So with Snyder out as the director, Deadline is reporting that directors Noam Murro (Smart People) and Jaume Collet-Serra (Orphan) are Warner Bros. top two choices for the project now retitled to 300: Battle of Artemisia.

The project is said to tell of the history of the “King of Kings” and his rise to power in fifth-century-BC Persia. Supposedly beginning about ten years before 300, the prequel would also offer an opportunity for Gerard Butler to reprise his role as Leonida.

Thoughts?

Are you tired of the Transylvania’s greatest export yet?

Orphan

The comedic thriller, penned by Douglas Stone and George Ratliff, is set in the world of mega-churches in which a former Deadhead-turned-born again-Christian finds himself on the run from fundamentalist members of his mega-church who will do anything to protect their larger-than-life pastor (CS!). Salvation Boulevard is based off the novel written by Larry Beinhart.

Celine Rattray and Cathy Schulman are producing with Myriad and Mandalay Pictures attached to the production. No word yet on when filming will start but at the moment the feature is set for a 2011 release date.

The Film:

If Thank You for Smoking was Jason Reitman’s hello to us, then Juno was his hello to Hollywood. He mixes humor and drama, with a great ear for music, crafting some really good films. Intelligence and hilarity are benchmark for what now is the definition of a Jason Reitman film, yet the Juno backlash seemed to rope him in unjustly. Up in the Air should squash all of those unruly Diablo Cody haters for good, as many viewed her script as some sort of template that made everyone better because of it. Let’s get this straight: Juno is a fine film, with a sense of honesty that came from Jason Reitman, and Up in the Air proves this due to the maturity he has now gained as a director. His voice is clear here; there’s a sense of relevance in the film, timeliness, and earnestness in the comedy, as well as the drama.

Up in the Air tackles our tanking economy head-on, yet there’s a series of interesting subtleties that aid into making this film so good. Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) flies out to various companies in different cities to fire people, because the companies themselves cannot find the gal to do so. Knowing our country’s dilemma is key to understanding the film’s message, yet it’s also interesting to note on how the film is just as much as a story of a man and his attempt at redemption, as it is of the Midwest with it’s economic climate and values. Clooney’s character is from Omaha, NE one of the few cities not to be rocked with historic layoffs. Omaha has had its share of closings and layoffs, but it is also a city that has blocked much of America’s woes, with being on the edge of the changing economy. His job is very much modern, especially when Natalie (Anna Kendrick, Elsewhere) comes into the film, a symbol of a new, blossoming career, as the ones in Detroit, Wichita, or Cleveland are dying out. Omaha is one city in America that is growing steadily with the changes in America, and all for the positive.

Mixing that with comments on a changing dating scene, makes for an interesting peak at the dawning of a new decade in America, one that is being met head-on with failures and uncertainty. But don’t mistake Up in the Air for some deep document, as Reitman is having even more fun with the comedy he is finding in situations based on Clooney’s character’s own vapidness. He looks down right alien when he comes to Wisconsin for his sister’s wedding, let alone a man that is finding love in suspicious Alex (Vera Farmiga, Orphan). While layoffs and the acceptance of being incomplete can be dour stuff, one must not forget where Reitman gets his funny bone from, because Up in the Air is still a funny film. But it is this dour stuff; this look at our sinking economy, the nature of who one is with or without their job, these types of subtle looks aid a ballsy final act, making Up in the Air a great film.

The Blu-ray:

Audio/Video: Paramount delivers a superb looking transfer. Rich, textural, and nearly three-dimensional, for a drama/comedy with a muted color palette, this is excellent. The DTS track is good, but it’s a dialogue driven film. Expect it to be front heavy, but warm and ambient.

Commentary: Reitman is here with his first unit director and cinematographer. They all offer up some neat info, for a laid back track on the filming. Pretty technical, yet informative.

Shadowplay: Before the Story: This is a look at the company Reitman uses for his film’s title sequences. Short and sweet, but nothing to riveting.

American Airlines Prank: Used to get the bigwigs all up-in-arms on how the airline is portrayed in the film, as it runs about 40 seconds.

13 Deleted Scenes with Optional Commentary, Trailers, and a Music Video finish out the slim helping of extras.

Conclusion: A superb film, worthy of the praise and award nominations. A must own. Blu-ray is great, but the extras could have had more meat to them.

