Friday the 13th

Movie Info

Directed by: Marcus Nispel (The Texas Chainsaw Masacre (remake), Pathfinder)
Written by: Screenplay: Damian Shannon (Freddy vs Jason) & Mark Swift (Freddy vs Jason)
Starring: Some 20 hot somethings who play hot teenagers who end up dying hotly
Genre: Horror
MPAA Rating: R for strong bloody violence, some graphic sexual content, language and drug material
Runtime: 97 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 25% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 35/100
IMDB Rating: 7.0/10
My Response: At least it's rated R. A slasher pick that is only PG-13 is no slasher at all. I'm not a huge fan of remakes that are not necessary, so I just recommend renting the original and cozying up with someone hot if you want to watch a scary movie this Friday the 13th.

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Two Lovers

Movie Info

Directed by: James Gray (We Own The Night)
Written by: Screenplay: James Gray (We Own The Night) & Ric Menello (feature film debut)
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix (Walk the Line, Signs), Gwyneth Paltrow (Shakespeare in Love, Se7en), Vinessa Shaw (3:10 to Yuma, Eyes Wide Shut)
Genre: Drama/Romance
MPAA Rating: R - for language, some sexuality and brief drug use
Runtime: 110 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 83% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 71/100
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10
My Response: If you believe the latest news, and Joaquin Phoenix really gives up acting to become...ahem...a rapper, then this is his last film. I really don't think he will leave movies for good, but it he does, at least he goes out with a good one. The cast is great, and there are rumors that up-and-comer Vinessa Shaw outshines Gwyneth Paltrow in this one. See it.

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Underworld: Rise of the Lycans

Movie Info

Directed by: Patrick Tatopoulos (Bird of Passage)
Written by: Nine dudes....too many to list
Starring: Rhona Mitra (Doomsday, Shooter), Michael Sheen (Underworld, Frost/Nixon), Bill Nighy (Underworld, Love Actually)
Genre: Action/Fantasy/Horror
MPAA Rating: R - for bloody violence and some sexuality
Runtime: 93 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 38% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 47/100
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
My Response: There is only one word I can use to talk about this film: Why? As in... why make a prequel to a crappy movie franchise...why would Michael Sheen go from the Oscar-nominated Frost/Nixon to this....why does Bill Nighy, a respected English actor, do these horrible vampire movies...why are there NINE writers for this movie? Why? Why? Why? Skip it.

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Outlander

Movie Info

Directed by: Howard McCain (directorial debut)
Written by: Screenplay: Howard McCain (writing debut) & Dirk Blackman (writing debut)
Starring: James Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ, The Count of Monte Cristo), Sophia Myles (Tristan + Isolde, Underworld), Ron Perlman (Hellboy, Enemy at the Gates)
Genre: Action/Adventure/Science Fiction
MPAA Rating: R - for violence
Runtime: 115 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 29% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 40/100
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
My Response: This is very unknown movie, and it is only getting a limited release. That's too bad, because it definitely looks like it could be entertaining. Someone said that if it was released in the 80's, Outlander would probably be a cult favorite nowadays (like Conan or Predator), and I can't disagree. See it if you can, and make sure to catch it when it hopefully comes to the SciFi channel in a few years.

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My Bloody Valentine 3D

Movie Info

Directed by: Patrick Lussier (Dracula 2000, White Noise 2)
Written by: Screenplay: Todd Farmer (Jason X) & Zane Smith (film writing debut)
Starring: Jensen Ackles (Supernatural (TV), Smallville (TV)), Jamie King (Sin City, Pearl Harbor), Kerr Smith (Cruel Intentions 3, Justice (TV))
Genre: Horror
MPAA Rating: R - for graphic brutal horror violence and grisly images throughout, some strong sexuality, graphic nudity and language
Runtime: 101 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 57% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 54/100
IMDB Rating: 6.7/10
My Response: The trailer ends with "Nothing says 'Date Movie' more than a 3D ride to hell." I can't disagree or even come close to improving upon this line, but I can add some background info. This is based on a cult classic of the same name from the early 80's, and hopefully it's a good throwback to good ol' slasher films of young, hot, scantly clad humans getting slasherized. Rent it.

