudgy little bear in the mainstream media. Disney has now taken five of the classic Pooh stories from creator A.A. Milne and crafted them into a new motion picture. Although Disney also has to know that going up again “Harry Potter” is a no-win situation and to place it there must mean they don’t expect any record breaking openings, but they do get to introduce Pooh Bear and all his Hundred Acre Woods friends to a brand new generation, which may be just as profitable.

Previewed next week: Captain America: The First Avenger & Friends With Benefits

New In Theaters - July 8th, 2011

HORRIBLE BOSSES

Starring: Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston,

Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey, Donald Sutherland, Julie Bowen & Jamie Foxx

Directed by Seth Gordon for distribution by New Line (WB)

The Plot: Three mistreated employees team up to get revenge on their cruel and despicable bosses, but soon learn best laid plans aren’t as easily carried out.

The Final Word: This could easily be the next “There’s Something About Mary,” as it has a plot people can relate to and a cast people love. You also have to give credit to New Line for assembling this group of actors and letting them be as over the top as the script allows. Take the talented trio of Bateman, Day and Sudeikis out of the equations for a second and you can truly realize just stacked this movie is with talent. In fact many are excited just to have another chance to see Spacey inhabit the role of one the title “horrible bosses.” Many fans remember him turn as a sadistic studio executive in “Swimming With Sharks,” and are excited to see him bring a similarly slimy character to life. Having Aniston and Farrell on board to round out the awful overseers only makes the film’s stock rise.

ZOOKEEPER

Starring: Kevin James, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb, Cher,

Nick Nolte, Adam Sandler & Sylvester Stallone

Directed by Frank Coraci for distribution by Columbia (Sony)

The Plot: In order to get the girl of his dreams, a zookeeper (James) decides he must change careers, but when his animals find out his plan, they reveal to him that they can talk in an attempt to get him to stay.

The Final Word: In all honestly “Zookeeper” is literally an updated version of Dr. Dolittle, which a few tweaks. Although that shouldn’t matter as star Kevin James proved what a box office force he was when “Paul Blart: Mall Cop” put on a box office clinic. Throw in a bunch of cute and celebrity-voiced animals and James should be able to laugh his way to the bank once again.

Previewed next week: Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 & Winnie The Pooh

New In Theaters - July 1st, 2011

TRANSFORMERS: DARK OF THE MOON  

Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson,

Kevin Dunn, Julie White, Frances McDormand, John Malkovich,

Ken Jeong, Patrick Dempsey, Alan Tudyk, John Turturro & Leonard Nimoy

Directed by Michael Bay for distribution by DreamWorks (Paramount)

The Plot: When a long-held secret comes to light it threatens to unleash a new danger on the world that even Megatron and the Autobots can’t help the Earth avoid.

The Final Word: One of the most popular conspiracy theories around is centered on whether man actually landed on the moon. “Dark of the Moon” takes that conspiracy and ups to a new degree that executives hope will wash away memories of “Revenge of the Fallen.” The last time the Transformers invaded theaters it was 2009 and while the movie made money it also was widely panned by both the crew and viewing public. Although so far this new one (of course shot in 3D) has been winning over audiences and fanboys can’t wait to see more of Victoria’s Secret angel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, who takes over Megan Fox as the female lead. 

(June 29)

LARRY CROWNE

Starring: Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Bryan Cranston, Cedric the Entertainer,

Taraji P. Henson, Gugu Mbatha Raw, Wilmer Valderrama, Pam Grier,

Rami Malek, George Takei, Grace Gummer, Rita Wilson & Jon Seda

Directed by Tom Hanks for distribution by Universal

The Plot: Fired from his job at a big-box warehouse store, Larry Crowne (Hanks) decides to go back to school to get his college degree and in the process falls for his professor (Roberts)

The Final Word: Tom Hanks is the most likeable actors in Hollywood and comes with a built-in audience. So imagine Universal’s shock when his initial teaming with America’s Sweetheart Julia Roberts didn’t break the box office bank. Although while “Charlie Wilson’s War” didn’t dominate the Cineplex, it served its point; it became a player in the Oscar race, even netting a nod for the incomparable Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Now Universal is again attempting the re-teaming with a straight comedy hoping that taking the drama element out will make a difference. Granted the top of job loss isn’t exactly a laughing matter, but Hanks who co-wrote the film with “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” scribe Nia Vardalos, knows what it takes to sell a comedy. After all his resume comes complete with rom-com legends “Sleepless In Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail.” This could surprise people come opening weekend.