The Film: Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The Blu-ray: Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Up in the Air tackles our tanking economy head-on, yet there’s a series of interesting subtleties that aid into making this film so good. Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) flies out to various companies in different cities to fire people, because the companies themselves cannot find the gal to do so. Knowing our country’s dilemma is key to understanding the film’s message, yet it’s also interesting to note on how the film is just as much as a story of a man and his attempt at redemption, as it is of the Midwest with it’s economic climate and values. Clooney’s character is from Omaha, NE one of the few cities not to be rocked with historic layoffs. Omaha has had its share of closings and layoffs, but it is also a city that has blocked much of America’s woes, with being on the edge of the changing economy. His job is very much modern, especially when Natalie (Anna Kendrick, Elsewhere) comes into the film, a symbol of a new, blossoming career, as the ones in Detroit, Wichita, or Cleveland are dying out. Omaha is one city in America that is growing steadily with the changes in America, and all for the positive.

Mixing that with comments on a changing dating scene, makes for an interesting peak at the dawning of a new decade in America, one that is being met head-on with failures and uncertainty. But don’t mistake Up in the Air for some deep document, as Reitman is having even more fun with the comedy he is finding in situations based on Clooney’s character’s own vapidness. He looks down right alien when he comes to Wisconsin for his sister’s wedding, let alone a man that is finding love in suspicious Alex (Vera Farmiga, Orphan). While layoffs and the acceptance of being incomplete can be dour stuff, one must not forget where Reitman gets his funny bone from, because Up in the Air is still a funny film. But it is this dour stuff; this look at our sinking economy, the nature of who one is with or without their job, these types of subtle looks aid a ballsy final act, making Up in the Air a great film.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Each critic will admit to something different, but after you un-belt your pants, due to all of the food you just ate, sit back and relax, and let’s give thanks to these five, for making 2009 pretty cool:

5- The Return of Horror – It seems to run in cycles, every few years horror becomes good again, after a drought, this year was a stellar year. Now, to each their own, but I was pleasantly pleased with the vast majority of horror this year, ranging from studio films, indie, direct-to-DVD, everything seemed to click. Vampires are all the rage again, thanks (or not) to Twilight, but somewhere lost in the talk of vampires, was the re-emergence of the slasher. Robert Hall’s Laid to Rest featured a mean, slick new killer in ChromeSkull, violent, ultra bloody deaths, and felt like a proper film a slasher should be. Dave Parker’s Hills Run Red felt that way too.

In the mainstream, Jason returned in a decent remake and so did Harry Warden in a 3-D My Bloody Valentine. Cheap thrills, but lots of fun. For me, the slasher that stands tall this year was The Collector. Inventive, sick, violent, and a super cool new killer in the Collector, this flick hurt me. Huh? I took a dear friend, and due to the film’s intensity and level of gore, she put a death grip on my arm, so much so, that she left little bruises where her fingers were. Thanks Marcus Dunstan!

Slashers aside, Drag Me to Hell rocked, Grace was neat, Haunted World of el Superbeasto was worth the wait, Orphan surprised, Trick ‘r Treat is a new classic, Saw VI was an impressive capper, Paranormal Activity was the scariest thing since Bush was elected to a second term, Zombieland was all sorts of awesome, and while there were a few clunkers, can we say thanks for Horror’s return in 2009?

4 – Steven Soderbergh - Three diverse genres, three awesome films. Sometimes, we are lucky enough to get one good film every3-4 years from a director, but Soderbergh gave us three great films, and all completely different from one another. In Che, he gave us an epic 5 and a half hour bio on the radical Che Guevara. It’s a long sweeping film, covering two key areas of his life. Del Toro IS Che, and owns the role in a completely gripping manner. The battle scenes are loud and spontaneous, but just as interesting as the psychology of Che. Should be a great Criterion disc, when they release it.

Soderbergh.

The Girlfriend Experience gets Soderbergh in his “let’s pick up an HD camera, and film something” mentality, and he films the gorgeous beyond words, Sasha Grey. Interesting, clever, experimental, the film lands itself a month prior to the election of Barack Obama, finding conversation on the crashing economy on the tips of everyone’s tongue, even that of a callgirl. Grey is really good in her first non-porn film, and his HD films are always worth a look.

Finally, Soderbergh’s The Informant! proves 2009 was the year of Soderbergh, as this film does an about face from the prior two, and is a dark humored look at shady pricing in the food industry. I’ll agree these three films aren’t masterpieces and are at times a bit flawed, but I’ll be damned if Soderbergh didn’t give me something to talk about after seeing these films, making me thankful a director like Soderbergh doesn’t flinch at taking chances, and never repeats himself.

