Before we get going, a mutual plug for me and for Adam Ross' DVD Panache. Adam runs a weekly feature called Friday Screen Test in which he showcases a blogger via some interview questions. As you might have guessed, this week's blogger is, um, me. Check it out here, and thanks to Adam for the showcase and the funny intro (and introducing me to the term "ultimate nullifier," which is exactly what my top movie rating is; likewise, I guess that makes my bottom rating the "bizarro ultimate nullifier").
Baby MamaFrom the writer of the Austin Powers sequels (um, yay?) comes this SNL-linked comedy starring Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. What's that - you say Steve Martin, Greg Kinnear and Sigourney Weaver are also in it? Hmm - you'd barely know Weaver was in it based on the trailer, and you wouldn't know at all that Martin and Kinnear were featured. I don't get it. Are they trying to attract the female audience member so badly as to ignore two guys that are bigger names than either of the stars? I mean, I don't have anything against Fey and Poehler, and I know they are the leads, but it's bizarre not to mention the guys. This also features my Idiocracy buddy Dax Shepherd, so it's got that going for it. A few current SNL guys also show up (surprise!).
Fletch's Chance of Viewing (in the theater): 32%
DealAlso known as Lucky You (with worse stars). Yes, that's right, Adam, I just called Eric Bana a better star than Burt Reynolds. (I ought to hear it for that one.)
This poker flick, in which "an ex-gambler teaches a hot-shot college kid some things about playing cards and finds himself pulled into the World Series of Poker" (according to IMDb) sure does sound a lot like the Eric Bana-Drew Barrymore vehicle that was shelved forever and then dumped last year on an uncaring public. However, that one couldn't say that it featured American Pie pinup Shannon Elizabeth (she'll never live that down) and Charles Durning. Oh, and it's directed by the son of longtime Academy Awards producer Gil Cates, so, you know, expect to see it nominated for a few things come next January.
in Righteous Kill) starred in a movie called 15 Minutes.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing: 0%
DeceptionBoy, how far has Natasha Henstridge fallen? The Species and Whole Nine Yards star is credited here with the role of "Wall Street Analyst." Not even a name? Ouch. Then again, the also-well-known Charlotte Rampling plays "Wall Street Belle," so maybe those are actually really special titles. Hmm.
Anyway, Deception stars two of the more appealing actors in Hollywood in the persons of Hugh Jackman and Ewan McGregor, but the relative lack of any buzz for the movie has me seriously concerned about its quality. The fact that the plot sounds pretty similar to Eyes Wide Shut isn't helping, either.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing: 29%
Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo BayI admit, I've never seen the first, though I would like to. Boo me, I suppose. This sequel is bound to be worse (based on early reviews I've read), but it does have an awesome tagline ("This time they're running from the joint.").
Fletch's Chance of Viewing: 0% (Unless I happen to watch the first before this one leaves the theater.)
9 people have chosen wisely: on "TGITDNMAR (4/25/08)"
I saw the first Harold and Kumar about a year or so ago... because I had the option to do so for free... and I thought it was going to be beyond stupid and I wouldn't like it. Surprisingly enough, I thought it was hilarious. It really wasn't anything like I expected (It's not as bizarre or out-there as Dude, Where's My Car? It's also much funnier). And the bits with Neil Patrick Harris are great. The sequel, though, doesn't look as good. But like the first, I'll hold my opinion til I see it (whenever that might be).
I agree about Deception. I hadn't heard a word about it till 3 weeks ago when I saw Leatherheads in the theater. At first I figured it would be out in a couple of months, but I was shocked when the trailer said April 25th. That doesn't bode well.
Can't believe you're dogging Burt Reynolds like that?! Deal is on my To-See list. Why? I like Burt, I like the Reaper Guy, and I saw Jennifer Tilly in the trailer - sold!
I'd go see Deception just for Henstridge but I hear only the worst about it. Here's betting on a quick release to DVD.
H&K = White Castle = 2 thumbs up
H&K = Guantanamo = Glad I saw it for free.
You know, Fletch, I'm sometimes a bit puzzled by the title of this feature ... with all the stinko movies released this spring, thanking god it's the day new movies are released seems to be wishful thinking ...
Thanks for honcho-ing the Lamb, btw. I know it's a lot of work, and it's appreciated.
Harold and Kumar apparently has some positive buzz and some good reviews. I might try a double feature with Sarah Marshall sometime.
didnt get a chance to check out baby mama on opening weekend, but the fey/poehler team is definitely something im very psyched about!
Baby Mama was good and funny but I'm not about to see Harold & Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay unless it's free. I saw the first one last week and it was ok for certain types of people (mainly teens & students).
As you can tell from the latest review, we chose "none of the above." Shouldn't be too shocking, given Rick's point. Yeah, I think I must have started this feature during a robust time of year for movies, as the title is a bit of a misnomer these days. Perhaps it could be "Blech, More Crappy Movies Released Today," but that acronym just wouldn't have the same ring. BMCMRT!
Sounds like a buddy of mine is going to lend me his Harold and Kumar DVD soon, so if we like it, perhaps we'll catch the sequel...
H&K 2, not anywhere close to how good the 1st one was. The first one was an instant classic. This one was just not good. Not awful. Fans of H&K should def see it.
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