First off: Yesterday’s review was in the Juneau Empire (“Robin Hood“) and it is kind of online here. I say “kind of” because the Empire is switching over some software as I understand it… and, ah, that link for now just gives you the headline. Stand by.
Secondly: The new stuff. Do you know what number “Shrek” this is? I actually don’t – not without looking. “Shrek Forever After” (#4, fyi, looked it up) follows our beloved green monster (Mike Meyers) as he grows bored with domesticated life, he gets duped by Rumpelstiltskin and the land of Far Far Away becomes a twisted place. Cameron Diaz, Antonio Banderas and Eddie Murphy all return their vocals as well. Word is mixed. Trailer here.
The other new offering could be hilarious. Or it could be a colossal waste of time for fans that spend $10 and two hours of their time. That’s the risk you run when you are watching a feature film adapted from a SNL skit (and one that usually goes for about a minute, no less!). “MacGruber” is on the big screen, baby, and only a couple weeks after he was working with his Grandma (Betty White). Perhaps it is best if I just let the trailer speak for itself:
Val Kilmer as the villain and Will Forte with Kristen Wiig at his side?
I want to say I’m hopeful it’ll be hilarious.
And maybe I am. I go “MacGruber” this weekend over “Shrek 4.” Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go take an upper-decker.
Eddie Murphy’s back. Again. He was even on with Conan the other night. “Imagine That” is clearly aimed directly at parents with youngsters; it is about an executive (Murphy) who is able to rescue his
A magic blanket? Sure, why not?
downward spiraling career thanks to his daughter’s magic blanket. Or at least that’s what I gather from the preview. Cute kid (Yara Shahidi), but unless you’re under 10 or have a kid that’s under 10… what’s the appeal? Maybe Murphy will prove he’s still got that charm, who knows? Early word seems to be that Murphy does still have it, but “Imagine That” does not.
“Imagine That” is in over 3,000 theaters nationwide and playing at the Glacier Cinemas in Juneau, AK.
Of more interest to me is what the trio of Tony Scott (director), John Travolta and Denzel Washington can come up with in a pseudo-remake of “The Taking of Pelham 123“. I’ll let those fine gentlemen do the talking:
Every time I start to have doubts, I watch that trailer and my doubts disappear. Call me crazy but I am going to give Tony Scott the benefit of the doubt, especially when he’s got Travolta and Washington playing off each other onscreen.
That said, the reviews out so far seem to say it’s Scott’s direction that might be the film’s downfall. Whatever.
My review will be available next Thursday.
“The Taking of Pelham 123″ is in 3,000+ theaters across the country and joins Mr. Murphy in Juneau out at the Glacier Cinemas.