3- X-Men: The Animated Series on DVD…finally! – Well, what took so long? Seriously though, the rights issue debacle kept this wonderful series in limbo forever. Luckily, I’m not the only rabid fan of this show out there, as this was the most request TV series around, and thankfully, Buena Vista/Disney listened! With all the hype for these discs, one thing was lost to us: would they hold up after over a decade of being out of syndication?

The classic animated show returns.

Quickly, after popping in Volume 1, the answer was yes, they are still as good as they were all those years ago. Sadly, there’s no extras on these discs, but lucky for you, I’m a huge nerd for this wonderful animated show, and if you search around, I got interviews with the producers, writers, and voice cast, making me incredibly thankful to relive each of the episodes forever…in constant loop…forever…and ever.

2 – Ramin Bahrani – Goodbye Solo is a superb film, one of the year’s best, and yet why are only myself and Ebert championing this great, young American independent director? Last year, his Chop Shop was one of the best reviewed movies of that year, and again, with Goodbye Solo it too, is one of the year’s best reviewed films. What is it with Bahrani that we love? He is incredibly sincere, and it shows within his films. Mature characters that are wholly American, even if their nationality is not of European descent. Bahrani usually works with so-called non-actors, and has a very still approach to his visual style, all of which sucks you up into the story he is telling. Powerful, moving, and all independent, I mean true, blue independent.

Bahrani directing.

He’ll shoot a movie with a $1.oo or $100,000, doesn’t matter because the end result is so moving and well-done, all you can say is thank you. Thank you, Mr. Bahrani for making a superb film in Goodbye Solo and being a true filmmaker. You know characters and stories worth telling, and you don’t cheat the audience or the characters. Hollywood is too shortsighted for your talents; do what you do, and continue, because your film is perhaps the best film of 2009.

1 – Blu-ray – Isn’t it silly to give thanks to a format, nearly three years old? They finally got it right this year, after finding themselves through innovation and quality. Discs are cheaper now, players have came down in price, and our favorite films have come out in stunning HD. What’s not to love? Sadly, the weak economy has put a damper on Blu-ray, because people, at least half, are strapped for cash, and currently DVD works for them. Also, Blu-ray has been fighting a tougher enemy than HD-DVD was: Digital downloading and online streaming. Despite the economy and downloading, Blu-ray is a head, and here is why:

First, the economy. Now, times might be tough, and something like a $20-$30 disc isn’t a top priority for some. Cool, but recessions always end, and we love movies. As soon as the economy picks up a bit more, and disc and player prices keep this new lower price tags, the Average Joe (a key buyer us film fans forget) will jump on board. Why? Well, he/she has already bought the HDTV, and has enjoyed either seeing HD movies via cable or satellite or have witnessed an upconverted DVD. It’s cool, and with these lower prices, and that $1000-$3000 TV sitting there, he/she will want to maximize that unit.

Two, don’t underestimate us film fans. We love movies, and Blu-ray is offering our favorites in 1080p, sometimes in stunning restorations, and solid extras. The collecting mentality can be squashed by the majority’s decisions, see Laserdisc’s quick life that was lost to DVD, but DVD made everyone into a collector. Collectors are gamers too, and the PS3 is the best Blu-ray player on the market.

Third, Digital downloading and online streaming will only cut into the rental market, not home video. I know, there are some saps that illegally download films, and I don’t know why. Why would you do that, when you forked over over a $1000 for an HD TV, maybe over $300 plus on surround sound, a $50 or more HDMI cable, to watch a shaky cam in Thai subtitles or a shoddy 480p copy, when you shelled out that much on that equipment? You really want to sit in front of your computer all day watch a film? Not me, and not people who love the cinema. I’ll admit, if that’s one thing that is holding back Blu-ray, it’s the fact that there’s a handful of things to do, in order to get the best picture and sound. First, a quality HDTV that’s 1080p and preferably 120HZ. Next, surround sound, and one that’s a separate receiver, with a speaker set, and a 10 inch sub. Then the cables, and a player. Expensive, yes, but worth in the long run.

I don’t mean to sound like a sales rep for Blu-ray. I am and will always be, a film fan. Blu-ray offers me my favorite movies, regardless of age, genre, color, black and white, the best possible experience. Blu-ray got it right this year. Watchmen from WB was a superb disc, Repulsion from Criterion proved why Blu-ray is the format of choice for black and white films, Up was so good it hurt my eyes (in a good way), I could go on and on, about my favorite discs, but I just got to thank this format for being the end all, be all in home video for years to come.