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The Reader

Movie Info

Directed by: Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot, The Hours)
Written by: Bernhard Schlink (book "Der Vorleser"), David Hare (screenplay, The Hours)
Starring: Kate Winslet (Revolutionary Road, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind), Ralph Fiennes (Schindler's List, Quiz Show)
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R - for some scenes of sexuality and nudity
Runtime: 123 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 60% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 58/100
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
My Response: This film was actually released to a few theaters about a month ago to start getting buzz around it before it's wide release on Friday (a trend that is getting too popular in my opinion). But, it's obviously worked, as The Reader is up for four Golden Globes and just about every review mentions the word "Oscar". With the director, writer, and both stars already being nominated for the gold statue in the past, this one definitely has the pedigree to go the distance. See it.

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Defiance

Movie Info

Directed by: Edward Zwick (Blood Diamond, The Last Samurai)
Written by: Nechama Tac (book), Clayton Frohman (Under Fire) & Edward Zwick (The Last Samurai)
Starring: Daniel Craig (Casino Royale, Munich), Liev Schreiber (The Manchurian Candidate, Scream), Jamie Bell (Billy Elloit, The Chumscrubber)
Genre: Drama/Action/War
MPAA Rating: R - for violence and language
Runtime: 137 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 40% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 56/100
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
My Response: Everyone is saying two things about this film: the direction turned a great story into a run-of-the-mill movie, but the acting is pretty solid. Daniel Craig and Liev Schreiber perform admirably, and I've been a huge fan of Jamie Bell (since he's still young, he's going to be an actor to watch for years to come). But despite these performances, this film looks to dissappoint. Skip it.

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Frost/Nixon

Movie Info

Directed by: Ron Howard (Cinderella Man, A Beautiful Mind)
Written by: Peter Morgan (The Last King of Scotland, The Queen)
Starring: Frank Langella (Good Night, And Good Luck, Superman Returns), Michael Sheen (The Queen, Timeline), Sam Rockwell (Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Choke)
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R - for some language
Runtime: 122 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 89% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 80/100
IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
My Response: This movie was released in New York and Los Angeles a few weeks ago, but it is being released wide on 12/25. This film is for those who love watching a mental chess match between two great and opposing forces. It is based on a true story, and is gaining all kinds of hype for the performances and eloquence of the story telling. See it.

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Revolutionary Road

Movie Info

Directed by: Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Road to Perdition)
Written by: Richard Yates (novel), Justin Haythe (screenplay)
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio (The Departed, Romeo + Juliet), Kate Winslet (Finding Neverland, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind)
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R - for language and some sexual content/nudity
Runtime: 119 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 69% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 70/100
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
My Response: While I will not discuss the movie that made DiCaprio and Winslet famous, I will talk about about how great this film looks. There really are no weaknesses to be found here. Director Sam Mendes has already won an Oscar (for American Beauty), Leo and Kate have been nominated several times each, and all are looking for more awards this season. The buzz around this film has been nothing but positive. DiCaprio and Winslet are both in roles that really let them expand their acting skills, and I can't wait to see them on screen.

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The Wrestler

Movie Info

Directed by: Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Pi)
Written by: Robert D. Siegel (screenplay)
Starring: Mickey Rourke (Sin City, Rumble Fish), Marisa Tomei (My Cousin Vinny, What Women Want), Evan Rachel Wood (Across The Universe, Thirteen)
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R - for violence, sexuality/nudity, language and some drug use
Runtime: 109 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 97% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 79/100
IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
My Response: The Wrestler looks to be the best film of 2008. There has been plenty of talk about this film, especially about the triumphant return of Mickey Rourke, who delivers a performance that will be remembered for years to come. This is truly a must-see film, and any fan of great movies will make sure to see it.

