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Feb 18, 2008

Blog Cabins in Viva Rock...er, maybe that was a bad title the first time around

Did you know that The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas starred Mark Addy, the unfunny, portly British fellow from the Jami Gertz co-starring sitcom Still Standing, long before we knew he was that unfunny, portly British fellow? Nevermind that Rock co-starred Stephen Baldwin - isn't the drop from John Goodman to Mark Addy one of the worst sequel replacement jobs ever? (Hmmm...possible post idea there...)

Anyway, as I mentioned the other day, Blog Cabins is headed out of town this afternoon until Saturday, heading to Las Vegas and then to Washington on a much-needed vacation. Expect updates here and at the LAMB, just expect them to be shorter and more infrequent. As a bonus, here's a look at what you might have seen were this a normal week:

Monday: a review of The Spiderwick Chronicles.
If by chance you saw last year's Arthur and the Invisibles, then you're already halfway there towards seeing Spiderwick. This one is less animated, but the story is essentially the same. Bonus points for being pretty dark and featuring Seth Rogen in a voice role. Double bonus points for being co-written by John Sayles and co-starring David Strathairn. Full review...later.

Tuesday: review of Atonement.
Joe Wright has some talent, but this "love" story falls flat. Starts off with a bang (and a terrific typewriter-laden score), but quickly goes nowhere, then ends leaving you saying "what was the point of telling this story?" The twist at the ending is good yet feels like a cheat, though the stunt casting is pretty cool.

Wednesday: a clever and/or witty and/or boring list or analysis or some sort.
Don't worry, I have a stockpile of ideas for these types of things.

Thursday: a Survivor recap
This one may not ever see the light of day. But can you believe what happened? I never thought Yau-Man had it in him to whup James' ass, but that little guy's got the speed and determination of a badger.

Friday: TGITDNMAR.
In short:

Vantage Point
: Looks kinda good, kinda meh, but has a great cast (and Bruce McGill). Considering what else is out, chalk this up as a 75% chance of seeing.

Be Kind, Rewind: Two words: Michel Gondry. Two more: I'm there. 100%

Charlie Bartlett: I get a bad vibe from this Anton Yelchin kid, and this looks too much like a Ferris Buehler knockoff. Still, you can't complain too much about Bob Downey, Jr. and Hope Davis. 42%.

Witless Protection: Oh damn, I have yet to even see a trailer for this Larry the Cable Guy-starring vehicle. I guess I should have seen Meet the Spartans - I can almost be guaranteed the trailer played there. And we have a (non-Playboy) Jenny McCarthy sighting. My congratulations to Jim Carrey's agents for finding her some work. 0%.


As I said, I return Saturday. Might there be an Oscars live diary in the future? There just might. Plug time: don't forget about the LAMB Oscar Pool. Go there (links are everywhere, I'm not giving you another) and fill out your entry form for the chance to win a DVD. Yeah, it's not a new car or anything, but it's better than nothing, right? Damn ingrates. Also, the "LAMB Devours the Oscars" blog-a-thon will be going on everyday (come rain or shine) until the awards.

Have a Presidential week, amigos.


9 people have chosen wisely: on "Blog Cabins in Viva Rock...er, maybe that was a bad title the first time around"

Daniel said...

Great notes, Fletch. I especially like the Be Kind tidbit.

Tough week to be gone - have fun. Hope you don't get delayed a day!

Anonymous said...

Ooh, I love your review of Atonement, but I want more :D.

Anyway, have fun! We'll sure miss ya, but if there's anyone deserving a vacation it's you. Take a load off and just have the best time ever!

robkroese said...

"Isn't the drop from John Goodman to Mark Addy one of the worst sequel replacement jobs ever?"

You need to do a top 10 list of the worst dropoffs ever. Bruno Kirby to Jon Lovitz in City Slickers 2 is a contender.

joen05 said...

Good thing you provided an update for this time... I don't know what I would've done without some Blog Cabins! :-)

joen05 said...

Good thing you provided an update for this time... I don't know what I would've done without some Blog Cabins! :-)

Anonymous said...

Charlie Bartlett wasn't too shabby. It's worth a watch. Like you, I'm still not sold on Anton Yelchin though.

Can't wait to finally get a look at Be Kind, Rewind!!

Fletch said...

Book it, Diesel. If you (or anyone else) has any other suggestions, send them my way. I like this idea.

Thanks, Joe and McLean!

We'll see about Charlie Bartlett...

THN said...

And I wasn't consulted on your trip to Las Vegas? I have never been so insulted.