That’s what I’m thankful for this year, what about you? Feel free to leave a comment or email me at jon@killerfilm.com

The Film:

For all of the adoption centers that have been the source of controversy generated by fears and assumptions, Orphan, doesn’t even compare. I say that not because the film doesn’t earn its audience’s gasps, I’m saying that because after the over-long 2 hour film, people are just flat out not going to have kids. Horror has always loved taking something seemingly so innocent, and twisting it into something fearful. The “bad seed” or “killer kid” genre, is one such category. The innocence of kids have been a calling card for all that is good in life. Bless those black-hearted folks, who have created terrifying films that make us fear little kids: Village of the Damned, Bad Seed, Devil Times Five, It’s Alive! and, of course, the granddaddy of all killer kid films, The Omen.

What do all of these films have in common? They make you want to never, ever have kids! Why else do you think vasectomies were invented?

Orphan isn’t shy about the genre it inhabits. It uses every little convention and cliché out there in a killer kid film, and does so proudly. With that, the Orphan is pretty generic. Director Jaume Collet-Serra (House of Wax remake) is stylish enough to at least make the script’s formulaic tendencies interesting. It doesn’t save the film, but it does make it a watchable, passable horror movie. Everyone is decent here; Peter Sarsgaard, Vera Farmiga, CCH Pounder, all good in their roles. But who stands out is young Isabelle Fuhrman as Esther. She’s damn near terrifying in every aspect. Her mannerisms, her speech, her manipulative ways. Isabelle Fuhrman is a marvel. She really is a bright, intelligent actress. Her Esther is the creepiest female demon seed this side of Patty McCormack. The tag line for the film is “There is something wrong with Esther”, and if the script focused a little more on the creep factor, the overall film would be a more scary film. Instead it uses loud noises and false scares to give you the “boo!”

I won’t ever spoil anything to my dear readers, but the film packs a killer twist that saves it from truly being generic. I think the Orphan succeeds because of this twist. Perhaps keen viewers might get a whiff of it, but you are not thinking it’s going that route. The film presents Esther as being a little girl wise beyond her years, the typical trick these film’s love to do. All I know is that if I ever come across a kid who is smarter than he/she should be for their age, I am running!

The Orphan is a decent, almost above-average horror flick, despite being formulaic. It follows the “bad seed” film conventions too closely for my liking at first, then whacks you with a wicked little left hook of a twist, that makes you re-examine the previous hour and a half worth of terror in a new and different light. Is it a radical shift? No, but it does make you feel icky. Orphan doesn’t try to pave new turf, but it’s a solid little killer kid film, that should make the real orphans sad, because of Esther, nobody will want to take a chance on adopting them. Adoption centers rest easy. For the near future, you’ll have plenty of work taking care of these kids. Doctors, though, get ready. Vasectomies and abortions could increase.

The Blu-ray:

Audio/Video: Warner offers a stunning high def transfer. The colors are reserved, often drab, but when we see Esther’s paintings pop off the screen. The textures and details are very deep, offering clarity and richness. Fans will be highly pleased with this Blu-ray‘s transfer. The audio is no slouch either, offering the appropriate sound for a film like this. Most of it is dialogue heavy and that’s clear and audible, but when some low end happens, it doesn’t over-power the talking but instead serves it. I always expect a new film to be great looking/sounding on Blu-ray, but the Orphan stuns!

Bad Seeds and Evil Kids: Shot in HD, this is a look at the overall genre of killer kids with some insights and talk about the conventions and classics. While not the most in-depth featurette it could’ve been, it’s a fun watch. It runs 15 minutes.

Some wisely cut Deleted Scenes and a Digital Copy finish out the extras.

Conclusion: Orphan is a better than it should have been flick, and WB’s Blu-ray, while light on extras, delivers a stunning transfer.

The Film: Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

The Blu-ray: Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Disney annouced Fantasia, Fantasia 2000, and  Beauty and the Beast for release in 2010. I’m thinking March and October for these, we’ll keep you posted.

Angles and Demons comes to you November 24th.

Sex, Lies, and Videotape streets November 17th from Sony.

Orphan, Dark Castle’s summer horror hit comes early in October right before Halloween on the 27th, from Warners.

Speaking of Warners, expect salvation on December 1st with Terminator: Savlation in a huge 3-disc set.

Leon: The Professional comes from Sony on November 17th also.

Sadly, Warner annouced that the November release of the entire Lord of the Rings triology will be pushed back to Spring 2010.

