The Weigh in 93

This week in my world:

We’ve survived the January and February lull of theater releases and while there are some pretty awful films being released, at least there are some movies that make us think about stepping back into the multiplex. While some of these films will make money or completely exceed any studio expectations, most will make a little money and then disappear until the fall when they make their way to DVD. For studios, now is the time of the summer movie trailer. Which film will feature the newest Spiderman 3 trailer or the Pirates of the Caribbean trailer? This could have as much to do with the opening weekend success of a mediocre movie as early buzz, or even the merits of the film. Studios count on it. Fox studios placed the original teaser trailer for Star Wars Episode I in front of Meet Joe Black in theaters and the film was a massive first weekend hit (never mind that people were reportedly leaving the theater before the actual feature started). For a lot of movie fans, the first sneak peek at the next Transformers film is worth the $10 to buy a ticket to Are We Done Yet?  Maybe even double that for the chance to see it again. Some of you out there snicker, but I first saw Monsters Inc. specifically because a Star Wars trailer was attached to it, and I’m pretty positive that this wasn’t the only film I paid for just to sit through the trailers. That said, studios, and individual films, have a lot riding on the popularity of these 2 minute chopped up clips. Since most of you aren’t going to pay full movie price just to see the Die Hard 4 trailer, I thought I would save you the cash and put together some of my favorite Summer movie trailers. You may have missed them if you didn’t happen to get out to see a film like Wild Hogs.

http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/livefreeordiehard/large.html
Die Hard 4: Live Free or Die Hard-John McClaine back in action. Judging from the trailer, it looks like he can still kick some pretty hard core ass. Plus I get a little giddy just hearing the name. Live Free or Die Hard, absolutely brilliant. Release date: 6/29/2007.

http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox_atomic/28weekslater/
28 Weeks Later-It certainly looks like this sequel is ramping up the carnage and seems to be taking the whole zombie run amok idea in a unique direction. Release date 5/11/2007

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/piratesofthecaribbeanatworldsend.html
Pirates of The Caribbean 3: At World’s End-I totally dug the original, was not at all impressed with the second film, but this trailer may have sold me on standing in line, along with half the planet, to see this flick. Release date 5/27/2007

http://www.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/spider-man_3/
Spiderman 3- Yes it is.. the 3rd film in a pretty incredible franchise and this trailer totally lives up to the hype. The first big blockbuster of the year and if this trailer is any indication, we could be in for one hell of a ride with Sandman, Green Goblin, and Venom. Release date 5/5/2007

http://www.apple.com/trailers/wb/harrypotterandtheorderofthephoenix/hd/
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: The fifth film in the series and the man with no nose looks pretty pissed off. The last film was pretty dark and this series seems to be getting more and more adult. Release date 7/13/2007

http://www.transformersmovie.com/main.html
Transformers: A live action Transformers movie. I’m 10 years old again and if this one is anything like the animated film the theater better provide tissues. Either way, this trailer rocks and I am giddy as a schoolgirl. I am about ready to raid my parent’s attic and dig out my old Optimus Prime and Omega Supreme. Release date 7/4/2007

http://uk.movies.yahoo.com/features/bourne-ultimatum.html
The Bourne Ultimatum: Jason Bourne is back and it looks like the cat and mouse game is pretty much over. Let the ass kicking commence. Release date 8/3/2007

http://www.apple.com/trailers/fox/thesimpsonsmovie/
The Simpsons Movie: Almost 2 decades in the making and while the series has definitely jumped the shark, the trailer looks darned funny. Release date 7/27/2007

http://www.fantasticfourmovie.com/US/index.php?shortcut=false
Holy crap. The Silver Surfer and Galactus. Hee hee.. Whatever you thought of the original, this trailer has to get the nerd blood pumping a little faster than normal. Release date 6/15/2007

So, Summer is definitely around the corner and here are a few treats we can all nibble on until the main course arrives. I hope these trailers whet your appetite and when you see me in line this Summer, be sure to wave hi.

This weekend at your local multiplex (3/30/2007)

Meet the Robinsons: Family/Animated
(voices) Angela Bassett, Tom Selleck, Harland Williams, Adam West, Laurie Metcalf
Plot: Lewis is a 12 year old orphan obsessed with inventing. While wishing he could remember who is mother is, he ends up inventing a machine that will help him remember the past, much to the dismay of “the bowler hat man”. He runs into someone from the future who tries to help him find the bowler hat man and get back to his life.
Buzz: see review

Blades of Glory: Comedy
Will Ferrell, Jon Heder, Amy Poehler, Jenna Fischer, Will Arnett
Plot: Two rival figure skaters are banned from the sport and later find a loophole that allows them to skate, in couple’s skating.
Buzz: Man this movie looks horrible. They can’t even seem to find funny moments in the film to bolster the trailer.

The Lookout: Drama/Thriller
Joseph-Gordon Levitt, Jeff Daniels, Isla Fisher, Matthew Goode, Carla Gugino
Plot: A young man tried to pull his life together after an auto accident and gets a job as a janitor at a bank. When he befriends one of the patrons of the bank, he realizes that he may have gotten himself involved in an elaborate bank heist.
Buzz: This movie looks like an interesting twist a plot thriller that could be worth a few bucks. You never really know though, maybe wait till the early buzz comes out and make a decision about spending your hard earned money.

This week on DVD (3/27/2007)

Children of Men
The Pursuit of Happyness
Happy Feet
Curse of the Golden Flower
Turistas
Color me Kubrick
Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj
The Addams Family (vol 2)
The Shield (season 5)
7th Heaven (season 4)
The Judi Dench Collection
The Jeffersons (season 6)
Early Bergman Films
Fantastic Four animated series
Errol Flynn Signature Collection (vol 2)
Mind of Mencia (season 2)
Candy
Full House (season 6)
Touched by an Angel (season 4/vol 1)

 

As always, you can send me your loving adoration and hate mail to DPlace76@yahoo.com. You can read about my random musings at http://bigdpimpin.livejournal.com/ and you can read about all of the comings and goings of the Stumblebum crew at www.myspace.com/stumblebumstudios.