MONTE CARLO

Starring: Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, Katie Cassidy,

Andie MacDowell & Cory Monteith

Directed by Tom Bezucha for distribution by 20^th Century Fox

The Plot: While on vacation in Paris, one of three friends is mistaken a member of royalty which leads to an all-out dream vacation for the trip in Monte Carlo.

The Final Word: Yes, Selena Gomez is popular, but she’s also a thorn in the side of every delusional tween who thinks they have a shot with Justin Bieber. That situation poses an interesting question; can a movie aimed young girls succeed with a lead that many young girls don’t like? Gomez is smart and talented, as are her on-screen sisters who are also among the brightest female rising stars, but it’s very possible this romantic comedy could get lost in the 4^th of July shuffle.

Previewed next week: Horrible Bosses & Zookeeper

The Flicks Flashback - Cameron Diaz

Cameron Diaz burst onto the scene in 1994, opposite Jim Carrey in “The Mask.” Although Carrey was a newly minted Hollywood star, Diaz still shined and held her own opposite the actor’s trademark over-the-top antics. Four years later she was given her first real chance to open a movie where she was more than a supporting player and she hasn’t looked back since. This weekend Diaz returns to her raunchy comedic roots with “Bad Teacher,” and despite a few high profile recent misfires, there’s just something special about this talented actress that has made her a household name.

My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

Total USA Earnings: $126 million

Anyone can tell you it’s not easy going toe-to-toe with Jim Carrey. In fact unless you’re a kid or an animal you don’t really stand much of a chance. So when Diaz was able to make an impression in what was her big screen debut, people took notice. Although her feet were soon quickly put to the fire once again in her second major role as her co-star was none other than “America’s Sweetheart” Julia Roberts. “My Best Friend’s Wedding” was a box office hit and even topped her previous opening, but while Diaz continued to hold her own, her most important test was still ahead.

There’s Something About Mary (1998)

Total USA Earnings: $176 million

Just one summer later, Diaz was again put front and center starring opposite Ben Stiller and Matt Dillon. The film was “There’s Something About Mary” and it was directed by the Farrelly Brothers, who themselves were relative newcomers. Just like Diaz, the pair had also hit it big with Jim Carrey and their movie “Dumb & Dumber” was one of the year’s highest performing. The success continued with “Mary” as it went on to earn $176 million, which to this day remains Diaz’s most profitable movie to date outside of the “Shrek” franchise.

Charlie’s Angels (2000)/Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle (2003)

Total USA Earnings: $125 million/$100 million

While the comedy also succeeded in giving new meaning to “hair gel”, it more importantly set Diaz up to bring one of TV’s most iconic groups to the big screen. Along with Drew Barrymore and Lucy Lui, “Charlie’s Angels” successfully transitioned to the world of film. Granted despite a strong opening for the original, the sequel tanked.

Shrek (2001) / Shrek 2 (2004) /Shrek The Third (2007) / Shrek Forever After (2010)

Total USA Earnings: $267 million/ $441 million/ $332 million/ $238 million

In fact it wasn’t long before her other major franchise began to decline as well. While Diaz had been lucky enough to snag a key role in Dreamwork’s “Shrek” franchise, the film’s box office receipts would eventually begin to decline; hitting their peak with 2004’s “Shrek 2.” Although despite the downward turn, the fractured fairytale co- starring Mike Meyers is still one of the most successful series in film history, having spawned three sequels, two TV specials and a very loyal following of fans. No matter how it performed, “Shrek” still kept the actress in the spotlight and continued to help net her new roles.

The Green Hornet (2011)

Total USA Earnings: $98 million

Although most of those roles during that period weren’t as successful as the ones she used to start her career. While she was able to succeed with movies like “Vanilla Sky” & “Gangs of New York,” she also had her share of flops including “In Her Shoes,” “The Holiday,” “The Box,” and most recently 2010’s “Knight & Day,” her second partnership with Tom Cruise.

Despite it all though, Diaz still gives every movie she’s a solid chance to succeed. Earlier in the year she starred in “The Green Hornet,” which with $98 million isn’t really considered a full fledge blockbuster, but still a promising sign that actress could be set to return to her peak. In fact that that $98 million is the highest grossing (non-franchise) film Diaz has had since “Sky.”

It also helps bring us full circle to this weekend, where Diaz will team with two of Hollywood’s brightest young actors in Jason Segal and Justin Timberlake. Could the actress be ready for a comeback or did she really never go away in the first place? Regardless, “Bad Teacher,” may play a major role in helping the box office re-gain its momentum and help Diaz re-ignite her hit streak.

“Bad Teacher” is now in theaters.