While jotting down some notes for a script of mine, one of the many off-hand filmmaking proverbs crossed my mind: “anybody can come up with a great idea for a film.” With that in mind, what movie do you want to see in theatres someday?

In lieu of studying for a history test, I’ve written up a full review for The Recruit, another of those box office favorites I mentioned earlier.

In a rather impressive display of affection, snowflakes have shutdown the community. To celebrate the sudden holiday, I’ve begun writing longer reviews of the current box office favorites. The first, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, is now online.

Oh, hey! The second chapter of Lord of the Rings will be released tonight, and you can bet on my appearance at the local theatre. While not my favorite book of the trilogy, the Two Towers develops and matures the characters before the final act and subsequent challenges, so it plays an important role. And hell, there’s always the Helm’s Deep battle that’s rumored to be at least a straight 45 minutes on film.

I watched the extended version of the Fellowship of the Ring late last night, and I have to say that the added footage really fleshes out the story and characters compared to the theatrical release; it may just be a reflection of my own obsession with the original books, however.

A touching Ikea ad.
(as directed by Spike Jonze)

Went to a pre-release of Minority Report, so the review’s already up. It was a midnight showing, which would’ve been fine if it hadn’t been post-poned until 1:30am.

They gave us a sneak peak of Lilo & Stitch, though, which was shaping up to be pretty good. Disney has thankfully dropped the sharp-angled style that Pocahontas unleashed on animation. Now if only they could harness those curves a little more…

My patience with Hollywood is growing thin. Ironic that multi-billion dollar films have such little thought actually put into them. Apparently the more money thrown at a movie, the better it will be. *sigh*

I’ve reorganized the film reviews, delisting the old reviews and only keeping the 10 newest, which’ll be the system from here on out. Originally they were listed by release date, but nobody knew. Also, the review for Big Trouble is up.

Oh, and if you liked yesterday’s flash featurette, you’ve gotta love this too.

What’s the Big Idea?

Speaking of films, and earlier the Christian film industry (or lack thereof), there’s been one company that has continued to impress me: Big Idea (the makers of Veggietales). The industry needs a company like this for the older generations.

Summer Blockbuster Predictions

Eh, I was bored, so here are my picks for this summer’s biggest hits and greatest flops.
Hits:

  • Windtalkers
    The ’serious’ war movie is becoming more generic, but Woo fans will carry this one.
  • Minority Report
    Guaranteed to be big, but if it toys with the audience like A.I., it’ll be his second critically acclaimed flop.
  • Men In Black II
    My particular favorite for the summer, and hopefully one of the biggest hits. Given the director’s last film, Wild Wild West, however…
  • Eight Legged Freaks
    Arachniphobia for a new generation. It’ll be big for a short time.
  • Austin Powers 3
    With a wide audience, past critical acclaim, and a ton of headlining stars (in cameos), it’s a definite blockbuster.
  • Stuart Little 2
    Ironic that the tagline is “A little goes a long way.” They should follow their own advice; still, it will rake in the cash from unsuspecting parents.
  • xXx
    It’ll be this summer’s Fast and the Furious; Considering they both have the same star and director, is it ironic, or is that the entire point?
  • Simone
    Like its predecessor, The Truman Show, it’ll be another film doomed to short-term mass popularity.

Misses:

  • Scooby-Doo
    A big opening day won’t save the very poorly-adapted film
  • Lilo & Stitch
    Exactly what is Disney thinking these days? Should be a decent flick.
  • Reign of Fire
    This will easily feature the best, most underdeveloped plot of the summer. Or, it might fall too deeply into said plot — either way, a pretty safe flop.
  • Country Bears, The
    Kill me. Now.
  • Master of Disguise, The
    I hate it when a trailer looks good, but you just know it’s going to be oh-so-bad.

Who Knows? (or cares):

  • Bourne Identity, The
    Good source material, but will ultimately be generic and forgotten.
  • Mr. Deeds
    It could be the nail in Adam Sandler’s coffin, or it could bring him back into the spotlight. I’d bet on the former.
  • K-19: The Widowmaker
    Harrison Ford in what could be a cliched submarine movie, or a sleeper. Keep your fingers crossed.
  • Signs
    The director of the Sixth Sense is still pumping out some great ideas. Unfortunately, his audience isn’t big enough to warrant a great box office.
  • One Hour Photo
    Proof that Robin Williams has gone mad.