Finally, the John Wayne war film, The Green Berets, will street January 5th, 2010 from Warners.

Look for more news soon as well as reviews. Most of these, you can re-read our theatrical reviews.

Source: Blu-ray

What do all of these films have in common? They make you want to never, ever have kids! Why else do you think vasectomies were invented?

Orphan isn’t shy about the genre it inhabits. It uses every little convention and cliché out there in a killer kid film, and does so proudly. With that, the Orphan is pretty generic. Director Jaume Collet-Serra (House of Wax remake) is stylish enough to at least make the script’s formulaic tendencies interesting. It doesn’t save the film, but it does make it a watchable, passable horror movie. Everyone is decent here; Peter Sarsgaard, Vera Farmiga, CCH Pounder, all good in their roles. But who stands out is young Isabelle Fuhrman as Esther. She’s damn near terrifying in every aspect. Her mannerisms, her speech, her manipulative ways. Fuhrman takes the role and owns it, like a mature actress would do. Isabelle Fuhrman is a marvel. She really is a bright, intelligent actress. Her Esther is the creepiest female demon seed this side of Patty McCormack. The tag line for the film is “There is something wrong with Esther”, and if the script focused a little more on the creep factor, the overall film would be a more scary film. Instead it uses loud noises and false scares to give you the “boo!”

I won’t ever spoil anything to my dear readers, but the film packs a killer twist that saves it from truly being generic. I think the Orphan succeeds because of this twist. Perhaps keen viewers might get a whiff of it, but you are not thinking it’s going that route. The film presents Esther as being a little girl wise beyond her years, the typical trick these film’s love to do. All I know is that if I ever come across a kid who is smarter than he/she should be for their age, I am running!

The Orphan is a decent, almost above-average horror flick. It follows the bad seed film conventions too closely for my liking at first, then whacks you with a wicked little left hook of a twist, that makes you re-examine the previous hour and a half worth of terror in a new and different light. Is it a radical shift? No, but it does make you feel icky. Orphan doesn’t try to pave new turf, but it’s a solid little killer kid film, that should make the real orphans sad, because of Esther, nobody will want to take a chance on adopting them.  Adoption centers rest easy. For the near future, you’ll have plenty of work taking care of these kids. Doctors, though, get ready. Vasectomies and abortions could increase.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

(July 1^st)

Public Enemies

Jon: I a big fan of gangster films, especially the WB films from the 1930s and ’40s, with Cagney, Bogart, and Robinson. There’s something about this film that has that old time gangster feeling to it. Two of my favorite current actors are in this; Bale and Depp, and Mann is a decent director. It’s nice to see a drama highlighted for a summer date, as high profiled as this is, and the nature of the HD camera vs film Mann has been doing, should bring up some good discussions. See It

Donny: Who doesn’t want to see Depp and Bale together in a gangster flick?  This might just be the best movie of the summer, so you can bet your ass I’ll be in the theatre watching Michael Mann’s magnum opus rock the silver screen.  See It

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

Jon: I might be a snob, but anything outside of Disney, I just have a hard time liking. The first Ice Age was a decent time, the second I skipped, so the only reason I’d see this, is they brought dinosaurs in it-oddly (since Ice Age came after dinos). The 3-D looks alright, but anyone not expecting this to bank should have their head examined. But how many times can Skat be funny? Or now, that female squirrel?  Skip It

Donny:  You are a snob Jon, but I’m with you when you say this is going to make mad bank at the theatre.  I sorta dug the first one. but truthfully I was never a huge fan of this franchise.  I’m not looking forward to yet another Ice Age flick, although I know my son is going to drag me into the theatre.  So my advice is to do what I wish I could.  Skip It

(July 10^th)

Bruno

Jon: Borat was a smooth stroke of genius, and not because it was funny, but the interesting take of cultural differences Cohen plays out between American’s feelings towards other cultures is highlighted. I predict Bruno will do the same. I’m really excited for this film. See It

Donny: The man is stupid funny.  I can’t wait to see this flick.  See It

Blood: The Last Vampire

Jon: This could go either way. Based on a pretty cool anime film of the same name, this could be a camp-filled B-movie or a chore to sit through. I really can’t tell right now. Early word isn’t good, but vamps are huge right now, so it’ll be interesting to see what audience it aiming for: horror, action, Twilight girls? Hmm, tough call but I’ll say See It

Donny: Long before Britney Spears made every man in America feel guilty for thinking a schoolgirl was hot, anime flicks were putting hot nubile virgins with guns into schoolgirl outfits.  And this flick is a testament to that statement.  A hot young vampire dressed in schoolgirl garb kills vampires.  What’s not to like?  See It.