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Gran Torino

Movie Info

Directed by: Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby, Unforgiven)
Written by: Nick Schenk & Dave Johannson (screenplay)
Starring: Clint Eastwood (Dirty Harry series, The Good, The Bad, The Ugly), Bee Vang (feature film debut)
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R - for language throughout, and some violence
Runtime: 116 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 81% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 79/100
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
My Response: This is hard film for me to pin down. I love Eastwood, and his work as a director is always phenomenal, but this film just doesn't seem to look all that great to me. But there is still plenty of buzz out there, mainly focusing on Gran Torino's Oscar run (due to Eastwood's pedigree). But I will tell you this: Clint, despite his age, is still the man. I'd be afraid to run into any of his characters on the street, including this one.

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Nobel Son

Movie Info

Directed by: Randall Miller (Houseguest, The 6th Man)
Written by: Randall Miller & Jody Savin
Starring: Alan Rickman (Harry Potter series, Die Hard), Eliza Dushku (True Lies, Bring It On), Shawn Hatosy (The Faculty, Alpha Dog)
Genre: Comedy/Thriller
MPAA Rating: R - for some violent gruesome images, language and sexuality
Runtime: 102 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 21/100
MetaCritic Score: 29/100
IMDB Rating: 8.5/10
My Response: Nobel Son actually debuted at a film festival in 2007, but it took a year to get picked up for distribution. That usually isn't a good sign, but it has happened to some other good independent films, so don't count it out. This movie looks to be fun and entertaining, so see it if it comes to your town.

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Official Website

Punisher: War Zone

Movie Info

Directed by: Lexi Alexander (Green Street Hooligans, Fool Proof)
Written by: Nick Santora, Art Marcum, & Matt Holloway (screenplay)
Starring: Ray Stevenson (Rome, King Arthur), Dominic West (300, 28 Days), Julie Benz (Rambo, Saw V)
Genre: Action
MPAA Rating: R - for pervasive strong brutal violence, language and some drug use
Runtime: 107 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 15% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 31/100
IMDB Rating: N/A
My Response: Studios don't usually let critics preview movies they think will get poor reviews, so you'll have to wait for the reviews on this one. And don't expect a lot of continuity from the first Punisher movie (as it looks like they've restarted the franchise), but look for this one to have A LOT more action and face explosions (see R Rated trailer below). Skip it unless you're a male teenager.

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Cadillac Records

Movie Info

Directed by: Darnell Martin (Their Eyes Were Watching God, Law & Order)
Written by: Darnell Martin (screenplay)
Starring: Adrien Brody (The Pianist, King Kong), Beyonce Knowles (Dreamgirls, Austin Powers in Goldmember), Jeffrey Wright (Quantum of Solace, W.)
Genre: Drama/Musical Biopic
MPAA Rating: R - for pervasive language and some sexuality
Runtime: 109 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 65% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 63/100
IMDB Rating: N/A
My Response: The early buzz on Cadillac Records is fairly good. It will not be a musical biopic for the ages (like Walk the Line), but it should deliver some solid performance from Jeffrey Wright and Adrien Brody. See it if you like watching and listening to classic tunes from the 50's.

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Milk

Movie Info

Directed by: Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Finding Forrester)
Written by: Dustin Lance Black (screenplay)

Starring: Sean Penn (Mystic River, I Am Sam), Josh Brolin (W., No Country for Old Men), Emile Hirsch (Into The Wild, The Girl Next Door)

Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: R - for language, some sexual content and brief violence
Runtime: 128 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 93% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 86/100
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
My Response: The only real debate going on about this film is how many Oscar nominations it will generate. That's no surprise with the all star talents here, lead by Sean Penn and Josh Brolin. Van Sant definitely knows his craft, and expect this true story film to spark plenty of conversations around the country, especially considering the recent passing of propostion 8 in California. See it.

