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Feb 18, 2011

TGITDNMAR (2/18/11)

It's that time again for TGITDNMAR, which (obviously) stands for Thank God It's The Day New Movies Are Released.

Unknown
I know that the buzz on the web from just about everyone is just how much this thing looks, acts, and smells like Taken. We're all aghast - "But how could they do such a thing?! Look at the poster - it's even similar!"

Well, Taken did make $145,000,000 domestically...on a $25 mil budget. In other words, big fucking hit. And now we have Unknown, released about the same time of year, with the same star and European setting and what do you know - a $30 mil budget. If it makes half as much as Taken, it'll still make a ton of money. Those resemblances in the marketing department aren't by accident.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing (in the theater): 10%

I Am Number Four
I'd like to think that, were I 15, this movie would look wildly appealing to me. But I think I'm lying to myself. Don't get me wrong - the premise is decent, but it just looks dumb. Or maybe I just think that Alex Pettyfer and his stupid name look dumb.

On the bright side (as I mentioned on a LAMBcast some time back), this co-stars Timothy Olyphant and Kevin Durand. So there at least two reasons to check it out. Cable me.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing (in the theater): 7%

Big Mommas: Like Father, Like Son
Hahahaha...this currently has a 2.7/10 on IMDb (sure to go up and settled in the 4s or 5s, I'd imagine).

Shoot me if I ever see this movie, and no, I've not seen either of its predecessors.
Fletch's Chance of Viewing (in the theater): 0%


12 people have chosen wisely: on "TGITDNMAR (2/18/11)"

Jack L said...

Another terrible week for new releases...
Unknown looks almost exactly like Taken.

I am Number Four looks seriously bad, the trailer gave me impression it was trying as hard as possible to please teenage males...it didn't work in my case, but I'm sure it will make piles of money.

Stevee Taylor said...

You know what's cool?

We in NZ got UNKNOWN a whole DAY before you in the US!

(no need to bring up NEVER LET ME GO coming out here next month...)

Stevee Taylor said...

Oh, and being 15, I Am Number Four doesn't appeal to me. But it properly will for my peers.

Alex said...

Um yeah Unknown looks just like Taken... which is totally why I'm gonna see it! Great job, marketing campaign, you've worked your magic!

Also good point on I Am Number Four. It just looks so... high school. Eww.

Jess said...

Is it odd that I'm always excited when a "Ta-Dig-Mar" post appears? Yes, that's how I pronounce it in my head.

Fletch said...

Jack - Indeed, and next week doesn't look any better. I have yet to see a 2011 release.

Stevee - Haha, lucky you! Yeah, from what I hear, the release schedule for NZ/Australia makes little if any sense.

Oh, and I suspect Number Four appeals more to 15-year old boys rather than girls. But who knows?

Nick - Yes. Yes you are. Now go put on your Harry Potter pajamas.

Alex - Yay for the Unknown marketers - they got you!

Jess - I love that you're excited for it! :) Your pronunciation of it cracks me up.

Castor said...

No interest in seeing any of those, at least not in theater. I have Summer Wars and Harsh Times (via Netflix) to get me through the weekend ;)

sirbriang2 said...

Completely agree...January and February are the suck months in the theater.

As for Unknown looking like Taken, let's just be thankful that it's not a crappy copy of Clash of the Titans.

Mayday said...

Unknown only looks like Taken because it has an angry Liam Neeson in it. Plot-wise I don't think it has anything in common. As Fletch said, they're intentionally trying to connect the 2. Hell, the preview even SAYS it's like Taken meets the Bourne Identity or something like that. By the way, I haven't seen it (and won't until HBO), but I'm calling it... he's wrong about who he thinks he is, huh?

Fletch said...

Castor - No, we'll get our crappy Clash sequel soon enough...

Mayday - The Euro setting plays a big part as well, as does the fact that it's Neeson trying to solve a mystery BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE (or something). Obviously, I haven't seen Unknown, but it just feeeels similar to Taken - the whole vibe and this mixing of upper class and underground.

I know there's a twist, but I haven't looked into what it is. You may well be right.

Fletch said...

Oops, sorry. That comment above about Clash was for sirbrian.

Castor - You on a Bale run? I thought people had forgotten (or never cared) about Harsh Times. I never saw it...