(July 17^th)

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Jon: I will be the happiest man ever when this series gets put to rest. I don’t hate it, in fact, I’ve seen a few, but I cannot get into this franchise at all. Once, I was talking to this girl who wanted to pull a huge Harry Potter marathon one night after I got off of work. I said, right then and there on the phone, I was receiving a violent migraine, so I don’t think it’ll be good to do that. I never talked to her again. That’s my Harry Potter love. Not my thing, but I can understand why people enjoy them. So, for me I’ll Skip It, but for you, See It.

Donny: Don’t bash the Harry Potter sir!  Harry rocks, and because I’m a HUGE fan of the books I do enjoy the movies.  While the flicks themselves will never trump the books I’m looking forward to seeing the latest adaptation of one of my favorite literary characters.  See It

(500) Days of Summer

Jon: Besides loving all things Zooey Deschanel does (anyone listening to She & Him?), this anti-romance if you will, just might be one of the summer’s best for one reason: Joseph Gordon-Levitt. This will be his coming out party, as he has been on the verge of doing so for a few years now. Welcome. In my opinion, the theme of the film, the stars, the feelings I get from the trailer, makes this the one summer film to see. See It.

Donny: I’m happy Jon was able to finally profess his admiration for Joseph Gordon Levitt, and for once I agree with him.  I really want to see this flick.  Zooey is always cute and JGL is always solid in whatever role he takes on.  See It

(July 24^th)

G-Force

Jon: Disney’s long term love affair with talking animals continues. Looks lame, but hey, are we the audience for this? No. If you aren’t burned out of 3-D family films like Up, Ice Age 3, here’s another one. Skip It

Donny: “Poop in his hand, poop in his hand!”  I’m only going to say that my kids will want to check this one out, but I’m gonna recommend that anyone reading this Skip it.

Orphan

Jon: The trailer makes me mad. Why, if you’re adopting a child, pick the freakiest little girl the orphanage has to offer? Unless the trailer isn’t showing the levels of possible depth, this might be as forgettable as horror gets this year. Skip It

Donny: I have no desire to see this flick.  I’m totally over creepy kids, so I’m planning to use my position as editor-in-chief of this website to make Jon see this one so that I don’t have to.  Skip It

Shrink

Jon: Could be a nice off-beat drama for those who are sick of robots, cartoons, and big comedies. Spacey looks good again. See It.

Donny: I’m really looking forward to this flick.  I haven’t seen Spacey look this good since Consenting Adults or Usual Suspects.  See It

(July 31^st)

Funny People

Jon: Apatow’s name has been on almost ever successful comedy in the last few years, but here is his only third film. To tell you the truth, I’m not a big fan of 40 Year Old Virgin or Knocked Up, but what has me excited for this is the apparent balance between comedy and drama the trailer promises. Early word is Oscar nominations. Adam Sandler looks like he’s in fine form, a rare sight. I’m hoping he’s more Punch-Drunk Love than Zohan. Everything is lining up for this to be a special picture. See It

Donny: This is my most anticipated flick of the summer.  I am counting the days until I get to see this picture, so ignore everything Jon said about not liking 40 Year Old Virgin or Knocked Up (who in their right mind doesn’t like those flicks?) and make sure your in the theatre to see this one (stand in line if you have to).  See It

Thirst

Jon: This will be playing in a few select cities on this date, but for those of you in those cities (I’m seeing only NYC actually), See It. Chan-wook Park is a great director, and not just for Oldboy. He’s carved a special international niche for himself, as a director that is crafty, smart, and reliable. His segment in Three…Extremes was about an extra seeking vengeance against a director, but the early scenes we’re on a set of a vampire film, which is what this film is about: vampires. While there might be vampire fatigue coming, I’m very interested in his approach. 

Donny: I’m interested in this flick, but not as much as Jon is.  I’ll let him check it out and recommend that you See it.

Aliens in the Attic

Jon: I rarely outright dismiss a film based on a trailer, but I want my 2 minutes back. Skip It.

Donny: I rarely outright agree with Jon on a film based on its trailer but I also want my 2 minutes back.  Skip It

That’s July, folks. Keep it here for our reviews all month long, and if you have any questions or comments, email us at donny@killerfilm.com and jon@killerfilm.com . Or take it to our new forums, and discuss everything movie-related!