Movies, Movies, Movies

My, my. It's getting to be that time of year again. The antithesis of the summer-blockbuster season -- the winter-blockbuster season -- is readily upon us. Shall we start with some simple (mini) reviews of movies seen lately and then meander onto what I'm currently frothing at the mouth to see?

Employee of the Month: Dane Cook and Jessica Simpson star in this Costco romantic comedy. Cook is funny but not at his best, and Simpson sports some really big ... ears. Not even joking about that one. Rental only (You probably will have trouble finding it in theaters anyway, at this point).

The Departed: Scorsese has returned to his former glory with this film that is endearingly being referred to as Irish-fellas. If you don't get that joke, you may not want to see it. The cast is too great and too large to list, but Jack Nicholson does some of his best work, I think, since Batman -- the man is a genius anyway. Matt Damon's (authentic) Boston accent makes me want to stick scissors in my ears, however. The movie is a little graphic with the language and the visuals -- you have been warned. See it in theaters and buy it on DVD.

The Prestige: Wolverine joins the cast and crew of Batman Begins in this magician extravaganza. This film is beautiful to watch and listen to, Michael Caine is a gem of modern film-making, and you will now doubt leave the theater with plenty to discuss. See it in theaters and buy it on DVD.

Thank You For Smoking: A well done, intelligent satirical comedy that will leave you laughing and thinking. On DVD now - rent, perhaps purchase.

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And now -- what can't I wait to see over the next month and a half?

Casino Royale: If you've followed my blog at all, you know that I'm dying to see this movie. Just over a year ago, Daniel Craig was announced as the man-who-would-be-Bond, and my initial reaction was a bit hesitant. But every day since, I have found myself getting more and more excited. The advertising campaign is romping up, and we have exactly three (3) weeks to go!

I want to make this bet right now: I think one of the (if not the) last lines in the film is going to be the iconic "Bond. James Bond" line, quickly followed by the first notes of the Barry's James Bond theme. And, I also think that Craig will not utter its smooth cadence until such time.

Also, the new Spider-man 3 trailer will be attached, showcasing the world's first glimpse (I hope and assume) at Spidey's arch-nemesis, Venom.

I. Can. Not. Wait.

Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny: Gotta love Jack Black doing what he knows best: Rocking out hardcore. I was a bit worried about this movie based upon the less-than-stellar trailers that have been up, but Harry over at AIC news is still gushing about it, and he knows his stuff fairly well. I'm assuming it will bleed Rock and Roll and make my brain melt. Anything less will be a disappointment!

Eragon: This looks like Lord of the Rings with lots and lots of dragons. From what I understand, it is based on the first of a trilogy of books, which my wonderful girlfriend tells me are some of the best books ever. I hope this movie lives up to her expectations (assuming I can get her to see it with me). It looks pretty fantastic from what I've seen. New trailer at Apple here.

Stranger Than Fiction: I've wanted to see this odd movie about a man whose life is being written by a real-life writer since the first time I saw the trailer. I have, however, seen this trailer about 800 times more since that initial offering, and fear that if I see it again, I will never want to hear Emma Thompson speak again.

Other honorable mentions and movies coming out farther along the road: Flushed Away, Happy Feet, Charlotte's Web, Pan's Labyrinth, The Good Shepard, and Bridge to Terabithia.

And now, I'll leave you with a GREAT YouTube Video by Jack Black, reminding you that stealing movies is wrong :D