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Special

Movie Info

Directed by: Hal Haberman (directorial debut) & Jeremy Passmore (Crossing)
Written by: Hal Haberman & Jeremy Passmore (screenplay)
Starring: Michael Rapaport (True Romance, Mighty Aphrodite), Paul Blackthorne (24, Lipstick Jungle), Josh Peck (Drillbit Taylor, Drake & Josh)
Genre: Drama/Comedy
MPAA Rating: R - for language, some violence and brief drug use
Runtime: 81 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 57% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 56/100
IMDB Rating: 7.1/10
My Response: This film has actually been around since 2006, and even played at some film festivals two years ago, but it is just now getting its limited release. Michael Rapaport always does a superb job in every movie he's in, and he has more than perfected his skills as a character actor (but sadly he is usually only known as "Oh, look! It's that guy. I've seen him in something before"). Rapaport's lead role is the main reason I want to see this film, and I don't think he'll disappoint. Rent it.

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Slumdog Millionaire

Movie Info

Directed by: Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Sunshine)
Written by: Simon Beaufoy (screenplay)
Starring: Dev Patel (debut), Freida Pinto (debut)
Genre: Romance/Drama/Comedy
MPAA Rating: R - for some violence, disturbing images and language
Runtime: 120 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 90% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 85/100
IMDB Rating: 8.1/10
My Response: Slumdog Millionaire has been grabbing more and more attention with the more people see it. It has been a huge success at every film festival it has played in, and now it is being released to theaters. Everyone who has seen it has simply loved it, as it is a film that makes the audience want to stand up and cheer. Who doesn't want to have that movie watching expeirence? See it.

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Repo! The Genetic Opera

Movie Info

Directed by: Darren Lynn Bousman (Saw II, III, IV)
Written by: Darren Smith & Terrance Zdunich (play & screenplay)
Starring: Paul Sorvino (Romeo + Juliet, Goodfellas), Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Dr. Who), Paris Hilton (House of Wax, The Simple Life)
Genre: Horror/Musical/Rock Opera
MPAA Rating: R - for strong bloody violence and gore, language, some drug and sexual content
Runtime: 98 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 26% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 31/100
IMDB Rating: 6.4/10
My Response: Repo! The Genetic Opera is the perfect example of a future cult film because it has everything nobody wants in a movie, and that's exactly why it might work. People either seem to love it or hate it. You'll either smile ear to ear with joy because of the originality or it all, or walk out halfway through and demand your money back because of the random smutness of it. It's your choice.

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Role Models

Movie Info

Directed by: David Wain (Wet Hot American Summer, The Ten)
Written by: W. Blake Herron & Timothy Dowling (story), Paul Rudd, David Wain, Ken Marino, & Timothy Dowling (screenplay)
Starring: Paul Rudd (Knocked Up, Clueless), Seann William Scott (American Pie, The Rundown), Elizabeth Banks (Slither, The 40-Year Old Virgin)
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: R - for crude and sexual content, strong language and nudity.
Runtime: 99 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 75% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: 59/100
IMDB Rating: 8.0/10
My Response: This movie looks to be pretty funny with some fun loving comedy. The cast has some semi-familiar faces (can you say McLovin?!) that should mesh well to deliver the laughs. This is a must see once it hits the TV screen, and a safe bet at the theater.

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Soul Men

Movie Info

Directed by: Malcolm D. Lee (Roll Bounce, Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins)
Written by: Robert Ramsey & Matthew Stone (screenplay)
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction, Snakes on a Plane), Bernie Mac (The Bernie Mac Show, Mr. 3000), Sharon Lee (Dreamgirls, This Christmas)
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: R - for pervasive language, and sexual content including nudity
Runtime: 103 minutes

Reviews

RottenTomatoes Score: 45% Fresh
MetaCritic Score: N/A
IMDB Rating: N/A
My Response: I'm not one to feel bad for marketing executives, but the guys behind this one are in a tough spot since leading man Bernie Mac and supporting star Isaac Hayes both recently passed away. And with the recent death of a friend being a central plot point in this movie, there's not a lot of funny aspects to spin for this film. But on the good side, Bernie Mac can be pretty damn funny on screen, so there should be some laughs. I'd give it a look once it hits the TV screen.

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